Who Am I? What do I do?

I was reading Maggie Mason's blog Mighty Girl just today. I came across a quote that she has been mulling over since she heard it.

"Also, Andrew Hinton from Vanguard said something that I’ve been mulling over lately, “An individual is not defined by any one practice, but we do typically want to identify with one.” In other words, “What do you do?” can be a tough question for some of us" (maggie didn't have a period at the end so I won't add one)

Now that I've read it, I'm mulling it over. What do you do is a hard question for me to answer. I usually feel like a schizophrenic when answering. People always seem (or at least that is how I view their view of me) to think that I am scattered. Or a jack of all trades... Or that I am just a real goof. That is not the case at all.

I just enjoy learning and doing. I am not afraid of hard work, and I need to be constantly stimulated. I could never do a job where you do the same thing day in and day out. It would make me crazy. I respect people that can do those jobs. I find great character in them. Just not in me doing a job like that. I would become a rabble rouser in short order and find myself out of work.

So what's the matter with doing a lot of things? I think probably nothing, but in some it stirs ire or resentment or possibly jealousy. Therefore those of us who can't light on one thing feel outside the norm and just plain weird.

A sampling of the things I do.

Quilt:

Cook:

Decorate cakes:

Craft:

Crochet:

Fuse Glass:

And I love photography:

I also am hopelessly devoted to the food industry and blog about that too.

Those are some of who I am. I am also a mom, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a wife, the love of someone's life, a daughter, a woman, and a survivor.

Aren't we all?

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The Italian Job Charity Run - Venice Canal

Venice Canal Photo op, originally uploaded by foodchronicles.

Well, we had a great day! There were over thirty MINIs! One original and the rest 2nd generation. We got our playbook and started in Venice. What a blast!



Everywhere we went we got smiles and waves. Who doesn't smile when they see a row of minis traveling together? We headed up Mulholland and wound around through Griffith Park and down Cahuenga to Steve's house. We all parked there to wait for the next leg of the run, when a guy came out and explained to us that this was where the movie had been filmed. He didn't get that all of us had planned to be there and that we knew this was the place the movie was filmed.

Unfortunately the next leg got us in a bit of a bind. You see, we found ourselves downtown in the middle of a political rally. We moved all of a half a block in forty five minutes. ugh. We were given instructions to skip a leg if we got behind so it was 2 p.m. and hadn't had lunch so we skipped a couple of legs and went to the farmer's market and had lunch. just one pic of lunch:



Yes, that is. A Muffelata sandwich. It's cajun and has the best olive relish on it it makes me drool looking at the photo. Mmmmm. Finished lunch and then back to the race.

No matter where we were, there were helicopters overhead. It fit in well with the theme of the movie! In the end, we gathered together to hand out some prizes and get a gold brick. It was a good day!

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Today is definitely work day.

Not crafting day. I got up and went straight out to the garage and driveway. My car has already been washed and clay barred. Not I have to wait for her (Justa) dry and then I'll give her a good couple of coats of wax.

This is a pic of her when she was brand new:



She still pretty much looks the same. No door dings at all. I park usually in the south forty when going anywhere because there are so many inconsiderate people out there who just say oops! when they hit another person's door. Yikes! I hate that. So I park far away. Everyone who knows me knows I am obsessive about this car. It is the first car I ever bought all on my own. So it is pretty cool. I guess I can't say all on my own because for about a year now, the husband's been making the payments. Got to start making my own money again. I am glad this slump is about over and I am back doing stuff again.

So why the need to get up early and get this car waxed? hee hee hee!

Tomorrow the car club I belong to is doing a charity run. I belong to C3. It's called C3 because it stands for Cooper Club for Charity. When we do a run it is a charity event and we raise money for different organizations. Tomorrow is The Italian Job run! We are retracing the drive through the movie! It is a trivia and driving contest. The winner gets to pick the charity we will make our donation to. I can hardly wait. I was hoping we'd get to do the LA river part, but it is too costly. Maybe next year, we'll invite a few other clubs to join us and up the entrance fee and be able to do the river. We'll answer trivia questions along the way and possibly find a gold brick or two! It will be good to see all the C3rs tomorrow!

Well, she's prbably ready for was! Gotta go!

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Perpetual Calendars

Last year I made the girls each a calendar to keep tracks of all the important dates like birthdays, anniversaries etc. I blogged about it here. I've been wanting to create something new and I think I've come up with and idea for everyone!



I've also created an new Etsy shop. I am going to put some of these in the etsy shop, but most will be at 3 hip sisters. As I think about getting things ready for Christmas and upcoming birthdays etc, I think this calendar will be an attractive addition to both shops. Here are some additional pictures:









Each calendar comes with 36 personal note cards. It measures 6x6x1, I call it "The Cutest Personal Date Reminder Ever"!

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Progress

Progress, originally uploaded by foodchronicles.

So I have made a bit pf progress in the crafting department. I was trying to use up some stash fabric for another project and stumbled upon this partially finished quilt top.

The quilt was supposed to for a daughter almost ten years ago. I got frustrated with sewing the strips together way back then. You see, there are repeats that don't belong. I don't like the same style fabric triangle touching another of the same fabric. I didn't want to tear the whole thing apart years ago, so it went into the UFO drawer. Saturday I pulled it out, lined it up and sewed it together. So what if a couple of triangles (of which you can see at least two in this photo, are touching! I'd rather it be done and make room for a few more quilts!

I love to piece quilts. I learned to piece over 25 years ago and still it is my favorite way to quilt. The guild once asked me to piece blocks for their annual fundraising quilt. I was quite honored to do so. My friend Kirsty can applique like none other. If you haven't been to her site, you mustgo for a visit, she is amazing! It is a talent that my patience level won't allow. Funny though, my oldest and thought to be the least of my daughters to be a quilter, picked up applique like she was born doing it. She wanted to make a quilt for a friend, I showed her my stash and let her have at it. The quilt turned out lovely and I had to bow in her presence too! ;-) I will have to be satisfied being one of those who cuts up fabric and sews it all back together again.

I am working on a new project that is just thrilling me to no end. Before the end of the day today, there will be pics, and a link. Yay!

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The crafting summer that wasn't

I had big plans. I was going to craft my little heart out! I was going to prep for my fall shows and not, like usual, wait until the last minute. This was going to be the summer that made history in my craft room. HAH!

Instead, I chose to spend my time with family. We went here there and everywhere. I guess it could be like the old newsman's salute: From the desert to the sea to all points in between, good evening!

I have had a child's summer. No responsibility, not deadlines, no must dos. I have enjoyed it immensely. I have spent time with my kids, my hubby, and my sis. This summer will go down in history. I am not sure there will be another like it in a while. You see I must get to work!

While I organize, please take a look at some of the things I've seen since May.

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The Gleaner

The Gleaner, originally uploaded by foodchronicles.

Each Thursday morning an older woman peruses our street. Most morning walkers are not so determined in their quest. I've noticed her before, and thought "what an interesting thing to do".

When I was a young girl I was told the story of the gleaners. Women who entered a field, at the end of the days harvest, and gleaned the leftover crops left behind by the harvest team. Every time I watch a field being reaped I think of the gleaners. There is always something left behind by mechanized harvest equipment. There have been times, I just wanted to pull over and step into the newly turned earth and find the treasures of the field. A potato, a melon deemed too small, a few over ripe tomatoes, just about anything could be found I presume.



So back to the woman on my street every Thursday morning. She's a gleaner. We pride ourselves, we Americans. We have excess, we waste a lot. This woman has chosen to glean from our excess. She has checked her pride, left it home, grabbed a good bag or two and fishes for treasures from our trash cans. Interestingly, I find that I respect her ability to charge forth without concern for her surroundings or situation.



What can you leave for the gleaner? What do you glean?

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It all started as a dream...

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when it's fast asleep.

Little miss has been a princess lover from the get go. She doesn't watch a lot of tv, but her Disney princess videos are just about worn out. So for her third birthday, her parents decided Disney;and would be the perfect setting. Well, I say third birthday, but I actually mean 2 years and a few days shy of that third birthday. She got in free because the birthday was at the opposite end of the week from the day we chose to go, so that saved us all a bit of money! Yay.



We started the day with a stop for breakfast. Little miss just wanted a taco.

It was a gorgeous day. The sun was bright, a small breeze wafted through the air and we had finally arrived at our destination.



The magical place of princesses and pirates! Keep your eyes peeled! You never know what you'll see!







Typical sights as you enter the park. Horses, popcorn vendors and good old Walt himself. The day was packed with sightings. Goofy, Ariel, Minnie and Mickey, and Pooh. Not a princess in sight! We had a good day, very few lines were longer than 30 minutes and the heat was not stifling. It was warm, but the occasional shade tree helped quite a bit.

More pics soon!

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It's all over except the shouting!

Crying is a better descriptive. The kids have all gone home. One set back to Utah and another back to Virginia. Both grandchildren in tow and lots to miss. Chubby little cheeks, cooing and bouncing and giggles better than any other human sound. I will miss them all so much. However, it is that feeling that makes it all the better when they return. Some at Christmas, others not 'til summer possibly. Ah, I love my daughters, and their husbands, and now the grandchildren. The only down spot in the entire week was the absence of the youngest and her husband. We spoke of them often and knew they were thinking of us and wishing the same. Soon.

It makes me think about the importance of family. Not just the regular "neat, we have little humans that look like us" feelings though. Before everyone arrived two Fridays ago, my husband came in from work. He had seen a man who had fallen ill. Very ill. He had no one to be with him. He was completely alone. It got me thinking. Here is a man, in his fifties, who has no one to comfort him. To laugh with him. To hug. Just how long can a human go without the touch of another human? What effect does the lack of touch have on a person? Can you live your entire adult life knowing that there is not another soul on the planet that cares enough to just squeeze your hand in the quiet moments of despair or joy? I am depressing the heck out of myself just thinking about it.

I think we are born into families for those kinds of reasons. We need other humans to make our lives rich and to add a bit of contentment. You know, the knowing glance that says yeah, I agree. Or the quick nod of understanding. Connecting in ways that only a loved one can connect. I just cannot imagine being without anyone.

Not that most people don't drive me crazy most of the time though.

I'll add a few photos from the weeks of play. We spent one day at Disneyland and I can report it was exquisite! Everyone was friendly and polite. I mean everyone, not a bad spot in the day.

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I grabbed this shot while visiting my granddaughter. Today I was flipping through Aperture looking for a specific picture. I stumbled upon this one and I decided to share it with all of you.

I am feeling a bit like this "person". I'm under the bus, so to speak, and trying to get things done quickly in anticipation of the granddaughters' visit, which will include, a trip to Disneyland, a third birthday party and various trips around SoCal! We will be having all kinds of fun and this crafting, driving, random, blog will become a photoblog of the events! They'll be here Sunday late or possibly Monday morning. I can hardly wait!

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Look what I got in Arizona!

It has been hot, hot, hot! here. Over the weekend we had a meeting to attend in Arizona. We were looking forward to going because we knew that it would be cooler once we got to Snowflake. And it was. When we were leaving I spotted some of these and captured them through the roof. It seems that they liked the photo op and followed me home. It's raining in California this morning! Yay! It does exist! I really thought that rain no longer existed. Really.

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memememememememe

Tuning up for another round of let's get to know the chronicler a bit more. I am not sure you really want or need more but Lisa is making me do this.

So here we go!

My roommate and I once: Had a crush on the same guy - Brian Beres. I still think of how cute he was and wonder where he ended up. The roommate? Not a clue where she is today, I don't infact even remember her name. oops!

Never in my life have I: Been on skis. Water or snow.

High school was: The best! I loved my high school; Go Pirates!. And the friends I had begun to make. Then halfway through my sophomore year my parents decided to move to another city and I had to start all over again. Ugh. Never was the same again.

When I’m nervous: I turn into a complete boob. I talk too much, I chew on my fingers, and I don't concentrate well.

My hair: Rocks.

When I was 5: I was already too old. I had assumed the role of mom and it was downhill from there.

When I turn my head left: I see the gigantic homage to the media that we have on the wall.

I should be: 28 still. It is how I feel most of the time. It is so random, but I loved my 20s.

By this time next year: We will hopefully be completing our home in Arizona. Then we will invite you all over for a big big party!

My favorite aunt is: I don't have an aunt so I can't have favorite. No uncles either. Well, I should say that I know of, my real dad stepped away from the picture when I was four and a half (other than for tormentor purposes). I am not sure if he had any siblings. I do remember a great aunt Vera once came to visit my grandmother while I was staying at her home for summer vacation. Great Aunt Vera said she was tired and needed to lie down. She went to take a nap on my grandma's bed and never woke up. They didn't go to all the drama stuff though. My grandpa sent us with grandma (brother and I) to get something from the store. When we got back Great Aunt Vera had gone. It wasn't until later that summer that I found out she died by eavesdropping on a conversation.

I have a hard time understanding: How people can walk away from their kids. I understand walking away from a spouse, believe me on that one, but kids?

You know I like you if: I joke with you. I have a really weird sense of humor so it may not seem like humor at the time, but if I clue you in on the joke, we're friends.

My ideal breakfast is: In winter - hot chocolate and a croissant. Summer - fruit and eggs, scrambled with strawberry puree is a fave.

If you visit my home town: Tell me what it's like. I was born there and we moved three months later. Haven't been there since. But if I got to pick my home town it would be Austin Texas. The first time I landed there it was like I was home for the first time. I even comment on random strangers' blogs when I know there in Austin. It must kind of freak them out a bit. But I just love the place.

If you spend the night at my house: Please make yourself at home. What ever you want here, is yours. Good food usually, always chocolate and comfy places to snuggle. Plenty of books, conversation and not a clock in the place other than the stove so who cares what time it is?

My favorite blond is: Bri

My favorite brunette is: It's a tie! 1st daughter and the youngest one.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: Whales, well, you know if you're going to do something, do it big!

I shouldn't have been: made to move 16 times in 11 years. It stunts a person socially to have to do that! I still have problems in small groups.

Last night I: Spent more time with Jack Bauer. Oh no!

A better name for me would be: Excuse me can you tell me where I can find... It's weird, no matter where I go, people think I work there. Just call me familiar girl!

I've been told I look like: Lisa's step mom. Interesting.

If I could have any car, it would be: I already have it!


But I did see a car that I just have to drive just once! A McLaren 722 Mercedes, and if someone gave it to me, I'd keep it.


Now, if you have read this far... (and I have a blog counter, and know how long you have been here...)

CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED!

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Hi there all you crafty people!

I still need one more participant in my Pay It Forward the crafty way exchange. If you want me to send you something cool that I have made and picked out especially for you, then come on sign up! I need one more person and then they'll send something cool to three people that sign up on their site. Say join me in Paying It Forward! You never know, you might just get a gorgeous necklace made from one of these!

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Costa Rica, 1960

Oh where, oh where have I been? With the dental problems I have been having lately, it has put crafting low on the priority pole. Not as low as the food gig, but low. But...

I have been doing one fun thing. Last month I ran into an old guy who had a bunch of old slides. You know those things people in the fifties and sixties used for photo storage and showing. Which one of you did not sit through an evening of slides with Uncle Bert and Aunt Dottie? It was usually accompanied with a fine treat and lots of conversation about far away places.

Well, I got to thinking about it. What do you do with all those old slides? All kinds of fun things. For instance with the old photos from Costa Rica Like this one:



I can envision taking some of these and printing them on parchment paper. then using like this for a party. You could use different scenes to give a retro look for a themed party. Or you could print them and use them for candle covers like these. The sky's the limit here girls. I am loving these old photos more and more everyday!

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These are for you Lady Bird

Thank you for beautifying our world with flowers! May you rest in peace.

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This is my kind of fun!

Kent Couch decided to spend a bit of time in his lawn chair Sunday. Click the link to read the whole story. He's from Bend Oregon and had read about the lawn chair guy (Larry Walters) in Los Angeles all those many years ago. Bend, Oregon. What a beautiful place to float away from.

Now if I had an extra $5000 for helium, I just might try this myself. The closest I've come to something like this was last year on our helicopter trip over the grand canyon. What a blast. I recommend it to everyone. Well, except kids under the age of 5 or 6. The grandeur is wasted on that age. It was exhilerating, yet surreal. You're floating above the canyon yet feel completely safe and awed.

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Pay it Forward! The Crafty Way

Kirsty has a post today inviting us all to participate in a new crafting exchange! I signed up at her friend Nicole's and now you can sign up here, or follow the crafty trail if I've already got three.

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

What you do: Leave a comment here. The first three to say they are participating in paying it forward I'll send a gift to. Then they go to their blog and have three friends sign up to participate. Everyone ends up with three cool gifts in exchange for their three they send out!

Fun ensues for all! Come on you know you want to!

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Six Random Facts and one lie!

S'mee has given me the task of telling you a few random facts about me. Hmmmm. I am a mostly random person so this should be easy.

1. When I turned 7, Mr. Peachy our neighbor, gave me 700 pennies for my birthday. I had spent the summer in his yard learning about sweet peas and fig eaters. I'm sure I was a pest at times, but probably a bit of decent company too.

2. I won the Bank of America award for Foreign Language when I graduated high school. The only other person I know in my family to win a B of A award is my darling niece. Her award was accompanied by dollars, unlike mine which just happened to be a nice plaque.

3. My favorite old movie is "State of the Union" with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. I love black and white films from the forties and fifties.

4. My mother tells us that as each sibling joined the family she would present them to the next youngest child and put them in charge of the new sibling. I do not remember being given charge of my younger sister. I have two younger sisters. I don't remember either of them joining the family. But then again chaos in any amount only leads to more chaos. Does anyone ever really take roll?

5. I talked to Rod Stewart on the phone once while setting up a meeting between him and my next youngest sister. She was writing his biography and I put her in touch with him. She, unfortunately, did not take me to the meeting.

6. When I was 12 a dentist told me I would be the youngest person he ever knew with false teeth. It scared me to death. It did not however change any behavior. I was already brushing twice a day. I still have most of my own teeth. They may be crowned, but they're still mine!

7. When I was 47 I took my first helicopter pilot lesson. I still haven't completed the course, but I want to finish someday.

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While in Pismo

mermaid in pismo, originally uploaded by foodchronicles.

I posed for a statue. Well, not actually but I thought this was such a nice statue/fountain. Unfortunately, it was quite hidden from view. I found it by going down an alleyway behind a building in a small garden. Too bad not more people get to see her.

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Angel's Baseball

One of the perks my husband gets through work is tickets to an occasional sporting event. Social Work doesn't provide a lot of perks but this is one we enjoy. I say we, but I really mean me. I love sports. I am a huge hockey fan, and will attend a game of any kind if the tickets are gratis. Well, recently we had the opportunity to attend an Angel game. A elder service company sent 4 tickets over to the husband and he brought them home thinking we'd give them to friends. Instead, I invited s'mee and thor to attend with us. We all had a great time. The best part of the tickets is that they are always great seats. I appreciate the freebies immensely!

I told the big guy we had to at least stay through the seventh inning stretch. It's my favorite part of a ball game. At the end of the seventh inning, everyone stands to stretch their legs and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". I sing loud and proud. S'mee and I stood there like a couple of goofs singing our hearts out while the guys looked on in amazement.

At the end of the game the Angels had routed the Orioles and it was evident the ninth would end half way through. The bug guy and Thor got up at the end of the 8th and said they were taking a bathroom break. I told s'mee, "you know they aren't coming back". Huh? Nope they'd be waiting for us up above, at the top of the stairs. She laughed and we waited until the last pitch was thrown. Thor mentioned to the big guy that he was surprised at s'mee's behavior. She was whooping it up and cheering and having a great time. His lament was "she won't even watch sports on tv". heh.

I am glad they went. Here are a couple of the pics I took at the event:

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