Busy Busy Busy...

I know updates have been infrequent at best, but I'm in the middle of what we in the theater world call "Hell Week" for my summer show, "Little Shop of Horrors."  In two more weeks my other summer show, "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood."  will also go up - so for the next few weeks, theater is definitely taking over my life.  It's a great job, but tiring... I've also got an application in to the library for an assistant position, so here's hoping!  So, life trucks on, but hopefully things will calm down in the next few weeks and I can update more!

Canoeing the Platte

There are few things that I enjoy more than a good road trip.  Luckily Summer in Michigan nearly always involves outdoor fun within a few hours.  Rodney, my brother Brian, my cousin Joey and I took off on a sunny Saturday morning for an exciting canoeing trip.

We stopped in Traverse City for the Cherry Festival (but mostly drove around lost).  We also went to the beach, which was glorious.  We stayed at my uncle's house, played some board games late into the night (my dad almost killed us all with a bug fogger...)  The next morning we canoed the upper Platte, which is a great, challenging river.  All in all it was a grand weekend!

 

Patriotism swells in the heart of the American Bird...

I had a simply marvelous 4th of July.  Grilling with my family, then wandering around a local park (we met a truck driver with a Shar-Pe who immediately whipped out his phone and showed us pictures and videos of him for at least 10 minutes) and of course, fireworks.  Happy Birthday America!

I looove the Farmer's Market...

 

 There's something so inspiring to me about small-scale farmers.  What a scary, rewarding, difficult, interesting way of life.  I feel like they've picked up on something we've all missed - closeness to the land.  When I was working outdoor education , I used to be so in tune with the seasons.  Outside, rain or shine, snow or heat!  Now that people are creating artificial habitats for themselves, what are the consequences?  We live in a land of concrete and metal, and sometimes I'll go a whole day without going outside except for a walk to the car.  What do we miss out on, never touching the earth or seeing the sky?

One day we'll find the land we've been looking for.  Rodney will find another secure job, and we'll start our own little farm.  If you're interested in this sort of thing like I am, I can't reccommend this book enough!  It's full of amazing information on recapturing lost traditional skills, from building your own cabin to pioneer crafts...

Until then, though, I'll have to make do with an occasional stint to the Farmer's Market.  

10 Summer Must-Haves...

This summer I've broken out some old favorites, and have discovered some new ones. You'd think that at the age of 24 I would already have known about this wonderful, versatile fruit that simply screams summer... but number one on my list is a new addition - The Lemon.

Of course, everyone knows about a glass of classic lemonade, but this summer I've been adding them to everything: chicken, fish, green beans, strawberry ice cream... They add a delicious freshness to tired recipes, and as a bonus the rind is a great cleaner and deodorizer! Literally rub the juiced lemon onto tough grease, go over with a damp cloth, and marvel at the clean.



I live and die by my old Box Fan. On a cool evening the air smells so good, and the sound really takes me back to being a child. In a highly air conditioned world, it's much healthier to breathe natural, fresh air that helps your body maintain its' ambient body temperature. Many people keep thier houses colder in the summer than they do in the winter! Air conditioners are bad for the enviroment, and they may even contribute to obesity!









Target's Long and Lean Tank Tops have become my new favorite summer threads. Basic, cool, comfy, and the perfect length - they're easy to accessorize, and at$9 apiece, who could say no?





One of my favorite albums this season has been Blitzen Trapper's "Furr" (2008). There's something terribly summery about their fiddles, jangly percussion, and pleasantly twangy voices; it's got a nice indie rock vibe if you're leery of pure folk music. The title track has quickly become one of my favorite songs.











A great summer vegetable is the lovely Zucchini. Its crisp texture and mild flavor are a complimentary side dish to any meal. They're great steamed or grilled with a little sea salt and olive oil - just be sure not to overcook them to mush!




I bought two Reversible Skirts at the Gap... four years ago? I can't live without them. They're super comfy, a good length, and fun colors. Unfortunately they've been discontinued, and this skirt from Mango is the closest thing I can find...









1960's group Peter Paul and Mary are such mellow, fun folkies - perfect for relaxing on a porch with a good book.






Grilling is one of our favorite summer pastimes. The husband has become quite the grillmaster, and he has a super-secret marinade that I am willing to share with you...

• Butter
• Oil
• Minced Garlic
• Soy Sauce
• Lemon Juice

Tenderize steaks, and be sure to marinate for at least an hour.


Neutrogena's Cooling Sunblock Spray is my favorite sun block. It's light and smells nice, and because of the cooling effect it is something that I look forward to reapplying. You can buy it here or at your local shopping center.









Lying in the Grass is something I try to do every single day. Seriously. Just take 5 minutes when you get home from work, find a nice grassy spot, and relax. It'll be worth it, I promise!

I hope you use these or your own ways to make the most of the long days, warm weather, and clear skies!