Life

Summer sped by at an unbelievable pace.  Here I am cuddled up in the computer chair with my cardigan and scarf, candles lit, kettle on the stove... it's my favorite month!  God has really provided for my family this past summer - just a week after I left my job at the school of music, I heard from an acquaintance about an amazing new opportunity with thier education group, Meta4.  Rodney may have a new opportunity on the horizon as well.  Photo sessions are picking up, the squash are ripening in the garden, it's almost time for apples and bonfires... I don't know what it is about this weather and this time of year, but I am feeling really optimistic.

Husband and I have been rewatching Arrested Development for the past few days.  Every time I watch it it reminds me again why it is my favorite television show... why I hate the networks for cancelling it (and wonderful shows like it) and why I hate the American public for just sitting back and letting it happen.  And yet, with the delightful narration of Ron Howard and the little ukulele theme tume leading the way, I can still sit back and bask in the glory of it for the two and a half seasons that it DID exist.  In honor, I shall list my favorite television shows.

1) Arrested Development (2003-2006).  Follows the trials and tribulations of the ridiculously self-involved Bluth clan.  When patriarch George is arrested for "light treason," good son Michael must try to keep the family and the business held together.  This is pretty much the greatest comedy show ever written.  So many jokes crammed into every episode that, even on the fifth or sixth viewing, you are catching something else.  Jokes that honor the long-term viewers while not feeling exclusive to new viewers.  Characters that are simultaneously completely over-the-top, and completely like your own family.  Pure joy.

Favorite Character(s): It's a tie between Tobias and The Narrator... but pretty much every character is horrible and lovable and hilarious.  Oh yeah, and Barry Zuckercorn.  And the bad-news doctor.
Favorite Story Arc:  Mrs. Phyllidia Featherbottom!  Also really enjoyed Maeby as a studio exec.

2) Pushing Daisies (2007-2009).  When Ned is a boy, he discovers that he has the ability to bring dead things back to life with just a touch.  Unfortunately, a second touch from Ned kills the subject again, and this "gift" causes Ned to become an odd but earnest young piemaker with no real attachments in his life save his Golden Retriever, Digby.  When he hears of the untimely death of his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, he can't resist bringing her back to life - no matter what the results.  Described as a "Forensic Fairy Tale,"  there has never been anything quite like Pushing Daisies.  I want to LIVE in this show!  It is magical, mysterious, dark, funny, and ultimately extremely cheerful.

Favorite Character(s):  Olive!  Also Emerson Cod and the Aunts.
Favorite Story Arc: Get Thee to a Nunnery... or Rent-A-Friend!


3) The Venture Brothers (2003 - Present).  Twins Hank and Dean live with their hulking bodyguard Brock Samson and thier father Rusty Venture - a former child genius and boy adventurer a la Johnny Quest, now a balding, pill-popping dismal failure living off of his brilliant father's glory.  This adult animated show ruthlessly lampoons old Hannah-Barbara cartoons, while maintaining a brilliant storyline and a massive cast of brilliant characters.  Almost too clever for its own good... almost.

Favorite Character(s):  This is TOO hard!  If forced, I might have to say Dr. Girlfriend and The Monarch... Although my favorite FAVORITE guest moment HAS to be Dr. Dugong... and I love all the old Jonas Venture bits...
Favorite Episode: "The Family that Slays Together." Parts 1 and 2


4) My Name is Earl (2005-2009).  Earl Hickey is a deadbeat, small-time criminal who wins the lottery, but is immediately hit by a car.  In the hospital he hears Carson Daly talking about Karma on television, and Earl makes a decision to turn his life around.  With the mantra of "Do good things, good things happen,"  Earl and his brother Randy revisit their troubled pasts and try to make amends for the things they did wrong.  A top-notch ensemble, unique characters, and hilarious and heartwarming writing made this show a never-miss!

Favorite Character(s): Joy and the Crabman!  Close second to Randy.
Favorite Story Arc: Crabman's secret past!

5) Seinfeld (1990-1998).  "A show about nothing."  This mother of the modern comedy follows the lives of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his self-obsessed friends as they go about thier trivial lives.  Absolutely brilliant, and hasn't lost anything over the years!

Favorite Character(s): George and Elaine.  Puddy.
Favorite Episodes: The Parking Garage, The Fusilli Jerry, The Marine Biologist, The Rye

6) Quantum Leap (1989-1993).  In attempting to create a time travel device, Dr. Sam Beckett accidentally becomes trapped in the past.  He "leaps" into the body of another person, and must "put right what once went wrong" before he can "leap" away.  His best friend Al is the only one who can communicate with him, in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.  This amazing sci-fi show expertly combined humor, mystery, action, romance, and uplifting stories.  With a regular cast of only two, Al and Sam carry the show with a wonderful chemistry.  A classic.

Favorite Character(s): Al.  But Sam is great too!
Favorite Episodes: Catch a Falling Star, What Price Gloria?, Good Night Dear Heart, The Leap Home, Black on White on Fire... sooo many.

7) King of the Hill (1997-2010).  Hank Hill is just your average hardworking middle-class Texan - but his friends and neighbors are anything but normal.  Hank and his wife Peggy deal with the mundane aspects of life while trying to raise thier son Bobby in a world that, at times, seems to have lost all common sense.  This show is a gem - the characters are so real they feel like friends, and the show at times seems to be the only one that weighs in on political issues and current events while maintaining humor, optimism, and dignity.

Favorite Character(s): Khan and Minh!  I also have a strong love-hate thing with Peggy.
Favorite Episodes: High Anxiety, I Don't Wanna Wait for Our Lives to be Over, That's What She Said, The Redneck on Rainey Street, Orange you Sad I Did Say Banana?, Peggy's Magic Sex Feet



8)Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009).  Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are the two members of New Zealand's fourth most popular folk-parody band, The Flight of the Conchords.  Transplanted to America, they try to make it big in the city.  This is an odd little musical show, quirky and supremely deadpan.  It has great songs and a clever supporting cast!

Favorite Character(s): Murray!
Favorite Episodes: Bowie, The Actor, The New Cup

9) Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969).  Captain James T. Kirk leads his crew on a mission of deep space exploration and adventure.  I can't really describe how much I love this show... it was the first science fiction show to fully realize the potential of the genre to make us look at our own time, our own issues differently.  It broke barriers in regards to race as well, showcasing characters from many origins working together.  It had the first interracial kiss ever broadcast on TV!  It had groovy 60's babes, melodramatic fight scenes, and WILLIAM SHATNER.  I acknowledge that parts of this show haven't aged well (especially graphics and costumes), and some episodes are downright silly, but it remains one of my favorites to this day!

Favorite Character(s): Mr. Sulu!  

Favorite Episodes: The City on the Edge of Forever, Return to Tomorrow, Bread and Circuses, The Menagerie

10) Futurama (1999-Present) Phillip J. Frye is a loser in the year 1999... but when he is accidentally frozen and transported 1000 years into the future, he meets a hilarious group of misfits at a space delivery service owned by his senile great-great-great-great-grandnephew, and finds that maybe the year he was born in wasn't the year he was meant to be in.  Filled with great guest stars and awesome homages to classic science fiction, this adult animated show is a must-watch!

Favorite Character(s): Zap Branigan!  Also Dr. Zoidberg.  And Richard Nixon.

Favorite Episodes: Branigan Begin Again, Cyber House Rules, A Head in the Polls, How Hermes Requisitioned his Groove Back.

I seem to have a thing for animated shows and sci-fi.  I also noticed that this is disproportionately comedy-heavy... I just feel like no matter how good a drama is, I'm never going to re-watch it like I will with a comedy.  Maybe one day I will do a list of top 10 dramas to even out the playing field.

Now that Husband has gone back to work at the prison, he's on second shift.  This throws a bit of a kink into my prior blogging schedule - he likes to use the computer in the mornings.  Perhaps that is a good thing?  Anyway, a bit of a backlog going on, but hopefully I will get it sorted!

In honor of the spring cleaning inside and out that has been going on, I'd like to take a moment to mention my FAVORITE cleaning products in the world.  Method brand products smell GREAT, are made with natural ingredients, aren't animal tested, are made with recycled packaging, and aren't really that expensive compared with other brands.  The bottles are pretty, and apparently you can even DRINK the solvents without hurting yourself!  I have been using mine for nearly a year now, and I always feel like my bathroom and kitchen are getting the best sort of clean.  I can't wait to try the detergent when I need new stuff.

The Tub and Tile on the far right is the best thing ever!

Spring Fashion 2011

Okay, so despite the part of me that is woodsy farm and nature girl, there is another part of me that loves clothes.  A lot.  I try to strike the balance by getting MOST of my wardrobe from Salvation Army - this works for me because it is cheap and allows me to switch out items fairly regularly, with a few nice solid basic pieces thrown in.  I can also find amazing vintage pieces, and I love clothing that is unique and well-made.

Every season I start to take notice of the things that are striking my fancy - I am not too concerned with mainstream fashion, although I do read some fashion blogs and am generally aware of basic trends... I try to make my decision based on what I like.  I like to come up with a color palate, not just because I am obsessive and like making lists, but because it helps to narrow down choices.  For those of you who have entered the world of thrifting, it's easy to get lost in the immensity of a big store where shirts are $1 apiece.  Having laser focus is important!

Anyway, here is my palate and some top picks for Spring 2011!

Colors: Gray, Olive Green, Cream, Dusty Rose, Slate Blue/Navy

• I have been looking for a great pair of Oxfords!
• Can't live without a gray cardigan.
• I have been very into long pendant necklaces lately, especially simple vintage ones layered with each other.  So much cuter than the huge cluttery necklaces that are so popular nowadays.
• Crochet is back!  I have a white open vest that I am very excited about wearing.
• My navy trenchcoat has been nearly a part of my body this spring.
• I would kill for this Vivienne Westwood plaid dress.  I love the angles, colors, and dimension.  I am mad for plaid.
• I love Target's Long And Lean line of tanks and tees.
• A crisp khaki shirtdress is a great addition to any wardrobe.
• I am in love with lace for spring.  So romantic and crafty.  I also hardly ever leave the house without a scarf.
• I have this exact vintage plaid skirt.  I love the look of a long wooly plaid that hits just below the knee, paired with a modern simple top.
• I know the big sunglasses are a bit of a hipster thing now, but I love them.
• Dusty Rose is a great color that has recently been relegated to 80's bridesmaid dresses.  Lets bring it back!
• I have slowly been accepting blazers into my wardrobe.  They must be long, sleek, and tailored.  I HATED the boxy silhouettes from a few years back.
• Skinny jeans are great for girls with good legs (and maybe not-so-good middles!).  It's not about the size, but the shape of your body.  
• I love simple stretchy skirts for casual warm days.  

There are always a few trends that I can't really jump on as much as I would like to - being a somewhat large woman, I try to avoid anything that isn't tailored or is too clingy in unflattering places.  Sometimes you just have to accept that a lovely gauzy tunic top looks great on a slim girl, but isn't for you.  Honestly, she's probably thinking the same thing about your fab 60's style corset dress.  :)

A Happy Post

I figured since I have been in a foul mood the past few days, it was about time for some sunshine - and today agreed with me!  It was mid-60's with pretty puffy clouds...  I had a lovely afternoon with my dearest friend, and finished my book!

Fran always reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Brian Andreas.  I discovered him years ago, and visiting his website never fails to make me smile.  I adore his style, his one or two sentence stories, and even his slightly-creepy angular illustrations.

Here are some favorites:

You're the strangest person I ever met, she said & I said you too & we decided we'd know each other a long time.

There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other's cooking & say it was good.

I'd like to leave you with something valuable, he said. You probably already have, I said, but we take most of our lives to remember that, even in the best of times

she sang like snowflakes on my tongue, bright & sharp with the forgotten promises of spring

It came on her without thinking that she was the exact age as her mother was & no matter what, it would have been hard to leave & suddenly all the generations gathered around her in that small kitchen & held her close & they would have blocked the light if they had not come filled with their memories of love.

these are all connected in surprising ways, but no one wants to admit it because they couldn't get away with as much stuff

This is a tree on fire with love, but it's still scary since most people think love only looks like one thing instead of the whole world

If you were smart, you'd probably spend more time stretching, he said & I said, If I were really smart, I'd probably spend more time just sitting in the shade drinking lemonade

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!