Sunday Happy

Yes I am alive as some of you have asked. And I swear I am not being lazy,I have just been super ass busy because you know life and all that.

So what have I been up to? Just a whole lot of clay business. Right after the crazy holiday rush in December I kinda crashed a little for a week or so and then signed up for another market that was just last week. If you do any type of ceramics, especially selling of ceramics, you know that a few weeks is not a whole lot of time to get a bunch of shit made so that is what I have been doing. Making shit. HA!

And ok, I did do some other stuff. There was more birthdays celebrated (the mr turned the big 40!), tattoos were gotten (by me and the mr.), family gatherings, sledding and snow ball fights with the littles. (Side note. They are not so little anymore. Judah is now officially taller then me and the mr. is teaching Miley to drive. Coco is Coco and has always been an old man, and So, well she started a book club at school and is bacsilly a cooler, younger version of me so yeah, they are all getting old and I can’t even.), the holiday madness of markets. It was a lot. Other than that, not to much else. I am still running through the woods every day and we go hiking or snowshoeing as much as we can. Has the winter weather been great for outdoor winter fun? Not really. It’s been way to freaking warm and there definitely has not been enough snow but what can I do besides bitch about it? Move to Alaska, that is what.

So yeah, hopefully now that this last market is behind me (it was a couple nights ago) I can slow down this week and gather my bearing before the madness of the spring and summer markets really hit. I am trying to be proactive and do more life planning, like garden planning stuff (is it really that time?) and have more pots made so I am not rushing like a mad lady in between markets. We will see how well I do, but first things first. Start the god damn taxes. Every freaking year.

Here are a few internet links from the week. And I don’t have many pictures that are not pots and you can just see those on my instagram (@stemandnode). I’l be better next week, maybe. And hopefully I’ll post a new recipe because I have been making some A+ shit. (SO much soup. Duh.)

-Take your date to the grocery store. This is 100% a great idea. The mr and I LOVE a new grocery store experience. Especially while traveling in other countries. Highly recommend.

-A Gua Sha Technique For Easing Jaw Tension In A Minute Or Less. Has anyone had luck with this? I need to do something because I am constantly clenching my teeth and my TMJ is killing me.

-A bit of a hoarder’: woodpeckers stash 700lbs of nuts in California home. That is a lot of nuts.

-Is Bathroom Carpet Due for a Comeback? Fuck no.

-C

Sunday Happy

Ok so Its some of you may know I am not the biggest fan of summer. (to say the least.) But you know what, this summer so far has been pretty fantastic weather wise. Only a day or two of unbearable heat but mostly just super freaking nice. If this was how summer always was well then I might just really like summer.

And we blasted through another week. After last weekends market I thought I was chillin pretty for a few weeks but last minute was set up to be in na big art festival on Saturday. So basically I spent the week getting as much done (pottery is not a fast process) for that. Bedside running around with my head chopped off, I did other stuff. The mr and I went for a long bike ride. I went and picked myself a bucket of lovely flowers at the farm. I ate no less then 4 lbs of lettuce and spinach (our farm share is HUMONGOUS), had dinner with the fam at my moms, and fed Megan’s evil cat.

Saturday was the art festival. We woke up early, headed into the mountains on the finest summer day, set up, and slung those pots! People were all about being super awesome, many a pots went to new homes, and I damn near lost my voice from all the talking I did. The mr was with me the whole time, helping me set up, keeping hydrated, forcing me to eat, and letting me take a break to relieve my bladder. He is the best. And you know what else is the best, not having to repack most of the pots. Break down is always so much easier when the crates are empty. HA! (Thanks again to everyone that came out!)

Sunday. So we were going to start our camping adventures but we have pushed it back to next weekend due to the fact that I am exhausted, haven’t pulled out the tent and stuff, and I still need to unpack the car from the festival yesterday. Yes I am bummed but It’s ok, we still have like 15 or so more good weekends of camping coming our way. So instead we are going to go for a hike and then pick flowers down at the farm then I am going to unpack said car, eat some food sitting down, wash my hair like an adult, and go to bed early. It’s gonna be a long week of sitting at my wheel to get pots made for the next market. My back will probably hate me but I will love every second of it.

Internet from the week.

-Know your boundaries and respect. It is ok to tell people to fuck off once in a while. The boundaries we set help us guard our energy. Here's how to do it

'Glamping' Is a Stupid Word, but a Great Idea. I also agree it is a stupid word but a great idea. Anything involving that outdoors is a great idea.

-What Do You Call It? 10 Common Items That Have Different Names. Creemes are soft serve and a Jimmie is not a sprinkle. It is the name of a mechanic. HA!

-I remember years ago when I worked at a coffee shop one guy coming in and telling the mr that he peed on is tomatoes, then wanted to give us some of those tomatoes. The mr was flabbergasted. He still mentions it today. Little did he know. Pee makes for great fertilizer. But is it safe?

-How Tyrus Wong’s Christmas Cards Captivated the American Public. Christmas in July my friends. Get your cards ready.

-How to be a little less judgmental. A good lesson for everyone.

-Always in for a cool house. 20 Impressive Floating Homes That Go With the Flow

-How To Test If Baking Soda or Baking Powder Is Expired because is sucks when it doens’t active and you end up with flat banana bread.

-Ceiling Planter Boxes Give This Space All the Drama With Little Greenery Upkeep. Yes please.

Pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

It has definitely been one of those weeks that just blew on through. I feel like we just got home from our weekend away in Maine but it’s been almost a week. It’s that mid summer vibe I guess.

So yeah, we started the week off in Maine. We drove up (or over?) the few hours and pitched the tent on Megan and the fams campsite, right behind her camper and next to the trees. It wasn’t our usual jam but not a bad place. And it really didn't matter because we were barely there. We spent most of our time exploring light houses, state parks, eating Dairy Queen (them, not me) and playing on the ocean beach. It was a fast, super fun trip. Best part was probably when the mr brought So into a giant candy store and she came out with bubbles gum tape. (remember that shit? Freaking loved it!) . Once she starting chewing it, her face lit up and she said it was the best tasting gum she had ever had AND it felt like a blanket on her tongue. And now tongue blankets are a thing.

Once we were home (we drove through the night due to heavy rains. (We didn't feel like waking up soaking wet in tent.) Once home we both kind of crashed, although the mr went on right to work. He spent the rest of the week finishing up a custom shelving job at a local pizza place. Me, I spent a good chunk of time in the studio woking on more mugs, feeding Megans cat, harvesting all the zucchini, electrocuting myself(yikes!) and thinking about back to school supplies. We also had the boys over for an evening of spaghetti eating and volley ball playing in the rain. Nothing better then playing in the rain.

Today is going to be good, if not a bit wet. The mr and I are packed and ready to go. Camping season has begun! Which state park? Well it will be the one that we can get a site in because it seems that a lot of the campgrounds are damn near full. I am not going to complain about it yet, but I really hope that we find a good spot away from all the people. I just want to in the trees, alone and quite. Is that to much to ask for? Maybe but thats ok, I’ll ask anyway. Plus its raining so hopefully that drives some people away. (I am an asshole.) Wish us luck!

Internet from the week.

-I think this is where I should live now. A Young Couple’s DIY, Totally Off-the-Grid Cabin in the New Hampshire Woods

-Why do we buy what we buy? I am just glad that buy nothing. Expect food, but I buy that to eat.

-The Complicated Future of the Handshake. I am not a fan of shaking hands or anybody touching me ever, special occasion of not.

-The bizarre botany that makes corn a fruit, a grain, and also (kind of) a vegetable

-This drives me nuts! An Explosion In Visitors Is Threatening The Very Things National Parks Try To Protect.

-The lie of “expired” food and the disastrous truth of America’s food waste problem. Haven't people learned yet that “expired” is bullshit?

-Do Different Colors of the Same Vegetable Have the Same Nutrients?

-I have noticed, have you? Luckily I don’t really buy much that comes packaged. Beware Of 'Shrinkflation,' Inflation's Devious Cousin

-Here’s Why Every Apartment You’ve Ever Rented Is Painted in “Landlord Off-White”. Ours is a semi gloss mocha white that we do floor to ceiling. but we paint well!. And doing all the apartments one color really helps not go crazy when walls need touch up. No miss matching and I think it looks good!

-The world is crazy so why not? We Regret to Inform You That Van Leeuwen’s Kraft Mac and Cheese Ice Cream Is Very Good

Pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

What a week. We had sunshine and we had snow. I was hot at time and I was cold at time. My eyes Itch but I don’t care because the world is turning green again and there are flowers and tree buds and veggie starts and all the good things. This is why I love spring so much. It is crazy and unpredictable and more or less not to sunny and not to warm. (I like me a cool cloudy day!)

Stuff happened this week. We had a farewell dinner for Mark because he is now off in the Police Academy which is so freaking weird and now I have a guy on the inside to delete any and all parking and speeding tickets I plan on getting in the future. Ha!. The mr, Barb, and I went for a much needed drive out of town to a river. We had a picnic, watched that water flow, played with rocks. You know, river stuff. Oh and I got a new bike!!! Well not new new but new to me. Ever since I got my bike stolen last fall I have been on the look out for a new one and I got to tell you, things in the bike world are not great right now. New new bikes are a million dollars and even the reasonably priced ones are hard to find cause of lack of inventory (because covid). And used bikes, well finding something that works, not garbage, and fits, is a pain in the ass. But it finally happened and I am just a happy lady on her bike again!

And now my garden, it is being fenced! The mr has been bugging me for a few years now to fence it in and I finally caved. I don’t know why I have been so hesitant about it but I just never wanted a fence. But now that he is putting it up well I am so excited! And the mr being the mr, he is making is so freaking cute and pretty and I am just really really excited and can’t wait for it to be fully up so I can put some shit in the ground and not have it eaten by the massive woodchuck lurking in the neighborhood!

Other then all that good stuff, same old same old. Made plans with the littles for sleepover next week while they are on spring vacation. Worked on pots, sat with the piles of papers then decided I would rather clean the fridge. Picked up second to last farm share. Ate all the greens. Basic life stuff.

And it is Sunday, again so soon. The mr and I are planning on a little drive to a place. Not sure the place exactly but I am hoping for a river/woods situation. A little hike, he can do a little fishing. I can sit by the river and read. That is my hope for today. That and to get all the laundry done. I have been ignoring it and now I have to deal with it. Stupid laundry.

Internet from the week.

-Your Biggest Climate Decision Isn't What You Cook—It's What You Don't. Food waste is one of my biggest anxiety triggers. Holidays and little kids… It can get pretty intense.

-The state of the plant-based food industry. And maybe stop eating so much meat.

-'Comfort Decorating' Is All About Making Your Home A Sanctuary. The key is to make is comfy and not ugly. HA!

-I never thought I would see the day. Gnome shortage: Lockdown and Suez canal blockage blamed

-Why Do We Compete? Sometime a little competition is a good thing.

-I am in love with this house and the property and can’t wait to see the renovations. LAKESHORE RENOVATION | PART 1

-I Got High to See if Weed Would Help Me Work Out. I don’t get high before I work out but when I use to go to the gym there was sa group of guys that came in that were always high as fuck. I always thought that if they were coming to the gym stones, well they were still coming to the gym so who care if they are stones.

-This is not a joke. Fancy Feast Released a Cookbook So Cat Owners Can Coordinate Meals with Their Pets. So how do you feel about this? I mean, well, why not?

-Watch out for those baked goods. Mystery tree beast turns out to be croissant

-I love a good scallop. Trend Alert: 21st Century Scalloping

And some pictures from the week.

Sunday Happy

Can you even believe it’s the week of Thanksgiving? Like really, it is. I know right? And yeah, it might be a little more low key and quiet and maybe even non existent this year, but hey, if missing a big family gathering (we are skipping our big family thanksgiving) will keep more people from getting sick, well then I say that is oh so fine by me. We will just float the holiday until we can all safely be together. Thanksgiving in April. Maybe we will make it a new yearly thing. Here’s to new traditions!

Another week past and not a whole heck of a lot happened of interest. The mr and I have been busy with lots of little things that need to be done around the house and the other houses and life. I have been trying to get a good chunk of glazing done so I have stuff stocked for selling and the mr has been riding around town with the scooter (the truck in in the shop) fixing things and doing whatever he does when he doesn't have a big project going on, all the while staying away from all the people, like way away. I did go for a walk with Megan and So in the woods and the mr, Barb, and I also took the littles for a nice walk because outdoors in fine and we need to hang with the littles, but other then that, no peoples. Oh, and we (fyi, Barb is basically always part of “we”. She basically lives with us now) took Gigi to the vets to get spayed. Another to do checked off the list.

And it snowed a little and it made me happy. I also picked up farm share and got 2 gigantic stocks of Brussels sprouts which is always a good thing, and I repotted a bunch of house plants that need replanting.

Wow, when I read that back to myself….. 😬

Sunday again. Happens every week. The mr and I are taking a drive to go walk some property that I am probably way to optimistic about, but damn, we need to get land before everyone buys it all up! This chunk looks oh so pretty and nice and hard to get to and has all the trees. At the very least, we are going to walk around in the woods for a little while so there’s that. And as far as for when I get home and have the rest of the afternoon to do whatever, welp I think it is time to bust out the Christmas decorations! It’s happening. I am excited!

Internet from the week.

-Are you sending baked goods in the mail? This is a good guide to have if you are. A Comprehensive Guide to Sending Baked Goods in the Mail.

-Yes. This is awesome. This Company Will Send a Cardboard Cutout of You To Your Family’s Holiday Dinner

-Sedentary Pandemic Life Is Bad for Our Happiness. I know that sedentary anytime is bad for my happiness.If I don’t exercise everyday I am a monster! And go course it important that people take care of themselves and do what they need to do but sometimes you have to push yourself a little to get up and move. It will always make you feel better!

-How have I gone through 34+ years of life and have yet to live in a treehouse? This is a change I need to make. This one would done just fine.

-Or maybe I skip the “House” all together and just start sleeping in trees. On Sleeping in the Largest Organism on Earth

-Ever Wonder Why Crying Sometimes Makes You Feel Better? Experts Explain the Science. I am not a crier unless I am so so angry. An angry crier. Maybe I should try and cry more?

-A Case for Using Your “Good Stuff” This Season. I never understand when people have “good” or “special” things that they never use. What is the point? I would much rather use that special thing(s) and if they get broken or ruined, well at least it was used.

- My top 3 all time favorite shows ever is having reunion! 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' reunion!

-REVERSIBLE HOUSE SHOES. I really like theses!

-How the Covid-19 pandemic hit the cut-flower chain. Oh the flowers, and every other crop. Stupid COVID. Barb and I were planning on going to Denmark in the spring to bike around the tulip farms… Not happening now. Let hope for Spring 2022!

Pictures from the week.

-C