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Paleo "Almond Joys"...Steve and I came up with these a few days ago, dried dates, coconut oil, cacao powder, and an almond. These are insanely good!
Monday, April 16, 2012
A new dessert...
Paleo "Almond Joys"...Steve and I came up with these a few days ago, dried dates, coconut oil, cacao powder, and an almond. These are insanely good!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Sun for My Son...
My last class glass blowing class was this past Friday. After skipping a week, I found myself really ready to get to the class and make my next piece.
I had a nice time chatting with Agnes, and the other class mates. I told her about the last dream I had about glass after the bowl class. That night in my dreams, I was making a sun. I was telling everyone it needed to be bright yellow, for my son.
Agnes helped me think it through and I had help from Cody and Renee to put it together. I did a lot more on my own on this piece than the other two pieces. I wanted to try to do as much of what I learned this time, being the last class.
It's yellow, with spots of red, and orange, with a shimmer too.
Max thinks it's pretty cool too!
I had such a great time making all my pieces of glass art!
I had a nice time chatting with Agnes, and the other class mates. I told her about the last dream I had about glass after the bowl class. That night in my dreams, I was making a sun. I was telling everyone it needed to be bright yellow, for my son.
Agnes helped me think it through and I had help from Cody and Renee to put it together. I did a lot more on my own on this piece than the other two pieces. I wanted to try to do as much of what I learned this time, being the last class.
It's yellow, with spots of red, and orange, with a shimmer too.
Max thinks it's pretty cool too!
I had such a great time making all my pieces of glass art!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Stella...
After the first glass blowing class finished, Agnes said to make note of any dreams of glass we had. I thought it was a given I would dream about glass, because my dreams are so vivid, and I dream regularly. I didn't know just how much the dream that night would unfold into the piece I made the second week.
That Friday night, I dreamed I was making small paper-weight sized strawberries. They were red with green tops. When I woke up, I made note in my journal about the dream, but didn't plan on talking about it to Agnes. I thought that surely everyone dreams of the glass-blowing class after they are there for over 4 hours playing with glass and fire.
The second Friday rolled around and it was time for us to choose the colors for the bowl we were making. She let us look through some powder colors which went all through the glass, rather than in streaks like the chips of glass do. She pulled out a blue, and then a pinkish color. "This one's called Strawberry", she said and she poured a little out.
I thought I should tell her about my dream at that point, so I did. She told me it would be a pink color, but we could add red and it would look like a strawberry. She said that her pieces will come to her in dreams, and if you get inspiration in a dream you should go with it. That's how my second piece came to be a strawberry bowl.
I was first of the four of us to go. Agnes helped a lot on my piece, along with her apprentice Cody. There were a lot more techniques to making the bowl, and a lot more involvement from all of the "team" of students and teachers. It was a fun class and I really love the bowl.
The Friday I was to go back for my last class, Agness called as I was leaving to say that the gas was leaking, so we wouldn't be having a class that night. I had to wait two weeks to see my strawberry piece. When I got there this week, I was excited to see my bowl for the first time, it really looks like a strawberry.
It was pink with swirls of red throughout. Because we put it in a mold, it made some really interesting shapes in the glass and some air got caught too, which I think makes it awesome!
When Agnes asked me about the bowl, I told her how I wanted to use the strawberry color as soon as she brought it out because I thought it would look like my Nanny's vase, that I got from my Grandmama. I told her how similar the color was, and how it was funny how I've thought of Nanny several times since starting the glass blowing because her names was Stella Agnes. Agnes smiled and said, "My middle name is Stella.". I just had to laugh.
The bowl carries a little bump on it's side from where I touched the side of the furnace while spinning it and bringing the pipe out. Agnes said we could try to fix it while we were working on it, but I wanted to keep it.
Because now, it REALLY looks like Nanny's vase!
I've named my bowl Stella. I don't know yet what her function will be, but for now she just makes me smile.
That Friday night, I dreamed I was making small paper-weight sized strawberries. They were red with green tops. When I woke up, I made note in my journal about the dream, but didn't plan on talking about it to Agnes. I thought that surely everyone dreams of the glass-blowing class after they are there for over 4 hours playing with glass and fire.
The second Friday rolled around and it was time for us to choose the colors for the bowl we were making. She let us look through some powder colors which went all through the glass, rather than in streaks like the chips of glass do. She pulled out a blue, and then a pinkish color. "This one's called Strawberry", she said and she poured a little out.
I thought I should tell her about my dream at that point, so I did. She told me it would be a pink color, but we could add red and it would look like a strawberry. She said that her pieces will come to her in dreams, and if you get inspiration in a dream you should go with it. That's how my second piece came to be a strawberry bowl.
I was first of the four of us to go. Agnes helped a lot on my piece, along with her apprentice Cody. There were a lot more techniques to making the bowl, and a lot more involvement from all of the "team" of students and teachers. It was a fun class and I really love the bowl.
The Friday I was to go back for my last class, Agness called as I was leaving to say that the gas was leaking, so we wouldn't be having a class that night. I had to wait two weeks to see my strawberry piece. When I got there this week, I was excited to see my bowl for the first time, it really looks like a strawberry.
It was pink with swirls of red throughout. Because we put it in a mold, it made some really interesting shapes in the glass and some air got caught too, which I think makes it awesome!
When Agnes asked me about the bowl, I told her how I wanted to use the strawberry color as soon as she brought it out because I thought it would look like my Nanny's vase, that I got from my Grandmama. I told her how similar the color was, and how it was funny how I've thought of Nanny several times since starting the glass blowing because her names was Stella Agnes. Agnes smiled and said, "My middle name is Stella.". I just had to laugh.
Strawberry Bowl with Nanny's vase
The bowl carries a little bump on it's side from where I touched the side of the furnace while spinning it and bringing the pipe out. Agnes said we could try to fix it while we were working on it, but I wanted to keep it.
Because now, it REALLY looks like Nanny's vase!
I've named my bowl Stella. I don't know yet what her function will be, but for now she just makes me smile.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Fire and Glass...
For my birthday, Steve got me an amazing gift. A three week glass blowing class at Agnes of Glass in Denver.
My first week, I was pretty nervous leading up to the class. My biggest fear, breathing in through blow-pipe, called the punty pipe, when I was supposed to blow out. In hind-sight, I don't know quite how I could accomplish that mistake, but nonetheless, I was nervous.
Agnes, and her apprentice, Cody, are there through the entire process of gathering the crystal glass, marvering (rolling the hot glass on a steel table to shape it), blowing the piece out, shaping it with blocks and newspaper, and tapping it off of the pipe to put it in the oven to cool slowly.
I've been amazed at how much I've enjoyed this form of art. I thought I would, and have always had a fascination with watching glass art, but there is something pretty amazing about making glass.
I'll share the first week's pieces, then as I get the others back, and photos taken, I will share those as well.
First, I got to make a paperweight. I chose blues as the glass chips I wanted for the flower. There were endless options, but these caught my eye right away.
We gathered the crystal, marvered it, put the color on, gathered again, shaped it with newspaper while rolling the tube on the bench, and then put a pick through the glass to make the flower. Mine made this awesome bubble.
That same night I got to make this amazing meditation globe.
I went with similar colors without realizing it. It's crazy how when the glass gets so hot, it all looks red, so I maybe should have tried a different color-scheme, but I love the way this one turned out too!
I blew the air into this globe, and then Agnes and Cody helped to get it much bigger and shape it. I think unless you are a Master Glass Blower, you have help on your pieces. And I'm glad they're there to help out! When we put the "cookie" or base on the bottom, the glass can sometimes drip into the piece. Mine did, and then came bubbling back up! It was pretty dramatic.
I stamped a "D" on the bottom to show it was mine.
I'm just back from my last class, where I made another globe. I'll take pictures of the little bowl I made the second week and just got back tonight when the sun comes up tomorrow. For now...I'm off to dream of fire, and melted glass.
My first week, I was pretty nervous leading up to the class. My biggest fear, breathing in through blow-pipe, called the punty pipe, when I was supposed to blow out. In hind-sight, I don't know quite how I could accomplish that mistake, but nonetheless, I was nervous.
Agnes, and her apprentice, Cody, are there through the entire process of gathering the crystal glass, marvering (rolling the hot glass on a steel table to shape it), blowing the piece out, shaping it with blocks and newspaper, and tapping it off of the pipe to put it in the oven to cool slowly.
I've been amazed at how much I've enjoyed this form of art. I thought I would, and have always had a fascination with watching glass art, but there is something pretty amazing about making glass.
I'll share the first week's pieces, then as I get the others back, and photos taken, I will share those as well.
First, I got to make a paperweight. I chose blues as the glass chips I wanted for the flower. There were endless options, but these caught my eye right away.
We gathered the crystal, marvered it, put the color on, gathered again, shaped it with newspaper while rolling the tube on the bench, and then put a pick through the glass to make the flower. Mine made this awesome bubble.
That same night I got to make this amazing meditation globe.
I went with similar colors without realizing it. It's crazy how when the glass gets so hot, it all looks red, so I maybe should have tried a different color-scheme, but I love the way this one turned out too!
I blew the air into this globe, and then Agnes and Cody helped to get it much bigger and shape it. I think unless you are a Master Glass Blower, you have help on your pieces. And I'm glad they're there to help out! When we put the "cookie" or base on the bottom, the glass can sometimes drip into the piece. Mine did, and then came bubbling back up! It was pretty dramatic.
I stamped a "D" on the bottom to show it was mine.
I'm just back from my last class, where I made another globe. I'll take pictures of the little bowl I made the second week and just got back tonight when the sun comes up tomorrow. For now...I'm off to dream of fire, and melted glass.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Keeping up...
Sometimes, I wonder how in the world I used to blog daily!
I think it was back in the days that Max slept most of the day, or was content with playing on the floor with his toys, or before school, or before daily therapies.
It's been the opposite of most kids his age. Usually when kids start school, there is more "mom time" in the day to get things done. I still have plenty that needs to get done with the running of the house, but now I have school time twice a day, a therapy a day, Abbey's school stuff, doctors appointments, house stuff, and two dogs. It's no wonder I rarely have time to sit and write a thoughtful blog post! Most of the time I do good to update facebook! If I do have time to put up a blog, I usually do it on Max's webpage, because, really, he's more fun to read about!
I'm hoping Summer will prove to give more time. I've actually told all of Max's therapists we're taking Spring Break OFF! He will only have an MRI/PET Scan on Wednesday, and I want us all to be well rested for that!
So, until then, thanks for reading, and keeping up with our busy lives!
I think it was back in the days that Max slept most of the day, or was content with playing on the floor with his toys, or before school, or before daily therapies.
It's been the opposite of most kids his age. Usually when kids start school, there is more "mom time" in the day to get things done. I still have plenty that needs to get done with the running of the house, but now I have school time twice a day, a therapy a day, Abbey's school stuff, doctors appointments, house stuff, and two dogs. It's no wonder I rarely have time to sit and write a thoughtful blog post! Most of the time I do good to update facebook! If I do have time to put up a blog, I usually do it on Max's webpage, because, really, he's more fun to read about!
I'm hoping Summer will prove to give more time. I've actually told all of Max's therapists we're taking Spring Break OFF! He will only have an MRI/PET Scan on Wednesday, and I want us all to be well rested for that!
So, until then, thanks for reading, and keeping up with our busy lives!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The big 3-3...
On my birthday morning, I woke up to the sun shining, and thought...It's my BIRTHDAY!!!
Growing up, I was the rare bird who had her birthday in the late winter. Three siblings were summer babies, and two right at Christmas. So, my day was always a special day. A reason to celebrate after the holidays!
Through my adult years, there have been years of parties, and extravagant trips, and restaurant tours. And there have been years spent in the PICU with Max, and a year I was terribly sick with strep and two ear infections.
This year, Steve offered up many ideas of fun, but, I just had one request. I wanted to do what I wanted to, when I wanted to do it, with whom I wanted to. Basically, I just wanted to have a day all about me.
Well, like always, he pulled through and made it a wonderful birthday.
I got out of bed to find him gone, but he left a note.
And indeed, Max's medicine was made, and his food was ready to feed him.
And the kettle was warm.
Oh, and this little spread.
And a gift.
GLASS BLOWING!!!!!!!
While I was getting Max ready to eat, my mom called. She wanted me to open the gift from her, so I got it torn open and found this.
Very soft, and very cozy!!
Steve and George got home as I was getting around and we got out for lunch at the park. Then went into a couple of shops I've been wanting to check out.
And then got ready for my sis and family to come over for birthday dinner, of bbq chicken, okra, and squash, and potatoes, and chocolate cake.
Addie met me at the door as I was getting back from the grocery store and squealed "Happy BIRTHDAAAAY!!!!". That was a GREAT greeting!
She made a card for me and wanted me to look at it right away!
Ang asked her to tell me all about it, so she said, "This is your hair, and this is your face, and these is your eyebrows, and this is your purse, and this is your....bottom.".
After I stopped laughing, Ang explained that when she asked Addie why she had drawn a bottom on her picture she said, because people have bottoms! Fair enough!
They also picked these flowers out.
No, it's not a mirror image. Yes, I did get the exact same flowers from Steve and Ang. Also, Ang and I were wearing the same outfit again. We need to coordinate that better I think.
All in all, it was a great birthday. I heard from my family and friends. Got to talk to my dad and brothers on Facetime. Got a hug from my niece who draws pictures for me. Max was a trooper and had a fun day. And Steve, once again, treated me like a Queen.
Growing up, I was the rare bird who had her birthday in the late winter. Three siblings were summer babies, and two right at Christmas. So, my day was always a special day. A reason to celebrate after the holidays!
Through my adult years, there have been years of parties, and extravagant trips, and restaurant tours. And there have been years spent in the PICU with Max, and a year I was terribly sick with strep and two ear infections.
This year, Steve offered up many ideas of fun, but, I just had one request. I wanted to do what I wanted to, when I wanted to do it, with whom I wanted to. Basically, I just wanted to have a day all about me.
Well, like always, he pulled through and made it a wonderful birthday.
I got out of bed to find him gone, but he left a note.
And indeed, Max's medicine was made, and his food was ready to feed him.
And the kettle was warm.
Oh, and this little spread.
And a gift.
GLASS BLOWING!!!!!!!
While I was getting Max ready to eat, my mom called. She wanted me to open the gift from her, so I got it torn open and found this.
Very soft, and very cozy!!
Steve and George got home as I was getting around and we got out for lunch at the park. Then went into a couple of shops I've been wanting to check out.
And then got ready for my sis and family to come over for birthday dinner, of bbq chicken, okra, and squash, and potatoes, and chocolate cake.
Addie met me at the door as I was getting back from the grocery store and squealed "Happy BIRTHDAAAAY!!!!". That was a GREAT greeting!
She made a card for me and wanted me to look at it right away!
Ang asked her to tell me all about it, so she said, "This is your hair, and this is your face, and these is your eyebrows, and this is your purse, and this is your....bottom.".
After I stopped laughing, Ang explained that when she asked Addie why she had drawn a bottom on her picture she said, because people have bottoms! Fair enough!
They also picked these flowers out.
No, it's not a mirror image. Yes, I did get the exact same flowers from Steve and Ang. Also, Ang and I were wearing the same outfit again. We need to coordinate that better I think.
All in all, it was a great birthday. I heard from my family and friends. Got to talk to my dad and brothers on Facetime. Got a hug from my niece who draws pictures for me. Max was a trooper and had a fun day. And Steve, once again, treated me like a Queen.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Two for Tea...
It's my birthday weekend. I try to squeeze out as much celebrating of my special "day" as I can, and Steve is kind to oblige.
Today, my friend and fellow supermom, Rebecca, shares my love for the fancy and fine tea traditions. The last time Max was in the hospital, she told me she wanted to take me to tea at the Brown Palace in Downtown Denver.
We set up the date for today, and as a bonus, got to celebrate for my birthday.
I got to dress up, something I never get to do. In fact, before I got my dress on, I had spent all morning in grungy sweats and leggings so as to not mess up my skirt! It certainly felt like I was about to live an alternative life for a couple of hours once I got dressed and the transformation from house-mom, to afternoon tea attendee, occurred!
Steve wanted to get my picture outside, but goodness-gracious it was windy!
(I think I look like my dad in this photo...just the face, not the dress.)
The tea was so lovely! I ordered black currant tea...my favorite! Then they brought out the selections of sandwiches and scones and cakes. Rebecca was good to point out which order we ate what!
They even brought out a little birthday treat...chocolate and raspberry mousse.
The violinist played Happy Birthday to you. Along with other very pretty music.
It was so much fun! And I enjoyed getting to know my friend more, something that is sometimes hard to do in monthly meetings with a large group of supermoms.
After tea, we got up and walked around the hotel a bit. It is a grande "palace". I loved imagining the Victorian era ladies walking around with their fine clothes and hats!
I've already been planning out who else I can take! It was such a beautiful experience. I'm thankful for kind friends who find the little things in life we can enjoy together!
Today, my friend and fellow supermom, Rebecca, shares my love for the fancy and fine tea traditions. The last time Max was in the hospital, she told me she wanted to take me to tea at the Brown Palace in Downtown Denver.
We set up the date for today, and as a bonus, got to celebrate for my birthday.
I got to dress up, something I never get to do. In fact, before I got my dress on, I had spent all morning in grungy sweats and leggings so as to not mess up my skirt! It certainly felt like I was about to live an alternative life for a couple of hours once I got dressed and the transformation from house-mom, to afternoon tea attendee, occurred!
Steve wanted to get my picture outside, but goodness-gracious it was windy!
(I think I look like my dad in this photo...just the face, not the dress.)
The tea was so lovely! I ordered black currant tea...my favorite! Then they brought out the selections of sandwiches and scones and cakes. Rebecca was good to point out which order we ate what!
They even brought out a little birthday treat...chocolate and raspberry mousse.
The violinist played Happy Birthday to you. Along with other very pretty music.
It was so much fun! And I enjoyed getting to know my friend more, something that is sometimes hard to do in monthly meetings with a large group of supermoms.
After tea, we got up and walked around the hotel a bit. It is a grande "palace". I loved imagining the Victorian era ladies walking around with their fine clothes and hats!
I've already been planning out who else I can take! It was such a beautiful experience. I'm thankful for kind friends who find the little things in life we can enjoy together!
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