Category: Golightly Living

Yesterday I set out to bike to the library and pharmacy on my new steed.  I was so determined to fix up my old bike to use for errand running, but then I saw the Kona Africabike.  I had to have her.  I went back to the bike shop to test her out on Wednesday, and she came home with me.  Reasonably priced and durable as all get out, this bike makes me feel like I am twelve years old–coaster brakes, three speeds, and matte black, just like my childhood hand-me-down-banana-seat bike. 

To top off my immediate attraction, I read the brochure that came with the bike.  For every two bikes sold, one will be delivered to help out health care workers in Africa.

I don’t talk about it much, but a big dream of mine is to spend a few months in Africa at an AIDS orphanage.  I had planned to go to Ghana in spring 2002 to teach English, but 9/11 and a chance for my then-husband to tour in Germany, followed by our subsequent separation
nixed those plans for me.  So until I can live that dream, I’ll ride my Africabike around my little CT town and imagine how useful the half a bike that I sent over is.

I loved my first errand run on her; she’s a tough gal.  Hills are not so easy on her, but they’ll just make me stronger.  On flat stretches, though, she’s a dreamboat. 

New England doesn’t often enjoy my idea of good weather–70s, breezy, sunshine, no humidity.  For the last four days, though, my little corner of the northeast had perfect weather. 

On Friday, I watched Neal’s best friend take down our red oak that was hanging over a neighbor’s house.  I’ve glanced at tree monkeys at work before; this was the first time I saw the whole process.  It was impressive, to say the least. 

We spent the rest of the day putting in my kitchen garden.  I moved my rock collection from my bookshelf to the garden as well; they’re meant to be outside, and if I lose some of the smaller rocks, well, at least they’ll be in my garden.

As a result of all that outdoor work, I spent most of Saturday on the couch.  I hadn’t thought about my severe allergy to oak trees as I studied the work being done.  I had hoped to go to the MA sheep and woolcraft fair, but there was no way I could handle the drive. 

I felt better on Sunday, and joined Blog-free Kim for a run in the morning before I prepared a lunch for my parents.  I was pleased with the food: quinoa with sea scallops (Neal was in charge of the scallops–I don’t "do" seafood or meat), asparagus with a peach and balsamic vinaigrette,  strawberry and spinach salad, fresh lemonade (so refreshing and simple!), and a strawberry rhubarb crisp.  It was springy and festive.

Yesterday, I re-read my favorite speech from Shakepeare, which never fails to make my heart pound.  I love Shakespeare’s Henry V, and I love Branagh’s rendering of the speech.  The New York Post printed it on Memorial Day 2002, and I’ve had it posted on my refrigerator ever since.  I’d long loved the play and speech, but now.  Now it reminds me in a meaningful way to be grateful for those men and women willing to risk their lives for my freedom.

Thanks again to everyone who played along with my contest.  I’ll compile a movie list to share with all of you soon.

I could grade or even work on that last paper due tomorrow.  Instead, I’ll share a list of links to things I love right now.  Sorta like Oprah’s big giveaway, except I’m only giving you the list.  If I could, I’d buy a boatload of treats for all of you, but I hope this will do!

In no particular order:

1.  Monyette perfume.  I started using this when I moved to Albuquerque.  I smelled it at my favorite shop and couldn’t forget it, so I made it mine.  Also, it comes in an adorable tube.

2.  Nars Lip Lacquer in Eros.  I bought this for my wedding last May and have pretty much dumped all other lipsticks.  I have some Christian Dior gloss for fall, but I like the Nars the best.  Plus, Carrie uses it!

3.  Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-up.  You know, for between visits with my fabu stylist Emily.  She doesn’t mind it that much as the color matches really well.

4. Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine.  A dab controls the little baby hairs around my forehead, and when I indulge in a dollop, my thin hair feels thicker and behaves like it ought to.

5.  No-Ad Sunscreen in 45 spf.  I love this stuff.  The bottle is huge, which means I don’t feel the need to skimp, and it’s good protection for a fair-skinned girl. 

Now that I’ve given you a peek at what lines my bureau, what are some of your favorite products?

How can you not adore a woman who looks at you like that?

My mom is a pip.  She’s opinionated and stubborn (although she wouldn’t agree to the stubborn part, at least).  She has a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh.  She adores her children ferociously. 

As her youngest, I had the good fortune to spend a lot of time alone with her.  When my sister Maureen went off to school, I moped.  The youngest of five, I was not happy about being alone.  I was so mopey, in fact, that my mom brought me to the doctor, who properly diagnosed my illness as "left behind-itis."  My mom’s cure was to allow me to bring in Sandy, the cat who roamed our neighborhood, and to play paper dolls with me.  She had a box of her dolls, and we loved to match the clothes to the movie stars she’d admired as a girl.

My mom has lived through a lot of rough things, but she’s got a spirit that doesn’t quit.  "If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be," is one of her mottoes, and it has served me well in helping me find serenity when my heart and head are in chaotic places.  She’s taught me to be tough and loyal, to treasure family and friends above anything else.   From her I learned to clean with zest and to take on adventures with an open mind.  Her kindness to the elderly and needy has been a model for me. 

I could go on and on, but all this is to say that I feel pretty lucky to have my mom in my life.  My love for her is different from that I feel for anyone else; it’s a wonderful thing.

And to all you moms reading, I hope you have a delightful mother’s day. 

Nora asked what folks are up to on this Saturday, so I thought I’d answer here.  Rather than whine about not being at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, I’m simply pretending it doesn’t exist.  *hands over ears* La, la, la.  I don’t hear any of you people talking about how fabu it is.  Nope.

Instead, I spent the morning visiting with my mom while Neal set up my dad’s Christmas gift (I couldn’t find the exact one, but it’s close enough), chatting with Blog-free Kim, and organizing my rather messy folders from school.  I’m finding bibs and bobs of grading to do, along with the fairly small stack of quizzes and papers that I received this week, so once my grade database is set up and my folders are clear, I’ll tackle some of that stack. 

Then, and this is the part I’m looking forward to, Nora, I’m going to work on my Shetland Lace Triangle (Ravelry link).  I knit two extra repeats and am about a third of the way through the edging.  I love this pattern, and I think it’s because I have actually memorized the repeats; luckily, they’re the same on each row, with just a few stitches on each side of the repeat that require my looking at the pattern.  I’m going to cast on another one as soon as I finish.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how to be more "green."  Neal and I make an effort.  We love our composting, both for the rich black gold we get, and for the reduction in our garbage.  I almost always use my own totes at the grocery store.  Blog-free Kim and I exchange magazines and the Sunday Times.  This year, I plan to can some of the food I grow in my garden, and Neal has been shrinking the front yard, replacing it with a meadow filled with native plants, making a haven for our winged friends.  I know, though, that there is so much more we could do, and I’m always looking out for tips.  This summer we’re going to install a laundry line (well, that’s as much for the sensual pleasure of sleeping on sheets dried by the sun as for saving electricity), and I’m hoping to replace hopping in the car to run errands around town with hopping on my bike.  Neal’s going to rig up my old bike, Black Beauty, so she can carry groceries, but what I secretly long for is this. Ok, not so secretly, but don’t you just see her with a bell and a nice wicker basket attached?  *sigh*.  I guess it’s not as green to buy a new bike when I’ve got a usable one hanging around here.  A girl can dream, though!

And tomorrow, Nora?  I think I’ll spin once my grading is done.  Are you spinning yet?  I know a certain Angry Poodle is smitten with her new wheel, and her enthusiasm reminds me that I should play with mine a little more.

Ahh, May Day, the start of my favorite time of year: school’s out season.  By this time next week, I’ll have collected the last of my students’ papers, and I should be nearing the finish of my very last graduate school paper.  Only twenty pages stand between me and my degree, and it feels like heaven!

Neal and I had planned to go to Greece later this month with my sister and her kids.  Sadly, my sister’s fiance is waiting for a liver transplant, and his case has gotten more urgent.  Of course, we canceled the trip so that she can be by his side should his "new" liver arrive this month.  He’s getting the best possible care, and they’re super optimistic about everything.

We (Neal and I) still wanted to get away, though, so I think we’re going to take a weekend trip to celebrate our first anniversary.  I’ve never toured the mansions in Newport, making that high on the list.  We love spa hotels, so I’ve been googling in search of something relatively affordable that also has good reviews.  Any suggestions for a romantic New England getaway in mid-May?

Sometimes, in the midst of deadlines and ill family, the only action a girl to take is to buy a perfect bag.  A couple of nights ago, that’s just what my sister and I did.  I ordered mine and e-mailed her my confession, only to find that she’d ordered the exact same bag.  Mine arrived today, and I’m smitten.  It’s fabulous (1,000,000).  I’m a huge fan of Floto Imports, and I adore each and every bag of theirs I own.  This one, though…this one is amazing.  It’s green.  And on sale.  Want to see?

I got my hairs cut today.  Also, I learned how to use the camera on my computer.  Good diversions from grading, no?

After I teach in the morning, I’ll come home, do some last-minute clean up, pack some clothes, some books, some knitting and head to the airport. I’m excited to return to Albuquerque.  While there, I often missed my Hudson River and the lush green of this part of the country, but I tried to stay focused on enjoying where I actually, physically was.  Tonight, as I looked at the sliver of a moon, I wished that it was going to be full while I’m in New Mexico.  There’s little as pretty as the full moon in a big sky.  I’m grateful to have lived under the big sky so I understand that.

My defense is at 11 a.m. (MST) on Friday.  While this is the last big hoop through which I must jump, I still have to complete the Chaucer class, so I won’t be finished with my degree officially until mid-May.  If you think of it on Friday, will you send me a good thought, maybe for a quick brain and grace under pressure?  I sure would appreciate it.

Today I donated to Sheila’s MS walk in honor of my Aunt Dora.  She passed away suddenly on Sunday morning.  It has taken me a few days to process and believe it.  She is my dad’s oldest sister (he’s the 7th of 8 kids), and when he was growing up, he was at her and my Uncle Howard’s house almost as often as he was at his own.  Long, long ago, Uncle Howard was diagnosed with MS, and Aunt Dora was a wonderful partner to him.  She shared his cheerful, graceful joy in the life that they had.  My parents just returned home from their annual winter in Florida trip.  I think a large part of the trip’s pleasure each year is the time my dad gets to spend with his big sister.  I’m so sad for my dad, and I’m devastated for Uncle Howard.  He has some of his kids near him down there, but no one can replace Dora for him.  She was 80.  She lived a good life.  She was the keeper of my grandmother’s stories.  Her smile and way of speaking were so reminiscent of my grandmother. 

Because of her lifelong dedication to my Uncle, and her strength of character in the face of difficulty, I feel honored to be able to donate to MS research in her name. 

If you donate to Sheila’s walk, too, no matter how much, let me know in the comments.  To celebrate Aunt Dora, I’ll draw a name from those who leave a comment about their donation and send the winner a skein of something wonderful from my stash.

I’ll catch up with you on Sunday.  Mwah! 

It’s mid-day and time for me to transition from hausfrau to teacher and grad student.  I had a fruitful morning in which I read most of my Sunday Times, cleaned the oven, and emptied out and cleaned the refrigerator.  Truly spring cleaning chores, it’s so satisfying to know I won’t have to tackle them again for some time.  I think I’ve opened the fridge about eleventy-million times, just to surprise myself with the lack of crumbs on the sparkling shelves.

I was pleased to see a manageable group of writers have shown interest in my writing community idea.  I’ll hammer it out in the next few weeks and will post details by the end of April or early May. 

I really should stop being a lame-o with the camera and take some pictures for the ol’ blog.  I’ve made lots of progress on the shawl, and I purchased some pretty yarn for Camellia.  Both would be picture-worthy, as would the Charade sock that I’ve started.  Alas, I’m too dang lazy right now, plus the light stinks.  I’m so lazy, I’m not even going to add links to this post.  Bad blogger!

I’d better haul my lazy butt away from the Internet and over to my teaching folder so I can finish prepping for the next few weeks.  When I’m reluctant to do the prep work, I tell myself it’s all in service of more knitting time later!  How do you shake yourself from procrastinating?

Here’s the birthday girl with her million-dollar smile loving on my wedding stole, the yarn for which she dyed.

Won’t you stop by and wish her felicitations?