Three Cups of Tea

A vividly poignant odyssey of seismic proportions -- Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace. . . One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, is as impressive a novel as it is a text book. Do not let the Middle East subject matter dissuade you. There is no proselytizing here, only views from a humanitarian who believes firmly in the power of education.

Daily we are inundated with news, twisted and then funneled through a narrow prism, about the “war on terror" and the misrepresented people of Central Asia. Watching the evening news is like watching the light of a laser beam shine on one aspect of the conflict in the Middle East. Once you read the first several chapters of Three Cups of Tea, that laser morphs into a flashlight and toward the end of the novel, the flashlight becomes a flood light, shining new revelations about a sorely misunderstood part of the world.

"Greg Mortenson is fighting a personal war on terror that has an impact on all of us, and his weapon is not guns or bombs, but schools. What could be a better story than that?" {Parade editor-in-chief Lee Kravitz}

Read this book and discover the enormous change that can be made by the sweat of a subtle man, who dared to have a vision, and then nurture that vision into fruition a hundred times over and you will know firmly that education is the key to peace in the Middle East.

Reflections on Turkey Day 2009

Every Thanksgiving I display the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade snow globe. This is the first year that I placed it where little fingers could reach it, pick it up and smash it to the ground. But that didn't happen. The girls were thrilled to see it, marveled at the little scene inside and then went about their business doing more important things like, playing with Littlest Pets and beads {those darn beads are everywhere. I'm thankful for them because they keep my girls very busy. I just wish they weren't everywhere I step foot.}.

I think watching the parade gave them a greater respect for the delicate ornamate and so they decided to leave it be. Alex exclaimed, "Hey, that's what we're watching on TV!" I couldn't get them to watch the entire parade {I thought the parade might be a good distraction to keep them out of my hair while I cleaned house and tended to last minute dinner preparations but it was not to be} so I left the TV on and every now and again the girls would run past it and glance at the massive balloons floating above the city.

I let the turkey breast stay in the oven just a wee bit longer than I should have. It wasn't the thermometer's fault, I just wasn't paying attention -- too busy drinking wine and chatting.

I am thankful that the turkey came out fairly well.

Each plate was adorned with handmade name cards. On the outside, a hand-turkey and on the inside, the guest's name. I didn't even ask for this, Sammy just did it on her own. I am a proud mother.

I'm not sure why the turkey is saying, "boo." I suspect it's just a leftover Halloween reference that Sammy decided to incorporate. Works for me.

Getting Ready for a Joyous Evening

It's Thanksgiving Day and I'm sitting at my computer typing this blog entry which may seem like a crazy thing to do since I'm expecting to feed 8 adults and 4 children tonight. No worries. I finished all the side dishes last night and the turkey breasts are trussed, seasoned and ready to roast. I'm all done as far as I'm concerned save for a little housecleaning that shouldn't take too much time.

The other day my girls and I found these lovely fall burnt sienna, rust and gold leaves on the sidewalk in front of a coffee shop. We couldn't resist bringing a bushel of them home. Here's what we did with them. . .

. . . an autumn garland for the fireplace. We just strung these beauties onto fishing line {Alisha, thanks for the fishing line, I know I said I'd return it and haven't. It's come in handy for so many projects. I'll buy you a new spool, I promise. You're the best next door neighbor ever, and I'm not just saying that becuase you let me borrow the fishing line!}

I also finished getting the table ready for tonight's feast. I can't wait to see the food on the plates and the candles flickering. It's going to be a joyous evening!!

Here are some images from my table setting. I washed the tablecloth last night. I removed it promptly from the dryer and placed it on the table in hopes it would keep from wrinkling. Well, that didn't work. But who cares right? Oh who am I kidding, I may just get out the iron afterall. I don't know if the crinkle look is in this year.

And you should also know that this isn't my dining room. It's actually the formal living room that we transformed into a dining room. We do this every year. Our "regular" dining room space is quite snug making it difficult to seat 8 adults.

We swap the furniture from our living room with the furniture from the dining room. The dining room space becomes a cozy sitting area and then the living room, becomes the dining room. I love it because it means we get to dine in front of a roaring fire. {roaring may be stretching the truth a bit, but it is a fire nonetheless.}

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Memory Party

The party is finally behind us and I haven't stopped smiling since Saturday. My husband and I had so much fun celebrating our 40th birthdays it's ridiculous. We shared this day with so many friends {and some family}who brought with them big hugs, laughter, joy, stories, new news and oodles more.

I always look back at events like this wondering whether or not I spoke and made eye contact with everyone. Did I mingle evenly throughout the crowd? Did everyone eat and drink and have fun? I certainly hope so. There was a full bar so I'm hoping that if my hostessing skills waned, at least my husband's bartending skills fortified everyone's joyous mood.

We served appetizers that I finally got to nibble on toward say, midnight. Before then, I was too excited to eat.

We ordered a cake from Madison Park Bakery and let me tell you that I was less than pleased when I finally took a gander of the design. Without going to the bakery and talking with someone in person, I called the bakery and ordered the cake. I won't even mention how much the cake cost and will just leave the amount as -- significant. I explained that I wanted an elegant white cake, with minimal flowers and embellishments as this would be for me and my husband. I didn't want a girly, tea party cake. The woman that took my order said she knew exactly what I wanted and that she would create an elegant, gender neutral chocolate with white buttercream frosting cake.

Instead, what we got was exactly what we didn't want: a girly, tea party cake with pastel flowers. My husband wasn't the least bit happy about this and I too was feeling a bit duped. I said I would call the bakery and give them an earful for what they'd done.

After explaining this story to our good friend Mark he reminded me of what this occassion was all about. It was about the memories. He flat out said, "Don't call the bakery. Look at the situation and see it for what it is -- a memory. In a few years you'll look back on this day and go 'remember that tea party cake we ordered' and have a good laugh." I thought about this for a second and realized he was right. No harm was done. We all had a good laugh.

My husband made Pomegranate Martini's. They were divine. He pre-mixed the ingredients in this lovely glass pitcher and was able to knock these things out in a moments notice. We drank these all night. And while we had loads of wine and beer and other libations to choose from, the party favorite {for both men and woman I should say} was this pink martini.

I wonder why I don't see more men ordering these in restaurants and bars? They are so pretty.

Getting Things Done. . . Slowly

It's been far too long since my last post which probably means I haven't done much lately, or I've been flat out tired. I've been fighting a smidget of a cold for the past month which leaves me feeling like an empty shell. {I've got no oomf in me} Earlier today my youngest asked me, "Mommy, how come you're never tired?" Now just because I still answer to every single beck and call and wait on my children hand and foot doesn't mean I'm not tired. If I could put a name to it, I'd say I've been down right catatonic.

Even though I've not felt myself, I'm still trying to do good by my children. Between the screaming and heavy sighs, I take a break, give in, and just go with the flow. Is acquiescing good parenting?

For starters: homework. I'm thankful for every lick of homework that Sammy brings home. It gives me a glimpse of the curriculum and also allows me an opportunity to work with her on something that she needs to get done. Homework time is just as much my time as it is hers. To help her out a bit, since she often says, "What do I do when I run out of fingers?" I got her this handsome abacus for $10 at Ikea. I love it. I think I'll keep it long after it is no longer needed. Soon when my children are older, and calculators have fallen out of technological fashion, my kids will be computing quadratic equations using hologram, hand touch computer image devices -- I'll still be rock'n the abacus just because I think it looks cool.

  

I also added this very large number line above the chalkboard so that Sammy had another tool to help out. In first grade, number lines are all the rage.

So, even though I've been totally wiped out, I'm still getting things done -- slowly.

As well, I've got a huge party {or par-tay as some might say} planned for tomorrow evening where I hope to mingle with loads of friends, eat appetizers, drink wine and best of all, eat birthday cake. I can't wait. I'm sure my energy level will perk up by then. I've already prepped appetizer platters, bought party supplies, decorated the house and so much more. Well, I guess I have gotten a lot done despite my poor health. I'm convinced however that if I were feeling more like myself, I would have gotten it done a lot faster.

Have a good weekend.

Knitted Hat/Scarf Combo

My mother has been at it again, klick klack'n away with her beloved knitting needles. Here you see Sammy sporting the new hat/scarf combination.

I asked my mom if she could make a hat with the scarf attached and she did it. No pattern to follow, just an idea for what was needed. I love it. Isn't the color perfect?

Even though the hat was made for Alex, Sammy was the willing model. The tassel adds just the right amount of whimsy. I hope my mom has enough yarn to make one for me too. Hear that mom? Your one and only daughter needs a hat too.

Before and After: Antique Secretary

This summer I was perusing the outside donation drop off area at Value Village just minding my own business when this gorgeous desk was literally dumped in front of me from off the back of an old Ford pickup truck. I quickly turned to the closest Value Village employee and groveled, "How much?" He said $19 so I paid, called my best friend and said, "I need your van."

Next thing I knew, this bad boy was sitting in my living room. Without hesitation, I cracked open a drawer like it was a safe full of money and to my surprise, I did find a small treasure. That is, I found what I consider treasure. Inside I found an old business card that read PUGET SOUND SALVAGE & EQUIPMENT CO., a company that came about in the late 1940s after World War II. In 1978 the company was sold to Murray Pacific Corp. Then in 1985 Murray Pacific became Pacific Industrial Supply Co. which is still in business today.

Inside the desk I also found an old tarnished key which I thought strange considering there are no locks on the desk. I also found an old canceled 1/2¢ stamp. {You may not know this about me so I'll let you in on a little secret -- I used to be quite the Philatelist long ago. I don't collect stamps anymore, instead I just hold onto the thousands that I have. This little 1/2¢ gem will be added to my collection where it will sit for years until I decide to reminisce my youth with my girls.}

After seeing these little specimens of the past, I've come to the realization that I may be the proud owner of a circa 1940s antique Secretary that onced was used by nautical seadogs to write checks or log inventory or compose wires and it makes me swoon just a little bit.

Something less tangible that I am most crazy about are the ink stains that run along the inside back and drawers of the desk. These markings satisfy my curiosity as to the age of the desk. These are real, honest to goodness, inkwell stains -- when pens were dipped in ink.

Now here's the bad news -- or good news, depending on which side of the fence you're on when it comes to painting wood.

See for yourself. . .

I already have a lot of dark wood in my home and wanted something different. I like it. Do you?

Even though the desk costs a mere $19 bucks and some change, I still spent $26 bucks on a full gallon of paint. {Now I know why the paint lady looked at me strangely when I said I needed that much paint to cover a desk.} I also spent $15 dollars on the roll of wallpaper that I used to line the inside.

As a personal touch, my girls and I painted the knobs uniquely different. I instructed the girls to paint them however they wanted and they did. We each took two knobs and I think it works. Here are a few up close shots:

Artist: Sammy

Artist: Alex

Artist: Mom

Party Planning and More Party Planning

This afternoon while frothing milk for my Double Tall Soy Mocha, a drink I make each and every day for myself, I thought about Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a big to do around here since I've hosted the big dinner for the past couple of years. I enjoy the 3 days of non stop cooking leading up to the time when eight adults wiggle their bottoms into seats set around a table just large enough for six. November is always a busy time of year. Located at the lower right side of my gigantic calendar, Thanksgiving gestures me forward like a neon light. Though this year, I've got even a bigger event to plan.

This year my husband and I will celebrate our 40th birthdays. He in November {the week of Thanksgiving} and me the week before Christmas. To celebrate we're hosting a cocktail party at our home the Saturday before Thanksgiving. That means, lots of party planning will occupy a good portion of my free time over the next few weeks.

I'll admit that I am a little nervous about hosting two big events and I'm also excited about it too. I mean really, I get to shop for party decorations, a cake, flowers, candles, wine, food, etc. It'll be so much fun. Or, it will be a disaster. Let's hope for fun.

Fine Just the Way It Is: Wyoming Stories 3

Fine Just the Way It Is: Wyoming Stories 3, by Annie Proulx is a collection of short stories set in the grit and dirt of Wyoming. Here, Proulx writes effortlessly. She is a true raconteur with an acute knowledge of rugged life in rural country where horses are still highly prized and boots are worn out of necessity rather than fashion. Proulx is not known for writing happy stories, only stories that tell the truth and sugar coats nothing. Her voice authentically captures the attitude and swagger of ranch hands and homesteaders. Proulx has a way of kicking up dust with each syllable; tumbleweeds roll vigorously over every word.

Wyoming is working man territory with most of the woman putting Martha Stewart to shame. The stories are colorful and surprisingly involved for being such short stories. I suppose this is a testament to how much Proulx invests in each tale no matter the length.

These stories left me captivated and I wanted each of them to continue. Each story seemed to end with a hard stop which left me feeling obstinate in the worse way. If I couldn't get a full novel out of each story, then why bother. But the writing kept me coming back for more. I just wished it would have lasted a bit longer. I recommend this book if you are a fan of short stories and a fan of superb writing.

Starbucks Pumpkin Scones and Crafts

The Pumpkin Scones at Starbucks are so delicious. On Halloween, we went to the University District Farmer's Market where I picked up a pumpkin just for baking. I found the scone recipe here.

You can use canned pumpkin, but instead I used fresh pumpkin. It's easy, just cut the pumpkin in half, then scrape out the seeds and stringy middle.

Try to get out as much of the fibrous middle as you can. As you can see, I managed to get most of it out of one side, and the other, not so much.

Then rub olive oil on the pumpkin flesh, turn upside down on a roasting pan lined with foil, cover with foil, then bake at 425 for 1 hour.

The roasted pumpkin will be very tender and will pull away from the skin easily.

I pureed the cooked pumpkin with orange juice to thin it out a bit. The color and consistency is wonderful.

You'll see that the recipe shows two types of icing. I used just the plain powdered sugar and milk rather than the one with all the added spices. The scone itself has lots of flavor and to add more spices to the icing would be overkill. In my opinion.

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Changing subjects.

My mom made these adorable Halloween treat bags for my girls. They're recycled Starbucks bags. My mom got this idea from Martha Stewart and ran with it.

These bags are so cute and my girls were delighted to see them. They both exclaimed, "Grammy made these? WOW!"

Wow is right. What a great idea for making something old, new again.