The Muse: A Little Corner of Bates Mercantile Co.

9/11: Remember

2014-09-11T11:59:00.002-04:00

Hi guys. I know it's been a long time. As you might have guess, I took the summer off. (More about that soon.) I didn't want today to pass without marking it in some way, and I think a rerun of last year's post is perfect. For those of you who don't know, my parents were raised right outside the city (literally on the border) in Yonkers and I went to college in the Bronx. I met Garret while I was there. He had landed in the Bronx from Dublin. So, to say that New York is near and dear to our hearts is an understatement. It's quite simply, a part of us. A truly integral part of who we are. So as I think back to 13 years ago today, sitting on my coffee table watching the horror unfold, it gives me great pause. Let's all take a moment, even if it's brief, to remember those who lost their lives in NYC, DC and Shanksville, PA and then, do something good. No matter how small, just do good in honor of those who died at the hands of evil.

Rememberance & Revival

The spirit of this week in history was palpable as I stepped into St. Paul's Chapel last Friday- 9/6/2013. I was teary eyed as soon as I walked through the door and saw the memorials lining the perimeter of the historic church which became a refuge for rescue workers following the attacks of 9/11. Each and every one was moving. While I made my way around the chapel, I stopped and listened to one of the first responders recount that day to tourists from another country. They listened with mouths agape as he told of the horrors. Tears streamed down my face for the hatred man can hold for his fellow man, for the lives lost, for the horrific memories that those affected first hand must live with each and every day.

Yet there was hope all around us in the city last weekend.

All around:

The thoughtful, hard work that the men and women building freedom tower put in every day to create something strong, resilient, hopeful and entrenched with significance to honor the lives lost and mark the events of that sad day.

The birth of a new skyline not to replace the old, but rather to honor it.

The juxtoposition of the new against the old that remains.

Standing guard over our city and country, holding a light for peace.

Take a moment today to remember all who were affected and those lost on 9/11. Take a moment to imagine a world at peace.

ps- in case you missed this in the photo, it's worth mentioning that the third picture of the memorial altar has a note in the front and a picture of Rafael and his best friend Alicia Titus who was lost on 9/11. The picture was taken that morning at 6 a.m. Heartbreaking..........

Freeform Friday: Feed Your Soul Replay

2014-06-27T11:31:00.004-04:00

This Time Last Year

It's fun to go back and see what I was doing a year ago. Come to find out, my mother and I had taken a day to enjoy the beauty of Fuller Gardens. Trust me, you don't want to miss these flowers and the beauty of the gardens. I do remember this........it was hotter than hell. Just shy of 100 degrees. And we even went through the greenhouse! What are we nuts? Check out our visit here.

Lately, I've been feeding my soul by painting with watercolors. Not enough in the last couple of weeks, but I did paint something for my niece's baby shower last weekend. Something for the nursery which will soon welcome her and her husband's first baby.

It's something I say, usually as an inscription in a book for baby, when a new little one arrives. This one for my great niece-to-be, Olivia.

I wish I'd taken a picture of it in the frame, because it looked very nice.

It's always nice to give something you made to someone you love for a special occasion, don't you think? What's the last thing you made for someone?

Freeform Friday

I've never heard of Xavier Rudd, but my friend down under- Andrea of Strong Southerly was kind enough to introduce us. This song is beautiful..........and the video has some incredible nature imagery. It makes me feel good. Enjoy. Click here if you're reading via email.

No big plans this weekend other than getting ourselves ready for our big annual Independence Day Lobster Bake! Oh and pool time for sure.

Be well my friends and have a great weekend.

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday

2014-06-25T11:00:00.001-04:00

Love

Twenty six years ago today, G and I got married.

I know. Can you believe it?

Can't deny it with the 26 year time machine landing smack dab in the 80s with those sleeves, right?

Neither one of us can honestly believe it's been that long. If you're young, we're here to tell you it's not all ballyhoo- it really does go by in the blink of an eye.

Just yesterday we were starting life in a studio apartment above our friend's the Harrington's garage. It was perfectly wonderful.

There have been so many good times along the way. Of course, life is not all rosebuds and fairytales and neither is marriage. It can be challenging and it can downright hard work. In the end though, that's what makes loving someone awesome. Knowing that no matter what, you've got each other's back, your in it together, and that's the way it will always be. Life and love are good that way.

Our 2013 Annual Christmas Morning Champagne photo.

Happy Anniversary Babe- wouldn't want to be on this crazy ride with anyone else. It's you and me. Always and forever.

Do you remember when we met?

The other thing that's inspiring me today are baby photos. I've been pinning ideas for the 'first family photo shoot' I have today with my neighbor friends and their new little one Piper. She's a peach. And a month from now, the shoot I'll have with my niece and her husband when their first baby arrives.

There are so many wonderful shots to love by very talented photographers.

Check out all the baby preciousness here on my pinterest inspiration board.

So peeps, back to relationships. Make me feel super old. What's the longest relationship you've ever been in?

Ciao for now,

From The Desk Of Pamela J. Bates

2014-06-24T11:53:00.001-04:00

Northbound Knitting Branding

I've been banging away at a ton of branding design for the last year working with clients as varied as a wine consultants, skin spas, a children's boutique and everything in between. I've been quite remiss in sharing some of this work with you and thought it was high time I at least began to catch you up on that front.

When I was approached by Lisa Mutch of Northbound Knitting to design a new logo and collateral to better reflect her brand, I was excited as soon as I took a look at her shop. It's gorgeous, and so are her products. Northbound Knitting has a modern, clean aesthetic; is really well put together, and has grown into quite a success. In fact when Lisa launches her new dyed yarn batches from her studio in Barre, Ontario, Canada, they often sell out in a matter of hours if they last that long. Due to this fact, many of her customers pre-order her hand dyed yarns. Her yarns are stunning and have deep color quality to them, thanks to the color-fast acid dyes she uses. Lisa also has a booming business in great part to her knitting patterns, many featuring simple geometric lines.

We took inspiration from all of that, as well as her market and where she envisions her business going as it continues to grow.

I created two initial design concepts. The initial design Lisa chose to move forward with, was a play on her business initials- NBK, an abbreviated version of her business name which is how Lisa and a majority of her clients refer to her business.

This is how it began.

The simple, clean, straight forward lines of this logo really appeal to me.

There were only minor revisions needed for us to get to the final logo, which is one of my favorites that I've designed so far.

Here's the final branding board for NBK.

It was a pleasure to work with Lisa who was an excellent communicator about her business, her needs, and her desires, right from the get go.

Lisa began incorporating her new logo and collateral into her Northbound Knitting marketing right away, from a new shop header to new business cards and hang tags for her products, as well as social media pages.

When I get a response like this from a client, I know I've done something right.

"I'm so excited!! Your work is amazing, I can't wait to slap this logo all over!! I will also be having it tattooed on my forearm, hahaha!"

I don't think Lisa's gotten the tattoo yet, but you get the picture.

What have you been working on lately?

Make it a great day, it's a great day to have.

Ciao for now,

Hello Summer!

2014-06-23T12:49:00.001-04:00

Weekend Wrap Up

Hey gang. How goes it? Hope you enjoyed your weekend as much as I enjoyed mine. Friday night we didn't get to have a campfire as it was a bit breezy, but lovely just the same. So we sat out on the patio and some of the neighborhoodlums wandered over, Gerry and Sandee to be specific.

Sandee headed home because she was beat after a long day and a road trip, so G, Gerry and I headed inside for a little youtubing. We played some serious throwbacks and great craic!

Saturday, we spent some time in the yard and then I headed to my niece Cait's baby shower. She has a little less than a month to go before baby Olivia Marie arrives.

It was a perfect day for the festivities.

I even won a prize. We had to cut a length of ribbon as long as we thought Cait's baby belly was around. Well, first everyone was telling me I was going way too long so I went short. Then they were all chiming that I'd gone way to short and it would never fit around. Lo and behold, mine was bang on!

My niece Maddie (on the left) came in second with only a tiny gap.

I got to take pictures of some pretty cute munchkins at the shower, including baby Teddy, our niece Nicole's (center above) best friend Abby's latest cherub. We've watched Ab grow up and now she's a mom twice over. Where does the time go.

Cuteness alert! Just look at these toes!

When I got home it was a still a beautiful evening out.

G had cut down our dead (insert sad face here) apple tree. It was completely hollow inside and we had milked it as long as we could. So, G built a campfire and threw some of the trunk on. The flames shot right up through the middle.

Sunday was another glorious day. I spent it working on the pool, which I predict I will be in by the end of today. When I wasn't doing that, I was in the garden. Planting two more potatoes, doing some more mulching, mounding up around my potatoes so they produce more spuds.

Everything is looking good, including the beans.

The cardboard and leaves combo is doing a great job of keeping the weeds down. Can I get an amen on that one?

The weekend ended with great World Cup match against Portugal, who is ranked higher than the USA. Well, we let them score on a weird bounce of the ball off our defender's leg as he was trying to clear it away from the goal. That was in the first 5 minutes. Bummer. We didn't let it bring us down though. We played great, and our player Jermaine Jones came back and put one in from 64 feet out. It was monstrous. Then, we score another great goal, a real team effort ending with Clint Dempsey hip checking it in. It was classic. We were looking good. We were looking great. And then came 5 minutes of injury time added on. Down the the last 30 or so seconds and we couldn't stop Portugal from scoring. Talk about deflated hearts. That close to a big win. Ugh. But at least we came away with a tie and not a loss.

Then there was sunset meadows to soothe my woes.

Ah, that's better.
And all was right with the world.

What's on your plate for the week? Mine has lots of collateral design, ad design, some email marketing design and revisions. Full plate for sure.

Make it a good one!

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

2014-06-20T13:24:00.005-04:00

Sunset Meadows

Since you got to hear me rant about our freezing cold, snowbound wicked winter, it's only right that I tell you this.

The last week of spring has been amazing. Spring has been a bit wishy-washy, not wanting to give up winter, more gray days than I'd like, and a fair bit of rain, so the fact that is has showed it's true colors this past week has been quite welcome. I am enjoying it with a grateful heart.

Last night we sat out and watched the sunset. It was a beautiful end, to a beautiful day with that pretty, spring light streaming across the lawn and sunset meadows.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Freeform Friday

Now that the World Cup is in full force, I thought an ode to Brazil would be appropriate. You'll probably all remember this version that launched the career of Astrud Gilberto. Well, at least if you're as old as I am. Her vocals are amazing. Click here if you're reading via email .

Then of course, there is Ms. Warwick. Click here if you're reading via email.

This version I found by chance and I'm glad I did. These kids knock it out of the park. Click here if you're reading via email.

This weekend will be full. Tonight, if the breeze dies down, more than likely a campfire outback to enjoy more of this beautiful weather. Tomorrow is my niece Cait's baby shower. She's got a month to go and we'll be welcoming Miss Olivia. Sunday I hope to work in the garden and the yard. It would be nice if the pool was ready to go by then, but we will see. Don't miss the USA v Portugal on in Sunday night World Cup action at 6pm est. It's a big one! Of course, they all are. It's the World Cup.

Got anything planned for the weekend?

Whatever you do, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

10 Earthshattering Things You Didn't Know You Needed To Know

2014-06-19T11:37:00.001-04:00

About Me

It's time to share some really groundbreaking, newsworthy facts about myself. I hope you'll play along and share a little bit about yourself so we can get to know each other better.

1. It drives me crazy to watch bits and pieces of a 4 star movie. Either watch the entire film or not all. It's just not right. It might have had something to do with being a film major in college. Drives me bananas.

2. Speaking of bananas. I like them sliced in milk with a little honey or sugar.

3. I wasn't 'big' on boyfriends. I had and still have a TON of boy-friends, but although I've had a few boyfriends, I was never one that was obsessed with having to be part of a 'couple'.

4. Myself and my neighborhood pals drove my mother crazy playing Donnie Osmond's 'go away little girl' on the record player for an entire summer.

5. Mine and G's music collection includes everything from Pavarotti to the Sex Pistols, Gershwin to The Rolling Stones, ABBA to Paula Abdul (yes, Paula Abdul) and everything in between.

6. When it comes to bugs, generally speaking, I don't kill them. I remove them and put them outside. G calls it 'The Witness Relocation Program'.

7. I have performed on stage (a small stage ;) in M*A*S*H, as a wooden soldier in The Nutcracker Suite, and as Baloo the bear from The Jungle Book (in full Baloo the bear regalia). The list goes on.

8. If you're stuck on knowing who sang what song in the 60s-90s, I'm the girl who can usually bail you out.

9. I wrote a letter to Scott Baio, one of my first celebrity crushes (after Donnie Osmond), inviting him to our home for a spaghetti and meatballs. I was working the Italian angle.

10. I once stepped in a ground hive of bees when I was in 4th grade. It was after school and it scared the living day lights out of my two friends who were with me. They froze and couldn't help me as I was screaming and flailing about. Luckily, one of the teachers heard me and saved me (thank you mr. trembly). I had several stings, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

OK, your turn to spill the beans.

Go!

Make it a great day, it's a great day to have!

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Making The Most of Seasonal Crops

2014-06-18T11:20:00.004-04:00

Rhubarb

Our rhubarb crop isn't actually ours. It's our neighbors. They don't eat it. Which works for us, because we love it.

Before we talk about taste, let's talk about color. It is magnificent. The bright red stalks. The big green leaves. It is one gorgeous plant.

Then there is that wonderful tartness, when combined with sweet is enough to make you salivate.

I usually make rhubarb bread, I've tried rhubarb cake and have also made jam. I thought it was time to add to my rhubarb repertoire. So I made a crumble. Oh yeah. A crumble. Or a crunch. Whatever you want to call it.

I baked one for Dad for Father's Day and one of G (aka Mr. Sweet Tooth) and me.

We all thought it came out delicious.

I started with this basic recipe from The Farm Chicks and did a little tweaking because I was missing some of the ingredients. In the end, this is how the recipe turned out.

base:

4 cups rhubarb (chopped)
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 plain non-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rinse and chop rhubarb and set aside.

In big bowl mix flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, butter and yogurt. Press one-half of crumb mixture into a buttered 7"x11" or 8.5"x11" baking dish. (as you can see, I used a loaf pan because I couldn't find my baking dish! It worked just fine.) Top with rhubarb. Set aside and make sauce.

Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and cold water. Heat on stove until lightly bubbly and thickened. I did it in microwave according to directions but I think stove top would work better. When creamy looking and a bit thicker, take off stove and rest for a minute to allow to thicken a little more.

Pour mixture over the rhubarb. Top with the rest of the crumb mixture. Put in preheated 350F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is bubbling a bit. Take out and rest. Serve plain or with whipped cream or ice cream.

Easy enough, right?

There is nothing like taking advantage of the crops of the season. Fresh, full of flavor. See what I mean?

It makes so much more sense than fighting nature, like trying to find a non-anemic looking tomato in the winter. In-season fruits and veg are as good as it gets. There is still more rhubarb to pick, but I've got to be quick in the next couple of days before it goes to seed. I'm thinking I can even chop, blanch and freeze it. One way to have seasonal fruits and veg when it's not quite their season.

It's starting to feel like summer here. I've got the AC on for the dog because it's quite humid and he's an old boy of 14. There is a nice breeze today and I think that will be the saving grace, especially since I'm still getting the pool ready. I so wish it was done.

Today is full with bookwork, design revisions and ad deadlines and more revisions. Kind of like yesterday. What's on your plate today?

Ciao for now,

Still Life

2014-06-17T11:27:00.001-04:00

Peonies

The peonies are now officially in bloom here. The big gorgeous blooms and the fragrant aroma beg to be cut and brought in the home. I obliged.

Psssttt.........come closer.

................closer............

...........a little closer............

.........oh how I wish you could smell them.

Heavenly.

In other garden news, we have a garter snake living on the west side of The Bates Estate. I've dubbed it Henry/Henrietta since I don't know if it's male or female. I'm thinking female since I also saw a baby in the grass the other day. Today H/H was in the flower garden. Not terribly happy I was following close with a camera trying to get a shot.

Honestly though, there is no need to stick your tongue out at me! Cheeky snake.

It's another beautiful day here today. We are taking them as they come. Feels like the humidity is ramping up. I'm working on the pool, but we still have more de-leafing and filtration to do. I am hoping by the weekend I'll be able to take the inaugural dip of the season.

Did anyone catch the USA v Ghana World Cup Match last night? Well, let's put it this way.......my man Clint Dempsey came through with a goal 30 seconds in. It was a great match. Ghana is a tough team that came back to tie in the second half as we were nearing the end. Ugh. Luckily, our man Brooks came of the bench to score - the first USA goal by a replacement in World Cup history. Way to go Brooksie. Nice header! We held on to win so we were quite happy with that result. And that has been your Tuesday World Cup update. Thanks for tuning in.

Lots of design work on the desk today. Mostly logo revisions and some ad design. What's happening in your corner of the world?

Ciao for now,

A Glimpse Of The Garden

2014-06-16T11:45:00.002-04:00

In The Beginning

We still have just a few seeds left to plant. Once we get out second 'teepee' set up, some peas will be planted at the bottom. Also, I have more arugula and I think I have some more beans. There is still a corner of the garden that these can fill so we can get as much as we can come harvest time.

I also have more mulching to do with cardboard and leaves. G is supposed to pick up some more big sheets of cardboard on the way home tonight, which makes my cutting and laying job much easier than when I'm just using bits and pieces of cardboard.

Things are sprouting already and I promised you some before shots, so here they are.

An overview. See where all the leaves are? There is cardboard under those leaves, all in an effort to keep the weeds down. It will eventually at the end of the season, compost into the garden. For now, leaves and cardboard are my best friends. Now look closer.......see the green coming up among the leaves? That's my rows of veg seeds starting to pop. Once they get a bit bigger, it will be more obvious, like the row next to the cardboard. I had to leave a couple of rows undone, just to be sure I didn't place the cardboard over the seeds. Now that the rows have for the most part sprouted, I'm ready to lay more cardboard down, and top it with leaves.

I love going out in the morning to take account of what's happening in the garden.

Guess what? If you pull a radish seedling out of the ground and eat it, lo and behold it tastes just like radish. When I quizzed G in a blind taste test, he got it right away just like I knew he would.

Heart shaped early sprouts.

Sweet, yes?

Ah, the powerhouse.

Kale!

Another beautiful leafy green, swiss chard. I think this is rainbow so when it grows up, it will be a beautiful, bright and colorful.

Behold the wonder of planting a seed and watching it sprout. So cool.

I do love my beans.

You know the funny thing is, I really didn't have a taste for many vegetables as a kid.....salad, corn, potatoes, tomatoes............but I kept trying. Now, I'm don't think there is a veg I don't love.

Now these might be G's favorites, Dublin man that he is.

They came up from last year! Sometimes that happens. I think we have four or five potato plants that came back from last year's crop. Can you tell it's a mound? As potatoes grow you're supposed to keep mounding the dirt up around them, and then they grow more potatoes under that ground you mound.

This teepee is ready for pea tendrils to climb all the way up to the top. We have the branches ready to go for the second, just need to put them up and string them together.

I think the first peas may sprout today. Fingers crossed. The cukes which I planted in the middle of the teepee already have. We'll have to wait and see if that was the best planned spot.

Beyond the vegetable garden, flowers are blooming too.

How gorgeous are peonies? The layers and layers of petals. Swoon.

My rugosa rose looks better than ever. Even G noticed yesterday, and this bee this morning having a feast.

My rose by the door, which I have dubbed Audrey Jr. after the little shop of horrors because if visitors aren't careful they can be eaten up by it, is starting to bloom before I've even pruned. I'm so behind. I've got to give it a spray today with some soapy water. I see some little caterpillars munching and I will be having none of that. Happens every year but the soapy water usually does the trick. Works for aphids too.

That's what is happening at The Bates Estate this Monday, what's happening in your world?

In World Cup news, I was thinking of my blogging/etsy friends Marieken and her mom Wilma on Friday, as I watched the rematch of Spain V. Netherlands. In the last World Cup, Spain beat the Netherlands in the final. Friday, Netherlands stomped on Spain 5-1. I could picture Marieken and Wilma decked out in their team and country's famous bright orange, leaping with joy each time a goal was scored. It was quite a match. Sorry Spain, better luck in the next game. There were other great matches over the weekend as well, a good start to the month long competition. USA plays it's first game this evening against Ghana, always a tough competitor for us. I think we're well prepared though, under our manager Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German player who was quite a powerhouse and part of the West German team who won the World Cup in 1990. We've got a great roster of players, including my man and our captain Clint Dempsey and the rest of the guys. A well rounded team.

AP photo by Jack Dempsey

I believe that we can win.

I will of course, be watching this evening. Will you?

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday

2014-06-13T13:59:00.002-04:00

Ah, The Wrong Hit of A Key

I was just complete my post which had a lovely selection of art, and poof. It's gone.

So, I shall wrap up this sad chapter of my blogging week with a simple freeform friday.

Freeform Friday

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm a soccer fan and pretty happy that The World Cup has begun. I'm loving this commercial from McDonald's, which isn't about McDonald's as all. Rather, some fancy footwork from some 'unknowns'. It will leave you saying 'NO WAY!'. Click here if you're reading via email.

And for my fellow USA fans, believe. Click here if you're reading via email.

Good luck to all the other countries participating and to all the fans, enjoy watching!

Any plans for the weekend? Tonight I think we'll be close to home and probably just grab a pie with the neighborhoodlums. Tomorrow, we have a double graduation party for our nephew Joe who just graduated from college and our niece Maddie who graduated from high school last night. There may be lobster in the picture, and perhaps steamers. It's all good to me.

Father's Day here on Sunday, so we're sure to see my Dad.

I was younger and thinner then, but hey, I like this picture!

My Dad is the go to man, the problem fixer, the missile engineer, the many of many costumes and disguises, the best clam sauce chef around. Generally speaking, he's the best! Happy Father's Day Dad!

Have a great weekend all.

Ciao for now,

PS- damn wrong keystrokes. It was such a lovely selection of art I had compiled for you.

Moving Outside

2014-06-12T13:52:00.002-04:00

Al Fresco

It's the time of year hear when we start to spend more and more time outside.We hanker for every little second we can get, so we can store up those good feelings for a winter reserve.

There's lots of dreaming going on too. As summer approaches, cue the 'things I want to do this summer' lists. One of the things we love to do in the beautiful weather is spend time in the yard.
We may call it The Bates Estate, but in reality it is a humble little cottage, with an above ground pool and small patio, a fire pit, a shed that needs a desperate purging and cleaning, and of course gardens (both flower and veg) that need to be mulched. Then there is always weeding, cutting the grass and weed whacking that always on the to do list.

Much the same all over the world I imagine.

So let's take a moment and go back to that dreaming I was telling you about.

Some wonderful things I'd love to incorporate into the Bates Estate.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to dine here? (of course, before the mosquitoes come out)

via homelife, photographer Simon Griffiths

I love the vegetable garden surround the dining area, and that dangling ivy. Quite magical.

Or perhaps we shall dine under this wondrous canopy. The only thing missing from this picture is a glass of wine.

photograph by clive nichols

I quite like the rustic tin shack feel of this little beach-side retreat. I could be quite happy lounging on

that porch. It's got character.

via design sponge

Like a more 'put together feeling'? This one's for you.

via decorpad.com

I'd love to do some transplanting in this sweetest of sweet potting sheds.

via better homes and gardens

If my shed looked like this, I'd live in it.

via better homes and gardens

Tired of toiling in the garden shed? Take a seat on this palette deck.

via hoosier homemade

OK, that's enough outdoor dreaming for today. Get back to work!

In honor of the start of the World Cup today (anybody else crazy enough to set their alarm at 2am to watch USA matches in previous cups?), kick it from here to Brazil and back today. Happy Thursday.

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday

2014-06-11T12:39:00.001-04:00

Bear Hugs

These are not just the kind of bear hugs you thought of when you read that title. These bear hugs are inspiring and have more meaning, and leave me with more questions than answers.

I hope you take a moment to watch this video. It isn't long and once you have, I'd love to know what you think about a few things. The description of the video reads: "Pro Infirmis conducts an experiment: there are only a few people who don`t have empathy with disabled people. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian often stays empty. Handicapped people are a regular part of our society."

Click here if you're reading via email.

You're back?

So, why do you think it's easy to hug the bear, but many of us keep our distance people like the man in the bear suit every day?

What are we scared of?

Why is it so hard to remember that a little kindness goes a long way?

I wonder what Fabian thought after this 'bear hug' experiment and if it made him feel good that people were hugging him or if it made him feel bad that it only happened when he was wearing a bear suit instead of looking like himself.

Fabian is inspiring me today. What's inspiring you?

Make it a great day, it's a great day to have.

Ciao for now,

Digging In The Dirt

2014-06-09T11:08:00.004-04:00

Or, How I Spent My Weekend

Dirt under my nails, dirt all over my feet, dirt all over my clothes, my face, my hair..........
it was all about being outside, away from the computer way more than I usually am, and working in the garden this weekend.

We started on Saturday morning as we went on a quest for more organic seeds and potatoes (to add to the four I found growing in the garden already from last year) and some organic tomato seedlings. We lucked out on both fronts finding our seeds at the local Agway just around the corner. The seedlings we found at a local organic farm stand where I was greeted by a roaming chicken. They had a nice selection of tomatoes, except for one I always plant for freezing: Romas. So I am still on a quest for some Roma seedlings.

Once we got back to The Bates Estate we got busy outside in the vegetable garden.

We were 'one with nature'.

G had some some planting last weekend, beans, spinach, kale, radish, lettuce, and chard.

To that we added more green beans, peas, cucumbers, potatoes, butternut squash, buttercup squash, summer squash, arugula and peas. Oh, and more radish because I didn't know G had planted some already until I was watering this morning and noticed he had radish popping up. Should be good for salads this summer to say the least.

It's a pretty big garden and in addition to planting I worked hard on mulching with cardboard covered with leaves between each row. On top of that, we hope to put some salt marsh hay (it doesn't have grass seeds and weeds that get into your garden bed like regular hay can) on top for extra mulch. I'm hoping it will do a great job at keeping the weeds down so all the veg can grow, grow, grow. G needs to pick up some more cardboard for me and then I can continue on my merry mulching way in hopes of staving off the weeds. We shall see.

I'll take some pictures of what it looks like now so you can see along with us, how the garden progresses. Be prepared for a midsummer weed takeover picture if the mulch doesn't do what I'm hoping it will do.

All of that said, it just felt so awesome to be out in the sunshine digging in the dirt. There is something about working in the soil and earth that, although it it's hard work, it's also stress relieving.

So I challenge you to get out in nature this week and take it all in whether you're digging in the dirt or walking in the woods or through a park. Just breathe it all in.

What was happening in your world this weekend? Did you get out and dig in the dirt or did curl up with a good book inside? Spill the beans.

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday: Bookclub/Champagne Ladies & 70 Years Later

2014-06-06T12:00:00.002-04:00

Back To The Garden

I spent the evening with my Bookclub/Champagne Ladies last night. A soul-refreshing and welcome respite from the daily grind.

We gathered at Kath's, aka Soy Goddess, on the hill in Kensington where we took time to visit her garden which supplies not only her household, but her restaurant Blue Moon Evolution in Exeter, NH.

It rained all day, but it cleared up ever so nicely, just in time for the garden tour and sunset.

Here's Kath/Soy Goddess, Laurel/Pearl, and Carey/Martha. Oh, and Otis' butt.

And Kath, Me, and Carey (taken by Pearl).

Of course you can bring champagne on a garden tour!

Oh, and the view. Did I mention the view? Another Big Sky view like Andrea's in yesterday's post.

The garden hostess. Always on the hunt for weeds.

Next time I'll have my camera in hand, not just my phone.

Then the sun started to set.

Ah.

And one more glimpse of the view as we headed back to the house.

Thanks Kath.

I needed that.

Freeform Friday

As I was choosing something to go along with the garden tour, I thought immediately of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Back to the Garden at Woodstock and found this great footage. Click here if you're reading via email.

When it got the end, they'd tagged on Find The Cost of Freedom - with this refrain 'find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground, Mother Earth will swallow you, lay your body down'. A chilling sentiment and fitting today, the 70th Anniversary of D Day. The day in which allied forces stormed the beaches at Normandy. Casualties for the Allied forces, on the first day alone, were at least 12,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. That is the horrifically sad, and tragic cost of freedom. Click here if you're reading via email.

In honor of those who fought in the invasion and especially those who gave their lives for the freedom of others on this day 70 years ago today, and never got home to their sweethearts, a song that was beloved during the war, probably because it helped the soldiers think of happier times at home. Click here if you're reading via email.

God bless them all.

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend.

Ciao for now,

CREATE: challenge no. 1 reveal

2014-06-05T11:51:00.001-04:00

Just The Two Of Us

In the end, there were two.

Myself and Andrea of Strong Southerly are the only ones who participated in the CREATE: challenge no. 1. And that's OK. Even if it was just me, it would be OK. I know it got some of you thinking about creating something just for the sake of creating. It certainly got me thinking and doing and that in itself is a success.

In case you don't remember, for the inaugural CREATE challenge, there were NO rules. Hell yeah, and pass the hot sauce. I'm not a huge fan of rules so this totally worked for me. And it also worked for Andrea, who despite having been down with the count with the flu while juggling a job and a wee lad, managed to take a moment and capture the beauty of her surroundings in Australia.

As Andrea herself dubbed it, Big Sky.

The colors are so soft and lovely.

These mourning doves need to turn around, they're missing the sunset!

What a lovely Big Sky view you have Andrea. Thanks for sharing a little part of your world. By the way Andrea, I have a sky obsession too. So many different hues and moods. You just never know what you're going to get.

Now, me. I'd had this idea jingling around my head for awhile: 'Do something with an altoid tin.'

Gathering inspiration for the challenge, I finally knew what I was going to do.

I collected a few pieces that had positive meaning........a note and string that came with the lovely bracelet I won on Diana's blog from Sima G. A sand dollar I found on the beach where I grew up. A feather from one of my nature walks in Sunset Meadows with the dog. A heart rock I found at the beach on the most wonderfully beautiful day. And some shimmery ribbon that's been in my jar of bits and pieces for ages, a reminder that even pieces of things can have new life.

And then I painted with watercolors, did a little decoupage and hot gluing and viola.

My first pocket altar.

Want a look inside?

As I've said before, I'm not terribly religious person, but I am spiritual and well, Mary.......she's my girl.

She never did come out quite the way I wanted, but I took a breath and let it go and in the end, I think my little pocket altar it turned out sweet.

So small I can take it with me anywhere.

I hope more of you will join in the next challenge, I really enjoyed getting Andrea's pictures in my inbox.

For now, if you did participate and forget to tell me, feel free to send me the pics and I'll be sure to share in another post. Or if you blogged about it, please be sure to post a link in the comments below.

My new little neighbor came home from the hospital yesterday. Before I headed out to the garden yesterday evening, I popped over to hold baby Piper. What a wonderful treat. Babies, miracle of miracles. Sigh.

I hope you all have a fantastic day and I hope you'll think about creating something with no rules!

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Back To Garden, so to speak

2014-06-04T11:43:00.003-04:00

Flowers, Weeds & Wellies

I wish I could find more time to be in my flower gardens. Even though weeding is a ton of work that is always ongoing, there is something meditative about it. The quiet of the garden, taking notice of the small things, time to think or just be present.

I've dubbed my corner garden Wild Thing. I am currently working in the front bed, which can see a bit of here- it's just beyond the weeds that have taken over my walkway (if you were to turn around an look the other way, you'd know instantly why I call it wild thing. It's a jungle. I kid you not). I'm not sure why, but in the front bed, I can grow grass like a golf course landscaper. In my lawn? Not a hope. The flower garden, absolutely! So, I just peck away at the grass and the weeds. 15 minutes here and there if I take a break from my desk and walk around the yard with the hound. An hour there, if I get a chance at the end of the day. Hours upon hours if I take a day on the weekend. See what I mean about never done?

I'm OK with that though. It's just enjoyable to be digging in the dirt at this time of year.

Today, the garden is inspiring me. The resilience of the flowers after a hard winter. The resilience of weeds, no matter what. Noticing the little things, like the small toad that keeps hopping about this flower bed every time I'm in it weeding. The transplanted peonies that don't look any worse for wear. Getting my hands dirty. The flowers that are ready to pop any day. The colors. The smell. It's all inspiring.

Add to my time in the garden, the fact that I came across these wellies that are calling my name. So much so that I just had to paint them because, they're all about 'what's to come' in the garden.

"Pam"

"Yes, wellies?"

"You need us."

"I know."

What's inspiring you today?

CREATE Challenge no.1- LAST DAY!

OK, the time is nigh.

This is it.

Hopefully those who said they wanted to participate are reading today, because tomorrow I will be posting my results and others, for CREATE challenge no. 1. Even if it's just lil' ol' me.

If you're in, shoot me a pic (QUICK) of your project so I can include it, okee dokee?

Right then. I'm off to take care of the many tasks at hand which include logo revisions and printing, packaging and shipping. Another busy day.

What's happening in your world?

Whatever is happening, rock it like Mick and the boys.

Ciao for now,

Spring Love & CREATE Challenge no. 1, Last Call!

2014-06-03T12:14:00.001-04:00

A High Five For Spring

While the weather continues to be glorious today, I thought it was time to share with you lovelies, some things that I love about Spring.

1. Getting back out into our yard.

After such a long, snowy, damn cold Winter, being able to get back into the yard is like a meditation. We've been working a good bit in the yard, doing spring clean up. We've a way to go but it's nice to have weather that allows you to do that.

2. The flowers

The lilacs have passed now, but there are so many other things making their presence known from lily of the valley, the soloman seal, rhodedendrons, azaela, jacob's ladder, and the peonies are coming! What a wonderful time of year to enjoy the blooms of the season. I love to go outside and snip a little of whatever happens to be blooming. What a treat.

3. The temperature

As I mentioned, it was a cold (read COLD) winter. Sub zero, freezing wind chills, through-the-first -couple-of-cord-of-wood-before-February-had-to-order-more kind of winter. The spring temperatures we've had for the last week (it took awhile to really kick in here), are an absolute delight. The kind that make you want to play hookey.

4. Back stoop

I get to take over the back stoop again for my morning cuppa. I haven't got to cleaning the area up yet, but regardless, being able to sit on the back stoop in the sun and enjoy a cuppa tea to get the day going is a perfectly wonderful ritual. Soon, it will be cleaned and my geraniums will make the back stoop so much prettier.

5. The soft spring sunsets

The seem most often, not quite as brilliant as summer sunsets here. Lovely just the same, but a little softer and more muted like they're getting warmed up for summer. That's not to say there aren't brilliant sunsets at this time of year, because there are, but softer skies prevail more often.

What are you loving about spring?

Are You In?

If you're one of the people who wanted to participated in the CREATE Challenge no. 1, it's coming to a close. I'll be publishing my project on Thursday. If you'd like to play along, I'd love it if you did! Read all about it here. Remember, this time around there are no rules. It can be as simple as taking a photo, drawing a picture, baking a cookie. Only rule is to create something. I hope you'll be joining me!

Have a fantastic Tuesday. I'll do my best to get a lot of work done as I finalize some branding boards and ignore the fact that it's an absolutely beautiful day here.

Ciao for now,

Something Sweet

2014-06-02T14:06:00.001-04:00

Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice

We have a new neighbor! That's where my thoughts are on this beautiful Spring Monday. Our neighbor-friends next door now have a bundle of joy, a sweet little girl to cherish.

It's their first and they are very excited to say the least.

So here's something sweet from yesterday's watercolor playtime. A stack of colorful macarons to get your Monday and the rest of the week off to a good start.

Enjoy the day and make it a great week!

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday: Thrift Score

2014-05-30T12:49:00.001-04:00

A Thrifting Birthday

Last Friday was my Mom's birthday and we celebrated with or second annual thrifting trip to Salvation Army. First however, we started with lunch and a margarita!

We also shared delicious bruschetta and onion rings. Then we were ready for The Sally.

I almost immediately found my best score of the day, but I'll save it for last.

I thought these pineapple candleholders were very festive. Wouldn't they look great on a patio? However, they didn't go into my basket.

These didn't get these either, but I had to get a shot because all I could think of my etsy/blogging friends Marieken and Wilma.

Ditto for the lovely candleholders, which totally would have been mine if I didn't already have several Waterford pairs. How pretty are these? And check out the price!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and Mom came away with a classic ginger jar-esque lamp for the porch. For a mere $8. Way to go Marge!

I did better than the birthday girl though.

I got 6 awesome hardcover books (one I gave to G immediately). I was buying 4 when the lady told me if I bought one more I'd get another free. I was in like Flynn.

The illustrations in the Louisa May Alcott book are so sweet!

This book I scored reminded me of Cecilia of Caligraphando, another blogging and instagram pal.
She is a fantastic caligrapher. I used to dabble years ago, but I've no idea where all my supplies went. Guess another trip to Michael's is in store now.

There's a wonderful variety of artists in the modern drawing book.

I especially love Matisse.

It will be fun to go through though, because there are plenty of artists who I've never even heard of before.

Speaking of artists, my best score was this beautiful Degas print, classe de danse.

I put it in my basket immediately. I've always loved Degas. I haven't hung it quite yet, but we're thinking the kitchen because the colors go so well.

The print isn't only gorgeous, it's also professionally framed. Oh yes, you are coming home with me.

When I got it home, upon further inspection I found this embossed stamp.

Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie. Now this is getting interesting.

Come to learn that the Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie is 'is a institution created in 1797 covering three types of activities: a collection of engraved copper plates attached to the Department of Prints and Drawings of the Louvre Museum , a collection of prints and a print shop' (from wikipedia). Then I also found the site for Musee Du Louvre Chalcographie, which lists this print at 65 Euro (so nearly double that for US $$).

Add to that the professional archival framing that was done, and I'd say my little $5.99 investment was a pretty sound one.

I also came away with the comfiest Tommy Hilfiger navy and white polka dot lounge pants, a brand new top, and an adorable navy and white striped summer jacket. I did good.

High five for the thrift score!

I'd say we really need to make this little trip of ours more than annual.

Have you gone thrifting or to any yardsales lately? What was your best find?

Freeform Friday

This song just makes me dance and sing (and if you've heard the country western remake, this is the original, just so you know). It feels good! I hope it does the same for you. Thank you Sonia Dada! Click here if you're reading via email.

Any plans for the weekend? Here at The Bates Estate it will more than likely be a good mix of work and play. We have a long to do list as we continue to try to get the yard 'springed up' and the garden planting finished. I still have much work to do in my flower gardens too. I think we'll probably be hanging with the neighborhoodlums tonight and beyond that, no set plans.

Whatever you do this weekend, make it a good one.

Ciao for now,

CREATE: Challenge no.1.....giving it one more week!

2014-05-29T11:32:00.001-04:00

New Reveal Date

Hi gang. Today was supposed to be the day that I revealed CREATE challenge no. 1.

I'm done with mine, but know that others have been pressed for time, have been sick, just found out about it, etc. so I'm extending the challenge one week. Next Thursday it is. So, now that you have another week I hope you'll consider joining in the challenge.

************************

I'm sure like many of you, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Maya Angelou yesterday. She was a gift to all of us, if we listened close enough to her wisdom. She lived an extraordinary life and we were lucky that she shared a lot of it with us. She was witty, and intelligent, and humble, and talented, and beautiful, and so many other things all wrapped up in one.

Maya was rather magnificent in my opinion and I will miss her. If only they made more ~~women~~, people like her, the world would be a better place.

Rest in peace Ms. Angelou. Know that you made a difference.

Make it a great day, won't you? It's the only day we've got.

Ciao for now,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Take A Walk With Us

2014-05-28T12:44:00.004-04:00

Nature, As Always

I am always and utterly inspired by nature. It never bores me, it always has a surprise in store, or a new way to show you something. It's glorious. Even when it rains.

I put my wellies on this morning and Lucan and I took a short walk around the yard, to see what was popping in the gardens. First to the corner woodland garden.

One of the easiest things I've found to grow, are tiger lilies. Transplanted from my sister's garden, divided and divided again in my own gardens. No fuss, no muss, just thrives. That's the kind of plant I'm looking for.

OK, I admit it, this buttercup was in the grass, not the garden. I'm glad G missed it with the weed whacker.

This is a funny plant, fragaria or non-fruiting strawberry. They were all pink like this when I planted them and then a couple of years ago, they started to turn white. This year I see a few more pink again which makes me happy because it was pretty spring color. Just look at the center of that flower. Too cool.

Behold, the wild honeysuckle that planted itself. The bees were really buzzing around this on Monday.

Perennial geranium. I love the veining in the petals.

Jacob's Ladder, one of the earlier spring flowers in my garden. It's still happily blooming away.

This Solomon Seal was here when we bought the place. I've divided and replanted in the woodland corner garden and it's quite happy there too. It's very tall and quite showy in a vase because of it's dramatic height.

Look what's coming!

Peonies. A transplant from my mother's garden. Big beautiful white blooms with the slightest trace of a burgundy highlight.

Soon.

The only thing that has buds on it yet in the poolside garden, a lowly weedy-wildflower I let grow. I have no idea what it is but it's a great cover that laces it self through everything else without strangling anything. It blooms the sweetest white flowers.

Now, I'll let you in on a secret. It's called the wonders of a close up.

Because in 'non-close up' reality, this is what the corner woodland garden currently looks like.

And that's after working in it a good part of the weekend.

Sure things seem pretty happy, well the lilies are certainly happy, but the weeds! The damn weeds have taken over my path. Yes, all the stuff from the rocks on the edge of the burm to the front bed of the garden.......weeds. Oh, what to do.

For now, I shall ignore them and choose to look closer. At least until I can spend another day out there. Oh, and get a big jug of white vinegar. Did you know white vinegar diluted with some water will kill weeds if sprayed on them? Be careful though, because it will kill everything it's sprayed on. But on a walkway, it's a perfect non-chemical solution.

Isn't it amazing what you can find if you look close enough?

I'm so glad G and I brought more lilacs in yesterday. It happens sometimes.........they bloom and then we're saddled with wet days. That's what has happened this year. BUT, we filled the house with one more round of their intoxicating smell.

That's the largest vase I have in my collection. It's Waterford and it's seriously heavy once it's full with water. Had to have G help me put it on the windowsill! Yes, that heavy.

Nature and looking close are what's inspiring me today.
What's inspiring you?

Hey, don't forget if you're participating in CREATE challenge no. 1 and want me to include pics of your creation in tomorrow's post, shoot me an email to pbates (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net. And if you're doing a post on your blog, shoot me a link (or be ready to post it...see below).

Though, I may do as Andrea suggested and just post a link up, that way people can link up whenever they are finished. Keep your eyes open!

Have a great Wednesday in your part of the world and I'll do the same in mine.

Ciao for now,

A Slice of American Pie

2014-05-27T11:59:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day, Anywhere, USA

Each year I go to my hometown's Memorial Day parade and services.

This year was no different, other than the fact I was missing my Memorial Day partners (my sister Di and my brother in law Al, who were up north for a surprise party this year). G met me there and we did the usual routine beginning with watching the parade step off.

Then we waited to see Uncle George.

Here he comes.

Ah, there he is! (Korean War, and two tours in Vietnam. Semper Fi!)

The Marine ROTC was sizable this year.

Then we get a little pep in our step and marched along with the band.

All while continuing to take photos of the brigade of boy scouts, cubbies, girl scouts, brownies and daisies.

And the mounted police.

Then we cut through a side road to meet the parade on the back end once they've made their way through town. They stop at the Legion Post to lay a wreath at the War On Terror Monument which lists the names of the service people from NH who have died in the War On Terror.

Freedom has the highest price of all.

Then it's on to the cemetery, where my parents stand at the gates, among the crowd that amasses there. (That's Dad amongst the flags- who served during the Korean War).

Waiting to salute and applaud our servicemen and servicewomen.

Then it's into the cemetery we go for Memorial Day services, which of course starts with the Anthem.

And of course recognition for our soldiers. That's U. Norm in the plaid. One of only a handful of WWII vets left who were present. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

We always have a featured speaker, this year Rear Admiral Thomas Richards, Navy Seal (ret), who's impressive 30 year career resume was longer than his speech!

The junior high girl's chorus, including sister Di's neighbor girls Jamie and Samantha (who is in high school and got called to 'stand in'), sing God Bless America and the crowd joins in.

Then gun salute, led by Uncle George and carried out by fellow members of Legion Post 35 (including our amusing pal Warren to U. George's left).

Heads are bowed, and I shed tears Taps is played, considering the huge sacrifice some have given for their country and freedom.

After the services conclude we get to say hello to some of our favorite Veterans.

As Mom and Dad say hi to their pal, Uncle Norm, G greets Uncle George coming up the rear.

It was not dissimilar to other years. A chance to pay homage to those who weren't so lucky and didn't come home.

The rest of our weekend was spent getting groceries at Trader Joe's followed by lots of yard work. It's looking better out there in the back 40, but there is a long way to go. So much to do, so little time. We fit in some war movies as well, some skyping with friends and family, I baked an eggplant Parmesan and yesterday we smoked a chicken. All in all, a full weekend.

I hope you enjoyed yours.

And when someone asks you how you're doing today, tell them 'excellent'! That's Uncle Norm's advice to his fellow residents at RiverWoods. I think it's worth repeating. Excellent!

Ciao for now,

Freeform Friday: Gone Thrifting

2014-05-23T11:40:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

I'm heading out of the office shortly. It's my Mom's birthday and we're heading to Salvation Army to do some thrifting. We're going to grab a lunch or an ice cream sundae for sustenance so we have the energy we need to hunt for good stuff that can't be left behind.

We did the same thing last year.

First thing we found was a hat from our friend's restaurant! Ha!

So, do have yourselves a wonderful Friday, won't you?

We will be sure to and I'll take some pics along the way to share with you.

Happy Birthday Mom! You deserve a great day!

Here's Marge at her big surprise party last year, surround by her lifelong guy pals.

Wishing you all you want, today and every day.

Yup. I'm still making cards for Mom. Can you take it?

Freeform Friday

Oh the memories this one brings back. My parent's loved the dixieland band that used to play at Bailey's restaurant at our beach (which is sadly long gone, it was a great place). They had an awesome upstairs barn lounge and the sound was great. My parent's even hired the band for one of their LBJ Day lobster bakes (but that's another story for another time). Here's to good memories and good dixieland jazz. It get's my feet moving. Click here if you're reading via email.

Make it a great day, it's a great day to have!

Ciao for now,

Create: challenge no. 1, The Beginning

2014-05-22T11:39:00.000-04:00

Pulling It Together

We're a week into Create: challenge no. 1, and for me it's been all about thinking, and mulling, and formulating an idea.

Not to put the pressure on myself, but I wanted to create something I really hadn't created before and that would have some meaning.
I think I've finally gotten somewhere. At least the start of somewhere.

I'm collecting bits of bobs that I have.

Some things that may speak to me in little ways.

I've entrusted myself to endeavor to create something that separate, may not be that much, but when together, form something that will be close to my heart.

Has anybody else made progress?

Want to join in? Check out this post. Create to live, live to create!

I'm a girl with a mission this week, checking things off the list left and right. Here's to the trend continuing today because it feels rather nice.

What's happening in your world?

Ciao for now,