Obtaining homeostasis

Pinterest Round-Up: Menu Planning, Week 2

2013-10-07T08:06:00.003-04:00

Time for the second week of menu planning! So, I said I would post on Friday, but time got away from me...As I have said, I tend to binge--well by mid-week I was certainly binging--I had a reasonably large order I was working on for the Anderson Ranch gift shop out in Colorado, but instead of buckling down to finish that ASAP, I decided to start a new cleaning project for myself, which turned out to involve a whole lot of thinking, tossing, and rearranging our little office space and my daughter's craft supplies (which is still not complete). I also committed to baking a cake, participating in a cardboard challenge at my daughter's school, and riding my bike through the city for Ciclovia (it was much different riding my bike on the streets this time, since all the roads we were on were shut down to car traffic). Anyway, better late than never.

I forgot to mention something in my last menu plan post--when I cook for a week with only three meals, there is some improvisation that has to happen in order for things to stay interesting and to use up any extra ingredients. For example, with the Vegetarian Kale soup, I also made a simple rice dish. It was brown and black rice, with some garlic and carrots. I was happy with the colors of this--Happy Autumn :) The next night, I made those Denver Sandwiches to go with the tortellini soup (which I froze most of). When I went to reheat the soup for dinner the next night, some improv cooking was in order: in order to use up the ham, peppers, and half an onion from the sandwich, I made fried rice with the leftover carrot rice I had made two nights prior. YUM.

This week, the meals are getting a bit heartier--it's cooler, and the produce I have just lends itself to comfort food. So, here it is:

This is so autumnal it's not even funny; just look at all that warm comfort, emanating from these Pork Chops and Squash with Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette. I will probably serve this with some raw spinach that I picked up over the weekend, while getting some cake ingredients to remake a mistake.

This Lentil Chili is made in a crockpot--I LOVE my crockpot in the colder months. I will be serving this with brown rice, and some raw veggies--keeping it simple, so while my food cooks, I can do a laundry list of other things!

This is another beautiful looking dish--Individual Pot Roasts with Thyme glazed carrots.

I may wind up freezing some lentil chili, but in the third week, these frozen leftovers are very helpful, since improvisation becomes key...when it's mostly about eating up leftovers and using up straggler ingredients.

On Photographing Soup

2013-10-02T14:43:00.003-04:00

The other day, I had a Pinterest Round-Up of recipes I planned on using for the upcoming week. I knew I wanted to make Vegetarian Kale Soup, but when I went to find a nice picture that went along with the recipe, there were none to be found...The photos were either grainy, out of focus, or just grotesque looking. So, in that blog post, I said I might give photographing the soup a try. Well, I did. And, while they may not be amazing, they are certainly better that looking at a zoomed in image of someone's pot of soup. ICK.

Vegetarian Kale Soup

When photographing soup, or any food, really, there are several things you should focus on in order to avoid the unappetizing food photograph. Who is going to want to make and eat something that looks gross?

It seems pretty easy to make this mistake, but the gross factor can be avoided.

Use natural light--I tried photographing some food, inside, at night--all the photos went into my trash--they were yellowish, and glaring, with a contrast that was too high to fix. Bleh.

Allow you subject (food) to have room to breathe--don't go and zoom all the way into your pot/bowl--when I see food photography, I want to drool over it, not feel like I'm drowning in it.

Quality, not Quantity. So you made your soup in a pot...We know...But, really, do you think that a HUGE pot of liquid, with stuff floating in it is going to be attractive? Take your ladle and spoon some of that scrumptiousness into a bowl. Make it look pretty and neat--ready to eat :)

Focus on the "stuff"; clearly photographed broth, with blurry solids is a no-no.

When editing, lower the contrast if necessary--contrast really brings out the gross factor.

I by no means claim to be the guru of food photography; in fact this was my first really successful go at it. My struggles with this subject, combined with the unappetizing food photos I sometimes come across, led me to write a little something on the topic--something is better than nothing, right?

leave your own tips down below!

Small Moments: A Scary Bike Ride and a Stroll to the Edge

2013-10-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

I really thought for sure my small moments series was going to be put off, like I so often do with things relating to my blog. It's so easy to get caught up in all of the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, all the while brushing off the little nag in your ear, whispering for you to slow down, to just let go and make some time to enjoy the environment around you.

Today, I (kind of) begrudgingly took to the city streets on my bike, to join my husband on his ride to class. I say begrudgingly because up until today, I have only ridden on trails, free of cars, and not too much to think about in terms of my LIFE. He thinks I should get used to it, and the only way to do that is to just do it. So, I did...And, I survived. We went only a little ways from our home to where he had his morning class at Rutgers University. While he was in class, I moseyed around, through a part of the campus, and a little ways beyond, to the edge of downtown...Then, I got distracted by another project of mine, walked into Harvest Moon, a local Bar/Brewery to photograph a bartender, who also happens to be their brewer.....but we won't talk about that project because it's a secret....

it's electric!!
after I shot this, I started seeing different types of electric covers all over the place.

Draining.

Not my bike.

I love that fire hydrants around the city are old--no matter what new buildings are erected, these guys pretty much remain the same.

Observe...the observatory.

I even had a social moment! I know, me, talking to strangers. This guy is a local.
We chatted and I photographed him...because I could.
Dude has some nice cheekbones, doesn't he?

A little note on photographing people....After I took this photo of the gentleman above, people started to become interesting to me. Several times along my walk I wanted to photograph a person, without them knowing I was doing it...But I was terrified of getting my ass beat, especially by the homeless guy smoking his cigarette. Any advice in regards to getting comfortable aiming a lens at someone who can easily tell you are photographing them would be awesome. I know it's legal and all (thank you, public domain), but still...awkward much?

oh autumn, you are here.

yea, that's right, NYC we have one too....except ours is some alley-type street sandwiched between the train station and an apartment high-rise.

ohhh, this crane...I have photographed this thing several times recently from different locations. I love it, what can I say.

this was pretty much the last photo I had time to take before I headed back to the bikes.

After my walk, I met back up with my husband to journey back home. We took a different route back, which was on Easton Ave, a street with considerably more traffic, and less room to ride than the street we took going out. Several cars beeped; overall it wasn't too bad though. Once we got home I reflected on the ride, and came to this conclusion: I don't know if I could get used to using a bike for transportation in a city. I like to think of bike riding as a relaxing activity, not one that's like this: GO, GO, GO, don't blow out your knee, but GO, GO, GO!!! Cars and lights and pedestrians, OH MY!!

I may continue to make an effort to get used to the bike, but for now, I prefer my own to feet, against the solid ground.

Pinterest Round-Up: Menu Planning

2013-09-29T08:53:00.001-04:00

So. One of my beneficial binges comes once every two-three weeks. And that is the creation of our (me and the-mouse-in-my-pocket's) menu plans for the upcoming weeks. If inventory needs restocking, this menu plan is accompanied by a four hour grocery shopping fiasco...nooooo.....it doesn't take me four hours in the grocery store. Two of those hours are spent driving to the army base "near" us to utilize their grocery. Why, you ask? Because that's what I'm willing to do to save some money. A lot of money. So, I think ahead, and stock up on nearly all of the ingredients I need to make my recipes for the upcoming weeks, leaving off some critical produce that i know will rot before i make the food it goes into. i also try to organize my menu plan in such a way that the produce that is known to go bad first is used first, while heartier root crops and cold crops are saved for the end of the week or even the following week. in between these trips of insanity, i just pop in to my loal grocery store to get whatever produce I left off the original list. So there it is, some more proof that I'm a housewife.

This week is one of those fiasco weeks. So, the list is long, and there are about two weeks of recipes (probably more, I always over estimate). When I'm making my plan, I like to think that I have the energy to cook every night, and that leftovers won't rot away in the fridge, uneaten, due to a lack of stomach space....In reality, I cook about three-four nights a week, saving room for leftovers that become lunches and parts of the two remaining dinners. On the weekends, I am mostly cook-free--my daughter spends most Saturday nights at my parents' home and on Sunday nights we go there for dinner for a nice home-cooked meal, NOT cooked by me.

Now, to the point of this post. Well, sort of.... I have several recipe apps on my phone (food network, epicurious, and allrecipes). But, my number one recipe finder and storage app is Pinterest. Even when I use a different app to find a recipe, I pin it. That way my meal plan/recipe inspiration is all in one neat and tidy place. And, really, I don't find the recipe apps to be any more efficient on my ipad in the kitchen than the websites they are on. So I say, just pin it. Yea, google, that's right, Pinterest is as cool as you.

Ok, NOW to the point. I wanted to share with you my weekly recipe plan through a weekly Pinterest round-up. Now your saying to self, "hey, she said she plans for three weeks! Why do I only get to see a week at a time?" Well, now, if I gave it all at once, it wouldn't be a weekly round-up, now would it? So, you'll just have to wait it out.

Here are some recipes to start you off: (disclaimer: I will not guarantee that all of the recipes I make are "HEALTH FOOD", but I do know that eating home-cooked meals, made from real ingredients is way healthier than eating something packaged, or pre-made...more on this another day)

I'll start with the one that I actually made last night (yes, it was Saturday..yes, I had just spent four hours getting groceries to my home..but my daughter was home, so really, what was a girl to do?)

It's this awesome Roasted Red Pepper Gratin from Epicurious.

It was super-fun to make--I enjoyed roasting red peppers and tossing them into a paper bag, while my husband stood by, asking, in disbelief, "Are you going to throw THOSE in THERE?!"

And holy-wow--this recipe called for 40 ounces of spinach (you would not believe how much this cooks down..well, maybe you would..but I had never cooked spinach in such quantity before.) Oh, and then theres the gratin part: the recipes calls for ricotta, swiss, and parmesan cheese. I used Jarlsberg to replace the swiss, since I already had some, partially used, in my fridge. The flavor was intense, in a good way, and I felt good about eating something with so much cheesy flavor and SO much spinach. Just a note, if you decide to give this recipe a go: DO NOT over-salt it. The cheese provides a lot of sodium into the equation, and the recipe calls for additional salt to be added--I did and it was fine, but any more would have made the food too salty. When I make this again, I may even cut the salt back by half (I cook with very little salt, and rarely eat out, so I'm sensitive to it). And, we have leftovers for lunch on Monday.

And, now, the rest of the week in food:

So, the photos out there on the inter-webs don't do this Vegetarian Kale Soup Justice. It's hard to photograph soup, man...Maybe this week I'll give it a go. More on that later. I've made this soup before so I already know this one is a keeper. This soup, for me, is a meal in itself. But I will probably make some sort of rice to accompany it, since the grains are nonexistent.

Another soup, you say? Well, it's autumn...And this Tortellini Soup (that makes enough to freeze)
will be accompanied by....

This Denver Sandwich!!!!
(It's basically a yummy omelette on yummy bread). My sammys will be going onto a bakery made whole grain bread rather than Ciabatta. And, since I won't use the entire ham-steak thingy, I'll devise some way to incorporate into a future meal's side, or lunches for the children (by children, I mean my husband and daughter). Serving a sandwich with the soup allows for the soup that I don't freeze to stretch a little bit for leftovers.

I will also be making some homemade granola later in the week. The recipe is not on the internet. It was shared by a member of my family, and is a very flexible recipe--you can pretty much add or take out almost all of the ingredients. I'll post about how I make it later.

You can get more Menu Plan Pinterest Round-Ups every Friday, right here. Hope you enjoy, and find some inspiration.

And, hey, let me know, in the comments section, where you find inspiration for cooking, and feel free to share any awesome recipes!

Small Moments: A Familiar Walk

2013-09-24T15:46:00.001-04:00

For the past few days, I have been thinking a lot about several things:

*I neglect my blog and am very erratic with my posts.
*I need to get outside more when I am home alone.
-I have a tendency to become a recluse.
*I need to slow down more often.

This morning, while being a work-crazed, antisocial recluse, I decided to create a photo-project that would require me to venture outside, and maybe...even.....out of my safe zone (area immediately surrounding our home, which pretty much consists of a rather large park).

It's pretty simple: I go for a walk somewhere and take photos of the minutia--the small things that are often missed by most people....Edit and delete more than half of what I shot, and hope there are a handful that are "blog-worthy". As a companion to these posts, I will also be posting additional photos on Instagram with my trusty iPhone, so be sure to check those out too.

Today, I chose to start with a familiar walk through a section of the park. I was out for about an hour; it felt like 10 minutes. I became so immersed in searching for and observing the little things. Even things I couldn't photograph, like the sound of a little creek... the random motion of a dead spider, still hanging from a strand of web, being blown by the wind. I found it all very meditative and motivational....I actually felt excited when I thought of journeying out to the urban-landscape, all alone.

This little maple is actually what inspired my location choice today. It lives in a rock garden. I remembered that in the fall, it turns a deep purple. I was a little early in the season, but I still found it delicate and beautiful. The clumps of leaves have a soft wispy texture to them. Today, though, I was more interested in the sweet little seeds.

These beautiful seed pods were found hanging not even five feet away. Their texture caught my eye, and the purplish accents drew me in for a closer look.

Next door to the pods, on a different bush I found this little creeper hanging out on his front stoop. I hate spiders, but I must admit this is strangely beautiful.

Beneath the spider, was this leaf, damaged by I-don't-know-what. To see that something as thin as a leaf has obvious layers is pretty awesome. And, the colors, and organic shapes created by the leaf's "wounds" are perfect inspiration for future art.

I continued on, out of the rock garden. The contrast on this wall caught my eye...plus, I have a thing for man made and natural forms coming together and/or responding to one another.

The sunlight was filtered and hitting this grass, creating a warm light. The complexity of this baby is mind-boggling...And, did I mention, soft to touch--a fuzzy caterpillar of the plant world.

This guy is small, but honestly, around this park squirrels are hard to miss--they beg from anyone with food, and will rob you blind if you aren't careful. One time, a friend had a box of crackers outside. She left it open, and walked a little ways away. Immediately, a squirrelly boy had moved in and helped himself to some tasty cheese-its.

I continued on, through a nearby playground, to the edge of a wooded area. These berries were striking; never knew they existed even though I had walked past the bush thousands of times.

These flowers are on their way out, but I found something beautiful about that. More moving than beautiful...The ephemeralness of nature is something I have always been attracted to...I suppose that's a part of what makes me want to appreciate it more.

And then, I came to the bridge and started across...but then I paused eyeing a little path that led down to a little creek that passes beneath the bridge....I argued with myself for a full minute about whether or not to go down it (I know it seems silly, but there are unscrupulous people around and about from time to time--but really...in the middle of the day?) I decided to go for it,and am happy to say, there was no one there but me myself and i....

oh, and this dude....this is the dead spider I spoke of...it was in constant motion from the wind, but I managed to get two semi-clear shots. It was a beautiful sight to watch this thing bob, weave, and float around. In the time I was there, it went up a foot, floated down about two feet, and then proceeded to be moved by the wind in a horizontal motion back and forth, covering an area that was about three feet wide....I know there was a strand of the web, but it still was kind of mystifying how the range of motion was so great for such a tiny object.

Again, some damaged leaves. I wished that more of the veins were intact, but I still found the positive/negative spaces interesting.

As I crossed the bridge I spotted these seed pods on a plant. Oh, the complexity of nature...it never ceases to blow me away.

I climbed the stairs at the opposite side of the bridge, and noticed this, along the side of the rock path. The symmetry of the leaves caught my attention, and of course, the complexity of the seed pod, became my focus.

Nearing the end of my walk, I came to this tree--it's one of my favorite trees in the park. The way the branch twists and cuts through the space around it is wonderful...and it's a great place to sit....when there aren't spider webs all over it.

This was the final photograph on my walk. The branch was probably sawn off a long time ago, the marks of aging and wear and tear are what i found lovely...oh, and the smattering of bright green moss contrasting with the duller brown.

This walk reaffirmed my love of the complexity found in objects so simple, that their beauty is often overlooked.

I will leave you with a message I found on a fortune cookie years ago:

there is beauty in simplicity.

Bobble Stitch Washcloth

2013-08-28T13:43:00.001-04:00

In recent months, I have been a knitting machine. I tend to knit a lot when my husband is away, and this summer he has been away more than he's been home. Some of my projects included washcloths--all different types, because I enjoy variety....and exfoliation....Of the six washcloths I had already knit, none of them really stood out as amazing in the exfoliation department...So, I went on a hunt, failed, and then turned to my book, Knitting Stitches Visual Encyclopedia, in an attempt to come up with the best exfoliating washcloth I would make. Well, I've got news: I found it, and the design has the added bonus of looking fun and somewhat whimsical. It's my new favorite washcloth; now I just have to knit two more, for my husband and daughter.

For the pattern I used the seed stitch for the border, which seems to be common among washcloths (it stays flat and contains the inside pattern nicely). For the inside, I referred to my stitch encyclopedia and used the "garter stitch with bobbles". I had to look up some additional info on the bobble stitch, because I was a bit confused when I got to the part where I had to pass 4 stitches over the one knit stitch...I was trying to pull them all over at once...One at a time, over the stitch closest to the end of the needle is the way to do it.

Below the images, I have provided the pattern (this is my first time writing up my own pattern; I think it's all correct, but if you find something that isn't working, please let me know)... Oh, and if anyone knows of any awesome exfoliating washcloth patterns, share away.

Nice n Nubby

These little bobbles really amaze me.

Bobble Stitch Washcloth

US 6 needles

Less than 120 yds, worsted weight cotton yarn (I used Lily Sugar n’ Cream in Country Green).

stitch note--mb (make bobble): k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 into same st, turn, p5, turn, k5, pass the 4 created st, one at a time, over last k st and off needle.

CO 41 st.

Rows 1-6: work in seed stitch: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row

Row 7-10: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, Knit until 5st before end, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Row 11: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Rows 12-16: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, Knit until 5st before end, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Row 17: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, k3, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Row 18: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, Knit until 5st before end, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Repeat rows 7-18 three times (these are rows 19-54).

Rows 55-58: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, Knit until 5st before end, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Row 59: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k5, mb, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Rows 60-63: k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, Knit until 5st before end, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1

Rows64-69: work in seed st: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row

Bind off, in pattern, and treat your skin to some texture :)

Binging While He's Away: Project Inspiration

2013-06-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

I normally never really talk about, or even think to identify with the role of military wife...But the truth is I am one. My husband is in the National Guard--now you're laughing and saying pshh, one weekend a month, so what? Well, it's more than that...Theres 2 weeks ever year, there's month long required training from time to time..and yes, there are even deployments that can last a year (so far I have not experienced one of these, but I'm sure the time will come). My husband is currently away on his longest stint since we have been married (1 month). I must say, its been quite the ride. The emotions alone have been enough--at first I was sad in an aching sort of way, then there was the longing, the loneliness, the lacking of adult companionship....blah, blah blah...sob story, right? Well, I quickly learned to embrace those feelings, and let the tears come when they wanted. I let myself vegetate for the first couple of days, but quickly realized time was nearly standing still.

I decided it was time to fill up my life with what I do best: Projects. Since the end of May, I have begun many projects, finished some, still need to continue with others....I've deep-cleaned, made books, knitted, knitted some more, and some more, planned a little something for my husband's return, and made a date night jar....

Today was about that jar--I gathered my supplies at the beginning of June, during a contemplative moment about our relationship....I realized that the time we have together is precious, and we need to motivate to make the alone time we have with one another more meaningful and fresh.

With a six year old, work, and school, this is rather difficult--most of the time we just want to sit and waste time when we have it. Which is completely understandable--we are exhausted, and it's just EASY. ...but easy is not always best...so, I decided to do the thinking for us when I was in this mushy mood, and came up with a list of date ideas and split them into three categories: Cheap n Easy, Out-On-the-Town, and Splurge. Then, I let it sit..until today, at the end of June.

Last night my husband asked if the jar was done and I told him no. He gave me that little nudge I needed, and I got down to business this morning, after my mom picked up my daughter.

I used a sponge to color code the ends.

And, of course, I looked at the rather large sponge I was using, one end saturated with color, thinking I can't just rinse all that pigment out, so I went and got some paper, to apply the excess paint to.

Then I wrote on the sticks with my trusty bic pen

here's a little sample...There are tons of date ideas on the internet..Just look on Pinterest.

TaDa!
Now we have weeks worth of date ideas already decided upon--making date night a bit easier and fun :)

And, with the excess paint on my palette, I decided to add some more to my "scrap paper" side-project. This will probably sit, untouched for some time, but maybe one day it will be finished.

Of course, I couldn't just have a plain jar--how boring would that be? So, I got out my mod podge and went to work.

Here it is, all prettied up..another project finished.

A few notes on Cooking/ Blog Hop

2013-06-20T15:48:00.001-04:00

I love to cook...It's meditative and relaxing--I'm pretty sure I could just stand, stirring a pan or pot of whatever, watching the ingredients change and morph in texture and aroma for hours....but then the dish would just be bland, so I restrain myself.

I often turn to my trusty I-pad apps for recipes and inspiration, but I also have cookbooks and my trusty recipe box, which probably holds the most sentimental value for me. Many of the recipes I have are from the family, so when I cook using them I think of where they came from and what the food tasted like when it was cooked by my Nana and my Mom.

For a creative challenge, on the Supporting Artists Team on etsy, participants were asked to create a recipe card to share. This task was harder than I thought--I wanted to create a recipe card that was functional (of course), but also unique, attractive, and food-related--I wanted the card to be something that would bring a little extra joy to the kitchen and cooking experience.
Here is what I came up with:

If you're looking for a letter, my Blog Hop Letter is O

To go along with this post, I have also decided to post a recipe I used right before I decided on the design I wanted to use for the recipe card. The recipe is not mine, so here is credit, where credit is due. I found it on Allrecipes.com. It was perfect, because the creator of the recipe is also from New Jersey, and she used FRESH Jersey Tomatoes to make it. Yummmm.

Click this link for a tasty experience:

JERSEY FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Oh, and did I mention, I made grilled cheese to go with it? I forgot too, until it was completely devoured. If you'd like to see my take on how to make the perfect grilled cheese, check out this blog post: The Art of Grilled Cheese

Oh, and that reminds me: don't forget to dip the sandwich in the soup...it's amazing.

A 95th Birthday Wish

2013-03-09T14:45:00.002-05:00

On March 13, 1918, My Grandfather was born. He was born and raised in New Jersey. In the 40's he went off to fight in WWII. When he returned, he married my Grandmother, and had 5 children. They remained in New Jersey, where they raised their children, horses and dogs. In the 80's, they retired to a comfortable home on a little hill in rural Pennsylvania.

I was born soon after they bought their new home, and when I was old enough, I would spend 1-2 weeks with them during the summer. I have many fond memories of the time I spent there. I loved riding the horses from the barn to the field, where they would graze for most of the day. The tractor was always fun--Pop would give me rides, and eventually, when I was old enough, I got to drive it solo. Mostly, I just embraced all that the rural life had to offer--the fresh air, the scent of hay in the breeze, the fields to run though, the woods, with fallen trees for fort-building....and the list could go on forever.

I also remember following my grandfather around, like his little shadow, always curious about what he was getting into....Whether it was tending to the "farm" or creating something with his hands --he built wagons for the horses to pull, furniture for their home, wood plaques for decor...

Thinking back, I really understand why my Grandfather was drawn to the simple, old-school, traditional life...and I think it's genetic. I live in a city, but have been and always will be in love with rural areas. I dream of owning a farm and growing food, milking goats, sheering sheep for some wool....or maybe alpacas....and the dream list just goes on.

My Grandfather will be 95 on March 13th...He still resides in the house on the hill, and although his activity level has diminished with age, and he no longer owns horses, he still has a love of nature, learning, and creating. He carves and paints on wood and sometimes canvas. Most of his subjects are horses, people, and nature.

Last night, I set myself to the task of making a birthday card for this creative, traditional, person who has impacted my life to an extent that I have yet to fully understand. I knew he wouldn't get my post-modern, minimalist, hand cut cards....

I figured a drawing of some sort would make the most sense--drawing is perfectly traditional, so he gets it. A horse would have been too obvious, and he draws enough of those to fill a gallery. Then, I remembered birds--he loves birds.....and the birds love him. In the winter, the birds used to eat seed right out of his hand.

He still has feeders for them, talks about the different species, and smiles when he sees lots of bird activity. I decided on this for my subject, and picked a classic species: the American Goldfinch.

I wanted to make the card simple, with a vintage, Americana feel--like that of a photo album or scrapbook (my Grandfather also LOVES photos; he has a so many albums and piles of photos, and will share them with anyone who is willing to look).

I was so content when I had finished this little endeavor of mine. I had made something that he could connect with on a personal level--it was more than just a generic birthday card....it said something about HIM, and him alone.

This little creation reaffirmed what I aim to do when I make a card--I want it to become something more than just a greeting card. I want the receiver to feel a connection to the piece; feel as if it were made just for them.

I am so thankful to my Grandfather, for I would not be the maker I am without his influence and inspiration. I can't wait to send him this little piece of my creative self to brighten up his birthday.

Wearable Art: BY BEEP

2013-02-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

I am really not a jewelry person...I have it, don't get me wrong...but not much, and I don't wear it often because I just don't remember to. I have my ears pierced but never have earrings in....Yes, it's that bad. I often tell myself that I will start wearing them again--maybe someday.

The lack of adornments also has to do with the fact that I just find most jewelry to be bland, boring, and monotonous. It is very rare that I come across something and say, WOW I have to have that because it's just that awesome.

I like bold jewelry. I have to be able to look at it as art....it has to say more than nothing, or even a little something.

I blogged about a necklace I purchased from etsy about a year ago.
Check out the pictures here: necklace.

Other than that, the only jewelry I've purchased were a pair of long feather earrings.

The other day I finally had some jewelry speak to me again. And I will, one day own a piece by this artist. Her work is phenomenal. Emily Haworth, from ByBeep, makes jewelry that tells a story....She says it herself right in her shop description--and she couldn't be more right.

The wearable art objects Emily offers are mixed media--she uses chipboard, paper (with loads of paper hardener to keep it all safe and sound), and metal. And for these pieces, it's really all in the detail. Rather than simply creating an icon, and hanging it from a chain, she gives each piece character and life. They have this industrial-rustic fusion going on, along with a whole lot of whimsy (which is great for the imagination)....When I look at her work, my imagination runs wild. The stories I tell myself, exist in the past, present and the future (sometimes simultaneously)....and they are always adventures.

My favorite pieces of her's are the ones that have the titles existing as a part of the jewelry--The titles signify that these are something more than a simple accessory. They are works of art; a sort of visual literature.

Emily stated in an interview, that drawing is her passion, while jewelry-making is her hobby. I really hope she continues making time for her hobby, because they ARE works of art--miniature sculptures that are accessible to the "(un)common man".

On a side note, her drawings and paintings are really quite awesome as well. When you look at all of her work, on a whole, it's obvious that she has been doing this art thing for quite sometime. Her style is developed and consistent; I would say that she has certainly branded herself successfully :)

Emily's drawings and paintings can be found here: http://www.emilyhaworth.com
You can purchase her wearable art here: www.ByBeep.etsy.com
And, you can get more insight into her and her craft here: FreshShop

A Little Dotty Pot

2013-02-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

I love to knit. I began knitting a little over a year ago, and was instantly addicted. (It doesn't take much for me to get addicted to any DIY/craft). Between all of the left over yarn from my knitting projects, and the vintage yarn I acquired though a family member, I currently have a huge basket and medium sized rubbermaid filled to brim with skeins and balls of the stuff....It's all just sitting there, waiting to be put to use....some use other than a cat toy...

My favorite kitty occasionally helps himself to a skein of wool. He looks like a little drug addict, sprawled out and all tangled up in the stuff. And, oh boy, if I try to "help" him out of the yarn, to save it from his teeth and claws, does he get angry. It's hysterical. One day I will have to remember to photograph him prior to removing him from the yarn.

Anyway....back to the heaping quantities of yarn, and the point of this post. Long story short, I have all this yarn, but each color/type is not enough for some huge project....like a sweater...and I refuse to buy any more yarn until I use most of it up. So, as of late, I have set myself to the task of decreasing my stash. I know I could do it the easy way and trade it or sell it...but the thought of that feels like giving up--I committed to this yarn when I bought it and I can't just quit on it now.

In my search for knitting patterns to use up smaller quantities of yarn, I have come across some gems. The first one I came across and began working on is really a huge project made out of swatches...It'll probably take me years to make but thats okay....Its this awesome blanket I cam across on Shelly Kang's blog, The Heathen Housewife. She knit up all these little swatches with sock yarn, seamed them all together and put a nice border around the whole thing. I can't even imagine how many hours she must have spent on this beauty, given the yarn she used.

Since I have yet to knit any socks and only have one skein of it, which has already been designated for my making of the Beekeeper's Quilt, I decided to use heavier yarn, simply adjusting my needle sizes to get the right size squares for me.

After about 14 squares, I must admit, it became a bit monotonous (I'm obsessive, but I need variety in my life!). I decided to take a hiatus from the quilt swatches and find something little and functional to knit (you can only make so many scarves and hats and mittens). In my travels, I came across the Dotty Pot...Even the name is ADORABLE.

It's simple but fun, due to all the variety in the pattern...and for a knitting project, it was basically instant gratification. It probably took me about an hour to make. The texture of it is wonderful to look at and to touch...it's DOTTY!!! This little guy is small; about 3"x3".

I love that this soft, squishy, mushy thing can hold things and it's shape!

I plan on making another one, very soon...Larger, with wool to hold some keys...I hope.

xOxO

2013-01-16T22:19:00.001-05:00

Say no more.

Get Your Pantone On

2013-01-04T11:23:00.001-05:00

Pantone has released the spring color fashion report, and already, the colors are sprouting all over etsy :)
This year's selection is a beautiful burst of color; it brightens these cold, muted winter days.
Can't wait to see some naturally occurring color in the park.

Cloth Cocktail Linen Na... LaurenAlison $24.00	Vintage Blue Granitewar... WiseApple $16.00	Orange iridescent glass... reconstitution... $39.50	Hooded Sweater Cardigan... reflectionsbyd... $80.00
Natural Cream Air Plant... airyobsessions $13.25	Avocado Green Melamine ... HappyFortuneVi... $20.00	monaco blue eyeshadow j... RedeemingBeaut... $5.49	Love Spell Bath Salts VerbenaApothec... $12.00
Orange /White Linen dr... happyfamilyjud... $69.99	Grass, botanical drawin... VerbruggeWater... $25.00	Linen napkin cloth whit... pillowlink $60.00	Tile Coasters - Yellow ... littlecoasterg... $13.00
watercolor painting-bir... amberalexander $20.00	Soft Honey Gold Paisley... TammyJoFashion $68.00	Blue Ceramic Heart. Cer... BlueMagpieDesi... $39.95	Rustic iPad case Organi... GalaBorn $56.00

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GRATEFUL RESPONSE

2012-11-09T10:09:00.005-05:00

This time of year is filled with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. We have a tendency to move so fast, buying, preparing, consuming...Stressing....That we lose the spirit of this time of year. I would love, this year, to slow down, ponder more, and really find that spirit within myself. For me, that means, keeping the holidays simple--less consumer driven. For me, that means putting on some great music, and sipping some tea, while I prepare some dishes to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner, rather than stressing and rushing, at the last minute, to throw it all together. It means, making most gifts by hand--it slows me down, takes away that consumer mind-set, and makes giving so much more meaningful. It means making time to sit quietly, with my thoughts, so I can realize all that I have and all that I am grateful for.

Here is a little response to some quiet time I had this morning:

"Grateful"

I pause for a moment...

quiet; hushed.

Silence is an amazing force--

my mind to floods with thoughts.

I think of my home and family;

the warmth of these things.

My fascination with nature;

I indulge in it everyday.

My two hands;

Sometimes shaky,

but always reliant.

I think of my simple life;

the simple pleasures that it brings.

I think of my values;

with old fashioned,

comes a strong moral compass.

How blessed I am,

to have all that I do.

I am at peace;

I am grateful.

Whitney, owner and operator of Maple Street Paper Company and author of the Supporting-Artists Blog is doing a wonderful series, that inspired me to think more about being grateful.
Andrea, Captain of the Supporting-Artists team on etsy, inspired this collection on Etsy:

'Grateful, For Each And Every Day' by mollysm130

STAMPED FLOWER NECKLACE... Cheydrea $28.00	Sparrow. Bird Art-sepia... amberalexander $20.00	Digital Print Grateful ... hairbrainedsch... $15.00	Autumn Leaf Pottery Vin... 4EnvisioningVi... $15.00
Masala Chai Black Tea .... ArtfulTea $10.00	Miniature natural house... TheAtticPrince... $8.50	Rumpled Hearts, Fingerl... Nawanowe $29.00	Autumn Harvest Tuscan B... ThePolkadotMag... $26.00
Leave An Acorn When You... LesHirondelles $15.00	3D shadow box frame -A ... ILaBoom $28.00	barn owl necklace- wood... iamabird $45.00	Vintage 80s Silk Shirt ... NifticVintage $47.00
Autumn Grey Brown Artis... odpaam $55.00	Poster Silence Please i... SacredandProfa... $23.00	mini clothes pins metal... inkkit $3.00	minimalistic bell flowe... eried $38.00

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Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

2012-10-02T23:25:00.001-04:00

This collection I came across on Etsy is absolutely perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was made by Irma Haroon, shop owner of IrmaDesign on Etsy.

'October is glowing in Pink'

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness...

Hanging Nest, Playful U... PariDesign $17.00	You are Beautiful print... katikamade $18.00	Reserved for Caroline /... thecupcakekid $22.40	Love Hearts and Felted ... Fairyfolk $23.00
Print from Original Wat... Mysoulfly $19.00	12 imperfect pastel pin... thecarboncrusa... $4.50	Bright pink- Glow in da... ZIBtextile $35.00	Vintage Fuschia Big But... CakeNumber9 $6.00
Nylon Cord Neon Pink (n... kindez $2.00	Personalized "word... Sapphire9Jewel... $52.00	Origami earrings Hot pi... Joliejye $25.00	Ice Cream Pink Formal ... BLUSHFASHION $79.00
Pink and Brown Branches... CarriageOakCot... $15.00	Pink doll - jewelry - O... farberovao $25.00	dictionary art inspirat... ExLibrisJourna... $9.00	Handmade knit crochet m... Ayca $47.00

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The Necessities of a Zombie Killer Secretary

2012-09-26T12:58:00.001-04:00

In honor of Halloween:

'The Necessities of a Zombie Killer Secretary'

Featuring MapleStreetPaperCo, and the Painted PineTitle Inspiration: TheStapeliaCompanyMade for the Supporting Artists Team Challenge :)Come join our wonderful team and the challenge:http://www.etsy.com/teams/8735/supporting-artists-team

Fall Secretary Dress - ... dayglodiva $22.00	Blank Handmade Paper In... MapleStreetPap... $8.00	Gray and Gold Halloween... BritterflyGard... $14.00	Earrings - Bubblegum Sq... AmaltheaCph $129.00
Harvest Aromatherapy Sp... WildRoseHerbs $11.95	Vintage Wood Anagram Ga... hoitytoitydesi... $12.00	Hand Painted Terracotta... ThePaintedPine $24.00	Walking Dead Costume, A... Seamstressbyth... $16.00
Little Halloween clay h... rodica $21.00	Autumn Fall Rustic Wedd... TheLonelyHeart $28.00	Zom-B-Vex Zombie Killer... thestapeliacom... $20.00	Eco friendly Mid centur... ArtisEverythin... $17.00
Vintage Science Laborat... VintageScraps $5.00	Halloween Jewelry, Wire... MoonlightShimm... $20.00	Photo booth prop black ... KittyDuneCuts $3.00	Cinnamon Bun lip butter... aquablossom $3.75

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Card SALE

2012-09-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

I just listed a new item today, and normally I don't blog about this...I do it every day...But this time it's special, because it means YOU get to save some money :) This offer is a really great way to pick out cards for upcoming events, or to create a unique stationery set for yourself or for a gift. Go have a look see, and pick out the perfect cards for you!!

Autumn Etsy Finds

2012-09-18T15:48:00.003-04:00

'In the Forest: Rays of Sun'

i love the woods in autumn; when the sun shines through the fading leaves.

Amber Yellow Hanging Sw... charliesnest $86.50	Falling Leaves, Autumn... StudioByTheFor... $35.00	Abstract Fine Art Photo... PrettyPetalStu... $8.00	Antique Apothecary Glas... DailyMemorandu... $40.00
Brown Rustic Stripes Ba... gardenmis $20.00	Mid Century Modern Teak... mungoandmidge $98.00	Fields of Love/watercol... kellybermudez $19.00	Owl Stationery - Flat N... TreeHollowDesi... $16.00
Felted Acorns, grey woo... feltjar $12.00	Glasses case embroidere... GalaBorn $46.00	Cotton crochet necklace... Underbed $38.00	Organic Lemon Cream Roo... ArtfulTea $12.00
Birch Tree Punch Needle... HarpandThistle $36.00	Upcycled repurposed gla... cottagechicdec... $15.00	Brooch or Hair Pin Croc... vanessahandmad... $19.00	TWEET BOWL, small, oran... karoArt $23.00

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Binge of the Day

2012-09-12T11:33:00.001-04:00

I set out to clean the "office" yesterday. It's simply a disaster, and in desperate need of a deep clean. I had attempted a cleaning the other day, but only got a little bit cleaned off from the top of the desk hutch. I went in to resume the cleaning session, top down. I looked to the corner and found a sculpture I had made about two-three years ago laying in a broken heap. It was a giraffe that I had made out of old scraps of wooden toys and branch slices. It had taken me hours to make it all come together, and lasted less than a year. Our cat decided he wasn't too fond of it, so he jumped up to its resting place and sent it crashing to the ground. Thank you, Fivel. I had put it in the office, vowing to fix it one day. Well, yesterday was the day--there would be no clean office with a pile of wood in the corner of the hutch. So, I grabbed some wood glue and some krazy glue, and set out to put this things body back together. I felt like some forensics person, looking for clues and remnants of one piece of wood on the others. I was desperate to get it back to its original form. I eventually had to let go of the idea that each piece was going to end up where it had been when I had originally made it. It was a good thing I did, because I'd still be bonding with the pieces now if I hadn't.

This giraffe and I spent a total of 5 hours together yesterday. In the end, he came out in one piece, except for the traces of wood that were stuck on my fingers. Yes, I krazy glued myself to this thing several times, and am thankful that my skin was stronger than the wood.

No real cleaning of the office happened, but hey, what can I say, I am detail oriented when it comes to cleaning...Ok, I'm OCD when it comes to cleaning....and I JUST CAN'T HELP IT.

I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment now that Mr is back together. The binge was totally worth it. This little guy has found a new home (for now) on top of a shelving unit. Now, I can only hope an pray that Fivel doesn't take any interest in him, or the top of the shelves.

Supporting Artists Blog Launch

2012-08-01T09:52:00.002-04:00

I'm on Etsy, and on Etsy there are these teams where everyone goes to promote themselves and support each other (mostly to promote themselves). I have found a few teams that really try to just support each other--and that's just refreshing. One of these teams has actually created a BLOG, that is launching TODAY. In celebration of the Blog Launch, there will be a great big giveaway--NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. All you have to do is fill out the entry form, and TADA, you are in the running to win 9 beautiful, HANDMADE products! Go check it out, and, if you like what you see, just fill out an entry form...and, if you're feeling extra nice, you can select "OTHER" and insert JerseysFreshest in the text box (that's a nice little way of letting them know that my shop sent you to that blog). Have FUN and GOOD LUCK!!!

In case you didn't catch that link above, here it is: SUPPORTING ARTISTS BLOG LAUNCH

p.s. this is not spam, a scam, or anything of the sort. It's real, grassroots, internet marketing, for the handmade community. you come, you see, you like, we give you free things, you realize that handmade is awesome, and you like us more :) .

Summer Olympics

2012-07-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

The Games will begin on July 27th in London. Get ready :)

Summer Games 2012

Let the games Begin. Lo... katikamade $18.00	Wood Tennis Racquet pastoria $22.00	Argus Seventy - Five ca... MOJOmercantile $45.00	PRINT - Bike BLUE-GREY ... thebigharumph $20.00
London fine bone china ... Tobyboo $12.00	Old Industrial School G... CaptainCat $16.00	Vintage Souvenir Fresh ... TheeLetterQ $20.00	London Tube Stops Canva... victoriaeggs $20.00
Vintage Stopwatch uhlalalebrocan... $60.00	Bubble jewelry Olympic ... violasboutique $14.00	Traditional Archer Arro... pastoria $35.00	Custom London Street Si... UtopiaHomeAndG... $40.00
London Photography - Re... EyePoetryPhoto... $30.00	London Subway Map ( LIN... dualhabit $20.00	Extra Large banner sati... ilovedesignlon... $85.00	Driving Melted Crayon A... bighead417 $7.00

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Christmas in July

2012-07-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

what??? I had to. Christmas sales happen in July; there you have it.

hmmm...Christmas in July :)

it is what it is.

CHRISTMAS in JULY-Rusti... WildRidgeDesig... $55.00	Silver Owl Jewel Neckla... thewoodlandbur... $12.00	CIJ SALE 10% Off - Hand... pixiebell $45.00	BOGO - Elf Christmas Or... WintergreenDes... $55.00
Red Apple Crochet Coast... MariMartin $24.00	Handmade Green Apple Ci... AHSC $5.50	The SEUSS Christmas Tre... GoodWishesQuil... $180.00	Vintage Ornament Gift T... ThePurpleTable $4.75
25% OFF SALE Christmas ... emmyshoppe $18.00	Christmas in July - Min... ClipAndPin $5.55	CIJ Coiled Copper Hoop ... ConstantCravin... $18.40	Upcycled Recycled / Chr... GroovyGarbage $28.90
Christmas in July Sale ... rosepetalsjewe... $4.50	CIJ Sale Christmas in J... LennyMud $8.00	Christmas in July / Bla... LittleBittyKni... $30.00	Vintage Toy Tin Play St... LittleRedPolka... $65.00

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Picnic Finds

2012-06-18T20:48:00.000-04:00

Having a Picnic.....

Is so much fun! I love eating on a blanket in the grass on warm days :)

vintage purple checkere... CharleensClose... $14.99	Vintage NC Colorware me... AtlanticVintag... $24.99	organic swiss cheese TE... SmilingTreeToy... $12.00	Picnic Plates - Set of ... OldGreenCanoe $14.00
crochet picnic napkins KraeO $38.00	Picnic table miniature ... FaceoftheEarth $45.00	Fruit Photograph-Aprico... kimberlyblok $25.00	Mid-Century Picnic Tumb... thewhitepepper $19.50
Rustic kitchen decor, p... Raceytay $25.00	WaterMelon Slice Neckla... sdegasperis $45.00	Vintage 60's Taffel... VintageEuroDes... $85.00	Marimekko napkins SET o... SewnNatural $48.00
Picnic quilt Throw, Rag... southerncharmq... $149.00	Eco Friendly Reusable S... HouseJewels $6.50	retro plastic picnic ut... VintageLoveMar... $10.00	Picnic Dress Sizes 0, 2... ItsOkayMyDear $230.00

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That One Time, When I shaved My Head

2012-06-14T13:25:00.004-04:00

I've been known to be extreme from time to time. I'm a female...and an artist...really, what more can you expect? Ever since I was about 10 years old, I've pretty much always had shortish hair (I'm talking chin length or less). In 2007, I stopped cutting my hair and let it grow and grow for over 3 long years. My hair was over two feet long....That's pretty long for a person who's 5'3". I loved it--it matched my flowing hippie skirts oh so well.

By the fall of 2009, I was more than in love with my hair--I was obsessed. It began to play a role in my nervous habits--I would constantly touch it, twirl it, brush it (with my fingers). I couldn't keep my hands off it, and it wasn't due to vanity. Although it was a comfort to me in all of my nervous glory, the obsessive nature of it all was starting to get to me. In September, I threatened to shave my head (for the second time in my life). Whether the obsession with my hair was a result of vanity or anxiety, it became too much for me. I was freaked out by the dependency on my hair for comfort and security. Thank you, society, for the notion that long hair on a woman's head is the definition of feminine. I felt safe amidst the long fibrous strands--camouflaged from anything that I deemed to be unsafe or unsavory. I felt comfort from the tactile experience of it when I would neurotically touch it. I really wonder sometimes, what I must look like when I'm constantly toying with my hair.

In November, I actually shaved my head. I decided it in secrecy--my husband was away for the weekend. I texted only my cousin, as I was assembling my supplies needed to get the job done. I decided to make the process more worth while; I committed myself to donating as much of my hair as I could to Pantene Pro-V. Like Locks of love, they make wigs for patients with cancer. However, I found out that Locks of Love provides wigs to people but charge based on income (some people do get them for free, but not all). Well, I am not going to donate my hair, so someone can take it and sell it. That's not my idea of a Charity. Pantene Pro-V donates the wigs, FOR FREE, to people who have cancer. I used scissors, and cut up as high as I could. Then I took to the clippers and buzz buzz buzzed. My only regret was that winter was upon us, and my head was cold...but that's what hats are for.

me and my freshly shaved head.....then I put on a hat, and went off to the bar to show Hans.

Oh my, my...if only the picture I took of my husband when he walked through the door wasn't so blurry....we tried to recreate the face immediately after, but it was impossible. The facial expression went immediately from shock to smiling--it could have been so much worse.

blurry reaction

immediately after the reaction.

attempted recreation.

It was an interesting experience for me, with my anxiety, to have nothing to hide behind, nothing to provide tactile comfort for my nervous hands that I never seem to know what to do with unless I'm working. I remember feeling the burning looks from people--I felt like I must have looked to them like a young boy, a lesbian or a cancer patient. At first, these things made me feel uncomfortable, but then I realized that I didn't care if people thought about my sexual orientation when looking at my head...and really, the only reason I cared if they thought I had cancer was because I did not want the state of my hair to cause reactions in the form of pity.... (yea, the possibility of being identified as a young boy kind of bothered me, since I was in fact a 25 year old woman).

And, really I should have known the boy-thing was going to happen. For Halloween one year, AJ and I dressed up as each other. I tied back my long hair, put on his jeans and hoodie (hood up), and speckled my face with eyeliner, to function as his stubble. He put on one of my hippie skirts, somehow managed to squeeze into one of my shirts (with chest hair flying) and put a wig on.....well, let me tell you..at the bar, people really thought I was a dude....who wasn't dressed up on Halloween. It was funny and uncomfortable all at the same time, but I seem to like uncomfortable in some sick way.

(Side note regarding compensation for the lack of hiding place: making funny faces....I think I make funny faces a lot--always have...it's to make up for my discomfort in photos...or to communicate with Hans Vogi in our secret code speak. But I definitely started making them a lot more during my shaved head period.)

one of the more normal strange faces I tend to make a lot.

I remember trying to compensate for these feelings I was having by presenting myself with a proud and confident stature--trying to assume that role was a difficult task, considering I am quite the opposite. It was like role-playing. I was pretending to be this person to fit the hair I had on my head, and as it grew, I allowed myself to morph with it, changing my style and my physical presentation to fit my hair. I guess I made it a sort of game and an opportunity of exploration. I felt like I was exploring femininity and pushing the boundaries of what that means to me, as well as what it means to society. The whole experience was scary and uncomfortable, but also empowering and enlightening. I learned a lot about myself and other people.

I would strongly recommend doing this at least once in your life (I've done it twice...the first time, I was in high school and just didn't care)....It allows you to detach yourself from the society-definined femininity all women are guilty of conforming to or worrying about in some way. It feels good to know that you have the power to make your own choices based on yourself and not what society has deemed to be normal and, in this case, feminine....and so many will say in response to this...but I DO choose for myself to keep my hair long, or to shave my legs....REALLY???? And why, I ask do you do it for yourself? Because it's the safe zone. Because if you do these things you feel comfortable in your own skin in the public sphere....But really, if you were all alone--completely isolated---would you feel the same way? Would you care if you were silky smooth, with hair only on your head????

As of December of 2011, I have kept my hair in the same style (not shaved)--angled and a-symmetrical. For some reason, I'm not ready for it to go past this point, although I do think about letting it grow again...but I know I'll just wind up chopping it all off, so really why go through all that trouble to just completely lose it one day and do something extreme, like shave my head.

finding my words

2012-06-09T11:50:00.000-04:00

some words i found in a notebook of mine. i am working on compiling what may be a book of randomness.