Rapunzel's Castle

Wordess Wednesday: Paradise Island/Atlantis, Bahamas

2011-11-02T15:00:00.001-04:00

Little Altars Everywhere

2011-10-31T23:46:00.000-04:00

On this night we remember...

Rest in Peace, dear family & friends...

Samhain Blessings,

Rapunzel~

Happy Halloween ~ Blessed Samhain

2011-10-31T10:01:00.000-04:00

xoxooxox

Rapunzel~

Key West Crawl

2011-10-30T06:56:00.001-04:00


on the ship

Despite the fact that Hurricane Rina caused an itinerary change requiring us to dock in Nassau, Bahamas instead of Cozumel, Mexico, Beren and I had a lovely time on our cruise.

Our first port of call, Key West, was a familiar one to us so we were able to create our own "pub crawl" quite easily. We made our way to several favorite watering holes, having a drink or two at each.

Good morning, Sloppy Joe's

Irish Kevin's

Green Parrot

Captain Tony's

Not shown is the Bull & Whistle, somehow didn't get a shot of that one. After a long stroll around the island working off those cocktails, we returned to the ship just in time for happy hour.

Whew! Between the drinks, dinners and desserts, I'm thinking my treadmill will be getting quite a workout this week!

xoxoxo

Rapunzel

Fluffy Fun

2011-10-29T06:28:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest thrills on our cruise: coming back to the cabin after dinner to find these cute little towel animals waiting for us. Seriously. It was such a silly surprise.

Hey, maybe now that I'm unemployed & have some free time, I can learn to make these myself. What do you think?

xoxoxo

Rapunzel~

Bon Voyage!

2011-10-24T09:44:00.001-04:00

Beren and I are headed off on an adventure, a 4-night Caribbean cruise! Have a wonderful week, "see" you later!

xoxoxoxo

Rapunzel

There's No Place Like Home

2011-10-21T10:59:00.002-04:00

Beren and I traveled "home" last night, arrived just in time for take-out dinner with Kali & Jesus who are in the process of moving back into the Castle. We're so happy to have them back, and so excited by the changes they're making not only in their lives but in our shared living space. For example, while she's away at college, Lily's bedroom is being transformed into an art studio/tattoo shop/guest room..futon on the way for overnight guests.

Art Studio/Tattoo Shop in Progress

They've already made a lot of progress but am sure that within a few more days the place will look amazing! In the meantime, we're managing to deal with the slight messiness!

Loki's determined to sleep on "his" couch, despite the obstacles!

Musicians in the house!

One determined client insisted on an appointment despite chaos; clearly Kali was still able to work her magic despite the less-than-perfect conditions! She's a true professional.

Life is Sweet

After dinner we met up with Strider, went to see our old friend Artie B perform at a local venue. We shared some laughs & fond memories over a couple of beers.


old friends

Today we have some errands to run, including long overdue hair appointments, a planned visit with my Bambi, then a possible happy hour with some old friends. Dinner tonight is vegetarian-friendly with a side of sausage for the carnivores.

Caribbean Rice and Beans

Ingredients:

2 to 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced roasted red pepper
1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons white vinegar
few dashes Tabasco
3 cups white rice, cooked
1 tablespoon dried oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large skillet; sauté onion, red and green peppers and garlic until softened. Add black beans, vinegar and Tabasco.Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in cooked rice and oregano; heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve with additional Tabasco.
Serves 6.

Have a great day, TGIF!

Rapunzel~

On My Hearth: Simple Shepherd's Pie

2011-10-17T09:36:00.009-04:00

Tonight's dinner is going to be simple comfort food using what is on hand. My supermarket had instant potatoes BOGO this week, making this a fast budget-friendly meal. Since there are only two of us eating tonight, I'll be reducing the recipe, baking the pies in individual casseroles. To make this veggie-friendly, I'll be making my own "gravy" using onion soup mix and a bit of water, and substituting veggie crumbles for the beef.

Simple Shepherd's Pie

Photo by Taste of Home

8 ServingsPrep: 10 min. Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (12 ounces each) home-style beef gravy
2 cups frozen corn
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each casserole):
2 to 3 cups mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Paprika

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink;
drain. Add the gravy, vegetables and onion. Spoon half into a
greased 2-qt. baking dish or four oven-safe 2-cup dishes. Top with
mashed potatoes. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated
through. Place the remaining beef mixture in a freezer container and
freeze for up to 3 months.
To prepare frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator; transfer to a
greased 2-qt. baking dish. Top with the potatoes, butter and
paprika; bake as directed. Yield: 2 casseroles (4 servings each).

Enjoy!

Rapunzel~

Biketoberfest

2011-10-16T08:03:00.005-04:00

One of the appealing aspects of living in this area (Daytona/Ormond Beach) is the peacefulness..the laid-back lifestyle. There's rarely any traffic to speak of, most shops close early and aren't open on Sundays. It's a far cry from the hustle & bustle of Broward county. About 80% of the time, Ormond Beach is a sleepy little town, and that's how we like it. However, that all changes a couple of times per year due to bike events and race events. The Daytona Speedway is about 5 miles from our house and there are several popular biker bars just minutes away. Suffice it to say, when Biketoberfest, Bike Week and the Daytona 500 take place, we feel it. The restaurants and hopping, traffic is heavy, and the bars are full of race fans and/or bikers. I imagine that the locals either love it or hate it; I'm the latter. Though I'm not a biker nor race fan, I love the energy they bring to the town, the special events going on all over, the roar of the engines, the rows of colorful bikes (and bikers) lining the streets. There's always something going on, whether it be 11 am or midnight. Beren and I always don our faux biker attire and head out to immerse ourselves in the experience. We have a few beers, rock out to the local bands and get our fill of people-watching. There's never a dull moment. Over the years we have made some really great memories with good friends, family, or just alone.

Today is the last day of Biketoberfest, my personal favorite of the events because the weather is usually comfortable at the outdoor venues and there's a Halloween aspect to the celebration. Biker chicks are dressed up even more than usual, adding silly or spooky elements to their primarily black wardrobe. We got our fill of beers, bikes & bands yesterday so I don't think we'll be headed out again today but you never know.

Have a wonderful Sunday, however you spend it!

Rapunzel~

The Adventure Continues

2011-10-14T09:02:00.008-04:00

It's been more than a month since I took a short leave from my job and headed north with Beren. My plans were to regroup, restore and explore, and so far I've done just that.

This has really been a mini-journey of self-discovery, or, more accurately, re-discovery. Rather than introducing new interests into my life, I have fired up some of the old passions that were lying dormant for some time. Books. Cooking. Crafts as well as The Craft. Nature. Films. Art. I've visited museums, book stores & libraries and spent a good amount of time with Mother Nature. I've donned my apron and practiced my kitchen witchery. I've connected with my partner on a level we haven't ever before, simply because we have the time & space to do so. I reconnected with an old friend with whom I was estranged for years. Some days I've done nothing other than putter around the house and rest.

Oh, and I also lost my job. For the first time in my life I am unemployed, and not by my own doing. Oh, I guess I knew this was possible, that perhaps my employer wouldn't continue to hold my position for so long, had tossed around the idea of quitting before they could fire me. But what I didn't expect was the way in which it was handled, nor how hurt & betrayed I would feel afterward. This, too shall pass, but it's only been a week since I received the news, and I'm still licking my wounds.

So, here's what I've learned so far: At the ripe old age of 47, I'm still just as creative, passionate and alive as I was in my 30's, just without all of the needy, insecure baggage that came with that age. I'm much more self-confident and self-assured, at peace with solitude but also relishing companionship. Of a practical nature, I'm still a good cook, crafter and homemaker. I'm a decent writer though nowhere near as good as I used to be, something I plan to practice a bit more. I am more flexible and resilient that I'd ever believed, adapting quite well to this "gypsy" lifestyle. I am not a good accountant, and have no desire to return to that line of work if I can help it. I am intolerant of unnecessary drama, have no time or space for it. I can spot phoniness a mile away and would rather be alone than settle for false friendship. Though I have some issues to work on in the physical realm, I am pretty comfortable in my skin and appreciate the body I've been given. Overall, I like myself, and love the people I've chosen to surround me. My life is good.

Looking forward to the continuing adventure, excited to see what happens next on this fabulous journey..hope you'll travel along with me..

Blessings,

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: The Week in Review

2011-10-12T11:43:00.001-04:00

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: The Week in Review

2011-09-28T21:37:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: The Past Week in Pictures

2011-09-21T09:59:00.001-04:00

Rapunzel~

Wordless Wednesday: Morning Beach Walk

2011-09-14T09:28:00.001-04:00

Pretty in Pink

2011-09-10T17:21:00.003-04:00

Here's my latest creation; this vintage train case is refurbished in Sailor Jerry-style tattoo fabric, will be for sale tomorrow at the Art: Sunny Side Up Craft Fair.

Rapunzel~

Sweet Friday

2011-09-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Friday was pretty quiet as Beren and I prepared to head home for the weekend. While he was working, I ran a few errands and discovered this adorable French bakery where I enjoyed an espresso and a giant meringue cookie!

then later in the evening we went out for our favorite happy hour spot, Billy's Tap Room.

More to come..

Rapunzel~

Rapunzel's Big Adventure: Day 3

2011-09-09T10:14:00.012-04:00

Yesterday I decided to explore my own "back yard, first stop was at the weekly Farmers Market "downtown," Ormond Beach. It takes place in Rockefeller Gardens/ The Casements.

Farmers Market Vendors
The Hallifax River, Granada Bridge

I then took a walk down Granada Blvd, stopped at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens where I enjoyed an exhibit by artist Cecilia Lueza....

and walked through the beautiful gardens! What a serene setting..

I then wandered into the Ormond Beach Historical Society, took a quick tour and grabbed some literature about the town's history and future local events.

Passing by a lovely little boutique I've been eying for some time, I went in just to browse but at proprietor Bonnie's insistence, I treated myself to a gorgeous new dress (photos to come) and before I could do any more damage to my wallet, I headed back home.

The afternoon was spent in my "kitchen/studio" refurbishing train cases for the upcoming craft show and whipping up a delicious dinner for Beren and myself. Overall, it was a simply wonderful day!

Rapunzel~

Rapunzel's Big Adventure: Day 2

2011-09-08T05:53:00.011-04:00

Not much to share today, dear friends, as we are still awaiting the return of our "coach" from the a/c repairman. The nice folks at Camping World have promised that it'll be done today so we're crossing our fingers!

While we wait, we did some exploring around the area. I visited my favorite health food store, Love Whole Foods Cafe & Market:

and then Beren and I took a little drive to St Augustine to scope out potential camp grounds. He'd already chosen, and booked, a site at an RV park but upon closer inspection found it to be lacking. We think we found another spot, will fill you in on the details once they're finalized.

All of that driving and searching worked up quite a hunger so we stopped for lunch at a beachside restaurant, Sunset Grille.

Beren thoroughly enjoyed his Maui Wowie Mahi Sandwich...

as much as I did my Baja Fresh Mahi Ensalada..

After a bit more driving, and a work meeting for Beren, we found ourselves in Historic St Augustine where we treated ourselves to a nice cold beverage courtesy of Scarlett O'Hara's.

We had a quiet evening at home, are both rested up and ready for whatever today might bring!

xoxooxox

Rapunzel

Rapunzel's Big Adventure

2011-09-07T09:28:00.014-04:00

Beren and I have just started a little adventure I'd like to share with you. Thanks to a job project up here in north Florida, we will be spending about 6 weeks up here at the Ormond house, and in the vicinity. I've taken a short leave from my job, packed up Loki and arranged for Kali, Lily & Bambi to share in the cat care responsibilities. We plan to go back & forth on some weekends but for the most part this is where we'll be calling Home.

Beren's job project is actually in St Augustine, about 45 minutes from Ormond Beach. With that in mind, Beren decided to make one of our dreams come true: he bought a motorhome. (You can see the pic in yesterday's post). This will enable us to stay near the job site whenever we feel like it, allow us to have Loki with us, and give me a wonderful opportunity to explore the area while Beren is working. As you can imagine, I'm absolutely thrilled at the idea!

We actually drove to Savannah, GA to pick up the RV, a really quick road trip up & back, only stopping for lunch at the historic Pirates House.

Skulls on the Bar

Fried Green Tomato Salad, delicious!

Unfortunately we found a little problem with the RV and it needed to be taken in for repairs. As soon as it's ready we'll be picking it up and parking it in St Augustine. In the meantime, we've been visiting bars, restaurants and campgrounds in the area in preparation for our Big Adventure. Kali, Lily & Jesus came up this past weekend to help us! *wink*

Iron Horse Saloon, Ormond Beach

Mill Top Tavern, St Augustine

Scarlett O'Hara's, St Augustine

Today Beren and I are looking at some more campgrounds and having lunch in St Augustine, stay tuned for more!

Rapunzel~

Goodbye, Summer! August in Review

2011-09-06T08:10:00.016-04:00

It was a busy month for me, filled with a lot of fun & excitement..

We had birthday celebrations..

Tattoo conventions...

Good times with special friends...

Pirate Parties...

and the BIG announcement, a BIG purchase!

Stay tuned for more adventures!

Rapunzel~

On My Hearth: Burrito Lasagna

2011-08-28T07:22:00.005-04:00

Here's a new recipe I'll be sharing with my clients this week, and serving to my own family tonight! To make this vegetarian-friendly, substitute "veggie crumbles" such as those made by Morningstar Farms® and Boca® for the ground beef. I really love Taste of Home recipes; the directions are easy to follow, use simple ingredients and always turn out delicious! I honestly learned to cook many years ago with the help of their magazine!

Burrito Lasagna

Photo by: Taste of Home

12 Servings
Prep: 35 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (10 ounces each) enchilada sauce
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 package (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve Spanish rice
12 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional toppings: salsa, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, taco sauce and/or sour cream

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in enchilada sauce, taco seasoning and cumin; heat through.
Heat rice according to package directions. Spread each tortilla with about 2 tablespoonfuls beans. Spread 1 cup meat mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Layer with 4 tortillas and a third of the rice, a third of the remaining meat mixture and a third of the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with the remaining tortillas, rice and meat mixture (dish will be full).
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with toppings of your choice. Yield: 12 servings.

Enjoy!

Rapunzel~

Skulls & Roses Train Case

2011-08-21T15:38:00.001-04:00

Skulls & Roses Train Case, originally uploaded by Rapunzel*.

Latest completed project, refurbished vintage train case using Alexander Henry fabric

Pin-Ups in Paris!

2011-08-16T14:17:00.004-04:00

Here's my latest creation, a small vintage suitcase refurbished with pin-up in Paris fabric with pink silk trim!

Rapunzel~

Away They Go!

2011-08-14T08:28:00.010-04:00

Kali and Jesus took two of my refurbished vintage train cases to the South Florida Tattoo Expo this weekend. I've never sold one before so I'm a little bit nervous, , hope they find a new home!

We went to visit them last night, walked around the Expo admiring all of the amazing tattoo artwork and other crafts. I am in awe of the talent out there!

Kali was busy working at her booth..

while Lily and friends enjoyed the entertainment..

and I did a little bit of shopping! Are these gorgeous or what?!

We've had a busy weekend so far, looking forward to a quiet Sunday of movies, pool time, and maybe a little bit of craftiness.

Have a fabulous day!

Rapunzel~

Strange New Waters

2011-08-07T10:38:00.004-04:00

I awoke feeling acutely grief-stricken, and I said to myself, "Ah, this is the empty-nest feeling I've heard about, the feeling that says, "You're not at home in your new world, and your old world no longer fits you." I was in limbo, aching for what was and for what might have been. Intellectually I knew this was a growth phase, a kind of labor pain that would yield wonderful things if I could just allow myself to go through it. (It helped to know that I didn't really have a choice.) Rather than smooth it over and find mind-numbing ways to spare myself the anguish, I let myself feel it. I was lonely, disappointed, heartbroken, and scared, and I sat on my bed and cried for everything about my life that was dying." ~Dr. Christiane Northrup, The Wisdom of Menopause

I could have written this passage myself, as I sat here this morning on my bed, mourning the past, not sure what the future looks like but convinced that I'm not going to like it. You see, when we return home from Ormond this afternoon, I will be facing an empty-er house than when I left. One more bedroom will be empty, one more little bird having flown the nest. Bambi moved into an apartment with her boyfriend, a decision I not only approved of but celebrated for her. She's a smart, independent, mature young woman and she's ready to move out on her own. I have no doubt that she will be successful and happy in her new home. But me? That's another story.

I got pregnant with Kali when I was nineteen years old, I have been a mother for 28 years. It is the most important job I've ever done, the only one that really mattered, and I put my heart and soul into it. I barely remember my adult life before children, before full-time mothering, and I have no idea how to do anything different. Of course, I have Beren and my pets and my hobbies, and a little part-time job that fills my time, but first and foremost I am a Mother. And, yes, I realize that I will always have that role, but it's different now that they are adults. They no longer need or want my "parenting." They want and need to live their own lives, find their own place in the world, and that's normal, natural and healthy. I am just not sure how to "do" this parenting-of-adults. How involved should I be? How often do I call, visit? Where is the line between abandonment and independence? How much is simply too much?

I am struggling with these questions, desperately seeking the answers from "experts" as well as my friends but, alas, no one I know has been here yet. Having my girls so early puts me at a disadvantage as many of my peers are still struggling with teenage issues, not ready to deal with the emptying of their nest. I feel like I'm navigating these unchartered waters without a compass or a map, hoping I'm headed in the right direction but not even certain of my destination! It's terrifying yet just a little bit exciting as well. Even though my tears, I tentatively look forward to where this next phase of life may take me but understand that in order for me to get there, wherever "there" may be, I have to release myself from the security of the dock and set sail. Bon Voyage.

Rapunzel~