beauty that moves

we have a flood in our basement

Nice way to start the first non-busy day of the week, eh? I was going to stop in here to talk about "what's in my summertime car gear bag/basket" (I think it's an official term). For starters, I keep a pair of utility scissors and a lidded glass jar filled half way with water for easy and spontaneous curbside flower arranging (hence the yummy lilacs in the photo above). There are other things too - sunblock, bug spray, freshened up first aid kit, change of clothes, towels, local trail map book, extra shoes (especially shoes for river walking), things like that. There are more things of course. I was hoping to work through my list out loud, so to speak, with all of you as I'd love to have my car equipped by the weekend.

Then there was a flood. In my basement.

We've never had a drop of water in our basement and I cannot figure out where it is coming from. Of course, did you notice that I've stopped mid-flood to blog about it? Yeah, probably not of apocalyptic concern or anything...

Care to keep me company while I'm mopping and repairing?

What do you keep as essential summertime car gear?

We all have different lists and I'd love to know what is on yours. It's a good time for all of us to start thinking about this. I know my list is lacking a few things but right about now I've got "basement is flooding" on my mind, and can't seem to focus on this silly list. Seeking and accepting all advice... and goulashes.

Oh! If you have a moment please stop by Enchanted Chameleon, Suzanne asked me a few questions about green smoothies (which you know I love to talk about) - it has been great seeing so much green smoothie love around my favorite blogs and flickr streams lately.

Okay, back to the flood.

see you in just a few days

Good morning! Today I started brewing up Denise's morning nectar  (I used almond milk) and left the coffee percolator untouched at the back of the stove. It's going to be a good day.

I've got a busy few days ahead and don't expect to be here too much before Thursday. We'll see if that changes. Until then, enjoy this glimpse into a corner of a local fabric store (I did a little stocking up this weekend!). Such a sight isn't it? The lovely lady has been waiting quietly for twelve years (or more!) for the words to come so she can tap them out on to her Remington. She's a patient one.

Oh! I have a new banner... I cannot for the life of me get the frame to wrap around the right side. Maybe I'll fiddle with it later in the week, I must have the banner a bit too wide.

Yummy viddles made by me. Beautiful picnic quilt made by Amanda.

Have a great start to the week everyone! 

a simple week :: 5

She stood there tucking her hair into bobby pins, my camera was right next to me on the desk. I found myself hoping she will always play dress-up.

a simple week :: 4

I did pick up something when I was at Ikea over the weekend. Have you had those little mocha treats they sell in the market area? They were purchased spontaneously on the way out and I am pleased to say the box of six lasted through Wednesday. Not bad. I have made them at home before with the assistance of Cheryl from Free Range Living. She wrote a post about her experience making them and shared a link to a recipe to make your own. After I made them, we enjoyed a few but I quickly decided it was best if I froze the remainder. They were pretty fantastic and I didn't need them staring back at me every time I walked through the kitchen. They froze nicely and were tasty (as it turns out) plucked right from their freezer with a cup of tea or coffee. No thawing required... hmm. I think I just remembered why I've only made them once.

Also, still with the watercolors. Now I have a partner which makes me happy.

Link Love :: Linda wrote a bit about her family's (her daughter is my friend Emma) experience unschooling and shared a wonderful video within the post. It's a long one so perhaps you'd like to bookmark it and gather your knitting with a glass of wine later tonight. It's truly a wonderful talk.

a simple week :: 3

In the classroom we use these watercolor paints from Discount School Supply. I've always admired the colors as I watch the children paint, they are quite rich and beautiful. The paints tend to get used unevenly by the kiddos (purple is a favorite!) so the head teacher replaces the paint discs before they are truly fit for retirement. If the materials in the classroom are not complete and appealing, the child is less likely to choose that activity (at the 3-6 age level). Long ago I started taking home the cast-off watercolors, hoping to play with them at some point. Yesterday was the day. I sketched this lady and tried watercolor for the first time. Oh my, it was so relaxing and playful at the same time.

Link Love (of the musical variety) :: Dave Rawlings Machine - "Ruby"