This year for Greater Moose Day (observed), we went to a Tiffany glass exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art and to tea at Lady Anne's Vintage Tea Room, which should have been better than it was (how can you be out of Darjeeling?!?).
As is our way, we wrote haikus...
Mom:
Tea time has arrived
Sandwiches, scones and sweets
Traditions survived
Dance, sing and be gay
Moose Day 2008 continues, yay!
Be happy today,
Deb:
Another Moose Day
Tea at Lady Anne's - haikus
on tiny paper
Tiffany lamps at
Nassau Caounty Museum
of Art - beautiful!
What do the moose eat
on Moose Day? We have tea; they
have water and weeds.
Me:
The first sip of tea
Warms, and enlivens the day,
Renewing spirits
Rainbows of glass pieces
Arranged in natural forms
Tiffany lamp shades
Mom is so giving
As the eclair cream appears
On my plate. Surprise!
Eileen:
Poke Deb in the nose
Take her very last bit of scone,
but give her my eclair.
11/30/2008
11/25/2008
Coming and Going...
Although it's probably like this every year and I just don't remember, I'm going through this intense not-being-at-home phase. And it's catching up with me...
I guess it started with Mom's surgery, which was an unexpected time away. And then there was the last second wedding invite - to a wedding in Boston, which I made work in my schedule (leave MA at 9 to be back for demo rehearsal at 4 - no problem!). And this past weekend was the Brattleboro Ball with a waltz in Whately the next day (home Sunday at midnight, work on Monday - no problem!). And Thanksgiving is nigh, the Philadelphia Ball following, and then possibly NYC the weekend after that. Crazy.
And yes, I'm "home" all week, meaning I sleep in my own bed, but home is always a relative term. Most of those nights I'm out dancing or teaching. My one free night at home usually takes me and my laptop elsewhere to work on dance programs, etc., in more distraction-free places like the library (also home to free wireless - thank you Mayor Nutter for keeping my two local branches open...).
So what falls through the cracks:
-Housecleaning - oh-so-easy to avoid
-Making/eating dinner at home
-Grocery shopping in a non-piecemeal way
-Crafts
-House projects
-Adequate sleep
I have these notions of a life more home-centered. I want to entertain. I want to work on the house and make it feel more like mine. I want to do all of those things on the list (okay, I don't want to clean), but I think the thing that overwhelmingly stops me is that I don't prefer to do any of those things alone. I love being with people, so I leave the house at a whiff of socializing, and try to fit in the house stuff in the small gaps of time, or when absolutely deadline driven.
So, how do single, extroverted people stay motivated to do solo tasks? How can you get people to keep you company over unglamourous projects when everyone's life is over-scheduled? Do I re-prioritize, or get more comfortable with the fact that my life is not home-centered and that it will take me longer than seven months to get my house in order. Because, give up one of my nights out? How would I do that.
So while I ponder, I will continue to work on that 'don't choose, do both' theory in my whole life, rather than in just my dance life...
I guess it started with Mom's surgery, which was an unexpected time away. And then there was the last second wedding invite - to a wedding in Boston, which I made work in my schedule (leave MA at 9 to be back for demo rehearsal at 4 - no problem!). And this past weekend was the Brattleboro Ball with a waltz in Whately the next day (home Sunday at midnight, work on Monday - no problem!). And Thanksgiving is nigh, the Philadelphia Ball following, and then possibly NYC the weekend after that. Crazy.
And yes, I'm "home" all week, meaning I sleep in my own bed, but home is always a relative term. Most of those nights I'm out dancing or teaching. My one free night at home usually takes me and my laptop elsewhere to work on dance programs, etc., in more distraction-free places like the library (also home to free wireless - thank you Mayor Nutter for keeping my two local branches open...).
So what falls through the cracks:
-Housecleaning - oh-so-easy to avoid
-Making/eating dinner at home
-Grocery shopping in a non-piecemeal way
-Crafts
-House projects
-Adequate sleep
I have these notions of a life more home-centered. I want to entertain. I want to work on the house and make it feel more like mine. I want to do all of those things on the list (okay, I don't want to clean), but I think the thing that overwhelmingly stops me is that I don't prefer to do any of those things alone. I love being with people, so I leave the house at a whiff of socializing, and try to fit in the house stuff in the small gaps of time, or when absolutely deadline driven.
So, how do single, extroverted people stay motivated to do solo tasks? How can you get people to keep you company over unglamourous projects when everyone's life is over-scheduled? Do I re-prioritize, or get more comfortable with the fact that my life is not home-centered and that it will take me longer than seven months to get my house in order. Because, give up one of my nights out? How would I do that.
So while I ponder, I will continue to work on that 'don't choose, do both' theory in my whole life, rather than in just my dance life...
11/18/2008
I've been following a few rubber stamp/paper craft blogs for a few months now and find it amazing that starting a few weeks ago, the posts on those sites either began to slow down or feature holiday cards almost exclusively. The ones that slowed to a few posts a week, or none, did so so that the bloggers could work on making holiday cards. And what baffles me even more is that the holiday cards they do show seem very elaborate, which leads me to believe they must be making only about 10, or that they have way more evenings free than I do.
So the search for my holiday card design begins!
-The design must be simple with only a few stamps/layers/assembly steps
-The card must be easy to replicate many, many times
-The card must use images and papers and inks I already have (or not, but within reason)
Here are some recent designs:
From 2006 - stamps, ink, colored pencil, and only one layer.
From last year. The background paper is one I designed. It's a collage of handwritten English dance tunes. I love it! One layer, edged in gold ink, stippled ink over top.
Today I came across a possible design idea from the Memory Box blog:
While this color scheme is not mine, I love the idea - one image over stamped in two colors, a sentiment that matches either the edging or the base card. I may use this one, or keep looking.
Stay tuned for more ideas...
So the search for my holiday card design begins!
-The design must be simple with only a few stamps/layers/assembly steps
-The card must be easy to replicate many, many times
-The card must use images and papers and inks I already have (or not, but within reason)
Here are some recent designs:
From 2006 - stamps, ink, colored pencil, and only one layer.
From last year. The background paper is one I designed. It's a collage of handwritten English dance tunes. I love it! One layer, edged in gold ink, stippled ink over top.
Today I came across a possible design idea from the Memory Box blog:
While this color scheme is not mine, I love the idea - one image over stamped in two colors, a sentiment that matches either the edging or the base card. I may use this one, or keep looking.
Stay tuned for more ideas...
11/17/2008
Party planning, the winter edition...
Although it's early days yet, I'm starting to think about this year's Chanukah party. The first question is when should it be. December weekends are ridiculous, but weeknights are school nights, and some will be less inclined to party. And then there's the issue that Chanukah is crazy close to Christmas this year which will make fitting a party into people's already busy schedules that much harder. But since I believe that holidays should be celebrated during the actual holiday, we'll work with what we have and hope for the best. And I'll send out the invitations early to try and get on as many people's calendars as possible.
The other question I always have about the party is what to serve. Latkes, of course, with the trimmings, are filling and the whole point of the bash, but are they enough? What are the fitting accompaniments for oily, fried potatoes? What are your sides when french fries are your main dish? I've done salad as an antidote. I don't want to even think about a making meat course for the masses. You don't need a starch when starch is the star of the evening. And what is the best beverage to compliment the latkes? Beer, wine? Red or white? Sodas? Punch? A signature cocktail?
Serious research is called for, clearly. I predict evenings in Borders in the Jewish cookbook section to come.
Send all of your menu and other party suggestions right along...
The other question I always have about the party is what to serve. Latkes, of course, with the trimmings, are filling and the whole point of the bash, but are they enough? What are the fitting accompaniments for oily, fried potatoes? What are your sides when french fries are your main dish? I've done salad as an antidote. I don't want to even think about a making meat course for the masses. You don't need a starch when starch is the star of the evening. And what is the best beverage to compliment the latkes? Beer, wine? Red or white? Sodas? Punch? A signature cocktail?
Serious research is called for, clearly. I predict evenings in Borders in the Jewish cookbook section to come.
Send all of your menu and other party suggestions right along...
11/10/2008
Keeping Time, Part 2
This is that heady time of year when the blogs extol the praises of the perfect letterpress stationary for your holiday cards, indy craftie artists to purchase your holiday gifts from, and, of course, calendars. These are but a sampling from the Real Simple Home blog and Decor8's calendar round-up...
The one top right is KrissColorStripes. I already have that one.
The one top right is KrissColorStripes. I already have that one.
I love the simplicity of some of these. One image, one color, random pattern. I find this in my stamping as well - the simpler designs are often better.
So what's the verdict? Should I go independent this year, or stick with some old favorites?
11/05/2008
Keeping Time
I'm a planner. There's almost nothing I like better than full boxes in my calendar and knowing I have plans and a busy schedule well into the future. So it's no surprise then that my house is full of calendars. I've fallen into some calendar purchasing habits, with some slight variations:
My favorite of the moose calendars out there. I couldn't find it last year and was heartbroken!
My favorite kitchen calendar for over 10 years now...
Already on hand I have two others: the KrissColor Stripes previously reported on, and one acquired tonight at GCD - DanceUSA Philadelphia's calendar featuring FiddleKicks and other local dance groups.
And during this time of years, lots of blogs feature creative calendars by independent artists sold on Etsy and the like. I'll highlight a few of my favorites next time.
The ever-so-snarky Anne Taintor - a must-have...
The small Motawi Tile calendar - I love having this one at work.
My favorite of the moose calendars out there. I couldn't find it last year and was heartbroken!
My favorite kitchen calendar for over 10 years now...
Already on hand I have two others: the KrissColor Stripes previously reported on, and one acquired tonight at GCD - DanceUSA Philadelphia's calendar featuring FiddleKicks and other local dance groups.
And during this time of years, lots of blogs feature creative calendars by independent artists sold on Etsy and the like. I'll highlight a few of my favorites next time.
11/03/2008
Sometimes we volunteer, or sometimes volunteering is thrust upon us...
I don't think anyone becomes a dance caller to make their fortune. I'm a dance caller for a number of reasons, but mainly because I want to help people discover the joy in dancing that I did at a critical stage in my life. And I'm beginning to hit this moment where I'm getting hired to do things. I love that.
But I'm also beginning to have these moments where ego meets reality, and it's left me with some dilemmas to puzzle through, mainly, is there ever a gig you say no to?
-I call for GCD once every couple of months. I get very little money for this, and it matters not at all. I love GCD with all of it's craziness. It's my home dance and I complain about it, but I support it, period.
-I teach at Swarthmore and get paid essentially a little gas and coffee money, and while in my head it's annoying because I know the college can afford more, I keep on because I love teaching in the college setting and working with the students, even though they think I'm old.
-I call for LCD this past weekend and make very little, but know going in that this will likely be the case. Fine.
-Any camp that hires me, if I'm that lucky, if they cover my travel, great. Call a dance out of town, ditto the travel thing, also great. Let's just hope I have the vacation time...
-Neffa. Total volunteer gig. I covet the opportunity every year, and fear that this is the year they'll say no.
All of these situations are clear in my head. And now I'm faced with a situation that I'm searching for reasons to say yes to.
-I won't get paid. I won't even get any discount on my admission.
-This year, I will have no teaching opportunity, just evening dance responsibility.
-It's for an organization I'm not a member of and don't have a reason to join.
-The organizers of the event don't think carefully about what goes into making a good, fun event for people outside their small circle of friends and admirers
On the other hand,
-This was my first camp, so I have some historical attachment to it
-Though none of my close friends will be there, there are lovely people I will enjoy seeing/dancing with/catching up with
-Though unlikely, there may be people with hiring power there which could lead to other gigs
-It IS nice to be asked to have a public role and remind people I exist in this genre from time to time, so maybe just suck it up and do it.
Sleep on it. Maybe it will be clear in the morning.
But I'm also beginning to have these moments where ego meets reality, and it's left me with some dilemmas to puzzle through, mainly, is there ever a gig you say no to?
-I call for GCD once every couple of months. I get very little money for this, and it matters not at all. I love GCD with all of it's craziness. It's my home dance and I complain about it, but I support it, period.
-I teach at Swarthmore and get paid essentially a little gas and coffee money, and while in my head it's annoying because I know the college can afford more, I keep on because I love teaching in the college setting and working with the students, even though they think I'm old.
-I call for LCD this past weekend and make very little, but know going in that this will likely be the case. Fine.
-Any camp that hires me, if I'm that lucky, if they cover my travel, great. Call a dance out of town, ditto the travel thing, also great. Let's just hope I have the vacation time...
-Neffa. Total volunteer gig. I covet the opportunity every year, and fear that this is the year they'll say no.
All of these situations are clear in my head. And now I'm faced with a situation that I'm searching for reasons to say yes to.
-I won't get paid. I won't even get any discount on my admission.
-This year, I will have no teaching opportunity, just evening dance responsibility.
-It's for an organization I'm not a member of and don't have a reason to join.
-The organizers of the event don't think carefully about what goes into making a good, fun event for people outside their small circle of friends and admirers
On the other hand,
-This was my first camp, so I have some historical attachment to it
-Though none of my close friends will be there, there are lovely people I will enjoy seeing/dancing with/catching up with
-Though unlikely, there may be people with hiring power there which could lead to other gigs
-It IS nice to be asked to have a public role and remind people I exist in this genre from time to time, so maybe just suck it up and do it.
Sleep on it. Maybe it will be clear in the morning.
11/02/2008
Help! I'm bleeding!
Radiators, that is...
Or trying to, at any rate.
The radiators in my bedroom and in the bedroom of my housemate are baseboard affairs. And they're cold when the heat is on, so bleeding is likely the solution to the problem. And I know they both have bleeders, but the past few times when I've turned the only possible thing that can be the bleeder, nothing has happened but some gas/air escaping. So now I have nothing but more questions (Google, here I come...):
-Do you bleed the radiators with the heat on or off?
-If you only bleed one or two radiatiors, does that do the trick, or do you have to do all of them for the bleeding to be effective?
-Does it matter where in the radiator sequence you start? I've heard start from the radiator nearest the boiler and the farthest. Which is correct?
-I've my eventual bleeding doesn't work, what else could the problem be if the heat is working in the other more tradtional-style radiators in the house, and how much will it cost to fix?
While I was waiting for the computer to warm up, I bled the radiator in my room one more time and actually got water out of it. I'm off to discover whether the room is warm, or whether I have to dig up more blankets...
Or trying to, at any rate.
The radiators in my bedroom and in the bedroom of my housemate are baseboard affairs. And they're cold when the heat is on, so bleeding is likely the solution to the problem. And I know they both have bleeders, but the past few times when I've turned the only possible thing that can be the bleeder, nothing has happened but some gas/air escaping. So now I have nothing but more questions (Google, here I come...):
-Do you bleed the radiators with the heat on or off?
-If you only bleed one or two radiatiors, does that do the trick, or do you have to do all of them for the bleeding to be effective?
-Does it matter where in the radiator sequence you start? I've heard start from the radiator nearest the boiler and the farthest. Which is correct?
-I've my eventual bleeding doesn't work, what else could the problem be if the heat is working in the other more tradtional-style radiators in the house, and how much will it cost to fix?
While I was waiting for the computer to warm up, I bled the radiator in my room one more time and actually got water out of it. I'm off to discover whether the room is warm, or whether I have to dig up more blankets...
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