1/3 cup FINELY minced onion

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup Ketchup

1 can Tomato Paste

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tsp each of, Paprika, Cayenne and Chili Powder

1 Tbsp of Mesquite seasoning

Juice of one lime

2 cups of Moxie

Sweat the onions and garlic in the olive oil, once soft add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Simmer on very low heat until mixture is at desired thickness, adjust seasoning to taste. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to two months... if there's enough left to last that long.

I watched as the little girl happily took the ice cold, orange wrapped bottle from her smiling, tourist father and took a long swig. Then she stopped, eye's the size of half dollars. Dad laughed heartily and the little girl looked around desperately for some way to wash the taste from her mouth.

The soda that she had just been tricked into drinking holds a special place in my heart. Few will willingly let it pass their lips and fewer still will admit publicly to loving it. The drink, is Moxie and while I would expect a soda that "Tastes like Maine" to be a combination of pine trees, moose and seaweed, I find it to be quite refreshing. Others, would agree with the little girl.

Moxie is a regional soda and like so many others, it's beloved by many Mainers, even those who can't stand the stuff. To describe it, it starts off tasting a bit like root beer but that is quickly overridden with a very bitter finish. It has some, but not much carbonation and is old as the hills.

Back in the 1870's, Moxie was invented by a Maine doctor who was, at the time, working in Lowell, Massachusetts. In its original form, it was uncarbonated, billed as a curative aide, (though in those days, what wasn't?) and must have been fairly hard to get down. Of its many healthful claims, in addition to preventing "softening of the brain" as well as the "softening" of other male specific anatomical bits, the good doctor hoped it to be a respectable substitute for alcohol. In an era when most everyone you met was in some degree of drunkenness, the inventor hoped to have come up with a beverage that could be consumed by adults with out being laughed out of the corner watering hole. To some degree, he succeeded. Moxie appeared in some New England bars and was allegedly given to patrons who had already had too much but were demanding more. Whether it slaked their thirst or just put them off liquids for a while is not known. The effect was the same.

Over the next several decades, Moxie's fame grew and spread, though mostly through costal New England. Ted Williams endorsed it at one time as did Calvin Coolidge. It has also seen advertisement space in the illustrious literary circular, Mad Magazine. With time though, Moxie's star began to fade. Then, one day, a young New Hampshire boy found it.

When my family traveled to the Maine coast for the summer, I knew that it would mean beaches, sea gulls, lazy days and, of course, Moxie. Kids will naturally try anything providing that it is loaded with sugar and that your parents want you to limit your intake. My Grandmother always made sure that there was a big bottle of Moxie in the fridge and every summer, it took me a while to get used to the taste again. Often, it was the only soda in the house, and since kids seem to need soda to live, I drank Moxie. I even started to like it!

Fast forward a few years and now you have an older, far geekier version of the little boy sitting at the cottage picnic table, eating his hamburger and drinking his medicinal soda. I had moved beyond the things of youth. I was older now and there were more important things to do. For me, that was spending long evenings, sitting around a table with friends, saving the world from evils beyond description using nothing but pencils, bits of paper and dice sporting far more that the usual six sides. It was the early 80's and I had been eaten whole by Dungeons and Dragons.

The games would run long into the night and required close attention to detail, lest you miss the secret door that lead you to the treasure room or the pit that ends abruptly in ten foot spikes. Artificial stimulant was called for. The soda of choice was usually Coca Cola and it was sucked up by the gallon. I remember watching six packs practically vaporize at these sessions. The problem was that if you had paced your self in your soda consumption, hoping to make the drinks last, inevitably one of the guzzlers would start bugging you for some of your precious supply. I bought a lot of Coke that I never got to drink. Enter, an old friend.

On my way to some weekend D&D game, I stopped in at a corner store for the required survival provisions of chips and soda. With a fresh bag tucked under my arm I reached for the Coke and saw... Moxie! It sat there on the bottom shelf, looking neglected and sad. I immediately left the big red bottle I originally grabbed and swapped it for the orange "Bottle of Bitter Doom!" As expected, after an initial taste from the unfamiliar members of the group, no one ever asked me again for a soda. It was mine, ALL MINE!

Like most adolescents, I drank an indecent quantity of carbonated, corn syrup flavored beverage. I shudder to think what its done to my intestinal track and marvel at the fact that I never developed diabetes. Things have changed and I've long since forsworn soda. I just don't drink it anymore... with one notable exception. During the weekend days at the house, especially if I'm doing loud and manly things with power tools, I need a drink. Beer is out of the question for the industrious hours. It makes me want to sit down and relax. No, if I'm going to get covered in sawdust and scare the hell out of Action Girl with my dubious handling of a Sawsall, then I need something to keep me going. I need Moxie!

I live in Maine now and Moxie is the official beverage of the state. Not a stellar use of our governing time, voting it in, but still, it makes me happy. Short Stack too, has started to appreciate it. Most likely because his dad seems to like it so much, and he always wants a sip.

He'll take a tentative slurp, make a sour face much like the girl did, but then after shaking it off, comes back for another. I think he's starting to really like it. I doubt that Action Girl will object too much about his choice in soda, so long as it's accompanied with the promise that my old Dungeons and Dragons books stay carefully locked away from his sight. I doubt seriously that she could deal with that blow.

*Fsssssssss!* Moxie, anyone?
*Slurp* Ahhhh!

I've mentioned before, how many cool people I've met thru yoga.  Last night I went to a party with a good yoga friend.  It was an invitation only party (another yoga friend invited me) to a private showing of Alfred Hitchcock's film Notorious at the Moxie, followed by goodies (including champagne) at a wonderful place down the street.  I'd forgotten how good that movie was!  And of course the food afterwards was fantastic.  It was also a chance to wear something decent and mingle with people I didn't know.  It was fun.  Thanks for the invite and a super great thanks to the birthday girl who knows how to throw a party!

I'm liking this blog thing.  I like to write.  Finding it very therapeutic.  Kind of like yoga.  The cheapest form of therapy that I know!  I'm posting a funny, but very short video below.  My son loves this group of kids on youtube.  And, I must say, this one is pretty funny! 

Off to shower for yoga.  Got a new haircut yesterday, we'll see if I can even come close to making it look like it did yesterday!

I’d met CJ at the FOX studios a number of times over the years – but had not had much occasion to work with her historically….and I’m pretty happy about the fact that my stable of client’s stays out of the sometimes choppy waters of the gossip world.  I did have to dial her up to set a story right that involved a Protestant Pastor that I often do pro-bono PR work for and a well known Catholic Priest.  Yes – I know – this sounds like the set up for a joke….this pastor, priest and rabbi where in a charity photo shoot when…

I’ve experienced both of these men at their respective pulpits, and I respect their integrity as well as their sense of humor. I had to attempt to set the record straight, as what she reported in one of her columns left a little too much room for negative interpretation for my comfort. 

I started as all good publicists should do when trying to control potential crisis communication – by calling the parties involved to get their side of the story.  I caught Pastor Efrem of Sanctuary Covenant my first attempt on his cell phone.  He confirmed that some of what she had reported was correct – and judging from the ‘deer in the headlights’ quote that CJ had gotten from him in the initial column – I knew that sounded like something Efrem would say – so I knew that the story was somewhat correct…but there was much more. 

Briefly, CJ had been a part of the same United Way charity photo shoot so she had built a rapport with the photographer and event coordinator.  She had heard that Fr. O’Connell had put up (what could be construed as) devil horns behind Pastor Efrem’s head for one of the shots.  She then went on to report something that she had heard second hand that didn’t carry the humorous tone that it was intended to be said in….and I don’t know about you…but when I read something like that and it really misses its mark…I feel compelled to set things right.  I called CJ and initially thought the call would last about 30 seconds. 

Then a really cool PR thing happened – we broke out of our publicist/journalist roles and started talking about a mutual journalist that we both knew and liked that had somewhat recently passed away.  CJ is a smart, opinionated and fiercely loyal woman – and if you ask me a pretty decent human being.  I often roar when I read her columns because of her sometimes outlandish comments and takes on people/places and things in the Twin Cities – but I will tell you one thing – she has lasted as long has she has in town because she has a real passion for what she does. Given a chance to have a conversation with someone instead of accepting/rejecting a pitch – she put down her brusque façade and we were able to share a few laughs.  

The lesson I learned in this whole PR opportunity is not that if you see something wrong – move heck and high water to make it right – but be sure to approach all parties with a professional but compassionate approach.  Having worked on Wall Street in the Investor Relations world for seven years earlier in my career, I made inroads and set meetings with some of the most powerful men and women in the financial community. I did it because I knew my story and I treated all with attitude that they put their pants on in the morning one leg at a time.  Because of my tenacity, perseverance and results at a young age – I once had a broker tell me I had Moxie.  Call it what you will – all I know it’s the stuff in side that drives me to do what I love to do – and that is to tell stories and connect people.  Below is the reprint that CJ ran a few days ago.  By the way – what’s your story?

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/21601989.html?page=3&c=y

An apology

The Rev. Efrem Smith received a priestly apology from the Rev. Michael O'Connell.

The men of the cloth were among religious leaders being photographed for the Greater Twin Cities United Way's new campaign, "Live United," when O'Connell did something naughty. The Basilica of St. Mary rector displayed his pinky and thumb behind the head of Smith, senior pastor of the Sanctuary Covenant Church. Participants at the photo sessions were encouraged to assume amusing poses and this gesture, whether interpreted as rabbit ears, donkey ears or devil horns, certainly met that criteria.

Mary Lower, owner of Sterling Cross Communications, told me that O'Connell called up to say he didn't intend anything untoward. O'Connell is known as a prankster, but the two had never met so the gesture caught Smith off guard.

As someone known as the hip-hop pastor Smith -- also author of "The Hip-Hop Church" -- has probably seen much less holy hand-signs in the hood.

However, he's feeling on top of the world these days because on Aug. 7 Smith will speak to more than 100,000 people when he makes a presentation at the Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Church in Illinois. It's being simulcast across North America.

Never forget, this is a BUSINESS and is YOUR BUSINESS! Danielle Keister is an excellent advocate for this mentality, as is Stacy Brice. I continue to learn from them and, hopefully, grow and strengthen my boundaries. Danielle and Stacy have discussed what a VA is and is not. I can safely say, that I am a VA. Not a bookkeeper and certainly not a web designer. Do I cross over boundaries - sure. Do I hold to boundaries - sure. I apply a *Depends* theory. Always good for me? Not necessarily. Is it good for the clients? Sometimes. Sometimes not.

Through the last couple of years, I have strengthened my boundaries regarding hours, getting a better handle on telling clients an honest deadline, telling them if I cannot do something, and now the biggie! Actually taking some time off and being unplugged.

I will be going to New Orleans for the International Association of Administrative Professionals International Convention at the end of July. I have already told my clients I will be gone and unplugged. For those that know me, this is like Step 4 in an intervention program! Quick! Pass the laptop!!

I truly admire Danielle and Stacy as leaders in the virtual assistance industry and know what I need to do as a business owner. I must admit - it is hard for me sometimes. But, I keep adjusting and morphing into what I want to be. I can safely say, I do not beg for business and pretty much target only the ideal client.

Is it easy to shift from an employee mindset to a business owner mindset? This can be really, really hard! But, if you get into a wonderfully supportive and highly intelligent group of VAs, you will have a support system beyond compare.

Red Amaryllis, Como Park Conservatory, Sunken Garden

The Mall of America is not the alpha and the omega of the Twin Cities. Besides the "royalty" of the State Fair carved into butter busts, the TC has some spectacular art. Who would know that these Midwestern cities offer shelter to some world-class sights? And some pretty good food. I thought that I might take you on an artsy, foodie field trip! It's my wistful little love letter to the Twin Cities, now that I'm on the West Coast. Join me!

Detail of "The Algerian," by Cordier

Cherry Spoonbridge, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Sights

Whether you find yourself in Minneapolis on a sunny day, or a snowy day, you will enjoy Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Walk beyond the tall, evergreen borders to become surrounded by art work and restful, peaceful plantings. It's an oasis that seems beautifully matched to city life. When I visited it for the first time, I didn't know anything about it. I won't tell you anything more so that you can have that sense of discovery for yourself. Once there, you might as well walk across the street and enjoy the Walker Art Center's free admission on Thursday evenings if you are a fan of contemporary art.

To see what people are creating and buying at this very moment, visiting galleries/stores in Uptown is a good bet. The tiny yet potent Moxie is a hair salon during the day, becoming a gallery at night. It's actually rather striking to see paintings alongside huge mirrors, swivel chairs, and shampoo bottles. Across the street, Soo Vac acts as a community incubator for local artists. Next door, the very tiny Robot Love is perfect for a dose of pop design sensibility. Back across town, in downtown Minneapolis, the Rosalux gallery exhibits local art in the very lovely brick building of the Loft.

Despite my preference for modern art, my favorite museum in the Twin Cities, hands down, is the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Matchless, utterly matchless. (And admission is free, everyday!) It is world-class. It is large, occupying an entire city block. But there is no "fat" in it. It is no mere warehouse. Somehow, the curators are telling the story of humanity, binding each of us with each piece, each room, and every wall. And of course, the works are simply gorgeous!!! The Algerian, a detail of which is shown immediately above, belongs to its ancient art collection.

Also linking us to the past (albeit, less distant - the 1900s) in downtown Saint Paul is the Cathedral of Saint Paul. One of my friends told me that she did not need to take a photograph of the interior of the cathedral because it would be an image that would stay with her. I agree - there is no picture that could capture even the slightest semblance to the experience of walking within it. The stained glass, sculptures, and other aspects of the interior conspire to give you a sense of awe. I've included an image of the exterior, taken through a friend's car window on a snowy day to give you a glimpse that Saint Paulites enjoy everyday. (An observant reader notes that this is a photo of...the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis!!! I've never been inside, but, I'm sure it's potentially fabulous!!! And I'm working on finding a photo of the cathedral itself.) Update: 06.22.08 - someone has been kind enough to let me use his nighttime photo of the cathedral. Enjoy!

Basilica of Saint Mary's, Minneapolis

Cathedral of Saint Paul, Saint Paul

North of downtown Saint Paul lies the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park, to the side of the immensely serene Como Lake. It is entirely charming to walk through the conservatory's various chambers to view tropical plants or perhaps flowering bulbs, when the snow remains packed tightly on the land outside. People picnic within the conservatory, taking advantage of its beauty, definitely enhancing their meals. I took the picture of the red amaryllis at the very beginning of this post in the Sunken Garden, (shown immediately below) sometime last spring.

Sunken Garden in the Como Park Conservatory

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Food

Usually, I try to focus my posts on recipes and making food myself, in order to learn about cooking as well as attempting to cultivate the frugality habit. But sometimes it is quite nice to go someplace, eat, and not have to wash dishes afterwards! These are some of the places I shared meals with friends.

Takeout box from Pizza Luce

Punch Salad, of Punch Pizza (including prosciutto and walnuts)

Toscano Pizza, at Punch Pizza

Firstly, it's difficult to survive modern life without pizza. Give into it!!! One of my west coast friends was shocked when she tried a slice of the Garlic Mashed Potato pizza at Pizza Luce in Uptown - like nothing she had ever had, and it was so very good. Amazing texture. Bright, tart feta with tender...potatoes? Potatoes that contribute an earthiness that rounds off the brightness of the feta and the fresh, chopped tomatoes. Simply amazing. I succumbed to the temptation of their free delivery policy many times. Their pizzas are unconventional, and so delicious. Should you happen to be around Xerxes and 50th, very west of downtown Minneapolis, Michaelangelo's Masterpizza's is a lovely, lovely, teeny and tiny place to eat with friends. The pizza sauce is unapologetically thick, laden with good, mellow cheeses, on an exquisitely textured dough. It is one of those neighborhood joints that deserves to become a destination. The much-praised Punch Pizza earns its accolades by being the absolute, unequivocal best.

Al's Breakfast of Minneapolis

Sausage Patty, Eggs, Light Rye Toast, homemade strawberry rhubarb jam, at Highland Park Cafe & Bakery

I love love love breakfast. I've expressed my passion for breakfast in previous posts regarding Minnesotan breakfast eateries: Jay's Cafe, in the Saint Anthony neighborhood of Saint Paul, South Asian Foods in Fridley; my beloved Highland Park Cafe and Bakery in the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul, and Al's Breakfast, in Minneapolis's Dinkytown (James Beard awardee). Besides breakfast, I found a few other places I enjoyed. Cecil's Deli, in the heart of Highland Park, is quite the institution. I love their Reubens. They also make a lovely, lovely hammentashen in the bakery. One day a friend and I were trying to decide between two flavors of the hammentashen - we just ended up getting both. They were large, and simply fabulous. Kramarczuk's, a Minneapolis landmark, serves a brilliant holubet. I always appreciated the curries at Chiang Mai Thai, nestled in the heart of Minneapolis's Uptown. All of the food looked really good, but, I stuck to ordering curry because it was relatively inexpensive, and because, well, I LOVE curry!!! In Saint Paul's Frogtown, Saigon Cafe serves a mean, mean banh mi (ranging from the budget-friendly $2.50 to $3.50). They make their own mayonnaise, pate, and and bake their own excellent bread for this amazing sandwich. And when I asked for extra pickled carrots and daikon - why, by golly, they gave it to me!!!

Reuben on Dark Rye, Cecil's Delicatessen, Highland Park, Saint Paul

Parking Lot of Kramarczuk's Delicatessen, in Minneapolis

Miscellaneously Fabulous:

Next to the Mississippi, the Riverview Theatre is a lovely place to see a movie (for only $3.00!!) in a gorgeous, gorgeous 1950's setting. They also have the best, best popcorn and thoughtfully provide Cheddar powder to enhance it! The Willey House, in Minneapolis, is a teensy Frank Lloyd Wright example. The official website lets you tour virtually, as does a fan site.

Lobby of the Riverview Theatre, Minneapolis

Hot Buttered Popcorn, in the Riverview Theatre

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this mini-tour of the Twin Cities. I shall be going on blog-cation for a few weeks, but will try to stay on top of any comments and emails you might send my way. (You must know bloggers LIVE for comment luv.) I always thought the 46th Light Rail Station in Minneapolis was really pretty, and made commuting such a pleasure. And so I'll close this post with that. Thanks for coming along!!!

46th Street Light Rail Station, Minneapolis

*********************** Rolling Credits ***********************

Here are the fellow flickr-ites who kindly permitted my use of their works:

• "Minneapolis Sculpture Garden," by jpnuwat of www.fiveoclockstudio.com;
• "The Algerian," by mamluke, from his Minneapolis Institute of Art set;
• "Cathedral of Saint Paul" by kodiax2, from his Saint Paul set;
• "Al's Breakfast," by m.papaya, from her Minneapolis set;
• "Kramarczuk," by moncrief.
• Photos of the Riverview Theatre - "1956" and "Good Popcorn" by Y Entonces, visible here and here.

All others - Red Amaryllis at the Como Conservatory (first photo), the Pizza Luce takeout box, Punch Salad at Punch Pizza,Toscano Pizza at Punch Pizza, Reuben on Dark Rye from Cecil's Deli, Fountain at the Como Conservatory, the Saint Paul Cathedral, and the 46th Avenue Light Rail Station in Minneapolis - by yours truly!

Why the short run?  Because we rent.  We're at the mercy of our rental contract, and a short run is better than no run.  That's exactly why we're working toward getting our own space.

If you don't want to miss Junk City, don't wait for opening.  Go now. 

www.moxietheatre.com

We had a good weekend at MOXIE.  Our first preview got a standing ovation.  We had wine with our post-performance notes session, which felt more like a discussion of theory than a notes session, since the show already rocks (see standing ovation).  And we made it out of our rented performance space with 30 minutes left on the clock.  Yay.

All this feels very good.  So, like any good Puritan, I've been figuring out how to ruin it.  Blame my upbringing, or give me credit for being self-aware, but Amy’s total love fest comment (on the art and motherhood post) made me a little uncomfortable.  It was just so…positive.  And I know from somewhere in my education that the love fest lives somewhere between irrelevant and distracting.  It might backfire.  And it most certainly won’t help us get favorable reception. 

Or will it?

My other voice cuts in here:  Everybody spins.  We’re marketing all the time.  And beyond that, we’re raising morale.  Artists work better when they feel like they’re on a winning team.  Loss of confidence is downright dangerous to theatre.  And how am I supposed to expect an audience to love something that I don’t love?

But I do love it.  I do value my work.  That doesn’t mean I need to walk around talking about it.  That’s personal and pleasurable, and therefore, like candy and masturbation, probably not good for me. 

As I fell asleep Sunday night I had a full-on debate going on in my head.  And I wonder why I wake up not feeling rested.  

I really needed my day off.  

But I didn’t get it.  I opened my email Monday morning only to discover that my freelance director self is in prep for four different plays at three different companies, none of them MOXIE.  And compared to The Listener, in those four processes I already feel exposed, unprotected and due to the bizarre elevated status of the director totally individually responsible for just about everything.  If I didn’t have a 9-month-old to entertain I would have gone right back to bed.

In not-so-unrelated news, Scott Walters is back.  If you've never heard of him, it isn't his name that matters.  It's his theatre ideas, which is the name of his popular and well-populated and sometimes infuriating blog.  Scott is one of many cyber-voices that are asking theatre folk to think about our work in context, and to deal with that fearful question of impact: namely, whether or not we have any.  It's all delightfully terrifying.  In particular Scott preaches ‘decentralization,’ wherein the universally accepted status of New York City as theatrical Mecca is challenged, and ‘localization,’ wherein artists are encouraged to live in, grow in and develop the home communities that they love.  Isn't that a nutty idea.

During Sunday's preview I sat next to playwright Mary Fengar Gail, one of our own via her play Devil Dog Six, which we produced in season two.  I love her and her writing, but most of all I love the way she talks about art.  "Keep reinventing yourself," she said.  And on the regional theatre, “They’re very compartmentalized.”  No kidding.  In this collaborative art form, we all have our little titles.  Our little kingdoms.  This idea is MINE, not yours.  And that problem is YOURS, not mine.  It's exhausting.  

At MOXIE, not so much.  I’m the production manager for The Listener.  Jen’s one of our two costume designers.  And we both give notes to Delicia.  On the next one, we'll reshuffle the deck and everybody moves around.  I dare you to give any one of the MOXIE’s a single title and watch us wriggle our way right out of it.  You can't set my value that way.  It isn't yours to set.  

While in another context self-congratulation might be about stroking an individual ego, at MOXIE it's how we keep the family together.  It’s the language we use to acknowledge our mutual appreciation for one another as people and as artists.

Today we are working together to tell this story, Liz Duffy Adam's story, The Listener, this not-so-cynical tale of emerging hope after the fall, because we want to affect the world with it.  We see ourselves as members of a community that starts with the core artists, but includes every person in every seat at every show.  And we wouldn't do it if we didn't think we knew how.

It's all a grand case for the ensemble company.  But I've written way too much already.  I need to get the Chini-dog some paint so we can move the look of Namer's hut out of 'acceptable' and into 'awesome.'

This morning Delicia sent out email notes from the preview.  She quoted Amy's love fest, and I'm quoting it right back.  "Y'all are my dogs, and I love every one of you."

He said “Is it just me or are summer colds worst than winter ones?”

Summer is much, much worse.

We did get out yesterday and go to the park and then went to dinner to celebrate Father’s Day a little early to avoid the rush today in addition to him not feeling well.

Otherwise, there’s been yarn and spinning and running through the sprinkler in the front yard.

BedlamSmoosh, 110 yards.

Boomdiada, 183 yards.

Cucumber Cool, 183 yards

Sockins-Pastel Rainbow Superwash Sock Yarn, 400 yards.

Wildflowers, 360 yards.

I think this is quite possibly one of the coolest things ever. I don’t know what makes me happier, Mike Rowe (for obvious reasons, my goodness) or the general coolness of Stephen Hawking saying “Boomdiyada”! :)

Also, I’d be willing to bet money that my kid is the only one in Montana with a Moxie t-shirt!

I guess that’s it, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend!

]]> http://vitamincblog.wordpress.com/?p=85 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:34:19 +0000 sometimesispill http://vitamincblog.wordpress.com/?p=85 What is it about late spring that brings about so many changes? I learned yesterday that my friend, Cathy, is moving back to the United States from Africa, where she was with Doctors Without Borders for several years - and the Peace Corps prior to that. And somewhere in there, we studied in Paris together, and she went on to become one heck of an adventurer who got at least one on-the-spot marriage proposal while traveling (alone no less) through Morocco.  

The girl's got moxie. And I'm not talking about the really disgusting carbonated beverage that was created in Maine in 1876 and tastes like burnt tar water.  

Bises, Cathy. It will be nice to have you back stateside.

Speaking of Maine, my secret is officially out, now that it was announced to my company this week.  After living in Boston for eight years, I'll be moving back to my home state of Maine at the end of the summer.  I'll miss my close friends dearly, but I'm looking forward to the change of scene, no commute, living closer to my aging parents, living a stone's throw from the ocean, and eating myself into a coma from lobster roll overload. 

Details to follow!

Puntatona ruota libera e senza schema davanti agli occhi.

Si parla di:

- Ultima trovata del Dok

-Rimedi alla mancanza di stimoli

- TUD "Disco del Mese"

-Aiutiamo i Leitmotiv

-Irish and Celtic Music Podcast

I brani di oggi:

Moxie - Rockstar Superman
Minoli - Take it easy
Glasshouse - One night in your skin
Leitmotiv - Arabian Love
Urban castle magic - To Marla

>> SCARICA L'EPISODIO 78 <<

[audio http://www.everydayshow.eu/PODCAST/everydayshow78.mp3]

So...I present to you the Moxie Librarian avatar:

 Aka, well, let's call her Moxie for short.

Here are our newest member to our family are Goldfish.  There tank is not nearly big enough.  I found that out after doing research on them last night.  Hopefully, it will be okay for the next few months.  Then we will get a better tank for them.  Wish us luck that our fish will grow and survive.  I read that goldfishes lifespan are between 10 and 20 years.  And that they can grow to be between 6 and 12 inches long. 

We have renamed them.

Please meet Roxie, Moxie and Doxie!

We believe that Rox's is a Calico Goldfish. (although a still a little uncertain)

We have noticed that Roxie has an attitude.  And sometimes she likes to hog the camera space! And you can tell them all apart due to there spots or lack thereof.  I didn't think I would like them as much as I do.  I really want to see them grow and thrive. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day.  This evening is going to be hard as our friends will leave....

Have a great Thursday!

These ingenious place mats were shown to me by Moxie. She found them on this blog Oh Joy!, about things that I can't deny I want to have for myself. See for yourself, here.

The Dovetail cups are especially tempting. Really.

'Cause it ruled.

And rocked.

I watched fountains of Diet Coke explode into the air, a paranormal beaver pound the floor, at least four unintentional and brilliant uses for a Wii remote, and I met not one but two puppeteers.

Learn about the festival here.

See Moxie's and Brookelynn's stuff here and here.

Stacey Rebecca has a website here.

I'm basing the shawl off the Sunday Market Shawl by Vanessa Carter, but I've changed it a bit.  Instead of casting on 30 stitches, I did 60 because I like wider stoles that cover more of my back.  I'm also adding beads randomly through it.  I hope it turns out well...I've used beads in knit projects before, but not of varying sizes and since you drop every third stitch to create a decorative ladder I hope that the beads don't cause issues with dropping them when it comes time.  I think it'll be fine though!

I'm using a super super soft merino from one of the recycled sweaters.  I'm holding it double since it's kind of between a fingering and sport weight.  This is such a nice, mindless knit after the Hemlock Ring.  There wasn't a whole lot of thought involved with that after the center, but it felt like the feather and fan went on forever.  This is just plain old stockinette until right before binding off.  I can read or watch tv while working on it without worrying if I'm screwing up a pattern.  Every couple rows I'll spread the shawl out and decide where to add a bead by marking it with a safety pin.  Simple!

I didn't sleep much last night so I'm sure by the time I get finished with my running around today I'll be exhausted.  Gutter woke me up at 4:00 this morning to let me know that I'm a bad Mommy for not getting up and giving him food.  Then Moxie decided she needed cuddles and threw herself over my hips, pushing Cordova even farther under my ribcage and making Paul wake up with a start saying "HUH?!" LOL, crazy.  So, because my husband and fur children are snots, I'm treating myself to a hazelnut caramel iced latte at Sonic.  So there! ;)

Hope the weekend will be good for everyone...do something fun!

Cheers to our new series: letters from young farmers.  Of late, our inbox has been blessed with moving missives from those either currently farming or investigating the fruits of life on the land.  Our goal is to inspire another generation of optimistic agrarians, so when we receive these inspiring letters that inspire our work we can't help but want to shout it from the mountain top, with the author's permission of course.  Happy reading.

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Hello,

I have recently been more and more interested in vegetable farming. I visited my first, non-conventional farm, this past fall and was amazed that there are people farming diversely (things besides corn and soybeans). This visit inspired me and ever since I've been talking to more people about farming. I'm 22 years old and will be finished with an Anthropology degree in December. I'm suppose to get a "real world" job and step onto the treadmill of 9-5, but this is the last thing from my mind. I want to farm! I want to provide my community with fresh produce and give them a connection to the land again.