Simply Change It

Song - Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

So most of you know that I picked out my One Little Word for this year and it was (yes - was) Simplify.

But what actually came "roaring" into my life every day of this new year has been "Spirit"!


The English word spirit (from Latin spiritus) means "breath".

Metaphysically it refers to consciousness or personality.  The nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul.

Spirit....Soul....my energy.  Your energy. The world's energy!

As I struggled to hold on to "simplify", I began to realize that Spirit was pulling me on a path saying "pick me - pick me"...well, maybe it was more of a gentle nudge! 

I meditated and chose my daily work with more consciousness and what do you know, simplify began to come about naturally.

No, it is not an overnight deal, but an ongoing one.  Room by room, my car, my house, my garden, my art, my reading, my world, has all been slowly simplified. What do I love?  What do I really need?  What do my loved ones need?

I came across this detail of Bouguereau's Madonna and it spoke to me.

 

 To me.... so full of Grace

"Mindfulness is 

paying attention 

on purpose 

non-judgmentally 

in the present moment 

as if your life depended on it" 

 -- Jon Kabat-Zinn

The Wooden Bowl

Song - Old Man by Neil Young  **


Yesterday,  I purchased a wooden spoon to replace one that I broke on New Year's Eve.  (Someone was pounding a pan with the spoon a little too enthusiastically at midnight!)

When I was paying for the spoon, the cashier stared telling me how much she loved to cook and how she likes using wooden spoons.  She also said that it reminded her of a story about a grandfather and his wooden bowl. 

At home I "Googled" the story and enjoyed it so much, I thought I would share it with you.

The Wooden Bowl 

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 

“We must do something about Grandfather, ” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.” Therefore, the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’ s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?”

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather’ s hand and gently led him back to the family table. 

For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. 

And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

"A monk told Joshu, “I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.”
Joshu asked, “Have you eaten your rice porridge?
The monk replied, “I have eaten.”
Joshu said, “Then you had better wash your bowl.”
At that moment the monk was enlightened. " --Zen story

**Song suggested by Mr. B!  Nice one!!!

Oh Snap - Gurl

Ok....because it's Friday, I just thought I would toss out a little humor!


Click here  >>>  Drive thru Prank

And near Red's Java House  in SF there are cars that can do this.  Why?

Enjoy your day!



"Never have more children than you have car windows." -- Erma Bombeck

1513

Song - My Father's Eyes by Eric Clapton

As many of you know, I have been working on my family tree.  Mostly on my father's side as his ancestry is Scottish and English.  The Scottish kept terrible records as they were almost always fighting someone and I think they liked to fly a little "under the radar" as far as records were kept!

My dad's father was like that.  His name was John but his nickname was "Scotty" and he was a small but a fiesty man.

He called me "Lassie".....I just loved that!

John "Scotty" Crawford

On the other hand, the English kept wonderful records. 

They are so delightful in helping you with research as it is a passion with a lot of them.  And on the plus side - IT'S ENGLISH!  No translation!

Henry Gore and Sarah Routley Gore with my grandmother Violet

My mother's ancestry is another story....Italian, sometimes Austrian or German....what can I say but they could of cared less about registering a baby or two, unless it was through the church but most of those records were destroyed in WW I  or they are in some language that I can not understand because they are Northern Italians and the border kept changing with each war.

My maternal grandfather is the cute one on the far right - Arturo Giovianni Malacarne

In the 1500's  I had a grandmother (13th great grandmother to be exact - rather appropriate for this New Year) named Lady Margaret Erskine. She was married to Robert Douglas (my 13th great grandfather) in 1527 when she was 15 -17 years old. 

She became the mistress of James V of Scotland after only 3 years of marriage. (Dad, I hope you are not reading this?.....)

And bore him a son...

James Stewart (1531 – 1570)

(Long noses must run in our family or else that portrait painter should be fired!) 



I guess this is all okey dokey with the husband if your wife is the "chosen one".....but I haven't gotten  that far yet.  (Part II coming soon.....)

Apparently Margaret was a favorite of the King's and he was trying to work with the church to arrange a divorce so he could marry her.

"Through her liasion with the king, Margaret became the mother of James Stewart (1531 – 1570), first Earl of Moray, the half-brother to Queen Mary Stuart, and regent for James VI (I of England). She was not the king’s only mistress, but Margaret was his acknowledged favourite. After the birth of their son, King James had made enquiries concerning a papal dispensation which would enable him to marry Margaret, and make her his queen, thus legitimating their son and making him the heir (1536), but Lady Margaret having been a married woman at the time of her son’s birth rendered that solution impossible. Her son’s later legitimization (1551) was in regard only to inheritable property, and had nothing to do with rights to the succession."

Also one Great x ?? grandfather was the first commoner to play golf and several (well, quite a few actually were beheaded in the Tower of London)

Such is life in the early days.....one day you are playing a new game called golf and living in a castle and the next you are in the Tower.

Much better to be reading about it than actually living it!

The good part about all of this is that I am finally learning my Geography and History!



"Many miles away there's a shadow on the door of a cottage on the Shore of a dark Scottish lake." 
-- Walter Scott

Singing in the Rain

Song - Singing in the Rain by Gene Kelly

Love, love, love the energy in this painting!

The whole time I was painting it, I was thinking of titles.

ROMO

Sergio

Clinch

SF wins the NL Championship 2012....mmmm....

But after it was finished and I had a chance to photograph it for the new show at the Lafayette Gallery and really look at what was happening, I came up with "Romo - Singing in the Rain". 

I then went online and checked out other sources and discovered that I was not the only clever one around. 

Several newspeople dubbed him with the same title.  Can you believe that?

One even had Sergio hanging on a lamp post with Gene Kelly!  Both had their mouths wide open and were happy and in the rain.

Oh well.....it was original in my head but......some smarty pants beat me to the punch line!

"There were so many great moments ... You can't just really pick one." - Sergio Romo

A Moment of Zen

Song - Painting Pictures - Adele

A morning of painting is usually like meditation for me. Especially if I can get into that "zone".

This morning I went to my favorite painting class and that was just what this girl needed.

Our teacher, Marcy Wheeler creates a wonderful supportive, fun environment that also encourages us to step outside our comfort zone.

Some are more willing than others.

Joanne Taeuffer (detail)

(I tend to be a little "pokey" in that department.)

Today, I brought in my Sergio Romo painting and although I thought it was close to being finished, there were several suggestions made that really improved the painting.  As soon as I add all of the raindrops, I will post it for you.

Everyone in the class is at a different level and each has their own personal style but each of us respects that style and each other.

At the end of class we all participate in a critique of our current work.

Patricia Dallacroce

I have been painting with Marcy for 6 1/2 years now.  She still amazes me with her insight into art, design and life!


Thank you to the Thursday morning painting group and especially Marcy!

If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in painting please check out Marcy's website at
http://marcywheeler.com/

Joanne Taeuffer -  http://joannetaeuffer.com/

Patricia Dallacroce - http://www.dallacroce.com/#home

And many other fine artists in the group!

“As long as one keeps searching, the answers come.” 

– Joan Baez

30 Paintings in 30 Days

Not Just a Song But a Lovely Video! 

Remember how

just yesterday,

I posted about my 

One Little Word?

And that word is

Simplify

 .......oh my.

I am on Day 1 - January First - and my life has already gotten a little more complicated.

Today I just signed up for Leslie Saeta's  "30 Paintings in 30 Days"

A Cloudy Day by Leslie Saeta

Leslie paints with thick, lush colors using a palette knife. Check out her Painting Website HERE

My intention is to paint more often and if this challenge gets me in the studio every day, then it's a good thing.  My theme will be "FACES" that way I can paint both people and animals.

The most I have ever done was 14 paintings in 2 weeks. (See some of them below)

If you are an artist, please join in!  The registration is still open!

Come on, it will be fun!


Now for the complicated part - not painting 30 paintings but learning how to add a "Buy It Now" button to my blog.

Happy 2013!

"In the game of life it's a good idea to have a few early losses, which relieves you of the pressure of trying to maintain an undefeated season." - Bill Baughan

2013 One Little Word

Song - While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison

Wishing you A Very Happy 2013!

I still have a house full of "Christmas" because I am painting like crazy to get some new pieces ready for a show going up next week at the Lafayette Gallery "Tokens of Affection"!

It feels so wonderful to be painting again!!  Yippee!

Here is one of Sergio Romo on the final game of the Division Championship.  I still need to work on the rain, the shadow color under his arm and the background crowd a little but I just love the energy in this painting!

The GIANTS have clinched the NL Championship

I will show it to you when it's finished!



If you have never heard of "One Little Word", check it out on Ali Edwards site or on Big Picture Classes.

 

In 2010 I chose the word "intention" for me to use for the upcoming New Year. It turned out to be a great word as I would pause and set an intention (or game plan) before moving forward.  

Last year it was "balance" which ended up being too general of a word for me. 

During the last month,  I have been "feeling out words" for 2013.

I have narrowed it down to several which each has a pull for me.

Grace

Inspire

Lighten

Mindful

Purposeful

Serenity

 

 

 

But one word that is sticking with me is "Simplify".  As my life gets more and more complicated, simplifying feels like breathing room. 

A concious effort must be made to simplify anything - paperwork, household possesions, shopping, eating....every thing that piles up!

According to the dictionary -

: to make simple or simpler: as

a: to reduce to basic essentials
b: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline <was urged to simplify management procedures>
c: to make more intelligible : clarify
 

 

‘In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness.’ ~Henry David Thoreau

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle, Jingle.....

Song - Let it Snow by Chris Isaak

Pulling out my old recipe cards

this morning

got me thinking about how much joy

comes from the little things in life.

I looked over recipes

written by 

my mother

and 

my grandmother. 

I even have one 

that my dad invented,

a family favorite

that we only make on

Christmas morning

 - The Crawford Fizz!

I did do a little baking with my Grand Niece while she was visiting.  We made these fun reindeer cookies but they did lose their shape a little in the oven!

I wanted to share two recipes with you today in time to prepare for Christmas. 

One is for our favorite Tahoe Brunch Casserole with a few of Mr. B's changes included and the other is for dad's Crawford Fizz.  Enjoy!



Tahoe Brunch Casserole
(Mr. B's changes are in parenthesis)

Serves 8

This recipe should be prepared 24 hrs in advance.

3 Tbs butter, softened
12 slices white bread, crusts removed (or good Sourdough leaving crusts on)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, trimmed, sliced
2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
salt & pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lbs mild Italian sausage (or ham)
1 lb Cheddar cheese, grated
5 large eggs
2 1/2 cups milk
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp ground nutmeg

Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh parsley

Butter the bread with the 3 tablespoons softened butter and set aside.  In 10-inch skillet, melt the 1/2 cup butter; brown the mushrooms and onions over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender.  Season with salt and pepper.  Set aside.

Cook the sausage, drain well and crumble into bite-sized pieces. (or just use Ham) Grease a 13”x 9” baking dish; add and layer half of the bread, mushroom mixture, meat and cheese.  Repeat the layers, ending with the cheese.

Mix the eggs, milk, mustard's, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl. (Also add 1/8 tsp Tabasco Sauce, ¼ c Sherry) Pour over the meat and cheese casserole.  Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight. (It may need a little extra egg mixture on it in the morning)

Heat oven to 350°.  When ready to bake, sprinkle the parsley evenly over the top of the casserole; bake uncovered for 1 hour or until bubbly.  Serve immediately.

Crawford Fizz

3 ice cubes
3 oz Orange Juice
1 tsp. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. Rosa's Lime Juice
3 oz Gin (optional but highly recommended)
3 oz Vanilla Ice Cream
1 egg (optional)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.


And remember, don't drink & drive! Seriously, this dog was pulled over at a parking lot the other day and he doesn't look too happy about it!  Apparently he plays Irish Rugby so I think he can take care of himself!

“Joy comes to us in moments – ordinary moments. We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”  - Brene Brown, Daring Greatly.

A Holiday Treat for the Ladies

Song - Shopping Clothes by The Coasters

Ladies - After a long day of Christmas shopping, stop by a little Herbal Cosmetic shop located in Walnut Creek between Nordstrom's and Macy's.

There will be a young gentleman outside asking you if you would like a free sample.

That's the ploy.....don't fall for it......

I repeat "Do NOT fall for it !"

Once you get one sample, he suggests you enter his studio.  Then he has you hooked!

Because as soon as this gorgeous man starts rubbing lotions and potions on you while looking deeply into your eyes, you are a goner.

You will buy anything in his lovely little shop.

The real clincher is that you may have a free 45 minute facial with this young man.

I have one for tomorrow which I am canceling.  Otherwise Mr. B will have to mortgage the house!

If any of you do go by and can resist his sales technique by just walking (or running) away with the "free sample", please let me know.

I will admire your strong sales resistance!!!!

As I walked away with my hip little bag of goodies, I had a good laugh for the rest of the day as to how gullible I am.  And I kept looking into shop windows to see if I actually had SUCKER stamped onto my forehead!  Don't you just love a good laugh during this busy season?  Even at my expense?  Somehow it relieves the stress of it all.....

I'm just saying....beware in downtown WC!



"Salesmanship, too, is an art; the perfection of its technique requires study and practice." --James Cash Penny 

Winter Whites

 Song - In A Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington & John Coltrane


The sky's are white and my garden is mostly white this time of year.

The garden still has a few white roses holding on for as long as they can.




I do love to grow Paper-white Narcissus indoors until they become so tall that they can no longer hold up their fragrant little heads. I replant them out in the garden for next years display.

White Primroses are spread through out my garden in the winter and my little white Snow Drop flowers are already blooming!

 

But every winter I get a little sad......maybe it's the gray sky's or too much indoor time.

My garden is resting for the season. Well kind of.....as some spring flowers are already to bloom, but the trees are bare and most of the yard is still.

The animals have burrowed in to their homes and life seems to slow down.

Mika has burrowed onto my lap just happy to be watching me write this blog!  - Well, she is a sweet winter white too!

It is the natural cycle of life.

And it is a time for us and nature to renew our energy for the upcoming spring.

And knowing that, I can relax.

By lighting a few candles and curling up by the fire with a good book or wonderful music is what renews me.  What about you?

Hot tea or Chocolate?
Flannel sheets on the beds?
Cozy slippers?
Warm meals and laughter with friends and family?
Long walks on a crispy trail?
Filling up the feeders for the hungry song birds?
Journaling, sketching, planning next years vegetable garden?
Baking or cooking?


What fills up your well?

Tahoe Winter 2011

 “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”  - Edith Sitwell

B_R_U_C_E

 Song - Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen

Just returned home from seeing BRUCE and I am so hoarse, I will have to whisper this blog to you.

I have survived Thanksgiving.

Thank you for asking....

While the boys were home, Mr. B and I took them to the lighting of the old Danville Oak Tree.  We strolled the streets of Danville, shopped, ate, enjoyed the lights and watched Father Christmas & the Snow Fairy light the Christmas Oak Tree.

My son Jon and his girlfriend Megan spent some time with us during their Thanksgiving break.  On Saturday we went to the Bering car museum in Blackhawk. 

This one was made out of Tulip wood

Although I am not a car buff, I can appreciate the beautiful artistic design of these cars from former years.

I also have been helping care for my Grand niece & Grand nephew ( 4 & 5 years of age).

While they are great kids, I just can not keep up with them.

I am old.

I am tired.

They know this.....

I am not used to answering 38.5 questions per minute.

My niece is in Germany for 12 days and my sister-in-law, my mother and myself have taken on the roll of caretakers for these two little sweetie pie's!  But as you can see from the photo below, they are still testing the waters......just to see if Auntie Jeanette can keep up.

I thought we would make a reading fort on Thursday, kinda like in the movie "The Holiday" but they decided it was a tickling, wrestling fort instead.

 
I thought they would come out talking like those two little lovely British girls from the movie "Olivia" played by Emma Pritchard and "Sophie" played by Miffy Englefield and like them, they would want to discuss deep feelings and ask me interesting questions but oh no.....Oh my....no way. 

"The Holiday" staring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, Kate Winslet, 

When I returned home from dropping them off at Grandma and Grandpa's for the evening, I came home to find the fort occupied.

Mika and Max were just as exhausted as I was and that fort was looking pretty cozy.



I have also been spending lot's of time at several veterinary hospitals lately seeing specialists.

Mika was just diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis or Westie Lung Disease.  She...well "we" will see a Cardiologist on Tuesday.  The outlook is not looking too good.

Max is putting on a little weight (which is good) but he takes 14 meds per day and well as IV fluid every evening and has acupuncture every other week.  



But the reason for my hoarse voice.......(I'll bet you thought I forgot)!   is that I just returned from an incredible Bruce Springsteen concert tonight!!!  Sorry for the poor quality of my photos but I only had my cell phone with me.

The Stage FROM OUR SEATS!!!

We were three rows up from the stage and 4 seats over. Great seats (thank you Eric)! Incredible seats!

It was so very incredible!  A great three hour show. So much energy.

Mmmm...maybe I can get him to come over to my house and chase my two little charges?

Live music is a wonderful thing.

"The best music, you can seek some shelter in it momentarily but it's essentially there to provide you something to face the world with."  - Bruce Springsteen