PoMo Golightly

New Steed in Town

Yesterday I set out to bike to the library and pharmacy on my new steed.  I was so determined to fix up my old bike to use for errand running, but then I saw the Kona Africabike.  I had to have her.  I went back to the bike shop to test her out on Wednesday, and she came home with me.  Reasonably priced and durable as all get out, this bike makes me feel like I am twelve years old--coaster brakes, three speeds, and matte black, just like my childhood hand-me-down-banana-seat bike. 

To top off my immediate attraction, I read the brochure that came with the bike.  For every two bikes sold, one will be delivered to help out health care workers in Africa.

I don't talk about it much, but a big dream of mine is to spend a few months in Africa at an AIDS orphanage.  I had planned to go to Ghana in spring 2002 to teach English, but 9/11 and a chance for my then-husband to tour in Germany, followed by our subsequent separation nixed those plans for me.  So until I can live that dream, I'll ride my Africabike around my little CT town and imagine how useful the half a bike that I sent over is.

I loved my first errand run on her; she's a tough gal.  Hills are not so easy on her, but they'll just make me stronger.  On flat stretches, though, she's a dreamboat. 

Sewing Soon

Among the many other outdoor chores completed last weekend, Neal rigged a clothesline for me.  It's a breezy day, so I've got the line filled with fabric and t-shirts. 

Soon I'll take to my sewing machine to get Baby Meadow's quilt made, as well as a cover for my laptop.  I've got big plans for an assembly-line of tote bags as well...prizes for my contest, and early Christmas crafting!

What a Weekend!

New England doesn't often enjoy my idea of good weather--70s, breezy, sunshine, no humidity.  For the last four days, though, my little corner of the northeast had perfect weather. 

On Friday, I watched Neal's best friend take down our red oak that was hanging over a neighbor's house.  I've glanced at tree monkeys at work before; this was the first time I saw the whole process.  It was impressive, to say the least. 

We spent the rest of the day putting in my kitchen garden.  I moved my rock collection from my bookshelf to the garden as well; they're meant to be outside, and if I lose some of the smaller rocks, well, at least they'll be in my garden.

As a result of all that outdoor work, I spent most of Saturday on the couch.  I hadn't thought about my severe allergy to oak trees as I studied the work being done.  I had hoped to go to the MA sheep and woolcraft fair, but there was no way I could handle the drive. 

I felt better on Sunday, and joined Blog-free Kim for a run in the morning before I prepared a lunch for my parents.  I was pleased with the food: quinoa with sea scallops (Neal was in charge of the scallops--I don't "do" seafood or meat), asparagus with a peach and balsamic vinaigrette,  strawberry and spinach salad, fresh lemonade (so refreshing and simple!), and a strawberry rhubarb crisp.  It was springy and festive.

Yesterday, I re-read my favorite speech from Shakepeare, which never fails to make my heart pound.  I love Shakespeare's Henry V, and I love Branagh's rendering of the speech.  The New York Post printed it on Memorial Day 2002, and I've had it posted on my refrigerator ever since.  I'd long loved the play and speech, but now.  Now it reminds me in a meaningful way to be grateful for those men and women willing to risk their lives for my freedom.

Thanks again to everyone who played along with my contest.  I'll compile a movie list to share with all of you soon.

Winners, All!

I used a true random number generator (as opposed to asking Neal to pick three numbers), and the winners are:

#70 AJ (no blog)
#58 TJ (no blog) 
#78 Patricia (no blog)

I'll e-mail the winners to arrange for prizes.  Thanks to all who played.  I'll be bulking up my Netflix queue--there were so many great suggestions!  It may take a while, but I'll be sure to visit all the blogs mentioned, as well as take a look at your beautiful crafted items.

Mwah! 

A Contest!

Today is my one-year Ravel-versary, and I want to share the joy with you.  How about a little contest?

Leave me a comment with either 1) a movie that should be on my Netflix queue; 2) a link to a blog you love to read; or 3) your favorite item you have ever crafted (besides your kids...that's a given, no?)--with a link if applicable.

On Tuesday morning, I'll randomly select three comments.  The winners will receive either 1) a skein of hand dyed (by me; summer=dyeing for me!) lace weight yarn; 2) a fabu skein of sock yarn; or 3) a sweet tote that I will sew in colors of your choice.

Yay, Ravelry!

ETA:  I'll close the contest at 10:30 East coast time!

Peep Show

Here's a little sneak preview of an actual, finished object at Chez Golightly.  I'm hoping to press Neal into service for a photo shoot tomorrow.  Until then, here are some random bits of information for you.  Okay, a complaint or two as well.

1.  I signed up for the Goddess Knits mystery shawl.  I know, I did so well with MS3 last year (ahem) that it's a natural fit, right?  I was going to dye my own yarn, but I fell in love with this (mine is more of a blackish color).

2.  I bought fabric to make a laptop protector.  I have yet to name my Phineas-replacement computer, but I think I might fall a bit more in love with her when she has a swank cover.  I'm using Asian-inspired prints and Amy Butler's pattern.  I hope to sew it this weekend.

3.  My allergies are out of control today.  I thought maybe it was the luscious bouquet of lilacs I'd gathered yesterday, but it's more serious than that.  I'd forgotten how terrible my allergies are in CT.  There's something here that was not in New York, and it bothers me fiercely!

4.  I was supposed to leave for Greece tomorrow.  I'm not bitter; we're staying home for valid, serious reasons.  I'm just a little bit disappointed is all.

5.  I started taking yoga on Thursday nights.  I really like the class, and I even bought this book so I could practice at home more easily between classes.

6.  I'm thinking about running another kit swap this summer.  Remember the KSKS?  And KMKS?  Well, what do you all think about KLKS:  Knit Lace Kit Swap?  Anyone game???

7.  Sunday is my Ravelversary!  I intend to have a giveaway, so take a peek back here, ok?

Just Look at the Goodies!

I joined a pincushion swap on Ravelry last month, and yesterday a delightful Breakfast at Tiffany's themed package arrived from Lori (Ravlink).  She numbered the smaller packages for me to open in order, which included a Starbucks gift card (for a cruller to munch on while I window shop), an amazing red lipstick/pencil from Julie Hewett (coco noir in case you're curious),  The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, which Neal promptly claimed, a tiara (for wearing while window shopping and eating crullers), and the most fantastic pin cushion of all time--a perfectly duplicated Tiffany's box.

I've been teased at my SnB for my swapping habit.  What I love about swaps, though, is that I get a chance to expand my craft skills by making something different.  I'm not likely to make myself a pin cushion, but I'll do it for a swap.  And sometimes?  When I get an amazing package like this, I delight in feeling spoiled.

Thank you, Lori!!

Word Nerd Coop Site is Up!

There is plenty of work to do on it still, but the Word Nerd Cooperative blog is up!  If you'd like to challenge yourself with a writing goal this summer, head on over and see what it's about.  To join, simply e-mail me at wordnerdcoopATYahooDOTcom, and I'll send you an invite, followed by a questionnaire for you to post.  Hope to see you over there!

Three Books and an Anniversary

This weekend I've finished three books, so here are some reviews for you:

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.  I rushed through reading this while at the same time, I didn't want it to end.  Even though I "solved" the mystery pretty early in the novel, I enjoyed watching it play out.  Atwood's language is lush and precise, a combination that isn't always found together.  I am a fan of books within books (a la A.S. Byatt's Possession), and each time one of the Blind Assassin chapters appeared, I was excited.   The narrator is strong; her voice is funny even as it is longing and regretful.  This novel won Atwood the Booker prize, and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a great summer read.

In an effort to have a real go at the graphic novel form, I took out Persepolis and Persepolis 2 from my library.   While I'm not going to dive into the form with abandon, I did enjoy both of these.  Some of my colleagues teach Persepolis, and I might add it to my syllabus, too.  I liked Marjane Satrapi's illustrations, although my taste usually runs to dreamy watercolors, and I thought her storytelling was provocative.  She was born in the same year as I was, and I was compelled by how different our childhoods were.  I felt the second book, in which she relates the story of her return from Austria to Iran,  was even more interesting.  I laughed aloud in places, but mainly I felt sorrow and anger.  The emotional truth of the books, above everything else, is what made them important to me.  I'll certainly seek out the film version.

Nestled in with my weekend filled with reading, Neal and I celebrated our first anniversary.  We had a lovely day with lots of conversation about what we've done in the past year and what we hope to accomplish in the coming year.  He took today off, too, and we finally bought plants and fencing for my kitchen garden.  I'm hoping that harvesting lots of yummy veggies will be one of my big accomplishments in our second year of marriage!

A Moment to Remember

It's been overcast and rainy today, but the sun just came out.  Do you think I have superpowers?  Because, dudes, I just e-mailed my professor my last paper for this Chaucer class.  Which, incidentally, is the last paper of my MFA graduate program, the last paper of my student career. 

I spent much of the last week (hell, the last two years) sitting on my writing chair, a dog on the footstool, computer on my lap.  While I'll get back to my treadmill on Monday, I plan to take a nice long break from writing anything this weekend.  Sure, there is still about eight hours of grading ahead of me, but summer is in sight, people! 

I'm going to heat up some spinach pie for lunch and let the mutts enjoy the sunshine. 

I'm done, I'm done, I'm done!  I feel so free right now!!!!!!!!!  Drinks on me, everyone.  Pull up a seat, grab a cocktail, and tell me what has made you happy lately.  Let's celebrate!!