Happy New Year
February 1, 2024
Better late than never as they say. While I was fighting off the latest of newly created viruses from Thanksgiving and into this new year, I was trying to decide on subject matter for my first post of 2024. While the options are as endless as my interests and creativity, it came to me like a punch in the face during a routine day of errands and shopping. Be Nice. That simple. Me. You. Everyone. When it occurred to me how prevalent general nastiness was at every level, every day and from so many different people I couldn’t help but wonder, ” To what purpose?” I guess it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that it might be a good time to rein it in. Easy as that, all of us. Even on the smallest level, imagine what a difference that could make in this chaotic world. Yesterday, as I stopped for a coffee in the middle of an unexpected snowstorm, the person ahead of me turned around and said ” I’d like to buy you that today”. I was speechless, grateful and it made my day. I decided right there that I was taking that cue with me into 2024. I hope you follow me. Happy New Year!
photo: gp
Saturday Cannot Come Soon Enough.
December 21, 2023
It seems like a little thing to most, but to me it’s huge. The Winter Solstice arrives tomorrow, December 22, which means starting Saturday we will enjoy a bit of extra daylight each day until Spring. It’s a good excuse to finish up your Christmas decorating with plenty of evergreens and white flowers, lots of candlelight, a roaring fire and a simple supper. I always pick flowers that remind me of the Spring to come and a simple dish that reminds me of Spring as well. Deb Perelman’s Rolled Spinach Omelet accompanied by a light salad is perfect and a bowl of Clementines will finish off the evening on a fresh note. That was simple.
All photos except for the omelet, gp . Omelet photo: Smitten Kitchen.
Peach Fuzz
December 14, 2023
Really? Well, here it is. Pantone’s selection for color of 2024. I’ll just wait and see, like all of you. Personally, I see it going nowhere. Remember Very Peri? Seems like that was a colossal “swing and a miss”. Am I not right?
Photos: Pantone Color Institute
Gettin’ Started
December 4, 2023
OK, Shake it off. Stop the daydreaming about Ghost Ranch and get with the program already. It’s full on December and time to get started with the decorations, the gift lists, the baking and the shopping. With the economy in the state that it’s in I plan to ease the frustration and take the simplest route possible, start early…like now, and recycle to the maximum effect. Here’s a few things I’ve found that get things off to a great start
I can’t help my mind from drifting to the hot, dry desert as the Mid-west Winter approaches. Photo: Ghost Rach
I have collected Vintage Christmas ornaments for years, and this was always one of my favorites… European, turn of the 20th century and light and as delicate as they come. I’m surprised it has managed to survive this long. Even if my decorations take a minimalistic bent, this little gem is likely to be found tucked in somewhere. Would not be Christmas without it. photo: gp
I’ve been getting in the habit of gifting consumables as of late. This Cube of solid maple sugar from Tonewood is a perfect gift.
Foraging the yard always keeps me up to my neck in pinecones. Deck out a wreath, fill up same simple baskets and bowls or tie on a gift. As always, the best part is they’re free. Photo:gp
A Christmas Tree from a sheet of plywood, a couple strings of lights and a handful of screws. A half an hour in and you are done and decorated. Doesn’t get more simple, quiet or modern than this.
Recycled newsprint, coir twine and a bit of foraged accent. This is simply my favorite Gift Wrap” go to” for any season, any reason.
If Elf has taught us anything, it’s that this is one of the basic food groups…Candy canes. And, it can’t hurt to start the day with a pocketful to spread a little Christmas cheer or diffuse an approaching Karen. photo: gp
You can’t go wrong with gifting Amaryllis for the holidays. White, red and apple blossom can usually be found everywhere. And, if you work a little harder you might score this beautiful Charteuse variety.
Some days I’m just not in the mood to bake. But, I have been known to knock out a few batches of Candied Orange and Ginger Bark for gifting without a complaint. It’s just that good. Photo: gp
If I do feel like baking I’m all about the Gougere. Using Ina’s recipe and freezing them means you are always prepared to entertain when the corks start popping! photo” gp
Regardless of your situation,
November 22, 2023
there is always something to be thankful for. Recognize it and give thanks for it, if even in the simplest of ways. As in Thessalonians 5:18, “in all things, give thanks”.
Happy Thanksgiving.
photo: gp
Last Chance
November 17, 2023
Before the ground freezes and the snow flies, now is your last chance to plant yourself a little Springtime surprise. It’s about now that you could find yourself scoring some nice values on Spring-blooming bulbs. I was lucky enough last year to get my favorites, Parrot Tulips. at substantial savings. Who wouldn’t love a reward like this to look forward to after a long hard Winter? Just knowing that these will be popping up takes a nice bite out of the big chill.
photos: gp
Poke it, Stoke it, Stir it up
November 8, 2023
Pokey von Pokerson Fire Poker by BluDot. All you’ll need to keep the home fires burning this holiday season. I think it’s time to toss another log on.
images: BluDot
A complete 180
November 2, 2023
I went back and forth, for what seems like an eternity, over a handful of my favorite Knoll Textile neutrals. Then, when I finally pulled the trigger, I went with Knoll Textile’s Classic Boucle’ in Onyx. I love this fabric, I love black and I love this end result. For a design first presented in 1950, it’s looking pretty sexy.
photos: gp
It’s That Time
October 19, 2023
It’s time again for some of my Fall favorites, and no, there is no Pumpkin spiced anything on the list. I have managed over time to embrace Fall rather than looking at it as the slow descent into a long cold Winter. Yes, I have gathered a list of what I look forward to as we approach setting the clocks back and it even surprises me.
You can’t beat the surprise of finding Bittersweet vine while you’re engaged in your Fall yard clean-up.
In Michigan, there is no shortage of apple orchards or an endless variety of locally grown apples.
My favorite Fall activity, stoking up the burn pile. Adds a little something special to the task of cleaning up the yard.
White pumpkins I like. I like any of the specialty varieties that are now available everywhere as well…green, pink, multi colored. I think it’s just the shade of orange that had turned me off to pumpkins all this time. That particular color or the fact I’m not a big fan of Halloween.
If you’re lucky enough to have the last straggler’s of heirloom garden roses, like these Polo. I particularly like them tucked into a Heath Ceramic Tall Modern Cup.
Sour Cream Apple Pie, a different take on the American Classic. The single crust makes it even easier to knock out on a Sunday sfternoon.
Along with apple orchards, my area has no shortage of cider mills all conveniently located. Crisp and refreshing, nothing beats a glass of cider on an October afternoon. I wouldn’t say no to a splash of Bourbon either.
Quince. Looks like an apple doesn’t it? But, you need to cook it down to enjoy. While that pie’s in the oven you might as well stir up a batch of Quince Paste on the stove. Add it to your next cheese board when you’re watching a game or binge viewing.
There is just something about this color. I look forward to this Sumac color change more than anything else I think. When I see it’s first color change I know I know it’s Fall.
photos: gp
With the change of seasons comes
October 11, 2023
the always anticipated Winter Seasonal Collection from Heath Ceramics. As these pieces are in limited supply, it’s a good idea to snap up your favorites now before the holidays are in full swing. You never want to see ” out of stock” when you’re trying to make some headway with your Christmas shopping list. This years group features matte and shiny glazes in Antique Green, Natural, Tomato, Myrtle Green and a very special Thread technique in Latte. While all of the pieces are equally appealing if I’m selecting for others, my personal favorites are the matte neutrals, which I’ve singled out here. As always with Heath, there are simply no bad choices.
photos: Heath Ceramics
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