Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dwell; really?

I call this little blog "Dwellings" because I think were we dwell tells a bit about us to say the least. I don't think that our homes or belongings define us, but when given the opportunity to make purchase or spend time in a place or at a place perhaps there is something to be learned. The books we read, the movies we watch the organizations we belong are all a bit of a link to who we are, who we wish were or maybe who we hope to become.

The other day I got the mail and there was a magazine called "dewll" (all small letters). My first thought was that it was a mistake, I don't subscribe to "dwell." According to the label and the fact that the magazine keeps arriving in my mailbox, I must subscribe to "dwell" http://www.dwell.com/ I concede, I somehow, without realizing it subscribe to "dwell." It's a nice magazine and I've read some really good articles, I like the design element, but truth be told I'm more of a "Traditional Home" magazine person or "Martha Stewart Living" or "Victoria." My house is a mixture of stuff much gathered up along the way so to speak and I love traditional elements with a little funk thrown in here and there (I mean we have to keep it interesting). Like my glass head. One year while shopping at Pier One with my grandma Gert, she asked if there was anything there I would like for Christmas. I responded, "Yes indeed there was, that glass head." That is exactly what she gave me for Christmas, probably more than 12 years ago. The head, in all of its simplicity is really diverse. Sometimes I fill it with lights and call it headlights, the head is kind of like possibility.





Where to eat: Monte's in Fargo http://www.montesdowntown.com/
Shop: Funky Junk downtown Fargo http://www.funkyjunque.com/

Book to read: just finished reading two kids books, one was a reread of a childhood favorite~ "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Sheldon actually I listened to the audio and the reader was fabulous. The other book was "The Magician's Elephant" by Kate DiCamillo and it was beautiful.

I am going to read a grown up book soon.

Artist: Calvin DeRuyter http://www.calsportfolio.net/ I absolutely love his work~ it just sticks in my head.

Music ~ Well how about a little Christine Rosholt http://www.christinerosholt.com/ who will be performing at the Barrett Pavilion on Saturday, September 18th.

Television: I simply only watch "Mad Men."

Monday, September 6, 2010

Tips

I forgot to leave any tips.....

Places to eat The Brewhouse http://www.brewhouse.net/2005/

Places to shop ~ The Blue Heron antique store in Vining

Ipod: Sound track to RENT

CD: Amy Grant

great magazine "Kiwi: Growing families the natural and organic way" http://www.kiwimagonline.com/

When things go according to plan...











A person hates to be all positive because just when things seem really good; the rug can be pulled out from beneath your feet. However, one of the last elements of our kitchen remodel is complete ~ the built in hutch is in (no hardware yet, but that is so minor) what's more the hutch is everything I was hoping for and more. It is totally period, 1920's and completes our kitchen perfectly. I loved carefully placing my yellow ware bowls, vintage table clothes and of course my cookbooks into the hutch I love love love it.

The weather has inspired me to bake so I made orange fennel muffins and chocolate zucchini cake both turned out perfectly ~ see what I mean things are going to0 smoothly. I plan on making a fresh peach pie, wish me luck.
On Friday night Kent and I painted for more than two hours but it was the final coat of paint for all the trip in the den and three doors~ it was good to get that out of the way and not have it hanging over my head all weekend. While we painted we listened to a couple of sermons by Gregory Boyd http://www.gregboyd.org/ which reconfirmed to me what a gifted spiritual leader he is. It is nice to feel like you are on the same page as someone else.
The last of of crown molding and baseboards were installed today so I have minimal painting to do, it seems like there is an end in sight (at least until we start the next project). I have to mention that our kitchen cabinets were made by Jim Kreft of Arlington and our trim work was installed by his brother John Kreft~ if you are in the market to hire someone for this type of work I promise you there is no one better.
Earlier in the week my mom and I went to see Britt at college and we had a very adventurous time. I made a point to connect with a few people who I hadn't seen in years (one in about 25 years) and I have to tell you it was the best descision I have ever made. We talk about people being more important than things but often we put off the act of actually contacting people, that is such a shame. I had a fantastic time visiting with old friends and am really looking forward to the next time we can get together.
Britt took us to a great spot called Wisconsin Point, http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/index.aspx?NID=226 this is like the best kept secret in the world; it was so beautiful.
We spent some time Superior and we found some of the best antique, thrift and consignment stores, it is worth your drive over the bridge to do a little shopping.
Time to start the pie~ I will post photos if I get the batteries charged.