Presently, present.

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pajama-esque, polka dots & pirate chic...long live Consuelo Castiglioni!

Over the weekend, I saw a pair of shoes that I absolutely loved. Here they are. I’ll never own anything like them because, I could buy a pretty nice used car for the same price! Buying them would be just plain silly. Even if I did manage to get my hands on them, I would tip over in 10 steps or less. But, wow they are hot, hot, hot. 

I later found out that the shoes were designed by Marni. Yesterday, as the rain came pouring down, I sipped my coffee and took a look at Marni’s 2010 Spring Collection. At first, I was a tiny bit unsure of the crazy mixed patterns, sequins details, cropped vertical stripped leggings and subdued colors. Is it too much or not enough?
Then, I looked at the collection all together and decided, wow. I love it! It so charming and easy. I’m sort of amazed that I like these pieces since some of them have very little structure. That’s the appeal. It’s nonchalant but, entirely sophisticated.  
I guess I should be grateful I don't have these clothes. If I did, I would have to iron everyday. And we haven't even started to discuss the dry cleaning bill...My cotton shirt and I are off to lunch! Hmph.

Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest is a festival held each year in Germany during late September (and running through early October). It’s one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair. People tend to each huge amounts of hearty fare and then wash it down with German’s finest biers.

This year, American Flatbread in Burlington transformed their alley/patio into a full-on German-style biergarden with live music, sausages, kraut, pretzels, lederhosen, dancing and general merriment OH...and of course an incredible selection of German and German-style biers. A group of us got together to take part in this event. The highlight of the evening for me was the weisswurst and sauerkraut loaded with bacon! Wow. Heart attack. My favorite bier was the Zero Gravity Rauchbier. Delish!  

the music makers

the taste testers

Jeffe' and Fraulein Stürker

weisswurst, spicy mustard and sauerkraut with bacon 

Prost!

Life on Mars or a dust storm in Sydney?

Since we're still some time away from being rocketed into space, (destination: Mars) the images below are, of course, from the recent dust storm in Sydney. What an amazing site! Thank goodness no one was injured but, you can't deny how unique and beautiful the images are that were captured in the midst of this storm. What an eerie experience it must have been to wake up to this mess. Here are some details about the event from NPR News.

"Australia's worst dust storm in 70 years blanketed the heavily populated east coast Wednesday in a cloud of red Outback grit, nearly closed the country's largest airport and left millions of people coughing and sputtering in the streets. No one was hurt as a result of the pall that swept in overnight, bringing an eerie orange dawn to Sydney. Such thick dust is rare over Sydney, and came along with other uncommon weather conditions across the country in recent days. Hailstorms have pummeled parts of the country this week, while other parts have been hit with an early spring mini-heatwave, and wildfires. The storms — visible as a huge brown smudge in satellite photographs of Australia on Wednesday — are the most severe since the 1940s, experts said. One was recorded traveling from southern Australia all the way to New Zealand some 1,400 miles away."These dust storms are some of the largest in the last 70 years," said Nigel Tapper, an environmental scientist at Monash University. Ten very dry years over inland southern Australia and very strong westerlies have conspired to produce these storms." -NPR News

Hot Apple Pie!

This weekend was the most relaxing and restful one I've had in a long time. Friday night was low key and consisted of dinner and a movie, "The Informant" with Matt Damon. I gave it a 6 out of 10. Saturday was the last day of yard sale-ing for the summer. I found an almost complete collection of Berenstain Bears books that I scooped up for $4. Miss Gretchen is coming to visit in just a few weeks. I can't wait to introduce her to these books. They were some of my favorites as a child. Saturday night and Sunday morning were reserved for a fall cleaning session. I can never believe how much dust settles in the corners of a room with hard wood floors. I think I waited a bit too long to sweep and mop this time around. Ew. Anyhow, after the work was done I was ready to relax. I met up with Steve at Red Onion for sandwiches. We ate them in City Hall Park. The weather was perfect! We ended up laying on the grass for a little more than an hour. We entertained the idea of getting up and going somewhere to do something exciting but, then we recognized that we were already doing something. We were relaxing. So, we stayed a little longer and just enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. I let my eyes close...Later in the day, I was feeling inspired to bake. Reading all of the delicious recipes in Bon Appetit will do that to you. I decided it was a good day to make apple pie. I went to the market and bought the items I needed (nope, I didn't pick my own apples...shame, shame) and used my Ben and Jerry's coupon for a free pint of vanilla ice cream (thanks Jay!). This was my first pie of the season. It wasn't perfect but, it tasted yummy a la mode. Here are a few pics...

Shh...

A quiet morning kept me company for a few minutes before I started the last day of a busy week.

Fantastical!

One of my favorite stops during this year's Art Hop was Beth Robinson's studio space. I'm not really into dolls but, I found these to be delightfully mysterious. I loved their honest and entirely delicate expressions. The patterns and colors Beth used to give each it's own personality seemed to be just right. Some of the dolls were downright creepy! The imagination needs a work out every once and awhile. Beth's creations certainly did the trick.  

"These odd dolls are not something you will find in a toy store. They are hardly something you would buy for a child. They are misproportioned, strangely dressed, and they have a story and character uniquely their own."  http://www.strangedolls.net/

2009 Art Hop

Lots of art to see tonight...seeyouthere!

Totem is a showcase of the various printed artwork-design-celebrations-declarations of Justin Fines and Steven Harrington.  Though separated by a continent, the two share a visual camaraderie rooted in suburban Americana, youth 'culture' and a 21st century attention span combined with 20th century design appreciation. Both artists create work that is unafraid to bear its lineage, while stubbornly refusing to be anything but 'personal'. Each artist works with a handful of personal 'totems' which pop up and surprise in all  of their creations. Totem focuses on screenprints which invite many interpretations - but strive to delight.

Demo was founded in 1997 by Detroit designer Justin Fines. Nine years, three cities, and countless projects later, Fines has found a home for Demo in New York City. In his work, the golden tint of suburban childhood nostalgia blends with the influence of the hulking abandoned factories and mansions of the Motor City, creating a graphic language that balances hope and cynicism.  Fines' work has been featured in publications worldwide. 

Steven Harrington lives and works in Los Angeles, CA, where he owns and operates National Forest Design. Influenced by images, fashion and graphics in Time Life Encyclopedias circa 1965-1972, he creates pieces that can be termed as contextual objectivism, where discovery is the key. Recent projects include a collaboration with Nike SB, work with Burton Snowboards and featured art in Arkitip, No.0052, coinciding with products released for Incase. Harrington's work has been exhibited worldwide. 

The opening, with additional marketing support by OKAY!! OKAY!!, FutureClaw Magazine and The Scuffer Steak & Ale House, will be held on September 11, from 6-11pm at JDK Design, 47 Maple Street, Burlington, VT.  Performances by BLOWTORCH and Barbacoa will begin at 8pm, with a skate ramp open after the show (helmets required).

I'm getting up there...

... figuratively and literally! I've just celebrated by 32nd birthday. I am THIRTY-TWO. Wow, time flies, (so tempting but, I'll go easy on the puns this time). This year, I didn't really make plans for my birthday. I just wanted to enjoy the day and let things happen. My friends and family really made this birthday special. 

Thanks to Jay, Maegen, Marin and Nelia for putting together an amazing picnic spread on Monday night. What a treat it was to dine at the top of Mount Philo and watch the sunset. 

 

Our cupcakes were filled with personality.

 "The Mastermind" of this genius plan, Jay Curley

Lots of yummy food to nibble on...

Miss Nelia and I  

The evening's entertainment couldn't have been any better. 

Yesterday was my actual birthday. Things were pretty standard until I popped out of the office early to meet up with Isaac. He had asked if I was able to leave work by 4pm to meet him for a birthday adventure. We drove south. Along the way I hypothesized about what this, "experience" might be. I made a few guesses finally stumbling on one that seemed, possible. Then I said, "No, you know me better than that. You wouldn't...would you?" Well, a few minutes later we drove into the Morrisville Airport for a ride in a glider, thanks Isaac!! The weather was perfect and the wind was light. We were towed up to 3,500 feet in an engine-less glider with  one wheel. The plane towing us dropped the line and then we just slipped back down to the earth a few feet at time...for the most part. After consulting with us, our lady pilot took a couple of crazy turns that were SUPER fun. But, I know me. I would have lost my cookies if she kept it up.

Here is our approach to the runway. You've only got one shot in this thing...you can't go back up.

Here is the plane that towed us up...then, let us go.

crazy turns=crazy laughter

Isaac and I after the glider ride

Yes, that's right. A golf cart on the runway is part of protocol. 

After our 20 minute ride was over we hopped in the car and headed back to Burlington, at least that's what I thought we were doing. Fooled again. Isaac asked if I wanted to grab a quick drink somewhere before heading to Burlington for dinner with friends. I said sure and suggested, The Alchemist in Waterbury. I called up Steven to let him know when I would be back to meet him. Little did I know that Steven and Rucchi were already inside The Alchemist waiting for me to arrive. Haha. "I thought I picked this restaurant??!!" I said.  So, the four of had a lovely surprise dinner! When I arrived home at 9:30pm I was exhausted and so happy. What an amazing couple of days. Even little Gretchen sang Happy Birthday to her Auntie Kimmy. Thanks to everyone who made my day special! xo

Sewing Project: Phase II

Yesterday morning, I went over to Allison's to start work on Phase II of my sewing project. I'm learning that making something like this is no small task. The first item on the agenda was cutting out the pieces for the lining. Here it is put together in it's (almost) final form. There were a few missteps along the way but, AB didn't let me get too far off course. There are some mistakes that are helpful to make so you can learn. Sometimes, you sew it up and then rip it out. In my case, I had to do this about 4 times on one seam! I was ready to compromise the pattern. AB wasn't having that. She said, "This is how you learn" and took the two pieces I had just sewn and ripped them apart. I said, "Nooo!" and laughed it off.

She had the perfect cure for my sewing frustrations. Mimosas!

It's getting there! 

Here is the cut out that tripped me up earlier in the process. I have a new appreciation for these small details. They are what makes a piece look special once it's done. So, don't skip them.

AB and I will meet up one more time to finish this piece. The next step is finishing the top and bottom, and then adding the zipper. Thanks again AB...so much fun!

I wonder what they see?

Here are a couple of pictures of my new animals friends. We met at The Champlain Valley Fair on Wednesday night. I swear this guy below was getting ready to say something. If/when he did, I'm almost positive he would have had a southern accent. 

punk squawk chicken

a tiny bunny that looked softer than a cloud

a sassy emu looking for some action

and this curious piglet

September

It’s September already? How did that happen? Sometimes, the month of September feels more like a new beginning than January does. It’s not a new year but, it sure feels like a very definitive start or finish to something--depending on how you look at things. The approaching Fall season often brings a fresh energy. If you don’t feel it yourself then, you may feel it with the arrival of the students. There are simply more people buzzing around the streets of Burlington.

I live right behind an elementary school.  Earlier this week, I heard the new principal of the school giving his orientation speech to the students and staff over the loud speaker. I could hear his message clearly as I walked out to my car. I chuckled at the thought of all the kids who were so attentive to his speech - it was delivered in a very slow and sensitive manner. The students were likely excited to be back in the classroom. Why wouldn't they be? It's so invigorating to start something new!

I always had my, “First Day of School” outfit and school supplies mapped out and packed up well before the first day arrived. I even remember wishing away the latter part of summer vacation so I could get home and start preparing. I'm a Virgo, no apologies.  : )

Summer is my favorite! It's inevitably filled with sun and fun! But, with the shorter days and cooler weather, I think some of us naturally begin to refocus. How will the next year be different? While I ponder that question for myself...I’m going to look forward to the long Labor Day weekend. I’ll be working a half day on Friday and then I’m off to enjoy, what I hope will be, a few glorious days of sunshine in Vermont!