tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86949304948670925782024-03-14T12:06:23.855-07:00From Lemons to LimoncelloWendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-20595571438257615082015-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:002015-04-02T12:35:23.443-07:00Grief, an "interior" decorator.<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I thought I wouldn’t live through it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You learn to love the place somebody leaves behind for
you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbara Kingsolver, Prodigal Summer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read this quote at a time I was not really ready to hear it but I was hopeful I would eventually understand this to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> At the time, m</span>y grief hadn't had a chance to rebuild the parts it took away and all I could see was sadness, but now I have come to think this is pretty spot on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, April 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> 2015, marks one entire year since my
sweet friends passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been
celebrations, and sadness and laughter and tangible loneliness. And what I know
a year in is this,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> g</span>rief is different
for each one of us and eventually, no matter how painful
it is, you need to make peace with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used to think grief was an action or a place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She is grieving her lost son.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He is in grief since his wife passed away.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with this because I thought
grief was something to overcome or get out of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had heard of the five stages of grief and naively thought of it like a
12 step program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I would knowingly
pass through these stages and suddenly feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
waited for them; anxious, unsettle and
depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When would it hit? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would it consume me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be ok?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I prep for this to unfold?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I be ready?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most importantly, how long will it take
to feel normal again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I failed to realize is that by the time I started
looking for grief, it had already found me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me grief was not a place or an action or a set of stages
to overcome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was searching high
and low for grief I was completely unaware it was already here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like an unwelcomed visitor grief had moved
right into the place my friend once occupied and started its alterations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best way I can describe my grief is that it was like a part
of me was being remodeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look back
now and wonder about the pain I felt in her final days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What made no sense at the time seems to make
perfect sense now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the few days before
she passed, I spent as much time as I could with her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat by her bedside desperate to capture the
last few memories and surrounding her with friendship and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time there was also so much pain,
an aching and deep physical pain that bore into my heart and soul like a drill
boring into thick cement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was completely aware of its
presence at the time and I can still remember exactly what that felt like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was heavy and hard and empty and it
physically ached in the center of my core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look back and know that was my grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before she had even left this world grief was moving into the place she
once lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her life, our friendship, now
fleeting moments of time that would never be new again callously pushed aside
by grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep, heavy, dark, palpable, empty
grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m sure that is exactly what it was,
taking hold all set to re-decorate the place that she occupied for the past 17
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its moving van, tape measure,
new paint and sharp edges it settled in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Measuring the space and making sure to fill
every inch with itself. Grief took up residence with no sign of moving out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could feel it changing who I was and I had no control, no say and no
input.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden tight, dark,
suffocating feelings now existed in a place once filled with joy, happiness,
light, friendship and love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy and happiness and light never feel tight
when they grow, we always have more space for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny how your body does that, makes so much
room for love to expand, but grief, grief is a whole other entity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grief has a job and a purpose and a lesson and it forces you
to notice its presence, to acknowledge its existence within you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I believe grief lives in you forever, it
changes, over time but I think it stays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have come to think of grief as an “interior” decorator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I think grief is an interior
decorator with a very important job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a job that will run into roadblocks and difficulties along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things will seem like they are coming
together just fine and then for no apparent reason there are setbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And grief never tells you when the job will
be finished because time is non-existent in this remodel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe grief takes hold in the shape of a black hole that is constantly
changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I believe it remains in a
state of disrepair until it’s time to rebuild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It builds walls and knocks them down, it closes doors and opens others and
it boards up windows and adds in skylights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think it keeps changing until it gets it right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And eventually new rooms emerge in that vast
open dark space and it starts to seem less vast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then grief repaints and hangs pictures of
your loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It plays cherished home
movies, movies you forgot were ever recorded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as it re-decorates each room it gilds your sweet memories preserving
them in this new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautiful</i> space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although grief rebuilds some pretty amazing
places, I believe it will always leave one room vacant, black and devoid of
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This room can be scary at first
and you can try to avoid going in there but sometimes the door swings open
unintentionally and its dark emptiness can be all consuming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This room will never change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to be afraid of this room of these
feelings but sometimes I have needed this room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have needed to sit here and think and remember and mourn and I have
come to be grateful for this room to do just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grief for me was not something I was in, I needed to get over
or something I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was something
that was born inside me that I needed to learn to live with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I needed to make peace with this
grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To allow it to exist, to know
that it serves a purpose and to let it build a sacred place that gently holds
my sweet friend and provides me a place to mourn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here I am an entire year in and I am grateful for sharing seventeen years of friendship with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are moments and days that are difficult and I accept those for what they are, real feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have come to love the place she left for me, a space filled with bright colors, a little leopard print and lots of gold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-73958582990561593852015-03-09T15:00:00.000-07:002015-03-09T15:32:33.712-07:00Homemade Cheese Its.Last weekend we celebrated a friends birthday and luckily for me the boys were cooking! My only job was to just make the cake. As requested I made our favorite Chocolate Cake and topped it with some flaked coconut and tall candles because who has time for short candles? I also made these homemade Cheese its and they were a big hit. Flakey, crunchy and so cheesy. I followed the recipe exactly and they came together super fast. These will be added to the <em>make this again</em> recipe file. I am already thinking of how I can spice them up, thyme, rosemary, horseradish, cayenne pepper,<em> </em>white cheddar and jalapeno, oh the possibilities...<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Homemade Cheese Its.</span></u></strong> <br />
adapted from Better Homes and Gardens.<br />
yields 15 dozen
<br />
<br />
8 ounces of extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded<br />
4 Tbs unsalted butter<br />
1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />
1 tsp kosher salt<br />
2 tbs ice cold water<br />
Maldon salt for sprinkling on top (optional)<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
<ol>
<li><span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the cheese, butter, and salt. Add the flour and mix on low (dough will be pebbly). Slowly add the water and mix as the dough forms a ball.</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> Pat the dough into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour.</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll each into a very thin (1/8 inch or less) 10x12 inch rectangle. Using a fluted pastry cutter, cut the rectangles into 1-inch squares, then transfer them to the baking sheets. Sprinkle with Maldon salt if desired.</span></li>
<li><span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until puffed and browning at the edges. Watch carefully, as the high fat content of the crackers makes a fine line between golden delicious and burnt. Immediately move the crackers to racks to cool. </span></li>
</ol>
<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">I would guess these would last up to a week but good luck with that. </span><br />
<span itemprop="recipeInstructions"> </span><br />
<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">Enjoy!</span>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8136.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8136.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8136.jpg" /></a>
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<br />
This is what the dough looked like prior to the water being added.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8137_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8137_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8137_1.jpg" /></a>
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<br />
... and after the addition of the water.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8138.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8138.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8138.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8139.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8139.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8139.jpg" /></a>
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<br />
My cookie cutter was exactly 2" across so I used the cookie cutter first then crossed it both ways with a pastry cutter, which worked great.
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8143.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8143.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8143.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8140.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8140.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8140.jpg" /></a>
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Right before I sent them in the oven, I poked the iconic center hole with a toothpick.
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8142.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8142.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8142.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8146.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8146.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8146.jpg" /></a>
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<br />
Toasty right out of the oven.
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8148_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8148_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8148_1.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8149_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8149_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8149_1.jpg" /></a>
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<br />
There you have it. Delicious!
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<br />
And here is a picture of the birthday cake. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_8158.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_8158.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_8158.jpg" /></a>
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Have a lovely Monday.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-16643842778496782972015-03-06T09:45:00.000-08:002015-03-06T09:45:12.197-08:00Have a lovely weekend.<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_6077.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC_6077 photo DSC_6077.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_6077.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday we celebrated a delayed Valentines
date with dinner and taking in the touring Cirque du Soliel show, Kurios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This show was amazing and left me
wanting to swing from the chandeliers, tumble on the giant trampoline and basically run away with the circus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Hey a girl can dream can't she? </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This weekend I'm baking <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/beattys-chocolate-cake-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">our favorite chocolate cake</span></a> to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday and looking forward to a little
r&r.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope your plans include
something to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10 fun things around the web.<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.vox.com/2015/3/3/8135489/black-white-twins-race" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">This story</span></a> on racial identity is absolutely beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wouldn’t you love stepping through<span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://thefrenchinspiredroom.com/an-armoire-built-into-a-doorway-spectaculaire/" target="_blank"> a<span style="color: orange;"> fabulous doorway in your home?</span></a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Seattle Aquarium made viral news with <a href="http://fox13now.com/2015/03/05/the-story-behind-the-octopus-escape-at-the-seattle-aquarium/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">this cephalopod video.</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://topbuttons.org/the-purple-hair-craze/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Hair envy</span></a> I love, totally serious about this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matt Brown starts his <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/shows" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">European Tour.</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d like to<a href="http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2015/01/26/a-glass-of-red-wine-is-the-equivalent-to-an-hour-at-the-gym-says-study/?ncid=aolshare_facebook" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"> believe this is true</span></a> but I’m just not sure about
this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An epic fail at a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMzXYK4zhz0" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">dog race</span></a> that made me laugh out loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mesmerizing <span style="color: orange;">a</span><a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/split-family-faces" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: orange;">rt</span> exhibit</span></a> on family faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/never-miss-free-ice-cream-again-complete-calendar-of-annual-free-stuff-days" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Freebies</span></a> all year long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And finally, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/detail.jsp?&id=4112218771643&color=013#/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: orange;">the perfect white tee.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a lovely weekend!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Daffodil photo taken in the Skagit Valley of Washington State.</span></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-70346024708154287692015-03-04T00:31:00.002-08:002015-03-04T00:31:55.389-08:00One morning in Maine; the birth of a new day.<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are blessed and grateful that we are able to spend time in Maine on Bailey Island in a cottage sidled up to the mighty Atlantic. We actually love this island so much we named our dog after it. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And while I am glad to take in any time of day along the coast of Maine I absolutely love the mornings. Taking in the beauty and quietness of a new day is an amazing scene. I would imagine it similar to watching a painter craft a masterpiece, it's pure magic. I wrote this last October moments after another spectacular sunrise.</span><br />
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<u>One morning in Maine; the birth of a new day.</u>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ocean awakes me. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can hear the tide rolling in, pushing strong toward the shore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Waves breaking wildly against the rugged coastline, just steps away from my cozy
bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
eyes are weary, focusing on the room which is still dark.</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I glance to the
window and </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">can see the faint glow of dawn and immediately I'm up. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
sun always repetitive in its ritual, yet its greeting continually varied. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I spy the Belt of Venus. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's c</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">aptivating me with its midnight blues and
shades of orange, vibrant reds and delicate pinks or sometimes just </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hazy shadows of grey filtering bright white light to the steel blue water
below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
a race, t</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he sun to rise and me to capture it, each stage incredible and
fleeting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
step out as the coffee is brewing, the October air is crisp and energizing. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stand alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
The sounds of the waves, the gulls, and now my shutter, strung together in a
magical rhythm. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
look to the left and the right at homes hushed with a quiet only known in the off
season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
think it's perfect. </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's my season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In what seems like an instant the
horizon is awake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
can see the sun peeking, yawing, and stretching its rays outward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ocean grows louder commanding my attention, reminding me of the direction of the
tide.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soon
the sun, intensely bright, will usher me to look away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
move to the porch now so warm the sweater I needed moments ago will be shed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
brings me coffee, the schedule is discussed, breakfast is requested</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">…and
all of a sudden, a new day has arrived on the coast of Maine.</span></div>
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Seek beauty, be grateful and have a lovely day. <br />
~ xo<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-43217593837092099182015-03-02T00:28:00.000-08:002015-03-02T00:28:57.071-08:00Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies.Hello, are you still out there???<br />
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I've been away but I am back with this amazing Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe from Dorie Greenspan. <br />
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I must confess I have never been a big fan of chocolate chip cookies. The cookie part usually flattens out too thin when cooking and I don't care for the big hard chocolate chips, they seem out of balance. These cookies are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with threads of chocolate strewn throughout and the addition of the hazelnut meal adds a faint nutty flavor, much better than biting into a big nut. These cookies are perfectly balanced. <br />
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My adjustments: I cut out about 1/4 c of the brown sugar, opted for succanat* in lieu of the white sugar and I sprinkled a few flakes of Maldon salt on top, after I flattened them right before the second baking. I also rolled all the cookie dough into balls, baked some and froze the rest. Next time I will just need to thaw the frozen cookie balls and then bake 'em up.<br />
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<h2>
<span itemprop="name">Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookie Recipe by Dorie Greenspan</span></h2>
<h2>
<span itemprop="name"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Servings: </strong><span itemprop="recipeYield"> 50 cookies</span> <strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling in refrigerator <strong>Cook Time:</strong> 15 minutes</span></h2>
<h3>
Ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ingredients">
<span itemprop="ingredients">3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (476 grams)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">3/4 teaspoons baking soda</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature (2 sticks)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1 cup sugar (200 grams)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1 cup packed brown sugar (200 grams)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">2 large eggs, at room temperature</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or 2 cups chocolate chips)</span><br />
<span itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 cups hazelnut or almond flour (150 grams)</span><br />
</div>
<h3>
Directions:</h3>
<div class="directions">
<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">1. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder together. <br />
2. In the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute, until smooth. Add the sugar and brown sugar and beat for 2 minutes, until well blended. Beat in the vanilla.<br />
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating for minute after each egg goes in. Reduce the speed to low and add in the flour mixture in 4-5 additions, mixing only until each addition is just incorporated (about 5 seconds for each addition - don't over-mix!)<br />
4. Still on low speed, mix in the chocolate chips and the hazelnut (or almond) flour. Refrigerate dough for 2 hours or up to 3 days. If you are planning to freeze a portion - you can scoop out 1 1/2-inch rounds of dough to freeze.<br />
5. Preheat oven to 350F with rack centered. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 1 1/2" rounds of dough onto baking sheet, about 2-inches apart.<br />
6. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for 8 minutes, and then, using a spatula, gently press each mound down just a little; rotate the baking sheet when returning to oven. Bake for another 7 minutes, or so, until the cookies are pale brown. They'll still be slightly soft in the center, but that's fine- they'll firm up as they cool. Transfer to rack to cool. Repeat with remainder of dough, always using a cool baking sheet.</span></div>
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<span itemprop="recipeInstructions">Have a lovely Monday, wishing you all a week filled with balance.</span></div>
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*Do you use sucanat? It's a less processed sugar that retains the molasses, vitamins and minerals that refined sugar remove, still the same calories. The name is derived from SUgar CAne NATural, it's basically pure dried sugar cane juice.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-48458532370412035542014-09-12T14:21:00.001-07:002014-09-12T14:21:07.145-07:00Build something with me.<br />
As promised here is the video of Matt Browns beautiful new song, Build something with me. A collaboration with Ryan Root and billed as Brown & Root. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/104345727" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/104345727">MB Build 498</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12636233">Wendy</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Available on iTunes <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/build-something-me-single/id913677658" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>.<br />
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Happy Friday all!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-30318326389529498952014-08-26T17:01:00.001-07:002014-09-12T14:21:37.672-07:00Matt Brown, Concert at the Creek 2014Life is just a big pile of experiences that serve to teach, stretch, and fill our hearts along the way. I try to see it all, the good as well as the bad, knowing it's the whole sum of these parts that serve to build a meaningful and well balanced life. The past few years I have been both inspired and challenged to really suck the marrow out of this life, push the limits, and dare to ask more questions. How can I make this more meaningful? How can this situation be better? What would it take to elevate this from ordinary to extraordinary? And if I have learned anything, it's that good things want to be better. Like attracts like and before you know it, that momentum builds and opens doors to experiences you never imagined.<br />
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Three years ago we saw an up and coming singer/songwriter at a small restaurant and we became instant fans. The talented <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Matt Brown</span></a> is the real deal and if you have not heard of him yet, it's time you take notice. A few emails and phone calls over the next few months and the wheels were in motion. Our vision became reality when, the following summer, he played an epic private concert on our friends deck. We called it Concert at the Creek, you can see that post <a href="http://fromlemonstolimoncello.blogspot.com/2013/09/matt-brown-concert-at-creek.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>. It was an amazing evening and I imagine Matt hadn't even made it out of the driveway, after that concert, before we were thinking about planning a repeat for the following year. <br />
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This past Saturday night was our 2nd Annual Concert at the Creek and let me tell you the combination of this venue and this artist yields a magical evening. And if this post does anything I hope it inspires you all to dream just a little bit bigger, find the magic in the everyday and encourage it to stay awhile. <br />
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The venue for the evening was our friends lovely home along the banks of the Pilchuck Creek. <br />
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We spent the entire evening gathered on the deck, warming up around the fire pit and relaxing along the gentle slope of the grass, while soulful blues, jazz and a bit of rock swirled in the air.<br />
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Yeah, lets take a closer look at that vintage bed tucked among the apple trees. I'm sure you can see unicorns if you squint for just a minute. <br />
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Seriously, how over the top is this?<br />
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Two lucky guests enjoyed a sweet nights slumber beneath a crystal clear night sky filled with stars. <br />
...now you're seeing the unicorns aren't ya?<br />
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It was about six o'clock when Matt set up on the deck with his signature vintage suitcases and state of the art sound system and our intimate concert was underway. The weather was perfect with a warm August afternoon sun that set around eight and left us with a cool but comfortable evening. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_7247.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_7247.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_7247.jpg" /></a>
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Sixteen acres of old growth cedars and a parched summer creek were the perfect backdrop for this special evening. And right before sunset, as the sun hung low and illuminated the dry creek bed in the distance, the "magic hour" was made even more memorable with his signature tunes including, the Best of you, the Acrobat, and Little does she know. <br />
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A gentle slope by the deck became a mini amphitheater and was a great space to take it all in, the deck, the music and the creek in the distance.<br />
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Brenda and I picked 100 stems of white dahlias earlier in the day and had them bursting out of mason jars and galvanized buckets placed around the entire setting. It was beautiful, casually elegant and completely fitting for the evenings event.<br />
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On the deck we set up appetizers that each guest brought to share, beverages and a full dessert table that slowly depleted as the evening went on. Chocolate cake, coconut cake, cookies, biscuit and strawberry-rhubarb jam cobbler and cheesecake with strawberry sauce. I can not imagine anyone left hungry.<br />
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Matt took a short break mid way through, had a bite to eat and visited with the guests; all now big fans. He had cd's for sale and shared how his career has unfolded since moving to Nashville last year. We are all looking forward to the release of his two new cd's this fall. And he has more exciting things on the horizon, so keep an eye on his <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">website</span></a> for more information.<br />
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And because every great concert has to have a t-shirt souvenir, I had a few custom made, one for myself and one for John. CustomInk did a great job on the t-shirts and I was thrilled at the quality and how they came out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>John rocked the night away in his shirt, I loved the aviator image on the back.</em></span> </span><br />
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Matt played a great mix of his own music and some classic covers of old jazz and blues and then ended the night with his version of "Kiss" by Prince; which I caught most of on the video below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/104372724" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/104372724">DSC 7294</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12712841">WA Nutting</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
Soon I will have another post dedicated to his beautiful new song, Build something with me. So come back and check it out. And by all means if you are in Nashville or the surrounding area, check his schedule and go see one of his shows. <br />
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Have a lovely day, dream big and "make it count!"<br />
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<em>We have but one life, what is it you plan to do with yours?"</em></div>
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<em>Mary Oliver </em></div>
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-29226007828711033762014-07-28T22:56:00.000-07:002014-07-29T20:25:46.484-07:00Come sail away!Three years ago I surprised my Sweetie with a sunset sail on Puget Sound for his birthday, we both loved it. We had never been sailing in Seattle and we were hooked from the moment the sails went up. I blogged about it, we told friends and we have talked a lot about returning. So with his birthday once again upon us and a warm sunny forecast predicted for Saturday I figured this was the perfect way to celebrate. I called a few friends and we made plans for dinner along the waterfront and a lovely evening sail.
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We all met at The Crab Pot on Pier 56 and timed it perfectly to dine and catch the "Neptune", with <a href="http://sailingseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Let's Go Sailing</span></a>, promptly at 7pm.
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The sun was high and bright.
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As soon as the sails went up, the boat leaned into the wind and swiftly carried us along the edge of the busy waterfront,<br />
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...past the Great Wheel,<br />
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...and then straight into the sun.
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We shared a bottle of wine and laughed as the boat angled into the wind.
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Before too long we had journeyed eight and a half miles across the Sound into a little cove on the East side of Bainbridge Island. While the boat anchored for a few moments and the sun hung just above the tree line, we snapped selfies, tried to capture the scenic beauty and daydreamed of living in one of the lovely homes along the waters edge.
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The evening light was gorgeous, a beautiful soft amber glow and the reflection of the liquid gold on the deep blue water was mesmerizing.
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And the view back towards the city was spectacular too.
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Hello Seattle.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_7091.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_7091.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_7091.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://sailingseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Let's Go Sailing</span></a>, has two sailboats the Neptune, our boat, and the Obsession, seen in the photo below.
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I have been in the Pacific Northwest 20 years and Mount Rainier still slays me. It's sixty miles to the South, yet it feels like you could reach right out and touch it.<br />
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As the sun set, the wind slowed a bit and leveled out our ride back.
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Andrea and I, she was also celebrating her birthday.
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The city was gorgeous on the way back, washed in pale blue and lavender pink.
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...and least we forget the Space Needle.<br />
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We gently glided back to the dock just after the sun set and the lights of the city came on.
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Oh sailing, how I love thee.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who came out and made this such a special night, and thank you to the staff and crew of <a href="http://sailingseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Let's Go Sailing</span></a>, we will be back.
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Wishing you all a lovely day, go do something fun!Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-80424987030707305502014-06-26T21:00:00.000-07:002014-06-30T21:22:19.327-07:00WRITE:Doe Bay SlideshowI have been working on this slideshow for a while now and finally put the finishing touches on it tonight. It contains some of my photos many of the talented <a href="http://www.jessemichenerphotography.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Jesse Michener's photos</span></a>, who also happens to be a co-creator of this amazing workshop, <a href="http://www.writedoebay.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">WRITE: Doe Bay</span></a>. My original post on this writing retreat can be seen <a href="http://fromlemonstolimoncello.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-gift-of-words-friendship-connection.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a><span style="color: orange;">.</span> This slideshow, along with the beautiful song, "The Acrobat", written and performed by <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Matt Brown and the Connection</span></a>, pretty much sum up the feeling's I took away with me. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/99598230" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/99598230">WRITE Doe Bay Spring 2014</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12712841">WA Nutting</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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“Our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.” ~ <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/867.Steven_Pressfield">Steven Pressfield</a>, <i>The War of Art</i></div>
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Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-10378419854129630562014-06-15T16:20:00.001-07:002014-06-15T16:51:39.146-07:00Summer Strawberry Cake.Strawberry Season is here, yay! I love strawberry season it reminds me that even though the clouds are looming it is indeed summer and I better get to enjoying it because, in Seattle, the weather can turn on you in a flash. So I look forward to things that remind me of summer and strawberry season always prompts me to savor all the sweetness this season delivers.<br />
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I have professed, in the past, I am not a jam maker but that does not stop me from picking a farm tote or two, full to the brim, of these vine ripened ruby gems. And every time I am at the berry farm to pick, I am asked by other pickers and often the cashier if I make jam. A somber "No", is always my reply and it seems to be met with a bit of disappointment. And with an heavy eleven pounds of sweet berries they just can't help but reply, "Well, what do you do with them?" And sometimes I feel a bit of shame as so many pickers are jam makers. I always feel a bit less than for just a moment until I start rattling off my sweet plans for my own strawberry haul. "Well we eat them fresh, we use them in smoothies, salads, I make lemonade ice cubes, and I make this amazing strawberry cake that is incredibly delicious". Their eyes a bit more intrigued and then all of a sudden the shame is lifted as I describe, my cake. Well, it's actually Deb from Smitten Kitchen's cake but hey I am the one making it here and I must admit, as I describe the "puddles of jam" and the "dimpling batter", I own this cake. I always give her credit but my enthusiasm as I share her recipe feels as if it were my own discovery. <br />
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Deb's blog Smitten Kitchen is one of my all time favorites and I gladly sing her scrumptious praises. But let's get back to this cake because this faintly sweet, delicately crisp cake that buckles around the berries like a country quilt is freaking amazing.<br />
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Summer Strawberry Cake.<o:p></o:p><br />
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for pie plate<br />
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the original recipe calls for a cup of sugar plus 2 tablespoons but I
cut ¼ out and thought it worked perfect.</i><br />
1 large egg<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 pound farm fresh, just picked strawberries, hulled and halved, store bought berries will not yield the correct results, consider yourself warned. <br />
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch pie pan or 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have also done this in a 9X13 pan and
I used one and a half times the recipe.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl. In a larger
bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy with an electric mixer,
about 3 minutes. Mix in egg, milk and vanilla until just combined. Add dry
mixture gradually, mixing until just smooth.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Pour into prepared pie plate. Arrange strawberries, cut side down, on top of
batter, as closely as possible in a single layer, and yes, I had to squeeze the
last few berries in. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over berries.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Bake cake for 10 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake cake
until golden brown and a tester comes out free of wet batter, about 50 minutes
to 60 minutes. (Gooey strawberries on the tester are a given.) Let cool in pan
on a rack. Cut into wedges. Serve with homemade whipped cream.<br />
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This year I made two and froze one. I will update later on how that worked out. Deb says it will be fine on the counter for two days but good luck with that.<br />
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I shared this with a gal last year at the berry farm and Shannon left me this comment on my blog post the very next day, <em>"I heart you!!! Bumping into you at the berry farm this morning ended up being
heaven to my taste buds. I made your cake and it was devoured in seconds. The
second one is in the oven. I did make jam too but the strawberry cake(s) >
jam. Thank you!!"</em><br />
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...and a special thanks to the Biringer Farm, that's where I pick and their berries are the best!<br />
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Enjoy and let me know if you try it and what you think, we think it' a keeper.<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-75247304364886440512014-05-09T00:50:00.000-07:002014-05-12T12:46:30.211-07:00The gift of words, friendship, connection and the magic of Write: Doe Bay.There was a lot of divine intervention at Doe Bay. The three and a half years that preceded my attending this retreat seem connected somehow. I have written and re-written this post every day since returning. Finally I just gave in went back to my original draft, re-read it, and left it exactly as it was. I did split it in two parts, the path that led me to Doe Bay and WRITE: Doe Bay – the retreat.<br />
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<strong>The path that led me to Doe Bay.</strong>
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I, like many others, was a bit nervous signing up for a writing retreat. Was I really a writer? I knew I enjoyed writing my blog, but I hesitated for a moment before signing up for this retreat. I think it was the idea of the kind of writer I wished I would become that drew me to attend Write: Doe Bay. I want to be a writer that connects with others. I want to share my ideas and thoughts in an effort to inspire people to make each day count. I want to live authentically, to embrace it all, the happy and the sad, the tough times and the amazingly good times. I want to share that because someone else shared that with me and I am in awe at how powerful that can be.<br />
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I had followed Kelle Hampton’s blog, <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Enjoying the Small Things</span></a>, for almost four years. Kelle’s voice always spoke to me, it was almost like she showed me a part of myself that was always there but tucked just out of reach. I found her blog shortly after my sweet friend Diane had been diagnosed with both stage 4 ovarian cancer and a second primary cancer in her breast. I was devastated by my friends’ cancer, and I guess in hindsight, I was looking for something to make sense. <br />
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Kelle’s blog made sense, it changed my perspective and it changed how I reacted to my friend's diagnosis. I honestly feel her words helped stitch my broken heart back together and that really surprised me. How did this blogger 3000 miles across the country have that gift, that power?
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Kelle has shown me that even though we are all so different, even though our lives are completely different, we really are all the same. We love the same and we are sad the same, but most importantly we all have the ability to make the most out of every day, not just the good days. She has shown me through her own pain and within the depth of sadness, there is beauty. She showed me that if you choose to show up and walk through it, you will be better for it.
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In the past three and a half years I have learned that when we are faced with painful times, we instantly get a crash course in reality. When we are forced to deal with difficult times we learn to let go of things that are too heavy, things that don’t give back to us, we cut out the drama and we really find what is most important to us. We end up editing our life because we know that life can change in an instant and we want each moment to count. So we are more conscious to suck the marrow, throw caution to the wind, and to live authentically. We love deeper, have more gratitude, more patience and a deeper understanding of what is really important in life. Instead of competing with others we see the value in supporting one another. Instead of taking from the world around us we are driven to give back, and leave the world better than we found it. And all of a sudden we linger with friends a bit longer, we are the last to let go of a friendly hug and we are compelled to make the most of our, one wild and precious life. And the incredible side effect of that perspective is our life becomes more meaningful.
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Kelle’s blog is honest, raw and real and it was such a gift to me. I emailed her a few times over the years and thanked her for showing me through my own sadness.
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She always wrote back.
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It was December when I saw Kelles' post about Write: Doe Bay I knew I wanted/needed to be there. It is easy to get distracted in life and it seemed my life was taking me away from my writing. I needed to be refueled and inspired with regard to my blog among other things and I thought this writing retreat would rekindle that, and I knew it would be filled with kindred spirits. So, after triple checking the cancellation policy, I signed up. I honestly did not think I would cancel but I had doubts if I was qualified to be there.
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Soon came Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day. I would call my friend regularly and we visited as much as we could. And then, like a switch was flipped, I started to see her change.
A few weeks later there was a hospital bed delivered to her home and a book supplied by hospice that detailed what we were to expect. Gone from my sight, is a little book that I found so valuable. It can be read in just a few minutes and truly walks you through the process of dying in the most gentle and beautiful way. Family came from out of state, the most vibrant rainbows were seen over her home, and love filled the air in her final days. <br />
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My sweet friend passed gently, on April 2nd, at home with her husband by her side.
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Three years and seven months had passed since her initial diagnosis but we chose to look at that time differently. We saw that time pass, not in days but in picnics, in dinner parties, and in champagne bottles. We saw time in the weekend trips to the beach, the laughter, the amazing low tides and the long summer evenings in the backyard. We measured time in the hugs and the "I love you's", and the deeper connection we found post cancer. My friend once told me over lunch, that through cancer she had found a connection to others, to the universe and to herself. She said she had been searching for that connection her entire life, and then she paused and said, “As strange as it sounds, I have to thank cancer for that.”
She was amazing.
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She loved my little blog and she was equally excited for me to attend this writing retreat on Orcas Island.
I have not written much in the past six months. The last thing I wrote before going to Doe Bay was her obituary. It was hard and healing and left me very raw. Concerned about going away so soon after her passing, I found myself completely afraid. Afraid of letting it all come out. What if the pain settled in? What if I arrived there and couldn’t stop crying? What if I was angry? What if I was not really myself? What if…?<br />
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I really had no expectations of this retreat. I think every so often things just unfold as they should and Doe Bay did just that. A two hour drive North with a quick stop at the tulip fields, an hour and a half ferry wait then an hour ferry ride and another forty five minute drive over rolling hills, scenic vistas and pristine waters I had finally reached Doe Bay Resort. <br />
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I felt completely away.<br />
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I arrived at Doe Bay raw, my head swirling, and a little lost. I met some amazing people, true kindred spirits and I intend to keep and nurture those friendships. I learned a lot in 3 days, both creatively and technically. And I left with a new focus, a stronger voice and a deeper confidence in how I want to share my words and thoughts. I also left with a deeper connection to those who truly open themselves up, it’s hard to do.
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And Kelle, yeah she’s pretty amazing. She speaks in hugs and with a focused attention to her audience of one or thirty eight. She is open and lovely and I thanked her for the gift of her words.
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>WRITE: Doe Bay - The Retreat.</strong>
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Doe Bay, is known for many things, a resort for Hippies, home to a renowned music festival, an award winning farm to fork restaurant, and for its pristine 38 acres on the edge of Orcas Island. And Doe Bay is all those things but for the 38 creative beings that shared meals, cabins, music, poetry and stories from April 10th-13th in Spring of 2014 it will always mean so much more. <br />
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I loved at Doe Bay, I gave myself away and took a bit of everyone with me when I left. And I felt at Doe Bay, a deep connection with each and every person within our very special group, and within myself. I laughed and cried and was uncomfortable and completely at peace, all at the same time.
I gained insight on how to move past writers block, how not to let other voices change my own, how to see each moment with a bit more beauty and how to procure the avenues to share my words and see my stories published, if that happened to be my goal. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_6225.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_6225.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_6225.jpg" /></a>
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Returning from Doe Bay has been different than I expected. I left early the next morning, before the closing ceremony, to attend my friends’ service; which was set for that afternoon. Sometimes I wish I had stayed for that closing ceremony, wrapped up my experience with the ritual I heard takes place on that last day. I wonder if there was cohesiveness in the closing day that would have sent me back a little more complete than I felt when leaving. It’s hard to imagine but in many ways I actually felt a bit more raw and unraveled than when I had arrived. I have since learned that we all felt this way upon “re-entry”.
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Arriving home, those 3 days away felt like a year. <br />
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Life has been a bit of an adjustment since coming home, sinking into my friends passing, busy at work and balancing getting back in my routine. Sometimes it feels as though I am afraid to lose what was discovered on that tiny island. So keeping that in mind, my goals post Doe Bay are as follows: I intend to fit more creativity into my life, music, books, art, I need it. I intend to seek out more of what brings me joy, truly connecting with others. And I intend to let my voice share, inspire, guide and give back.<br />
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Many people have asked me about my time at Doe Bay and I find it somewhat difficult to explain. I have read my fellow Doe Bay writers’ words describing their own experience and while they are all so different they are all so incredibly accurate. I love reading their words, I loved meeting them and sharing that sacred space, and I know when we meet up again, we will pick up exactly where we left off. Until then I am grateful for social media to bridge the gap and I look forward to supporting their creative spirits.
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We are storytellers, novelists, songwriters, singers, movie makers and poets. We write and share our stories, and we support each other in finding our own unique voice. And we are all forever changed and connected for our time and experience together.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqW0PAFA9nT6Xv5a7Awwt1TJhN9_IHPDSOldjdIWoH00ryH17iQxh2v2wQpsdLVHKCsexFXRHKq_HFYCoJ3EZ2zkkaUff4l5TmsndgIMdwyOO8ZoexmQCthuIetGB4y7ALrbZjxIUhJ9W/s1600/MichenerWDBS62-L_zps3be99656+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqW0PAFA9nT6Xv5a7Awwt1TJhN9_IHPDSOldjdIWoH00ryH17iQxh2v2wQpsdLVHKCsexFXRHKq_HFYCoJ3EZ2zkkaUff4l5TmsndgIMdwyOO8ZoexmQCthuIetGB4y7ALrbZjxIUhJ9W/s1600/MichenerWDBS62-L_zps3be99656+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Photo credit </span><a href="http://www.jessemichenerphotography.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Jesse Michener</span></a></span><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>We are different but we are also exactly the same</em>, and we are better for attending <a href="http://www.writedoebay.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Write: Doe Bay</span></a>.
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Thank you to <a href="http://babybythesea.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Jenn</span></a> and <a href="http://www.jessemichenerphotography.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Jesse</span></a>, thank you to<span style="color: orange;"> </span><a href="http://www.ziibra.com/daniel-blue/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Daniel</span></a>, <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Kelle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.digthischick.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Nici</span></a> and <a href="http://www.clairebidwellsmith.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Claire</span></a>, thank you to Rebekkah, our amazing chef, thank you to <a href="http://joebrotherton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Joe</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.doebay.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Doe Bay</span></a> staff and thank you to the rest of the kindred spirits who left beautiful marks on my heart on that island far, far away.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-63144469346173314552014-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:002014-02-14T16:56:10.671-08:00Happy Valentine's Day.<br />
This year I sent out a few valentine's, it brought back so many memories of picking out special cards and giving them away in grade school, I always loved that tradition. This also helped me achieve my 2014 goal of sending more handwritten notes, which I really want to do more of.<br />
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Tonight we are having a quiet dinner at home, which is exactly how I like to spend Valentine's Day, tucked in and cozy.<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">And because our oven broke this week, I stopped by the French Bakery for a few Valentine sweets for my Sweetie.</span></em><br />
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And remember you don't need a "mate" to give love to, everyone can use a bit more love in this world. So be generous and give it away, it comes back in bucket-fulls so toss it around like confetti and watch the magic that unfolds.<br />
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And here is a little Matt Brown Valentine for you all to enjoy! <br />
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Happy Valentine's day!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-52312866093701282762014-01-01T00:03:00.001-08:002014-01-01T01:14:38.435-08:00Turning the page on 2013.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The past few days have brought some very sad news as I
learned that a friend/co-worker from my younger years in Maine passed
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a year younger than I and left this
world, his three children and loved ones much too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight is the last day of 2013 and its natural to look
back, reflect and anticipate hope for what lies ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sit here and reflect on the past year for
myself and my friends, I must embrace that 2013 had its share of joys and
sorrows, which will never leave us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
as some of us rush to usher out a year that has held struggles and sorrow, we
must acknowledge that although the page turns and a new chapter begins the past
is still a pivotal part of our whole story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
cannot help but be shaped by the past, and sometimes the bad seems to greatly
outweigh the good. These experiences are burrowed deep into our souls and can
often feel like the us we knew before, will never again be; and let me tell you
it’s true, we do change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sometimes
we feel so broken we can’t even imagine our way back to the light, but it’s
there, patiently waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
healing takes shape in different ways for each of us, but the root is in humanity.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hug, a phone call a visit, a
connection with someone who is there for us, holding us up until we can stand
on our own again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We change and hopefully, in
time, we grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life does that to
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We become more aware, more compassionate
and more in tune with what we are really here for, to connect with others and
to reap as much joy from this life that we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many people often comment to me regarding my positive
outlook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They joke that my glass is always
half full, and chuckle at my never ending search for rainbows and unicorns, this
is my way to bring balance into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I need that balance because I know life may try to push me over when I
least expect it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 has been challenging for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a very sweet friend who is making the
most of her one “wild and precious life”, amidst a terminal cancer
diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And let me just say she is a
ROCKSTAR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is someone who has always
been an amazing friend and a blessing to my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been great friends for over the past
seventeen years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in the past
few years she has taught me so much about life, love and gratitude and I am a very
lucky girl to call her my sweet friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, 2013 has change me, I am more grateful, more
compassionate and hopefully a bit wiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My goal for 2014 is to “make it count”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have but one life and it is fragile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, as I am about to turn the page here in just a few
moments, I am reminded of Mary Oliver’s famous quote, “What is it you plan to
do with your one wild and precious life?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well Mary, I have 365 blank pages ahead of me and my intent for 2014 is
to make them all count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wishing you all peace, courage, gratitude and strength in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-44213518247215622012013-12-15T13:53:00.000-08:002013-12-17T11:34:29.708-08:00Behind the Eight Ball.The idea of this blog is to chronicle my life, share the ups the downs and the things that inspire me and bring joy to my life, and hopefully yours. It’s my canvas and as you can see from my last post, cough, cough, in September, this post should come as no surprise, as I am, well, completely behind the eight ball.
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September was busy we were savoring the last bits of a delightful Summer and getting ready for an amazing two week trip to Maine and NYC, which was all kinds of crazy, wonderful fun. <br />
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<em>Camden, Maine</em><br />
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<em>Times Square, NYC</em><br />
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And when we returned it was hectic, I was super busy at work. I love selling Real Estate so that's fun busy. Our<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintiqueandHandmade" target="_blank"> <span style="color: orange;">Vintique and Handmade</span></a> handcrafted soap business was busy with many people ordering ahead for the holidays, thank you all so much for your orders. Busy is good and I love being busy, but before I could catch up the holidays began. <br />
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Thanksgiving was a beautiful day. <br />
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It was a day filled with gratitude and Pomegranate Martini’s. We shared this lovely holiday with our very sweet, camera shy, friends and I was grateful for every moment of it. Turkey good, rutabagas good, gravy great and the BEST-EST friends, which all added up to a perfect Thanksgiving holiday.
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And then, as if someone was playing a cruel joke on us all, Thanksgiving was late, rendering Christmas only 3 ½ weeks away. I am still waiting on an answer as to how that happened, and all of this has left me whining and completely wedged behind the eight ball.
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Soon I found myself trapped here, behind this big black orb, and the panic set in fast. I decided not to host my annual Christmas Cookie Exchange and rather attended one hosted by a friend. It was fun to see how someone else hosted their exchange and I left with many delicious treats and a lovely ornament and gift card from a “white elephant” gift exchange. But I did miss catching up with some of my friends and may have to host another type of winter get together after the holidays settle down. I’m thinking a Valentines chocolate cookie/candy exchange, to give your Sweetheart, in lieu of the traditional commercial boxed candy. But wait. We have another holiday in the mix and I must get back to that. It’s a big holiday; in fact it’s the busiest holiday of the year. Are you ready?
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Remember that eight ball I mentioned, it’s still here. My tree is not up yet, I only have half of my Christmas cards sent, some gifts still to get together, all gifts to wrap, and many to get in the mail to ensure they reach the East Coast by the 24th at the very least. <br />
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Yes, it’s getting a bit tight back here, along with panic the sweats have arrived and at times I fear I am about to have a full blown breakdown. Breathe, deep breathing helps to slow the heart rate, right? <br />
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So as I sit here, breathing and wiping the mist from my brow I have been looking around. And through my panic-y haze, I have noticed a few of my friends and family back here with me, they are stuck too. And now I find myself saying, “Hi Mom”, “Hi Sister”, “Hi friend with the new baby”, welcome. And like in all dilemma’s, we are supporting each other. “Don’t stress, it will all get done and what doesn’t get done won’t matter”, “Do you really have to put a tree up this year?”, “How can I help?” and the best advice of all, “Take a few minutes to just do something else, take time to recharge, when you get back you’ll have a clear head and be more focused.” And so that is just what I did Friday night, and it was magic.
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Friday night I took a few hours off from Christmas. Clyde and I met some friends in Seattle to welcome back <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Matt Brown and the Connection</span></a> who were making their return to the Pacific NW for a few shows. Matt has been in Nashville working on his music career and it was great to see him, hear his new music, which is wonderful, and enjoy a much needed date night. <br />
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And on Saturday morning I was ready to rock this holiday out!
My behind the eight ball combined with a little friendly support has become a Magic 8 ball and as I shook the bejesus out of it this morning, it read, “Outlook good”. <br />
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I may still be on the wrong side of this eight ball, heck I may have even pulled up a chair and propped my feet up, but my family and friends are here, we are toasting with some brandy and eggnog and with 10 days till Christmas as I wonder, will I be ready… all the “Signs point to yes”
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So today I am wishing you all a lovely and manageable pre-Christmas holiday rush.
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PS: And let me not forget to mention the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, came to town and I just had to go see her. <br />
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She was warm and lovely and very funny. She chatted and connected and gave everyone as much time as they wanted. Well, I would have loved to have had a drink with her but the hundreds behind me in line may have taken issue with that.<br />
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She signed her newest cookbook and a photo I brought, of her delicious Mango Margaritas that have now become a Summer staple around this home. Yum!
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So that's almost like having a drink with her! She said she could use a pitcher of those at that very moment. Ahhhhh, we will always have Mango Margaritas Ree, come back soon!<br />
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... and that was my date with the Pioneer Woman. <br />
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And I bet she's back here too, ya know behind the eight ball. Four kids, a blog, a television show, cookbooks to sign, and a ranch to run, yes, I am sure she is around here somewhere I just need to look around.<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-62189279895636348252013-09-02T20:45:00.000-07:002013-12-17T11:36:00.112-08:00Matt Brown Concert at the Creek.<br />
Last Summer I saw a post on FB from a small restaurant in La Conner Washington. It went something like this:
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"Come join us for an intimate summer evening of soulful blues with singer/songwriter Matt Brown on the deck under the Beech tree, August 1st from 6-10 p.m."
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I was intrigued, I'm not exactly sure what it was or if it was a combination of the whole thing. But the idea of soulful blues, under a beech tree sounded so fabulous, plus August 1st 2012 was a Wednesday and I like doing things mid week. Mid week events break up the work week, venues are less crowded and we have had some of our best times mid-week. So I called our friends to see if they were up for it. We met on the deck, under this giant Beech tree, ordered dinner and when Matt Brown started singing, we were all instant fans.
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We chatted with him during the break and purchased both of his cd's. He was gracious as he chatted with the crowd and really seemed to love what he was doing. After the brief intermission we sat back down and enjoyed the rest of his set. Soon we found ourselves saying, "this guy is really great!", "what a great idea this was", and my favorite, "the only way this night could be better, was if he was playing out on the deck at our friends home".<br />
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Our friends have a lovely home on 16 acres along the banks of the Pilchuck Creek and an amazing partially covered deck in the middle of it all. They agreed it would be "over the top" to have him play at their home. And then like all good things, the evening came to a close but we succeeded in having yet another great mid week evening and now two new amazing cd's to listen to.<br />
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I think it was mid January when we saw him again, this time at the Edgewater in Seattle. And by now I knew all the words to his songs and have shared his music with many of my friends. I mentioned to him, during the break, that we had seen him at Seed's last Summer with friends and we really enjoy his music. He asked my name and said "Wendy, thank you so much for coming out tonight". <br />
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So soon it's April, and after a few more discussions with our friends, I thought I'm just going to email him and see if he does private concerts. It was only a few quick emails back and forth and then another quick call to our friends and the wheels were in motion. A surprise phone call from Matt confirming schedules in May and a few text messages later, the Concert at the Creek was set for August 24th, 2013.
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We planned a yummy taco bar, invited a small group of friends, and were super excited for our intimate Summer Concert at the Creek.<br />
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And let me just say, this evening exceeded all of our expectations.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_3767.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_3767.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_3767.jpg" /></a>
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The guests had a great time, Matt was wonderful and as hosts, we could not have asked for a better evening. In fact the only thing that I would have changed is, I did not take enough photos. I wanted more photos of the venue the details and the guests enjoying it all. But I was too distracted, it was like Christmas morning. We had an over the top idea, took the steps to make it happen and after months of planning he was here. He was playing his beautiful music out on our friends deck. This deck that has held farm to fork dinners, pumpkin carving parties, cider pressing celebrations and leisurely evenings that were special just because we were there with friends.<br />
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I did however manage with the help from a few guests and with the few photos I took, to put together a video of this most special evening.
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73647879" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/73647879">MB Concert</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12712841">WA Nutting</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Now, I must add here that the next few days that followed, Brenda and I both received numerous facebook messages, texts, etc from guest saying, they had the best time, they love Matt Brown, they hope we do it again next year, next week and so on. And Brenda ran into a neighbors Mom, who happened to be visiting her kids the evening of the concert. She told Brenda they came over for a short visit and ended up staying the entire night, sitting out on <i>their </i>deck enjoyng the music.<br />
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And isn't that what this is all about spreading joy, connecting with people and making memories. I'd say that's the Matt Brown unicorn right there.<br />
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This life is a gift, don't waste a single moment of it.
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Thank you to all the friends that attended, thank you to our dear friends John and Brenda for sharing their wonderful home and thank you to Matt Brown for an amazing evening.<br />
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Matt Brown is a beautiful songwriter and has an amazing crystal clear voice. He has played all over Washington and Oregon, toured college campuses around the country, opened for some big names and made a few trips to Nashville to work on and record some more music.<br />
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We wish him all the best and look forward to following his career. If you ever get a chance to catch him playing in your area, by all means, go see him and for more information on Matt Brown click <a href="http://www.mattbrownsongs.com/"><span style="color: orange;">here.</span></a>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-51804377608892075892013-06-23T23:59:00.001-07:002017-02-02T21:50:50.967-08:00Buckling batter and puddles of jam, behold the Strawberry Summer Cake!So Saturday morning I picked 'em, Saturday afternoon, I gave some away, and Saturday night we ate 'em. Yum, so good, Summer sweet strawberries. <br />
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...and I still had a lot left over, a lot. And now I was in a dilemma, what to do with them, I knew Monday after returning from work they would be well, not so fresh. <br />
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I asked a few ladies picking what their plans were with them and they all replied jam. And while I do love jam and will graciously take a jar or two if a fine jam maker is willing to part with their homemade gift, but I am not a jam maker. And I will gladly enjoy a serving of strawberry shortcake, but it's not a dessert that would end up entirely being consumed in our house of two strawberry lovers and one four legged dog-child. I thought about freezing these little ruby gems but they are so fragile and so perfect, sending them to the deep freeze along with the peas, corn and other cast offs buried in the freezer, forgotten about, did not seem worthy of their greatness. No offense to pea and corn lovers but they are a little heartier than these delicate berries.<br />
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And then I remembered a recipe I saw a few years ago on Smitten Kitchen, calling only for the kind of strawberries found locally and picked at their absolute peak. <br />
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Deb, from Smitten Kitchen, described the <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2011/05/strawberry-summer-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">recipe</span></a> like this,<br />
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"When Monday rolls around and the strawberries are on their last legs, if
you listen closely to them, they’ll tell you that this cake is how
they’d like to go out."<br />
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And since I would be working Monday but was home today, I decide to give it a whirl! <br />
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With over a pound of fruit and her comment describing "puddles of jam", I was well, <i>smitten</i>. And if you like the term "puddles of jam" as much as I do you'll be quite happy by the end of this post, because it's going to happen a lot. <br />
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"The strawberries take over. Nobody complains. The cake is short on steps
but long on baking time, and in that hour that it hangs out in your
oven, those strawberries turn into puddles of jam. The batter buckles
around the receding berries, which dimple like a country quilt and the
edges of the cake become faintly crisp."<br />
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I can only say she had me at, "puddles of jam", buckling batter, a country quilt, and faintly crisp,<br />
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And of course I had to used my blueberry pie dish from LL Bean's, a gift from my Momma. I think my favorite part was gently tucking each one into this billowy batter.<br />
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Just over an hour later, behold perfect "puddles of jam!"<br />
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This cake is yummy! Beautifully rustic, which I love. Crisp, delicately sweet, and bursting with the flavor of summer. <br />
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And by the way, in my last post I ended requesting Summer to stay awhile and as always, in Seattle, just when you have a lovely, sunny, warm day, you can almost bet in less then 24 hours the rain will return. I wonder if it's Mother Natures cruel joke or a just reminder to be grateful and savor each fleeting moment. And speaking of fleeting moments, the remainder of my strawberries and this beautiful cake will be gone by the end of the week but we will savor each bite and hope the sun will return soon. And it may be raining outside but we are thoroughly enjoying our little "puddles of jam" inside, because we are nothing if not grateful.<br />
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Have a lovely week!<br />
Many thanks to the <a href="http://biringerfarm.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Biringer Farm</span></a> for the sweet berries in this post!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-84124136855752553422013-06-23T00:04:00.001-07:002013-06-30T17:34:38.997-07:00Welcoming Summer.Roll out the welcome mat, Summer is in da house! And what better way to welcome Summer in than partaking in some farm fresh strawberries, Summers official fruit. <br />
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Biringer Farm is beautiful, lush green and berry red decorate the landscape...even there tractor is red! <br />
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The fields were full of fruit spilling out into the path and I had to watch my step to avoid stepping on the little ruby gems. <br />
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Picking strawberries is addicting, just when you think you have enough you spot the <i>perfect berry</i>, just hanging there sparkling in the sunlight. And where there is one sparkling berry, there are more, and then you say ok, enough is enough, but then you realize the lower left corner of the basket is a little sparse and you might as well even it out right? Just one more will do it...<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2980.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2980.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2980.jpg" /></a>
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In just shy of an hour I was finally content with my tray, alright maybe a few more went in while I was waiting for the tractor, just to even the corners a bit. And in the end, my basket was a bit heavy but I thought it looked pretty good, if I do say myself. <br />
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It was just before noon when the tractor came back around
and with the sun straight up, a full basket of berries and not much
shade I was completely ready to head back to the barn.<br />
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Biringer has a beautiful spot, in the valley, with the Cascade Mountains in the background and I just had to snap a few more photo on the ride back.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_3000.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_3000.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_3000.jpg" /></a>
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My fingers were stained and dusty, I had a bit of mud on my shoes and I left with over 11 pounds of beautiful sweet, perfectly ripe berries.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_3023.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_3023.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_3023.jpg" /></a>
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As I was leaving the farm, I rang my sweet friend to tell her I would be stopping by in about an hour. I told her I was not going to stay long, but I had something to give her. She greeted me at the door and after the usual hug and welcome, she said she had just sent her hubby to the store for Champagne. I must add here, my sweet friend is amazing and I just love her! Soon we were all sitting under the umbrella, on this beautiful Summer day, sipping Champagne/St Germaine cocktails and enjoying these sweet "just picked" Summer berries.
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/champagne_.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo champagne_.png" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/champagne_.png" /></a>
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Welcome Summer, I hope you plan to stay awhile.<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-4539944593185743192013-06-21T23:57:00.003-07:002013-06-25T22:54:38.131-07:00Summer Solstice Sunset Picnic.Today was a beautiful long day, literally, because
today was the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and I love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in the Pacific
Northwest we were blessed with 16+ hours of glorious daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> So tonight, after a long day at work, we ordered Thai food and had an impromptu picnic at the beach.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2894.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2894.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2894.jpg" /></a><br />
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It was a beautiful evening and all along Sunset Avenue cars were lined up to
gaze at the colorful show about to unfold.<br />
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The ferry had just loaded and was about to begin it's journey across the Sound. <br />
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And we sat with our picnic basket and Thai food at the water's edge.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2904.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2904.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2904.jpg" /></a>
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It was lovely, ferry on the water, train's whistling by in either direction, birds soaring above and the sun dipping behind the Olympic Mountains.<br />
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And after the third train passed by and the sun had finally set, we packed up our little picnic and headed home.<br />
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It was a wonderful Edmonds evening.<br />
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I hope you all made the most of this magical day.<br />
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Wishing you all a lovely weekend. <br />
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I am looking forward to the Supermoon.<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-69143207248040504492013-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:002014-02-20T16:35:44.954-08:00Las Vegas and a wonderful 43rd Birthday!Jason Love once said about Las Vegas, "It has all the amenities of a modern society in a habitat unfit to grow a tomato." I have often been quoted as saying, "Yes, it's fake, it is the ultimate Mirage in the desert, but it's also a lot of fun!<br />
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We decided this winter, during the dreary grey days of February, that we would celebrate my birthday with sunshine. Las Vegas is beautiful in May high 80's-low 90's, dry desert heat, Mai Tai's a plenty and there is always something to do. We love the sun, the sight's and the show's.<br />
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After a quick two and a half hour flight we left the overcast cool skies of Seattle and arrived to the warm breeze and bright blue sky of fabulous Las Vegas.<br />
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Our good friends joined us and we all had a wonderful time. We love, and always stay at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, it smells like the tropics, it's light and bright inside and the relaxing pools and lazy river are the perfect balance to the intense energy of the Las Vegas Strip.<br />
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Our days started early, as we were at the Mandalay Bay Beach before the doors opened, to secure our favorite spot under the palm trees. We have stayed here before and we know that at about high noon those palm fronds will provide just enough shade to allow us a few more hours before the heat ushers us back inside. <br />
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We also took in the Beatles Cirque Du Soliel show, played skee-ball, saw the Sax-Man at the bar at Times Square, shared an intimate evening with Santana, and even happened upon an Elvis concert in Old Vegas. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2701.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2701.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2701.jpg" /></a>
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We enjoyed some wonderful food, met some interesting taxi cab drivers,
played a few hands of blackjack, pulled a few slots, enjoyed a Mai Tai or
two by the pool, floated in the Lazy River, body surfed in the wave pool
and enjoyed every moment of our mini vacation. <br />
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And for those of you who could not make it here is the video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/67618575" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/67618575">2013 Las Vegas-web</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12636233">Wendy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Have a lovely day!<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-19820588485963790572013-05-12T11:43:00.001-07:002013-05-12T12:44:57.356-07:00Everythng I needed to know, I learned from my Mom.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Happy Mother's Day Mom and thank you for filling my heart with so much
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Love, for family, friends and
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for pushing me when
you thought I needed to grow and consoling me when you thought "those"
lessons could wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
showing me the world, in our small corner of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I don't know of any other kids in my class that went to see Gilbert and
Sullivan on the weekends. And while I may not have appreciated it then, I know
the importance of it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
sharing with me what you loved because it taught me to find what I love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There is a saying
"everything I need to know, I learned in kindergarten".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">You made sure everything "I" needed
to know, I knew well before then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">First day <span style="font-size: x-small;">of school 197<span style="font-size: x-small;">6</span></span></span></i>.<br />
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">I am so proud to say, "everything
I needed to know I learned from my Mom!"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">My loving, smart, beautiful,
funny, life sustaining Mom.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Happy Mother's Day! </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">love, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">your Wendy girl.</span></i></div>
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-15665759526054503712013-04-23T00:24:00.000-07:002015-04-03T15:58:04.738-07:00Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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"Who would have thought it possible that a tiny little
flower could preoccupy a person so completely that there simply wasn't room for
any other thought." - Sophie Scholl</div>
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Saturday was grey, it rained, there were a few sun breaks and then I walked through the rainbow known as the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It's stunning, its color breathtaking and even with the sky above 100 shades of grey, the ground was dancing in technicolor.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2179.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2179.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2179.jpg" /></a>
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It was wet and muddy and I hesitated going due to the weather. The rain started as I merged on the freeway heading an hour and a half North and the sky was thick with dark clouds. I was a week late getting up to the tulip fields but I knew if I waited another week the massive blooms were sure to be diminished. Last year I hit the perfect time just as the daffodils were waving their final goodbye and the tulips were commanding all the attention. You can see last years daffodil post <a href="http://fromlemonstolimoncello.blogspot.com/2012_04_15_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span> </a>and tulip post <a href="http://fromlemonstolimoncello.blogspot.com/2012_04_17_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>. I was smitten after last years visit and the thought of missing it this year, well I just could not miss it, rain or shine.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2264.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2264.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2264.jpg" /></a>
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"The nature of This Flower is to bloom." </div>
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- Alice Walker</div>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2282.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2282.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2282.jpg" /></a>
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Being a bit later in the bloom I happened upon a slightly different landscape, more pinks and purples. And the puddles that pooled between the rows revealed a new perspective, a peaceful, mirrored reflection.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2291.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2291.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2291.jpg" /></a>
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I have come to love these tulip fields rain or shine. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2319.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2319.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2319.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2353.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_2353.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2353.jpg" /></a>
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A quick video with some of my favorite shots of the day.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64616263" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/64616263">2013 Tulips</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12712841">WA Nutting</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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I left with a few bundles to savor some Spring color at home.</div>
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I will dedicate this post to all of you, remember to bloom where you are planted, no matter the weather. Find a cute pair of rain boots, look for the sun breaks and enjoy all the colors in the rainbow.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Photos taken at Roozengarrde Mount Vernon Washington</span><br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-25891518234506434542013-04-21T00:50:00.000-07:002013-04-21T00:50:49.482-07:00Pacific Ocean Gratitude.Last weekend we spent four wonderful days at the coast, beach combing, getting caught in the rain, taking in a low tide, wild crafting on the beach, celebrating a friends birthday and standing in awe of a breathtaking sunset. We were grateful. <br />
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The Long Beach peninsula is about 4 1/2 hours from our house and it's lovely. We have no cell reception, no tv, and while you can find just about everything you need at Jack's Country Store, you feel remote, incredibly relaxed and completely removed from the rest of the world. <br />
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It was good. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64475572" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/64475572">April 2013 LB</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12636233">Wendy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Thank you to our friends who joined us and a big THANK YOU to our friends who so graciously offer their beach house to us for a much appreciated getaway.<br />
<br />
All you need is love, ...and the beach every once and a while.<br />
<br />
Have a lovely day.Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-79497477316780950652013-04-16T21:55:00.000-07:002013-04-16T21:55:03.969-07:00Peace be with you Boston. We just returned from a long weekend away, completely unplugged with no cell reception, no t.v. and no stress to the horrific events in Boston yesterday; my heart is heavy.<br />
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Prayers to the victims, their families, those who witnessed this terrible event, those helping the ones in need and my friends and family living in the Boston area.
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<br /><a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_2059.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_2059.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSC_2059.jpg"/></a>
<br />Peace be with you all. ♥♥♥<br />
Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-57134663385118465502013-04-07T13:59:00.000-07:002014-09-11T10:25:49.403-07:00Date night at the corner of delancey and essex ~ and our first giveaway!I can not remember how I heard the praises of delancey in Seattle, I know I read about it recently, somewhere. I remember thinking we must go, followed by I just started Weight Watchers and seriously pizza was not going to help me achieve my goal, but it sounded fabulous. So, two weeks go by at WW and I have lost five pounds and all I can think about is delancey. The photos on their fb page imprinted forever in my mind the balls of soft dough rising, the wood fired oven, the fennel sausage, the vintage industrial look of the place. The reviews, stating superb, excellent, the freshest ingredients with just a tad of mozzarella. Amazing thin crisp crust pies reminiscent of the pizza mecca in Brooklyn. The reviews, all the same each visitor standing on their own soap box and shouting with mouth watering details. And just as they were all in agreement of their love of delancey they also agreed on the only downside, the wait. Apparently the wait is significant a hour, give or take thirty minutes, seemed to be the general consensus, but aren't all good things worth the wait? I mean if I were going to make pizza at home it would surely take longer than an hour and I could easily pick up the phone and order from the fast food pizza chains. But I am 100% confident those chains resemble nothing even close to the culinary expertise of the much celebrated delancey. So we decided to go Saturday night, we knew there may be a wait and we were prepared to stick it out.<br />
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We arrived in Ballard around seven o'clock and when we turned on NW 70th Street we wondered, for a moment, if we were in the wrong area. Most of NW 70th Street is filled with cute little bungalows and just as I glanced to the right I spotted it.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1911.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1911.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1911.jpg" /></a>
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It's location is unassuming and small I was thrilled not to see a line out the door and jumped out of the car to put our name on the list, while Clyde parked. I followed another gal in who was seated right away and for a split second I danced a little happy dance that we would soon be next. When the host came back she quickly brought me back to reality, "the wait for two is an hour and a half". Oh those words stung, but I was prepared I put our name on the list and wondered what we would do in this cute little neighborhood for 90 minutes. I thought to myself, should we leave and come back?, should we go scour the Village on Holman Road? She soon suggested we could wait in the bar next door and she would call me when our table was ready. I went back outside and waited for Clyde to return. We decided to head into essex, the bar next door, for a pre-dinner drink and let me tell you it was wonderful.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/IMAG1447.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMAG1447.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/IMAG1447.jpg" /></a>
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essex is cozy and warm and oozes, "we love what we do". This is not your typical neighborhood bar but after only a few minutes inside and a quick glance at their menu you can only wish this bar was in your neighborhood. Think local, think handcrafted. They make as many of the liquors as they can and have selected only the finest other brands to carry, no Bud, or Bacardi here.<br />
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We sat at the bar and had the best time. The staff was fun and engaging and watching them prepare the drinks was a real treat. Their drinks are creative and innovative and being not much of a drinker I am already looking forward to going back and trying something new. Last night I had a Americano ~ Campari, Sweet Vermouth and Soda while Clyde had a wonderful Rye Beer.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/IMAG1444-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMAG1444-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/IMAG1444-1.jpg" /></a>
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Sitting at the bar is paramount if you can, watching them mix drinks was so fun and Clyde and I were both intrigued by one we saw being prepared and we decided to try it. The Alondo ~ Gin, Elderflower Liquor, Chartreuse, and Charred Rosemary, served in a vintage, silver champagne goblet. It was showy and I was so glad I had my camera on hand to capture it's preparation.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63510596" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/63510596">Alonzo cocktail</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12636233">Wendy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. We walked through the back of essex, right in to delancey, and were seated in a very full dining room. We chose two pizzas, the Margherita, and the Sausage, made with their house made fennel sausage.
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1910.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1910.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1910.jpg" /></a>
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<i>I'll be eating lettuce for the rest of the week, but it's all good.</i><br />
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Yum, they were so delicious!<br />
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Simple, fresh, bursting with flavors and the crust was equally crispy and chewy.<br />
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Pizza perfection!<br />
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Worth the 20 minute drive from Edmonds and completely worth the wait. When you go, be sure to put your name on the wait list at delancey's and then go enjoy a cocktail at essex. And by all means sit at the bar, it's just so much fun. I guess I'm on the soap box now, and speaking of soap...
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<br />
...but wait it's not just a shameless plug, it's a giveaway! "<u>GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED"</u><br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1449.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1449.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1449.jpg" /></a>
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I promised and it's finally here, my first giveaway.<br />
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I am giving away a four pack of our wonderful handmade soap.
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<b>How to enter:</b>
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1. Check out all of our soap on our Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintiqueandHandmade?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Vintique and Handmade</span></a>
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2. Then leave a comment below, on this blog post, about a new soap scent you would like to see us create.<br />
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3. Post about this giveaway on your own blog or facebook page and leave a link in the comment section.<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________<br />
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The first winner will be drawn at random and a second winner will also be chosen if we pick your soap scent, we will send you a four pack of the scent you suggested, when it is ready.<br />
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This giveaway will run from April 7th through April 15th 2013.<br />
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The winner(s) will be drawn on Monday April 15th and announced on Tuesday the 16th, good luck!<br />
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<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694930494867092578.post-88603165129549817242013-03-19T00:10:00.000-07:002017-02-02T21:34:39.195-08:00Cancel the search and rescue, I'm back, yay!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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It has been 65 days since my last blog post and that is just
too long, way too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I have missed my little blog, I have missed clearing my head
and weaving in a few photos along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been checking in though and I know you
are all out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all the viewers
remain anonymous, I can see how many people viewed on a particular day, what
countries have visited and which posts are the most popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wonderful this little blog and I have missed writing dearly.</div>
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Just before Christmas our beloved dog, Bailey fell quite
ill, we thought our days were limited with him and it consumed all of our time
outside of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cancelled outings
with friends to snuggle with our "best" friend as much as we could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is 100% better now and I will post about
what happened to him at a later date. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
he was sick, I was very heartbroken.</div>
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In January, I was hit by the flu, not fun at all, and mid
February a horrible sinus infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year has been a blur for me but I am feeling 110% better now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am anxious for Spring, ready to grab hold
of 2013 and create something special out of this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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So I decided to leave out the photo of the nightstand scattered with Vick's
Vapor Rub, Kleenex and cough medicine but here are a few, more memorable
moments, of our year so far.</div>
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I made a lovely <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2008/09/sourdough-pancakes-part-one/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">sourdough starter, </span></a>it was beautiful, it smelled amazing and I was anxious to see what I would do with it. </div>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1094.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1094.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1094.jpg" /></a>
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I was able to keep it long enough to make these delicious <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2008/09/sourdough-pancakes/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">sourdough pancakes</span></a>. They were so good and worth all the fussing over the starter. Light and crisp and the tang melded perfectly with the Maine maple syrup I had in the pantry. <br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1104.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1104.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1104.jpg" /></a>
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Unfortunately, the starter fell ill shortly after I did, as I neglected it for a few days. I will have to start another one, maybe next fall.<br />
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We did meet friends for brunch at Sitka and Spruce. This was our second visit and we are hooked. Their small menu with seasonal offerings of locally grown and carefully prepared food is a real treat. If you live locally go, by all means go and enjoy this fabulous cafe.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1111.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1111.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1111.jpg" /></a>
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And we just had to stop and smell the most fragrant roses, outside of my Dad's rose garden, at Marigold and Mint in the Melrose Market. They were heavenly.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1114.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1114.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1114.jpg" /></a>
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I made a great hummus with this <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2007/01/with-glee-and-ebullience/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">recipe</span></a> from Smitten Kitchen, it was easy and delicious.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1150.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1150.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1150.jpg" /></a>
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During the first week of March we finally opened <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintiqueandHandmade?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">our Etsy shop</span></a>, Vintique and Handmade. I will post more details about this in the next week. It is new and who knows where it will go but we love our soap. I will be having a four bar give away the first week of April so keep an eye out for that.<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1449.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1449.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1449.jpg" /></a>
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Just when you think the rain will never stop, your lightweight rain layer has become an everyday staple and Spring seems too many days away; Seattle hosts the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. We spent a few hours here one Sunday afternoon, our friends from Circle Creek Home had a fabulous booth in the new "vintage market".<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1602.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1602.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1602.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1686-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1686-1.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1686-1.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br />
.....and on Sunday March 10th we celebrated a dear friends birthday for which I made the best <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/coconut-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Coconut Cake</span></a>. And let me just say the Barefoot Contessa never fails me. Her recipes are easy to read, always come out beautiful and everyone loves them. If you like coconut, this should be on your baking bucket list and if you cook but don't bake, you should invite Clyde and I over for dinner and I'll make it. Yum!<br />
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<a href="http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/nuttingwa/media/DSC_1748.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_1748.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z365/nuttingwa/DSC_1748.jpg" /></a>
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Seriously, is that a beautiful cake or what?<br />
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Oh, it's good to get this post out, it has been in my head for weeks and it's so very good to be back. What have you been up to in 2013? Are you finding the beauty in the little things and making the most of your one wild and precious life? <br />
Thank you for checking in and as always have a lovely day!<br />
<br />Wendyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10409008933775536168noreply@blogger.com0