When we were kids, sometimes dad would surprise us with a special treat - movie night. My sister and I really looked forward to waiting through one,two, even three Stevan Segal or Chuck Norris martial arts films so we could get to the prize of the last movie, which would be Dark Crystal or Much Ado About Nothing.
So Dad, I give to you Steve Brule, in case you've been looking for a new sensei.
:)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Everything's Comin' up Roses
I couldn't possible convey how thrilled I am about the film incentive legislation that just passed. Things have been very busy ever since. I'll be posting more about what this means to me personally as soon as I'm able.
For more information on the incentives, visit the Michigan Film Office site(the first hit on your google search should get you there).
I think we'll be seeing more companies like this one in Holland showing up here very soon. And, as you can probably guess, I view that as a very.good.thing.
For more information on the incentives, visit the Michigan Film Office site(the first hit on your google search should get you there).
I think we'll be seeing more companies like this one in Holland showing up here very soon. And, as you can probably guess, I view that as a very.good.thing.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Fat Chix Coffee Cantina needs you
In a previous post, I extolled the virtues of this eclectic cantina on Grand Haven's east side.
Since moving north of the bridge last month I haven't been back(most of my time spent south of it is in a state of late-ness, trying to deliver Ginger to school in time for the *very* important 'second breakfast')..
This morning I remembered the place and stopped in to get my(inexpensive)fix. Everything was exactly the same as before, right down to the row of regulars perched on the bench along the wall(including the guide dog I met months ago, who greeted me this time with a lopsided smile and wagging tail). Wild assortments of scarves and country decor and vintage magnets and sterling silver rings dangled and spread over every square inch of wall and counter. The ever-so-rare money jar sat there waiting for my honest payment.
Still, as soon as I stepped inside I could tell that Something was out of place. After a second or two I realized it was the absence of owner Mary's robust greeting and uncanny ability to remember my last visit and every detail of previous conversations..Mary, undoubtedly the reason why that row of regulars assembles each morning.
It seems that her husband became very ill with a heart problem and she left the shop to care for him during his difficult recovery.
In her absence a group of caring volunteers are working to keep the place afloat. Raising the stakes, the volunteer explained, is the fact that the coffee shop is the family's only income at this time.
If you need coffee on your way through GH, it's only a minute or two out off the highway, and well worth the detour anytime. But especially right now, when you have the opportunity to help Grand Haven keep one of a dying breed(locally owned one-of-a-kind coffee houses where the owner actually makes your drink and trusts you enough to be a good person and pay for it..), AND help a family get through a hard time.
I want to live in a world where people are good neighbors and dogs are allowed in coffee shops, and families get through hard times with the help of great friends.
Since moving north of the bridge last month I haven't been back(most of my time spent south of it is in a state of late-ness, trying to deliver Ginger to school in time for the *very* important 'second breakfast')..
This morning I remembered the place and stopped in to get my(inexpensive)fix. Everything was exactly the same as before, right down to the row of regulars perched on the bench along the wall(including the guide dog I met months ago, who greeted me this time with a lopsided smile and wagging tail). Wild assortments of scarves and country decor and vintage magnets and sterling silver rings dangled and spread over every square inch of wall and counter. The ever-so-rare money jar sat there waiting for my honest payment.
Still, as soon as I stepped inside I could tell that Something was out of place. After a second or two I realized it was the absence of owner Mary's robust greeting and uncanny ability to remember my last visit and every detail of previous conversations..Mary, undoubtedly the reason why that row of regulars assembles each morning.
It seems that her husband became very ill with a heart problem and she left the shop to care for him during his difficult recovery.
In her absence a group of caring volunteers are working to keep the place afloat. Raising the stakes, the volunteer explained, is the fact that the coffee shop is the family's only income at this time.
If you need coffee on your way through GH, it's only a minute or two out off the highway, and well worth the detour anytime. But especially right now, when you have the opportunity to help Grand Haven keep one of a dying breed(locally owned one-of-a-kind coffee houses where the owner actually makes your drink and trusts you enough to be a good person and pay for it..), AND help a family get through a hard time.
I want to live in a world where people are good neighbors and dogs are allowed in coffee shops, and families get through hard times with the help of great friends.
Friday, March 21, 2008
a first.
Until very recently, I have never told anyone who I vote for; even when(especially when) pressed for an answer. It feels private, very personal, and I generally have little interest in spur of the moment political arguments. Also, I've always felt a bit apathetic on some level..no candidate for President since I've been old enough to pay attention has impressed me very much at all. So voting, for me, has always been about picking who I perceive to be 'not-the-worst' person for the job.
That's why it feels a little weird to be getting so wrapped up in one candidate; feeling invested and hopeful and genuinely enthusiastic. Even in my twenties with so little experience in the political process, I'm just so used to feeling jaded and narrow-eyed about the whole thing.
This time my eyes are wide open along with my ears, and as usual, I'm going with my gut.
If the chance is given, I will be voting out loud for Barack Obama. There. I wrote it.
And in case you're wondering, I probably still won't argue with you about Washington politics.
:)
:)
Monday, March 17, 2008
An otherwise ordinary morning.
We had an adventure at the library today. This should not come as a surprise to those of you who know how much time we spend there, and that libraries are full of magic (having been raised by a librarian myself, I can attest to this).
It seemed like an ordinary visit until Will and I met an unlikely friend on a brief trip to the van. As we walked out the sliding doors, we were greeted by a jolly..golden..FAT..adorably ugly and utterly lost bulldog. This dog's face held possibly the most innocent, guileless expression I have ever seen. I stopped to pet it, after it had lumbered in front of us and deposited its fleshy face on my hip. Every single move this creature made was accompanied by a loud snuffle.
After a quick petting(and the discovery of a ridiculously hard skull even for a bulldog), Will and I continued past the dog to the van. Unbeknown st to us, this hapless hog-of-a-dog had caught a bit of the library magic through proximity, and found itself imbued with the ability to become our absolutely silent shadow. As I spoke with Will and began settling him into his seat, I was shocked to see this dog appear INSIDE the van!
We watched incredulously as the pooch used a considerable amount of effort(as he did with all motion) to squeeeeeeze between the middle van seats and heave himself up onto the bucket seat of the van, where he proceeded to vacuum up assorted kid snacks which had fallen there.
Will and I were stunned.astounded! and fascinated by this jovial canine who had apparently adopted us in less than two minutes' time. I tried hard to keep a straight, *This-is-no-big-deal-hideous-bulldogs-hop-into-strangers'-vans-
all-the-time-I-know-just-what-to-do* face(which became progressively harder as I called, coaxed, baited, etc).
As soon as our sweet friend realized that what I wanted was to get him OUT of the VAN his mug took on a new expression: one of stoic disobedience. He staged a peaceful protest as I tugged on meaty shoulders and metal collar. Finally I remembered the baggy of Cheerios on the front seat and used the contents to lay a trail, luring him after me out of the van. The time spanned from introduction to extrication couldn't have been more than five minutes, proving again that you don't have to make a lot of room in your schedule for ludicrous adventures.
The story ends well for the dog, who went straight from our van right up to the automatic doors of the library, let himself in, and took a tour before being lured out, again, by a trail of cheerios(I would put the estimated weight of 'Hubba' at about 90 lbs, so no one was really going to *make* him go anywhere).
A kind gentleman passed us in the foyer and I could instantly see that he knew dogs, loved them, was gentle, and wanted to help. So I took off the leash I had made from my belt as he fashioned his(incidentally almost identical) belt to trade jobs. We quickly agreed that he would help track down the owner and I would concentrate on getting our library group back together. Will & I did our best to tell Daniel and Angela what had happened, and were met with some understandable skepticism on Daniel's part(it *is* a far-fetched tale);he decided I would need a witness to corroborate, and Will obliged with a documented retelling.
This is pretty much the dog, except yellow. And fatter/taller/more doleful.
And here is a video of Will's take on events. ( **Disclaimer** This is video taken with a cell phone, so the quality is pretty bad. Also, the whole dog fiasco happened during the administration of a time-out for attempted sibling injury..one of our only sad moments at the library that morning, which is an accomplishment considering how long we were there with three kids and three adults. Needless to say, much of the inherent gravity of the 'Time Out' experience was lost on Will as soon as we crossed paths with 'Hubba')
It seemed like an ordinary visit until Will and I met an unlikely friend on a brief trip to the van. As we walked out the sliding doors, we were greeted by a jolly..golden..FAT..adorably ugly and utterly lost bulldog. This dog's face held possibly the most innocent, guileless expression I have ever seen. I stopped to pet it, after it had lumbered in front of us and deposited its fleshy face on my hip. Every single move this creature made was accompanied by a loud snuffle.
After a quick petting(and the discovery of a ridiculously hard skull even for a bulldog), Will and I continued past the dog to the van. Unbeknown st to us, this hapless hog-of-a-dog had caught a bit of the library magic through proximity, and found itself imbued with the ability to become our absolutely silent shadow. As I spoke with Will and began settling him into his seat, I was shocked to see this dog appear INSIDE the van!
We watched incredulously as the pooch used a considerable amount of effort(as he did with all motion) to squeeeeeeze between the middle van seats and heave himself up onto the bucket seat of the van, where he proceeded to vacuum up assorted kid snacks which had fallen there.
Will and I were stunned.astounded! and fascinated by this jovial canine who had apparently adopted us in less than two minutes' time. I tried hard to keep a straight, *This-is-no-big-deal-hideous-bulldogs-hop-into-strangers'-vans-
all-the-time-I-know-just-what-to-do* face(which became progressively harder as I called, coaxed, baited, etc).
As soon as our sweet friend realized that what I wanted was to get him OUT of the VAN his mug took on a new expression: one of stoic disobedience. He staged a peaceful protest as I tugged on meaty shoulders and metal collar. Finally I remembered the baggy of Cheerios on the front seat and used the contents to lay a trail, luring him after me out of the van. The time spanned from introduction to extrication couldn't have been more than five minutes, proving again that you don't have to make a lot of room in your schedule for ludicrous adventures.
The story ends well for the dog, who went straight from our van right up to the automatic doors of the library, let himself in, and took a tour before being lured out, again, by a trail of cheerios(I would put the estimated weight of 'Hubba' at about 90 lbs, so no one was really going to *make* him go anywhere).
A kind gentleman passed us in the foyer and I could instantly see that he knew dogs, loved them, was gentle, and wanted to help. So I took off the leash I had made from my belt as he fashioned his(incidentally almost identical) belt to trade jobs. We quickly agreed that he would help track down the owner and I would concentrate on getting our library group back together. Will & I did our best to tell Daniel and Angela what had happened, and were met with some understandable skepticism on Daniel's part(it *is* a far-fetched tale);he decided I would need a witness to corroborate, and Will obliged with a documented retelling.
This is pretty much the dog, except yellow. And fatter/taller/more doleful.
And here is a video of Will's take on events. ( **Disclaimer** This is video taken with a cell phone, so the quality is pretty bad. Also, the whole dog fiasco happened during the administration of a time-out for attempted sibling injury..one of our only sad moments at the library that morning, which is an accomplishment considering how long we were there with three kids and three adults. Needless to say, much of the inherent gravity of the 'Time Out' experience was lost on Will as soon as we crossed paths with 'Hubba')
Sunday, March 16, 2008
goodnight(great day)
Due to a possible business call from a different time zone, I've been up writing for a while. The house is so quiet this time of night, and it makes me anxious for the soon-approaching time when we will all live here together. Six sleeping heads on cozy pillows in the same place. Long story times, last sips of water, special stuffed animals and blankets. A symphony of snores. I can't wait. :)
It was a full and exciting day, starting with the removal of our picture window and the combined brute strength of Daniel and myself wrestling a very large couch through it(the only opening in our house wide enough to accommodate this beast.)
The delight of the children who romped on and around it all evening made the inconvenience worthwhile.
In between cleaning(both Daniel's apartment and the house needed some attention before kid time, so we scrambled to get them in order today), moving furniture, grocery shopping and making dinner..Daniel and I managed to find time for a brisk long walk in the glorious spring sunshine.
We met a sweet black dog who was afraid of fast-movements and raised her hackles at us, but soon relaxed and showed what a good heart she had. She laid her head in my hands and looked at me so inquisitively. Children had been rough with her as a puppy, her owner said. She came from The Noah Project(a wonderful local no-kill animal sanctuary).
The best part of the day was when the kids could all be together for dinner and some much-needed play time with the adored train set.
Daniel facilitated teamwork which resulted in the construction of the most elaborate and creative train track/luge? that I've ever seen. I did my best to capture the antics of these, my Five Favorites..and while it was impossible to catch all of their hilarity, I was lucky enough to get a few great moments. Video will show up here sometime soon.
Go n-eírí an bóthar leat.
'May the road rise with you.'
Since I'm still up, I thought I could be the first to say it:
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I raise my figurative Guinness in your general direction.
Since I'm still up, I thought I could be the first to say it:
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I raise my figurative Guinness in your general direction.
|
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Seriously?
Did anyone else see this story today?
Every time I see a child doing something like this, I'm speechless while my mind generates lots of questions..I'm not sure what I think about a lot of what's behind stories like these..
but I do feel sure that:
Kids have a lot more potential for early comprehension of the world around them than we gve them credit for.
Every time I see a child doing something like this, I'm speechless while my mind generates lots of questions..I'm not sure what I think about a lot of what's behind stories like these..
but I do feel sure that:
Kids have a lot more potential for early comprehension of the world around them than we gve them credit for.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Golden
Once a year, my beautiful sister Lara makes these amazing candles with her own hands. She gets huge blocks of beeswax from local honey farmers and performs some sort of magic which involves heating and purifying the wax before molding it into the most delicate and intricate shapes; filigree spheres, tall morel mushrooms, flower petals pressed into the sides.. each one is absolutely unique and lovely.
She makes them with such love, gives them carefully and deliberately with gracious hands. I don't know if everyone else in the family anticipates them as much as I do, but I am telling you the truth when I say that I would be perfectly happy if the only gifts I ever received from her were these golden candles.
One year she discovered that I had been hoarding them instead of putting them to use. They were lined in a drawer. I couldn't bear to burn them, but protected them instead, saving them for an occasion when it would be right and they would be essential to the experience.
I said I wanted to burn them in my home, and wasn't sure exactly where that was going to be.
Since moving into the house a few weeks ago, I have suddenly felt the urge to use them.
And their strong-sweet honey fragrance has filled these rooms with the love of my sister.
Two of my favorites are still saved, waiting for one more special occasion. On our wedding day they will be lit along with many other (more ordinary) candles, adding their special kind of light to the symbolic beginning of our new home.
She makes them with such love, gives them carefully and deliberately with gracious hands. I don't know if everyone else in the family anticipates them as much as I do, but I am telling you the truth when I say that I would be perfectly happy if the only gifts I ever received from her were these golden candles.
One year she discovered that I had been hoarding them instead of putting them to use. They were lined in a drawer. I couldn't bear to burn them, but protected them instead, saving them for an occasion when it would be right and they would be essential to the experience.
I said I wanted to burn them in my home, and wasn't sure exactly where that was going to be.
Since moving into the house a few weeks ago, I have suddenly felt the urge to use them.
And their strong-sweet honey fragrance has filled these rooms with the love of my sister.
Two of my favorites are still saved, waiting for one more special occasion. On our wedding day they will be lit along with many other (more ordinary) candles, adding their special kind of light to the symbolic beginning of our new home.
Friday, March 07, 2008
This makes me miss having a dog.
My mom sent me a link to an article about just the sort of dog I love having - big, smart; a dynamic blend of duty and mischief.
It's not a good time for us to add a canine to this growing family. Goldfish are about the highest level of pet maintenance that we should tackle for now. It's just that I have almost always had one, and they bring a lot of joy.
So later, when the kids are older ... I will be so excited to have a dog-buddy again.
It's not a good time for us to add a canine to this growing family. Goldfish are about the highest level of pet maintenance that we should tackle for now. It's just that I have almost always had one, and they bring a lot of joy.
So later, when the kids are older ... I will be so excited to have a dog-buddy again.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
A giant sunny diamond..
..is spread across our living room floor, and presently nothing in the world sounds as good as laying down in that perfect warm brilliance for a nap.
But instead I will keep moving through the necessary tasks of afternoon:
Wash the perfect(I mean, PERFECT) four dollar gray woolen blanket I got at goodwill today
Clean the kitchen from last night's dinner( By the way: our kitchen after a meal for the six of us looks exactly like a town deserted in the wake of a traveling carnival)
Embark on the next chapter of the endless investigation into "what the $%^& is that smell" in the green car, which must be found and eradicated. So far all we can figure out is that a kid spilled something a long time ago, it soaked into the fabric, and no amount of cleaning helps. It's going to be detailed and steam cleaned this week. If that doesn't work, you're all welcome to attend a HUGE bonfire in our backyard soon.
Check progress of today's primaries every five minutes
Sign up to bring large quantities of food to Willow's school on Friday for the breakfast her class is hosting.
Redbeard Music work
Paint Will and Isaac's bedrooms
Figure out how to sing with as much guts as Glen Hansard
And lastly, succeed in posting before Daniel. Ha. I win.
Peace,
Katie
But instead I will keep moving through the necessary tasks of afternoon:
Wash the perfect(I mean, PERFECT) four dollar gray woolen blanket I got at goodwill today
Clean the kitchen from last night's dinner( By the way: our kitchen after a meal for the six of us looks exactly like a town deserted in the wake of a traveling carnival)
Embark on the next chapter of the endless investigation into "what the $%^& is that smell" in the green car, which must be found and eradicated. So far all we can figure out is that a kid spilled something a long time ago, it soaked into the fabric, and no amount of cleaning helps. It's going to be detailed and steam cleaned this week. If that doesn't work, you're all welcome to attend a HUGE bonfire in our backyard soon.
Check progress of today's primaries every five minutes
Sign up to bring large quantities of food to Willow's school on Friday for the breakfast her class is hosting.
Redbeard Music work
Paint Will and Isaac's bedrooms
Figure out how to sing with as much guts as Glen Hansard
And lastly, succeed in posting before Daniel. Ha. I win.
Peace,
Katie
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