DailyCandy Drop Out

I have been getting DailyCandy emails for the last few years - but I recently quit - that's right - I'm a drop out. The emails turned into a list of things reminding me what I'm not doing, what I'm not wearing, and what darling toys my children don't have. The truth is, its better for me to check in occasionally and be inspired and then forget all about it for months at a time. But, I am going to miss the pictures. This is one of my favorites! (Although, if I were carrying that many bags and that baby without an ergo - I would not be so breezy.)

Picasso Heist

"Maya and the Doll" and "Portrait of Jacqueline"

Now, I'm no news junkie (although 416 points is a pretty hard fall on Wall St) - but learning that two Picasso's were stolen is my favorite kind of news. This is straight out of "To Catch a Thief!" and even a little "Ocean's 12." Cary Grant and George Clooney would make a dashing team...

"Pablo Picasso's portrait of his second wife Jacqueline -- one of two paintings worth a total of 50 million euros that were stolen from Diana Widmaier Picasso's apartment in Paris' upmarket seventh district disappeared overnight Monday to Tuesday." By JEAN-PIERRE VERGES, Associated Press Writer

In Our Frigidaire

BEAR IN THERE
There's a Polar Bear

In our Frigidaire--
He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.

With his seat in the meat

And his face in the fish

And his big hairy paws

In the buttery dish,

He's nibbling the noodles,

He's munching the rice,

He's slurping the soda,

He's licking the ice.

And he lets out a roar

If you open the door.

And it gives me a scare

To know he's in there--

That Polary Bear
In our Fridgitydaire.

-Shel Silverstein

Chase is indeed our polary bear, always in the frigidaire. And his less-than hairy paws are all over the butter. He also tends to change the temperature to "coldest," systematically freezing strawberries, cheese, and water. I can attest "it gives me a scare/To know he's in there!"

Oscar Report

The Best

Someday, I will wear this dress.

The Worst

Oh, that's where I left my oversized bow...

What's the Nearest Book to You?

I found this game on my friend's blog, flowerchain - hmmm - a light-hearted thought is just what I need!

The Rules of the game:
1. Find the nearest book to you.
2. Name the book and author.
3. Turn to page 123.
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page.
5. Copy out the next 3 sentences.

James doesn't let me read to him, unless its bedtime. And the bedtime book we're reading and is therefore lying around is Peter Pan by J M Barrie.

"As he emerged at the top he looked the very spirit of evil breaking from its hole. Donning his hat at its most rakish angle, he wound his cloak around him, holding one end in front as if to conceal his person from the night, of which it was the blackest part, and muttering strangely to himself stole away through the trees."

Captain Hook is quite the menacing villian! And I laugh at Pete"a" Pan!

Now, if you want to play along pick up the closest book to you, post it, or type away in the comments!

iTunes - The Fray

As long as I keep running while I listen, I don't cry. But, if I start walking, I can't help it. I seem to listen to How to Save a Life more than other songs. Its a really good song.

"...As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness And
I would have stayed up with you all night..."

Red Letter Day

Yesterday was the kick-off of Red Week. In an attempt to teach Chase his colors - I am repeating something I did with younger James...

For breakfast we had strawberries and raspberries in milk.
For lunch we had red jello, apples, and jam sandwiches.
For dinner we had pizza with tomato sauce and tomatoes on top.

We played with red model magic.
We painted red mixed-medium masterpieces.

On our drive we shouted out every red thing we saw - red lights, stop signs, red Hummers, red signs, painted curbs, and the cherry on top - a blazing red fire truck.

As we read, we hunted for red on each page - a Where's Waldoish with the color red.

You get the picture - its just a way to say the word "red," over and over until Chase really gets it - its easy and fairly preparation free. I'll eventually do it with all of the colors (but for a week it'll be red), and move onto shapes, and numbers - we have a "Circle" Day, etc. The model works for anything.

In fact, it even works with abstract concepts. If you start looking for kindness, you'll find yourself surrounded by it - I've really been aware of it lately - the same way the red brake lights seemed to light up the world in a new and brighter way than I ever noticed before.

Crocodile Tears

Today at gymnastics, James landed funny and twisted his ankle. His coach brought him an ice pack - and I watched as he tried to hold back the tears. His little lips were quivering, and he was trying to avoid eye contact with anyone, but he looked up and caught my eye. He couldn't hold it any longer - a tear or two ran down his face. But, then he looked away, trying his mightiest to be brave.

Looking at his little face, I was flooded with that feeling, trying to hold back my own tears, trying to be brave, but feeling so sad inside. I felt so much compassion - not just for his little ankle (which will be just fine) - but that he is old enough to even think about holding it in. What a tragic circumstance. When babies are distraught - there is no public awareness. They could care less about bawling, throwing tantrums, shouting out in pain. But as adults, we care...or perhaps we want to avoid questions. Questions like, "Are you alright?" Its kind of a silly question - obviously, if someone has crossed the threshold from trying-to-be-brave and is actually welling up there is something wrong. I have made a solemn promise to myself - that I will avoid this question. That I will instead sympathetically smile, give someone that knowing touch, just change the subject and not bring it up unless they want to, or simply say, "I'm sorry." These are the things that help the sad two year old (and I guess me).

I will now start mourning for James - I hate the idea that he has to become so publicly aware - isn't he too young?! I wish we could all be raw and real - but sometimes that doesn't help heal the hurt either. Sometimes just making it through until we are in a safe place to release our burdens - in James' case the car ride home - is the best way. Thank goodness for safe places.

Starry Night

James named his cookie art - Starry Night - and said, "Doesn't it look like a starry night?" I asked him how he thought of the name. He replied, "I didn't, the guy with his ear cut off did." Anyhow, here are the two - for comparison. I think he's right - it does indeed look like Van Gogh's Starry Night - or just a starry night.

Tangent 1 - I remember taking a road trip down to see the Van Gogh exhibit when it came to the Getty. There were insane crowds - but they provided a good chance to be "accidentally pushed" inches away from the canvas to really admire his brush strokes.

Tangent 2 - The cookie art resulted from a desperate situation. I started making cookies (which I do every other dayish). But, this time, I was an egg short. In an attempt to make it work, I used the last egg and then an egg-amount of water (whatever that is). The dough was great. The cookies were very flat. So, I decided that decorating the pancake cookies would be the perfect way to mask the mess up.

Tangent 3 - I took a Native American Lit class - and for our final project we went to Seven Mile Canyon looking for petroglyphs and trying to experience what we read. That night as we camped, one of the girls played Starry Night on her guitar and sang. I have never heard anything so beautiful. Josh Groban does have a nice version - it just seems more befitting to a solo guitar under the stars.

Tangent 4 - "Look, the star is out..." We used to plagiarize the movie Madagascar, because there are no visible stars in Manhattan. But, I love the stars and am glad to see them here. I find myself captivated on a dark night.

Hello, Home Depot

My sister, Abbie (Snap as my boys call her), went to LA to see Wicked. My sister, Emily (Mimi to the boys), took a road trip to the Grand Canyon. What did I do for President's Day Weekend? I tore up carpet.

On Saturday morning, Catherine decided that she wanted a new floor in the playroom - so guess who was labor? Roy, Ben, Ridi, and I. Of course, the boys thought they helped - although they were much better hinderers. At the end - we did get to use the empty studio to play football (at James' request) and dance (at my request). There is nothing like a great empty space for running around in. All the furniture is back - and the floor is beautiful. I am reminded that I really like to play fix-it. Who cares that none of us knew what we were doing - we had fun figuring it out together.

iTunes - Bowl of Oranges

Next time you are on iTunes, or the like, listen to Bowl of Oranges by Bright Eyes. I kind of love Conor Oberst's funky voice. Anyhow, the video is a bit strange but the lyrics are great. I've been listening to it and really like it.

Of course, now that I'm almost thirty, I'm less cool. But it helps to have a sister ten years younger - keeps me ballin'.

Help - Gum on My Dress

Chase is almost as addicted to gum as his Grammy is - almost. He opens packs and packs - I have found him with at least six minty Orbits in his little mouth. Anyhow, I just sat down on a chair and he had left a little present for me! Arg! How do I get gum out of a dress? Is it hopeless?

Curiosity Killed the Cat

This is what I want to know - was it worth it? I mean, if the cat's dead, he can't voice his opinion. But there is a chance that it was worth it. Whatever led to his death could have been mighty exciting and even fulfilling. I hope it was worth it - that whatever he was curious about was pretty good.

I have hope for the curious cat because I am a lot like him. I am very curious. I wonder who reads this. I wonder what they think. I wonder if they will ever leave a comment. As a self-proclaimed hypocrite, I can say that I have read many a blog in the past without leaving a comment; partly because I didn't know you had to click the on the word "comment" in order to and partly because I thought I needed an account - but don't (on some). But mostly because the anonymity was safe. I didn't have to try and be witty - and still come up short.

I hope no one feels like that - because you can't come up short - I hope people know they can write whatever they want - no rules on Cheerios. I am trying to be more bold - and say hello wherever I go! And my curiosity hopes you will to...

Some of My Favorite Picture Books

How Little Lori Visited Times Square by Amos Vogel illustrations by Maurice Sendak

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

I will not ever Never eat a tomato by Lauren Child


The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and illustrations by David Small

The Brave Cowboy by Joan Walsh Anglund


Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Vera Wang-athon

I really love the simple note card. Nice paper. No folding. A simple design. I had found darling ones from the Met that I like. But, I was looking for something new. And then recently, my mom gave me these "Bonjour" note cards that were perfect. When I noticed that Vera Wang had designed them, I was surprised, but pleased. A beautiful dress - good; a beautiful card - also good.

I heart Wedgewood. The first time I saw my Platinum China was on the Queen's birthday and I was in London. To escape some of the crowds, we had stepped into a small boutique. There at the back was the china of my dreams (no sarcasm - I really do love china). I love this new design by Vera Wang. Once again, surprised, but pleased.

But, recently, I saw a commercial for a new Vera Wang mattress. Honey, puh-lease. The cards I can understand. And other designers like Kate Spade are entering the fine china arena - but mattresses?! What's next - the Vera Wang toilet seat?!

I do not support this frivilous name prositution - we're smarter than that.

(PS - I still like the cards and china)

San Francisco Zoo

Mindy and Katianne invited me to the city (never called "Frisco") and the zoo yesterday. We caught the giraffe in a rather precarious pose. What if you had to do the splits every time you wanted to get water? I'll take my Brita water any day over this!

Couples

Happy 14th! Some couples I adore...

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy

I adore!! My love extends back to Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy and forward to Keira Knightly as Elizabeth Bennet.

Noah and Allie
The first half of The Notebook is the greatest falling in love montage. And truth be told, they are a couple off screen - which makes me love them a little bit more. Oh, look for Ryan Gosling at the Academy Awards!

Tyler and Nora
I think my love of Step Up is greatly influenced by my fasination for Channing Tatum.

Jessica and Jim
In, The Man From Snowy River, he rescues her from the rocky precipice and they ride over the mountain together on horseback - I'm sold. Not to mention, the theme song is one of the few songs I can actually play (or plunk) on the piano.

Jamie and Landon
I have no explanations for loving this movie - and them - but I do. I am a real sucker for a character who is dying - nothing is more romantic.

Anne and Gilbert

Happy 2nd Birthday, Chase!

Happy Second Birthday!

Chase knows its his birthday (I'm vaguely certain). When we ask him, "How old are you?" He says sheepishly, "Two." And the few times I sang him the Happy Birthday ballad - he pretends to blow out invisible candles.

Happy Zeroth Birthday!

Happy First Birthday!

Stupendous Man

This "mysterious masked man" is none other than Stupdendous Man! Do you see the resemblance to my own James - it looks like him, but its not.

James literally loves Calvin and Hobbes more than anything else. He will read the entire collection of comics for hours at a time. The only sound you will hear coming from the bedroom is hysterical laughter - hysterical! Its my favorite sound in the entire world -- what is your favorite sound?

Milk - Does it do a body good?

Chase can't drink milk with lactose - he is one of the intolerant. James can't stop drinking milk (in fear he often asks, "Are you sure my milk has the lactose?"). He loves it. I, myself, might be able to do without milk - but not without my cheese (note to self - do a blog entirely dedicated to cheese). But, this is all besides my point.

Here's what I heard...if you make a list of countries and their milk consumption, and a list of countries and their heart disease problem, by comparing a two, you'll see that there is a correlation. The more milk consumed, the bigger problem with heart disease.

We are the only mammal that once weaned, start drinking another kind of milk. I'm not making any judgements - I just think its interesting. Thanks Dr. Zimmerman - I am still thinking about this.

Its a good thing ice cream doesn't come from milk - oh, wait a minute. It looks like I'll be addicted to cow for quite some time.

Rodin and Rainboots

Today we went to the Rodin Sculpture Garden over at the Leland Stanford Museum. I have always admired Rodin's work...The Kiss, The Thinker. But, today, we took it to a new level. We tried to become each sculpture in the garden as we came upon it; for example, James does a great tortured face when imitating the Gates of Hell. But, the best part of the outing, was wearing our rain boots and puddle hopping our way around the garden. Its been raining and we decided to brave the elements. Besides, I really love rainboots--last year was green frogs and this year is (from left to right) fireman boots, leopard print, and bears!

We even splashed in this puddle on the sculpture.

Down with Roy

(Sorry, Dad, I don't mean you!)

If you watched The Office then you know what I am talking about...Pam left the wedding with Roy!! Jim had even caught her looking - and when their eyes met - they knew! I know they know! Why, oh why, hasn't Jim figured it out. She broke off her marriage for him - and then has never said anything. Why isn't Pam honest? And why doesn't Jim try again? Sigh.

The Himalayas

I first saw this picture at the Palo Alto Art & Wine Festival about a year ago. It was love at first sight! I loved this and everything Lisa Kristine photographed. I couldn't stop thinking about this woman walking to work in the fields with the majestic Himalayan Mountains as her backdrop. Because the thing you can't see here is her face - she has the warmest, most contented smile I have ever seen. And as I looked at her face - my eyes actually filled up with tears. Now, I am not the most sentimental gal - but I felt something. I saw her and felt connected. I felt a deep reservoir of goodness in women. Women who act with courage and keep going. And I guess that's what I saw - and I love it!

My sister, Abbie, just sent me this picture--also with the Himalayan Mountains as the backdrop (her good friend was recently there). And this picture is also amazing to me. But, this picture strikes me as a reminder of friendship. Two women. They understand the high plateau - and have each other. I can't help but think of my friends. Friends who have come to visit from near and far, friends who have reached out by phone or email, friends who have sat and cried with me, friends who listen and friends who know...thank you.

Rat Race

This morning, James actually asked Bompa Roy as he left for work, "So, are you off to join the rat race?"

So, thanks to my James, I ask myself, am I in a rat race? There isn't a lot of racing, but enough. There aren't a lot of rats, but some. For certain, there is repetition.

Some days the sameness is hard, but I am greatful that I get to do some of the same things everyday. For example, there is nothing mundane in a hot shower. And I love a hot, hot shower! Well, I'm off to the races...

Toy Review - Crayola Color Cyclone

Rating:bbb
The three bicycle rating is based on a scale of one to five bicycles - five being the best toy ever. And I only chose a bicycle because I couldn't find a star using the Webdings font.

We put liquid sidewalk chalk into the spinning cyclone and created works of art Mary Poppins could jump into. We used all the paint in one activity - but we had fun. I don't know how well it would work without a driveway and a hose to wash it off with...but I imagine the bankers at Chase Manhattan would get a kick of someone doing it on the Plaza.

Theodore Roosevelt had a son named Kermit

This is the truth...
Theodore Roosevelt would take his young children on regular "scrambles" through the woods (mostly just outside of DC). The only rule on these walks was "the participants could go through, over, or under an obstacle, but never around it...'If a haystack was in the way we either climbed over it or burrowed through it. If we came to a pond we swam across it.'"

I am somehow enchanted by the idea of taking long walks and really facing every obstacle that comes in your path; not going around, but facing every challenge directly. I think there is a valuable lesson, not to mention a pretty funny adventure. I can imagine hoisting the boys over the tree we encounter and probably getting stuck myself - how's that for an image. If my boys weren't one and five - we'd charge into nature for our own scramble today. But, I promise, when they are older - I'm trying it!

Oh, yes, and then there's Kermit...its the truth, too...its really his name. Here he is during his journey down the River of Doubt - its an interesting book and an awesome beard.