pdxhomelife

It's wahoo time!

2010-03-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

I am sooo looking forward to a weekend of low-key activities... Although I've been at work every day this week, my heart hasn't been in it as I wasn't feeling 100% and there have been some heavily obnoxious folks to deal with... I'm hoping that as I make my escape, I can catch up on some rest, kick this cold, go for some long walks with my d.o.gees, and generally recover.

I have a few projects to work on this weekend, some design stuff, and lots of reading... I'm looking forward to curling up by the fire and just reading, reading, reading. I have to go look at my stack and see what's next on the list. 'Little Bee' is shaping up to be quite the page turner, so I'll be finished with that lickety split.I never did read the Lacemakers of Glenmara, or the one Amy lent me... So there are two right off the top.

I have been so busy, so thankful, but wow, this weekend will be a good one to stop and catch my breath. Everything is going along swimmingly, so a moment to pause and get organized will be good.

Back in the game on Monday... Hope everyone has a restful and happy weekend...

Another book read! # 6 & 7 for 2010

2010-03-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

so, I've been tremendously busy over at Songbird, which I am very glad of. I love having lots of projects, but it does mean that I have less time in the evenings to read and do random little projects... I did pick up The Master Bedroom by Tessa Hadley at the dollar store last week though - I ran the kids to gymnastics and didn't have anything to keep me busy while I was waiting for their lesson to finish... The dollar store! How random!

At any rate, this was a great book. There's a feeling associated with it - one that I can't quite put my finger on - subversive? haunting? echo-y? I don't know. It was a really great book, though - one about difficult relationships and the connections between people, sometimes inappropriately. It is lyrical, and beautifully written. I loved it.

I am midway through Little Bee, by Chris Cleave; a present to me for going to Costco with my husband last Sunday. The back of the book does not tell you what the book is about, but it does say that you just need to read it. And then you will recommend it to your friends. And so far, I would agree with that statement. It is, so far, the tale of two women's lives, lives that become inexplicably intertwined. It is rich and colorful, and entertaining and happy and sad all at the same time. I think so far that in the end I will love it.

Magical Superpowers I wish I had...

2010-03-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Guitar playing like a rock star. Not even like David Gilmour, but maybe enough that I could be like, "Oh look! a campfire. let's strum, shall we?"
Hitting high notes and yodeling (lower register is fine, but MAN! Those high notes get me. Plus, who doesn't want to yodel? Isn't that how you call mountain goats?)
The ability to condense a meal into a pill so I spent less time eating and had more time for crafting
race car driving skills. Like super mad skills, in the rain, around corners... Not in my regular car on the street, but like on a race track... I want to be a race car driver. alas, my lack of depth perception sadly misinforms my abilities. which is to say, unless it is broad daylight and/or it is not raining and/or I know exactly where I'm going, I don't get behind the wheel.
I wish that html and css coding were like English to me...
I wish that I could eat as much cheese as I wanted without eventually thinking about rennet and how much fat cheese has in it.
I would like to be able to start and stop my dreams like my mother can. She can wake up and then go back to bed and think about the dream she wanted to continue, and then continue it when she falls back asleep.
Speaking of dreams, the portion of my dreams where I dream in German (I don't speak German), write poems (I always forget them) and solve tremendously difficult math problems, I wish those were true for my waking life as well.

I'm sure there are more, but that's what I have so far.

*whew* I sure am glad Blogger autosaves these drafts, cause Firefox just shut down and I thought this thing was lost forevah!

Tenley, I'm glad you're an Oregonian!

2010-03-02T21:51:00.001-08:00

Dear Tenley:

You're awesome.

Jake is a tool, but that's ok, because you're a class act.

xoxo,

Emily

Um, excuse me?

2010-02-26T14:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, Hello, Dear Desk Delivery Fairies? I am really hungry right now. And even though the rules of Game On state that I have up to one and a half more hours before I lose points for not eating, I am starving. And I already ate all the food that was here for today at work. And last time, when I made my list, it took like, two days before you brought me the fawns that I wanted. And I really appreciate that. But if you could please deliver me some delicious Indian food? Cause I would really love some veggie pakoras, some dosas with curry and chutney, some aloo gobi, and some dala and maybe some chana masala? I'm not that picky... Swagat or Bombay Cricket Club, maybe? And then for dessert I'd like to low brow it and order a dozen churros from the Costco stand.

What's that about my pants? No, no... I won't be wearing these to eat. No, I'll put on my buffet pants with the drawstring waistband. Mmm hmmm. And some furry slippers. Yeah, the ones with pom poms.

Uh, no, it won't matter for Game On. Because I will take it as my meal off. And what a meal it will be... As long as you hurry...

thanks.

xoxo

e

Worst Mother. Ever.

2010-02-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

My response back to someone who thought she was Worst Mother of the World... For anyone who is a mother, I send you lots of love and humor to get through your day...

"Welcome to the club!!! I, too, am a card carrying member of the Worst Mother in the World Club… For me it occurs when I do things like RIP my daughter away from a friend’s house because she has dark circles under her eyes and looks like a zombie, and then when she is WAILING like a frigging banshee, I tell her to knock. That. Shit. Off. And then she slams my car door into a metal cart and slams it shut again and then stomps off down the driveway only to have me YELL at her (like the white trash I am) that she can just STAY OUTSIDE UNTIL SHE CAN BEHAVE and then I go inside cursing and I’m sure it sets a really good example… But whatever. I’ll just owe her some more money when she’s damaged and has to go to psychotherapy every day when she’s 18. Aside from those moments where I would like to strangle her, I find myself falling prey to the everpresent voice of MOTHER TO A DAUGHTER in my head – “Don’t dismiss her. Make sure she has good self esteem. Make certain to encourage her for her intelligence, not just her looks and humor… Make sure you take time to tell her you love her each day. Don’t just rush through and tuck her in – talk to her. Connect with her.” It’s all quite exhausting.

Meanwhile, Andrew vacillates between being an angel child to a devil child. Seriously. Do you HAVE ADD? STOP BOUNCING!! He’s completely nuts. He doesn’t listen. And then he’s supremely attentive, empathetic to dogs and birds (?!?) and is sooo freaking smart about science and random things. He’s four. But Jim thinks there’s something seriously wrong with him because he won’t do what Jim tells him to do (uh, refer back to “He’s four,” dude…) So much of my time spent as Worst Mother also counts as Worst Wife as I defend my child against his Naval Papa (do what I say because I said so doesn’t work for smart children. Really? They’re not sheep.)

Jace is the apple of his teacher’s eye. He’s well behaved, polite, smart, and funny (the other day he came up the stairs after getting ready for bed, but just took off his pants, left his socks and shoes on, and said to me, completely deadpan “I think I’ll go for a run”). Which is formidable, considering that when he first moved in he was a completely insulated, serious child. So yay! One out of three on the right track! (I am optimistic for Madeline, as she seems to do better in the even years. Ten is her beacon of hope right now.)

Sigh. My house is covered in muddy splatters because our golden retriever is insane and likes to pogo at the fence and scare the bejeezus out of people walking by (except Grandma, whom I suspect just tells the dogs to shut the hell up)… Let’s see… As if that weren’t enough, I keep inventing projects like blogs and art and being a semi-intrusive busy body in my friend’s store where I have a tiny little space (where I sell my art that I talk about on my blog. :P)…

Oh. And I’m trying to eat lots of vegetables because my ass is also quite impressive, and one of these days my hair might be long enough to cover it, a la Crystal Gayle… But now that I was a dumbass and decided to get a perm (don’t ask) it will be LATER rather than sooner. I really shot myself in the foot on that one.

So embrace it. Think of what funny ladies we will be when we are old. We won’t be like the ones who have too much money and not enough chocolate. We’ll look back and say, “Did I resort to a beer every now and then in order to keep from killing my children? Yes. Yes, I did. Did I forgo buying into the intellectual snobbery in my profession in order to remain a normal and relatively pleasant person? Yes. Yes, I did. Did I muddle through and raise relatively well adjusted children because I refused to buy into their whiny ass emotional blackmail, thereby creating children of character and integrity? Yes. Yes, I did. And did I end up kicking ass and taking names as an awesome wife, mother, and friend? Yes.”

Carry on.

Lots of love.

PPS: Mother says “The true measure of a successful mother is one who raises children who can eventually pay for their own therapy.” I thought it was always that you raise children whom you’d eventually like to be friends with some day… There’s a bit of discretion there…"

Wow. What a morning!

2010-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this picture to me - I *knew* Pierre and Fred were awesome. See? I'm on it! (except see, I'm sort of biased, but Pierre and Fred are way more handsome than those two fellas below... The two guys below look kind of dinosaurish.)

Yesterday, when I picked up the boy from school he'd run up the stairs on the slide and smacked his cheek... This morning it progressed into a full fledged shiner... Oh, Baby Bat!

The desk that I'm working on cured over night and the crackle finish created using Amy's suggestion of an Elmer's Glue layer worked like a charm! I mixed some left over cerulean blue paint that I had from the DFW project in with the leftover semi-gloss white paint from our remodel.

Free desk + leftover paint + 2 bottles of Elmer's Glue ($4) = AWESOME...

I'm going to add some vintage glass knobs and Songbird it up a little - you like that? I just made a new verb... To Songbird... It means to make something completely beautiful with the addition of a little rock and roll, vintage, Victorian, gothic and circus elements... Oh yes.

I am so completely excited about the pieces I've found over the last couple of days. A wrought iron bookshelf, the desk, a Mad Men-esque curved front metal bookshelf and an awesome fruit crate shelf... Yee Haw! All for free! It's raining deals!

Finally, my sweet doggie didn't want me to leave this morning. At one point she was laying right smack in front of the door, and when I left she reluctantly sat up to let me pass. Perhaps some quality snuggle time is in order this evening.When we got out to the car, I saw this sweet little guy gathering materials for a nest! Springtime is just around the corner.

Busy, busy!

2010-02-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

I really got so much done this weekend!

Eventful Friday Night...

2010-02-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

Holy cats. I hate video arcades. Too many lights. Too much noise. Too crazy. (It's like that book Old Hat, New Hat by Stan Berenstain... Too leafy, too lumpy, too beady, too bumpy. Does that make me conservative? Because some people think that book has a deeply conservative undercurrent... Uh oh.) Anyways, I'm not a fan of Big Al's. I mean, I get it - I know why people love it, cause they like the crazy. But I get enough crazy during my regular days. I don't find it entertaining or relaxing.

After we returned home (I know this is not a good segue, but it just has to jump along) our main floor toilet overflowed, which resulted in, oh yes, our master bath ceiling leaking water into our bathroom. Oh. Dang.

But that was the minor bad stuff that happened. And really? Even thought it's not my favorite place to go, it was fun to play with the kids and see them have fun, and chat with our friends M & J (who we get to see again tomorrow night!)... and earlier today, I TOTALLY scored on a shabby little desk that I am going to refinish tomorrow and make absolutely adorable... I picked up some sweet baby books at an estate sale (Baby Animals & Poky Puppy) a tiny bird trinket box and a great fry basket... Also I found (the same place I got the wrought iron bookshelf last week) a fruit crate! Yeeeeeehaw! I'll post pics up tomorrow.

I remembered to go on my walk for Game On points, and today was a successful day for the rest of the points as well. Phew! So now, after an evening of crazy lights and mopping up l'eau de toilette, I just want to relax and sleep and maybe tomorrow will be less eventful!

I won a contest!!

2010-02-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe not really a contest, since I was the only 'contestant' but still! I won a gift certificate to the Estate Store's Garage Sale!

And in order to really appreciate this, you have to know that I had never even heard of this place until I visited Amy yesterday, and discovered that the Community Warehouse Estate Store is putting a space in at Found on Fremont! So how cool is that? Their post about this Rhyme Time game had a challenge to pen a poem with words rhyming to "Angry Beaver." And NO ONE ELSE took up the challenge!?!

Anyways, I was excited. And their comments back to me made me laugh!

Can I just say?

2010-02-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, it's fate that you go for a walk.

Tonight, after we got home from celebrating my son's 11th birthday (wherein I behaved rather well, considering I had an opportunity for many delicious feasties...) I remembered that I had not really done enough serious exercise to qualify for my Game On points. (this is Round 2,334,518 but I sat a few out - so today is the first day of the refreshed round...) Soooooooo, because I have realized that if I am IN the house I will be ON the computer, not working out, I decided I needed to get my ass out of the house.

I wasn't in the mood to take both dogs for a walk, so Gary and I slipped out the front door when Lala was fast asleep.

We weren't but a few minutes away from home when I saw a GIANT St. Bernard loping down the street. There was a man following about a half a block behind, and I just assumed they were together. Imagine my surprise when the St. Bernard took a sharp turn INTO the middle of 42nd Avenue! Whoa! Hey! Dog - there are CARS out there! And as I caught up with him, I realized he was on his own, and very tired, and very nervous.

I called him back, and told Gary to sit and stay. "Leave it!" I say to him, because Gary thinks it is his job to protect me from other dogs, so I had to tell him I had this one... I took the other dog by the collar and was holding him while the man caught up with us. The big dog growled a little and bucked back as the man approached, and started to saunter off back down the street.

Aie!

"Hey! Is that your dog?" I called out to the guy.

"Nope! We've been following him for quite a while! We can't even get close to him - he's been all over the neighborhood!"

By this time, I saw a woman had pulled over to the side of the road - the man's friend - and I asked Gary to sit again, and stay, and I asked her to hang on to Gary's leash.

I walked up to the dog, told him I was gonna hang on to him and that we were going to go for a walk. He was dubious. I grabbed his collar, talked to him for a minute, and then clipped him onto the extra leash that the guy had brought with him in hopes of capturing the dog. Poor dog! He was probably so tired!

We walked back to the couple's house, where they will keep the dog over night until the vet's office opens in the morning. They'll scan him for a chip then.

I feel so bad! I know that dogs more often just get out and wander away than it truly being a case of the negligent owner - and this dog looked pretty well taken care of. So, he'll have a little overnight at Al and Sue's, and then we'll see what happens in the morning! I'm glad that Gary and I went out for that walk tonight!

Ode to the Helmsmen, Chuck and Nate...

2010-02-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Chuck & Nate:

You bring out the very best in us... Cheers to a fierce round.

Like one who meets a stunning foe,
Their weak old bones doth reel,
And days of hotness go seething past--
But will it last, this fearful blast,
On straining feet and groaning mast,
O Chuck, Chuck at the wheel?
His face is turned into the wind,
His cheeks are chilled with rain;
And you were right, his hair is white,
His eyes are crazed, he sleeps not at night
He does not fear the strife to-night,
He knows the roaring main.
Ho, Nate! Will to-morrow bring
The hours of pleasant rest?
An answer low--"I do not know,
The stomach growls and fart winds blow,
But rounds may come and wins may go--
Our wives, they judgeth best!"
Now you are right, brave game-oners,
But we are not like you;
We, used to structure, our fates of yore,
And fear no more when our tummies roar;
So few amongst us look as before,
Or stop to think that day is o'er--
Ah! what you say is true.
And those who say how fine our hips,
Who seldom see the nude,
But smack talk and stray so far away,
Should trust and pray, for are not they,
When tasty beers blind them on their way,
All guided by Game On's hand?
But you men are wrinkled, grey and worn;
'Tis time you dwelt in peace!
Your prime is past; you'll fail so fast;
You may not last through every blast,
And, oh, 'tis fearful to be cast
Amongst the smothering peas!
Is there no absent sauce to love
That you must cry alone?
If gin did fade, if friends betrayed,
And turned, and staid resolves you'd made,
Ah, still 'tis pleasant to be played
Where you guys at least are known.
The chocolate slides betwixt your lips--
The steaks, they shine and loom
On plates and platters, in mind, at hand,
But life must go and your fridge is banned,
As well you know when out you stand
With cheese amongst the tombs!
It matters not to ones so old
those weak in their virgin round,
We'll let you sleep down in the deep
and pile you beneath the heap
Your forty plus stormy years will sweep
We'll trample you to the ground.
Your speech is bold, brave mariner,
Smack-talkers we let you be;
You must play with truth, you strive to soothe;
But, oh, the wrecks of gin and vermouth,
What say you to our tears for Youth
And french fries drowned at sea?
Oh, talk not of the tasty delights lost,
Since first these decks you trod
The hopeless stare on your faces fair,
The streaming, bare, dishevelled hair,
The wild despair, the sinking--where,
Oh where, oh where?--my BOD!

based on Henry Kendall's poem, The Helmsman.

To do list

2010-02-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

Corral and vacuum up the dust bunnies. The prolific little buggers are getting out of hand.
Sage smudge or wicca ceremony to ward off the goblins living under the couches in the living room.
Erase all signs of tiny sasquatch babies in the house (mud spatters on wall and muddy footprints).
Undo the damage in the living room caused by pixies. We've been pixilated.
Wipe the goblin slime from the fixtures in bathrooms and kitchen.

As evidenced by the list above, I'm really looking forward to housework.

Maybe I can be distracted by someone's blog...

A slow start back...

2010-02-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

I was made to go to Costco today.

I think we all know how much I *dislike* Costco. And no, I'm not *kidding* with the star quotes. This is not the same as if I were to say how much I *dislike* laying in bed watching Celebrity Rehab or Private Practice in a quiet house with a hot cup of tea. No, I mean I really DO dislike going to Costco. Cause it's so biiiiiiiiiiig. And so borrrrrrrrrrring.

And James likes to go on Saturdays. And walk the aisles (with all those PEOPLE!)... Guh.

So I went. Cause last night, the dogs made it perfectly clear that they really don't care to be left starving (ok, neither one is really starving, but when Lala licks the side of the dog food flip can, and then paces all around and then says "ba-roo-roo-roo" that means "I'm STARVING" in dog language...) and we had to go get more dog food because we couldn't let our dogs go without food. Plus we needed eggs and milk.

But then I was so cranky on the way over that I think I made a bigger deal of it than I needed to. Maybe there was just one huge sigh too many? And James asked if I was going to be a beeyotch all day? And I said, no... Just to Costco.

After Costco we came home, and between Costco and my daughter having a frigging meltdown (big tears... banshee wailing. I'm serious. It was like Hanford meltdown.) I was about ready for the day to be over. But you know what? Guess what else? The house is a wreck. Like it exploded. And when I tried to clean up, I discovered the baby (Manny, age 5. Enough energy for 20 people) with GLITTER GLUE and scissors and paper snips all over the dining room.

Oh.
My.
Stars.

(Amy was kind enough to save me for an hour and a half. We went to the Twilight Sale at the Elks Lodge. It was tremendous. The bartender's name is Candy. The cook in the back looks like Willie Nelson. There's a sign on the kitchen door that says "Caution, Radar Oven In Use." There were toupees, and leather vests, and naughty Valentines. No joke. A Valentine had a secret picture {a REAL PHOTO} in it of an 1840's couple. He was squeezing her boob. She was squeezing... uh, *not* his boob. She was squeezing something much... lower. Remember back in the day the shutter was so slow you had to freeze for like 10 minutes so you could take the picture? Uh...... Ponder that for a few.)

Um, and James is watching Star Trek. The movie. So, yep. I like Star Trek about as much as I like Costco.

Dammit Jim.

I have to entertain myself now with pictures of the sweet little things that I found last week but was too sick to post about.

Like a tiny little deer...

...and a darling pink vintage bird...

... and these sweet, fuzzy, flocked fawns.

Still not back to normal...

2010-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ugh! Being sick SUCKS! I've still got that weird feeling behind my eyes - and I'm soooo tired! I took a Benadryl last night just so I could sleep, but man alive! The kids are all three at school today - we were having them take it easy also because I'm not a fan of sending your kids to school when they don't feel well to spread germs. Yuck.

I'm excited to report that my Etsy shop is doing pretty well (by my estimations). I've got three current special orders for bird nest wedding cake toppers and I tell you I could just not be more excited about the ability to play a part in someone's special day with my art! I'm hoping to feel well enough this weekend to get started on the two newer orders and to finish up the first order - because when I don't feel well my artistic sense takes a nose dive, and I end up making weird choices. Not cool for someone's wedding.

I'm thinking about attempting some stitching and embroidery whilst I'm locked up here in bed. I might not go too far afield with toadstools... Then again, I don't really want to prick myself because of my visual disturbances with tired eyes... So it might be hands off all crafts until I get 100% better. Sigh.

Meanwhile, the house is exploding around me. Dishes, laundry... the dining room table is still covered with snips and bits of Valentine's Day paper - the kids were so cute, and made their own cards for their classmates and friends - a departure from last year, when we just bought a few boxes from the store.

One of the baby's Valentine's (ok, he's not a baby - he's almost 5) had a bit of fluff glued to it. Like a little cloud of fuzz. It was pretty funny. He also made one for one of our dogs, and one with a big A on it for my mom's dog, Alice. That boy cracks me up. The other two astounded me with their cooperation (holy cats! you guys were getting along!) last night - the girl ran around and did chores (garbage, recycling, dishes) while the boy worked on his stack of Valentines. He had about 9 more to go when she got done with chores (having done all the chores that were on the list for both of them) and so she sat down and helped him finish his cards. It was tremendous. I have good kids.

I kept thinking that I would be able to lay down and read, but I get wooshy reading, so even though I had enough time with these few days out sick this week, I haven't got any further on my reading list. That's the trouble with being a "doer" and being sick. It drives me bonkers to just be forced to lay still and either sleep or ponder. I like to DO!

Meanwhile, the dogs have been muy attentive to us. They're allowed up on the bed, so Gary will come up and lay down, he's content just to be allowed up. But Lala likes to get right in the action, so she hops up and lays down with her head on the pillows, and likes to be nose to nose. Which is great, except for when you're feeling nauseated, golden retriever breath isn't really the best.

Ok... back to bed. I'm starting to feel dizzy!

The 19th Wife...

2010-02-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff... This is a messed up book. Historically, informative. But the more I let it sink in that it's not all fiction, the more disturbing I find it to be.

Story of the different sect of the Latter Day Saints/Mormon religion, the history of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (who seems a rather lecherous creeper of a man), and the tales of a modern day 19th wife as set against the story of Ann Eliza, Brigham Young's 19th (purported) wife.

Not ok, Brigham.

Next up on the reading list - Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and the Lacemakers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri.

Mental Vacation to a Tree Lined Park in France...

2010-02-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

I've been in the house all day - despite the weather. A series of (persnickity) events with the children kept me busy, without sleep, and inside, managing clean up of various and sundry messes. Our eldest son went off to the hospital with his papa last night following a very random episode of passing out (kept overnight for observation and IV fluids - so papa didn't get any sleep either), and I stayed at home with our daughter, who was throwing up until 3 am. I stayed with her in her room (you must know that I love my children, but I hate sleeping with them) and lay diagonally, propped up in layers of stuffed animals. Not conducive to sleep. Luckily both children are on the mend 24 hours later, and I am finally sitting down for a little relaxation.

I love these early peeks of spring. They make me want to get outside in the fresh air. Our window is open even now, because I prefer the fresh*er* air (even with the buses and traffic that I can hear) to the inside sickly air I've been stewing in all day.

At any rate, after a pretty rough night, I thought I'd take myself on a little vacation. A virtual break, if you will... I'd have a new MacBook Pro (a girl can dream, eh?) with a Bookbook case... I'd get wifi from the magical French WiFi fairies (it could happen...) and I'd be wearing my new outfit (ridiculously chic, duh...) from Anthropologie as I sat on a bench and wrote and designed fabulous things to my heart's content.

Just another Saturday night...

2010-02-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes...

Dyed eggs for special order wedding toppers...

Valentines...

Candy boxes...

a little debate on the fate of Portland Public high schools...

Dinner at Juliano's... and a finish at Sheridan's frozen custard.

Ugh.

Get it together, Grant Community. This isn't a pep assembly.

2010-02-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

I'm supremely irritated this evening. I've been hearing fits and starts about the PPS conversations about the high school restructuring. And I'm not cross at the PPS Board. Nope. I'm vexed because once again, I find that I'm living amongst a population whose majority has forgotten to use the brains God gave them to think before they speak.

I was reading up on the PPS progress, and have discovered to my dismay that not only are there large groups of people who have lost sight of the *actual* reason behind the restructuring, but those same folks have been speaking out in meetings, on Facebook, and other venues using information that is based in some universe other than the one called Fact.

Earlier, I responded on a Facebook "group" page to this statement (which was posted by the group's administrator): "The Portland Public School Board wants to close Grant High school and turn it into a magnet school thereby leaving families in inner NE no option for public high school. GHS has been a thriving part of the community since the 1920's. It is a rare: a neighborhood public school serving the inner city mixing lower and middle class along with different races, religions, and ethnicities. It is not a perfect school but it is a good school and the only inner NE option.

The Board wants to shut it to NE families forcing people to ship their kids off to the 'burbs or to private schools. (emphasis added)

Grant alumni take action! NE Families take action! Fellow Portlanders take action!"

Now, certainly this is an impassioned call to arms! We don't want our school SHUT DOWN! Criminy! Where will all those kids go to school?! Holy cats! Something must be done! But the thing that's most alarming is the speed at which the FALSE statement above rapidly spreads - not only through social networking sites like Facebook, but from child to child - from parent to parent - until soon, the misinformation has spread like wildfire and everyone is in panic mode!

My initial post in response was this: "I'm not sure that the information listed here is entirely correct. I take great issue with the statement that "the {school} board wants to shut {Grant} to NE families forcing people to ship their kids off to the 'burbs or to private schools." That is entirely untrue. As I understand it, Grant is one of a few schools whose central location and accessibility to the transit system make it an ideal candidate for a different school venue. There are much greater worries and larger issues at stake than the possible reuse of one building here."

Now, there's one theory that Grant will be used for several "magnet" programs within the building, and that there might be options within that theory. Certainly as one of many people whose neighborhood and familial ties to the school are emotionally based, it might be the end of an era for several thousand individuals. Indeed, my children are fifth generation in the same neighborhood. My parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sibling and I all went to US Grant. But I'm not sure that alumni status creates a sufficient base for the type of hysteria that I hear surrounding the talks about possible uses for PPS buildings.

Ultimately, I'm confident that people will come to the realization that the sacrifice of one building does not mean the end of school spirit, and I hope that the adults involved in the reorganization will continue within the respectful language of community, educational improvement, and a cooperative spirit aimed at the greater good for the most students. That's the most important point - the BEST solution for the MOST students. This is not a Grant High issue, people. This is a City of Portland issue. And what is best for the small community of Grant High might *not* be what is best for the city wide high school population. Let's not forget that this isn't happening this year. Or next year. It's a 5 - 6 year plan of implementation for full phase in.

As has always been an option for people who don't want to participate in the public school system as a public school system, there are a multitude of places that your children can go - places you can send them for schooling where you don't have to worry about restructuring, equalization, or opportunity! Those places are called Catlin Gabel, OES, Jesuit, The International School, Central Catholic, St. Mary's, Cedarwood, and LaSalle. Take your pick!

Furthermore, the Facebook page "Save Grant High School" is becoming a breeding ground for complaints and assumptions based on incorrect information, misinformed and emotionally based opinions.

"I think it's fantastic that you have a vested interest in maintaining Grant High as it stands now... But I think there's a grave disservice in *mis* informing people on this page about the purpose and plan of the school board. I'm all for people being passionate about issues, but they must be given correct information if they are to make informed decisions. Please consider a careful edit of your sideline in an effort to encourage the most reasonable and thoughtful discourse possible on this topic. As it stands, the information you've provided is not just misleading. It's incorrect."

I sent the note above to the admin, and I do hope that people stand back and take a look at what the school board is *really* proposing. This is in no way a personal slam against one person's rights to post up whatever information they want. But it is just one example of the misdirection and emotional smoke screen that prevents productive discussion and progress - a slippery slope that is far too easy to slide down.

If people would take the time to research the topic at hand, they would see clearly (not just from the PPS site, but also from reports at the Oregonian and the Portland Sentinel) that the purpose of restructuring of the school boundaries is to condense the populations into their neighborhood schools. Does anyone get this? The school board is TRYING TO GET MORE KIDS CLOSER TO HOME. This plan is being formed with an eye towards equalizing the programs offered at every neighborhood school. Listen again - EQUALIZING THE PROGRAMS. The magnet program possibility at Grant should make people excited, and proud that not only is Grant one option for the magnet program because of the close proximity to transit, but also because YAY! Grant is a great school! We can use that as a model and offer it to MORE kids CITY WIDE!

Does anyone else see the irony here? People are complaining because Grant is a great high school. Why should we lose our great school and let it have the possibility of becoming a beacon for the rest of the city? Everyone wants to bash the school board for finally trying to solve what *those same complainers* have been complaining about for years! Inequality in school programs! Classes are too big! Not enough diversity! Not enough "specialized" educational opportunities for gifted and focused children!

Well guess what, Portland? This is an opportunity to create a more intimate school community for those kids who currently have neighborhood schools that *aren't* as lucky as Grant & Lincoln, and it will equalize the playing field across the entire city.

Right now, not every school has basic additions like art, music, and sports. Do you all remember when we were in an uproar because of the HORROR of losing those items?

Right now, only some schools have Advanced Placement and "honors" classes. Does anyone think that the children at those schools are more deserving than others?

The PPS Board is trying to provide an equal opportunity to each child across the high school system. Public school is the cornerstone of our democratic society. It is imperative that people of this city realize that every child is entitled to that participation. Participation in a safe, clean, environment. An environment that includes more than adequate teachers, programs, and activities.

I applaud those fellow parents who take time to do the research, who take time to think BEYOND our own backyards, and look FORWARD to an opportunity for each child across the city. For crying out loud, people. Think beyond 33rd Avenue. If you don't like the way things are, then start doing your research and get a good solution going. One that doesn't just save Grant's ass. Do your homework.

Distractions and a Dirth of Diet Coke...

2010-02-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it might be because I'm drinking water like a psychogenic polydispiac... Or that I have a headache coming on... But I want a diet coke and some chocolate with almonds and chilies to be delivered to my desk... I suppose I could go and get some, but then my mind started cantering away with thoughts of what items I would be most pleased to find on my desk in the event that delivery fairies *did* exist... What would I find and be like "Oh! SWEET!" and be all atwitter about? (And by atwitter I mean the *real* definition of the word, not what would I tweet about. Cause I don't do that crap.) But either way, my open letter to the diet coke and chocolate fairy has gone unanswered... For a little afternoon distraction, I created a list of my own, and then dropped a note off on Stacy's desk asking what 10 items you would like a fairy to leave on your desk...

Emily:
Diet coke with a straw in a cup.
Dark chocolate with almonds and chilies.
~~Cow Skull~~
Barnum & Bailey or other vintage circus memorabilia.
A chip to plug into my brain that allows me the full extended knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite.
A vintage pair of Lucchese boots.
Tiny little gnomes, deers, and toadstools. (Um, yeah, one category.)
A miniature deer that would stay small forever.
A galvanized steel trough full of vintage ribbons, papers, postcards, letters, and millinery supplies. (Hush now.)
A new fleece bathrobe that doesn't already have glue and dog fur on it.
A bowl of vintage sparkly things.
A letter from an old friend.

Uh oh. That's more than 10. But I think the miniature deer would be a bonus. It's like a chihuahua but not yappy.

What would *you* wish for?

Shame on you, CBS.

2010-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

From CredoAction.com

"The broadcast networks that air the Super Bowl have historically rejected advocacy ads. Yet CBS, which is airing the Super Bowl this year, has accepted an anti-choice ad by the ultra-conservative group Focus on the Family.

Focus on the Family's "celebrate life" (read: anti-choice) ad features Heisman Trophy-winning college football star Tim Tebow. And CBS approved this anti-choice ad, even though the network has repeatedly rejected advocacy ads in past years including a 2004 MoveOn.org ad that went after then-President Bush's fiscal irresponsibility and an ad the same year from the United Church of Christ showing them welcoming a gay couple who had been turned away from another church. And they just rejected a comical ad from a gay dating site from this year's lineup of ads.

So to recap: CBS wouldn't allow a group to criticize Bush, wouldn't let a religious group promote its own tolerance of LGBT families and considers a light-hearted dating ad out of bounds. But CBS is perfectly happy to allow Focus on the Family to promote its conservative social agenda."

Join me in calling on CBS to kill the Focus on the Family ad before the Super Bowl on February 7!

If you'd like to sign the petition, click here.

Ugh. Mornings.

2010-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

So I'm sitting here drinking my coffee thinking that despite the fact that I do like my job and I love the people who I work with, I could really be rather happy working from home, doing arts and crafts, and generally living a life of leisure and volunteer service.

I think I'd volunteer for the Humane Society first.

There is a problem of funding, however... And as fully as I believe that *someone* out there would loooooove to pay me to be a working artist, I've not yet met that special Patron. I think my patrons thus far are my parents and my husband. Because they allow me the freedoms to do my crafty deliciousness... Luckily it pays for itself. I wish it paid for itself *and* me. But until that time, I guess it's off to work...

Happy Monday. Here's to hoping for artful days in the midst of it all.

Oh look! Book #4!

2010-02-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Do you know who William Dawes is?

This is one of those books where you pick it up and get into it and discover that it is indeed, not at all the thing that you thought it was. As it were, I kept going.

The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell is a rather interesting, scientifically written book about the issue of epidemics - virus, communication, social, fashion, and the types of personalities within our cultures who help to shape the behaviors of the main groups of people. Turns out we aren't as independent as we'd thought...

I like the analogies that he uses throughout the book to illustrate his points and ideas more clearly... I learned alot.

By the way - William Dawes is the guy who made a ride at the same time, on the same night, in a different route as Paul Revere. But it was Paul Revere's personality, social connections, and charisma that made all the difference in the world. But then, if you read the Tipping Point, you'd know that.

Treasure Day...

2010-01-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

So there are days when I go out searching for treasures, and then there are days when treasures come to me!

I delivered Pierre to Amy this afternoon. Pierre looked pretty good, after his multiple coats of whitewash... Even though I was a little sad to see him go, it's so much easier for me to create things and let them go if I know that they are going to a special home from the beginning. I left Pierre after a good visit and headed out to my Dad's.

At Dad's we watched a DVD of their trip to Mexico - I'm so inspired by the colors and spirit of Mexico! The folk art is really tremendous, and I was the lucky recipient of some beautiful rocks that they collected for me - granite, quartz, and a piece of coral! I was very excited about the rocks, but Dad was being mysterious, and handed my sister the camera - he wanted her to catch my expression when he handed me something else. I held the plastic bag in my lap - it was pretty heavy, and rather cumbersome. As I unwrapped the plastic from the treasure inside, a horn appeared atop a perfectly gorgeous cattle skull. Are. You. Kidding. Me? Apparently they'd been sleuthing in a few places in the local areas on their visit (including an artist's residence where my uncle held a *not-quite-finished* one... It was a little... meaty... still...

But they remembered that I'd written it on my Christmas list, and have been pining after a skull for a while now (much to my husband's chagrin). But the one that Dad and Kmom found in a little local shop in Mexico (and brought all the way back through customs!?!?!) for me is so beautiful. It has the teeth, and a partial piece of the nasal cavity bone, but the color (bleached by the sun) of the bone, and the dark horns are just lovely. Yes, I'm weird. I know. But if you could just *look* at the curves of the bones, the hollows of the eye sockets that look like ghost caves, the smoothness of the skull cap... You would have to note the beauty that lies in the opposition of simplicity and complexity residing within... *sigh* I am a happy girl.

After lunch we headed to Grandma M's (my step grandmother, who is just a sweet woman, delightful and a *really* great quilter) to look at her collection of quilts that she's made. I thought we'd see about 12 or 15 quilts. But she kept disappearing into the back rooms and bringing out more. They were all so stunning! I've only ever made one quilt, and it was a rather sophomoric effort. I have a great deal of respect for people who can not only do them well, but also *continue* to make them once the initial period of interest for me would have worn off. M's quilts are full of color - her use of brilliant fabrics and vivid and unusual color combinations communicate a modern and artistic vibe. They just kept laying the quilts out - one after another, they were vintage quality with a modern look, and the juxtaposition of the vintage and modern elements bowled me over! These are quilts that belong in an art gallery! I was floored when she said to pick my favorite. There were two that just spoke to me, and when I said it was between those two, she told me to take both. Again - I don't know what planets lined up for me today, but this was just a special day.

Finally, when I arrived home, I was so excited about the quilts and skull that I sent a text message to Amy. Knowing full well that she was running all her last minute errands, I never in a million years expected what happened next - Amy spent the weekend with the flu (not just her, but also her son!) and her daughter had 7 friends over - so her recovery wasn't the easiest. And she's flying out to NoLa tomorrow morning. Early. So her day was spent cleaning, catching up, and trying to get ready. But despite all that, she *still* came over to see the treasures... And she brought me MORE! Amy and I are trading Pierre the Stag for craft supplies, and even though she was so busy, she and her sweet children gathered up some delightful little treats for me! Woo hoo! I can't even list all the things that came to live with me, but there were papers, embellishments, stickers, transfers, buttons, brads, diecuts, gaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!! I filled up my button jar, and I am so so so happy at these sweet things!

Two gorgeous handmade quilts! Cattle skull! Crafty treats and treasures! What in the world?? Thanks, everybody. I feel *very* loved today.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein...

oh.

my.

stars.

This was *such* a good book. I read it in two nights. It's intelligent, and funny, and heart wrenching, fetchingly sad, frustrating, fascinating, humbling, and sweet.

The story of a family told from the perspective of a very intelligent and thoughtful dog.

We always knew they were brilliant... Garth Stein creates a believable and touching tale. I loved it. The dog ponders his place among men, his belief (from watching tv) of how Karma works, and reincarnation...

"Does a child know his own spiritual background, his own pedigree? I doubt it. But somewhere, a child surprises himself with his endurance, his quick mind, his dexterous hands. Somewhere a child accomplishes with ease that which usually takes great effort. And this child, who has been blind to his past but whose heart still beats for the thrill of the race, this child's soul awakens.... And a new champion walks among us."

Go. Read.