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Tuesday, December 31, 2024

We have momentum back...

 

W.B. Yeats

As I continue towards minimizing time on social media and focusing more on the slower joys of my life, I turn (quite literally) to books I've been meaning to focus more on. 

I have books in my library that were bought in an earnest attempt to enhance my view of the world, history I know, and broaden my horizons. They continue to stack up and collect dust. So in an attempt to hold myself accountable and forge a better me and outlook on the world, I'm here to commit to enriching my nights a bit with some books I should have cracked open years ago...

I highly suggest this pocket-sized collection of William Butler Yeats poetry. 


The Lake Isle of Innisfree

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

For a sample of one of his most famous: visit here

Monday, December 30, 2024

The Joy of HappyPatina & Blog Posting







There are little moments in my life that remind me of the slower days, removed from today's modern take on social media, that bring me back to the joy of blogging. I've been determined to find the right moment to squeeze some life back into this little old website, and the inspiration has been - HappyPatina

Oscar reached out to me this year sharing more about the genesis of his work. What I loved immediately about his note was the interest in combatting today's culture of consumerism and wastefulness. His mission is to create products that stand the test of time and look good. Hats off to you, Oscar!

The EDC (every day carry) kit contains a perfect, minimalist wallet, key FOB, and tough leather bracelet. To my delight, there's also a care kit - I cannot wait to apply my first coat of leather oil.

Also, I particularly love the size of the wallet - it fits in all of my jeans pockets. For the other ladies out there I know, we can agree that our pockets are not always accommodating!

You can buy your EDC Kit here

Sunday, January 10, 2021

Making an Adirondack Chair



Adirondack Chair - DIY

The Adirondacks are synonymous with Summer in my family. Even more, we spent a few extra honeymoon days in the 'dacks following our weeklong adventure in Vermont

I was in Lake Placid and stopped at the wonderful little bookstore on main street. It was closing time and I saw Mary Twitchell's simple Easy-to-Build Adirondack Furniture book.  The shop keeper rung me up, took my $4 and smirked and said, "give me a call after you build your chair!" 

Okay, you sassy-pants bookstore guy - I did it! While it is the basic chair, I'm pretty proud of my first attempt. I think all-in-all it cost me about $55 in materials. I used pine and about 1/3  less screws than Mary suggested. It's pretty damn sturdy and what was better, the book was perfectly put and easy to follow. I took some artistic liberties on a few sections, but happy so far. Looking forward to diving into the intermediate version, and hell, maybe a foot stool. 

$55 Materials

$4 book

Pride = you can't put a price tag on that, baby.

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

 






Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice. 

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer. 

Longwood Gardens - site

Friday, November 20, 2020

Happy Trails


Getting out on the trail or into nature as much as we can these days. Finding myself in Wissahickon more now that any other time this year. Grateful for the ability to get out and do. Enjoy the trails my friends.
 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Halloween 2020



 

Dwight the dog was in full lion costume, the pumpkins were carved just in time, and the candy was set outside in bowls for any potential trick-or-treaters that dared to come out. To our surprise, the candy didn't last the night! Neither did our pumpkins, which seemed to make their way into the yard by those blood-thirsty suburban deer that boldy walk around in hoards and annihilate everything in your garden. Punks.