Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Thematic Evening


themed orient
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
Reading Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and drinking Jasmine Tea from the Asian market.

"Five o'clock in the morning is an awkward time to board a train. There were still two hours before dawn. Conscious of an inadequate night's sleep, and of a delicate mission successfully accomplished, M. Poirot curled up in a corner and fell asleep.
When he awoke it was half-past nine and he sallied forth to the restaurant car in search of hot coffee.
There was only one occupant at the moment, obviously the young English lady referred to by the conductor. She was tall, slim and dark - perhaps twenty-eight years of age. There was a kind of cool efficiency in the way she was eating her breakfast and in the way she called to the attendant to bring her more coffee which bespoke a knowledge of the world and of travelling. She wore a dark-coloured travelling dress of some thin material eminently suitable for the heated atmosphere of the train.
M. Hercule Poirot, having nothing better to do, amused himself by studying her without appearing to do so.
She was, he judged, the kind of young woman who could take care of herself with perfect ease wherever she went. She had poise and efficiency. He rather liked the severe regularity of her features and the delicate pallor of her skin. He likened the burnished black head with its neat waves of hair, and her eyes - cool and impersonal and grey. But she was, he decided, just a little too efficient to be what he called 'jolie femme.'"

I'm ready to plan a trip, but haven't the time nor the funds.

Monday, April 26, 2010

God is Green, Green is Gorgeous


Genesis 1:31

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."

"Notice that God didn't call it useful. When He first saw His creation, God deemed it good (Gen. 1:10) even though humans weren't around to make use of anything. God doesn't need us to make His creation good. God also doesn't say it is beautiful, although you don't need to see many purple horizons to realize that we are immersed in unspeakable beauty. Beyond its beauty and utility, creation maintains value and worth."

~ Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Anyone Else Understand?

Does anyone else's heart skip a beat when they watch Bull Durham like mine does?  I've probably seen it at least twenty odd times and it never gets old for me...sort of like old Gilmore Girl's episodes...the writing is hilarious, touching...the script is full of conversational kinesthetics that you remember years after you watch it.

"The world is made for people who aren't cursed with self awareness."  - Annie Savoy

"A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while. " - Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh

And a slew of not so PG quotes that I *heart*, so if you are over seventeen years of age and haven't watched Bull Durham, Netflix it ASAP.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Danube what to do...


013
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner

When my mind is void of response (admittedly a rare occurance) I rythmically repeat, "Danube, Danube" until my "little grey cells" soften and respond to the electro-transmissions of life's petite catastrophies.  'Til the locu-flow finally ripples accross thought rocks; river-washed into something smooth and fitting for human hands.

River, river flow from me, like Berlin, Berlin in memory.

xoxo Marlene Poirot

Monday, April 19, 2010

Amish Friendship Bread


Amish Friendship Bread
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner

I'm not usualy a very good baker, but this turned out perfect...it must be all the love that went into it from my friend, my boss, a spectacular person and woman of God, who sent me the starter.

...I added chocolate chips for good measure. :)

Enlightened with the Light


040
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner

Job 33: 28 - 33

He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

A Message


A Message
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
I love finding little notes and messages out and about...

We went to Alki Beach today and there were dozense of them etched in the brick path down to the promenade. This one was my favorite.

More demanding than mistletoe.

SMOOCH!

Summum Bonnum


065
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner

All the breath and the bloom of the year in
     the bag of one bee:
All the wonder and wealth of the mine in
     the heart of one gem:
In the core of one pearl all the shade and the
     shine of the sea:
  Breath and bloom, shade and shine, - won-
     der, wealth, and -how far above them-
Truth, that's brighter than gem,
Trust, that's purer than pearl, -
Brightest truth, purest trust in the universe -
     all were for me
       In the kiss of one girl.


~ Robert Browning

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Thoughtful Thursday


043
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner

Mindful
–adjective
attentive, aware, or careful (usually fol. by of): mindful of one's responsibilities.

Conscience
–noun
1.the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action: to follow the dictates of conscience.
2.the complex of ethical and moral principles that controls or inhibits the actions or thoughts of an individual.
3.an inhibiting sense of what is prudent: I'd eat another piece of pie but my conscience would bother me.
4.conscientiousness.
5.Obsolete. consciousness; self-knowledge.
6.Obsolete. strict and reverential observance.

Happy 101 Award


Thanks so much to If I Can't Wear Heels I Don't Want to Go for tagging me with the Happy 101 award!  Her blog is super adorable and she has a wonderful sense of style, check it out! :)

Ten Things that Make Me Happy

1. Bible Time
Spending time in the Word always sets my heart at rest and calms my feverish mind.  I treasure God's wisdom and his will for my life, and I hope that some day I can feel worthy of his love.

2.  Sharing a Good Meal with my Man
Numbers Man and I both love good food and prolific conversation, so sharing those experiences simultaneously and in union is just about as good as it gets for me.  Looking accross the table and seeing him animated and ethusiastic is such a treat...and it makes me want to jump over to his side of the booth and cuddle up like we just started dating.

3. My Darling Dog
The silliest, goofiest, happiest, craziest little dude ever.  I love his furry antics and his willful spirit...people often refer to dogs as "companion animals" because of course they are.  Well, I am forever referring to Goose as my companion very directly.  Such as, "Come here my little companion.  Such a good little companion you are."  Cheesy, I know.

4. Sunshine on a Cool Day
I've never really cared for a hot, summer day, but I love the sparkle and freshness that sunshine brings.  Going for a walk in the sunlight on a cool, crisp day refreshes my soul...no, that's too dramatic...it scrubs and polishes my outlook.  There's just no way I can be in a foul mood in the sun.
5. A New, Old Book
There's nothing like a new tome to add to the shelves, especially when it's older than me, marked by hungry, page-turning fingers of previous readers and smells of dusty, linen binding.
 
6. Perfume
I shudder to think of how much money I would waste on perfume if my budget were less limited.  It transports me to another place, another feeling, elevates my situation and calms my fretful self.  Favorite brands (in order of preference): Hermes (hands down favorite perfumer), Chanel, Fresh, Lilly Pulitzer, Jo Malone, Annick Goutal, Acqua di Parma, Creed, Miller Harris, Juicy Couture, Guerlain, Carthusia, Dyptique...
 
7. Squishy Socks
I love cashmere, angora, and other beautifully squishy, delicious socks.  Plain and simple.
 
8. Simple and Effective Footwear
Some examples: Converse, Havianas, French Sole.  I often go in for my flamboyant heels so we'll leave that off the list or...make it #9. *grin*
 
9. Flirty Heels
Peep-toe pumps, satin bows, patent leather sling backs, lace trimmings, feathers on the back...really as far as heels are concerned...anything goes in my book.
 
10. Soup
Really, I could eat a bowl of soup every day and never tire of it.  The possibilities are endless, but some of my favorites are: real consomme (particularly from Neiman Marcus), roasted red bell pepper soup with creme fraiche & chives (Wolfgang Puck's but sometimes I make my own), simple creamed pea soup (always homemade as I prefer my version with buttermilk), miso with left over veggies (so restorative), rustic cream of tomato with crusty bread blended in, lobster pernod chowder from Duke's (does that count as a soup?), carrot ginger...and so many more!
 
Well this was fun!  I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
 
Now, I tag:
Suzy's Natural Southern Goodies
Muffy Martini
Maryland Pink & Green
Lens and Needle
Pink Preppy Lilly Lover
Beth @ Sweet Babies
Katie @ Let's Be Preppy
 
 

Useful Tutorials


I'm always looking for new ways to explore clothes and accessories; different ways to wear everyday items.  Some of my garment adventures are more miss than hit, particularly in the opinion of Numbers Man, but I think that Brook's Brother's new scarf-tying tutorials will be nothing but an asset to me in Washington's finicky spring weather.

I see a French Knot paired with a boat neck, 3/4 length sleeve tee in my future.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Ironing and Cleaning of the Iron


Ironing
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
I must confess, I had never cleaned my iron before today. Truly.

Talking last night with a dear friend of mine I decided to look up some cleaning habits that I was just not too sure about. One of them was removing mineral build up from my iron's steam holes. There were only two plagued by the crud, but it would flake off and generally upset me enough to simply bring my clothes to the dry cleaners to avoid ironing them myself. So...here is what I learned:

"When your steam iron becomes clogged as a result of mineral deposits in your water, you can dissolved them - unless the manufacturer's instruction booklet says not to - by pouring some white vinegar into the water tank, turning on the iron, and letting it steam for a few minutes. (White vinegar is effective for this.) After cleaning with vinegar, iron a clean rag of some sort so that any residues are deposited on the rag. Then cool the iron and rinse with cold, plain water. Some irons require that distilled water be used in the tank. If you frequently have trouble with clogged steam holes, perhaps yours requires this; check the instruction booklet."

- from Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson

My iron is now in tip top shape, and I even gave the hot plate part of it a good scrub down with baking soda & water paste as the book reccomended in another portion. Beautiful clothes have I, and am none the poorer for it. Victory is mine!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Getting to Know You Sunday

So, MannLand's "Getting to Know You Sunday" is looking pretty fun...I think I'll dip a toe in...the water's fine!

1. What color do you wear the most? Pink & White & Denim in equal portions.

2. Would you rather have $10,000 dollars or a dream vacation? At this point in my life, I'll take the ten grand. I can't imagine coming back to work after a "dream vacation"...I'd be stressed out I'd need another vacation after passing out from opening Outlook and seeing all the emails.

3. Do you have a weird, quirky or unusual habit? Um, yes. Probably more than I even notice. I organize everything because I'm so darned double ditzy I'd loose my tushy if it wasn't attached to me.

4. I really need to start..........? Putting my dishes in the sink after I'm done eating...but I usually have food coma and take a nap after dinner. Ha!

5. What was the first blog you ever read? Wow, that was a long time ago. Well, before everyone had blogs they had websites on places like ivillage, angelfire, etc...and I read those (and had one). I've been all over the internet for longer than I care to admit.

6. Do you collect anything? Books, perfume, and Lilly.

7. How old were you when you had your first kiss? I elect not to submit this question as my mother reads my blog.

8. Do you text/twitter while driving? At stop lights when I'm going to and from work I will, but on any other route or while moving...nope!

Friday, April 9, 2010

A Mighty Thirst


mossy bark
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
“I’m afraid I waste the light on the paintings and on writing these words. We die. We die rich with lovers and tribes, tastes we have swallowed, bodies we have entered and swum up like rivers, fears we have hidden in, like this wretched cave. I want all this marked on my body. We are the real countries, not the boundaries drawn on maps with the names of powerful men. I know you will come and carry me out into the palace of winds, the rumours of water. That’s all I’ve wanted - to walk in such a place with you, with friends, on earth without maps.”

— Michael Ondaatje

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Times Does Lilly

The New York Times has got an article on Lilly and it turned cynicism into sparkling witticism.  Take a look here and...
...this is my favorite bit:

WURLITZER The shop has a preppy, kooky cheerfulness that is a tad manic, but effective enough to make even a vampire like me want to practice my putt to the Swingle Singers.


ICH BIN EIN BERLITZER At a time when many brands seem to be tilting to please overseas customers, Ms. Pulitzer’s tastes are unapologetically American. Like Carol Brady, “Up With People” American. But they welcome anyone bold enough to wear a patchwork floral necktie under a collar of palm-green micro-gingham.

Monday, April 5, 2010

My Visit to Cicely, Alaska


Roslyn Cafe
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
Today I drove (read rode in the passenger's seat) from the Puget Sound in Washington to Cicely, Alaska and was back by late afternoon.

For those of you that are unfamiliar the television show, Northern Exposure, this probably sounds tres bizarre. For those of you who *do* know what I'm talking about...IT WAS SO COOL! Ha!

I had to go up the mountains for a showroom reset in a nearby town and convinced my coworker to detour over to Roslyn, where Northern Exposure was filmed so I could play tourist for fifteen minutes..."PLEASE!" He was convinced I would be dissapointed because I had worked the place up to be an idyllic, western frontier haven of sorts, but I assure you...I was not at all let down by the sights, sounds, and smells of the rustic hamlet. I even had a delightful conversation with a shop owner about the real estate revolution of Lake Washington (where I live) in which I learned that he bought a house down the road from me in the 1970's for...get this...$35,000!!! I scolded him for not keeping it until 2005 and selling it at the height of the market for millions. He subsequently scolded him self. Charm, I tell ya!

For more photos just click on the picture at right to visit my flickr photostream. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

He is Risen!

He is risen!  This is and has always been one of my favorite hymns and perfect for Easter Sunday.
Happy Easter Everyone!

~*~*~*~

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Faded Light, Good Morning


From Victoria Magazine
Originally uploaded by misscaroliner
The forecast called for rain, pouring rain and thunderstorms through into next week, but the ground is dry and the sky is a swirl of wispy grey clouds (telling nothing), so I took the dog for a good walk (sniffing lots of friends along the way...him, not me) and came home to make a hearty breakfast for myself. Numbers Man isn't much of a breakfast person in general. His stomach begins it's day around eleven o'clock. I'm the sort of person that feels pressed to wait 15 minutes after they rise before consuming something (anything, just feed my belly!).

So, I made a cup of coffee. God bless the inventor of the single cup Keurig...Number's Man is also not a coffee drinker and I can down a pot if it's there to stare me down wild west style. And I made a small bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar and lots of milk. And thirty minutes later I was hungry again...so I thought about all the lovely things I could make and decided upon a dish that my mother calls "Eggs Goldenrod." Over the years I've tweaked it slightly, but here is the recipe I now "follow."

1. Boil up two eggies to your liking
2. When the eggs are *almost* done pop a slice of bread in the toaster and place about a tablespoon of butter in a soup or pasta bowl (I prefer to eat this dish in a shallow bowl instead of on a plate) and microwave it for 30 seconds or until melted.
3. Place the toast in the bowl and smear around in the butter.
4. Remove the eggs from the pot and rinse under cold water until you can handle them, peel off the shell and slice over the toast.
5. Make up a bechamel sauce (milk + butter + flour) in a saucepan. I add a pinch of turmeric for color and a bit of salt to taste.
6. Pour sauce over the egg/toast in your bowl and....

ENJOY!