Walkies

The boys are always up for a walk and a little water.
Here's Dandy having a very loud conversation with Bode.

Here's Bode doing his thing.  He never quite swims but will happily wade around.  I think if he had a Corgi buddy who actually swam he would follow.  This will be a nice swimming hole this summer.

We're at Stocking Flat down at Deer Creek, the rocks are really smooth and beautiful.

And some great old manzanita on the hike back up.

We're heading into a few rainy days which means muddy floors and stinky wet dogs, but happy forests.  All the flowering trees are in full bloom so it's worrisome, will the fruit make it or not?

I have some great shots of my son performing with Little Radar, will post those later.  Still hoping we can get some higher resolution copies to have some printed.

Little Radar will be having a CD release show and party in Austin on April 29th.  I'm going to be there, can't wait!

Peace

Merry Monday

What a fine day!  This time last week we were preparing for a snow storm, today it's 63 and sunny, my kind of weather.

We went walking on the Champion Mine Road Trail again today, but this time we took the trail down to Deer Creek, ate lunch, cooled our feet and then headed back up again.

It was great!  Here's a view of a little tributary creek on our way.

There are robins splashing around in my fountain and a pretty little daffodil is blooming by my back steps.  I can see the tiny buds of the flowering dogwood in the front yard.  There must be about a million of them, should be gorgeous this spring.

I'm getting my hair trimmed soon and then will get ready for pistol league tonight,  hopefully will be better than last week.

Enjoy your day, wherever you happen to be.

Peace

Today he's three!

Happy Birthday to Bode (Alltrade Fernbriar Xciting Bad Boy)!  He's a complete goof, fun to have around, bright and alert, always a little naughty but that's ok, we like naughty.

He's hoping a bird will show up in the yard to be chased.

Showing off his profile and looking for squirrels.

Lounging on the couch, but his favorite place is under my bed.

Ah, dogs make life so interesting.

Peace

This and that...

The weather could not be more beautiful, 70's with a cool breeze.  The boys and I have been walking up on the Champion Mine Trail in Nevada City, miles of level trails running along a NID ditch.  The boys run happily down the trail and occasionally jump into the ditch for a slurp and a cool down.

This tree is almost ready to fall down, hopefully it will go down the hill and not on the trail.
And Bode wondering if I'm going to kick him off the couch.

But he's safe since he didn't tear off the sheet before he nested in.

Peace

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Cheap tickets huh?

I wonder what he would have produced if he had lived?

Peace

Bumper Stickers

I have never, ever had a bumper sticker on one of my vehicles.

Well, up to now.

Now I have two.  Click the photo to make it bigger.

I know it's sort of silly but I find all the political posturing to be so ridiculous and annoying this makes me smile. I'm not a political person.  However, I do have a brain and a heart. It scares me to think of someone like Rick Santorum becoming President.  I cannot tolerate sanctimonious haters.

I'm pretty much out of choices at this point.

Bring me someone who recognizes the value of the people who make this world move.

Bring me a miracle.

Red neck or warrior?

The Spartan King Leonidas was offered life by the Persian Emperor Xerxes if he would lay down his arms and surrender.

He said, 

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!

(mo-lone lah-veh)

Which translates to:

Come and take them!

I think the red dirt around here is starting to sink into my spirit.  This story tickles me.  Of course, this was the beginning of the Battle of Thermopylae and they eventually suffered defeat but not without dealing a serious blow to the Persian army.  I mostly slept through Greek history in high school.  Maybe it's time to go back and do some studying, fascinating stuff.

However, today is for friendship and some good food, including a Blood Orange and Raspberry tart.

Peace,

and if not Peace,

Justice.

New Hearts

These are available for your sweetheart next week.

I've put them up on my website.

I hope you have someone you love, someone that fills your heart, the person who gets your secret smiles, the one you can't wait to put your arms around.


"I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do..
I will be strong I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on A new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.

I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me

And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky,
I'll make a wish send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure and the certainty.
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest power. In lonely hours. The tears devour you
I want to stand with you on a mountain,
I want to bathe with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me

Oh can you see it baby?
You don't have to close your eyes 'cause it's standing right before you.
All that you need will surely come

I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope I'll be your love be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do

I want to stand with you on a mountain."


Savage Garden


Peace

Little Radar - Song of the Day

Birds by Little Radar

"This Friday Little Radar plays the Mohawk inside aftershow following the Octopus Project’s show outside. This spring the band is set to release their first full album. So keep an eye on them, because sooner or later Little Radar probably won’t be so little anymore."

This kid has been following his dream since he first picked up the double bass in 4th grade.  He makes me happy no matter what he does but knowing he's doing what he loves is very satisfying.


Peace

Little Radar

Love that they are starting to get some recognition.

Little Radar kicked everything off, and blew the crowd away. Dozens of folks came up to me to tell me how much they loved the band’s gorgeous vocals and upbeat pop-rock tunes. After only seeing them twice, I find that I already have some favorites – “Wake Up” is totally infectious, with fancy beat changes and impressive guitar licks. This is one of the most exciting local bands, and I have a feeling they’ll break it big soon. Sean Hale’s voice always reminds me of Ben Bridwell’s from Band of Horses, and bassist Grant Himmler is an incredibly exciting bassist, with fingers flying and head bopping consistently through the band’s performance. 5 stars and a sincere hope to continue working with these lads.

http://www.austinwritesmusic.com/2012/02/shot-through-the-heart-showcase-at-frank-2/

That's my boy on the far right.

See me smile!

Art of Love

Tonight from 5 to 8:30pm at 940 Idaho Maryland Road the Artist's Studios in the Foothills is hosting an opening reception for their new exhibit - The Art of Love.

See you there!

Peace

San Jose Nationals

I got to spend a great weekend absorbed in some very fine skating.  This was the first time I went to one of these events by myself, which was sort of weird but not entirely bad.  Each of the four disciplines produced new National Champions that we can be proud of.

And I got to see my young friend Tim LeDuc skate pairs with his partner Cassie Andrews.  Tim used to help me at his club competitions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Even then as a young kid he was a warm and delightful person, now he's matured into a stunning young man.  This was their first year at the Senior level.  It's going to be lots of fun to see them in a couple of years.

I also spent a great night in a Hilton in Santa Clara, all by myself in a big king sized bed, room service and a bottle of champagne.  It was heavenly.  I spend most of my time being responsible, even though I love every minute of it but every now and then I need a night like that.  I call it a healthy dose of ass kissing.

Now I'm back to my oh so responsible but excellent life.  Back to my dogs, business, house, friends, shooting, creating and a very satisfying relationship in the making.

Peace

Wanderings...

The weather cleared up a little and gifted us with a beautiful opportunity to walk together along the top of the Oroville Dam.

Peace

Welcome rain

It's finally here and has come with a vengeance, slaying the dusty roads and the parched ground around the trees.

It's harder to deal with the dogs, who end up wet and muddy without even trying but that's the dirty reality of dogs.

Now I step outside and can feel the sweet fresh smell of the forest, soaking up the water. It's easier to breathe and my hair is curling up a little more.

It's glorious!  Of course, this time next month when it's rained for two weeks straight I may be singing a different tune.

Peace

Love and other things...

I found this photo in a pile of photographs I'd packed.

It so perfectly shows my heart.  This perfect baby, the ocean breeze, the restaurant on the edge of the San Francisco cliffs, my joy, the exhaustion of my body and a sweet sadness of knowing what I traded for this baby.

Every Mother trades something for her children.

She makes a bargain with the universe.

She walks through fire and pain to hold a life in her arms.

She breaks her heart and steels herself to walk the hard road.

She is transformed from a kitten to a lioness.

Her senses are forever heightened.

Her gain is that broken heart.

In breaking her heart expands to hold love larger than she was.

She shines forevermore.

Peace.

180!

Last night for the first time I put up a perfect score, which means 18 rounds ended up in the center ring.

Now if I can just do it again.

And we had birthday cake, chocolate with chocolate frosting.  Almost a perfect evening.

Peace

I went up to the mountain...

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in honor of this day.

Peace
And if not peace
Then Justice.

Short dogs, tall gate

Our new, gorgeous gate by Frank Whaley of Whaley Construction.

This spring I'll see if I can get some ivy to grow on the fence section and eventually it will weather to a silver color but right now it's wonderful.  I really like the added privacy it lends to the back yard, my secret garden.

The boys are romping in the back yard now, racing around, barking and chewing on each other.  I think they exist to make me smile.

Peace to you on this sunny day.

Double Nickel

Yesterday was my double nickel birthday, another milestone, another reason to reflect on life and love and how best to be who I really am.

I recently met someone who seems to share my outlaw nature which I have suppressed and virtually disowned for many years.  I'm at times uncomfortable with his demands and yet intrigued and encouraged to stretch my boundaries.  It's tough to try to be who I am when I don't really know exactly what that is.  However, I now know that each person I meet is there because now is the time for me to learn something from them.

I love my life.

Peace

First Day of 2012

And a fine day it was, unseasonably warm, incredibly sunny, fragrant with lingering wood smoke and the mountain defining smell of pine.  We slept in and went to the park later to play frisbee.  The boys looked pretty hot after clearing the ball field of geese and chasing the frisbees so I let them cool off in the duck pond and then we headed over to the dog park for some social time - also known as sniff butt time.

With the help of a great and talented guy I've gotten a lot of the more complicated projects done around the house.  The garage is almost ready for two cars and looks pretty damn neat and tidy. Locks work, curtain rods are ready for curtains, shelves are up and so is the really large mirror that takes up most of one dining room wall.  The potted Turkish Fir has been moved back outside.  We also have a really great door knocker.  It's a cast piece by Michael Healy.  I love people who do fine metalwork, this is truly a nice piece.

What an incredible year!

This time last year I was hanging on.  I was just starting to make friends.  The weather was awful, cold and wet and gloomy, it didn't seem like California.  I wasn't really sure what I wanted.  I had an idea forming, a wish for how things might be, and yet, no, I didn't really know what I wanted.

Do I now? Maybe, maybe not.  It's true that the more you know the more you realize how little you know.

So what do I know now?

I know that having my very own space is gratifying and satisfying way down deep in my heart.

I know that each person has the capacity to love but that each person loves in their own way.  Learning how our styles of love fit together is half the fun, sometimes frustrating, sometimes fabulous, always a learning process.

I know that rushing anything is a mistake, good things really do take time.

I know that keeping an essential vision of what we need and want is crucial to actually finding it.

I know that good friends are few and far between but that those few fill our hearts to overflowing and they are enough.

I know that we often do good things for people not because they are good but because we are.

I also know that a tiger doesn't change it's stripes and has big teeth and is often hungry.

I know that watching my children become adults is pretty freaking fabulous.

I know that pounding on a piece of metal makes me happy and a little sore when I miss.

I know that each day is a gift.

I know that I am enough, no matter what.

My heart, my words, my thoughts go with you.

Peace

Apple Butter

I've had these apples sitting on the shelf calling to me for weeks now and finally found some time to make them into apple butter.  It's really not that hard, just time consuming.

First, wash the apples and quarter them, don't bother with the peels or the seeds.

 Put the quarters in a big pot, add just a little bit of apple juice.  I probably used a cup.  Heat and keep tossing the apples until they are all soft.

 Mash them through a sieve or a food mill.  This is probably the first time I used just enough liquid to cook the apples and not so much that my puree was too liquid.

 The recipes say to add 1/2 cup of sugar for each cup of puree.  I had 20 cups of puree but only used 7 cups of sugar, plus some cinnamon, ground cloves, some lemon juice, juice of 1/2 a very juicy orange and the orange zest.  I prefer to simmer the butter long and slow, stirring every 15 minutes or so until the butter is much reduced and mounds up on a cold plate.

 Put it in clean jars and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Ta da!  Lots of very yummy apple butter.

Peace and sweet dreams to you.

Great junk

Yeah, I know the axle is a little bent, but can it be fixed?

This has been a mining community continuously from 1849 to 1959 and during that time over 17 million ounces of gold have been dug, blasted, crushed and hydraulically washed out of the ground.  I love finding the left over bits of machinery, often they inspire my jewelry designs.

I took these photos almost two years ago, never thinking that I would own a house that has the Empire Mine in it's backyard.

The connections and heavy handmade hinges are superb.  I wish I could step back in time and watch them being forged.

We spent the whole day yesterday walking and visiting with a friend.  I'm feeling restored, ready to start up in my studio again.

Enjoy your day.

Peace

Christmas Day

If you had told me I'd spend Christmas Day alone and happy I would probably not have believed you.  Then I spent the last several weeks moving and unpacking and in consultations for custom jewelry and working and delivering those pieces, whew!  I was so mentally and physically exhausted I could barely speak.

So, on Christmas Eve I cooked for my family and a dear friend and I took Christmas Day OFF.  I slept in and around noon I took the boys for a hike.  I was planning on a mile or two but the day was glorious and we said "what the hell" and hiked the whole four mile loop at the Independence Trail.

It felt so good, water to play in, views and blue sky forever, happy laughing dogs and me, no stress, no rush. Make sure to click on these photos so you see the big version.

Bode doesn't think it's worth drinking unless he gets all four feet in, too cold for me.

What a great gift.

Peace

Opening Presents

Bode and Dandy had a great time opening their presents.

It's a beautiful day, we're heading out for a hike.

Merry Christmas, peace to your and yours from me and mine.

A week ahead...

I'm trying to get lots done but it seems I can't make everyone else go faster.

My gutters look like porcupines having a bad hair day.  I was expecting the leaf guard gutter guys to show up this morning and waited and waited and waited.  Then I called them and found out my appointment is for next Tuesday, oh bother.

Some days nothing seems to go right.  So I took the boys for a long walk and emptied a few more boxes and now it's nap time as I have a shift this afternoon at the gallery.

Peace

Joyful!

It hardly gets any better than this.  Every day I love my house a little more.  Every day, every box unloaded, every small detail attended to make the rooms more beautiful, more comfortable, more cozy and welcoming.

A friend was teasing me about not having Christmas lights up, hopefully those will still happen.  I'm playing elf in my workshop to get some last minute things done and the lighting elf hasn't made an appearance, oh well.  I do have to go to the hardware store today, maybe I can get some light to dress up the boxwood on the front porch.  And maybe hang some icicle lights around the porch soffits and drag the potted tree up on the dining room porch and light that too, and get a little Christmas tree for inside...

It's rather like when people ask me how I get my ideas for jewelry.  It's not getting ideas, it's having the hours in the day to make the things floating around in my head.  It's not how to decorate, it's having enough hours to actually do what I'd like to do.

I'm so excited about my new housemate!

This little piece is going to a great girl for her birthday.  I used 20 gauge fine silver for the moon, it's a pretty piece.

Peace to you and yours.

Some say...

No, no, no, don't paint the wood.  I tend to be a bit heretical about that, figuring that eventually things have to change. This wood was cheap pine, nothing really special even 60 years ago when it was installed.

From this:

To this:

I liked the wood, loved the texture of the old boards with their knots and grooves but hated the dark and gloomy feel of the rooms.

So, Chris Sgambati and his painting crew came in and transformed it into a light filled space, airy and bright.  At my request they filled the million little nail holes but didn't seal the wood so the knots may still bleed through.  There are two coats of paint,  under the white is a rich coffee creamer base, which will peek through with a little hand sanding. It looks like a seaside cottage hidden in the mountains.  I'm completely happy with it now.

My long time house sitter is moving in with me this weekend, this will be her space.  I'm excited to have a young one around again. The boys will be ecstatic having her here.

Peace

A day off...

...from unpacking and arranging.  My friend is here from Minnesota.  Yesterday we wandered down to the South Yuba, it was beautiful there.

And we shopped and ate and wandered some more, it was great!

Peace

Hey!

What's a guy got to do to get some attention?

Looking adorable works eventually.  I'm actually in heaven having so much to organize and arrange.  Of course, I need to get the blankets into the closet but need shelves installed in there and can't do that because the closets are full of artworks, but can't get those moved out until the display shelves are installed and that requires me to actually decide where to put the shelves and find a talented volunteer to actually put them up, oh boy.

We did get outside to the park this afternoon and hit the new Grass Valley dog park for the first time.  It was a hit, lots to sniff and some big friends to chase.

With every day and every box emptied this house feels more mine.  I knew as soon as I saw it that it needed to be mine so it's very satisfying to make it so.  My bed is more comfortable at night, not surprising since I practically crawl into it but the sense of peace and comfort is there.  And getting up in the morning is sheer bliss,  making coffee in my sunny kitchen, eating breakfast and listening to the boys chase each other around their yard.  I love cooking in my kitchen, the range is exquisite.  I do tend to get a bit distracted playing with the fiestaware though.

I'm watching Ghost tonight, mourning the passing of Patrick Swayze and grooving on Unchained Melody.

Peace

Moving Monday

It's all gonna be here today.

I put my new drill to the test and managed to hang this glorious art piece by Michael Larson.  He's a fellow coop member at the Art Works Gallery and makes these fabulous chimes, plus smaller ones and some amazing garden art, metal and glass.  The metal on this one is reclaimed auto springs and a bike chain is wielded on to hold the glass.

This is the view out the door on my back porch now.

The property beyond the fence is state owned, part of the Empire Mine.

Well, time to get going, the floor is vacuumed and cleaned, ready for furniture.  It's hard to remember to breathe.

Peace

Ahhhhhh...

I'm pretty sure I'm winning.  Just tonight I got my internet and phone connected, lots of things are moved in already and the big stuff will be here tomorrow.

I'm in love with my Dacor gas range, which so far has produced pancakes on it's griddle and a couple of outstanding if simple meals.

I'm not really sure if I want the extent of my fiestaware addiction out on display but what the heck.  Of course, there's lots more still in boxes and a couple of new colors I don't have yet, marigold?

I think every home owner needs one of these, a sexy little cordless Dewalt drill.  It's posing on the "absolute noir" kitchen countertop, which has sparkles.

And here are the very contented pups, they are loving having their own yard.

Peace