Christina's World

I've always loved this painting. And, recently, we got to see the original at the MoMA in New York. It's painted by Andrew Wyeth.

Can you tell that Christina's figure seems a bit disproportioned? (Look at her hands.) I never knew why. But, the girl in the painting is Christina Olson, a friend of the artist, who was crippled with Polio.

And, although there is a sense of isolation... I still really enjoy looking at it. Don't you?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wyeth

Stuck in My Head...

Ali, Jeff and I saw Bonnie "Prince" Billy last night at The Depot. (Nice venue, by the way. You can actually see the stage.)

And, ever since he sang 'I See A Darkness' it's been stuck in my head... which is a good thing- it's a beautiful song.

The lyrics are listed below. Or, for a quick snippet of a listen, go here (Scroll Down.):

Well, you're my friend, and can you see?
Many times, we've been out drinking;
Many times we shared our thoughts.
But did you ever, ever notice, the kind of thoughts I got?
Well, you know I have a love; a love for everyone I know.
And you know I have a drive, to live I won't let go.
But can you see its opposition, comes rising up sometimes?
That its dreadful imposition, comes blacking in my mind?

And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness.
Did you know how much I love you?
Its a hope that somehow you,
Can save me from this darkness.

Well, I hope that someday buddy
We have peace in our lives;
Together or apart,
Alone or with our wives,
And we can stop our whoring,
And pull the smiles inside,
And light it up forever, And never go to sleep.
My best unbeaten brother, This isn't all I see.

And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness,
And then I see a darkness.
Did you know how much I love you?
Its a hope that somehow you,
Can save me from this darkness.

And the winner is... Jeffrey?



Well, my favorite reality show has picked its winner. Out of a pool of 15 amazing designers they picked the person they thought was the best. The best in innovation, creativity, and talent. They picked Jeffrey. They picked Jeffrey!

I still can't believe it. Before last night's episode, my money was on Michael. Michael had it all... fresh ideas, clean dresses, plus! he is a big fan favorite. But, where did he go wrong? Safari? Eek. I hate to say it- but, I didn't like his line one bit. I only liked 1 outfit! (It was the second one- white shirt and shorts...)

Other than Michael's line, all of the other designers had amazing clothes. I thought Laura's was so elegant- and of course, detailed... But, something was missing. I think the judges were right giving her 3rd place.

But, I really thought Uli should've won. I truly loved her line. I think she really streched herself creatively and was able to come up with 12 amazing pieces.

Then, there was Jeffrey's. I did like some of his pieces. Actually, I think only 2, and that's because I really liked the print. (The green/white striped pieces.) And, it truly bothers me that he went over the $8,000 budget. So, to fix the remedy?? Get rid of the blonde wigs! How easy is that? Too easy.

Last week's cliff-hanger- "Will Jeffrey make it to Bryant Park?" didn't work for me. I knew he was in. (I'm the one who hates spoilers, too.) And, I think deep down I knew he was going to win.

But, I do think if Michael could've shown us something more... He would've been the winner- Hands down! Sigh. If only...

So, this season is over. My Wednesday nights will now seem void of watching creative energy, Tim Gunn, and real drama.

Wait. There is 'Lost...' But, it just isn't the same... Can't wait for next season! (Oh, and would it hurt if they got a new panel of judges...? Time to get rid of Michael "I have the final say in everything. I'm the one who wanted Jeffrey to win." Kors?)

http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/

The Makings of a Yummy Tin-Foil Dinner:

1. Tin Foil

2. A Good Camp-site

(Chanse has got the Tin-Foil. And, he found a perfect spot up Millcreek Canyon.)

3. Ingredients to create the Tin-Foil Dinner:

• Potatoes/Vegetables, including Mushrooms/Cream of Mushroom Soup/Garlic/Meat
• Bow-tie Pastas/Meat/Peas
• Or, Jeff's take: Rice, Chicken, Mango, and Spices...
  

4. Matches, wood, coals, and real tough Men, with leather gloves, to watch the fire and tin foil dinners.

5. Lots of people to share the meal with...

6. And, MmmMmm Smores:

• Polly's take- Melted Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Mallow, Graham Crackers. Yummm.
• Jeff's take- Melted Mallow on a Rice Krispy Treat. Hmmm.

7.Mix all Ingredients,

and you'll get lots'o'fun...

OH, and don't forget to add a little Fluffy!

More Fun Pics:

Happy B-day Grandpa Gene!

Today is my Grandpa's 90th Birthday. And, although he most likely will not see this, I still wanted to wish him a happy birthday! This picture was taken of my grandpa at my wedding. That evening, I also got to share a dance with him. And, it is a memory I will never, ever forget.

Happy day Grandpa!

"The History of Love"

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss...

I’m really enjoying this book. Its one of those books that after you read a paragraph- you have to read it again, and again, because of how inspiring it is.

Here's an excerpt- page 69:

It is not known that Litvinoff's favorite flower was the peony. That his favorite form of punctuation was the question mark. That he had terrible dreams and could only fall asleep, if he could fall asleep at all, with a glass of warm milk. That he often imagined his own death. That he thought the woman who loved him was wrong to. That he was flat footed. That his favorite food was the potato. That he liked to think of himself as a philosopher.

See?

This story follows 2 characters that have tragically lucked out on love, and an author who wrote this book called 'The History of Love.' I haven’t quite finished it. But, so far- I adore it.

And, fun fact, the author is married to none other than Jonathan Safran Foer, writer of ‘Everything is Illuminated’ and ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.’ And, their writing styles are quite similar. She too plays with form and composition, a lot.

So, if you’re sick of ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Gilmore Girls,’ (I for one think it has gone waaay down-hill.), or ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ pick up a copy of this. Or, you can borrow mine. (After my mom reads it.)

You won’t be disappointed!

CH-CH-Changes!

I'm back to my old, regular Template. Something was irking me before with the other template, and I couldn't figure out what it was- but, after the change, I'm liking it much better.

I heart NY!!!

Jeff and I travelled with Matt and Brecke to visit my brother's family in New Jersey a couple of weeks ago. They live in Chatham, New Jersey, which is 50 minutes outside of New York City. We couldn't pass up the chance to visit my brother's family and the opportunity of seeing all of the great sites in New York.

Below are images I took during our trip. Some of my favorites:

Rembering 9/11-

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Seeing Lady Liberty-

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Visiting the Museum of Modern Art-

Warhol's Soup Cans A Pollock Piece

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Seeing Jeff view Sargent's pieces at the Met-

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Being in Central Park early in the morning-

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Watching Jeff find the best Pizza in NYC (The Search continues.)-

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Wandering around the City-

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Being at our first Yankees Game-

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Enjoying the company of our travelling companions-

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Staying with Beau and Courtney and seeing their beautiful boys-

Me and cuddly Sawyer.

Upside down Cavin in his favorite boots.

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Thanks Beau and Court for letting us stay with you. Your hospitality was overwhelming. We

sure miss you.

I Love You, DVR.



Wow… who would’ve thought an electronic device could’ve been so revolutionizing? I’m talking about the digital recorder Jeff got installed into our cable box. We previously had digital cable, but no way of recording television, or rewinding and pausing live television… but, now... we can!



Almost everyone I spoke to regarding the DVR debate said this new function would change the way I watch TV. I didn’t know how- I wouldn’t miss my 7:00 Tuesday viewing of ‘Gilmore Girls,’ and forget me missing any new ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ shows either. I would simply use a recycled VHS tape to record Channel 4 at 8:00.



Well, I have to admit- they were true. DVR has changed the way I watch television, and I love it! Now, rather than watching random E! True Hollywood Stories, that I really could care less about, or watching boring re-runs of ‘Hogan Knows Best,’ because let’s face it- he doesn’t know best, I can watch shows I actually want to watch.



For example, since I’ve been battling an all too annoying cold, Jeff and I stayed in on Friday night with some Olive Garden take-out. (Their Minestrone is yummy, especially when you’re sick.) And, since Red-Box didn’t have any movies we wanted to watch, or On Demand (C’mon- isn’t ‘Thank you For Not Smoking’ a new release? Why don’t they have it already?)



Rather, we were able to choose from a variety of shows I had recorded. We were able to catch up on ‘The Office’ (And, just because Dwight and Angela call each other ‘Monkey’ doesn't mean it's weird. It’s a term of endearment.), and ‘Six Feet Under’ episodes. (That show is pretty bizarre. But, I like it.) So, we were able to watch shows we actually wanted to watch! (Jeff could go without 'Laguna Beach,' and I probably should too. Those girls are meeean!)



Plus, there's the ability to fast forward commercials- how convenient is that? And, I don’t have to stay up until midnight on a Wednesday night to finish an episode of ‘Project Runway.’



So, I’m convinced- DVR is amazing. And, no, Comcast is not paying me for writing this. (Although, this would be a great testimonial for them.)



If you're thinking about getting DVR, don't wait! Do it! I dare you.

A New Trend: Bands with very, very long song titles, with punctuation! and witty banter.

So, when did this trend start? Recently, Sufjan Stevens comes to mind. He's got song titles including:

*'For the Widows In Paradise, for the Fatherless in Ypsilanti,'

*'Variation on Commemorative Transfiguration and Communionat Magruder Park,'

*'They are Night Zombies!! They are Neighbors!!'

But, from what I know, his earliest album- 2000's A Sun Came, had short song titles, including, my favorite, 'A Winner Needs a Wand.'

It wasn't until his 2003 album Greetings from Michigan- The Great Lake State, where he really got creative with his song titles.

And, a new band, that I've recently discovered- Deathray Davies- also have long song title names as well, including:

*'I Regret the Day I Tried to Steal Daniel's Ego,'

*'You Can Keep a Straight Poker Face or Play Dead in the Movies,' and

*'They Stuck Me in a Box in the Ground, Pt. 5.'

Doesn't Bright Eyes songs have interesting titles as well? There was 'A Spindle, a Darkness, a Fever, and a Necklace' from the 2000 album, Fevers and Mirrors. There's also 'You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will' from LIFTED of the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. Wow, that's a long one.

To offer even more examples, another band I just discovered, which prompted this posting, Drew Danburry, has some fantastic song titles from the album Are We Just Playing Around Out Here Or Do We Mean What We Say. Some song-titles include:

*'Red Rock Virgin's Encounter with Winter Nights'

*'Know Your History Before You Become Part of the Repetition'

*'Rainbow Days Come After Rain Booth Make Life a Little Less Plain'

Whatever happend to the short, yet sweet titles like Beethoven's 'Symphony No. 5' or, Pachelbel's 'Canon in D.' Straight to the point, even clueing us in to what key the song was in.

Maybe contemporary artists want to paint an idea of the song even before we listen to it. Or, maybe the artist really likes to hear themselves talk. Or maybe it's because the artist thoughts are truly this long, and that's what they wanted as the song title.

Whatever the reason, I'm liking the new trend. I've always wanted to compose a song called: 'I once had a dog named Trudy! She didn't like me as much as my twin sister... It made me sad.' Or something.

'Project Runway' Update:

(See my previous 'PR' post below.)

All 4 contestants made it to the Final! So, technically there wasn't a bottom 3. Jeffrey and Michael were this close to getting kicked off. But, I'm so glad Michael made it! And although I didn't love his dress last week, I know he'll pull out all the stops for the finale, and I'm rooting for him- go Michael!!!

28!!!


Happy 28th year, Jeffrey! I have loved spending almost the past 5 birthdays (that long?) with you... Here's to many more!

(This is one of Jeff's paintings, 'Missing the Train.' On hand, (I'm at work.) I don't have a picture of Jeff, but I thought this is very representative of his 28 years.)

Happy Birthday Autumn Brecke!

23 already?! Hope you had a fun day enjoying your b-day in NYC.
(Picture will be posted soon.)

A New Kind of Storytelling: The Decemberists

The band, The Decemberists, have quickly become one of my favorites. From Oregon, the lead singer’s-Colin Meloy- unique voice (I thought he was from Australia.) blends to an array of musical instruments (the accordion is a favorite), and splendid, imaginative lyrics.

Here is a glimpse of some of my favorites:

‘Eli, The Barrow Boy,’ from Picaresque
(For a quick listen, scroll down: http://www.amazon.com/Picaresque-Decemberists/dp/B0007M22S4/sr=1-1/qid=1159299987/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-3195775-0508942?ie=UTF8&s=music)

Eli, the barrowboy, when they found him
Dressed all in corduroy, he had drowned in
The river down the way
They laid his body down in a church yard
But still when the moon is out
With his pushcart he calls down the day

"Would I could afford to buy my love a fine gown
Made of gold and silk Arabian thread
But I am dead and gone and lying in a church ground
But still I push my barrow all the day
Still I push my barrow all the day"

‘The Sporting Life,’ from Picaresque
(For a quick listen, same link as above.)

And father had had such hopes
For a son who would take the ropes
And fulfill all his old athletic aspirations
But apparently now there's some complications
But while I am lying here
Trying to fight the tears
I'll prove to the crowd that I come out stronger
Though I think I might lie here a little longer

There's my coach he's looking down
The disappointment in his knitted brow
"I should've known," he thinks again
"I never should have put him in"
He turns and loads the lemonade away
And breathes in deep
The sporting life
How he loves

‘The Bachelor and the Bride’ from Her Majesty
(For a quick listen, scroll down: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Majesty-Decemberists/dp/B0000BWVMJ/sr=1-3/qid=1159299987/ref=pd_bbs_3/102-3195775-0508942?ie=UTF8&s=music)

There's a wrinkle in the water
Where we laid our first daughter
And I think the wind blows so sweetly there
Over there
And the windows and the cinders
And the willows in the timbers
The infernal rattling of the rain Still remains
"But I," said the bachelor to the bride
"Am not waiting for tonight
No, I will box your ears And leave you here stripped bare"

‘Billy Liar’ from 5 song Billy Liar EP
(For a quick listen, same link as 'The Bachelor and the Bride.')

So the summer is eternity for you?
Sleeping in until your father's shaking you down
He's shaking you down
And the mailroom shift gets a real short shrift
As you dole out the packages, no one seems to want you around
All skulking around

Let you legs loll on the lino
Until your sinews spoil
Will you stay here for a while, dear
Until the radio plays something familiar?
Plays something familiar

Even more stories will be ready for a listen in 1 week- 10/3 (Jeffy’s b-day) when their new album, The Crane Wife, comes out. And, I can’t wait!

http://www.decemberists.com/

Anatomy of Grey's...

Yay! It's back! My favorite show, "Grey's Anatomy" made it back to the air, on a new night. (Okay, don't even get me started on that- Sunday is the best night for this show.)

At the end of last season, the writer's left us with too many cliff-hangers: who was Meredith going to choose? Does Izzie really quit medical school after loosing Denny? (All the while making the Snow Patrol song 'Chasing Cars' insanely popular.) Can Burke still practice after injuring his hand? (Now that I think of it, was Burke in only 1 scene last night?)

So, after an entire summer of waiting, we were finally going to get some answers!

The writer's showed many flashbacks throughout the episode... Which, actually, was entertaining. (Wasn't the scene of Derek and Addison intense? I now have a better understanding of why she desperately was trying to get him back.) And, we see McDreamy confess his love directly to Meredith, as he leaves her with a decision. But, wait a minute, isn't he still with Addison? When is he going to decide that he's not in love with Addison anymore...?

Ultimately, though, we don't get many answers... The plot remains the same- no conclusions have been decided- but! The drama is back... Or, was there too much drama?

I thought so. The main story I had a problem with was Miranda's. Miranda's usually the calm, tough, level-headed Doctor. But, last night, she gave into her emotions. (Was she feeling guilty about Denny's death?) And, to boot, her performance last night didn't convince me. I wanted her to back away from the door and stop asking that man to touch her hands. Cheeezay!

And, the Plague story-line... still didn't convince me. Was that the only thing that would've been able to quarantine George and Derek, so that George could ask Derek if he ever told Meredith he loved her?

Yes, I know this is just the beginning of the season, but already my high-hopes for this show were somewhat squashed. And, to top it off- the music wasn't as great as it usually is...!

But, this won't detur me from tuning in next week... My DVR (Thanks honey.) will be recording this show... It has to get better... right?

Happy, happy birthday Stayce Lynn!


(This picture is from Father's Day 2004.)

The Last Taste of Summer...

3 months ago, I swore that we would use our tent for the second time. I thought our summer would be full of camp-outs, hikes, and road-trips to Southern Utah. 3 months later, I'm realizing the only time I actually used my tent was getting it out of our Shed to let my little sister borrow. (And, even then, it didn't get used.)

And, after an all too cold weekend, I felt real guilt. I only sat around a camp fire once this summer. Only ate 1 smore! Didn't snap any good shots of Utah's beautiful landscapes!

So, after my sister told me it was a beautiful day, I thought we'd experience one last taste of summer with a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

First stop- Moss Ledge. I've never hiked all the way to the waterfall. (Seen to the left.) I thought the Moss Ledge was the Ledge covered in Moss by the picnic tables as soon as you began hiking. I'm glad Jeff convinced me otherwise- because aren't waterfalls beautiful?

After Jeff and I both got our right shoes wet, we continued to Silver Lake. After all, I had to walk around the Lake!

After a slow climb up the mountain... we realized the temperature dropped from 58 degrees to a cool 32 degrees. But, I was still determined to get out- enjoy the outdoors- take it all in. After all, the Summer was ending!

Then...

I saw...

all... of... the... SNOW.


I then realized our Summer was over. We hadn't yet bought any patio furniture for our deck. I hadn't gone swimming in our swim pool. I never beat Jeff in 1 game of tennis. (But, I came close.)

And, I couldn't even walk around the Lake... I was too cold.

But, on our way home, seeing the leaves turn colors, I realized... We still have Fall- Sweater weather, Pumpkins, Halloween and all. So, here's to hoping we get that tent out sometime soon.

Camp-out anyone?

My New Obsession: 'Project Runway'



So… Jeff was pretty intent on getting HD when we purchased our new, slim, cute TV. It was an additional cost every month, so I wasn’t too thrilled with the suggestion. (I still can’t tell which channel is in High-Def?)

However, after having the HD for a few months, we’ve found hidden treasures in the mass number of channels, including: Noggin- reruns of ‘My So Called Life!’ G4- reruns of ‘Arrested Development,’ and Mojo- where we saw a live Belle and Sebastian performance. However, Bravo, is the network that airs my new favorite show: ‘Project Runway.’

This is, hand’s down, the best Reality show on TV- Why?

There is a pool of Designers who make a new outfit every challenge. The contestants have to make an outfit with a specific theme in mind (Fashion Icons- poor Bradley), or make the outfit out of very interesting materials (Recycled goods- go Michael!).

The contestants rely solely on their talent. (Okay- there’s ‘So You Think…,’ ‘American Idol’ but for the most part, they have Choreographers and Vocal Coaches for assistance… right?) PR contestants have no help. (If you try and use help- you get kicked off.)

Although, Tim Gunn, the silver-haired stylist, tells them, constantly, ‘Make it work!’ if he feels like it’s not going to. (And, you know, he’s usually right on.) Additionally, the contestants have to create an entire outfit, sometimes, in only 1 day.

And, what they create is (usually) amazing!!! (I’m NOT talking about Angela or Vincent. Why, oh, why did they have to come back?)

So, to diffuse my excitement for this show, I thought I'd share my prediction for the final 3:

• Michael: He’s hands down my favorite. From head to toe, he’s got a fabulous sense of style. And, he creates great pieces. (Okay, I didn’t love his couture dress. But, Vincent’s was worse, much worse.)
• Laura: Uh… Laura wasn’t my favorite in the beginning. Every piece she created was far too similar. However, seeing her cocktail dress last night, it’s apparent she knows how to dress a woman, and she’s a clean designer. Now- she just needs to come up with something spectacular for the next challenge. And, I do think the judges really like her.
• Jeffrey: (Surprised?) Yeah- Jeffrey’s a jerk. From the beginning, I think, he’s been the most conceited contestant to date. I don’t love his work- really- I can’t think of one piece that I was impressed with. (Wait- his recycling outfit- now that was amazing.) But, I do think the judges will place him in the top 3. (I do realize he’s got a tattoo across his neck, and wears his diamond studded shades every week- but does he have to create Rock Star-esque pieces every challenge?)

And, that leaves Uli. I do like her… She has a signature style, I like her choice of colors, but I don’t think the judges like her enough.

This is the first season I’ve been a devout ‘PR’ watcher, so we’ll see if any of my predictions stand true.

Who do you think will be in the bottom 3?

Auf Wiedersehen! (Sorry... I had to.)

http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/

San Diego.

‘Wasted away again in Margaritaville, Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt…’ That’s the song that was stuck in Brecke’s head the entire time we were vacationing in San Diego. Did we get intoxicated from Margarita’s in San Diego? No. Rather, I think we were intoxicated with the joys of being on a vacation… !

For me, the joys were from observing first plane rides… (The way Hanna squeezed my arm tight, tight, tight while waiting for the plane to leave. Or, the way Elliot kept his nose in a SkyMall Magazine as we took off- It took some coercion before he looked out the window. Or, the way Malory screamed- ‘Those clouds are HUGE! HUGE!’ on the airplane.)

First trips to Sea World… (Shamu’s House of Douse? Not as spectacular as I remembered it when I was younger… didn’t it last longer than 22 minutes?) But, the kids loved it. (Mom and Brecke left early. I guess they can’t hang with sea life. We missed you Polly.)

First big-time embarrassing moment while walking along the boardwalk- Let’s just say there was a fart that was heard ‘round the world- including a Body-builder who heard it, and made sure the accomplice knew he heard it. Trust me; the guilty was fully aware of it. (And, let me take this opportunity to say… it wasn’t me.)

First trips to the San Diego Temple- me, Mom, Dad, and Breckie, attended a Saturday session… What a beautiful temple. (Even if it’s too large to try and snap a good picture. Sorry Brecke.) Thanks to Dad for convincing me to go. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

First Bus Rides in San Diego… Say Mom and Dad- why didn’t we take advantage of Public Transportation sooner? For only $1.75 (for kids 6-60), and $1.00 (ages 6 and under, or 60+ yay Dad!), it’s a straight shot up Garnett to Sea World. And, the kids, well, they loved the bus. (And, mom and Brecke had a lovely encounter with a bum and his sardines. Ask them.)

Winning prizes at San Diego… Kyra won a stuffed Shamu! We, somehow, ended up at the Arcade where we played the game that’s a miniature ski-ball. And, Kyra won! (Dad had a great tip: Get at least 5 of your own party to play 1 game at the same time, and odds are, one of you will win something.)

So, after happily enjoying all of these firsts- I just wanted to say- Thanks Mom and Dad! I had the best time in San Diego!

Here’s hoping more of us can go together another year…

"My friends are my estate."- Emily Dickinson

(Thanks to James for the picture taken 8.11.06)