Laine

It's been cold outside for the last few days, and today I wanted some instant gratification knitting. I decided to finish a scarf I've been working on on and off for awhile. Now I can wear it just as soon as the cold really settles in.

-Kat

Wind

The weather has been changing lately. It inspired this piece.


At first it is just the wind. Rushing through the trees and around the buildings, and moving my hair and the edges of my clothes - it overpowers everything with its presence.

Slowly other things begin to come out from behind the wind. Someone is walking by, their steps getting closer and closer, before fading away. A bird is sitting in the tree above me calling out into the wind. It's song stops, maybe it flew away. Rain is coming soon. the air smells so clean, as if the whole world has had its impurities removed. The smell of a coming rain is a promise that everything will be new again.

Far away, drumming starts up. The same patterns repeat over and over as the band practices. They give rhythm to the unpredictable wind, their sound stays constant while the wind moves the trees first one way, then another, in no particular manner. Closer than the drums, but not close to here, shouts begin as an impromptu football game starts up. Friendly calls of plays and instructions are followed by cheers as one side or the other scores.

The wind picks up, dropping the temperature as it passes - it's starting to get really cold now. When the wind starts going like this I feel it can move mountains - it certainly tries to move me. It gusts through the trees and then dies down again. The other sounds come back, but they show the effects. They seem more muted, more weary, they feel the powerful force of this wind.

The clock chimes, and my short reverie must end. I stand up and the wind pushes me on my way.



-Kat

Hobo Pack

I have not had the chance to cook for myself lately, but tonight I decided to whip up one of my favorite healthy meals - all wrapped up in foil.

The recipe is easy. Put chicken, lots of fresh veg, and a bit of olive oil into two layers of foil; wrap up tightly and cook for an hour or so, until the potatoes are tender and the chicken can be cut with a fork. Voila!

-Kat

Snow Dust

I've been having a really happy week or so, and it reminded me of this poem. I thought I'd share, and hopefully it'll bring a smile to some other faces too.

-Kat

Chalkboard

Awhile back I hung a picture in a frame, and a couple of days later the frame fell and the glass broke. I decided to turn that frame into a usable chalkboard to hang in my kitchen, and I finally got around to making it up today. I used something I found that is basically chalkboard contact paper. I love it.

-Kat

Anniversary

I got some of the inspiration for this from a day sometime last year when I spent some time on a rainy Friday with my mom and a librarian reading the titles of trashy romance novels in the back of a library.


"I really don't want to do this," he said, trying to beg off our anniversary celebration. I stared him down and handed him the book.

"We're best friends and it's our one year anniversary - you are doing this," I replied settling into my half of our reading nook.

Our reading nook is a spot he carefully carved into his garden years ago. On three sides it is surrounded in spring blooms and lush summer foliage, and the fourth side is open to view the rest of the garden. The thick leaves block out all the sounds other than the wind gently moving through them. It was a beautiful fall day - the sun was shining but it was cool, and it was the last few weeks before these leaves would turn and fall. Soon the garden would sleep for the winter, and this nook would sleep as well.

He settled back into his pile of pillows and glared right back. "I just don't know why you feel the need to make this a celebratory thing - it's not really something that puts me in my best light." He was trying to stall, but he knew I wouldn't let up.

"A year ago today I found you here reading a trashy romance novel. That opened up a whole new side to our friendship, and we're celebrating" I replied. He closed his eyes, likely remembering the day I walked over unannounced to borrow something and found him out here in that compromising position.

"Fine," he said, "I don't get why you're making me do this but I know you won't let up."

"Good." I replied, opening up my own copy of the book for when my turn came. "Now start reading."

He began with the title - "The Greek Tycoon's Disobedient Bride," he announced in a grudging, but appropriately melodramatic voice, before proceeding to read aloud chapter one.


-Kat

Driving

I went driving with my mom around Stillwater today, and it inspired a haiku.

Where does that road go?
Let's start driving and find out.
Into the country.


-Kat