Dec 23, 2009
Folks....sorry for the delay in posts..this last week has been kinda a downer for me. My imac G5 officially turned off last Monday and does not seem to want to turn on again... through my online research and reading a bunch of forums, I think it has something to do with the logic board or power supply...and an issue that may cost me around $1,000 to repair. The most disappointing thing about this though is the fact that this seems to be a consistent issue with macs after 3 1/2 years of use. And like all the other mac users online who have had the same issue as mine....I think I may be going to a windows computer. I know that in the computer world, anything older thatn 3 to 4 years is considered a grandpa and that we are encouraged to get a new one. However, I really don't have $2,500 to dish out again, plus if my computer does the job just fine then why do I need to go out and by a whole new computer just because the new models happen to be 3/4" thinner or in a new color etc. and on top of that encourage our over consumption society even more? I am reminded of a conversation I had with one of my good friends Jenny awhile back about the subject of being "content" with things and how we live in a society where there is always going to be something better and how so many of us [myself included] have gotten sucked into this idea. I really admire those who are naturally good at being content, that is a quality I would love to master. :)
Dec 13, 2009
Happy St. Lucia! This is one tradition I really look forward to doing once I have a family all of my own. The picture below is an 8.5X11 print out, so if you wish, you can print it out and do what you like with it: Christmas cards or just to hang on your fridge, whichever. :)
"Saint Lucia is the day that initiates the Christmas season and it is joyously celebrated. Already in the early morning the traditional Lucia coffee is served. In most Swedish homes where there is a daughter or young relative, the members of the household are treated to coffee in bed with the customary Lucia buns, called lussekatter. She is dressed in a long white robe with a red sash around her waist and berries on her head. The seven lighted candles spread a luminous glow around her." - "Of Swedish Ways" - Lilly Lorenzen
In my book "Of Swedish Ways" It gives the recipe to make Lucia buns:
1 cup milk, scalded
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 yeast cake
1 egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cardamom seed, crushed [Cardamom now & forever reminds me of the Shout out Louds!]
Raisins
A pinch of salt
A pinch of saffron, if so desired
Add butter, sugar and salt to the hot milk and stir until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm and add the crumbled yeast cake. Stir well and add the beaten egg. Stir in flour gradually and the cardamom and beat thoroughly. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Knead on a floured board for two minutes. Roll out in small portions and cut into strips in te shape of the letter X and curl in the ends. Place 4 raisins at the center of the bun or one at each curled in end. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover and let rise for 1 hour. Brush with beaten egg and bake in moderately hot oven [400 F.] for 12 minutes, or until evenly brown. Makes 2 to 21/2 dozen buns.
"Saint Lucia is the day that initiates the Christmas season and it is joyously celebrated. Already in the early morning the traditional Lucia coffee is served. In most Swedish homes where there is a daughter or young relative, the members of the household are treated to coffee in bed with the customary Lucia buns, called lussekatter. She is dressed in a long white robe with a red sash around her waist and berries on her head. The seven lighted candles spread a luminous glow around her." - "Of Swedish Ways" - Lilly Lorenzen
In my book "Of Swedish Ways" It gives the recipe to make Lucia buns:
1 cup milk, scalded
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 yeast cake
1 egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cardamom seed, crushed [Cardamom now & forever reminds me of the Shout out Louds!]
Raisins
A pinch of salt
A pinch of saffron, if so desired
Add butter, sugar and salt to the hot milk and stir until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm and add the crumbled yeast cake. Stir well and add the beaten egg. Stir in flour gradually and the cardamom and beat thoroughly. Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Knead on a floured board for two minutes. Roll out in small portions and cut into strips in te shape of the letter X and curl in the ends. Place 4 raisins at the center of the bun or one at each curled in end. Place on a greased baking sheet, cover and let rise for 1 hour. Brush with beaten egg and bake in moderately hot oven [400 F.] for 12 minutes, or until evenly brown. Makes 2 to 21/2 dozen buns.
Dec 12, 2009
I cannot stop listening to Norah Jone's new song Chasing Pirats there is this vibration throughout the entire song that has seemed to hypnotize me....
Dec 9, 2009
I feel funny about posting this picture since it does not seem to fit in with the season...however...this is a PERFECT LOOK! Via The Sartorialist
Dec 7, 2009
Dec 5, 2009
Two new pillows up in my SHOP Today is an awesome day my friends... IT IS SNOOOOOWING OUTSIDE!!!! Leaving for work right now and I am walking! WALKING IN THE SNOW! And while walking there... I will be listening to one of my FAVORITE band's new song "Walls" Click HERE for the free download!!!!! Have a GREAT weekend!! xo
Commissioned painting I just finished. It is of a made up bird called a Rabakey! :)
Commissioned painting I just finished. It is of a made up bird called a Rabakey! :)
Dec 2, 2009
My letterpress print was just released in Sycamore Street Press's Shop! It looks SOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!! :[) I am sorry, I hope I don't come across as someone who thinks she is high and mighty when it comes to my artwork...it's just that I really do love my illustrations/drawings...to the point where I have a hard time giving them up. :( But anyways, there is a limited edition of 100 and they are ONLY $25! Plus it would make such an awesome gift, most likely one that you know for sure won't get returned, thrown away etc. but hopefully will accrue with value over time...just saying. :)
