momtourage

The Sky, Lately

True colors, 10 minutes apart. At least there's some sort of upside to all of this unsettled weather.

Homesteading

As I walked past my local bookshop yesterday, I spied yet another farming book displayed in the window. Now, I have often pondered the hows and whys of beekeeping and of raising chickens in my own tiny backyard, and in spite of owning another book that would tell me exactly how to do so, thus far have failed to put these plans into action. I wondered how many other people in our neighborhood have similar (certainly well-intentioned) aspirations, and what percentage of them have actually taken the initiative.

I like to visit bookstores. For years in Maine I have noticed that many bookstores have a homesteading section - and that in used bookstores this tends to be a treasure trove of out of print books from the 60s and 70s  from the back-to-the land wave of that time. But thus far I have yet to see a homesteading section in a New York bookstore of any sort. Perhaps its shelf is coming soon, because it's definitely in the zeitgeist.

High Line

After months (years) of anticipation, we finally visited the High Line this weekend. In short, it was crowded but terrific. In fact it was undeniably wonderful. But we had been preparing for this particular experience for a long time, and really in earnest since a particularly lovely art-themed block party underneath it last September.

Helping to heighten our anticipation was the fact that Hank had been given a copy of a beautifully written and illustrated book inspired by the High Line called  The Curious Garden for his 5th birthday. This story of a boy and his unexpected urban garden enchanted the boys. We read it over and over and mentions of the High Line increased rapidly until it was finally open for foot traffic and then we could wait no longer. Even though it was supposed to rain we went and managed to time it right in between showers. Go there if you can.

Oh Yeah

I didn't have time to peruse all of the booths I wanted to at the Renegade Craft Fair, but I did manage to grab a card from a particular one as I was tugged past by - ahem - two little boys who were growing weary of crafts. And then yesterday as I was doing a huge clean + organize session (sparked by an early morning trip to the laundromat and the laundering of ALL linens that needed to be done) I found it. And I looked.

Apparently these guys have been all over Brooklyn, and I was just never in the right place at the right time to catch them. I love that they have reusable lunch bags  , super stylish t-shirts and sturdy totes that not only look great but carry an important message. I love the beauty of this cypress tree t-shirt.

 
   But of course it's the sentiment of this graphic that I relate to the most. And I know a few people who would feel exactly the same way. I just might have to plan a trip to Union Square Market this week to pick up a few items.

Rain + Indoors = Build

"It's a spy island."

"Is a dome for decoration or structure?"
(?!?! Luckily the library has a good architecture section in the children's area...)

Recession Busting Meal, part 2

Not the loveliest of meals, but again, a real kid pleaser and pleasing to me too in the it is superfast and inexpensive. Really, I don't know why those natural turkey cutlets are so cheap but I will accept it without question at this particular moment. (Did you know I overdrew my bank account for the first time since I was oh - 21 - two days ago?! Whoops.)

Yes, it is turkey schnitzel, served up with leftover peas, the remainder of the packet used to enliven last night's tuna noodle boodle. Oh, and brown rice. The kids ate and ate and were so sated they forgot to ask the eternal question. "Is there any dessert?"

By the way, I subscribed to notakeout yesterday (in case you are unaware - subscribe and you will be provided with a daily healthy and quick to make recipe for dinner) and today's meal looks like a winner.

Ribbon Tie Cardigan Pattern

Phew - I have gone over it a zillion times and am 99% sure the math is correct. Well, the first three sizes were professionally technically edited so I definitely know they are. So here it is: Download RibbonTie

Please let me know if you find any problems and I will correct them immediately!



This cardigan was born of a desire to have something simple to throw over a dress or to wear with jeans and a t-shirt as the need arose. The sleeves are slightly more fitted than others I've knit recently. And it is in seed stitch because I simply love this simple, classic stitch. I hope that you like it as much as I do.

Figment*

Oh dear, I had vowed to do more weekend sports activities with the boys but again we found ourselves at an art event. Well, the sporting life can wait a little longer. It was amazing. It's random access to things like this that make me most thankful to live in New York.

And I had never even been to Governor's Island before. Who knew that this bucolic yet eerie open space was a short (free) ferry ride away from Manhattan? We rented a bicycle-car and tooled around, seeing only a fraction of the over 400 works, many of which had that interactive element the children so love. (Sword fighting, sound manipulation/creation, the writing of wishes, hula hooping, large scale painting with age-inappropriate materials).

Ravelry Project

It's done! The ribbon tie cardigan I am going to post the free pattern for is completely finished.
Now to (re)write the pattern including modifications and more sizes...

All things Airplane

Sam has been on a roll with aeronautically inspired projects as of late: numerous paper airplanes, an aircraft carrier made from blocks, and the incessant wearing of a paper airplane shirt. There was even a paper jet at one point, but I fear it has found its way into recycling.