AfricanKelli

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Remember when I said one CAOK participant would be randomly drawn for a bag of his/her liking? Well Em was the grand prize winner — as much as I wanted to create a manbag/murse, it wasn’t meant to be this time around; she wanted something simple and in neutrals. Voila, the latest Amy Butler Frenchie bag out of the last of my Ikea fabric. The trim is in black fabric with tiny red cherries. I’m calling this one my newspaper bag…

Wait for it.

That’s right — because it’s black, white and red all over. (Yep, my humor is still stuck in the second grade.)

~K

Taken in Oro Valley, Arizona. Whenever I see saguaros, I think of yoga — with their lengthy limbs bending every which way so gracefully.

My running buddies have been sick lately, so I’ve been tackling my dusty canal route with the company of my iPod. This morning, after a five-miler and some intervals, I stretched my hands above my head and greeted the day with arms outstretched, feeling the muscles in my torso and legs slowly loosen.
I love to run with others; the conversation usually keeps me going farther and faster than I would run by myself. Plus, the thought of someone waiting for me gets me up and out of bed at 4:30 am. However this week I’ve enjoyed running solo, thinking about my day ahead and going through my morning prayers. I’m guessing those who pass me on the canal walking their dogs think of me as the crazy mumbling girl.
My triathlon is in October and between now and then I’ve got 5 weeks of international travel scheduled. I’m getting stronger and loving watching my routine change as this race becomes more of a reality. My diet is getting better. I’m stacking workouts fairly regularly and am actually joining a tri team when I get home from Africa. But when I am actually in Africa (and Bolivia) I have to remember to get out and run. My routine usually gets confiscated at customs and I come home feeling gross and upset with myself that I haven’t made an hour of time for myself a priority. This trip, I have a great feeling, will be different. There is no reason not to run on the beaches in Moz or use the treadmill in Cape Town. I’ve got no excuse to be lazy.
I can’t wait to raise my arms above my head as I cross that finish line. In the meantime, back to the dusty canal. Oh — and the praying.

~K

I’m reading the May issue of Smithsonian Magazine — because they have a pretty incredible feature on Mozambique — when I spot an article on a museum exhibit in New York City. “Design for the Other 90%.” It’s a show of items created to address the needs of the 90% of the world’s population who barely get by. The article show three pretty incredible inventions that are included: a water pump for farmers that you fuel by stepping up and down on pedals (just imagine if you could produce water with all the energy you exert on the Stairmaster!), a double pot cooler for vegetables that doesn’t require refrigeration to keep food cool and safe, and a laptop that costs less than $100. Sweet. I so wish I could see this! The show lasts until September 23. Maybe I’ll get to NYC between now and then.

In the meantime, I’m reading A People’s History of the United States. This was a super sweet CAOK gift that I really wanted to read. I’m 200 pages in and it’s taken me 2 months. I’m thinking this one is going to be retired this weekend. I just cannot get into the groove of the history lesson. Anyone else battle with this read? I hate it when I feel defeated by books.

I’m listening to Rusted Root and OAR — my two new favorite jam bands. And wow, am I late to this party. Loving these new tunes as I cook this week (eggplant pitas) and cycle (40 miles so far, with two rides to go.)

I’m hoping to see The Namesake this weekend. Anyone seen it? I read the book and it was one of my favorites. My buddy Khaled has a new book out too. Anyone read the follow up to Kite Runner yet?

Oh my! How I’ll find ways to avoid packing.
~K

I’m a copycat, yet again. My buddy Martie featured awesome stamped seals on her homemade jams in the December issue of MSL. I thought, “If Martie can have a seal, why can’t I?” I shot a few ideas to a crafty lady with design prowess and soon enough — I had an image I thought was just right. {Colleen must have had the same idea. She’s rocking the seal too!}
Speaking of Martie, tell me you saw this clip of her giving it to Lindsay Lohan on Friday’s show. Hilarious! It isn’t every day you see a former convict lecturing a 20-something about how to behave. Good thing they were in the kitchen because Pot and Kettle collided.
That said, LiLo — shape up. Rehab one month, a 21st birthday in Vegas the next. You are just too darned cute to act this way.

~K

Dear Finny,
Have you sewn the May assignment yet? Once you have, I have a feeling you’ll want to make a dozen of these sweet aprons. As if we weren’t already in love with Ms. Butler and threatening to ship ourselves to her studio to learn more, this pattern is my favorite yet. I just love it! This apron is by far the nicest thing I’ve ever made. (So great, in fact, I actually immediately made another.) I can’t wait to make more of these pleated aprons for my favorite cooks.

You requested an action shot for this month’s theme. My British Grannie turned 73 this week and rocked her new pleated birthday apron. Tell me she isn’t adorable? Oooh, how I love that woman!

And one last silly action shot when I tried to recreate the photo from the book.
Hope you are having a great weekend Fin!

xoxo,
Kelli