AfricanKelli

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Dear Finny,

I got around to making the first of our October CRAFT selections and wow, this recipe is so very good. I made a few substitutions, including avoiding the half/half.  Instead I used a bit more sour cream and this was out-of-this-world-good. (I made an ass out of myself by saying so repeatedly until my guest finally agreed with my awesomeness and lack of humility.)  I also splurged for fresh sage, which we added to the chicken, instead of sausage, while cooking and then again as a garnish. Fantastic! A+ recipe.

It dawned on me yesterday as a Freecycle stranger arrived to collect my TV that perhaps I am a wee bit ridiculous. Obviously there is a bit of stress happening in areas of my life I really cannot control.  And so, in reaction I decided that greatly cutting down the things I own would be the best idea. I can control this, in contrast. But really? I miss Khloe, Kim and Kourtney already, plus that banana crazed Rachel Zoe.

I can also quell the internal anxieties with really good food. The pasta? Topped by a great dessert:

Dark chocolate kaluha coffee cupcakes — recipe improvised that includes a box of Devil’s Food Cake, lots of booze, dark roast coffee and sour cream.

After a whirlwind couple of weeks of travel, it does feel good to be home, in the kitchen and getting back to the routine. I’ve got a lengthy list of domestic duties keeping me happy today, including swinging through JoAnns to pick up some yarn for that other October project. I think Cody would look great with one of these on his snowboard this winter. Think green, without the cables.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend, my friend. I miss you like it is my job.

~Donk

I am redecorating my home this month; while I have dreams of new furniture delivered in trucks in complete pieces that are gently placed in just the right spot, let’s be honest. I think I’ll be in the damn nordic screwdriver/chest of drawers in a box category for a few  more years.  With Matt gone, I’ve got a bit more space than normal and I go through purging and cleaning cycles seasonally. The off-white couch is taking a tinge of gray, thanks to years of use and its original hand-me-down status. It’s headed for the freecycle curb this afternoon. A few other things are being removed and simplified too. But more than anything, I’m finally quite sick of the mask and African decor. It’s only taken 10 years, but I am tired of looking at the relics I’ve collected from around the world startling me every time I get up in the night to use the bathroom.

You’d think I’d get used to it. Wrong.They are scary every. single. time.

So, with these Ethan Allen dreams and Target budget I am looking to repurpose a few things (pushing together tables to make a bookcase, reorganizing the kitchen and using the good China — a Dutch yard sale find — as regular everyday ware) and purchase a few select items too. I’ve long been in love with these WPA art posters. Have you seen them? They are the creations of artists during the Great Depression. Not surprisingly, two of their greatest influences (and greatest artists at the time) were Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Some of the posters are silly. Some are gorgeous. Some are racially horrific. * All tell a story of where our country was during one of our hardest times. So yes, my splurge includes a few of these beauties that I hope to have framed.

Amazing how a new splash of color here, a lot less junk there and a good cleaning will make my little place seem new again. Of course I’ll chronicle this nonsense with my camera as it all unfolds. Is there anything crafty/thrifty/creative you are doing in your home to make do and feel stylish?

~K

*I’m not buying any of these with racial slurs, but wouldn’t the syphllis poster be funny in the guest bathroom?

Want to hear a secret? I have a love of dinosaurs. I know. I know. This makes me even dorkier than the knitting/baking/gardening nerd you already knew.

But imagine my delight when I heard there would be time in the Windy City for the Field Museum, home of Sue and Lucy? WEEEE! (Official dork noise of happiness) I like being on a first name basis with fossils.

So, we rounded up the gang and headed out through Grant Park to visit the museums.  Everyone else was more interested in the Shedd, which I visited last time. Fish smish. I wanted ROAR. (And please, who would win in a battle of T-Rex vs. fish?)

Sue, the super dino. That’s who!

Although this photo is blurry, it cracks me up how it looks like there is a little man in green dancing on her head. She’d name him “Snack.”

There were elephants and lions too. I really got lost in the plant exhibit that showed the different families of vegetation around the world. My head hurt and I realized I was feverishly trying to remember everything I was learning. I crave opportunities like this.

I also bought a tiny blue dino t-shirt I’ll be rocking this weekend. Thanks Sue! You are swell! Also, thanks to Target who paid for all admissions that day. Weeee!

~K

I think I may be coming down with a case of Stendhal’s. I could have spent hours spinning around the garden in Chicago, dizzy with cool air, soft, golden tones, and steam rising from the plants in the morning. The simplicities of life once again make me more aware; my senses were heightened, and  I tried to take the musty garden home with me in deep breaths.

I told you — Stendhal’s. Or seasonal appreciativeness. Your choice.

Spending a weekend with close friends was reaffirming. I’ve been struggling with work;  it can been incredibly defeating to try to lead a small, well-intentioned, poorly funded nonprofit at this time. Our mission is very specific and while our programs are flourishing, our finances look more like those decaying leaves. I’m pushing as hard as I can to get us to a fertile spring and fruitful summer. The girls reminded me I have what it takes — namely passion — to even change the seasons.

I’m changing seasons in my perspective too, trying harder than ever to appreciate this very moment. I’m guilty of bemoaning the happiness and saddness of the past and focusing on the future life I have planned without considering the joys of the one I’ve got.  I’m guilty of being a list maker — checking off tasks during the day with a sense of accomplishment but rarely fulfillment. I’m abandoning this outlook. All we have is today. I have so very much to be grateful for, including having a job, and those wonderful friends.

As my momma says, I’m much prettier smiling.

~K

I’ve been in Chicago for the last few days staying with these two. Jen and Kelsay were gracious enough to host several of us who traveled for another girlfriend’s wedding. Some 260-plus photos later, I have more than enough proof we had a lot of fun. So much so, in fact, that I’m still a little sick today — three days later. It has been a very long time since the 7 girls were in the same place. We most certainly made the most of the occasion. If you live in Illinois and wonder why it was hard to breathe this weekend, it could be from us sucking all the oxygen while talking and giggling.

But, oh, the fun we had. Amanda rocked her new hair and wardrobe.

We inhaled more food than imaginable, including some Italian meat sandwiches at the rehearsal and pizza (about five times).

And oh, did we pose.

And then we started all over again the next day for the wedding. And what a party wedding it was! It was just such a great time. I’ll remember this wedding for the sweetness in the ceremony, for Kacey making everyone blush by her gorgeous dress and happiness on her wedding day, and the laughter.

Min even rallied and made it to the ceremony about 20 minutes after having the flu. Trooper.

Jen and Keith came with the Arizona crew too. It was so nice to have so many people we love in one place.

Did I already mention how beautiful she looked? Stunning. It always makes me cry a little when my girlfriends get married.

And how gorgeous are her bridesmaids? Loved the dresses!

Now, all the gushy, sentimental stuff aside — here come some of the silly photos I probably shouldn’t post. But then again, I talked about hemorrhoids on Friday and got a call from my minister — so it won’t be the first time I embarrass myself around here.

Who wears a Cubs jacket to a wedding? Really? Not that I care, but the groom is a rabid White Sox fan, so it was the ultimate taboo. Plus, as you can tell, everyone else managed to find an adult jacket.

But we quickly forgot such fashion faux pas as we entered the reception and began our celebrations…

The good news? We were in good company.

And these are the tame shots. We’ll stop here, shall we?

Okay — two more:

Why are we giggling like this in the back of a car?

Because our new boyfriend just gave us free cinnamon twists with our order. Thank you Amanda and your flirting prowess at 1 am. I haven’t seen that in action since college.

To be honest, I don’t think I’d seen a Taco Bell drive-thru at 1 am since then either.

Congratulations Mrs. Tonelli! I am so glad we were all there to celebrate this wonderful weekend with you.

~K