Art on the Corner

Every year in Grand Junction we have what is called the Art & Jazz Festival. Michael and I have gone most years - I think maybe missing one out of the 6 years we have been together. They close off Main Street and line it with art vendors and then have a stage where then there is of course the other half the name...Jazz. It has gotten smaller each year - or at least it feels like it has to us. But we still go and support Colorado artisans.

With the festival comes the changing out of Art on the Corner. Grand Junction's Main Street has sculptures up and down it which they call Art on the Corner. And many of the pieces get moved or taken out to get ready for new pieces that are basically unveiled at the Art & Jazz festival. It is one of many things that I love about Grand Junction - is the art that lines Main Street.

Here is a few new pieces for 2009...

Beautiful Day

We have had a lot going on here lately. So we just needed a little break. After making a delivery to a neighboring town, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up impromtu picnic supplies. And took the long way back to Grand Junction stopping to have a picnic up on the Mesa. There is still snow up there but it wasn't too cold. Just a cool breeze. And a beautiful view of the San Juan mountain range.

On our way up we stopped in a little town that had a distillary. We took a little tour and the owner was very passionate about it. And we could relate as we are pretty passionate about our business too. Michael had a drink of the whiskey and he said it was incredibly smooth.

While driving up, I had one of those moments that choked me up. Because I realized how blessed I am. I was able to spend the day with my love in our beautiful state just enjoying a nice spring day. It was truly a beautiful day in so many ways.

Together 6 years

Michael wrote me a beautiful note on our other blog on Friday in anticipation of our anniversary. And then I made him a little graphic and posted there too.

Escape to Ouray

Back from our overnighter. It was great! So beautiful! I packed sandwiches and such so we didn't have to spend money on food. And our night in the hotel was free too. So we just paid for gas. Oh we did stop and have breakfast on Monday in Montrose so that was the only meal we spent money on. So not too bad. And more importantly we had a lovely time.

So much snow that sparkled in the sun. It was so pretty. As I mentioned last time we had our overnight and went through there was no snow. And for some reason I just think of Ouray with snow. It looks good with snow.

When we got back in town we ran a few errands and then went to pick up a calendar. We got one with the art of Daniel Merriam. Surrealist that kind of reminds me of Michael Parkes in some ways but not at the same time.

A couple photos of our trip - and I will post more later...
(click on the photos to get a bigger view of them)
I did a texture on top of this photo to create lines in it.


This photo Michael took and it is beautiful hotel in Ouray.

Christmas Baking

Today was really just a good day - really good memories made today. We had a day of baking and making Christmas goodies together. Michael usually just lets me have my domain of the kitchen and baking. It is something I enjoy obviously. But I have been a little stressed this year with the everything. I just haven't had my mind in it as much as years past. So Michael spent the day with me in the kitchen and we had a lot of fun. Michael made a batch of Festive Bark and then helped me dip Ritz crackers in pepperminty chocolate. We laughed and just had lots of fun.

So this year I made:
Maple Fudge
Chocolate Fudge
Mint Thins
Festive Bark
Chocolate Caramels - which didn't turn out - we over cooked them so too hard first year that has happened
Sour Cream cookies - which didn't turn out either
Molasses cookies
Cream Cheese Cookies with white chocolate drizzled on them
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Cardamom Butter Cut Out Cookies
and Magic Bars

I made the magic bars because the caramels and sour cream cookies didn't out this year. I made them while listening to the Nutcracker. It is a favorite of mine. 

So heading to bed as I am tired tired. Will post pictures and recipes soon. 

Vanilla and Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Every month on the first I am greeted with Michael saying, "Happy Anniversary!" Our official anniversary of when we started seeing each other is February 1, 2003 but it doesn't matter if it is February, July or November....if it is the first of the month I get greeted Happy Anniversary, warm embrace and passionate kisses at the start of the day. We love each other and try to celebrate that love and life. The moment we first knew we were right for each other is brought up each month in his words and embrace.

So today being the first of July I decided to make Michael something special for breakfast. I checked out the book Bread for Breakfast by Beth Hensperger recently from library. The book has some delicious looking recipes in it. And it is a book I would like to have on my bookshelf because I know I would use it quite a bit. This morning I tried Vanilla and Cinnamon Crumb Cake from it. And it turned out so good! Michael doesn't like nuts so when I find recipes with a crumb top usually it has nuts in it. And I have substituted other things such as more flour or oatmeal at times but this one didn't have any nuts in it so I flagged it right away as one I wanted to try.














Makes one 10-inch round coffee cake

Crumb Top
1 1/2 cups cake flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter - cut into small pieces (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons)


Cake Batter
6 tablespoons unsalted butter - softened (3/4 stick so basically the rest of what was left after the crumb topping)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cake flour - unsifted
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (not fat reduced)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (325 degrees for a dark-finish pan). Line a 10-inch springform pan with parchment, grease the bottom and sides and set aside.

To make the crumb top, in the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar; and cinnamon. Cut in the vanilla and cold butter on low speed until coarse dry crumbs are formed. Pour into a small bowl and set aside. If not using immediately, refrigerate until needed.

To make the cake batter, without cleaning the mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract and beat well on medium speed for 30 seconds. The mixture will be loose. Add the flour; cinnamon, baking powder; baking soda, and salt and beat on low speed for 15 seconds. Add the sour cream and beat on medium-high speed only until the lumps smooth out and the mixture looks fluffy, about 30 seconds on medium-high speed. Do not overbeat.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle the top evenly with the crumb topping. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is crisp and feels firm when gently touched in the center; the cake separates slightly from the sides of the pan, and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean (it may be a bit moist; that's okay). Do not overbake, or the cake will be dry.

Remove from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing the sides of the pan. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving warm, or cover in plastic wrap to serve later at room temperature.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
















*** Of course I made a few modifications. I didn't have cake flour so used all-purpose - as I said turned out great. I add some cardamom as I just love the flavor and it sounded like a good add for this cake so just did a couple pinches of it in the cake batter. And last thing I changed was the springform pan. I didn't want to use my springform pan as I just didn't want fight with it leaking at all -- although I sure it would look prettier in it so might try that eventually. But today I just used a 9-inch square pan. Only problem that came with that is it seemed to need to bake longer. I baked 1 hour 10 minutes.

5 Years...

I woke up to notes all over the house and a beautiful love letter yesterday for our anniversary. I am a very lucky girl!

Yes!

One of my favorite blogs wrote an incredibly beautiful post about the word yes several years ago. Before that post I had always liked the word yes for many of the reasons she stated but when I read what she wrote -- of course I paid attention to yes much more. This blogger was a school teacher and when grading papers if someone really wrote something that got to her as a human not just a teacher she wrote yes with an underline. Life has those moments you know...those moments when your soul shouts yes!

5 years ago I said yes in that way. I remember it so clearly. I feel the intensity of the moment. Michael and I locking eyes at the airport. It was a yes moment....Yes this is it. Ye he is the one. Yes this is right for the first time in my life. Yes...yes...yes!

This last 5 years has been so many moments of yes.

Yes to those moments of snuggled on the couch watching a movie and laughing at the same time or even being touched by the same line.

Yes to him helping and supporting me in so many dreams. And him allowing me to do the same for him.

Yes to the day trips that create wonderful laughter, conversation and just a sharing that I cherish.

Yes to the kisses, hugs and dancing for no reason but to touch each other.

Yes to the feeling so alive when we look at each other.

Yes to the faith in each other that is always steadfast.

Yes to the hard times for allowing us to see how far our relationship can go - together.

Yes to the creativity that we energize in each other.

Yes to our passion for this path we are on.

I could go on and on with yes moments. I am just very thankful for each and everyone of them. I am very thankful I have someone in my life that helps me create and see YES! Thank you Michael for the last 5 years....thank you for capturing my heart....I love you!

Good Weekend...

We just have had a great weekend. Lots of quality time together. Enjoying each others company. We relaxed a lot...yesterday we watched some movies. One movie was Stardust....we both LOVED it! Today we slept in and then had a great brunch. Oh and Friday evening we had a date and went to our favorite steak house. Anyway I just wanted to remember it so posting this little snippet so I have a reminder.

** Cropped image from an atc -- Wish.

Numi Tea Dance

A wonderful friend of mine sent me tea a while back all sorts of different brands and kinds. It has been a wonderful treat. Anyway today I was making myself a cup of Numi Golden Chai. It is a 100% organic spiced assam black tea.

On the back of the package it says:
"For the perfect cup of tea bring fresh water to a boil and carefully pour over a bag of Golden Chai. As you dance with a loved one one, steep 3-5 minutes, to desired strength..."

So while the tea was steeping I read the package to Michael. And he grabbed me to dance. It was one of those moments that I just always want to remember.

Oh and the tea is very good too.

Gift of Love for Christmas!

This morning I woke up seeing the Christmas tree in the living room from our bedroom...all the lights on it were sparkling. And Christmas music just starting to float through the air. It was Christmas! We were out of town with family on the actual Christmas so decided to have our traditional Christmas celebration today. The stockings were packed full, the presents spilling out from under the tree and it really did feel like Santa had visited our house last night.

We opened our stockings first....I pulled out a folded piece of paper...that had me in tears the first line. Michael has a way with heartfelt feelings coming through in words. It basically was a reflection of this past year together and just over all our time together that touched me deeply. His words were beautiful and full of love. We are romantics at times. Today was definitely filled with romance and love.

I am very grateful for each moment together. As I said in my last post there are moments everyday that make my life truly special. And of all the gifts under the tree that letter will be one I cherish and remember always. Because it is the gift of love. I know I am being all mushy...believe me I am sitting here in tears as I type. I am very blessed and grateful for being a part of his life. And I love you very much Michael!

(photo is a cropped image of a painting I did for Michael for his birthday a few years ago)

Out of Town...

This will probably be quick post as I am out of town and not really a lot of free time.

We had a good day although very long. We are just ready to go to sleep for a few days. We went to bed at 12:30pm and got up at 5:30am. Then it has been a day of celebrating with family. Although very good.....very long.

We had a TON of food. Really I think I am going to suggest a change for next year -- that we all bring less. As really the food could feed all 13 of us for weeks I am sure. But it was all great!

I mentioned on Friday we went out looking at lights and that is one of my favorite holiday traditions with Michael. Really Christmas Eve traditionally is my favorite time/tradition. We have a really nice dinner, wine, at times dance and then go out and look at lights. We come home and just enjoy the time with each other....knowing how blessed we are to be together enjoying this journey. So although we aren't going to be home tomorrow....I know I will look at him throughout the day tomorrow and still reflect, remember, and remind myself how truly blessed I am.

Enjoying Christmas!

I talked with my Mom on the phone tonight. It was a long and good conversation. We hadn't talked in a couple of weeks so glad to be able too just chat. She told me I was on the ball this year as they got their present and card early. I told her I really thought it was because the tree and decorations around the house were up earlier then usual. Most of the time things kind of fall all together...where I am rushing to decorate, shop, do cards and bake all within a short time frame of each other. But this time it was like one thing ended the next started and it wasn't a rush between. Last week was pretty busy but it still wasn't like years past. So I got cards out, did letters with a few of them, got shopping, baking and mailed out packages and this week really I haven't had much Christmas stuff to do. I actually have had a pretty laid back week - and thank goodness for that as I had 2 migraines.

So it has been a very pleasant Christmas season for me. I have been enjoying it thoroughly. Tonight was one of those things I always enjoy of our Chrsitmas season together. Michael and I went out looking at lights! We got some starbucks, turned on XM Holly, sang and went looking at all the pretty lights. There is one neighborhood that really has great lights. They have a pond and the lights reflect on the pond.

We reflected on the last year a bit. It has been busy. I do remember though last year at this time he was just starting to use a cane after his knee injury. So I am glad his knee healed and is better! Another I am thankful for is that it has been great year for his business. It just keeps growing and I am VERY grateful for that! We got to go see my family this past summer and have a celebration that was incredible. One I know I will always remember and cherish. There are many more moments of course. But I should wrap this up...

Tomorrow is packing and just getting ready to leave on Sunday for Michael's parents.

(photo of kitchen table while I baked during this Christmas season -- covered with cookie sheets, a place to roll out cookies, cooling racks, containers filled with cookie and all the things needed while baking LOTS of cookies)

Perfect Christmas

Tonight I watched one of those cheesy sappy Christmas movies on ABC Family. It was called Snowglobe. I watched it while I cut and wrapped about 70 chocolate caramels.

The synopsis from online: "Everybody has their own ideas about what constitutes a "perfect" Christmas. Angela is about to get hers when she is transported into a mystical snowglobe. Will it really be better than how her holiday usually goes?"

It was very predictable but I still enjoyed it. I love Christmas too but I never had looked for the perfect Christmas. Because each one has something about it that makes it "just perfect." Of course there are things would like to do someday. Like Michael would like to spend Christmas in a cabin in the mountains -- having snow falling outside while we are snuggled up in front of a fire. I think that sounds pretty good too. But how we spend Christmas most years is pretty good too. And usually that is just us and the kitty cats. Christmas Eve we have a big dinner....ham, creamed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls and then Christmas goodies. Then we drive around looking at the lights. Christmas Day morning is opening stocking, presents and having cinnamon rolls. We then just have left overs for Christmas dinner. Usually ham sandwiches and such and watch movies. It is just quiet, peaceful and very cozy!

(Christmas tree photo from 2006)

Christmas Decorations - Blogstyle

I am keeping this blog as is but I did put up a cute Christmas banner on our Michael & Darby blog. Check it out! I made 2 more banners too and so will probably rotate between the three.

Birthday Recap

This is a long long entry capturing my birthday and days surrounding it with my parents, Frank, JoAnne and Michael...plus photos from the art museum.

Wednesday - Our trip over the mountains was okay but not perfect we had snow, rain, wind, sleet and sunshine too. My parents got into Denver and had a bit to eat by the time we got there. After we checked them into their hotel, we went shopping! My parents had said they would just get me what I wanted when they were here for my birthday. I had decided I wanted new shoes. It is something I don't spend much money on - instead getting cheap shoes that will hurt my feet or be worn out after one season of wearing them - I knew I should get some good shoes for the winter. My favorite pair of mary janes are scuffed. And then my other pair is just not that attractive.

So we went to DSW and my Mom ended up buying me 3 pairs of shoes. My favorite pair is a pair of Born's which feel oh so good on my feet. I wore them Thursday and Friday and they didn't hurt and I am sure helped me be able to do all the walking we did those days. I can't find a picture of them online but they had a buckled like this one and then they had the top stitching like this one and are in black. I was looking for this pair - we went to 2 DSW's hoping to find them in my size but no go so I got the clogs instead.

I also got a pair of ballerina style tennis shoes that are the same as these in style but colors are different. Mine are blue almost a denim blue and then brownish tan. I have 2 jeans skirts I wear often so they will look really cute with those. And the other pair is Naturalizers that are similar to these - but not quite. Mine are brown suede with just one strap coming across instead of the crisscross straps. These are so comfy too but still not as comfy as the Born's.

After shopping we went to dinner and I had such a good potato soup. Yummy I miss potato soup - Michael isn't fond of cream based soups.

Thursday - We got up and met Michael's parents at my favorite breakfast place with my parents. They hit it off instantly! My Dad and Michael's Dad worked in the same field at one point and so they talked and talked and talked about that all weekend. My Dad isn't much of a chatterbox but he really did chat it up with Frank. So I am thankful that went so smoothly. We had a very good breakfast and then my parents, Michael and I went to the Denver Art Museum. They added a new building to it since we had went last time. And so it was really nice to go through it. I really enjoyed it. There were a lot of little extra features that I enjoyed - there was a postcard station to make your own postcard, there were lots of kid activities that we ended up doing too, lots of booklets to explain more about the pieces, a lot of coffee table art books and sitting areas throughout and just interesting ways to view some of the art. I like museums so it was a nice way to spend my birthday. There is a big sculpture in the front of a broom, dust pan and stuff being swept into it so Michael told my Mom and I to pose like we were being swept up too. It didn't quite work like he wanted but it was fun!

After we got all the way through, Michael wanted me to pick out some things in the gift shop to remember our time there. I got a box of note cards (modern and contemporary works), bookmarker (Ophelia by Arthur Hughes), and 2 magnets one that lists the eightfolds of Buddhism and then an Andy Warhol soup can magnet.

When we left the art museum Michael took us on a little tour of Denver. My Dad worked in Denver a lot so he remembered lot of places he had spent time at eating and working. And then we headed to Frank and JoAnne's where I opened presents. My sisters being such loving sisters decided to remind me it was my 40th birthday (something I avoided the whole weekend) by giving me 40 presents! Yes 40 presents including: the next ornament in the series I collect, socks, recipe cards, art supplies, notepads, hot cocoa mix, scented lotion, 40 dimes and much much more! Michael gave me DVD's - the new Serenity with the extra special features (it has a really cool dvd cover), Sound of Music (which I sing all the time around the house), Cinderella plus the early birthday gifts of Beauty and the Beast dvd and Belle doll! And then a very sexy loving card that was very touching. Frank and JoAnne gave me a gift card for Kohl's...which is a place I really like to shop. We just got one in Grand Junction last October.

Friday - We decided would be a good day for a day trip. My parents haven't been here in the fall so they could see some colors (that what is left at least) and the beautiful mountain scenery. So we went to Evergreen for breakfast and then headed to Central City for to gamble. Michael and I each won $50 so that was nice. My Mom won $80 and everyone else lost. From there we went to Silver Plume which looks pretty much like a ghost town. But there is a good bakery there and lots of photography opportunities. So we got a loaf of Asiago Herb bread and then went and photographed some old buildings. From there we went and had pizza at the place I mentioned a while back. I knew my parents would like it. And they did.

Saturday - We met up for breakfast. Michael had a meeting so while he went to his meeting Mom, Dad and I went shopping. I picked up some Christmas cookie cutters. I have some but I am getting sick of doing the same shapes every Christmas so now I have some new shapes. We went to Archivers too and I picked up several cute things there. After Michael's meeting, he met up with us and we all had Cold Stones before my parents headed to the airport and Michael and I headed to his parents to load up and head home.

We were worried about hitting a storm front over all the mountain passes but really we didn't have a problem until we hit Rifle which is only about 1 1/2 hours from home. Oh my...did we hit a storm. The winds were so bad people were driving with their 4-ways on - on the interstate. We decided to take back roads because some idiots were still driving speed limit. At one point we saw a big detour sign that had sand bags weighing it down lying in the middle of the road - but the thing about it the sign had been blown about 7 to 9 feet away from the sandbags. Michael had to have both hands on the wheel at all times to keep the car on the road. The rain was coming down in sheets at times and there was thunder and lightening. So it was fun...NOT! We were very very thankful to get home. When we got home, it wasn't raining but felt like it was going to start again soon so we had to unpack quickly. I had to break out thermals and wool socks last night it was so cold.

Overall - The weekend just hanging out with my parents was great. I enjoyed their company, seeing them and celebrating my birthday with them. I am thrilled michael's parents got along with my parents so well! And thankful for all they did this weekend to make it a special weekend for me.

I am always amazed by Michael....I think I see all he has in him and then he shows me something new. I mean I have seen his kindess and love before but it just always seems to go further. He made sure my birthday was so very special. He shows his love to me in so many ways....words and actions. We have a friend that always says she wishes Michael would give classes on creating a special occasion as he always tells her about how he celebrates my birthday and she is always envious. He does truly go out of his way to make it a celebration full of love and laughter. I am truly thankful for ALL he does for me not only for my birthday but always. Thank you Michael...thank you thank you for everything! I love you so very much!

Photos from the Denver Art Museum and one of Michael helping his Mom with some photography shots....

This is the outside of the old building. The new part is very angular and almost feels liek you are walking tilted when walking through it. But I got used to it and it was cool how the art could be displayed in some very unique ways.

Broom and Dust Pan

Andy Warhol Soup Cans

Close up of a soup can

Poppy painting with vase of poppies

Cool colored glass bar reflecting on the wall

And me...with a GIANT clothespin!

Michael & his Mom JoAnne in Silver Plume photographing an old church

Friday Gratitude

Michael comes home tonight! I haven't seen him in 2 weeks so I am a little excited and thankful that he will be HOME! This is the longest we have been away from each other and I have missed him like crazy!

(cropped image of a piece that I don't have online as it was a gift to Michael and just really for him. But will share that little corner of the piece since it my hand print that I painted over - the heart in the center formed naturally when I pressed my hand to the canvas)