Binging While He's Away: Project Inspiration

I normally never really talk about, or even think to identify with the role of military wife...But the truth is I am one.  My husband is in the National Guard--now you're laughing and saying pshh, one weekend a month, so what?  Well, it's more than that...Theres 2 weeks ever year, there's month long required training from time to time..and yes, there are even deployments that can last a year (so far I have not experienced one of these, but I'm sure the time will come).  My husband is currently away on his longest stint since we have been married (1 month).  I must say, its been quite the ride.  The emotions alone have been enough--at first I was sad in an aching sort of way, then there was the longing, the loneliness, the lacking of adult companionship....blah, blah blah...sob story, right? Well, I quickly learned to embrace those feelings, and let the tears come when they wanted.  I let myself vegetate for the first couple of days, but quickly realized time was nearly standing still.  

I decided it was time to fill up my life with what I do best: Projects.  Since the end of May, I have begun many projects, finished some, still need to continue with others....I've deep-cleaned, made books, knitted, knitted some more, and some more, planned a little something for my husband's return, and made a date night jar....

Today was about that jar--I gathered my supplies at the beginning of June, during a contemplative moment about our relationship....I realized that the time we have together is precious, and we need to motivate to make the alone time we have with one another more meaningful and fresh. 

With a six year old, work, and school, this is rather difficult--most of the time we just want to sit and waste time when we have it.  Which is completely understandable--we are exhausted, and it's just EASY.  ...but easy is not always best...so, I decided to do the thinking for us when I was in this mushy mood, and came up with a list of date ideas and split them into three categories: Cheap n Easy, Out-On-the-Town, and Splurge.  Then, I let it sit..until today, at the end of June.  

Last night my husband asked if the jar was done and I told him no.  He gave me that little nudge I needed, and I got down to business this morning, after my mom picked up my daughter.

I used a sponge to color code the ends.

And, of course, I looked at the rather large sponge I was using, one end saturated with color, thinking I can't just rinse all that pigment out, so I went and got some paper, to apply the excess paint to.

Then I wrote on the sticks with my trusty bic pen

here's a little sample...There are tons of date ideas on the internet..Just look on Pinterest.

TaDa!
Now we have weeks worth of date ideas already decided upon--making date night a bit easier and fun :)

And, with the excess paint on my palette, I decided to add some more to my "scrap paper" side-project.  This will probably sit, untouched for some time, but maybe one day it will be finished.

Of course, I couldn't just have a plain jar--how boring would that be? So, I got out my mod podge and went to work.

Here it is, all prettied up..another project finished.

A few notes on Cooking/ Blog Hop

I love to cook...It's meditative and relaxing--I'm pretty sure I could just stand, stirring a pan or pot of whatever, watching the ingredients change and morph in texture and aroma for hours....but then the dish would just be bland, so I restrain myself.

I often turn to my trusty I-pad apps for recipes and inspiration, but I also have cookbooks and my trusty recipe box, which probably holds the most sentimental value for me.  Many of the recipes I have are from the family, so when I cook using them I think of where they came from and what the food tasted like when it was cooked by my Nana and my Mom.

For a creative challenge, on the Supporting Artists Team on etsy, participants were asked to create a recipe card to share.  This task was harder than I thought--I wanted to create a recipe card that was functional (of course), but also unique, attractive, and food-related--I wanted the card to be something that would bring a little extra joy to the kitchen and cooking experience.
Here is what I came up with:

If you're looking for a letter, my Blog Hop Letter is  O

To go along with this post, I have also decided to post a recipe I used right before I decided on the design I wanted to use for the recipe card.  The recipe is not mine, so here is credit, where credit is due. I found it on Allrecipes.com.  It was perfect, because the creator of the recipe is also from New Jersey, and she used FRESH Jersey Tomatoes to make it. Yummmm.  

Click this link for a tasty experience: 

JERSEY FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Oh, and did I mention, I made grilled cheese to go with it?  I forgot too, until it was completely devoured.  If you'd like to see my take on how to make the perfect grilled cheese, check out this blog post: The Art of Grilled Cheese 

Oh, and that reminds me: don't forget to dip the sandwich in the soup...it's amazing.  

A 95th Birthday Wish

On March 13, 1918, My Grandfather was born.  He was born and raised in New Jersey.  In the 40's he went off to fight in WWII.  When he returned, he married my Grandmother, and had 5 children.  They remained in New Jersey, where they raised their children, horses and dogs. In the 80's, they retired to a comfortable home on a little hill in rural Pennsylvania.

I was born soon after they bought their new home, and when I was old enough, I would spend 1-2 weeks with them during the summer.  I have many fond memories of the time I spent there.  I loved riding the horses from the barn to the field, where they would graze for most of the day.  The tractor was always fun--Pop would give me rides, and eventually, when I was old enough, I got to drive it solo.  Mostly, I just embraced all that the rural life had to offer--the fresh air, the scent of hay in the breeze, the fields to run though, the woods, with fallen trees for fort-building....and the list could go on forever.

I also remember following my grandfather around, like his little shadow, always curious about what he was getting into....Whether it was tending to the "farm" or creating something with his hands --he built wagons for the horses to pull, furniture for their home, wood plaques for decor...

Thinking back, I really understand why my Grandfather was drawn to the simple, old-school, traditional life...and I think it's genetic.  I live in a city, but have been and always will be in love with rural areas.  I dream of owning a farm and growing food, milking goats, sheering sheep for some wool....or maybe alpacas....and the dream list just goes on.

My Grandfather will be 95 on March 13th...He still resides in the house on the hill, and although his activity level has diminished with age, and he no longer owns horses, he still has a love of nature, learning, and creating.  He carves and paints on wood and sometimes canvas.  Most of his subjects are horses, people, and nature.

Last night, I set myself to the task of making a birthday card for this creative, traditional, person who has impacted my life to an extent that I have yet to fully understand.  I knew he wouldn't get my post-modern, minimalist, hand cut cards....

I figured a drawing of some sort would make the most sense--drawing is perfectly traditional, so he gets it.  A horse would have been too obvious, and he draws enough of those to fill a gallery.  Then, I remembered birds--he loves birds.....and the birds love him.  In the winter, the birds used to eat seed right out of his hand.

He still has feeders for them, talks about the different species,  and smiles when he sees lots of bird activity.  I decided on this for my subject, and picked a classic species: the American Goldfinch.

I wanted to make the card simple, with a vintage, Americana feel--like that of a photo album or scrapbook (my Grandfather also LOVES photos; he has a so many albums and piles of photos, and will share them with anyone who is willing to look).

I was so content when I had finished this little endeavor of mine.  I had made something that he could connect with on a personal level--it was more than just a generic birthday card....it said something about HIM, and him alone.  

This little creation reaffirmed what I aim to do when I make a card--I want it to become something more than just a greeting card.  I want the receiver to feel a connection to the piece; feel as if it were made just for them.  

I am so thankful to my Grandfather, for I would not be the maker I am without his influence and inspiration.  I can't wait to send him this little piece of my creative self to brighten up his birthday.