Bacon

Everyone loves bacon, right?  Okay I am a crispy but not burnt bacon eater.  Others are more of the I would say "under cooked"  types.  I saw a clip of someone saying for the perfect crisp bacon you need to "boil" it in water first!  

I decided to try it, because I LOVE me some crisp bacon and eggs.  I put water in the frying pan and added 1 lb bacon.  Set the burner temp med-high and waited for the boiling to begin.  I let it boil til all the water was gone.  What was left was bacon grease.  The bacon was not rolled up but more even and straight.  I lowered the temp and the magic happened!  The bacon cooked and became so crisp!

It cooked to so evenly and flat.  This is the finished boiled and fried bacon.  It was perfect!

This bacon was a hit!

 

On another note, I also baked a pound of bacon in a 350 degree oven to compare.  The oven bacon was cooked unevenly and was limp.  I didn't leave in oven to crisp because it would of over cooked in some areas and undercooked in other areas.

I say "boiling" your bacon is the way to go, try it!

Chef Silvana & Barrio Cafe

Barrio Cafe has closed their doors.  Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza held a closing celebration.  There was music, food and other artist booths.  Lots of people having a great time.

I became familiar  with her when I was looking into Latino artist and found out she exhibited local Latino artist in Barrio Cafe and also a small gallery next door.  I loved her activism and her generosity to her community.  I finally met her during Covid, I made and delivered masks to her for the employees.

 

I purchased her book and while I was there she was happy to sign my copy and also gifted me a copy of Sunset magazine she was featured in.  

Happily got a photo with her!

A couple of side stories.  I thanked her for helping me find my way to Pablo Luna.  I wrote about him in previous blog posts of August 11, 2021 and October 9, 2022.  Once I said that I knew she was grieving his loss so I gently moved on to another subject.  Asking her to sign my copy of her book.  Once we moved to the table where she was preparing to sign the book, she told me Pablo Luna's sister was standing behind her.  I was introduced to her and told her how I knew Pablo and gave my condolences.  His sister, (which I have forgotten her name) told me she recalls Pablo telling her about me and how he painted a mural on my office wall when he was in his early 20's.  I could tell her loss was still fresh.  She mention there is plans with a foundation in his name will be planning functions.  I'll make sure to follow up.

The second thing, I met an artist who had a booth with her laser cut items.  Very unique and pretty.  I was so overheated by the hot tempatures and needed water, which as a result I wasn't at my best and needed head to my car and AC.  I got her business card and I will write more about her an upcoming post.  Overall, a great day and felt such amazing energy all around.  Great day for my soul.

Meet Moon Dog

Back in 2020 we decided to get another dog.  Bella was aging and we've always had more than one dog at a time.  I started checking with friends, breeders, shelters and occasionally Craigslist in the area.  Nothing locally turned up or the cost of a "purebred"  lab was out of our price range or interest.  We were getting ready for a long camping road trip.  I decided to check out newspaper ads and craigslist in the states we're traveling through.  One day Craigslist post caught my eye, lab puppies for sale in a small town outside of Lincoln, Nebraska and we were headed that exact area.  I contacted the seller and he had 6 puppies up for adoption.  I quickly sent a relative to place a deposit to hold a puppy.  They were all beautiful little things.  I got the second pick of the litter and I couldn't decided and just let faith take it's course and this is the puppy we got.  He came up to my feet and that's all it took.  We didn't name him for a couple of weeks,  finally he glowed like the full moon and found out he was born on a full moon night.

This is Moon as a puppy

Moon loves the snow!

Moon travels everywhere with us.  He's been on a farm, city parks, forest roads, sandhills, mountains, lakes, rivers, so many fun trails.

This is at the Petrified Forest National Park.

Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park

This Moon today.  He's so used to me taking his photo,  he knows exactly how to pose. 

 He'll be four years old in September.  The best dog and everyone who meets him always walk away saying what a good dog he is.  Sweet, loving, gentle and the best fetch dog.

 

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.

 Getting ready for my Dad's visit.  Living within boxes made it easy to rearrange the guest room.  The biggest challenge turned out to be washing pillows.  My pillows have been stored in my camper and needed to be refreshed.  I put them in the washer  and one pillow was fine but the other was a disaster.  My washer was having no part of spinning out the water of this pillow!   First, I removed it and wrapped it in towels to soak out all the water, it was so heavy and water filled.  The washer would not spin enough to get the water out.  Finally, I sat it outside and with all the sunshine and heat it should dry and then I'll set it in the dryer to fluff it up.  I should of taken a pic of what it looked like out of the washer!

Another thing happened today... T*ump guilty on all counts.   

Sewing and Quilts

I have a few of my Mom's finished quilt tops.  Today I made the backing for two.  I have a good friend who will be putting them on her long arm quilting machine and finish them with a simple quilting pattern.  She'll send them back and I'll finish with the binding. 

I hadn't seen this quilt top before.  She made this some time ago.  She hand appliquéd all the houses using fabric I remember giving her.  She loved anything in shades of purple.

This quilt top also includes fabric I recognize.  It's machine sewn and I can tell she made this later in her life.  The seams are less straight nor even.  She loves sewing and it didn't matter if anything was straight.  It's still lovely and knowing she sat and sewed this in her 80's.
 

A Year Ago!

It was a year ago when my studio looked like this

Our house flooded while we were out of state. It was a hose connected to toilet tank which means it flowed for some time. By the time it was discovered water was sitting throughout the whole house running out of the front door and garage. Yep is was a lot. If any of you have experience water leaks you get what a mess it turns out to be. Today we're back in our house and my studio looks like this.

We're in the mist of unboxing tons of boxes. The QR code app that was used when the house got packed does not work. We have a inventory list, well a inventory list of box numbers. Nothing is in order, nothing easy to find and totally a guessing game. In some ways I compare it to xmas morning opening gifts. After a year everything being packed I am surprised each time I open a box, I'm like "oh, I forgot I had this or that". Taking advantage of this opportunity to purge atleast 1/3 of my stuff. That does feel good. I've done without all of it for the past year and that set it all in a different perspective. Do you purge on the regular?

Today

Today, I remembered I have a blog. It's been too long since I've posted on my blog. It's also been some kind of year for me. In all the ups and downs the universe has thrown my way, I always know I'm gonna be fine. Lately, and maybe that's the reason I remembered my blog today, is, I am craving creativity with my hands. Today painted wood shutters, painted a second coat on my bedroom wall, got my hands dirty in my new flower garden. Yesterday I baked banana bread, peanut butter and sugar cookies for no reason. I made tortilla soup for the first time, I made this great salsa and have been craving homemade flour tortillas. When you have a creative soul it hurts when you find your self stuck in the feels. For now it's nice to type on my blog. I wasn't able to include photos, not sure what's change on this platform, but I'll work on it.

Guitar love

Probably ten years ago is when I first bought this guitar.  Yep, ten years!   I purchased it from a friend who plays very well.  I asked if she would give me lessons and she agreed, however for some reason I really don't recall, after one lesson I didn't go back.  I think we had schedule problems.  Then several years ago, another friend was visiting and he plays so we got the guitars out and he restrung and gave me a quick few tips.  Fast forward to now.... another friend asked for one of the guitars.  See I originally purchase one and borrowed a second one for my nephew.  Again, neither one of us have ever learned.  Back to present time...

I decided to have this guitar tuned and fixed.   Apparently, the low desert humidity is not good for guitars.  I got it back a few weeks ago.  I need to muster, is that word?  the confidence to learn.  I really would like to learn.

Shelter in Place

Week 1 - Time to clear the calendar

No social events, no meeting ups, no lunches, no outings, nada, nothing! For now car rides with Bella, walks in the park with Bella, back yard throwing the ball for Bella, video chats with anyone who will answer, online class, online youtube videos of my new interest...Mr Harry Styles!!!   His music is blasting most days now.  Studio time always a blast....painting, jewelry, Harry Styles videos going on in the studio!   Binge watching everything.  Audio books, real books, picture books, and journal time all on tap. 

We all need to do our part in getting through this COVID-19 crisis.  Today made a point to check in on friends and all seem to be doing good.  Husband still going into his office and even though their company has implemented some changs, I don't think it's been enough.  In the meantime, stay safe and do your part!

My Fat Boy, my constant companion, my Winston dog....may you rest in peace my love.

Wednesday was such a tough day.  This dog, WINSTON gave us 13 years.  Last week he was showing signs of aging more so than normal for him.  We knew the hard decision was upon us.  We thought another week and we'll see.  Two days ago that all changed.  He deteriorated fast.  Could walk on his own and yesterday he was not interested in eating or moving around much.  Now, Winston is always interested in  eating anything anytime.  The signs were all there.  I looked into his eyes and he was telling me he was ready.  Today he was so sick and could not move at all.  Today was the day he chose.   He was so ready and at peace.  We love this dog and he gave us all his love all the time!  I will miss him terribly.  Bella girl, not sure how the  change will impact her.

Winston

Winston as a puppy, he was so cute!

Winston, a year old!

Winston's first road trip, Flagstaff

Winston, he loved swimming in rivers, swimming pools not so much.

Winston's first road trip to Idaho.
Last trip there was to watch the lunar eclipse.

Balance

 A year ago, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.  Yeah, it's that beautiful.  

Calm the mind

Monday thoughts

Hello 2019,

Let's see where do I start.  December was a busy month.  I had a open house the first weekend of December.  It went well and I had fun putting it all together.  Lots of work but well worth the time.  The night of the show I was putting things away and moving patio furniture.  I made the mistake of not using my legs to lift a couch and pulled my back out!  A trip to urgent care with the rest of the week resting.  I have never had a back problem other than some minor soreness that a good nights sleep heals me right up.  Not this time.   But, once it healed it was amazing how the pain just goes away.   Then it was time for  the holidays!  Christmas was quite around my house.  Traditional tamale making on Christmas Eve.  New Year's was fun, we had a visit from a college friend.  On January  3rd we headed out to sight see and have breakfast.  It had been cold overnight in the Phoenix area and we had some freezing.  As I walked from the parking lot to the restaurant I stepped on some ice and fell right on my back!   Wow!  I'll tell ya, that hurt a lot!  I could hardly move.  We had breakfast but to be honest I could hardly concentrate on eating because my back was killing me.  My friend noticed a used bookstore he wanted to go into, so I stayed in the car and turned on my seat warmer!  Yep, my car has seat warmers!   I decided to video call my sister to cry on her shoulder....she answers and before I can say a word she tells me she is in the ER with my mom and that it was very serious.  OMG!  She wasn't able to talk and I then sat in my car stunned.  As the day went on my back got worse and back to a muscle relaxers, heat and ice and to bed.  I later found out my mom suffered a heart attack and needed surgery.  Fast forward a week...I'm heading to Nebraska to help with my mom.  The weird thing was the 18 hour drive in a car saved my back pain.  I was completely pain free by the time I got to Nebraska.  I think I needed to sit and do nothing in order for my back to heal.  I stayed in Nebraska for over three weeks and have just returned to warmer Arizona.  Yep, the deep freeze weather hit my hometown.  I haven't been in that kind of freezing ice cold weather in a long long time.  Good thing I had seat warmers in my car, lol.  While in Nebraska there a lot of time spent on rearranging, reorganizing, educating ourselves on my mom's needs.  My mom's recovery was amazing. She is a fighter and boy did she show us what determination was.  It was nice seeing her do so well and leaving her was not as bad as I thought it would be.  She is in good hands with my family.  I was reminded ... rest is important, self care is important, saying NO is good, prayer is powerful, family is important, having fun and smiling heals, love, love and more love is good.  Here's to 2019!

Me and my Mom, Kay

What I've been up to...

These past few months I've been learning new stuff.  I took an on line class learning about shrink art projects.  I love it and I love the possibilities of what can be done with shrink art sheets.   I plan to use the method on this year's christmas card.  I'll post photos when I get the project done.   I made a commitment to work on my lettering skills this year.  I practice daily and boy I'm learning daily.  As I was watching YouTube videos about lettering I came across a foiling DIY video and it caught my interest.  Way cool process to use this method on my cards and junk journals. There's this app called Procreate for iPad Pro.  It's very much like Photoshop.  It's a great way to practice my lettering.  I can make all kinds of things using all kinds of stuff in my studio and office.  Geez, I'm overflowing with creative ideas for my junk journals, greeting cards, and all paper crafts.  I have to admit I've not been getting lots of sleep lately....just can't seem to stop creating and learning new things.  I'll post on each creative process in individual posts on the blog here soon.  Stay tune!

Pendants

Geez I can't seem to get motivated to work on my pendants!  I'm having a block!   How do you get motivated and inspired?  I'm gonna step out of the studio and go explore with eyes wide open!

Valentine's Day wishes

Normally I make Valentine treats for my little friends.  I have no idea where the time went and I have not made one Valentine theme craft, cookies, etc. and tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  Here's some Valentine stuff I like and will make another time.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL OF  YOU!

Welcome to 2018!

Saying goodbye to 2017 is hard since it brought so much to my life.

January began in Lucca, Italy!  Visited Rome and Pisa, too.  The Woman's March, which gave me hope.

February we learned Maximus had cancer and needed surgery.  It also sent us to Nebraska for the farm sale!  On the way to Nebraska with my friend, Alice we got my grand niece Anaya to travel with us.  Also got to  my first Nebraska men's basketball game!

March got back from Nebraska with a UHaul full of treasures.  Tom celebrated 30 years on his job. Traveled to Las Vegas with a good friend.

April, Gabi turned 21, wow.  Spend all my time planning my next trips.

May was the longest road trip, 7000 miles!  Started out with Jason, my brother from Arizona to Nebraska...my sister, Melinda from Nebraska to Lincoln, Omaha, Kansas City, St Louis, Memphis, Nashville, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Richmond, Detroit, Omaha, Yankton, SD, Lincoln, North Platte, dropped off my sister and headed home.  Tom joined my thought the trip.  May also gave me the greatest gift, we met my nephew, Antwein for the first time in 25 years!  What joy that was for my soul.  Also a visit with my good for my soul friend, Cathy was the best.  Can't forget Joni time, sister time with all my sisters and my Mom and Dad time!  Blue boy was a big part of our trip...antique shops all along the way.  

June we drove my camper home!  I'm in love!

July both sad and exciting.  I had to say bye to my Maximus!  I have tears just thinking about him.  I miss him daily.  July also brought a trip of a lifetime...river rafting trip down the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon with good friends!

August was the lunar eclipse in Idaho!  Frida exhibit at the Heard Museum.

September we got a visit from my nephew Zachariah!  Another highlight...U2 Joshua Tour concert!!!

October sent us to Nebraska to spend precious time with my father-in-law, Irvin Arens before he passed at the age of 91.   Visited with so much family.  Highlight time with my nephew Tommy.  Then there was time with Patrick, Nate, Amelia, Dana, Brenda and meeting her son, Clay!  Just to name a few.

November was a quiet and reflecting time.  I really needed the down time.

December brought birthday fun and my love for the holidays and fun projects.

I need to take some time here soon to write down my thoughts about this past year and the life changing events.  I would have to say the Colorado River trip was the most impactful experience.  I took so much away from that experience.  FAITH OVER FEAR was so true and you CAN do anything!  The loss of my dog Maximus turned out to be harder than I thought.  I am blessed.

Bring on 2018!

Gingerbread houses!

 Gingerbread houses this year.  I've been decorating with these kids for several years now.  We used to decorate sugar cookies but last year I changed it up to graham cracker houses.  The kids did so well on this year's houses.  So did the adults, haha.   I had the best time and love our little tradition.

I think we ate as much candy as we put on the houses!

Addison's house. She was so creative!

Kailey, Addison, Owen and Olivia and our houses!!  What a blast.

December 2017

Hello to my blog followers.  I'm sorry I've been away.  I have lots of stuff to share with you and will be posting each day this week.  I've traveled a lot this past year and haven't spend much time in my studio.  However, it's the holidays and I love love love the holidays.  It's been fun hanging out in the studio making stuff.  I tell you my mind is so full of ideas I can hardly sleep.  Just last night I work up at 3am with an idea for this year's christmas cards...had to see if my idea would work!  So, 30 minutes later I realized it's a good start but not exactly what I want.  I'll be heading to craft store on Monday to get two things to see if it's the card idea or not.  I did come up with another idea today, so we'll see.  Thanks again to those of you who still click on my blog!

Monday thoughts....

Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day

I don't think he would be happy about the current situation in the United States. 

I also don't think he would quit and be silent.  Gotta believe in a dream.

Ten Year Blogiversary!

Ten years ago this month I began my blog.  I love having my blog and even though I take breaks from posting and really have struggled at times to post I'm so happy to have some followers.  I've learned a lot from blogging these past 10 years.  One, keep it authentic.  Two, make it fun.  Three, Use great photos.

I have tried so many things to keep myself on blogging track and provide regular and interesting posts.  As I've said in the past, I have no concept of time and no concept of what it means to have a regular routine.  It's a continuous work in progress for me to stick to a schedule.  I don't know how I ever got through my working career that included constant deadlines and commitments.  

As always I will keep posting and I really do appreciate anyone who has stuck through the past 10 years of blogging with me.  I have kept my blog very basic and I know I have some learning to do to improve my blog page.  I know there are tons of new things I can add, like a Pinterest button or a email update button, etc and I'm hoping in time I will learn how to add some cool features.  I have friends tell me they aren't able to post comments and I need to figure that out.  I would really love to see what people think.  I would like to do some giveaways but if people can't comment the giveaways won't work.