October 2006
Recovering
As much as I can intellectually accept that change is part of life, I have a hard time accepting it emotionally. New jobs are hard. Change is hard. (I was going to say “stupid,” but reconsidered; it’s not a particualrly literary word.)
So how do you recover from a first day? You stop at the yarn store on the way home and buy yarn to make socks. Hand-painted blue sock yarn, so you can make blue socks and thus be a bluestocking. (Because after all, you’re literary. You avoid words like “stupid” and embrace semicolons.)
Then if you’re not recovered enough, you watch Brazil. While finishing up your big black alpaca sweater. And if that’s still not enough? You make the potatoes-baked-in-heavy-cream gratin, which makes your roommate happy and finally puts you into a fatty food-induced coma, so you wake up ready to take on another day.
Soundtracks
So it’s Monday morning of a new blog address (so much for thinking I’m anonymous) and a new job. And what song is in my head for the occasion? Surprisingly, it’s not a song about a certain Maggie and her farm, as much as I love Dylan. It’s not even Carmina Burana. No, it’s “Feeling Good,” as sung by Miss Nina Simone.
New Address
Come Monday, look for the Cute Kitten Picture, Unrelated Information, Potential Band Names Found In Everyday Conversation, and maybe even the Office Snack of the Day at this new address:
And to send us off in style here at the old address, here’s a bit of Roethke I don’t recall the title of (perfect) and a cute bunny picture (wearing a sweater–even more perfect).
“Arch of air, my heart’s original knock,
I’m awake all over.”
Random Post
I finished the knitting part of the sweater project (yes, still that one) last night while watching Dr. Zhivago. Now I just have to sew it up.
And I found the rules for the Roy Rogers Riders Club yesterday!
1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and take care of them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and our country.
I like how “be clean” is rule 1 and “don’t be a heathen” barely makes it in at number 9.
Cooking
After the Tuna Helper Incident last week, I haven’t strayed far from M.F.K. Fisher’s ideas about food–two nights ago it was lentil soup wth red wine and tomatoes, and last night it was a “classic potato gratin.” The ingredients: potatoes, heavy cream, a smashed garlic clove, salt and pepper, and cheese to spread on top so it gets crispy. I used Edam. If you have never had potato slices baked in heavy cream, run–don’t walk–to the kitchen and get going.
I’m blaming Madame Fisher for any weight gained this winter.
In other news, the address of Better Living Through Literature will be changing. Look for an announcement here by the end of the week. (I know all 4 of you who read this will want to update your bookmarks.)
Friends With Photoshop, Part 2:
Thinking…
Mousekin’s Golden House is REAL
That was the title of a book my brother and I loved, about a mouse who hibernates in a jack-o-lantern. (Sadly, it’s out of print and now is selling for “rare book” prices.) Imagine my delight when I checked out Cute Overload this morning and saw this–not Mousekin, but close:
These Boots Are Made For Walkin’
Remember the new boots that were coming Wednesday that made life worth living after all? They came. I am wearing them today. I feel like Jane Eyre. Or Captain Jack Sparrow. (I can’t decide if they’re Victorian boots or pirate boots.)
Speaking of Captain Jack Sparrow, here’s a site where you can create a licensed, branded talking pirate email. It’s kinda fun, so visit Dead Man’s Mail. And remember, temporary happiness is just a purchase away.