by Valynne | May 11, 2010 | Caretaking / House and Pet Sitting, Simple Living |
I am currently enjoying a two week sit in Cambridge, MA with Cosmo. It has been a bit like vacation. Cosmo and I go to the dog park every morning.
Then, when she is napping, I sneak out for a few hours. The evenings are spent writing, reading, and walking some more.
Because I am (mostly) sans Paul, who walks a lot faster than me, I have taken many a picture. Here are a few of my favorite moments so far…
MayFair 2010 just happened to fall on my first day out on my own in Cambridge. I called for a taxi. This alone would make for an interesting blog post, I thought to myself. Yes, I was generalizing, or stereotyping or whatever you want to call it. In my defense, I have taken cabs in Boston before and will leave it at that. Anyway, the cab showed up minutes later and I was greeted by a pleasant, helpful, and soft spoken man named Doyle. Doyle dropped me off at Harvard Square and what a great day I had. Plus, I realized that I could easily walk or take the T home. Thank you for all of your suggestions, Doyle! You made my day(s) in Cambridge that much better.
A Perfect Day for MayFair 2010 - Harvard Square
MayFair 2010 - Chalk Art
MayFair 2010 - Legacy Dance Company (GO GIRLS!)
MayFair 2010 - Boston Tap Company (WOW)
MayFair 2010 - Cambridge Youth Dance Program (aka Beautiful Ballerinas)
Walking Past Longfellow's Digs on the way "home"
All of Cambridge is in Bloom...
The pics below were taken at the dog park at Fresh Pond, where Cosmo and I spend most of our mornings. These ducklings were only 3 to 4 days old when we happened upon them. Sweet.
Ducklings at Fresh Pond - Welcome, Springtime!
Walking Cosmo Around Fresh Pond Resevoir
Cosmo, Waiting for me to get off the Swing
I'm Car-Free in Cambridge. Feels Good.
I liked Harvard Square so much that I decided to go back and experience it without the MayFair crowds…Paul came to visit over the weekend and we enjoyed the Square together.
My kind of shopping (Harvard Square)
Algiers Coffee House - Harvard Square
Arabian Coffee with Paul at Algiers (Harvard Square)
Browsing at Beadworks (Harvard Square)
Upcoming Events at Club Passim - Harvard Square (This Pic is for you, Denise)
Smurfs sighting at Hidden Sweets - Harvard Square
On several occasions, I chose to take the long way home; this day via the Charles River. Just missed the storm you see brewing below.
The Charles River - Cambridge Boat Club in the Distance
When I turn right out of the neighborhood instead of left, I run into these gems…
Sofra Bakery & Cafe (on Belmont in Cambridge)
Falafel & Iced Latte at Sofra (yes it was that good)
Vintage Plates at Lady Luxe (Belmont Street, Cambridge)
Lovely Lamp at Lady Luxe
Vintage Suitcases at Lady Luxe
Deluxe Town Diner - Watertown
Ok, that’s just a peek at what I have been up to. Stay tuned for Week Two and if there is anything you feel I absolutely must see while I am here, do tell, won’t you?
by Valynne | Apr 23, 2010 | Mountain Girl Organics, Simple Living |
MGO Soap Display at Mountain Man Fruit & Nut Co.
It is Earth Day and I am feeling good. The Bay sparkles. The doors and windows are open wide. The clothes are drying in the ocean breeze. And the gardens are coming to life. We are blessed.
I am happy about something else, as well. This morning, I woke up feeling a bit melancholy over my little business, Mountain Girl Organics. Earth Days past involved Evergreen celebrations that included local poets, musicians, artisans, and MGO prizes (of course).
This year, my little business is up for sale and the products have all but dwindled from the shelves. Recently, interest was expressed from a potential buyer who lives out of state and has never tried MGO products before. So, Laurie agreed to make a few bars of soap for her.
It is pretty much just as easy to do a large batch as it is to do a small one, so I asked Jeanie at Mountain Man Fruit & Nut Co. in downtown Evergreen if she would be interested in ordering a few more bars. Her inventory is all but depleted and she said absolutely.
So, while I am excited to be heading in this new direction in life, I am also very pleased to see that my bar soaps will once again be available at Mountain Man during this time of transition.
The bars will take a few weeks to cure, and not all scents will be available, but they will be on the shelves in time for the busy market season. I am a bit surprised to feel such relief over this!
But what is the correlation between bar soaps and Earth Day, you ask?
My bar soaps are more natural than most. They are created with organic, sustainable, and fairly traded ingredients…no need for chemical preservatives. They use very little packaging (which has been recycled and is recyclable). Lightweight and easy to ship as well. No leaky messes. I could go on and on…
Your turn. Are you doing something special in honor of Earth Day? Do you make your own natural products? Or maybe you have tips for us, on how to live simply so that others may simply live? If so, do tell!
by Valynne | Jan 28, 2010 | Friends of Caretaking Couple, Simple Living |
It is almost the big Heart Day and I have a few things to say about it and am hoping you do too. I know a lot of us are disgruntled with consumerism run amuk and that Valentine’s Day is now seen by many as just another ploy from the greeting card/floral industries to guilt us into spending too much. This got me to thinking and recollecting…mostly recollecting.
What I am thinking is this; most of us are pretty happy when someone they care about (or even a stranger, for that matter) goes out of their way to be thoughtful. And, for most of us, the thoughtfulness does not require mass amounts of stuff (I said most of us). I very much hope we all have touching Valentine’s Day stories that back up my theory. Here are a few of mine.
When I was in fourth or maybe fifth grade my mom wrote all of my fellow students’ names on their Valentine’s cards in Calligraphy. Lots of these kids kept these Valentines in their desk long after the big day because they felt special every time they saw their name all pretty-like on those cheap little see-through white envelopes. Thank you for doing that, mom.
A decade or so later, my then boyfriend Tom wanted to give me a Valentine but had little money. He handed me a single red rose with a ribbon attached. Tied to the ribbon was an abalone shell ring. Tom died last year at forty years old and even though we had fallen out of touch I will always treasure that ring and how special he made me feel that day.
My friend Mary loves hearts and so do I. A couple of years ago my friend Laurie helped me make heart soaps in honor of Mary for Dakota Blonde’s Annual Valentine Show raffle. Last year, during the concert, Mary surprised me with three beautiful black and white photos of the band, one in a sweet antiquey silver frame. Warm Fuzzies.
As for the pot pie you see pictured above, this was not a Valentine – but the bonus red pepper heart brought much happiness that day and this photo pretty much sums up what I am getting at. I was a very happy woman…all for under five bucks (can’t remember – may have even gotten an employee discount on it).
And now, for my favorite Valentine’s Day story…Paul and I had our first date on Feb 12th, 2006. We had such a nice time that we decided to meet again the next night. Instead, I ended up in the ER (car accident) and don’t remember that Valentine’s Day at all (pain meds) but I do remember him picking me up at the hospital and taking me back to his house and nursing me back to health for the next several days. He has been my Valentine ever since : )
I am pretty sure I don’t need to tell you this…but it would be great to hear some of your very own Valentine’s stories : ) Just click the comment link above and type away.
PS I have nothing against cards and flowers. I love them both. I just think we could all use a little reminding that there are lots and lots of (inexpensive) ways to love and be loved. Here’s wishing us all extra X’s and O’s this Valentines Day!
by Valynne | Jan 12, 2010 | Simple Living, Travel |
Geox Womens Dress Shoes
I found these darling shoes at Housing Works Thrift Shop on Columbus for $8. This, from their website:
The Housing Works Thrift Shops occupy seven upscale locations in New York City, selling high-end vintage treasures to bargain hunters and fashionistas alike. The Thrifts not only provide more than $12 million in funding per year, but also ensure a supply of clothing and essentials for our clients.
I love these shoes! And I found a Paul Theroux read for Paul for $4.50. Now, off we go to MEZZOGIORNO in Soho for some Italian eats…more later…
by Valynne | Dec 14, 2009 | Causes We Believe In, Simple Living |
Affordability
Can we, as individuals afford to give what has been deemed socially acceptable in our human circles? Can we, as a global community, afford it? If not, then let this be the year we begin (or continue) to change our habits for the better.
Sustainability
Are our purchases improving societies and eco-systems or destroying them? Let us all try to wrap our heads and hearts around this question and honor the answers this Holiday Season.
Brick and Mortar
Our Indie businesses need us now. What may seemingly cost more up front can ultimately save our communities on a global scale. Please let’s support our local shopkeepers and restauranteurs who in turn support our local artisans and producers and economy in general.
Alternative Gifting
Giving does not need to involve the spending of money we cannot really afford to spend. Writing a poem, singing a song, handmaking a card, baking a treat, infusing a bath oil, shovelling a driveway, teaching a skill, walking a dog, sharing a photo…the posibilities are endless.
Gratitude
A gift is a gift, be it humble or grand . Let us give what we can to those we want to give to, and let us receive with gratitude in our hearts. Happy Holidays, everyone!
by Valynne | Dec 7, 2009 | Simple Living, Social Media Experiments, Writers and Readers |
Got Thoughts?
Thanks to Keeping in Touch (Part I) I received several letters these past few weeks, each one deliciously written by hand. Highlights include a card with teacups and coffee mugs on it’s cover, bought along with an assortment at an estate sale. The letter inside was thick and juicy, it’s author having been a writer of newspaper articles at one time. Then there was the sparkly fairy card with a photo and new (and exciting) business card enclosed – how fun is that? Then, the card-as-art; sweet black and white satin-like dress flowing in the wind, handmade with such detail that everyone who saw it wanted to know if cardmaking was what the giver did for a living. And the fuzzy fall flower card. I even received a post-it note attached to a pair of dual purpose pink slippers (they polish the hardwood floors – I am not kidding). I have not worn them, because they are considered my first Christmas present and are going under the Christmas tree…You are getting the idea, I am sure…each piece of mail gave me pause for thought and sentiment. Delightful, really.
This year, I am writing out Christmas cards. In time for Christmas. I did this religiously when I was younger. The older generation still makes this a priority and I am determined to keep the tradition alive. Are you writing out Christmas cards? And yes, sending picture postcards of your kids totally counts in my book. A picture; a thousand words. I love pictures of other peoples kids! Or their new home, or their animals. LOVE THEM. I save them and savour them years later. Let that be some consolation to those of you who I have let down over the years in the “keeping in touch” department.
Thank you to everyone who has kept in touch by commenting on our blog. Tomorrow is the last date to enter your comment(s) into our First Annual Christmastime Contest drawing. I will announce the lucky winner before bedtime tomorrow night…
