Domino Problem

I've got hangups. One of them involves doing things in order, and while at first blush that might sound orderly and wise, it's not. It's a problem.

Sometimes I get all wrapped up in the idea that tasks are like dominos, all lined up and waiting for me to get to them. If I don't do x, then I clearly can't do y. The silly thing is that all of the obstacles are really just in my head. Pure inventions of the procrastinator or perfectionist--take your pick. I spin my own wheels a lot trying to figure out which thing is best done first, and sometimes I avoid doing it altogether because I don't want to start an entirely new chain of tasks.

Now that I've put some of my dirty laundry out here on the blog, I'm going to go clean a closet in the studio. Because goodness knows I won't be able to make any paintings for the art show if the studio isn't clean, and I can't go to the studio unless the dishes are done, and I can't do the dishes unless I put away the girls' toys, and speaking of dirty laundry--I've got at least two loads to fold before I.....

SO. How much painting do you think I'll get to this afternoon? And if I have so much to do, then how do I have time to blog? Hmmmm.

My name is Esme

and I like to dance.

Here are a few scenes from our latest adventure, a visit with several old friends.


Between dancing and eating and walking playing and exploring, Esme and Ada had a wonderful time.



Esme fell in love with her new backpack, a gift from Miss Alicia....


Even when she is almost melting, and ready for another nap.

It was a great week, and a nice way to recharge. And, as Ada said, "This is really fun because you don't have any chores or anything do do, except play with us!" Exactly!

Hedgehog set

I love hedgehogs, and so does my partner for a swap. So I put this little set together for her with a little hedgie fabric and some lovely wool felt.


I put a new detail into this needlecase, too--a cute little pocket for embroidery scissors. I like it so much, I think I'm going to start adding a pocket to all my cases this size.


Here's another view with the pocket peeking out, and the little blink of the button. I love these buttons--simple, but so sweet.



I also made a matching pincushion, using a pattern created by my dear friend, Bari. Her pincushion tutorial, which is hugely helpful, is here. Check out blog, Bari J, and her handbag shop while you're there. But be careful! Her blog is addictive, and her shop is full of so many adorable bags and accessories, you'll want to get one of everything.

My first ATC

Owls seem to be the latest theme for me....
Made with paper, acrylic, stamps, sticks, etc, this card makes me smile.


Sending it out to Cassie tomorrow.

More swap goodies

A knitting needle case for a swap with Jenny.


A closer look at the front. I made lots of pockets, and included a matching needlecase for sharps. And that's my first attempt at sculpy clay--some needles to match the fabric. Fun.


I used my latest favorite fabrics. Even the scissors has a lined little pocket.




The closed case, all wrapped up and ready to go.



And something beautiful I received as--lucky me--a thank-you gift from my swappy friend Kay! It's an ikebana flower arranger, made from stone. I just love it. And thanks to my dear husband, our garden is bursting with hydrangeas and astilbe that simply beg to be in a vase as graceful as this one.

le 14 juillet!

I admit it, I'm a francophile. So to honor our gallic friends, we made a great dish of poulet fait comme des grenouilles, which is just chicken cooked frog-leg style. Yum. Served with a galette des pommes de terre (potato and apple bake), and it was, well, deliciouse!

Here's the recipe, for those of you interested, with a nod to a similar recipe in Jacques Pepin's Fast Food My Way.

for the poulet a la grenouille
3 chicken breasts, skinless, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
half cup flour, for dredging
3-4 stalks of each of the following fresh herbs:
parsley, thyme, oregano, tarragon, chives
half teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pulverize the herbs into fine bits, either with a knife or food processor. Combine the flour and the salt, and dredge the chicken to coat it well. Heat a frying pan to medium high, add the olive oil. Add the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat all sides with oil. Once the chicken starts to brown a bit, add the half the herbs and the diced garlic. Stir from time to time, cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown. Check a few pieces to make sure it's cooked through. Just before you pull it off the stove, add the second half of the herbs and the lemon juice. Serve hot.

For the galette:
6 medium sliced potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (either with a knife or in a food processor or mandoline)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
5 sprigs thyme, chopped finely
4 fresh sage leaves, chopped finely
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons heavy cream
three-quarter cup of applesauce

Coat an oven-proof pan with the oil, then arrange the potato slices in the pan in a concentric pattern, overlapping each slice. Between the layers, sprinkle the salt a bit, then the garlic and herbs, then a bit of the butter. Continue alternating until the pan is full. Drizzle the cream and applesauce over the top, then cook on the stovetop over medium high for 10 minutes, until the pan is sizzling. Remove the pan from the stove and put it into a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, or until the top of the pan is golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges in the pan, or turn the whole thing onto a plate and serve at the table.

As Julia says, Bon appetit!

Teetering Toddler

New shoes, new look.