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Pickles! We love pickles so much. I’m surprised that we haven’t made any of our own (other than quick refrigerator pickles). I bought these sour sweethearts from the local grocery store, Deli 4 You, in Algonquin – where you can source your bulk pickles directly …
More Cabbage! This one – a nice tablescape featuring purple cabbage and a black cat. In all seriousness, cabbage feels like one of those foods that is connected to my DNA. Whether it was a juicy cabbage roll or assertive sauerkraut or tomatoey cabbage soup …
Nothing goes better with cabbage than cabbage. It’s a real winter staple and a refreshing summer slaw. Cabbage is a real keeper all year long. We cooked it up last night in the Czech fashion – which is braised, sweet and sour. To make Czech …
Calling All Artists! Writers! and Makers!!!!! It’s time to apply to the 2023 Spring Bird’s Artist Residency Program!!! This Residency is for anyone wanting to finish that project they’ve been meaning to complete, OR for those dreaming of something new that they’d like to develop …
Ice cream has always been a big part of Pat and my relationship. In particular we have been devoted to Dairy Queen. It was a perfect destination and provided a sweet opportunity to be together sharing stories over spoonfuls of blizzards. Now a family of …
Okay, here is a hot, steamy cup of coffee – ornament for this cold, wintry day! I embroidered a rooster on this soft-sculptural mug because my very favorite coffee mug has a rooster on it. Also roosters famously crow in the morning, and that is …
My morning coffee is my most cherished ritual. I have waxed lyrical about it many times and have generated devotional art to it. In March of 2020, when everyone stormed the stores for toilet paper and bottled water, I amassed armfuls of chocolate and coffee. …
Mooooo! Here is my ornamental tribute to the Mothers of Butter – to the true Dairy Queens – our utterly beloved barnyard animals – Cows. What are your favorite ways to showcase butter in your meals? Butter on toast? Sitting on the top of a …
This week, our local food came to us from the farm located across the street from us. All Grass Farms cultivates pasture raised meat, raw milk, and organic eggs. In addition to a well stocked farm store, they offer CSA boxes, farm tours, and a …
Inspired by our trip to the local Organic Rootz shop, I sewed this green smoothie ornament from various scraps. I love green smoothies because they feel indulgent and nutritious at the same time. This ornament: Measures approximately 7.5” x 4” Is made from upcycled and …
We ended our winter break with our first trip to Organic Rootz, a health food store that is located just down the road from us in Algonquin. I’ve been meaning to visit for a LONG while. To be honest, we are much more likely to …
The phrase, “The sun is out!” has been repeated several times in my household today. Winter, in this part of the world, provides us with a bevy of grey days. We have so many grey days that the occasional presence of sun feels outstanding and …
Happy Full Moon!!!! It’s the first full moon of 2023, and I am looking forward to drawing and painting more this year. I felt a bit rusty making this image in my sketchbook yesterday, and so, I’m looking forward to devoting more time to practicing …
We love eating sandwiches at our house. (Who doesn’t?) But Winter’s cold weather can make the usual cold cuts seem too cool to warm our hearts. And so we are delighted to have recently discovered a hot sandwich to warm us on chilly nights. It’s …
Winter can feel interminable and impenetrable – especially during the grey days of February, and it’s poems like this one from Maria Carvalho that remind us that the grey is not permanent and indeed permeable. There is always sun behind that heavy bank of clouds! …