Tonia Davenport

I've Moved!

2007-02-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try living over at Typepad (I may not like it, and move back--that's entirely possible). If you are one of the few kind souls who regularly reads this silly blog of mine, then please go to my new address: www.toniadavenport.typepad.com and let me know you stopped by. I'd hate to be in a new place and not have any friends, to boot.

(And Blogger--no hard feelings--I tell everyone who wants to start a blog and wants it to be EASY, to go to Blogger. Typepad, as of so far, is NOT easy. Just so you know. But I'm giving it a try, in hopes that I'll be able to do more with my blog, design-wise.)

Snow Weekend

2007-02-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness our second big round of snow decided to make its entrance yesterday, instead of during the week. Lots of snow on a three-day weekend is fine with me. It can be pretty this way, and not as much of an annoyance. I guess next week it will all be gone because we're going to warm up, so I'll enjoy it while it's here.

Yesterday I experimented with a plexi ring and with marrying shrink plastic to plexi (the silver stars are actually shrink plastic!) I'm still in the designing stage for the book and am playing around with different options. And I'll be doing a lot more of that today just as soon as I get motivated to get my exercise out of the way, I've had a yummy weekend breakfast and I've made a pot of Verona. I'll let you know what comes out of the lab!

Operation Gratitude!

2007-02-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my seesters for alerting me to how easy it is to create your own six degrees charity badge, I'm joining the ranks and asking you to join me in supporting a cause that I am most passionate about--giving back to our country's miliary men and women, if only in a small way. I've been a supporter of Operation Gratitude for two years now. They send letters and care packages to our troops, providing a welcome relief to the stress of the typical work day. If you feel as indebted as I do to the people who risk their lives daily so that you can continue to do what you do everyday, just as you're doing it now, please join me in supporting this great organization.

Snow Day!

2007-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

The icy, power's-out-all-over, tree-limbs-are-down-on-many-roads conditions, promted our good company president to declare our office closed for the day. Yippee!! While it makes for horrific driving, and trecherous things falling from above, the ice certainly is pretty and I was thanking my lucky stars that I could enjoy it from the comfort of my warm home today. Sheesh--what a strange and unusually bad winter we all are having this year.

I took advantage of my free day and played around with some more techniques for the book. Out of some of this playing came this necklace, which really didn't photograph too well, but came out kind of nicely I think. I haven't worked with this coated wire nearly as much as the talented Jane and I think it's going to take some practice, but I like the look of it with the plexi!

We typically go out for dinner on Valentine's Day, but I was much to content in my pajamas to go out this evening, so my special Valentine is going to make a run here to bring us back one of my favorite ways to have pizza--take 'n bake! I'm going for the bar-b-que chicken.

I'm sure tomorrow we'll all be back to work as usual, but it was fun to have an unexpected extra day at home. Happy Valentine's Day!

Six of Me

2007-02-08T01:24:00.000-08:00

I know you've Google-ed yourself before (and if you haven't, you're living in a different world than I am) but have you ever checked to see how many people really do have your name?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
6
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

I guess out of 299,968,595 people, I can still consider myself unique. I wonder how many of the five other Tonia Davenports have hazel eyes, pizza as their favorite food, lived in Utah, Washington and Ohio, drink their lattes through a straw and can name all 50 states in alphabetical order . . . huh, huh? That's what I thought!

Check . . .Check . . . Check . . .

2007-01-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

Well, we're only entering the fourth week of the new year, and I've already managed to tackle several things on my "birthday" list. Many of the things are ongoing (like posting at least once a week and eating more avocados--which might prove to be a problem with the freezing weather the poor avocado farmers have recently faced . . .) so when I say "tackled" I really mean that I've at least been working on said-goals thus far. There is one big goal that was on the list, and I'm excited to share with you, that while it's far from complete, I at least have a promising start on it. As of yesterday, I learned that I'm going to be publishing another book! A title has yet to be decided, but it's going to be a book of 20 or so projects that all use some sort of plastic (primarily plexiglas, but occasionally shrink plastic and vinyl). Those of you who know me well, know how much I love working with this stuff, so I'm just pleased as punch to be able to actually publish a book on the amazing possibilities with this stuff. I can't share vivid photos of the projects with you, but the above pics are details from some of the preliminary pieces. Does it make you curious??

Finding New Territory

2007-01-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've always respected and felt great compassion for the lowly earthworm (well, and any other variety of worm). I feel the same way about spiders, but that is a topic for another day . . . This morning I was enlightened with a bit of new information about my slithery friends that I was surprised and happy to receive. NOTE: If you would be bored out of you mind reading about my seemingly trite worm trivia and about my little experience with a single worm, then please stop here.

When I went in to feed the cats this morning, there was a sole worm on my white linoleum, just inside the back door. I wasn't surprised to see this little guy because it rained all night, last night and was still raining this morning (and is still raining now, and so it will continue all day.) Sometimes little creatures are able to work their way under the weather stripping of our door, to escape the harsh elements outside. While I knew my little friend came inside because of the rain, I knew his fate would be even worse if he stayed inside, so I opened the door and placed him safely on the porch. I figured he could decide if he wanted to return to the garden bed to his left, continue on the cement for a bit or make another go to get back inside, but I would have done what I could to save him.

And then I started thinking; do worms really come out from below the surface when it rains because they get flooded out and can't handle the overload of ground water? If you're like me, that's what you've heard and you just have always assumed it's true. But I was now worried about the fate of my little friend, and I wanted to know for sure, so I looked for information on the Internet. Thanks to the Journey North site, I learned that this isn't true! I also learned a lot of other interesting facts about worms that I didn't know before. So, as it turns out, worms surface so they can move overland at a much quicker rate than they could underground, and sometimes they wish to do this to explore new territory (you know, like when they're bored with where they've been for a while.) A worm's skin must be kept moist, and if it gets dried out they can't breathe. Also, light paralyzes them if they're in it for more than an hour, so you don't normally see them on a dry day, but when it rains they can take advantage of short jaunts, quickly and safely. Turns out that they can actually survive to several weeks under water, if there's enough oxygen in the water to support them. So there you go. Who knew? Well now we both do.

I find this information very timely as I feel that I'm about to start exploring some serious new territory of my own. As I've said, I think this year is going to be full of new adventures and just as the worm feels it's "safe to move about the cabin" when it rains, I feel the "seat belt" sign on my own existence has been diffused a bit and I'm feeling more confident to explore new areas than I ever have before. (Which has nothing to do with the rain, by the way.)

I'm off to see a movie with a friend today, so I better go get ready . . .though I don't know if I should even bother drying my hair :-\

The Reason I AM

2007-01-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

We are all a composite of genetic mish-mash and social influence (gone badly in many cases) and who we are even changes minutely day-to-day. But a huge part of how I came to be me is due to my Mother. My Mother thinks she is/was a so-so mom and that there are so many things she could have done better. Well I'm here to say that I have a WONDERFUL Mother who has never left any doubt in my mind that I am loved and a unique individual. I don't wish to solicit the playing of tiny violins, but I was one of those kids who was really made fun of from about 1st grade through 8th grade. I won't repeat the names I was called because it's irrelevant, but it really did a number on my self-esteem, and it took me years and years to really begin to love myself and see my true worth. But my Mother--she has always seen my true worth and don't think she didn't try to get me to see it on a weekly basis.

Have you see the movie, Pay it Forward? It's one of my all-time favorites (albeit so, so sad). If you have, do you remember the part in movie near the end where Trevor records the interview of talking about his mom? That part makes me bawl every time because it's exactly how I feel about my own Mother. She was constantly telling me that I was so special, so unique and had so much to offer. I never believed her of course and in my mind she was just saying that because she was my Mother and she couldn't help herself. But even though I shrugged her comments aside, a part of her words were absorbed into my subconscious and I think it's really the only thing that kept me going sometimes. There was always this small glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, even though no one seemed to think I was very interesting and I was the last to get picked for any team, maybe a small part of what she always said was true and that all of these stupid kids around me just couldn't see it yet.

My Mother is very creative and was always quick to nurture my creative side. I remember loving that she had a certain "gypsiesque" quality to her that I never saw in any of my friends' mothers, and I knew I had someone special. I wish my Mother loved herself as much as I love her. She is a great cook, and she was always one of those walking encyclopedias that I could ask any question to and she'd always, always have an answer. She never talked to me in baby-talk and I attribute my slightly larger than average vocabulary to the fact that she never was afraid to use words she knew I didn't know. Eventually, I always caught on. She has always had a lot of class and I was always very proud of her in public. I know she wishes that I inherited her love of highheel shoes and manicures, yet she always let me be ME and never made me feel less of a girl or woman for it.

Two sayings I most remember from my Mother: "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride" (I hated it when she said that!) and "Better than a poke in the eye, with a sharp stick" (a way of always realizing it could be worse . . .) Thanks to my Mother, I have a healthy fear of processed food (I'm not saying I never eat it, but I'm conscientious of it). And I grew to love vegetables. Thanks to my Mother, I have a healthy (vs. an extremist) feminist view (girls rock) and a tolerance for those of every religion. Thanks to my Mother, I have strong legs, a strong mind and a strong drive to keep going when wimps would quit. Thanks to my Mother, I'm not afraid to try new flavors, new places, and any other new things. Thanks Mom--I love you.

January 8

2007-01-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again. ~Menachem Mendel Schneerson

I think of my birthday as the first day of a new 365-day journey and I'm always packed, ready to go, and eager to see what the new adventure brings. Salut!

A Moment of Reflection

2007-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

I love this New-Year-time of year, where the previous year has just gracefully left (leaving many happy Christmas memories at its close) and the new year is ahead. I always feel such a great sense of hope and excitement at the great things that lie ahead of me, which I don't even know about yet! This time of year also brings with it my birthday (which I share with Elvis, David Bowie and Soupy Sales--ha, ha, ha!) and I think that makes the time of reflection even more poignant. In just a couple of days I'll turn 38 and I've compiled a list that I will keep on my desktop of 38 things I want to accomplish before I'm 39. And these things are by no means in order of importance.

1. Learn how to work on my own website (see numbers 19 and 20)

2. Eat at least three avocados a month (they're so nutritious--I just always forget about them)

3. Tour the Velvet Ice Cream factory

4. Make my own pasta

5. Read The Omnivore's Dilemma and heed some of its advice (I really want to cut down on the number of artificial and processed ingredients I consume--most of the time in the name of convenience)

6. Post to my blog at least once a week (though I take what I had for lunch fairly seriously, so if bore the rest of you with my culinary adventures, forgive me . . .)

7. Wear more (a.k.a. some) eyeliner (ay carumba)

8. Attend at least one Art and Soul event

9. Add a second workbench to my studio

10. Try the new Irish pub restaurant, not far from my house

11. Make at least ten recipes from Rocco's Italian American (great book--I LOVE the design)

12. Visit my Mother (and along with her, the rest of my family, the desert I love, Sedona and my friend, Josie) at least twice

13. Finagle some way to see my seester-friends at least once, somewhere . . .

14. See a live race at Keeneland

15. Visit a large body of water (this can be Lake Michigan or an ocean)

16. Sew a garment for myself (I haven't done this since home-ec in high school)

17. Take an Amtrak trip

18. Have a pizza party (not too challenging for me, I know, but still . . .)

19. Acquire some web design software

20. Get a digital video camera and learn to upload videos to my website

21. Leave more surprise gifts

22. Make more gifts than buy them (I'm quite guilty of using the Internet at the last minute)

23. Learn the basics of playing the bagpipes

24. Take an overnight trip with Margi

25. Grow my hair out another four inches

26. Dye and spin some wool (I've yet to try either, but have wanted to)

27. Eat at Cafe Istanbul

28. Make a blueberry pie

29. Visit the observatory

30. Have more communication with my brother

31. Get a decent food processor

32. Listen to three audio books in the car

33. Publish another book

34. Knit Linda a scarf

35. Learn 12 new Italian words or phrases

36. See my friend Denise

37. Publish three magazine articles

38. Teach another workshop

(Not that I need an reassurance in this, but when you have to make a list of 38 things, you really realize how big of a number that is. Sheesh.) I suppose this comes in the spirit of "new year's resolutions", which I know many people are "against" but for anyone who is a hopeless optimist like myself, what are some of your resolutions? Am I the only one who currently does not wear eyeliner?

I Say, Repeal!

2006-12-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Repeal Day!! Who knew that today was such a great holiday?? I am happy to spread the word about the recognition of such an important date in history. Salut! And thank-you Brownie Points for bringing this to my attention. (Also, thank-you for endorsing egg nog--there are not enough people in this world who appreciate this fine concoction.)

As you can see, I've received two more ornaments from my swap. The cute dress was from Julie and the quilted star, from Meagan. This is so much fun! Five more to come . . .

Loving every minute of it

2006-12-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

(No, I'm not a huge Loverboy fan . . .) But I am a HUGE fan of Christmas time and I've been very caught up in the festivities of the season thus far. (Which, um, for me . . .starts the week before Thanksgiving.) One thing I'm very excited to be involved in this year is an ornament swap! I received my first ornament in the mail yesterday (thanks, Janet!) It's a very lovely paper snowflake. I'm a very big fan of cleverly folded paper and this ornament is awesome. I contributed PEACE ornaments and got them all wrapped (as you can see, Marcus was a big help) and mailed on Saturday. I hope they all arrive to my swap mates safely.

The last couple of days here were annoyingly warm. I'm sorry, but 65 degrees before the sun even comes up is just wrong for the end of November. It's nice and blustery out this morning, and may snow by afternoon. Now that is what yummy seasonal drinks are all about! (Click on the It's Red Again link, if you go to Starbuck.com. You can send a great card to someone from there--very funny.) Another thing I've really been enjoying this year is Sarah Mclachlan's new holiday CD. Her version of River is so sweetly sad (as Sarah usually is and that's why I love her :-) and I also really, really enjoy her version of Lennon's Happy X-mas (one of my all time favorites). What are you enjoying this season?

A Taste Test of the Best Kind

2006-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

It's a rainy Saturday morning here in the Cincinnati area, so I found it the perfect

time to conduct a hot chocolate taste test, that I've been wanting to try all week. The contenders: Bellagio and Mexicocoa (which is Cost Plus World Market's replacement for Mocafe. What was wrong with Mocafe?? I loved Mocafe, and despite my requests for them to special order it, they have gone and substituted this stuff. So . . .I had to at least try it.) Can you already predict which one tasted better? It's obvious, isn't it? Yes . . . the Bellagio won hands-down. Though the Mexicocoa, really isn't bad, and when I'm in the mood for that spiciness, it will fit the bill. But the Bellagio Sipping Chocolate . . . oh. my. stars. Let's compare the ingredients lists, and anyone who knows me knows, I'm all about the quality ingredients: Bellagio; 100% pure cocoa powder, pure cane sugar, chocolate liquor, and cocoa butter. Mexicocoa; Sugar, Dutch cocoa, whey, non fat dry milk (are you catching the drift here?), canola oil (seriously), corn syrup solids (omg, why in the hell did I even buy this--I mean, it's not as if I didn't read all of this in the store . . .), cinnamon, natural and artificial flavors (why?), nutmeg, cloves, allspice, guar gum, salt. Yeah. But, as I said, it's not as if the Mexicocoa is bad--it's not. It just can't hold a candle to the esctasy of its competitor. Am I boring you out of your mind? Well, let me assure you, if you love drinking chocolate, you owe it to yourself to try this stuff.

A rainy day is the perfect day to work on something creative indoors. I'm going to see if I can come up with a prototype for my holiday ornament swap. Results to come.

Tomorrow will be very exciting because I get to do the best thing in life (eat and drink) with three of my favorite people. Life is sweet.

It's a Dump

2006-10-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well, suffice it to say that the pumpkin cheesecake was a non-success. And I really don't care to revisit the details this soon after the incident, so we'll leave it at that.

On a more positive note . . .I tried the dump cake recipe that was featured in last month's Real Simple, in an article by Adriana Trigiani. Her recipe is actually for what she calls Dolly Parton Dump Cake because she perfected it at a time that she was a writer on a Dolly Parton television project. My version came out less as what I would call a cake, and more like a saucy pudding, but it was quite tasty, and with some adjusting could be even better. The ingredients are super simple: 1 box of yellow cake mix, 1 can of crushed pineapple, 1 can of cherry pie filling, 1 can of blueberry pie filling and 1 stick of butter. I substituted a can of apple filling for the cherry, and I think my cans of pie filling must have been larger than the authors. I think the pineapple and 1 can of filling probably would have been perfect. The last photo before the piece went into the oven looks like I spread shredded cheese over the whole thing, but actually that is the frozen butter, made "sprinkle-able" with the help of a cheese grater. We're going to have more of this tonight, warmed up and served with ice cream. Mmmmm. . .

Life's Finest Moments

2006-10-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days that defines life's greatest moments. As Donna Fargo would say, "I'm the happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A." This morning I got to see my very dear friends, and seesters, Linda and Karen, LIVE on The View!! I was so giddy, sitting there two feet from my TV, watching them magically appear behind a table, next to Rosie. They looked beautiful and were smooth as butter. I wished Rosie would have let them talk more, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. And I know their segment made an impression on thousands of others at the same time because Amazon sales are through the roof now! I'm just so darn proud, and I'm a bit farklempt at the moment . . .excuse me . . .

Okay. I'm back. I wish I lived in New York and could attend their book signing this evening, but they know I am there in spirit.

Up and Down

2006-10-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

UP
My new, Senseo coffee maker and two packages of pods arrived, so I've had something fun to play with.

I love how easy it is to use--much less messy with the grounds being confined inside a pod.

It's also very fast and it makes the coffee hot.

I like the foam it leaves on top when the cup is done.

No pot to wash! It brews right into the cup.

DOWN
The coffee pods that came with the machine taste terrible.

It's very noisy.

Residual water is left in the machine each time you're done with it and you can't get it out without flushing it with just more water then next time you go to use it, because you don't want yesterday's or last week's water in your cup (as far I can tell--unless I'm an idiot . . .which is totally possible)

Senseo sent this machine to me free of charge, with the understanding that I would talk about it to others and on my blog, so that's what you're getting here. I really do not like their brand of coffee, but then I'll admit, I am a coffee (and chocolate) snob, and as I've mentioned in previous posts, I prefer the taste strong. However, I believe that other brands of pods can be used with this machine, and I will check those out. I've also experimented with making my own, after seeing a couple of other people try it, and post about it on their blogs. I just think that going to that much trouble defeats the purpose of this machine. I was hoping to be able to use this at work, but I'm afraid the first time I used it, I'd be involuntarily evacutating the entire second floor, who would fear the noise was the collapsing of the building. And that would be embarrassing. But overall, I think Phillips has a fine product and if they'd just get some decent coffee to go with their package. I have ordered some pods from here, so we'll see how those measure up. If I had my choice, I'd love Verona pods!

Speaking of my favorite coffee company, have you all tried the Maple Macchiato yet? Three words: Oh. My. Dreaminess. And I thought the Pumpkin Spice was good. Any other fall goodies I should know about? I'm going to attempt a pumpkin cheesecake today. If it's good, I'll share (uh, the recipe that is) xo, Tonia

Ok, What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

2006-09-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend and fellow seester said she would rather know what kind of chocolate she was, than what color purple. I aim to please.

You are Dark Chocolate

You live your life with intensity, always going full force.
You push yourself (and others) to the limit... you want more than you can handle.
An extreme person, you challenge and inspire the world!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

At least I'm consistently dark . . .

Dark Purple

2006-09-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

What a fun way to start a Saturday morning! Thanks Leslie, for posting this great link. It looks like I'm dark purple. Which color are you?

Dark Purple

To others, you seem a bit dark, mysterious, and moody.
In truth, you are just a very unique person who doesn't care what others think.
And you really enjoy your offbeat interests and friends.
You've decided that life is about living for yourself - simple as that.

What Color Purple Are You?

Today I'm going to check out Craftin' Outlaws in Columbus. If I'm impressed by anything/anyone there, you'll be the first (or second . . .) to know!

Up and Down

2006-09-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Current Ups and Downs:

UP
Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Chai Lattes and my new pumpkin-colored mug.

Temps of 46 during my morning jog, and highs during the day of 60! I love it!

Celebrating a birthday with a good friend.

Being inspired to make new art, after spending a great week with Jane.

New Rachael Ray in my mailbox, along with Food Every Day and Cooking Light--all in one week--yippee!!

DOWN
Being "too old" to be able to tolerate coaster-type rides, and having the first attempt give me a headache that lasts the rest of the night. Sheesh--it looked fun . . .

Herb popcorn that tastes like it's been out of the bag for three days, even when you first open it.

Dealing with changes of being introduced to something new that I'm certain will be the equivalent of two steps back. (But to be fair, I'm trying to withhold judgement until all of the cards are on the table [or at least a month has passed]).

Mojo 94.9 going off the air today! I will miss my morning Keith and Laura!

Lazy Day

2006-09-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Yeserday marked the end to a wonderful week. I got to spend the entire week with Jane, who taught me so many clever and cool techniques, and I feel very lucky to have gotten my own personal "workshop" in a manner of speaking. Let me tell you--this is going to be one fantastic book! So, to celebrate the successful end to a hardworking (albeit fun work) week, I took it easy yesterday with my new cup, chai latte, and a stack of magazines. Chessie was taking it easy as well, as you can see.

I also ventured out to the book store, to see if Josie's book was on display, like it was supposed to be. While I was there, I picked up some more evening reading material and I'm excited to dig into both books, but I think I'll read this first, then this.

Today, we are going to King's Island, which neither of us have been to in about four years (even though it's only about four miles from our house), so it will be fun! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Good Books

2006-08-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

While I was on vacation, I had the chance to read like nobody's business. I thought would do more knitting, but as it turned out, all I wanted to do in our moments of down time was to keep reading. I really enjoyed all of the following books, and they were all so totally different from one another that it keep things exciting.
1) Bread Alone, by Judith Hendricks
2) The Greatest Man in Cedar Hole by Stephanie Doyton
3) The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (this was my favorite)
4) Bridget Jone's Diary by Helen Fielding (hey, I know I'm in the minority, but while I've seen the movie, I had never read the book, and you know, it's really even funnier than the movie)

I also watched two made for television movies (via Netflix) that I really loved:
1) Broken Trail
2) Loves Comes Softly
(My family, myself included, has a thing for westerns and frontier-types)

Missing Fish Tacos

2006-08-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

While I was in Phoenix, my Mom and I went to Rubio's twice for their awesome street fish tacos especial. I don't know how they make them so good, but there is nothing else like them anywhere, so it's something I really look forward to whenever I visit. I also sampled the blackened fish tacos from Sam's Cafe, when I went there with Linda and Karen. They are in the top photo. I liked these too, but they were typical of "restauant-style" fish tacos that you can get at Cheesecake Factory, Mimi's and so on. Good, but just not the same as Rubio's.

In addition to temping photos of what I ate, I've also attached a photo of some of the work my students completed in my Art Unraveled class! I was so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people in my first-ever AU class. Everyone was super-supportive and very understanding when I accidentally brought the wrong size bolts for one project. I had a great time and I hope the creative individuals in the class left with a new appreciation for alternative framing solutions.

Next time, I'll tell you about the books I read while I could read for hours a day (what a luxury that was! Not that I don't read all day at work, but this was different.)

Home From the Desert

2006-08-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

I made it home from a wonderful vacation yesterday. The last two weeks are filled with great memories of spending quality time with my family, as well as getting in some cherished friend-time with my seesters, Linda and Karen, and also with my great pal Josie. There are so many details, I don't know where to start. Josie, being the queen of vintage artifacts and expert on downtown Phoenix took me all around to her favorite haunts, including two gorgeous stores with the nicest people working in them: Melrose Vintage and Sage. I also will always remember the wonderful time the four of us (Linda, Karen, Josie and me) had eating lunch at North, in the beautiful Kierland Commons district. I was actually fortunate enough to eat at North twice! Once with the aformentioned company, but before that, I got to eat there with my lovely Mother. Both times I had the most wonderful pizzas!

I'll save more details from the trip for tomorrow. I think I still need one nap before I brave a return to the workforce!
xo,
Tonia

Time to hit the desert!

2006-08-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

In about twenty-four hours I'll be leaving for CVG and my long-awaited trip to Phoenix, Arizona! I'm so excited to be going out and spending time with my Mom and family. We love to cook together and it will be fun to have someone to knit with, as well. If I can get my SD card to work in Mom's computer, I will post some photos while I'm away, but if not, then certainly when I get back. I'm also really looking forward to seeing friends, Linda and Karen, and also Josie, as well as all of my artist/author friends at http://artunraveled.com/AlternativePresentation.htm. I just hope that I can still get up to see Sedona, and that it's not all burnt up. That would make me extremely sad. And while I'm gone, send encouraging thoughts over to Corey as she tries to wrap her mind around doing this wonderful new book of hers!

I leave you with my new artist's statement (wink, wink), and I want to thank Cnydi at Mazel Tov! Jewelry Treasures for alerting me to this funny link! (Too funny!)

Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
The flux creates, the body permeates. In the synoptic reality, art objects are calculations of the imaginations of the flux -- a flux that uses the body as a machine to enmesh ideas, patterns, and emotions. With the synergy of the electronic environment, the flux is approaching a point where it will be free from the body to transcend immersions into the parameters of the delphic reality. Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction contains 10 minimal quicktime engines (also refered to as "memes") that enable the user to make naive audio/visual compositions.

measuring chains, constructing realities
putting into place forms
a matrix of illusion and disillusion
a strange attracting force
so that a seduced reality will be able to spontaneously feed on it

Tonia Davenport's work investigates the nuances of vibrations through the use of slow motion and close-ups which emphasize the Mechanical nature of digital media. Davenport explores abstract and abundant scenery as motifs to describe the idea of infinite reality. Using ethereal loops, non-linear narratives, and allegorical images as patterns, Davenport creates meditative environments which suggest the expansion of culture and a clean break from a stifling psydo-awareness.

Sun, and fish tacos--here I come!

Good Friday

2006-08-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today is a good Friday. It is Friday, which is reason alone, but here are the other reasons:

1) Three great new books made it past proposal today.
2) Marissa and I got to have pancakes for lunch.
3) The temperature is about 10 degrees cooler than it has been all week.
4) The police may have captured one of the Phoenix serial killers.
5) I received an email from a friend I haven't heard from in a while.
6) Bolthouse lemonade in the refrigerator waiting for me.
7) The realization that in exactly one week, at this same time, I will be preparring a scrumptious meal with my mother and brother, whom I haven't seen for months, and I'm getting so excited to see them.
8) Two weeks from tomorrow, I'll be loving the company of fine friends, Linda and Karen, Josie and Carol and Tena at the Barnes and Noble book signing at Desert Ridge.
9) Since it's Friday, I can stay up "late" reading my great book.

Yes, a very good day. I hope you had a great day as well. Good night!

Tidbits

2006-08-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I was able to get all of my supplies cut for the class I'll be teaching at Art Unraveled. As as I was chopping wood, and snapping plexiglass, I was getting excited at all of the creative framing options that I can't wait to share. It's going to be a lot of fun. Also, while I'm in Phoenix, I'll be signing books at the multi-author Barnes and Noble event, Saturday, August 19, at 7:00, in the Desert Ridge Mall, if you're in the area. I'll be with sisters Linda Woods and Karen Dinino, Josie Cirincione, and Tena Sprenger and Carol Wingert

Yesterday I came home and found my copy of Somerset HOME in the mail! Hooray! I have an article on page 26 about yet another piect of art that I framed in a very nonconventional way. Check it out next time you're at the bookstore. It's a great special issue and has a ton of great work in it.

Well, I guess I should think about getting ready for work. It's stormy and so humid, I don't know why I even bother curling my hair! Have a great day! xo, Tonia

Up and Down

2006-07-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

This week's Up and Down gets one extra Down--losing a post that I just spend 15 minutes on, because my computer locked up. Urghh!

UP
Bertolli Skillet Meals combined with Alexia Garlic Baguette for the most delicious dinner a girl can prepare in under 15 minutes. Seriously--both of these products are un-be-lieve-able for being frozen. Seriously.
Great new blogs for my Bloglines list: DJ Pettitt, Melody Ross (I LOVE her concept of daily themes--thanks, Marissa!) and well, this isn't a blog, but it's definitely a spot I'll be making a Christmas wish list for--Fancy!
New Cooking Light in my mailbox.

DOWN
Stirrup Pants?? Oh, please tell me this isn't so--weren't these things annoying enough the last time around? I still have the marks engraved into my feet!
Being forced to iron something in this heat and humidity, because I have to dress "professionally" tomorrow (there's an important even!--more on that next time) and I don't have anything clean that's not "unprofessionally" wrinkly.
Starbucks baristas that are so deadpan and blasse, that they really ruin my experience. Sheesh, you get free coffee and pastries--lighten up!

Total Score: 7

Something to Sink My Teeth Into

2006-07-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

I know this is going to come as a huge shock, but I just love stories that are centered around food. It may have started with Like Water for Chocolate. Then of course there was Chocolat, Miranda's Vines (I loved the story, but I have to say, I really hated the last couple of chapters) and my current love, Blessed Are the Cheesemakers. Has anyone out there read this? It sure sounds like my cup of tea. Or else I was contemplating another Sarah Kate-Lynch story--By Bread Alone, which sounds good too. Then again, World of Pies sounds wonderful! Help! Does anyone have any food-fiction recommendations of their own?

Do You Trust Me?

2006-07-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

I just love personality tests, don't you? I have numerous books filled with apptitude, personality and intelligence tests, but I was looking through this one last night, and found this test especially interesting. Apparently our tendencies to be generally trustful or doubting, to some extent, are dependent on our brain's biological and neurological makeup. Our brains are constantly recreating an inner model or the actual world around us, and how we translate the outer phenomena is what keeps us all in our own unique virtual environment. We live in very separate worlds, and someone else's world would be completely foreign to us. But we learn to behave as if there were a common average world out there. The cost of fitting into a perceived community is that we experience everything as a set of labels. A fish becomes a noun, which is an agreed upon label for something that moves around in another perceived, agreed upon noun--water, and so on.

But language alone leaves many gaps and there are unspoken feelings that allow us to cross the gap, and those are trust (or love), compassion, understanding and bonding. Apparently, these feelings are all triggered by chemicals such as oxytocin, which is released when mammals mate or care for their offspring.

So, here's a test to see how trusting you are. And here all this time, I just thought I was gullible! Turns out, I'm just overflowing with oxytocin.

[Taken directly from the book]
Would you say that:
1. love and trust are probably just the effect of chemicals?
2. love and trust are far more than the effect of chemicals?
3. after making love you often feel less attracted to a lover?
4. after sex you feel closer than ever to your partner?
5. you prefer friends for their objective merits; not how you intuitively feel for them?
6. you can bond with animals just as well as people?
7. a friend or business acquanitance has to earn your trust?
8. you find people trustworthy until they prove otherwise?
9. love is just an idea dreamed up by the romantics?
10. a world without love, even flawed, is bleak indeed?
11. you dislike over-sentimentality in birthday cards?
12. you become a bit misty-eyed seeing a mare bonding with its new foal?
13. fluffy chicks seem too sentimental for an Easter service?
14. you enjoy the sight of a young creature being born?
15. you agree with the principle of trusting God but ensuring your assets are secure--just in case?
16. you would trust in God and to hell with the camel?

Key: Score yes to five or more even numbered questions, and no to more than 5 odd numbered questions, and you have a very healthy amount of oxytocin running around your system. You really enjoy the sense of bonding. You are probably trusting in your behavior and are more likely to be mostly happy.
The reverse score of no to even and yes to odd numbered questions suggets you are sharper in your judgments, clearer when dealing with used-car salesmen, but a little on the indifferent side when it comes to strong emotions.

Hmmm. Oxytocin. Who knew?

Gone Bananas

2006-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

I've never been huge fan of the plain, raw banana. Not just eaten by itself anyway. It's always kind of gacky to me to get one down. However, I love banana bread, banana creame pie and basically any other sweet concoction with bananas in it. This weekend, to ease the guilt just a tad, I ordered my usualy Cold Stone Birthday Cake Remix with a banana in it instead of a brownie! (Yeah, you're right, it wasn't as good, but still tasty.) Here are some facts about bananas that I know will make you a huge hit at your next social outting.
1) Bananas are members of the Manila hemp family.
2) East Africans enjoy a beverage known as banana wine, that wile make from bananas, actually tastes like beer.
3) Lucille Ball was fired from her drugstore job, as a kid, for forgetting to put bananas in a banana split.
4) A bunch of bananas is called a hand, with individual bananas called fingers.
5) Because of their great potassium, vitamin C and other nutrients, bananas aid in the treatment of morning sickness and hangovers.

And if you're really looking for banana entertainment, check this out!

*The above statement regarding bananas has nothing to do with my current state. I'm certain. It doesn't.

Song in my Heart

2006-07-24T05:06:00.000-07:00

There's a spring in my step this morning (and it was cool enough outside for Shelby and I to take a morning jog--making my spring all the better). I feel good about this start to the week. Perhaps it is because I am finally at peace (and dare I say, even a bit excited) with a decision that's been on my back for months, but that's not the only reason. I am blessed and here ten random reasons why:

I am loved.
I have a home that I'm happy in.
I have legs to walk, arms and hands to create, and a healthy mind.
I have a job that I love.
I can easily afford to eat.
I'm an emotional person.
I find it easy to forgive.
I know the wonderful effect animals in my life bring to me.
I'm creative.
My Mother is still alive to share things with me.

And I didn't even have to think too hard to come up with just these few--there are many more. We all have more than we even realize. Now, I'm off to experience reasons 11 and 12--chocolate chip banana cake, and a soy latte!

Meet Blue

2006-07-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I devoted most of my time to Blue. This was a watercolor that I purchased from Brad Rickerby and I had fun framing it. The project has both regular glass and plexi. I had originally planned on using just one piece of plexi over the whole thing, distressing it around the edges like I usually do, and maybe using screws to secure it to the wood, but when it came time for me to cut it, I didn't have a big enough piece. I did have plenty of regular glass scraps that were big enough, but I rarely use regular glass with these projects because you can't drill holes in it! So, I was determined to come up with a solution, and I did. I cut regular glass to the size of the textured mat, then I secured the glass in place with the two strips of plexi at the top and the bottom. To keep the plexi level where it was nailed into the wood, I added these wooden bead as washers. I have no idea where I'm going to hang Blue, because she's just so . . .blue. But, I'm not too worried. Today's agenda--tackle my first plush.

Caught a Bug

2006-07-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling especially creative today, and I'm now in a big hurry to go get my cleaning chores done so I can play! Some things that have inspired me this week, and I'm sure helped to bring on the creative bug:
I wish I knew more Spanish--I love this gal, Ana's site. Check out the paper dolls.
I'm just now coming to terms with plush, and starting to get the urge to make my own. If you want to see a huge collection, check out this. Plush You sounds like a great project.
Yesterday I got a piece in the mail that I ordered from Brad Rickerby. I'm excited to frame this, and I may get to that today. Photos to come!
I don't know that I'll be doing any felting today, though I do have some roving left over, but I think this girl, Betz White makes such cute things!

I found all of these inspiring links at Whip Up! If you don't currently frequent there, I highly suggest it. It's the best community blog I've found, and I check out a lot of blogs.

Take on TV

2006-07-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

Now that you've seen how dorky my movie list is, I highly doubt you'll be too surprised with most of my television picks. Corey requested that I list current favorites as well as all-time favorites. We haven't had cable for years, and I go to bed early (another point on my "cool" chart :-) thus my favorite way of watching TV is to rent it. I love having no commercials and being able to watch more than one episode in a row if I choose, without having to wait a whole week.

All-Time Favorites
Everybody Loves Raymond (I'm afraid to say how many years I watched this every single night in syndication. Hey, it's funny)
Law & Order (I like the original and Criminal Intent--love D'Onofrio)
CSI (older is better)
Six Feet Under
Providence
Ed
American Dreams
Early Edition
Homefront

Current Favorites
EVERWOOD
Gilmore Girls
Grey's Anatomy

(I'm sure there's more, but those are the ones that have surfaced) How about you?

Movie Traits

2006-07-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny (funny, strange, not funny, ha-ha) how we all connect with different movies? As I say that, I realize it sounds more generic than I intended. I mean, I think the thing that makes us like or not like movies (or books, or whatever) is a genetic predisposition, just like super-taster taste buds, hot-headedness, or introversion. Just as we find we share many personality traits with those we love and are friends with, we also often like the same movies, and I think that's why. Okay, I know, who cares--I'll just get on with it. Here is a list of some of my all-time favorite movies, as a snippet of my vastly complex (eh-hem) personality. Don't expect to find any underground, obscure, artsy-type films here that shout, "I'm a misunderstood, wacky creative type"--we all know I'm not that cool.

1. Moonstruck (Ask Denise, I know every line by heart)
2. Circle of Friends (Benny, I often feel like a heifer myself)
3. Return to Me (the main subject is a heart--how could I not love it?)
4. Night Shift (I've always had an unhealthy attraction to Michael Keaton)
5. Crossing Delancy ("like a piece of furniture!")
6. Family Man
7. Sense and Sensibility (I cry every damn time)
8. Muriel's Wedding
9. Pay it Forward
10. A River Runs Through It
11. Sixth Sense
12. Operation Greenlight's Stollen Summer

Tomorrow--Television (you can't wait, I know!

Up and Down, Part II

2006-07-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! Here I thought it would be a challenge to come up with three ups, and three downs, and now I'm wishing I had started with more--so, here is part II

UP
People really do read my blog. Huh, who knew?? (thanks for the comments everyone--you really made my day :-)
Bolthouse Lemonade!
All the great books and movies I find out about from reading people's blogs

DOWN
It's still too hot
The bookstore didn't have the book I wanted to read (which I decided I wanted to read when I discovered it mentioned here) so I'll just get it at Amazon. I hate waiting . . .
Being hungry, wanting dinner, but having to wait for my husband to get home!

Up and Down

2006-07-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday seems like the perfect day to start a new blog tradition--Up and Down. Three things that I feel like giving the thumbs-up to, three things that get my thumbs-down and an overall score for how I feel today, on a scale of one to ten. Ready?

UP
Garden Burger Wraps!
Gilmore Girls, Season One (why am I always the last to experience good shows, and then as soon as I find them, they cancel them!)
Finding great new, potential book talent.

DOWN
Getting older and finding how much easier it is to injure yourself while trying to take care of yourself (exercising). Serious drag.
Hot, stinky weather that makes it too unbearable to do above activity outside.
Coming to home to find a furry friend has gotten sick all over the carpet while I was away.

Total Score: 7

Frame of Mind

2006-07-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so touched--my friends are trying so hard to get the word out on my Art and Soul framing class. It's so sweet of them. Thank-you Linda and Corey--you guys are the best! And you should know, Corey does some pretty serious framing of her own. In fact, that's how she and I met, years ago--working at the same frame shop! Check out these cool alternative frames!

Frankly, it's hard for me to imagine any creative soul not wanting to explore every in and out of every framing possibility. The fun doesn't stop when the artwork is done! Anyway, I just wanted to share some other alternative framing projects I've done in the last year or so, and with any luck, inspire you to try something new.

Chocolate Fruit?

2006-07-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the current issue of Mental_Floss today, when I came across something I never knew existed. How have I lived my 37 years without ever knowing about the black sapote?? I'm dying now to know what this really tastes like. Has anyone out there ever had one? I'm sure whatever it tastes like, pales next to chocolate molten cake, but I would love to try it nonetheless.

About the only other thing I have to share this morning is that I can't believe how quickly videos are catching on in the blog world. Sheesh, I just can't keep up! I wish I had the editing capability/know-how to make snazzy, fun segments like this gal. I don't know what it is, but I just love watching her little videos. The cooking ones are my favorite. (Hmmm, there's a big surprise!) Well, now that I actually know how to use the video feature on my cute little camera, perhaps I should make it my goal to figure out how to share a video here on my blog. (yawn . . .but uh, not right now . . .I've got to get moving . . .there is a latte calling and books waiting to be made!)

Chocolate Molten Cake

2006-07-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes love explodes, sometimes it whispers through the back door, and sometimes it oozes. . .as is the case with the Chocolate Molten Cake that I made last night, after discovering the recipe in a McCormick Spices ad. We definitely will not be having this more than once a day (eh-hem--I mean once a month) because my good conscience won't allow it, due to this delicacy's obscence cholestorol level, but hey, you have to live to the fullest at least once a day. Let me tell you, sampling this cake is one easy way to do just that. Wow. And another reason to love it? It's super-easy. Oh, and for what it's worth, if you do try making this, I used rum instead of the cabernet, and also twice as much vanilla and cinnamon as the recipe called for. (L, I knew you'd be proud!) And C, you may need to wait a while to indulge in this, but please print it out and save it--you're going to need a good treat down the road!) xoxo, Tonia

Star Quality?

2006-07-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

While I don't think I'll quit my day job anytime soon to pursue a career in full time reality TV, I did recently get to tape and episode of HGTV's That's Clever!. I was a bit worried that they might want me to act a little too goofy (since I'm really quite a serious person) but it really wasn't bad at all. In some ways, I'd even say the day was pretty fun! The director, field producer and crew were all very nice and made it super-easy for me by promting for what to say when I got "stuck" and keeping things light and funny. My project, a tripych photo frame, is similar to the one that I wanted to teach at Art and Soul, Portland, if I can just get a few more people to sign up! I won't know when the episode is scheduled to air until September, but when I find out, I'll let you know! One thing that took some of the uncertainty about what to expect out of the whole ordeal, and gave me reassurance, was talking to Jane and Laurie ahead of time, about their experiences. It's not Oprah, but I would recommend sending in an app for the show, to anyone with something creative to share, who wants to try something different.

Ten Years Already?

2006-07-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Last month Dave and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary! I thought we deserved to do something fun, so we decided to take a relaxing trip and tour Northern Michigan, something I've wanted to do for a long time. For some time now, I've been somewhat of a shipwrek afficianado, so I was excited that we were going to be spending one night at the Whitefish Point Lighhouse, which is close to the area of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking, and there's a wonderful shipwrek museum there.

Other highlights of our trip included Traverse City (home of Espresso Bay--a great coffee house), Charlavoix (we ate out on a great deck that overlooked a drawbridge), many lighthouses, Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks (in Sault Saint Marie--very cool)and lots of fudge! While I may seek out LYSs, and Dave seek out train/hobby shops, we have great fun traveling together because we share a sense of adventure where all things marine are concerened and we both love to seek out great eats! Here's to ten more great years, Sweetie!

The Desert is Calling

2006-07-13T02:02:00.000-07:00

Hopefully by this time next month, if you click here you'll see the names of Linda and Karen, http://www.carolwingert.typepad.com/ and Tena, Josie and myself listed under "now @ desert ridge" for our break-out, fabulous, four-great-books-in-one-great-spot, book signing at Barnes and Noble! While it's still a bit too early for the event to be listed anywhere yet, I'll tell you right now when it is, so you don't have to panic. It's Saturday, August 19th at 7:00PM. Linda was of course, the mastermind that set this gig up, and for that (and one or two other things) we love her. It will be tons of fun. After attending the very-cool market place event, earlier in the day, we'll head on down to Desert Ridge (and a great dinner) afterward, where the real party will begin!

Two-Week Challenge

2006-07-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, okay already. I know. I know I suck at this blog posting thing and while I love reading others' blogs, for some reason, I just can't seem to believe that other people really are waiting on pins and needles to see what I'm going to post about next. I don't mean that I feel unloved, or even that I myself, feel I'm an uninteresting person. I don't feel that way and in fact, I have quite interesting conversations with myself all the time! But c'mon . . .how many people out there are really reading this right now??

But, I have a very dear friend who truly has my best interests at heart and she has given me a challenge. I am going to post to this great blog of mine every day for at least two weeks and see if I am 10 lbs lighter at the end of that time. (Okay, maybe not loose any weight, but at least get some more people to sign up for my classes at Art Unraveled and Art and Soul.) This friend of mine is the Queen of Self-Promotion and really knows her stuff, so I'm up to the task.

As it just so happens, quite a bit has happened since my last post, and as luck would have it, I just might have enough material to carry me through this challenge period. You're going to have to wait until tomorrow for the first bit of excitement though. Right now, all of this composing has really worn me out, and I must go upstairs and read my wonderful book. More soon . . .xoxo, Tonia

More photos . . .

2006-05-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

How exasperating! For some reason, I could not get these photos of my projects from Michael's class to upload with the rest in the post below, so I'm adding them in a new post. Does anyone know the secret to hassle-free images with blogger??

Art & Soul (& Knitting)

2006-05-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

I returned from Art & Soul, Dallas on Tuesday and I really had a nice time. I wasn't too excited before hand about going by myself, but I met up with so many people there, that I was actually rarely alone! I had two classes: one with DJ Pettitt in which we made the purse that you see here, and the other with Michael de Meng where we were supposed to use keys in some sort of relic-assemblage (or, as Michael says, AH-sem-BLAGE). DJ taught us some very rich techniques for "imbedding" fibers, papers and fabric scraps into a larger piece of sturdy fabric, using tar gel and an iron! My project was almost a disaster, but DJ helped me turn it into a happy-accident, since she is such a great instructor! In Michael's class, he taught us how to use many layers of acrylic washes to make objects appear weathered--very cool!

I've also started on a summer top, from a pattern I got off of Lisa Shobhana Mason's blog, called Tulip. I would say it's about a third of the way done. I love the yarn, which reminds me of a rag rug, but not so raggy and softer. Finished photos to come, hopefully, this season!

I'm going to share photos of a cake and some pototo chips that I've been making. I bet you can't wait!

Uh, yeah . . .I'm still alive . . .see?

2006-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well shoot, I really thought I could be better about this blog thing, but what can I say . . .I haven't been feeling too inspired these days to share much, but on this fine occasion, I have two things to give you! One, the photos of my finally-finished sweater--finished, now that we're heading into summer . . .but I love it, and look forward to wearing it this fall--and two, a quote that was featured in the wonderful, super-fantastic, finally published SPECIAL RECIPE ISSUE of Mary Jane's Farm:
"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first think you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.
--A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

Yep, that pretty much sums up my thoughts for every day.

Special Delivery!

2006-03-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

What an exciting day I had yesterday! Not only did I discover some new yummy treats (I'll share in the next post!) but I was happy with the decision on titles for two important books I'm working on at work, AND when I got home there was a surprise package in the mail for me from my dear friend, Corey! I was drooling over the gorgeous wrapping and satin ribbon (so, so pretty) and as soon as I felt that the present was something soft and "smooshy" I immediately and secretly hoped it was exactly what it was--an adorable little lamb like the ones Corey posted on her blog! Yay!! I am such a lucky girl. The really cool thing is that for the last couple of nights it's been so cold here and you can ask my husband, I've been complaining about my hands feeling so cold and wishing I had some sort of hand-warmer. So see, Corey, as a soul-sister, you were naturally reading my mind! This cute lamb is filled with rice so you can warm her in the microwave. And she's just the perfect size for hand warming. I think these would sell great on etsy, don't you??

I'll fill you in on the new chocolate I've been trying as well as some new scrumptious cookies (which I know Karen will appreciate!) on my next post. Until then, if you're in the Southern California area, check out what's sure to be the most coveted spot around town today--a spot in line for the Visual Chronicles book signing at Borders!

Divine Inspiration

2006-03-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't really felt like making art in a while, but that changed this weekend when I conducted my own chocolate-taste-test. (Someone has to keep up on what's good.) I was so enlightened by not only the chocolate (more on that in a minute) but by the artful wrappers. Thanks to my new found appreciation of looking at what once might have been trash, as an opportunity to express myself (thank-you, Visual Chronicles), I knew what I had to do--make a chocolate-themed piece of art! I was also anxious to experiment some more with vinyl as an alternative framing material and it was as fun to scratch up as plexi is.

As for the chocolate? Well, both brands are top-notch and organic and you will not be disappointed in either one. While the Chocolove clearly wins the presentation award with their pretty wrappers (there's even a love poem inside each wrapper!) I have to say that the Mayan Gold, by Green & Blacks, far exceeded my standards and was perhaps the best chocolate in a bar, that I've ever tasted. I've never felt such rhapsody in my mouth from such intense orange, spice and chocolate spirit at once. I plan on sampling the other varieties of each brand. I mean, you want to know how they are, right??

More Good News

2006-03-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hooray! I am now officially teaching at Art Unraveled as well as Art and Soul, Portland. If you'd like to see the list of classes, check out the Art Unraveled site. This retreat will be especially fun because not only will I be taking vacation to spend some decent time with my family, but I will also get to hang out Josie, who lives in Phoenix too, and my "sisters" Linda and Karen, who will also be teaching at the retreat. I can't think of a better way to end my summer.

A Little Good News

2006-03-03T04:19:00.000-08:00

The schedule is up on the website; it's official! I'll be teaching an alternative framing class at Art and Soul, Portland in October, and I am so excited about it. Portland is one of my all-time favorite cities and I haven't been there for a while, so I'm grateful to McAuliflower at Brownie Points for having already figured out my itinerary of things to do and see while I'm in town (tour the local chocolate stores!)

Rudimentary Review

2006-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

While I was not searching out an educational quick-fix, while at the bookstore today, I decided I had better purchase "Stuff You Should Have Learned at School" by Michael Powell. This cute little book is a crash-course review of all the major subjects from high school: English, Math, Science, History, Geography, the Classics (okay, maybe this wasn't a subject in and of itself per se) and Music. I've often wondered what I have forgotten since school, and thumbing through this book, it appears to be quite a lot. Bummer. For instance, from the list of the top 100 best books ever written, I recognized (and I think read) only three. While I still enjoy math, I've forgotten that irrational numbers even exist and I don't think I ever learned how to determine probability or Zeno's paradox. How many state capitals do you know? And why do I not remember learning that there are six type of vocanic eruptions? While at the bookstore, I also picked up "The Best Awful" by Carrie Fisher, for light, bedtime reading, but it looks like I had best spend some more time brushing up on rudimentary basics.

And one very exciting thing happened at the bookstore: I found Visual Chronicles finally on display! I'm also happy to see the book's own Yahoo! Group so excited about the book.

I'm making fairly good progress on my sweater. I'm just about done with the back, which is the largest single piece, so it will be downhill from here.

In Love

2006-02-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

Life is good; I am deeply in love. I have discovered Biscoff with Chocolate and I don't think I can go back to having my weekday morning beverage without them. (And those of you who converse with me daily, thought I was talking about something else.) I guess I'm just going to have to jog an extra block in the mornings to work off the extra calories (I'm sure most of which come fromdecadentt butter). It'll be worth it.

Another reason life is good; Peaberry is here! I look forward to this every year, and it is only available for a month or so, as it is a rare and limited crop, similar to an ice wine. So, needless to say, I grabbed a bag like a woman possesed when I entered Starbucks this AM. Yeah, I got an odd glance from the snooty Montgomery woman who was in line before me and always orders a skim latte with whip (whatever), but she is clearly not the type to appreciate such fineness.

Another thing I love? Personality tests and other forms of self-exploration/revelation. While catching up my blog reading today, I came across the Johari Window and I was anxious to try it myself. If you'd like to assist me in this self-serving activity, go here, and from the grid of miscellaneous adjectives, pick the five or six that you think describe me the most strongly. And no, I didn't pick all of the adjectives that are there by default to pick from--they are part of the standard table for everyone. After a week, I'll share what I've learned about myself that I didn't know before.

Okay, that's all for today--time to go figure out what to make for dinner . . .

If the Wind is Right

2006-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

What did I do before iTunes? I just love sitting down to my computer after a hairy day and in an instant, I'm playing just the right song to help melt my cares away. I was watching 60 Minutes on Sunday when they had their Superstars episode. Did you see it? Better than I would have expected, actually. Anyway, Bono was one of the celebs featured, and I was really struck by a description he gave of music; I can't remember the exact quote, but he defined it as the only artform amazing enough to make you actually feel airborne. I love that! What a great description. I don't think even dark chocolate can do that.

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is getting so close! Eeek! I am afraid I am going to be late again sending out my loving wishes to friends. I am excited about an idea I have for a special gift to a few friends, though! You're going to have to wait and see . . .

Too Strong?

2006-02-02T05:11:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, I am not a supertaster. I am however, a hedonist. When I like something, I want to experience it fully--not just a teensy bit, not just a dab--I want all of my being to know nothing else, even if it's only for a short time. This is especially true for me with the sense of taste. If I'm going to have a sandwich, I'm not afraid to have onions on it (sorry everyone), if I'm eating a Caesar salad, I really prefer the garlic to burn my tongue, if I'm going to enjoy chocolate, it has to be dark and I don't see the point of drinking coffee if you can't TASTE the COFFEE. So . . .rather than seeing sympathy or even empathy in my face when you say something like, "Oh! This is strong coffee!" or "Aghh--too sweet!" you will get nothing more than a confused stare.

Having said that, sometimes, several hours after having this I may, just MAY concede to saying once in while maybe less is more. I have a fond love of Cold Stone's Birthday Cake Remix (which I guess after last summer's scandal when someone got sick, caused them to delete it from their website--but thankfully not their stores!) and the cramps in my stomach are saying perhaps I should have stopped 10 bites sooner. Oh well! It was so worth it! Salut!

Gauging My Time

2006-01-29T03:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in addition to going out and finding some sweater yarn, (which I love; I picked up some Caron Simply Soft, in Heather Grey) I spent a good part of my Saturday knitting gauge swatches. The recommended size 8 was too small, so I knitted up a 9, still to small. I knitted up a 10, which seems a bit loose, but I guess won't be noticeable. 10, it is. I also finished my first knitted felt project. It's small, but I still considered the results almost magical. My hope was to have a cute little bag for my new camera, but while it turned out to be the perfect height, it is a bit too wide. I may attempt this again, since it didn't take me more than a few hours (over the course of getting to work several days too early and having to sit out in the parking lot until my key fob will work to get in the building.) All of the directions I looked at said to wash the knitted item in the washing machine, with hot water, a bit of laundry soap and one pair of jeans. Well, I am too practical to waste water on one pair of jeans when I have so much more laundry to do, so I just put the knitted pouch in a lingerie bag and tossed it in with a regular load, but still used hot water. The directions also said to not put it through the rinse cycle, but to take it out when the machine was done agitating, and rinse it by hand. (Why??) Uh, yeah, so I just left it in until all washing, rinsing and spinning was done. I was shocked when I took it out and saw how much it really had shrunk. It was now this cute little bag. I had to reshape it, stretching it a bit here and there to make it even, but I was very impressed. You can still see a bit of the stockinette pattern in it, but if I wanted to, I could wash it again and that would probably go away. (And it would be even smaller.)

This morning I am enjoying Verona in my pretty cup, and I'm going to cast on the first piece of my sweater as soon as I leave you. (Oh, and um, maybe after I make my special guy and I some orange rolls.) I'm not sure what else the day will hold, but after reading a very interesting article in my current issue of Yoga Journal, I am really hope I can get some lucid dreaming in tonight.

My Own Race

2006-01-27T02:02:00.000-08:00

My inspirational reading this morning is titled "Run Your Own Race", meaning quit feeling guilty by comparing yourself and the way you do things to others and their modi operandi. I like this advice.

Tomorrow I am going to go look for some yarn to make my new sweater. Wish me luck. I'll let you know what I find. If you click on this link to see the sweater I'm going to make, scroll down to no. 40.

Oh, and speaking of running your own race; I guess that's exactly what CHOW magazine has decided to do. Why succumb to the pressure of cranking out an issue every month or two like most magazines, when if you're really not comfortable doing that at the moment you can just take a hiatus until you're ready to deliver a quality product. It looks like that Jan/Feb issue that I've been thirsting for will now become the July/Aug issue. It seems that they need six months (and all new-subscriber $$) to revamp their magazine. As a very good friend put it, "what chutzpah!" I wrote back to Ms. Jane and told her the least she could do is throw in a burrito or something for our pain and suffering--sheesh. I still have faith it will be worth the wait. Salut!

Handsome Little Man

2006-01-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to hear that Mr. Riley is pleased with his new outfit, and while it may be just a tad too big now, he should have time to get plenty of mileage out of it and enjoy its chic-magnet magic.

Well, it appears my immediate plans to start my new sweater will be detained just a bit. With all of the critters we share a home with, our vacuums really get a work out, and well, now they just don't work. So, as much as I hate spending money on anything that isn't fun or tasty (which I guess is its own form of fun) we had to buy a new vacuum. New vacuum=sweater yarn $$ sucked up. Bummer. But it won't be too long, and I haven't decided on a color for certain, anyway.

What I have decided is that I love Qdoba's tortilla soup. It warmed my heart and soul today.

Still no CHOW in the mail yet. Sheesh--don't these people know it's almost February? I don't know about you, but I think that an issue that is labeled as "January/February should be able to be viewed, at least to some extent, while it is still JANUARY. I will remain patient, for I know that when I do get it, it will be worth the wait.

Too Much to Ask??

2006-01-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

You know, I am truly one of the most patient and accomodating people I know, and I realize that when you've only been a barista for a few weeks, you don't have everything down perfectly. I don't blame the barista for making my Cinnamon Dolce Latte taste like crap this morning because I really don't think it's her fault. I do blame the manager who scheduled "said- underexperienced-barista" with a second partner who has only been on the job a few days, and then expected her to run the ship successfully. Perhaps she would like to start paying $4.30 to have "said-barista" make her her drink when she finally makes it in this morning. Okay, enough said, it's Monday and I still plan on starting the week of right, darnit! Even it means I now have to now trade in my drinkable lunch for a grilled panini (hey . . .maybe I should be thanking said, underexperienced barista . . .)

NEWSFLASH! . . .This just in . . . my website is officially LIVE! Hooray!! Go check it out right now: www.frameitwithtonia.com Thanks Marissa! By golly, I just knew somehow this week could get off to a great start!

Hope

2006-01-19T01:54:00.000-08:00

This morning I have been teased with a bit of hope that something I have been lamenting over for quite some time may actually work out after all. It appears that the silly person who has been hiding from me has decided to peek out from behind the curtain and show me that they are not only still alive, but may possibly still be able to pull through on their end of the bargain.

In other news, I am very excited to say that my website will be up and running very soon, hopefully by the weekend. My good friend Marissa has been working very hard on it, and it looks great! More to come soon . . .

A New Beginning

2006-01-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

They're finally done! The cargo pants that I have been trying to get done for a friend for what seems like forever. I hope they still fit! The most exciting thing about this is, now I can finally start on a sweater for myself (not that I'm not equally as excited to see photos of the little baby in his new articles!) I think I am going to attempt a very cool sweater from the premier issue of knitscene. You can see it here, just scroll down to no. 40. More to come on that.

In other news, I finally received my first issue of Rachael Ray's new mag in the mail yesterday--yippee! I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I will savor it today. I'll let you know what we need to make out of it!

Food for Thought

2006-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Can I simply make this a blog about food? It really seems to be what I care about more than anything else. Sure, I do other things throughout the day besides eat, and occasionally, I do have thoughts, ideas and opinions that are of a topic other than that which I can put in my mouth, but I really don't know that too many other things get me as excited as talking about what I like to eat and the good times and places I've enjoyed eating them. Like right now--as I type this, I am smelling the pizza from the oven that I'm reheating from dinner a couple of nights ago. It's the Cool Ranch pizza from Mio's that I ordered on my birthday. It's something that I consider far too gluttonous for everyday, but on special occasions. . .

So, maybe sometime in the near future I will think of something entertaining to share with you that I condsider worthy of my time to type, that doesn't involve food (like my latest knitting project, how I feel about certain new television series, or a good story involving the "silly" people I get to work with on occasion. Until then, "Salut" and "Bon Appetito!"

True Devotion

2006-01-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

People may either love me or hate me, but those who love me, REALLY LOVE me. My birthday is Sunday, but it has begun already--yesterday with a box of Dilettante on my doorstep, and today with a box of John & Kira's delivered to my cubicle. My birthday wishes are already complete and it's only Friday. Let the celebrations begin!

Tah-dah!

2006-01-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here I am! Look, my own blog. That sounds dorky I know, but get used to it because, well, I am rather dorky, but I'm at peace with it, so it's alright. As an example (just to let you know what you're in for), I love songs by Paul Davis, Ambrosia, Firefall, etc. I love Everwood more than Deadwood and I start decorating for Christmas two weeks before Thanksgiving. Okay? So here we go . . .