February Hibernation

Sorry, February, but I've never been a fan.

I've started to call this time of year my February hibernation, or slump, or depression. The joy and the shine of the holiday season is long past, and Spring seems too far off to be hopeful. The weather is usually crap, and this year was no exception. The Philadelphia area got hit especially hard with snow, and ice, and sleet, making it difficult to get on with the daily routine. The chickens are literally cooped up, the dogs are rammy because they're not getting their ya-yas out running around outside, and speaking of ya-yas I don't think I'm getting mine out either. Harumpf. I tell myself every year, "Jackie, you should schedule lots of fun things to do for that time and it'll go by so much faster! Great idea, Past Jackie, but Present Jackie isn't buying it.

Now that I think of it, February is more like my molting period. Chickens go through a yearly molt where they stop laying eggs, loose a bunch of feathers, okay a lot of feathers, and generally look miserable. I think the end of winter is like that for me. I'm not too creatively inspired, and it's a time to hole up and just be unproductive for awhile because Spring will arrive soon enough with plenty to do!

Today, I felt like I was getting my mojo back, or to keep with the molting analogy my feathers have grown in and I've laid my first egg in awhile. I even felt like writing this post, and updating an old one. Hopefully crabby Jackie is ready to get on with the year. We'll see.

Upstate New York Family Reunion

There's nothing like some fresh mountain air to rejuvenate your spirit. This past weekend my mom's family had a family reunion at my grandparent's home nestled in the mountains between Lake George and Lake Champlain in New York State. They moved there initially to open a restaurant many years ago, before I was born. And although the restaurant dream didn't last very long they've stayed and continued to build their lives there. Growing up and visiting Gram, Pop, and the rest of my aunts uncles and cousins were always exciting adventures. This time around, Chris, Emily, Dante and myself packed up the Jeep and headed North.

Over the weekend the house was full of family I knew, some I haven't seen in years, and some I only just met. And of course, nothing brings family better than good food and drink. It was lovely to reconnect with people and catch up on each others lives. I love to hear stories about my grandparents when they were younger, or of ancestors long before me. And even though it's been two years since my gram has passed away, she is never forgotten when the house is full of merry makers.

The house at sunset. Currently everyone is watching the clay pigeon shoot out on the hill.

Middlebury Vermont is close by. We took a tour of the Woodchuck Cidery.

Frogs are just one of the many creatures that live nearby.

And tiny toads too.

Wildflowers stud the surrounding fields.

UPDATE: Emily has posted a bunch of beautiful photos on her blog from the weekend. Go check them out!

Nancy Rose: Photographing Squirrels

I just thought I'd share these adorable photographs by Nancy Rose because it's Friday (woohoo) and they make me laugh. Need I say more? Rose creates these itty bitty sets in her backyard and waits for squirrels to interact with them. Here are the results of some genuine craftiness and a whole lot of patience...

Even though squirrels are one of the lesser favorites in the animal kingdom, I love them. I find them hilarious to watch when they're not deciding the best way to get hit by a car.

I actually miss our college campus squirrels who were so fat and brazen from a diet of cafeteria food, they'd scurry right up to you and ask for hand-outs.

Squirrels are now few and far between at our house with our ferocious nine pound chihuahua on the prowl, (or it's more likely the chickens that scare them off).

I can't believe I have this much to say about squirrels.

An artist and her muse. Damn, I wish I could get a squirrel to eat a peanut on my arm.


*All photos credited to Nancy Rose

I Am Not A Robot

I subscribe to a newsletter from an awesome illustrator that takes quotes and makes them come alive with graphic illustrations, Zen Pencils. You've probably seen some of them floating around the internet. They always make me stop and read, and many times bring new meaning to an overused quote. Today's really struck a chord with me, and I wanted to share it. It came from a high school valedictorian, Erica Goldson, her graduation speech*.

I wasn't valedictorian, but I was at the top of my class, participated in student government, sports, and array of extra-curriculars. I did all the right things to get me into college. Looking back, I didn't necessarily do my best, I did what I needed to get an "A". I studied no more and no less. I loved school, and I loved learning, but sadly I think I was just another academic robot. I don't think I even realized this until after finishing my masters program, and entering "the real world". What actual, useful skills do I have? I'm not getting graded anymore, no one is praising my work, I'm not winning any awards. How do I know if I'm getting "A"s in life?!

I think since graduation this has been a bit of a struggle for me, but I recognize it and I'm working on it. I'm working on being happy, and not being "successful". Oprah's best life and all that. I surround myself with supportive and inspirational friends and family. I work and I play. I'm learning new things that never interested me growing up; cooking, gardening, homesteading. I make terrible decisions and learn from my mistakes. And I'm starting to write and share it all here. I'm lucky enough to have a teammate in life that's ready and willing to take on these adventures with me. So instead of being regretful of past choices, or paths that I took, I'll learn from my experiences and continue to grow; a bit of advice I think we all could use!


*Read and watch her entire speech here.

July Playlist

Our Etsy Shop: Penncroft Attic

I've had an Etsy shop "open" for quite some time. I've often thought that I'd like to sell vintage finds from all my thrifting hunts, but I've never gotten my act together (much like many of my ideas). However, my sister-law, Emily, has a shared interest in all things vintage, and together we've started the Penncroft Attic! We collect anything that catches our eye and is in good condition, or that we can bring to new life. I think our favorite finds are classic books and afternoon-tea-worthy teapots.

Shop screenshot

It's only a little hard to part with some of the things we buy. But our home is too tiny for all the things I'd want to keep! We've got a few more items to list, including a handful of fabulous vintage clothing pieces. We've found a giant warehouse of vintage clothing in Northern Philly. It's a thrifter's dream, rows of boxes of clothing arranged by decades and style. I can't wait to go back for more items!

Dante helps too!

Emily is responsible for all of the fantastic photos, and if you haven't been to her blog yet, you should check it out!

Our first sale, sort of...

Technically we sold a set of books already, and technically my mom bought them... But a sale is a sale! And it gave us good practice on the billing and shipping process. 

Etsy Craft Party: Philadelphia

If you haven't heard, Etsy is having a worldwide craft party tomorrow, June 20th! This year's theme is "Craft for Community". If you're in the Philly area, you should join me and Emily from Growing Wild Ginger! It's being held at 3rd Ward in Northern Liberties. There will be a potluck, craft supply swap and crafting fun. They will also collect art supplies for local art camps within the community. And the best part is it's FREE, so register here! 

So if you were only planning to sit around on your bum tomorrow night, gather up some craft supplies instead. Let me know if I'll see you there!

Thrifted Friday: Vintage Cowboy Boots

I have a new consignment shop favorite located in Manayunk, The Attic. I've always found fun, trendy items there, but only recently have I taken my own clothes there to consign. I like consigning with them mainly because they don't have a minimum amount of clothes that they will accept, which is great for someone like myself who cleans out their closet every season. They also offer 30% in cash of the consignment value of your items or 50% in store credit. I opted for store credit and went home with some great pieces, including these boots!

I don't think I can ever have enough boots, and I've been longing for a classic western pair. These fit the  bill perfectly, and my feet too! I fell in love with the warm tones and tooled details. 

Caring for leather is a bit tricky. Especially older worn items. The leather stiffens without wear and needs a little TLC to restore it's supple finish. I clean my leather items with some warm water and bit of Dr. Bronner's castile soap. It's super gentle and won't leave any residue. You can delicately wipe and spot clean the leather with that mixture and a soft cloth. Let the leather completely dry, then if it's stiff like these boots use a moisturizer, like Leather Honey. It's got a waxy consistency that you apply a thin coat of and let it sink in. It will completely transform tough leather, and will help maintain new leather. Now, these boots are ready for walkin'!

June Playlist

Best enjoyed on a drive to the beach with the windows down.

Welcome Home, Stormegeddon

I'm going to tell tale of how an innocent family outing ended in thievery and deception...

Last year Chris and I went out for dinner with brothers, sisters and significant others. We were the only table seated outside the restaurant huddled by the blazing chiminea, amongst a multitude of tchotchkes, and drinking multiple pitchers of Margaritas despite the March chill. After much discussion about the amount of garden accessories that surrounded us, somehow, we ended up taking a giant wooden rooster that was seated near us. (I know, I know). That night there were heated arguments about who would get to keep the pilfered item. Since we were at Jeff and Kelly's apartment they proudly displayed it on their mantle. I don't really remember who stole it first, but since then it's been a sort of a "game" to steal it from each others homes. 

The only rules are...

1. He needs to be openly displayed and attainable 
2. If you are caught red handed you have to put him back. 

This is now our second possession of Stormegeddon, yes it is a Doctor Who reference, well done! Chris was thinking on his feet last night at Emily and Chrissy's as we left and put it in an empty tote bag on our way out. And they had only just recently stolen it from Jeff and Kelly's at Jeff's birthday party. So now we must keep constant vigilance over him! But secretly it's fun to scheme how to steal it back again. And it's nice to have family traditions, especially if it requires plotting and a good amount of tom foolery!

Stormy wanted to check out the coop this morning.

Keep those hens in line, Stormegeddon!

A Doggy Weekend

Dante was picking up all the ladies of Phoenixville Friday night.

Dante and Carl at Jeff's Birthday Party.

Cousin Colin

Where does Colin end and the blanket begin?

Thanks, Mom!

During a conversation about Mother's Day plans my mom said something to the effect of, "Don't get me anything! Mothers going un-celebrated is part of the job..." Typical mom. Well, too bad, I'm celebrating you anyway!

Teenage Joanne (1970's)

At my baptism (1984)

At the shore (1987)

You wouldn't believe her when she says that she used to be an introvert and "uncool" growing up. You might not even believe her when she tells you her age. My mother is the friendliest, most vivacious and active person I know. She is constantly doing something. Cooking, gardening, entertaining, singing, volunteering. She's the person who stands in the grocery line and makes two new friends. Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart in one, she has finger puppets in her bag, "in case she comes across antsy children" and dog treats "for making doggie friends!".

Growing up I had amazing handmade costumes, not only for Halloween, but just for fun. My favorite "everyday" costume was a jaguar jumpsuit that had a hood with ears. As a stay at home mom, she completely spoiled me, although I might not have realized it at the time. Breakfast was hot, and my lunches were usually Tupperwared leftovers. And as a kid I longed for Lunchables, Dunkaroos, and Capri Suns. Or even a crustless whitebread PB&J. Instead I got Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Pot Pie. Or sandwiches that you needed to strategize how to eat, they were so large. For better or worse, my mom let me dress myself and "do" my own hair from age 5 on. During elementary school she must have cringed every morning I stepped out the door with my dandelion mop and crazy ensembles, oh fashions of the early 90's.

She never pressured me in school, but somehow instilled a need to succeed within myself. As a little one I made drawings all. the. time. So my mom had to be selective on the fridge. It would make me try to create something better with each drawing so that it could replace an older one. I still carry that competitive nature against myself today. She also let me learn tough lessons on my own. She was smart enough to know early on that no matter what she warned or advised, I had to try it out for myself. There were a few times as a teenager, and my adult life too, that she really worried about some of my decisions, but instead of telling me so, let me figure it out on my own. Well, she must have done something right, because I'm a pretty normal adult, and now, I consider her one of my best friends. Our newest tradition is to take a mini weekend getaway together in the fall. It's fun to be together just the two of us and I feel like I get to know her even more, I mean I didn't know her for 29 years of her life...

So thanks, mom. I have always felt loved and supported throughout my life, and I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude and admiration for you today, and everyday!

At my wedding (2011)

Thrifted Friday: Vintage Coffee Carafe

I am fully aware that the Picasso print in the background is the wrong way!

I've been partial to silver from a young age because I loved helping my mom polish all of hers. I would go and collect all the little artifacts (there were a lot) around the house and line them up to transform them with the magic pink paste. My mom loved it because cleaning silver is probably what turns most people off it. I still find it so satisfying to renew a piece of silver to it's shiny glory.

This has been my favorite recent thrift store find. I've never seen anything like it, and at first, didn't fully realize what's it's purpose was. As I put it into my cart, an older woman kept saying how beautiful it was, and that she didn't see it on the shelf... I only felt a little guilty that I nabbed it first. So, what is it? Initially I thought it was just a fancy carafe, but Emily pointed out it's probably for tea or coffee because of the little stand bit underneath for a tea light. After polishing (for a solid hour) I uncovered the maker, "Sheridan Silver-plated". I think it can be dated to around the 1950's. It would make a fun addition to a brunch buffet. Now, it just needs a nice little tea light underneath!

May Playlist

Sixth Annual Record Store Day

The Sixth Annual Record Store Day is this Saturday, April 20th. "Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the US and thousands of similar stores internationally." The website has a list of special releases for the day, that will only be available physically in participating record stores. So support your local record store! A few releases I'm interested in...

Calexico, Spirituoso - Includes tracks spanning their career, re-recorded with an entire symphony.

Dawes, Stories Don't End - Their latest 2013 release comes with a limited edition lithograph.

Fun Fact: Chris and I got our first dance wedding song from Medium Rare by The Foo Fighters; a special release for Record Store Day 2010. We really liked the song, This Will Be Our Year, originally by The Zombies but the tempo was just too fast for us to dance to. Dave Grohl must have known and not only covered the song, but serendipitously slowed down the tempo, perfect for our first dance! Our friend even recorded a trumpet solo featured in the original on top of it.

The Magnificent Chicken: Tamara Staples

Throughout my chicken raising research I've come across a lot of information as well as a lot of people who love chickens. Tamara Staples is a photographer and chicken enthusiast. Her publications include, The Fairest Fowl: Portraits of Champion Chickens and a newly revised and expanded edition, The Magnificent Chicken: Portraits of the Fairest Fowl. These are the American standards of "poultry pulchritude". Our little hens aren't any fancy breeds, but I'm sure they'll be just as magnificent! Check out these fair fowl workin' it for the camera.

Bearded Buff Laced Polish Frizzle Bantam Hen

Black Langshan

Blue Cochin

Fancy Buff Cochin Bantam Hen

Belgian Bearded d'Anver Cockrel

I think my favorite is the little Belgian, his feathers are so beautiful, he looks like a painted wooden carving. Who do you think is the most magnificent?

April Playlist

Free Fonts! (Fine Line Collection)

If there were a show about extreme font hoarders, I'd be on it. Here are a few "fine line" fonts. They have a handwritten quality and would be better for print projects since they're more difficult to read on the screen.

Mossy//Iron Furnaces//Faustina//Hand Slab//Fragment Core

The Doctor Returns!

Oh it's times like these I do wish we paid for cable. One of my favorite series is returning this Saturday the 30th, Doctor Who. If there's any ounce in your being that enjoys a bit of "sci-fi", please take off work for the next week and catch yourself up, starting with the rebooted Series 9 (the older ones will probably turn you off altogether). Even better, they're all on Instant Netflix for your viewing pleasure. So in honor of the Doctor, here's some Whovian lovlies. Allonsy!

A printable Timey Wimey poster.

Adorable interpretation of the Tenth Doctor, the artist also does River song and others.

TARDIS baby onesie. No babies here, but it's still cute.

Love this artwork! Saw it on Teefury awhile ago, so unfortunately it's not available in Tee form anymore

Import your Google Reader List into Bloglovin

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Google has announced Google Reader will be no more coming up July 1st. Bloglovin can conveniently import your Reader list. So add mine while you're at it, thanks!

*If you have never used either, Bloglovin is a way to keep track of all the blogs you like or visit frequently. All the new posts are displayed in a feed so you can get to the posts that interest you most.