Fall Fun Fix

This weekend was filled with fall-themed fun.

Saturday morning I ran a Giselle Story Ballet Program in downtown Salem, (yes as in Salem Witch Trials, Salem), then I went to see a performance of the ballet in the evening with my friend Jess. Jess slept over and in the morning we met up with her husband, Alan at the Topsfield Fair. The fair was AMAZING, but alas, I don't have many pictures to share with you, since the battery in my camera pooped out soon after we arrived.

I took this photo for Matt, as this would likely be in his fantasy kitchen:



I loved this sweet strawberry crewel work:



Mmm, canned goods



I ate a delicious pulled pork sandwich from this stand...but I do find their slogan a little odd:



Even pigs love it? Really? Are these cannibalistic pigs? I'm confused, HA!

That's it for fair photos, but others things that filled the day were:

• baby chicks


• all different varieties of chickens, ducks and geese


• a sleepy stretching kangaroo which was too damn cute


• baby goats


• free kettle corn samples


• pulled pork sandwiches


• cute older crafty ladies who were surprised that I knew what redwork embroidery was


• yo-yo's


• food and fruits and veggies oh my!


• cider


• local honey


• lavender lemongrass soap


• FRIED DOUGH


• baby piglets and their huge 550 lb mama pigs


• a 1400 lb pumpkin - wow!

This morning, I used my day off to drive up to New Hampshire to visit my buddy Allison and go to Applecrest Farm for more autumnal goodness.



Today I bought:

• sugar pumpkins


• honeycrisp apples

• maple candy


• hot mulled cider


• cider doughnuts, YUM

This donkey was so preciously cute!



Look at that face!



The drive up north was so peaceful and beautiful. The foliage is gorgeous right now. It was nice to get a New Hampshire/fall fun fix this weekend...helps to ease the homesickness a little bit.

How was your weekend?

Maine State Ballet Choreographer's Concert

Whew - felt weird to go quiet after being so posty-posty the last few days!

Truth be told, I've been quite busy working on a new dance work for this:



My dance company, Neoteric Dance Collaborative, has a show this evening and tomorrow in Falmouth, Maine. If you are local, you should check it out. Only $12 a ticket to see live dance. That's probably less than a night at the movies when you factor in a $10 popcorn!

I wish I could report that this new piece has gone swimmingly and that the rehearsal process has been daffodils and roses. That is sadly not the case. What started out as a piece for six girls and two boys is now a dance for seven girls. I lost both of my guy dancers, getting every one in the same room at the same time for rehearsal has been next to impossible, and I only had three and a half solid rehearsals to pull out four minutes of all new choreography. I am more than a little scared as to how this is going to go tonight.

The other day I was complaining to one of my friends in my Stitch n' Bitch group, (the emphasis was heavy on the bitchin' that night), about how I wish I were a painter. If one of my tubes of paint went missing, it would be so easy to just go down to the store and buy another. When one of my dancer's doesn't show up to rehearsal...well, that's not so easy. It's a little hard to create something lovely, when you're missing your art supplies.

Anyways...just a bit of frustration on my end this week. The main reason I signed up for this showcase was to force myself to produce some new choreography, and I have. I intend for this four minute block to be the opening to a much longer work, and if I truly hate bits of it, I can always change it later. Thank goodness it's labeled a work in progress!

Wish me luck tonight!

Dance for World Community

I literally started this post over a week ago. When I finally catch you up on all of my adventures, you will understand why I haven't posted until now!





On June 6th, my recently resurrected dance company, Neoteric Dance Collaborative, had the pleasure of participating in the first annual Dance for World Community Festival, hosted by Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre. We arrived at 11:30 and did not leave until 10:30 at night!!!

The festival featured free performances by local youth troupes and dance companies, near forty total! There were four different performance venues within the block, so there were always four stages presenting something simultaneously. There were also free dance classes, in all genres and levels of dance. There was an entire street dedicated to informational booths devoted to dance and other social causes, environment, gay and lesbian task force, shelters, etc.

Here are some shots of our booth:





DWC was also Neo's Boston debut, which was quite exciting for us all! Here are some of my favorite performance shots:

















After the performances were done for the day, the event culminated with a "Dancing in the Street" party, featuring a variety of local musicians.



It was then that we met some b-boys from Losst Unnown, and we had a little dance off. (They win, HA! Although, they were impressed when I pulled my leg over my head and did a split. HAHAHA - no big deal - I wish I could spin on my hands on pavement, much more impressive!) They were friendly and awesome guys, and whooo boy could they dance!



We busted it as well...



As I looked around me at the end of the evening, I was amazed to see, little tween ballerinas, still in their pink tights, bouncing around to an African band, my own company of contemporary jazz dancers breaking it down with the b-boys, it was like something out of a cheesy dance movie...but it was really happening. I was just awestruck at that very moment soaking in the incredible diversity of people there dancing in the street. All so different, but with one thing in common, the desire to move, the need to speak with our bodies, and bring some beauty and joy to the world.

It was a very good day.

Next up, we traveled to NYC for the big City Center debut! I will try to post soon.

Local - It's just oh so good!

Thursday was such a lovely day off, and meandered along in the best of ways! My mum came over for our weekly crafting visit, and she surprised me with little samplings of cheese. She was on vacation last week, and drove up to Durham, Maine, with her boss, to check out Spring Day Creamery's offerings. My mom's boss, Lucy, is the owner's cousin. Food runs deep in that family!

Mum brought back a mini-spread that melted my cheese-snob heart!



From left to right we have a small wheel of brie, tomme and one of the best blues I've ever had in my life (and I am picky about my blue cheese)! She also brought back a cow's milk feta marinated in oil and herbs, not pictured here.

For you local foodies out there Spring Day Creamery does not currently have a website, but the owner, Sarah, may be contacted here:

Spring Day Creamery
Sarah Spring, Owner
42 Day Road, Durham, ME 04222
207-353-8289
springdaycreamery@me.com

After my mum left, I went on a little adventure to visit Jenness Farm to pick up a log of seaweed soap that I had ordered. It was a bit of a drive, but the trees were a beautiful sight to see as I drove along. Before I reached my destination I was lured into Emery Farm and picked up some cider and cider doughnuts there.

I got a little lost trying to get to Jenness Farm, but when I did get there it was a pleasant visit indeed! The owners have a beautiful farm house, and their cute goats make for a great welcoming committee. If you are local - you must make a visit to their store. It's open Wednesday through Sunday 10-6, and 10-6 everyday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. There shop is well stocked with soaps, shampoos, bath fizzes and beauty products of all sorts. They even carry goat's milk and fresh eggs! I couldn't stop at my soap order so I picked up a heavenly smelling French Vanilla soy candle. (As a side note for a quick peek at the benefits of soy candles vs. paraffin candles check out Soy vs. Paraffin). Also on a local note, the farm does a week-long open house festival the week after Thanksgiving. I'll post the details as the date approaches!

If you are not local Jenness Farm does ship their comprehensive offering of products via their website, it is definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

After that I called up my dad to see what he was up to, and headed over to my parents' house for dinner. My brother Mike and his girlfriend showed up and it was a regular little party!

Well - I must be off. I have many things to squeeze in today. Hopefully some cheesemaking (finally). Definitely some dressing up like a certain zombified celebrity...pictures to follow on that one I'm sure!

Today I'm thankful for downtime. We all need that don't we? What are you thankful for today?

Winter Preparations, Autumn Celebrations + Readymade Giveaway!

See, I have been crafty!



These socks were lovingly knit to, from and during many of my husband's shows and also during breaks at work. I never tire of making and wearing sturdy, farm wool winter socks. The pink and brown wool was hiding in my stash. I'm trying to be really prudent about using what I have when it comes to craft supplies, so I was happy to stash bust with this easy little project.

Autumn, like spring, is such a season of expectation for me. As a New Englander, I feel the urge to prepare for hibernation, knit warm socks, freeze produce, drink a glass of red wine.

Yesterday I received my latest issue of Readymade Magazine with a surprise little perk. I have one free gift subscription to give away, and I've chosen to give it away to one of you, dear readers!.

Do you have winter preparations that you're making right now? Are you celebrating autumn in a special way? Do you have something to be thankful for today? Share your thoughts with me, by 10/14/08 at 12midnight EST, in the comments below! Tuesday, October 14th, I will choose one of you, at random, for the subscription. Remember friends, I need a way to get in touch with you, should you win - so if you are leaving an anonymous comment, please direct me with some way to contact you!

Today I am grateful for all of the comment love I've been receiving lately. Especially some very sweet anonymous comments. Hello anonymous readers! Thank you for being so nice! What are you thankful for today?

Cheesemaking Class

Last night I took a cheesemaking class through Kittery Adult Education. (Check out the awesome variety of classes that they offer via the link if you're local)



We made mozzarella and ricotta, and we discussed how to make chevre, yogurt and the different uses for your leftover whey. For example, did you know that whey can make great pizza crust and English muffin bread? Or that it can be used as a soup base in place of stock?



My favorite part was kneading the mozzarella. When the curds are separated it feels a bit like you're trying to press bits of tofu together, and then magically it just comes together. Shiny and smooth and ready to be eaten!



We sampled the cheese that we made along with some chevre that one of the instructors brought in. It was all delicious - I definitely think I've caught the cheesemaking bug.

If you're interested in cheesemaking, I urge you to check the following links out. It's a very simple process, and a $25 investment in supplies, plus the cost of your milk, can make up to 30lbs of fresh mozzarella and ricotta. I'll be ordering from Ricki Carroll, of New England Cheesemaking, who was the "cheese queen" featured in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Many thanks (and hellos, if the two of you are reading this) go out to Debra and Lenore from Seacoast Eat Local for putting together a fun, informative class!

Online Resources

New England Cheesemaking

Leeners

Dairy Connection

Glengarry Cheesemaking and Dairy Supply

Lehman's

If you try out cheesemaking - let me know!

Today I'm thankful for having opportunity to learn a new skill. Everyday provides a new opportunity to learn, and that is such a gift! What are you thankful for today?

Inspiring Affirmations

Yesterday my mum and I went to visit Susan at Artstream Studios to check out their latest show, Affirmations.

I'm going to link to some of my favorites, by artist, because my pictures came out like crap compared to the beautiful scans over at Flickr.

Flossy-P, who I am very proud to call a dear old blog friend at this point, has completely outdone herself with this show. I'm so proud of you lady!!! Her work is stunning, but if I *had* to choose my favorites it would be Flowers Beneath You and All the Blessings - which are displayed next to each other in the gallery. I love, love, LOVE this pair!

I was drawn to the reds in Penelope Dullaghan's work. My favorites were Helicopter and Hanging Moon.

Amy Rice's work completely bowled me over. I enjoyed the opportunity to see her work up close, because she spray paints much of her shading onto the painting, giving the shadows a fuzzy, almost flocked look. Very neat to see in person! One of my many favorites was Listen.

The show was rounded out with playful soft sculptures by Sian Keegan. This little bunny stole my heart away.

If you are local, I urge you to check out the entire show in person. If not, check out the Affirmations Flickr Set for plenty of inspiring beauty.

Today I am thankful for the change of seasons. For sweater weather. For autumn touching down upon the trees. What are you thankful for today?

ETA IV - Oh What a Night!

Wow, what an awesome weekend. I'm completely tuckered out!

Friday night Abby and I went to go see the Enormous Tiny Art Show IV at Nahcotta and I visited with so many friends old and new! Let's see, I saw Mark F., the company manager of the dance school I grew up in, Sharon I, a woman who used to dance in my modern class, Susan from Artstream, Jen from Swallowfield and I finally saw Lilly in person for the first time. Along the way I also met Mati Rose McDonough, Amy Ruppel, Lisa DeJohn, Betsy aka "urchinmama" from Flickr, Meg from PixieGenne and Stephanie DosReis from A Little Deer. Whew - that was a big list!

Nahcotta was absolutely hopping all night, it was steamy hot in there, due to the humidity, but so worth the stay! The artwork was so inspiring. I was impressed with the latest work from the wonderful bloggers that I follow, but I also have many new artists to check out now.

Aside from the Nahcotta excitement, I spent lots of time with "real life" friends this weekend. I stayed up late at a party last night, had a lazy day off today, ending in a beach dance photo shoot (more on that tomorrow) and a little dinner party here at my apartment. Every moment was jam packed leaving me super sleepy...so on to the gratitude.

Today I am thankful for internet friendships that transition so easily into the "real world." There is something so lovely and affirming to find out that the wonderful people that I spend many of my spare moments reading about are ten times as wonderful in person. I'm also thankful for dancing on the beach. Splashing in the waves, sand and wind for as long as the weather will let me. What are you grateful for today?

Sarahpalooza 2008

Well my friends and family certainly took the "local" theme to great heights! Check out all of this gorgeous gifted produce!



Beans, potatoes, peaches, apples, blueberries, tomatoes...



Tomatoes, tomatoes and corn, corn and more corn! I think that some food preservation is in my near future! Note to self: I need a larger freezer.

The party was just awesome. It ambled along for eight hours! Just as I thought that it was all over and every one was about to depart, another wave of friends and family would arrive and the festivities would last a little longer. Just wonderful.

Simple gifts of food, homemade and handmade goodness kept a smile on my face.

Just look at the beautiful gazpacho that Miss Abby brought. Don't you just want to dive into that jar? She also make molasses sponge candy for me. Molasses sponge candy?! On top of being a domestic goddess Abby is the in the midst of preparing for a cross Atlantic move. I'm convinced that she never sleeps!



We had so much fun that I took very few pictures. These are a just few of the wonderful people in attendance.





This gift was a concoction of three of my smallest little buddies there. C., A., and M. who are 3,5 and 7 respectively. It's a multifunctional accessory piece. A ring, or in this case a hat. (They hand pumped the balloons themselves with a bicycle pump - so sweet)!



The look on my face pretty much sums up the day.

Joy.

Today I'm thankful for every one that stopped by my house yesterday, ate some food and shared their time with me. I'm grateful for the yummy muffins that I got to bring home from work. I'm grateful for a very full refrigerator! What are you grateful for today?

SO much to say :: First up ROCKY!

Wow, I effectively go away for a few days and suddenly I'm bubbling over with blog topics. Speaking of things that are bubbling over, I'll begin today talking about my boobs. Not just my boobs, but my boobs and the rest of me in my Rocky Horror Show costume.

Now I'm not usually one to get my tatas all out on the ole' bloggy blog, so prude-ish readers avert thine eyes!



I have been a Rocky Horror fan since college. I. love. Rocky Horror. I want to BE in the live stage show. And when my stomach is flat and I feel cool enough to prance around half naked I will...but until then I satisfy myself with being an audience member. Friday night marked the first time that I went in three years - and I was pretty stoked with my spur of the moment costume.



You can't quite tell in the picture, but I put red lip-liner on as eye-liner on my lower lashes and it looked sweet! I was told by numerous cast members that my outfit was "perfect." Yay me!

This was one of the best productions that I had ever seen. The costume scheme was a sort of dirty underground circus theme, very Carnivale. It completely worked. The narrator was a talking puppet built to look like the fortune teller in Big. Completely awesome. My good friend Joe did the choreography, to great effect, and I had numerous friends dancing/acting in the show. It was too cool for school.

I do not know what it is about Rocky that draws me in year after year. Maybe it's the audience participation that makes every show so wildly different. The crass humor. The bump and grind. I just love it! If anyone out there is a REAL Rocky nerd, like I am, there is an excellent book on the topic called Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult.

:::

In other news, I started my new job today. I'm a baker! And so far so good, I freakin' love it!!! I'm hurting all over, but I love it. It's definitely hard work, but I get to handle dough all day. I find it very relaxing, minus the achy feet part. Today I made scones, jolly ollies (flattened cinnamon roll disks with fruit and streusel on them), gooey buns (cinnamon buns with granola on top), cinnamon rolls, cookies upon tray of cookies and granola. I think I prepped more cookies today than I've collectively baked in my lifetime. Hundreds. Hurray for being employed.

:::

Lastly, I was reading an interesting article in Body and Soul the other day about thankfulness. It was saying that scientific study has shown that thankful people are happier, healthier and more likely to help and be kind to others. One of the things that they suggest doing is to think of things that you are thankful for before falling asleep at night. I've done this for years. I kind of consider it my version of praying.

So I'm going to try something new here on the blog today and in the future. I'm going to end with something that I'm grateful for.

Today I am thankful for having a new job that is fun. I am thankful for being able to bring home free loaves of bread and cookies that will feed my little household. What are you thankful for today?

Pigmentary Portraits

Last night I had the joy of attending Pigmentary Portraits, a new show by Lisa Solomon and Lisa Congdon curated by the ever lovely Susan. Seriously, was that enough links in one sentence? The evening did not disappoint, and if you live within driving distance I highly recommend that you visit Artstream while it's up!

:: the work ::



The artists chose twelve historical pigments as their inspiration for the work, then researched and rendered their ideas separately. There was a little historical blurb beside each piece, which I thought was really cool. I'm kinda dorky in the sense that I loved that there was an educational component to the show! I love learning about new things!

:: some favorites ::

(I could've taken pictures of everything here, but I'll leave some mystery!)

:: indian yellow ::

*the hair!!!*



:: realger ::



:: malachite ::



And really the cherry on top of the sundae that was this awesome show was meeting the artists themselves. I've read Lisa C's blog for longer than I can remember, and am fortunate to own one of her prints (someday, someday I will be able to buy an original!) and she is every bit as cool and awesome in person as one would expect. Lisa S. was so warm and lovely, and it was just a pleasure to chat with them both. If you're reading - so GREAT to meet you ladies!



Yippee!

One Local Summer :: Week #6

Whoops! I missed last week due to the holiday. Fear not, Week #5 was full delicious local burgers and buns, Appledore Cove country ketchup and salad. Alas, no pictures, I gobbled it all up too quickly!

This weeks local fare was a Roasted Beet and Chevre Grilled Cheese Sandwich, recipe via CHOW:



Local ingredients:

Goat Cheese
Beets
Bakery Bread
Butter

Non-local ingredients:

Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

This recipe was easy, delicious and utilized simple, local ingredients. I would make it again in a heartbeat!

P.S. I'll also be able to use the leftover greens later to make one of my favorites: Beet Greens Over Polenta