Meeting Molly -- Part 1: Getting There

I got to meet Molly last night. Molly of Orangette and A Homemade Life and Delancy. Molly, to whom I am eternally grateful and by whom I am continually inspired.

I promise I didn't gush this much when I met her.

But I wanted to.

Before I actually met her though, I had to get there. To LA. A mere 30 minute drive, said Google maps.

Ha!

First, I was caught up in a road rage encounter. That was fun. I called 911 cause the car in front of me was slowing down to 30 miles an hour, on the freeway!!!, swerving into the car next to him and they both had their windows rolled down so they could yell at each other.

Nothing like that kind of fun to get my drive started off right.

Then, in the heart of LA, where the 5 turns into 2 lanes and merges with the 101, I sat for a while. I began to feel a little road rage myself because I just knew I would be late and miss it all. I started to sweat.

When I finally made it off the freeway and headed up Vermont to Skylight Books, I found myself searching for a place to park.

More stress. More sweat. Great. I was going to meet Molly with sweat rings under my arms.

It was a cool neighborhood. A part of Los Feliz I've never been to. A mix of cool, funky, seedy, alternative and hipster. With no parking. I finally found a makeshift lot, paid, and ran to the bookstore.

I made it.

She was just being introduced.

There were no seats left, so I stood.

It was worth the traffic and the sweat. I'm so glad I went.

I'll tell you all about it next.

But first, the realization I had when I walked to my car after the evening was over.

I feel like I live in the city. I feel like I am a city girl.

Compared to where I came from, I do live in the city.

But compared to where I was last night, I am just a suburban housewife.

It made me laugh, as I sat in my minivan, full of empty car seats and cracker crumbs.

I am used to wide freeways, parking lots, and drive through Starbucks.

I am not used to book signings, sitting in traffic and streets filled with the funky, seedy, hipster vibe. (although I do visit 4th street in Long Beach on a regular basis and it is one of my favorite places. It is not, however, where I live.)

I could chafe against that and say, "I am not a soccer mom." in the voice from the Elephant Man. But why fight it? I have 3 kids, I drive a mini van, I think drive through coffee shops are an amazing invention. (one I despised before I had kids) Besides, I like being a mom. I have planned on being one my whole life. It is just that sometimes I do get a little lost in it all.

The trick I think, is to still have a little of that other Greta still in me. The one who isn't afraid to drive somewhere new, in LA, at night, by myself. The one who says, "I'm going to a book talk tonight." The one who said, "honey, let's take 25 teenagers overseas for the summer." The one who likes an adventure.

I have to keep that other Greta in me because this suburban housewife, this minivan mama, wants to teach her kiddos to seize the day, to follow their bliss and to go find an adventure.

It was just a little book signing, but for me, it was much, much more.

Stay tuned for the book talk, signing and how I make a complete dork out of myself.

Greta

Who is That Masked Man?

I'm married to an artist. The kind of an artist who paints paintings of canned-ham trailers, the letter F, Converse high tops and the word ICE. The kind of artist who finds art in unexpected places.

We hung the ICE painting in the kitchen.

It looks rad. (yes I said rad. I'm still testing it out. I don't think it's going to work for me.)

My favorite part, besides the red of course, is how he left the wood grain showing at the top of the letters. I really like that.

This weekend, he went on a little retreat. I had mine last week, and I felt like I needed to give him the same space for his soul.
He came home with lots of pictures and told me, "I'm ready to paint! Tonight!" (Although the kids were pretty needy tonight, so they may have sucked the energy right out of him. They are sometimes terribly good at that.)

Here's a glimpse of his retreat: Palm Springs, Idyllwild and Banning.

And also, a glimpse into my man's brain.

He likes:

Mid Century chandeliers

Orange, wire rocking chairs

Modern lines

Expensive cars

Old Caddies

and VW buses

Giant dinosaurs

Vintage trailers

Old signs

(man do I hope we get a painting of this one!)

Neon lights and great lettering

The desert

The mountains

Juxtapositions

Peace

I have said before that I have learned so much from Aaron about art, about seeing it in unexpected places. Aaron has given me the confidence to create my own artistic sensibility. I can admire a snowy peak as much as the lines of a car. I appreciate beat up, old signs and clean, modern furniture.

Because that is really what it all comes down to: find the things that inspire you, that bring you delight and just go with that.

So, what are the things that inspire your artistic sensibility?

If you say Thomas Kincaid, I'll still be your friend, but we are going to have to have a difference of opinion of that one.

Greta

52 Lists --The Things I Love About Spring

I have fallen in love with Spring.

Here are some of my favorite things about Spring.

52 Lists # 6:

Some of the Things I Love About Spring

1. Yellow Ranunculus. The first bouquet of flowers Aaron ever brought me were yellow ranunculus. I was hosting my first dinner party, we had just met, and he arrived at the door with his hands full of bright, yellow ranunculus.

I was 17.

I was smitten.

I still am.

2. Yellow Daffodils. Because of Baby Dear.

3. Green Grass. Summer here turns everything golden brown, which I used to despise but have learned to love. But the hills all covered in green are something I wait for all year long.

4. Strawberries. Don't they smell intoxicating?

5. Breakfast on the patio. Is there anything better?

6. Open windows. After having them closed all winter, it's the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning. It's like letting the outside in.

7. Poppies. Because they are beautiful. Because they remind me of this.

8. The Farmers Market. It is a riot of color, scents and more delicious possibilities than I can cook up in one week. It is so hard to use self control.

9. Desserts with fruit. Like strawberry shortcake. Recipe to come. The best ever.

10. Being outside. That's where I am: feeling the sun, letting the wind whip through my hair, smelling the blossoms, reading under a tree, picnicking on the grass and enjoying it all immensely.

So what are your favorite things about Spring?

Hoping your Monday allows you a little time to remember it's Spring and that you find a way to enjoy it.

Greta

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Almost forgot. Tomorrow night I am going to see Molly of Orangette. Yes, that Molly! She is doing a book discussion and signing at this book store in LA. If you love her blog and can head up there, you should go support her. And tell me you are going so I can look for you. You'll find all the info here for LA and here for her other stops. Go see her!

What's For Lunch? Green Salad with Israeli Couscous

I love it when the weather warms up because then I really want salad for lunch. When it is warm outside, or hot, I could happily eat salad for lunch and dinner.

The more veggies the better.

But I like some other additions as well.

This is one of my favorite combinations:

Arugula

Romaine

Persian cucumbers

Red Bell Pepper

Cherry Tomatoes

Avocado

Feta cheese

Israeli Couscous with squash

I top with with my new favorite dressing, ala Jen: fig balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That fig balsamic is amazing. You really need to get some.

I top it all off with a squeeze of lemon.

I try not to eat all of the big bowl. But it's hard.

Now, if you're wondering about that couscous, let me tell you about one of my favorite grains.

First, you must have the Israeli couscous. It is essential. Do not, I repeat, do not get the small couscous. The large pearl couscous, Israeli couscous, is so much better. Look for it. I find it at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. I actually buy it in bulk at Whole Foods cause it's that good.

I found this picture on the web so you could see what Israeli couscous looks like outside my salad. It cooks up in minutes and makes a great side dish.

And a great salad ingredient.

Here's my favorite way to cook it.

Israeli Couscous with Sauteed Squash and Zucchini

Cover the bottom of a heavy bottomed pot with olive oil

Put in 2 cups of Israeli couscous and toast, stirring occasionally.

When couscous begins to turn golden, add 2 and a half cups of boiling water to pan.

Cover and lower heat to medium low.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the water is absorbed.

Remove from heat.

Cut 2 large zucchini and 1 large yellow squash into small cubes.

In a large frying pan, saute the squash and zucchini until tender.

Add the couscous to the frying pan and stir all ingredients together.

Remove from heat.

Add a cup of pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese to taste.

Season with salt and pepper.

This makes a wonderful side dish with chicken or fish. Although, I am more than happy to eat a bowl of the couscous on its own and call it dinner. When I make it for dinner, I like to make an extra large salad to go with it and then I have everything ready for both Aaron and I's lunch the next day. A little bit of planning makes for a delicious lunch.

So, have you ever cooked with couscous before? If so, I'd love to hear your favorite recipes.

Enjoy your lunch today.

I think a bowl of cous cous is sounding pretty good right about now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Greta

A Few More Vintage Signs

I haven't posted any vintage signs in a while. But believe me, I am always on the lookout for them. I will pull over on the side of the road, backtrack, or return to a sign at a later date if I can't photograph it at that moment.

I just love them.

The colors, the type, the words, the worn and weather beaten quality are all things that make them work for me.

I love that they are often kitchy.

But sometimes they are just cool.

Or beautiful.

I credit my ever increasing appreciation for old signs to my husband. He has taught me so much about seeing art in unexpected places. I consider myself very fortunate to live with an artist.

Obviously, he loves old signs too. In fact, he just finished a painting of one. I love it. It just got varnished, but when it is ready, it will be hanging in my kitchen. I can't wait.

Don't worry, I'll post pictures.

The signs are from:

1. Pedros Tacos --Fallbrook, CA

2. Pedros Tacos--Fallbrook, CA

3. The Red Kettle --Idyllwild, CA

4. The Grey Squirrel--Idyllwild, CA

I hope to see you here tomorrow with a post about my favorite lunch salad. But my kids are sick, so it may or may not happen.

Here's hopin it does.

Greta

I'm Guest Posting at Dodgen Photography

Happy news!

I am so excited to be guest posting over on the Dodgen Photography blog. I'll be posting there fairly regularly and am honored to be a small part of the wonderful world of Dodgen Photography.

You can find out more about it here.

You can read my first post here.

Be sure to check back at the Dodgen Photography blog to see more of my posts, as well as great posts by Jeremy.

Lastly, take a look at the Dodgen Photography website. You won't be sorry.

See you back here tomorrow with some vintage sign goodness.

Cheers!

Greta

Favorite Vintage Children's Books: Golden Books

Vintage Week continues with books!

I am a book fanatic. It borders on clinical. Last time we moved I thought my husband might make me do something about my obsession. Books are heavy. And there were a lot of very, heavy boxes.

Of course, I love vintage books best of all. And vintage children's books best, best of all. And vintage Golden Books best, best, best of all.

They really are the best, I tell you.

It's not just the illustrations. They are fantastic. Wonderful. I adore them. Golden Books used some truly great illustrators.

But the content is good too. They are good reads. Interesting. Fun. They are just great books.

Here are a few favorites from my collection.

I gave you a sneak peek at this one yesterday. It is a fabulous book about the states. I want to blow this map up and hang it in my house.

Look inside. The fab illos continue. California.
Hawaii for my father in law. He loves all things Hawaii.
Maine for my parents. Because they love all things Maine.
Kentucky for me. Because I've always wanted to visit Kentucky. I imagine it is very beautiful. And, it's Daniel Boone country. Come on!
Like I said before, these illustrations are so great, but the writing is too. Yes it is outdated, the populations have changed, but isn't this so much more interesting than an up to date text book?

Here are some more favorites.

Don't forget the Little Golden Books. I always find these for about a quarter. Just got one today, in fact, from the library "for sale" shelf. A whopping 25 cents.

But here is the best one of the all. This is my favorite Golden Book. Perhaps one of the favorites of all my books.
And not just cause I got it at a library book sale for fifty cents and it's worth this.

Not just cause it's Charlie Harper and I love, love , love him.

Not just cause it's a Golden Book.

But because it is beautiful.

Even cells. And tree trunks.

Oh my books make me happy. Especially the Golden ones.

Any favorites on your shelf?

List # 5 of the 52 Lists: My Vintage State Glasses

Vintage Week continues with the 52 Lists

List # 5

My Vintage State Glasses

1. California (2)

2. Delaware

3. Florida

4. Georgia

5. Kansas

6. Massachusetts

7. Missouri

8. New Mexico

9. New York

10. Nevada

11. Oklahoma

12. Tennessee

13. Texas

14. Vermont

15. Virginia (2)

Which ones do I still have to add to my collection? A lot!

But I am game for the hunt. It is all part of the fun.

I love these glasses. Look at them up close.

I love our state slogan? motto? "The Golden State" Whatever it is, I like it. It sounds warm and lovely, doesn't it?

Although, "The Green Mountain State" sounds pretty nice too. It sounds peaceful and refreshing. I've never been to Vermont. But I'd like to. It always makes me think of the movie White Christmas.
Georgia. "The Empire State of the South."

I spent several summers with some folks from Georgia and they were very nice. But one thing I noticed about them was they had some serious state pride. I mean, a lot. Now I know why.

I love these glasses. They bring back some sweet memories.

They are from one of my most favorite stores, Clementines One of a Kind, in dear old Fallbrook. Clementines was a central component to my life for a while. They were one of the first places in Fallbrook to have a coffee bar. And they served good coffee.

Danny ran the coffee bar and Kim ran the store.

They were the kind of couple that made you want to hang out in their store and talk to them. You came in for an iced coffee but you stayed to chat, and to look at all of Kim's wonderful finds.

My sister and I used to drop in for coffee after walking our dogs at the preserve.

Aaron and I bought a lot of furniture for our first house at Clementines.

Mom, and Kristen bought me a purse to take on my honeymoon there. It is still one of my favorites and I still love to carry it.

Aaron went in the morning of our wedding day and Kim and Danny treated him to a celebratory coffee.

Fallbrook is a slow town. We loved that, but it was still nice to have a cool place to hang out. A place that wasn't Denny's. (Although it was big news when Denny's came.) A place that had such great stuff that you almost could not leave empty handed. I miss Clementines every time I visit Main Street.

Sadly for us, a number of years ago Kim and Danny closed up shop and headed to New York. That is how I came to be the owner of many of those glasses. They were actually part of Kim's collection. But she was parting with some of them for the move. Since I already had a fine collection of vintage glasses, all of them, I think, from Clementines, I knew I had to have these too.

Plus, I have a thing for vintage "state stuff."

I have a lot of things, don't I?

Anyway, that is how my state glasses collection began. Every time I look at them, I remember Clementines, Kim and Danny and those particular years of my life. They are good memories.

Not all the glasses in my collection are from Clementines. Some are from my mother in law, who always remembers that I collect them. She's been asking me for a list of the ones I have for years. So here you go, Mom, happy hunting!

I love to fill my home with things that tell a story.

Do you have any special treasures in your house?
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By the way, Kim opened another store, called Summer Girl, in New York. So if you are ever visiting New Suffolk, Long Island, you should drop in her shop. I am sure it is wonderful. Tell her I said hi.

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All this talk of vintage state stuff, got me thinking. I can't have Vintage Week without a nod to my most favorite of all vintage items: books. So tomorrow I'll share with you a favorite vintage book or 2.

One of them will be about our grand 50 states.

Here is a sneak peek.

Enjoy!

Vintage Kid's Clothes: I Have a Thing for Sweaters

I'm seem to be on a theme here. It must be vintage week!

Don't you just love a baby or a small child in a sweater? A little cardigan, all buttoned up snug and sweet? Sweat shirts seem to be much more popular these days.

I understand.

They are sturdier. Sometimes warmer. You don't seem to mind as much when your little boy drops it in the mud.

But I'm still partial to sweaters.

I dream of being able to knit them myself. Hand knit sweaters for my babes? Oh bliss.

Alas, I think I am going to have to devote quite a bit of time to learning to knit. I don't seem to be a natural. So it is on the back burner right now.

Good thing I have a healthy supply of vintage sweaters to get me through.

I started my vintage sweater collection in Scotland. I was there on a mission trip. Aaron and I had been married just one year. We took 25 teenagers to do a work project. It was quite an adventure.

Occasionally, my friend Angela (the other assistant leaser)and I would get a break from cooking for the 30 member team and go into town. It was a tiny town called West Kilbride, on the Firth of Clyde. There wasn't much to do in town. But there was an Oxfam--the British thrift store. And in the Oxfam, oh heavens!, we found lots and lots of vintage sweaters. Many were hand knit by sweet little Scottish grandmothers.

They were 50 pence. That was like, a couple of dollars. Or less. I really can't remember. But cheap. And so, so cute.

We each bought an armful.

You will remember, Aaron and I had just celebrated our first anniversary. Babies weren't on the near horizon. Angela didn't even have a boy friend! But we didn't care. We simply could not pass up those sweaters.

Since then, my collection has grown. My Mom gave me some of my own sweaters when Lilly was born. That red one was mine.

I love that she wears the sweaters I once wore. I think my mom loves it even more.

Mom gave me some more delicious, vintage sweaters when the children's store she worked at went out of business. They had stock they bought out from another, older store that went out of business. If you're from Fallbrook, you know the Westerner. (I tried to find a picture on the web. Couldn't. Oh how I wish I would have take a picture of that favorite store of my childhood. Remember the penny candy?)

These sweaters were so old, they still had the hand written tags on them. Sweaters were priced for $1.50.

I love all of them

I even have some boy sweaters. Like this sweet little number right here. Boy sweaters are harder to find. I had a few white ones both boys wore when they were babies, and toddlers. Every one always thought they were girls.

What? Boys can't wear sweaters?

These sweaters will be eat another thing I pack away for my kids' kids. I am really not a pack rat, I promise.

I only save the good stuff.

Do you have any vintage favorites?