feels all too familiar.

via tumblr

you want a knife?!

Yesterday, my boyfriend, Aquila, and I decided to venture a bit north to Woonsocket

for the afternoon. Truthfully I was amazed at how cute the downtown area was. I had heard of Woonsocket before but didn't know much about it. The city was not 'busy' by any means but was welcoming. We walked down historic Main Street which was lined with thrift shops. I managed to find a pair of Frye boots for a mere $10! The ultimate shop was the 3-story Salvation Army. This was the king of all Salvation Army's hands down. There was potential for a lot of vintage handbags but none that caught my eye this time. Also, lots of nice furniture that could easily be reupholstered and stained.
After walking for a while, we were starving [and freezing] and wanted to grab a bite to eat. Aquila had said that Woonsocket was famous for their NY Style Hot Weiners. NY Style Hot Weiners was something my mom loved to eat when she was pregnant with me and they were definitely a staple in my house. So we headed to New York Lunch on Main Street. It is a small diner with two tables and bar stools at the counter. The people are amazing and hysterical. We ordered the lunch special which was 3 weiners [with the works..duh], a small french fry, and a drink for $6.25. Then you sit and watch the cook place a row of dogs in buns on their arm as they place the toppings on with ease. Our order came out and I asked for a knife to cut the dog in half. Our waitress laughed and kept saying 'She wants to cut the weiner in half'. We chowed down and they were amazing. The simple combo of onions, mustard, celery salt, and meat sauce is undeniably delicious. Nothing like them!
So if ya have an afternoon, definitely head to Woonosocket. We didn't visit the Museum of Work and Culture but that's for next time.

i missed you.

granny pants.

So over the past few weeks, I've noticed a theme that ran throughout some of my favorite blogs--tree love. I mean, people have been 'hugging' trees forever but this takes it to a new level. Semi-similar to my earlier post regarding upholstering tree stumps, this is like granny graffiti. Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood from Craftsanity; a blog/podcast for all us DIY'ers out there, feels the world would be lost without art. Who honestly could say they could live without art? No one! Where would we be without music, dance, doodling, photography...honestly the list could just keep going. Art therapy is the way to go--feeling blue, go color in a coloring book or frame those photos that have been lingering on your desk for months. Jennifer says that she "craft[s] to relieve stress and love[s] it when [she] can successfully turn a negative into a positive." You said it sister!

I'm just super excited to see these types of positive 'community involvement'. I also like how more and more people are getting back in touch with handmade goods. It truly is the way to go. I've been experimenting with my sewing machine and stuffed animals, weird I know, and I love it. It's such a great de-stresser. I think this winter I'll try to tackle knitting again...maybe with less holes this time.

chalk world

eh?

So I ended up going out to Tofino [picture a small fishing village with Maine scenery].

The town was really cute. Reminded me of Cape Cod. Everyone knows everyone.

Squirt kept us company on our hikes. She never gets lost surprisingly.

Big Tree Trail.

And of course, some amazingly colored starfish.

Nice place to visit but I like calling Rhode Island my home.

super freak.

Just browsing some blogs tonight and I came across the lovely Super Naturale. They rave that they're "an independent site dedicated to the 'Do It Yourself' culture in all its glorious forms. From simple afternoon home improvement projects to radical lifestyle choices- we love them all. We celebrate ingenuity, creativity and the handmade," which I can most defnitely agree with! They are fabulous and after you peruse their site, you want to run down to Home Depot, A.C. Moore, and Ikea and revamp your entire space.

One post that caught my little eye was one regarding the STUMP project. Honestly, the picture was what caught my eye. I mean--an upholestered tree stump?! I had to read on. The STUMP project started in 1999 in NYC and basically beautifies tree stumps who have sacrificed their precious lives to various things out of their control--disease, vehicular damage, construction, etc. Take a look at the post, where there are step-by-step instructions on how to take on this project. How delightful would it be if all the tree stumps in NYC [and eventually everywhere] were beautifully upholstered and given some life again with bright colors and chaotic textures? I think this is one amazing realistic dream.

[i can read]

tofino.

Some people talk and talk

and never say a thing.

Some people look at you

and birds begin to sing.

Some people laugh and laugh

and yet you want to cry.

Some people touch your hand

and music fills the sky.

--Charlotte Zolotow

osheaga mania.

What I wouldn't give to go to the Osheaga Festival in Montreal! Not only is Montreal amazing and just plain awesome, but the lineup for the weekend is like a dream. The festival is the weekend of August 1 & 2 and will feature artists like Lykke Li, The Decemberists, The Ting Tings, Arctic Monkeys, and Eagles of Death Metal. So would I go simply for those artists...YES. But wait...who are the headliners you ask--Coldplay and Beastie Boys. Yes believe it. All of these uber talented artists together for one weekend in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unfortunately I will not be attending because of the price tag [$125 for a weekend pass] as well as potential travel plans that may be in effect at that time. I may just make a playlist on my I-Pod with all of the artists and have my own festival on the beach [take that Montreal!]. Until then, I'll have to settle for local shows and WBRU cheap date concerts!

hot rocks.

I have always enjoyed arts and crafts. I babysit and work at a preschool/kindergarten, so my life is pretty much consumed by PlayDough and Elmer's glue. There's nothing more relaxing than arts and crafts: you are totally consumed by whatever the project is! I was recently perusing one of my new favorite blogs, Wise Craft, when I came across this post about 'Hot Rocks'. This requires you to take a stroll in the woods or even the beach for rocks--what could be better than that. Here's how Blair from Wise Craft describes the process of how to make hot rocks:

For anyone who doesn't know how to do this, find rocks in the yard or forest (I know, again with the foraging for supplies, sorry).  Rocks that have a fairly smooth, flat surface are best.  Heat the rocks up in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes (on a foil lined cookie sheet).  While they are heating, have your kids get busy tearing the paper off of crayons they plan to color/paint on the rocks with.  Remind them to handle the rocks with pot holders, put them down on a protected surface (we used plastic cutting boards), and "paint" with crayons.  The crayons melt and the resulting color is very vivid (my kids love the glittery crayons the best).  And, if you're a tired mom like I am at about 3 in the afternoon, you can just pick one crayon color, press it down on your own rock, and let the entire thing melt down, just watching....watching.....watching the crayon melt....down....down...

its fun.

happy creating!

early start.

The sun is but a morning star.

--Henry David Thoreau

love.

In the beginning there were three parents: Sun, Moon, and Earth. Each produced an offspring, round and otherwise like itself. From sun was produced the man; from earth, the woman; from moon, the androgyne. Each of these three was a double, one head with two faces looking out in opposite directions, four arms and legs, and two sets of genitalia. They moved about on the earth with a great deal more freedom and power than humans do now, for they rolled-ran hand over hand and foot over foot at double speed.

One day, these fast, powerful, but foolish creatures decided to scale Mt. Olympus to attack the gods. What should the gods do to show the foolish humans the error of their ways? Should they shoot them down with thunderbolts? No, they decided, too boring. They'd done that before to the giants. Besides, who would pour out libations and offer sacrifices to them if they destroyed their worshipers? They had to devise a new punishment.

Zeus thought and thought. Finally he had a brainstorm. Humans weren't a real threat, but they did need a dressing down. Their arrogance would be checked if they lost their speed, strength, and confidence. Zeus decided that if they were cut in half, they would be only half as fast and half as strong. Even better, it was a re-usable plan. Should they act up again, he would repeat the operation, leaving them with only one leg and one arm each.

After he revealed his plan to his fellow Olympians, he asked Apollo to join him in putting it into effect. The king of the gods cut the man-man, woman-woman, and man-woman creatures in half and Apollo made the necessary repairs. The face, previously facing out, Apollo turned inward. Then he gathered all the skin together (like a purse) with an opening in the middle as a reminder to mankind of his earlier state.

After the surgery, the half creatures ran around frantically looking for their other halves, seeking them out, embracing them, and trying to join together again. Unable to join, the creatures despaired and began to starve to death in their sorrow. Zeus, again mindful of his need for worship, decided something must be done to recharge the creatures' spirits, so he instructed Apollo to create a means to rejoin temporarily. This Apollo did by turning the genitals to the belly side of the body.

Before, mankind had procreated by dropping seed on the ground. This new system created an interesting new means of producing offspring.

The creatures who had been double women before, naturally sought out women; those who had been androgynous, sought out members of the opposite gender; those who had been double men, sought out the company of men, and not simply for intercourse, but so they could become whole again by being rejoined with their soul mates.

Soul Mates

adapted from Aristophanes' 'Speech on Love'

based on Plato's Symposium

life is too short.

list of things that i saw on apartment #412 

i couldn't resist. the ones in green are the ones i have done...as of today that is :O)

1. Started your own blog 
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld/Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo 
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables 
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you were not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30.Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been laid off from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

the LEARN process.

Virtually everyone has been dumped at some time in their life. I certainly have - so I know it hurts like hell. 

This kind of very personal rejection is in fact so painful that it can make you feel as though you’ve been injured. Rejected people often feel as though their feet have been cut away from under them, rendering them unsteady and unsure. All too often they also succumb to every cold and stomach bug going.

I have often seen people in my consulting room who are coming to terms with the end of a relationship, and frequently they look as though they are recovering from a major operation or a car accident. Their pain is so palpable that they could well be suffering from a physical illness.

Losing someone you love leaves you with a dull, heavy weight in your chest that often, without warning, explodes into lacerating pain. This torment makes you long for a time when life was easier, so you tend to hope that your ex will return - sometimes even after a couple of years of single-living.

You might also feel that if they do not come back, no one else will ever fill that gap in your life and you will never find love elsewhere. This is nonsense of course, but grief skews our thinking. 

So, how can you get over the pain? How can you learn to live again? How can you start viewing your single status as a fresh and fun opportunity instead of a punishment? How can you stop feeling that you are unlovable and unwantable - and that fate has marked you out for a lifetime of solitude, misery and bad luck?

Well, the first step towards a new positive future is to finally accept that your ex-partner has gone and will not be coming back. 

This means facing your grief and allowing yourself to cry for the loss of your hopes and dreams. I am afraid that this is a painful process whether you are a young man who has just lost the girl of his fantasies or a 50-year-old woman whose cruel, philandering husband of 30 years has finally walked out. 

The most important thing to remember at this point is that you will get over this. I know it does not seem like it right now, but you will, believe me.

The next most important thing is to lean on your friends and to talk about your ex until you have no words left to say. 

You will know you are getting better when you realise that you are actually bored with the subject yourself. Talking is the key to feeling better. When we talk about our hurt it gradually ceases to have power over us and - step by step - we recover. 

But during this shattering time, it is vital that you look after yourself properly. In fact, you should treat yourself like an invalid, or like someone who has had a terrible shock. 

Take long, hot, scented baths, play music that helps you to let your feelings out, tempt yourself with favourite foods and allow other people to get close to you and to care for you.

Here's an acronym of a process that usually helps:

L Stands for List

Make a list of all the things about your ex-partner that you did not like. It may start off small, but if you pin it up in your kitchen so that you see it daily, you will be amazed at how it will grow. 

Remember how he or she always told the same jokes? Or got drunk at parties? Or put you down in company? Or could not be bothered to get involved in your job or hobbies? 

Write it all down and start realising that maybe your lost relationship was not so great after all.

E is for Experience

After a relationship is finished, we tend to think that we can never be loved again. This is not true, of course, but it is what we believe at the time.

The fact is that there is every probability you will be loved again. Not by your ex-partner, of course: you will never again share exactly what you had in that relationship, but you can have just as important feelings with someone else. 

A Stands for Appreciation

Appreciation of your self, that is. 

You need to look at yourself in the mirror and focus on your best features and congratulate yourself on them. Do this often.

Another helpful task is to write a list of 50 things that you like about yourself. This might take some doing, but it is a rewarding exercise. 

You see, when we are dumped we tend to take the blame on our own shoulders. We mentally beat ourselves up for not being more fun or more intelligent, or more attractive, or much better in bed. 

Try to stop this destructive thinking and - just for a change - allow yourself to feel your own goodness. So, deliberately recall times when you have helped someone, or been kind to a stranger, or put yourself out for a neighbour. 

Learning to accept and value your own kindness, beauty and talent is very healing.

R is for Re-Organizing

Unfortunately, when you have been half of a couple for a while, many of your friends will be other couples who knew you and your ex. 

Sadly, some of these people are probably avoiding you like the plague now, fearful, in some cranky way, that having you around will make their own relationship more vulnerable.

But even if you keep plenty of old friends, this is a time when you need a whole new circle of mates of both genders.

N is for No-Sex with Your Ex

Often when you have been apart for several months, your ex may suddenly decide that the grass was not greener outside the relationship after all.
Or perhaps he or she will sense that you are getting your life in order and may feel jealous that you are now in a position to find someone else. Maybe he or she will just fancy a quick snog for old time's sake.

The trouble is that sex and closeness might make you feel loved and wanted temporarily, but it will leave you with more sorrow and confusion afterwards.

So do not do it. If your ex begs to come back and try again, then you can make a decision at some later date about whether or not you will give it a go, but never have sex before this point.

Anyway, the chances are that with all the suffering you have gone through and all the work you have done on yourself to get your act together your ex-partner will be the very last person you want to be with!    

--Christine Webber, psychotherapist and lifecoach

why is it so hard to be loved?

Why are we afraid to be in love? 
To be loved 
I can't explain it 
I know it's tough to be loved 

--Michele Branch

[Be Open to Love]

If you want love to come to you, you need to be open to it. You have a much better chance of someone falling in love with you if you are sweet, nice and outgoing. Don't fold your arms or turn away from people you're talking to. Often the most important part of communication is non-verbal. Sit closer to the person that you're with. If you do, they will feel more comfortable about being around you. When you sit far away with a frown on your face, you are showing someone that you aren't ready to love.

[Be Honest]

When people are asked what they want in a relationship, the majority mentions honesty. For most people, this aspect is at the top of the list. A relationship built on a core of honesty has a much better chance of lasting a long time. When you're honest with your partner, or with a potential mate, you are showing respect to them.

It can often be very hard for people to be honest. In a way, they think that it's easier to lie. If you put the effort into being honest, it shows them that you care and that you are willing to make it work. If you want to be loved, you should strive to keep honesty in your relationship.

[Be Yourself]

As much as you want to be loved, that person should love you for who you are and not who you pretend to be. Anyone can pretend to be everything that his or her mate desires, and while this can lead to a relationship, it won't be fulfilling. This is an extension of honesty. Don't just tell the truth with your words, tell the truth with who you are. Do you like watching cheesy horror movies? Don't hide it. You should want to be loved by someone who has those same interests. This will help you achieve a deeper and more fulfilling love.

If you love yourself, are open to love, are honest, and are being yourself, there's no reason why someone can't fall in love with you. Follow these rules and you will have a much better chance at the relationship that you dream of.

--Hubpages.com