Like nothing else

If you're in the Kansas City area or looking for a new destination: Run, don't walk! and go to Hammerpress in the Crossroads. This establishment is probably nothing like you've ever seen before when it comes to stationary, invitations, promotional posters, calendars, calling cards, etc. Everything is done by hand by a group of people who care. This is one place that I really long for since moving to Boston. Thankfully I've been blessed with the Internet and can purchase online. I can't help sounding like a whiny kid when I say, "But it's not the same!"

Go and enjoy the experience.

dream BIG

We have been searching for a property to purchase and make our own in the Boston area. For months we've been searching for something that tickles our fancy but alas, we are in New England. Everywhere we look houses are primarily two styles: Victorian or Colonial. Victorian would be very cool if the right kind of molding and plaster work was done well, but we still feel like we're cramped in with little open space and little light.

However, we've stumbled upon a property in Cambridge that has created such an excitement in me I can barely function. We've yet to see it in person but I've behaved like I always do: jumping the gun and picturing myself moved in. *Note to Self: You're setting yourself up for the likely possibility of a huge disappointment. Knowing that, I'm going to continue to dream away at my own risk.......

Pictures: Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, Red Modern Furniture

I've been waiting for this

After years of listening to recordings, I finally get to hear Renee Fleming perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra tonight!

Not to mention Mahler 4 is on the program with her singing the fourth movement....totally a bonus!

Return to New York

Last Sunday we took the Limo Liner down to New York as the Boston Symphony Orchestra was performing at Carnegie Hall for the third time this year. I have been to Carnegie two other times: the first as an audience member and the second time was the next night as a performer with the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Interestingly enough, the first time (as an audience member) that I went was specifically to hear (my) Michael premiere Michael Daugherty's new clarinet concerto, "Brooklyn Bridge." It was February 2005 and we had been introduced once before but had not yet hit it off.

While I was sitting in the audience last Monday night I remembered that night five years ago, and wondered how many musicians in the BSO have premiered a solo piece at Carnegie. Further, how many BSO members knew that Michael has? Continually he inspires me.

So my second trip this year to NY was pretty good. We had a nice lunch at a quaint restaurant in the Upper East Side, Vio Quadronno and were able to see some friends from Kansas City who now are with the Chicago Symphony. I'm returning to NY again later this month for the Coterie market and wonder if I'll have any time to do more exploring...hope so since each time I go it's getting better.

Best Friends

Molly Cat and Michael are best friends. They cuddle, play, and search the internet together. Who knew they'd become nearly inseparable? Whenever I'd be away from Little Girl on a trip, I'd miss her and Michael thought it was a little odd. But guess who misses her when we're away one night to New York? It's not just me anymore...

An Expected Surprise

On Thursday I received the best expected surprise: Mom's Cuisinart food processor came in the mail! I had sent my dad an email asking him to put it aside for me to pick it up in April, but he opted to ship it. YES! I love it, though I haven't used it yet.

When getting ready to move to Boston I debated and debated bringing the Cuisinart but in the end choose not to. I did not realize how many recipes I would want to make (after my move) that would utilize the appliance. My short list of things to make with the processor is my Grandpa's carrot cake. Oh goodness is it good! The long list: the possibilities are endless.