Happy Halloween

my creative kids did the pumpkin carving...way to go Caroline, Tony, Ben and Cerenity!

 

Ione takes a peek as Cindy Lou Who applies Grinch's eyelashes.
Cindy's hair tower was achieved with an 8" foam floral cone, chenille pipe cleaners, 
a little hair spray and a lot of naturally obedient hair. 

 

 team orange is staying in tonight

Whine List

it's time for a mini-rant...
Today, the Star Tribune's business section featured a story regarding Edina-based Regis  Corporation's plans to overhaul its existing Pro-Cuts hair salon brand into a sports-themed salon to compete with the Sports Clips operation.

I am someone who spends 14.00 on a haircut about twice a year.
It is curious that this article intrigued me at all.
When I think of men's sport figures and their hair I think of sweat bands, buzz cuts, helmet hair.

photos not endorsed by Regis or Pro Cuts but deemed silly by me

I read on:
'Huge black-and-white photos of athletes act as wall barriers, referee stripes adorn the lower walls and bright purple, yellow and red jewel tones found in team logos dominate the salon. The wooden floor is marked like a basketball court, and stylists will toss towels through a basketball hoop slung over the hamper.'

Oh, it's not just about the hair or even the store design, it's the delivery system!
What if you are a stylist who gives a great scalp massage, a superb cut but can't make a free throw?  Do you forfeit your tip?  Sit out the next appointment?

There are other silly corporate delivery systems, I know.  Twenty years ago, I often took my young cubs to the Pannekoeken restaurant on 98th and Lyndale.  Every few minutes or so, a wonderful Dutch oven-baked pancake was delivered to the table by a franetic, clogged heeled waitress hollering,"pannekoeken! pannekoeken!"
Which all made perfect sense to me since I know the value of getting a hot meal to the table.
My son rolled his eyes while the pancake deflated.

Fall's Last Bouquet

endless summer and paniculata, tree form hydrangea

red twig dogwood

amur maple

autumn joy sedum

asian blackberry lily

and the last of the tuberous begonias

amur lane

fall foraging = theivery in the case of the concord grapes

irresistible as well to the bees

my baby brother

Richard's growing bottle cap collection on the garden arch

Front Page Today

Courtesy of a lovely girl that I met in an alchemy chat.
She is of Swedish descent, living in Israel, and was looking for someone familiar with English to author her line of beautiful, simple jewelry.
She curated this lovely treasury with my white Pyrex mixing bowls...

thank you sara at NAKIdesign

Poor Red Bird

Found under a crush of birch leaves.  Was it the cat? 

Or was it the promise of infinite blue that ended abruptly on impact with the south window?

Wish my baby girl was here to lullaby and carry it to a resting place.

Globe Trotter

This past Wednesday, Ione and I enjoyed an autumn drive through the perfectly picturesque St. Croix River Valley.  From home, we made our way to Woullet's Bakery in Edina for a box of yummies, then on to my daughter's new home in Woodbury.  Tony mapped us the scenic route from Afton(cute!) to Bayport to Stillwater to Marine on St. Croix.

On my hunt for vintage treasure I found a new globe to add to the collection.  It's a working electric lamp with a battery operated clock.  As much as I love love it, I really love the bright blue Cram's Enviro-Sphere.  Look for these to be for sale soon in the in the shop.

We spent much of our time at the Staples Mill Antique Store, located in the historic Isaac Staples Sawmill and home to 30 dealers...find it on 410 North Main Street.  There are three levels and lots of nooks and crannies to explore.  Although I didn't bring her home, I found a 1960's bride doll similar to one I received on Christmas many many years ago.  I also noticed a doll at the check out, who I discovered was an acquaintance from 25 years previous (we were softball wives/widows).
She is still lovely and personable...

Fall Foraging

For several years, at fall yard clean-up, I've been kicking a brain-like fungus to the curb.  It has grown at the base of my grand-daddy burr oak.  Come to find, from two trusted sources and an internet search that this is grifola frondosa, Hen of the Woods; Maitake; Sheepshead; Ramshead.  Often found at the base of dead or dying oaks (sob), and commonly a fall find.
This September, we have had record flooding in the Minnesota river bottoms, making for perfect conditions.  Add to that some seventy degree temps and voila!

Chicken of the Woods in my omelet!  I found the texture meaty, the taste a bit bland and bordering on barkie...Suzy says we will do it on pizza tomorrow.  It freezes well when cut into strips and required no blanching.  Use caution and experienced sources when you forage for any wild foods!

Inspiration for more fall foraging on etsy

woodland ring by lambCandy

botanical print from loveElizabeth

reishi mushroom soap by TCsoApCo

italian stone bookends from SassySisterVintage 

Lollobrigita and Loren...big, bigger, biggest!

No silly, it's all about the sunglasses..
I've got some wonderful new vintage Italian made and Italian inspired eyeglasses that will be for sale soon here!

I know, I know...an English name landed in the 4 spot...but she is just so darn gorgeous.

Research and fortune led me to the most fantastic site of black and white celebrity photos from the 1960's and 1970's...guido_1953
He has compiled some great images and video...don't miss the trailer with Marianne Faithful, Girl on a Motorcycle.