My Timeless Spirit

Wall Candy

2010-03-05T21:32:00.020-07:00

When dreaming of owning a home I knew that I wanted to create my own artwork to hang on the walls. Pieces that would represent who we are as a family and who I am as an artist. Well, I have been in my home now for a little over six months and have been able to create one work for the wall. It is more of an arts and crafts project, so I thought I would share how to create it.

What you will need:

Four art canvases (any size you want, but they should all be the same size)

Mod Podge (any finish you like, such as matte) & A brush

Scrapbook paper (all sharing common colors, patterns, subject matter, and/or theme)

And some black paint, as well as some yellow-brown paint (optional)

To begin you will want to paint the outside edges, as well as a small amount on the front, with your black paint. This will help your final piece look clean and gallery-like.

Once you have done this to all four canvases and allowed them to dry lay them out on a table or floor so that they form a square. This is for the purpose of helping you to lay out the paper to your liking. Then take your paper and cut it into different shaped rectangles. You may want to cut one and lay it on your canvas where you think you want it, and then continue cutting piece by piece so that you get varying shapes and are able to cut sizes as you may need them.

One look that helps tie your four canvases together is by taking a picture-like paper and cutting it half, and then putting one half on one canvas and the other just opposite of it on the canvas beside it. You could also cut it into fourths and put each piece on the inside corner of each canvas.

When you have your canvases covered and in a look you like you can begin pasting them. Then, piece by piece, paint the mod podge onto the backside of the paper and press onto your canvas starting at one corner and rubbing to the other side to make sure you don't get any air bubbles. Make sure you alternate how your papers overlap so that they don't all overlap in the same direction.

Once all of your paper pieces have been pasted onto your canvas, and are dry, you will then paint over the top of everything with the mod podge. If you want an antiqued looking finish add some yellow-brown paint to your mod podge and shake it up before this step.

When your project has dried completely it is ready to be hung! Leave about an inch or two between the canvases for the best look.

Risotto

2010-03-04T00:20:00.006-07:00

My latest food obsession: risotto. This is actually a very simple dish to make, it merely takes a little time and patience. It has a wonderful blend of creaminess, salty and savory.

To make this dish you will need:

1 small sweet onion, (such as a shallot), diced
1/2 sweet pepper, (such as a yellow bell), diced
1 cup arborio rice
3 cups broth (any kind you like)
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup grated Parmesan
olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

To start put your broth in a pot and heat it until it is hot...and don't make bad rhymes like me ;) Keep it warm while cooking, as you will be slowly adding it to your rice mixture and you don't want to shock the rice and have it not cook properly. Heat a skillet on medium/medium high heat with a little oil. You don't want it to be so hot that you would scorch the dish, but hot enough to keep it cooking at a hot temperature (not warm). You will be continually stirring it, so there should be little chance of that happening. To begin, throw the onions and peppers into the skillet along with the arborio rice.

Just a little lesson on this rice, arborio is a short grained Italian rice. It has a higher starch content than other rices, which attributes to the creamy texture that is achieved. The center of the rice is sometimes referred to as the pearl. This is because as it is cooked, and it slowly reaches the center it opens it's riches and reaches the state of creaminess.

While continually stirring, you want your onions to become translucent, the peppers to be soft, and the rice to become toasty brown. Once you have reached this point add the wine to the skillet and allow it to cook for about a minute to boil off the alcohol. Make sure you scrape up any bits stuck on the bottom of the pan, you don't want to miss any of the flavor! Now, add one ladle full of the stock and stir until most of the stock has been absorbed by the rice. Repeat this step until either all of your stock is used up or the rice is firm, but not crunchy to the taste. Finally, add the cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over the top and it's ready to serve!

You can make many different varieties of risotto by changing out the things you add to it, such as panchetta (an Italian bacon) or regular bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or chicken. You could also add fresh herbs to it after it has been cooked such as chives, rosemary, or cilantro. You could even use a different kind of cheese, or omit the additives other than the cheese and have a very simple risotto! Try it soon, you won't be sorry!

New Family Member

2010-02-02T16:53:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures up of our new family member, Avery, as some haven't seen any pictures yet.

This is when we first brought her home after she was neutered...she was a sleepy girl!

Playing with her lambie

Her first vet visit...poor thing had kennel cough

First bath!

2010-02-02T01:46:00.004-07:00

This past November we did a family photo-op with a professional photographer, and here is a little slide show of the day!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Sheesh.

2010-01-26T16:30:00.002-07:00

Wow! It has been a very long time since I have last posted anything on here! I guess I will just post a basic update, to get you up to speed with what's going on. We did end up getting the house, and it has been such a blast to turn it into a home. Slowly but surely I am adding pizazz to the place to really represent who PJ and I are. I will hopefully get some pictures up of it soon. I keep telling myself that as soon as the house is clean from stem to stern I will do this, but it is a much harder task than it sounds! The inside is looking really great. We've added paint and decoration to the main living area, which is the living and dining room. Next up is the kitchen once we get our tax return! A new stove and dishwasher are in the works, and I would like to either resurface or replace the cabinet doors. And finally add a little more paint and deco. Currently I am working on clearing our back yard and front yard to prepare for planting. It will be a fresh palette basically, as most of the pre-existing landscaping had died by the time we moved in. Another challenge with this, however, is the new member of our family. Avery is an adorable two year old pit bull-boston terrier mix that we adopted at the end of last year. She is full of energy and likes to chew on things. I planted an agave plant in the backyard, only to have her chew it and dig it up! So now I will have to come up with some kind of a deterrent. Other than that I'm just keeping busy with school and work! Will try to post again soon!

What's new

2009-07-07T16:54:00.004-07:00

So, we had our offer accepted and are deep in the process of making things happen. We are working on having our loan finalized, and have gotten the inspection done on the home. There are several things that need work, and we are currently waiting to hear back from the seller to see if they will fix the things that we have asked them too. Other than that not much else is new right now. More news hopefully soon...especially since our closing date is suppose to be on the 22nd!!!

A New House?

2009-06-22T21:56:00.010-07:00

Upon my sister's request, I hereby promise to desist playing the role of a slacker writer. From here on out I shall do my best to uphold this promise by posting at least once per week. That being said, there is some new news, which is a bit redundant I suppose since old news is no news, that I would like to share. PJ and I have been looking for a house to call our own and we believe that we have found one! We are going in tomorrow to put in an offer, so wish us the best of luck and say a little prayer. Here's a few photos that I took when we toured it, and by a few I mean quite a few. Sorry that some are kind of boring, such as the pic of the closet, but every little detail is important!

2009-02-02T00:21:00.003-07:00

I saw this on another blog that I read, and it made me giggle so I wanted to share it with my readers.

Why you should always check your child's homework...

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)

Dear Mrs. Jones,

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

Hee hee hee...

Words to make you think

2009-01-22T11:59:00.003-07:00

As a Christian, many times I am faced with difficult questions from non-believers. I am a person who needs time to think things through, and it can be very difficult coming up with an answer. One such question that seems to come up frequently is 'If there is a God, how can he let such bad things in the world happen?' Here is an interesting answer to that very question.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

An interesting thought for the day.

Ginger's Getting Big!

2008-10-14T14:18:00.003-07:00

OK, just one more post for the day...pinkie promise. I snapped a few pics of Stacy and Roger's newest addition while we were painting the office. She's getting so big!

New Kitchen Stuff!

2008-10-14T14:11:00.003-07:00

So I'm really excited because I got some new kitchen gadgets and such for my birthday. I got some fun tools from PJ's family, such as a avocado slicer. I also got a bed bath and beyond gift card from PJ's grandparents, which I bought a cookie scoop, oil bottle, and a few other odds and ends with. From my parents I got a target gift card, which I bought even more kitchen stuff with (and a few girlie things like a new purse). I just love experimenting while cooking, and it's so fun to buy new things! One of my favorite purchases are two glass canisters that I bought at Target with my gift card. They are simple, yet beautiful, letting the ingredients be the art:

Yeah for fun new kitchen things!

Finished!

2008-10-14T14:06:00.003-07:00

So I successfully finished my project for rendering, here it is compared to the actual photo:

Not too bad for about twenty hours of work!

Art Project

2008-10-08T01:27:00.004-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the art project that I was talking about:

So the project is that we have to do a self-portrait. We had to take an 8x10 photo and make a grid on top of it of 1/2" squares. Then we had to take our illustration board and create the same grid. And then the hard part...we have to copy each individual square! This has not been too hard for me, because this is how I actually learned how to draw. But this is the first time I've ever had to do such a small grid with so many details and dynamic values. It is taking me around an hour per column now that I'm getting the hang of it. So far I've spent about fifteen hours. Yikes! But it's gonna look awesome!!!

Tasty Dinner made by my Hubby

2008-08-07T16:55:00.002-07:00

So my hubby made us a delicious dinner the other night. We had blackened, stuffed green bell peppers,(which we bought at a local farmer's market), stuffed with seasoned rice and fontina cheese. Very tasty. And we also bought a loaf of roasted garlic bread at the farmers market, which was equally delicious. Especially when slathered with butter. Here's some pics from the event.

A Note from John

2008-08-06T19:53:00.003-07:00

This is a note that my little brother John wrote to me. For any readers who don't know John lives in Wisconsin, and I live in Arizona. He has down syndrome, and is the most polite and adorable kid ever!

Translation: Dear Ruth, I miss you but I'll visit with you tomorrow (not true...maybe on the phone though). I caught a fish , his name is trout. Love, John. "P.S." I've got a brand new hat.

Our Place!

2008-08-05T12:07:00.013-07:00

Alright, so I finally got around to taking some pictures of our place so that anyone who has not seen it can. And even if you have seen it, things may look a little bit different because we have rearranged since some of you have been here. It's really improved our space by doing so! Here are the pictures, I know there are a lot of them...but they're fun to look at. And so fun to take! (Even if you have a crappy camera).

I'm sorry everything is in separate pictures. Due to the layout of our apartment it is very hard to get a good pan shot...so I completely understand if you don't understand the walk through. Anyways, that's our place!

Why Ginger is ginger

2008-08-05T11:37:00.002-07:00

So Stacy took Ginger to her first vet visit last week...it turns out that she is an irish setter, golden retriever, german shepherd mix! Now we know why she is so ginger colored!

Meet Ginger!

2008-07-25T17:22:00.002-07:00

PJ's parents got a new puppy. Her name is Ginger, and she is part lab and part german shepherd.

First Anniversary!

2008-07-21T22:24:00.009-07:00

So July 20th was our very first anniversary, and to celebrate we spent the night of the 18th at a local resort; La Paloma. PJ's mother actually works there, so we were very fortunate to get it for a discounted price. As an even bigger surprise his parents not only paid for our room, but they also paid for our high class dinner at Janos (pronounced yah-nos). It was a new experience for PJ and I, and was a palette of exciting new flavors...more about it below. Then, a little while after we had gotten back from dinner with our bellies bursting, we had some complimentary champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Also courtesy of PJ's mother and father. We were also able to enjoy a lovely sunset from our balcony. Below are just a few pictures from the night.

OK! More about the amazing meal! I paired mine with prosecco, which is an Italian champagne that is slightly sweeter than regular champagne. PJ had his with a specialty beer. Here was our menu from the night. My favorites have a little star by them!

Janos 10 Terrific Tastes Menu

Tucson to Tuscany Connection

$50.00 per person | $75.00 per person with beverage pairings
(no choices... you get everything!)

Bocaditos / Antipasti

-Chipotle Brioche Crostino with Heirloom Tomatoes, Forever Yong Basil and Queso Oaxaca*

-Forever Yong Garlic Flan with Pickled Garlic

-Chilled Melon Soup, Crispy Prosciutto, Balsamic Creme Fraiche

Mud House, Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand, 2007)

Antojitos / Primi Piatti

-Braised Beef Ravioli with Chimichurri

-Sonoran Lasagnette with Chorizo, House-Made Ricotta and Queso Fresco*

-Roasted Corn and Piquillo Stuffed Rigatoni with Corn and Huitlacoche Vinaigrette

Bieler Rosé, Syrah/Grenache, (France, 2007)

Platillos / Secondi Piatti

-Coriander Encrusted Ahi with Grilled Leek Salad and Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil*

-Quail Wrapped in Bacon with Green Chile Polenta and Romesco Sauce

-Florentine Marinated Flank Steak with Spinaci alla Romana

Paraiso, Pinot Noir (California, 2006)

Postres / Dolci

-Membrillo Torta Sbrisolona with Mascarpone Cream and Honey-Balsamico*

-Chocolate dipped Pistacio Fennel Biscotti with Amaretto Cherry Gelato

-Limoncello and Pomegranate Gelee

Trevisiol, Prosecco, (Italy)

Yes, everything on this menu we received...and more! The portions were actually very small for each item, BUT there were twelve in total...plus we received four extra. Our extras were a puff-like pastry made with some kind of peppery, tomatoey dough, with a shredded meat filling. Very delicious. Then we received a curry crab salad atop a slice of mango and a slice of avocado. This was actually my favorite item of the entire night! It was slightly smoky, and sweet, and buttery...so fantastic!!! Then, at the end of the night we received a marzipan cookie on top of a bed of heavy whipped cream, with a tart berry drizzle and chocolate drizzle. It was garnished with fresh berries. On top of this cookie, which was banner shaped, was piped 'Happy Anniversary' in chocolate. It was awesome! And finally we got a special made chocolate in a gold foil box to take on the road. All in all it was a really great, new experience, and probably makes it on my list of memorable moments!

Flowers From My Husband

2008-07-16T12:32:00.003-07:00

Lovely gerbera daisies and lilies.

Trip to Wisconsin

2008-07-07T20:38:00.005-07:00

So a few weeks ago PJ and I took a trip to my hometown in Wisconsin to visit family and friends. It was a wonderful time...and went SO very quickly. We celebrated my older sister's nuptials, had a family picnic, hung out with some high school friends, and went to Noah's Ark (the world's largest water park). I miss my family a lot, so it was good to see them again after six months. Here are a few photos from our trip:

This is my sister Victoria, and my one year old niece Savannah.

This is my mom (Grandma!) with Savannah!

Me with Savannah.

PJ (my husband) having a water fight with some of the cousins.

My dad and mom.

My sister Mary and her boyfriend Mark.

My two nieces (they're sisters) Chelsea and Savannah.

My hubby!

My dad and his new son-in-law Rick.

My little brother John. Doesn't he look so enthusiastic.

I Miss My Buddy!

2008-07-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, so there are a couple of blogs that I read fairly religiously (my mother in-laws, a friend from school; Kelly, and The Pioneer Woman)...and thanks to my Google reader on my iGoogle it is even easier to keep up on them. Today on The Pioneer Woman (Ree is the name of the writer of this blog), wrote a post about a conversation she has with her retarded brother Mike (I'm not sure of what his exact disability is). Check out her blog sometime at: http://thepioneerwoman.com/, it's awesome! Anyways, anytime I see someone who is metally disabled or read a story about someone who is mentally disabled (especially those with down syndrome) it always brings a tear to my eye and makes me miss someone special. You see, I have a younger brother who has down syndrome named John. We were fairly close growing up together. He is in Wisconsin...I am in Arizona. John watches home videos of us and cries cause he misses 'his Ruth', I see kids with downs and read stories about them and I cry cause I miss 'my John'! I miss my buddy!

An old soul?

2008-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

On my wedding day, as we were sitting down for dinner at the head table with our party, my sister...who had already drank a wee bit of wine...leaned over to me and said, as though in some kind of revelation or epiphany, "my gosh Ruth, I think you are an old soul". Now I can't recall if those were her exact words, but it was something to that effect. I asked her what exactly that was, and she said that it was something that en captured parts of older time periods and people...something to that effect. My husband and I had a little laugh about it, knowing that she had already had a bit to drink and so it was soon forgotten. Later on, however, I began to think on the event...and wondered just exactly an old soul was and why she had said that.

So I typed in 'old soul' on my good old google search tab, and came up with several pages...most 'definitions' however, were pages long...so i decided to go with the shortest and most decisive I could find, which wound up being on a site called urban dictionary. It said that an old soul is:

A spiritual person whom is wise beyond their years; people of strong emotional stability. Basically, someone whom has more understanding of the world around them.

Some people even believe an old soul is a person whom has learned from past incarnations, or lives. They aquired certain knowledge from their past lives and apply it to their present life... thus gaining more wisdom than the average bloke.

"She has an old soul."

( http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=old+soul )

The first part of this definition I feel does describe me fairly well. In many ways I am more mature for my age group. At around the age of sixteen I helped my grandmother care for my dying grandfather, at nineteen I had moved from my home state of Wisconsin to Colorado, and at twenty I had moved again to Arizona and got married eleven months later. Now that second part I'm not partial to, but I can understand how I could be perceived in this way. The reason being that I am very into older fashioned things. I have a very broad taste in music and movies, ranging all the way from the thirties up to today's works.

On my wedding day I was wearing a dress that seemed to have some inspiration from an older style, so that plus the wee bit of wine, was probably the reason why my sister had said that. So yeah...in some ways I am an old soul. And that is why I have named my blog such, as it is inspired by 'My Timeless Spirit'.