hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
I would have written nuggets sooner but I was super busy reading just one more page of the book-I-cannot-put-down until 2am and then Ruby woke at 4:45. So I was so so so SO tired this morning and still found myself reading a paragraph while in the bathroom or even a few sentences as I loaded the 47 rogue cups into the dishwasher.
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| I am quite cute and I like to party at 5am! |
The Help is so wonderfully written, so soulfully told. Its existence in my home is encouraging creativity of all sorts. I sewed this morning, trying desperately but measuredly to catch up on my etsy orders. And I kept having to put aside North Carolina, Zimbabwe and animal silhouettes to grab my sketch book. I have a whole new line of toddler skirts made from old t shirts and train hoodies and recycled ruffley tees for women…in my brain. And now on paper.
Also, { DEEP BREATH } I have an exhibit in April. I haven’t really made art in a few years. Definitely the longest time I have ever gone in my life without making art. My creative soul has been satiated by gardening, sewing, writing and raising kids.
How amazingly domestic of me.
But, seriously, the process is the same in all those things: a seed of an idea grows and evolves right before your eyes. You have some control over the outcome but mostly you are just witnessing beauty unfold. The prickly, not-how-you-planned-it encounters are a necessary growth ring in the final fruit and eventual harvest.
So I am committing to it here. I have an art exhibit in April at The Brink. I am honored to have been asked and I have ideas that I will make and throw out there. I am grateful for the opportunity and I will freak out only mildly about exercising the muscle that hasn’t seen a postpartum sit-up. I am trying not to take it personally that my opening reception is on April Fools Day.
Oh, and the other reason nuggets are so late is because we are participants in my community’s Green Blocks Pilot Project and we had we an energy audit on our home this afternoon. And I must mention that these energy audit guys were HOT. Andrew and Kyle had my domestic heart aflutter with their charming, twenty-something dimples and energy efficiency vocabulary. I kept saying my husband lest they mistake my flushed cheeks for flirting. They probs knew I was taken what with the baby dangling from my left nipple and my wiry gray hairs waving hello! from my exhausted braids as I stirred thai chicken soup and swept toy fruit from my path…
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| Hey energy audit dudes, Â you might be cute but mom has a super hot husband she likes a whole lot. |
nuggets already.
:: Gramma Joan visited! We made cookies.
And ate them.
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| LOVE our new napkins from b. handmade design! They are thick and and big and adorable. Mention ‘dig this chick’ for 10% off your order. |
:: We also went to the park and I, for the first time in my adult life, swung and didn’t get nauseous!
And, because I had defied the pukey genies I decided to also see if I could jump from the swing. I can and my knee hurts. But it was so worth it!
:: Of course, I voted.
Wow I adored reading your comments on last Friday’s post. The winner of $25 to my shop:
Carol and Stacy said…
“Already done! Love voting through the mail. So simple and I can take my time search all the candidates and issues and really think about my choice. Great blog. It makes me feel good knowing there are so many conscientious loving parents in Missoula! That’s one of the benefits of raising our kids here.”
:: She’ll be one in a few weeks. My Ruby.
:: Even though perpetually underfoot and not the center of attention she once was, Alice continues to be the best dog on the planet.
:: Day of the Dead parade is one of our favorites.
:: The city leaf pick up was today. We don’t participate because the leaves go on our gardens but even if we did I don’t think I could stand clearing this from my backyard just yet.
:: I loaded both kids in the stroller and went on a run. I promised myself I’d do it more often. Although, it’s hard for me to leave Alice. I used to run with both girls and dog but I would feel depleted instead of refueled at the end…and that’s no way to go on a run. I can take turns. Alice is my homegirl on the weekends.
And now I am off to do what I shouldn’t do. I have a date and I am not pretending to be safe and responsible. Because I know I’ll give in and ask for more.
It’s like the city leaf collection. They say you are supposed to do it. They also say chickens are stupid. But I see my hens freaking out over those curried leaves. I get it.
Because they say I should sleep. But my date awaits. This book is pure, energizing oxygen. The pages hold their breath waiting for me to discover and permit the exhale.
Maude knows:
happy hump day out there.
49 Comments
Funny – I just started to read The Help last night… Unfortunately, I only got a few pages in before passing out. I wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I threw my name on the monstrous library waiting list and waited months and months until it was my turn… Sounds like the wait will be worth it. So I best get on it. On that note… 😉
Have had that book on the top of my “things to read when I get a moment” pile for the past many months… looks like I will have to MAKE that moment happen sooner rather than wait any more. It has been way too long since I have gotten lost in a book.
Love love LOVE this:
“…the process is the same in all those things: a seed of an idea grows and evolves right before your eyes. You have some control over the outcome but mostly you are just witnessing beauty unfold. The prickly, not-how-you-planned-it encounters are a necessary growth ring in the final fruit and eventual harvest.”
Congrats on the show… you will rock it… April Fools & all.
xo
Kate
oh & p.s. A big 9.5 on your fabulous jump off the swing landing! (That cranky Russian judge always has to take a .5 off for something.) What a great happy photo. 🙂
I love your “nuggets” and had been patiently waiting for this weeks addition. I love, love, loved The Help. I will say the ending was not what I wanted. Not because it was bad but I was so sad the story had to end. I wanted more. One of my favorite books.
I love everything about this post Nici! You crack me up!
And even though we’re on completely different continents & timezones…it’s still comforting to know my little Miss isn’t the only ‘before 5am riser’ :))
I need a new read…I will check out The Help! Thanks!
Happy Hump Day! {even though it was yesterday here lol}
xo
I loved the Help. From the moment I got the book, I couldn’t put it down. My son who was 3 months old at the time, stayed wrapped in his moby while I read with the other. A great book with potential for interesting debate. happy reading!
The Help is amazing!!!! I read in 3 days, I just couldnt put it down! I will warn you, the book you read after won’t seem good, no matter how good it is. Everything pales in comparison to The Help.
LOVE the photo of all four of you on the swings !!!
Thanks for another great nuggets !
Went down a treat with a glass of wine here in Australia 🙂
Andrew and Kyle did my audit too! They were cuties…and even better they admired how cute my son is. Certainly find men attractive when they can appreciate a baby. Look forward to seeing the exhibit!
Donna
Justin was wondering where his wife went when I read “The Help”! It is such a good book and such an eye opener. It still shocks me and saddens me that it was NOT that long ago that people endured those hardships. Fun post!
Oh, Nici…that book stole my time as well. In fact, I haven’t allowed myself to read a novel yet since I kept myself up so late reading it. I absolutely loved it. Can you believe that is her first book?
Loving the nuggets. Congrats on the exhibit.
A quick peek at HDN, I am off to The Big C soon. Love the photos of ALL the girls! I’ll be back….yes! The Help was fantastic, read it for book club.
xoxo, Your mama!
I wish I had chickens in my back yard. Somehow I don’t think it would be allowed in my city, but I could be wrong. But I know my husband would never, ever go for it. LOL
I totally love the pictures from the Day of the Dead parade… especially the one with the freaks on roller skates. Awesome!
When I began to read this post I was hoping for a new book recommendation, but then wondered if I had actually read the book. I have, and yes, what a book it is. I have passed it on to many and all who have read it loved it. As always, you and your girls are lovely. I do enjoy this blog ever so much! And my daughter has one of the Tea tops that Ruby is wearing, so I always smile when I see her in it.
Love the energy guy bit a lot!!!
art show sounds exciting!
This is so random, but I thought you might like this shirt for Margot 🙂 http://www.landsend.com/pp/HotCocoaGraphicTshirt~213817_1187.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IQ1&CM_MERCH=IDX_00004__0000002328&origin=index
The Help is a great book, loved it and couldnt put it down either. I got all worked up and so relieved I didnt live in that time.
For your next great read, try Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom.
Ok, I have to read The Help now! A good friend recommended it already and now hearing how much you like it settles it. I love to read and before having children would read 3 or 4 books a week. Now, I have to control myself because once I really get into a good book, I can not put. it. down. I get no sleep and my kids keep asking when I will finish the book so that they can get an actual cooked meal lol
Congrats on your upcoming show. You seriously amaze me, daily, with all that you do, all that you bring to life, your passion for creating.
I’m loving the Ruby pics lately. Her whole little self is becoming so obvious, her personality starting to show through.
Ditto to Tisha. And like Dig I would read a few lines here and there amidst making a PB&J or waiting for the bus. Great read.
i recently discovered your blog, and i like it alot… thanks for sharing your world with the rest of the world
Maude is GORGEOUS! Just had to say it.
,,,love the nuggets, can’t wait to take a “peek” at your art for the exhibit, so talented you are,,,
I read that book a few weeks ago and could.not.put.it.down either. Loved every page of it!
Your posts make me miss Missoula with every breath I take. We moved away 18 months ago and I feel like I could die when I see your pictures. We must make our way back…
Oh I love a good book! It is amazing how it will give you energy, make you feel sexy, and totally change your outlook while you are reading it… and the help sounds like one I will have to read! But not right now… I was wondering how you liked Breeders? I am looking for a really inspiring book on parenting and motherhood… not necessarily one about natural birth, as I might not be getting that (again! boo hoo.), but am feeling like I need some inspiring words to keep me positive these last couple months.
Love the post. xo
Yay! Now I’m really looking forward to starting the Help for bookclub next month!! I sure don’t envy you the early bird baby – ouch!
Nothin’ like a book you can’t put down!
Enjoy those baby kisses!!
I have been putting off reading it for awhile now – what with all the laundry, littles, blog reading and sweeping. Going to reserve it from the library now.
Happy Hump Day to you too!
That is the BEST book. I could not put it down. My husband teased me about how I took every spare second I could to read it.
dude, i thought i was the only one who gets the pukies from the simple swing! thanks for the day of the dead parade, one of my most missed Missoula events. Adding “The Help” to my kindle.
Loved the book. Love to see you making art. Love the pictures. Love the writing. Guess I just love the post!
XOXO
You and your blog have inspired me! Thank you for sharing your life on the vast interweb. I feel so motivated (mostly) after reading your posts and viewing your amazing photos. Because of your inspirational writing, I am planning on having a veggie garden next year. (It has been long enough without) I am not going to let the fact of three kids under three dissuade me from my mission.
Anyway, congrats on the show! I can’t wait to see all of the luscious art you unfold.
I just think it’s cool that you and I have the same stroller!! Makes me feel like one of the popular girls eating lunch at the cool table. Now if only my kids didn’t have strep throat so I could go for that run…
xoxo,
Angie from Ohio
Hey, great post. Love the back yard with all tha glorious yella leafage.
Smooch.
i had to laugh at your experience with the audit guys and the picture caption that followed… i have a hot husband as well but i still get flustered around hot guys. i went to buy a bookshelf from craigslist and was prepared to bargain but the guy was hot and i just handed over the money so i could load the thing in my car and hopefully avoid having him notice my red cheeks:O)
my aunt-in-law just dropped that book by my house last week, i’ve been looking forward to reading, now even more so after your glowing review!
those pics of you and ruby melted my heart…makes me even more excited to meet our first baby due in early april:)
You are reading the freaking book. Law. I still pine for Min and Aibie. I tried so hard to wrap my brain around how someone cranks that out as their first novel, but in the end, I gave up and just started demanding that everyone in my circle pick up The Book.
ps – Curries leaves. I feel the same way.
I adored The Help. I read the entire thing during my 48 hour stay in the maternity ward when my 4 month old second son was born. Seriously – I was reading it in between contractions. I picked that book up every time the baby fell asleep. He’d be nestled in one arm and the other was holding The Help. I wanna read it again.
Congrats on the show Nici. I can hardly wait to hear and see more about your art. You are not the only one out there who set art aside for a while. I am guilty as charged and have not made a serious body of work since I graduated. Kudos to you and good luck!!
Art…. I miss figure drawing and portraits. I actually bought some conte crayons to do a portrait of my daughter. I do not have a show to look forward to. Just one of my goals to have a portrait done of her.
I love listening to classical music when I create. It really lets me go and go deep.
:o)
Jennifer
Oh how I love the pictures of the parade! Go, Derby girls!! Awesome! Nice to see the leaves still on the trees in Missoula. Our leaves have come and gone already.
So, I haven’t even heard of this book, but it seems I’ll have to look into it.
Oh my goodness, I would happily be up at 5am with that little precious soul every morning. It would be like I’m still dreaming. Ruby is absolutely gorgeous! And those photos of you and her in the mirror! Sigh, I’m in love! Margot is absolutely gorgeous as well and so creative!! All of your daughters are gorgeous — including your Alice! 🙂
xoxo — Thanks for sharing!
Hi Burb!
As I said earlier LOVE all the photos of ALL my favorite gals, YOU, Margot, Ruby, Alice, Fowl Ladies and of course Gramma Joan! Bug’s pink headband suits her well!
Margot & Ruby….Gram is bummed! I just found out I probably won’t be able to see you before Christmas and more importantly to celebrate our birthdays Bug…..seems there is “blackout” for vaca time between Thanksgiving & Christmas @ The Big C…this makes me so sad :(!!! I am still working on it, stay tuned! I PROMISE to see you before 2011!
Margot~I love You A Bushel & A Peck!
Ruby~You Are My Sunshine!
Love to all,
xoxo, Mom/Gram
Lol! Good ol Minny! LOVED that book! I too stayed up way too late with my heart beating a little faster just trying to find out what Hilly was going to do when… or when Skeeter was going to get caught because… Whew! Such a goodie! Although, it was a shock which turned into a huge victorious cheer from me when I discovered this was Kathryn Stockett’s 1st novel. Enjoy the end!
Ooo..great book suggestion. I am chomping at the bit for a good book that makes you lose sleep (just like a good project makes you lose sleep).
Nice dismount from the swing. I still love finishing off a swing ride with a jump and I love how it makes Alex aw in delight and in amazement. (I’ll admit to randomly riding the shopping cart across the parking lot when leaving he supermarket just because.)
Have a terrific week.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
BTW, what is your art of choice? Are you a painter like Andy? Would love to know.
Triple LOVED that book! Keep reading!
I too have a show in April. April the 2nd. Like you honored but now scared I won’t be able to have the work done. Keep up the good work…
Dude! Margot is wearing the same socks in this post that little Nella is wearing in Kelle’s post this week LOL! I love both of your blogs and your pictures always have so much detail, that I love to soak up every last inch of them. So awesome that you can just post words of a song and it makes up such a great soundtrack to your week in photos. Have a great weekend!