girl at large

Happy Place

A big part of a Memorial Day Weekend in Door County is spending it with those you love. I really enjoyed my time with the likes of Pancake Pajama Peg, Mosquito Netting Mike, Jean the Salad Queen, and Grandma in a Blanket. Gotta love 'em, the characters.

But the best time of all was just being there at all, me and my dog.

The more things change, ...

My favorite place on the planet is the thumb of Wisconsin. I can't explain it. Maybe it's the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the sound of the waves of Lake Michigan, or the feel of sand in the sheets. All I know is I'm so lucky to be back.

You're Not In Portland Anymore.

I miss Dr. Peter. He was my chiropractor in Portland. Twinkly music, aromatic candles, charming art collection on the walls, gentle speaking voice--the whole stereotypical package, including a tender "you just rest here with this wheat husk pillow under your neck listening to the twinkly music for as long as you like" after he was done doing the cranking and cracking. At first I was highly skeptical, but there's no bigger devotee than a convert. I quickly grew to adore Dr. Peter and all the feel good hockas pockas he stood for.

In contrast, Dr. E, my new chiropractor here in no-nonsense Milwaukee is 90% cheaper, and 100% different. No aromatherapy (in fact, what is that funky smell? how old is this carpet?), no twinkly music, and you're in and out of that basement office in 10 minutes flat. He's very old-school, and very skilled--he spent most of his highly-focused energy on my shoulder, and it worked. But a gentle touch, he is not. He's either a brilliant therapist or a retired John Deere mechanic.

From The Collection of Anna Quinlan

Aunt Anna lent me these two paintings (from Grandma Mickey's gallery, signed 'Harris 1988') that I love. They are dark, but the front studio room gets enough sunlight that they don't look too gloomy. I remember these pieces and have always liked them. Anna pulled them out from storage ---how is it everything ends up under Grandma's bed?--and is letting me hang them since I have all these big, empty walls to fill.

Happy Mother's Day!

I missed being able to talk to Mom today because I was on the road to Chicago to spend the day with HER Mom. We did talk last week though, and thank goodness--classic Mom, she knew just when to call. Can't even begin to tell you how much I love that crazy broad.

Perty Perty

I finally got this mirror home --the box was HUGE!, thanks to my very kind co-workers and the OFR truck. Look how sparkly! Look how perty! Hmm..look how crappy the photos are. Will take new ones in the daytime soon.