deirdre friebely

What To Do?

Someone recently mentioned life lists and why people start them. Which got me thinking about the idea. I have a list in my head...which is not really how to go about it. According to the "experts" you need to write your goals down to really make them happen. It's like having a map. Anyway, I love the website 43things.com...it is a site for doing exactly this, and sharing with the world. Every now and then I go on it and poke around. It's uplifting to read people's lists and see that they have checked things off. My goal for the week...aside from painting everyday...is to sign up and make a list. Check out the site!

Seen and Heard

Bottled water has been a fad for a while now, we love it's convenience, but don't really think about the fact that it is often not held to the same standards as our tap water. (Once I realized this I started enjoying bottled water a whole lot less.) Today I heard that it takes about 3 liters of water to produce one liter of bottled water. Those 3 liters go into producing the plastic bottle.

Listen to the interview with Peter Gleick.

Munchies

Can you tell I am obessed? I have been sitting here thinking about all the great snacks, and pies, and dressings that are coming down the pike. It made me realized I have never shared a picture of my "Snack Hound." He sits next to me when I am at my computer, and although he doesn't hold snacks for me...I am sure he would be up for the job...isn't he fantastic? My mom and I discovered him in a little antique shop in Kittery Point, Maine on one of our outings.

...and speaking of mother-daughter outings. Mom found this great little dish in a shop here in Florida when she was visting. I think it is the crowning jewel to my oversized collection of odd treasures. It is so prefectly fitting that we found a dish in Florida that says Maine! I think it is a sign...Maine beckons!!

Relish the Relish

Like everyone else, I have been thinking about all things holiday...and all things edible! Yesterday, in preparation for Thanksgiving I made this great cranberry relish. We have been making every year since our friend Sandy Hopkins passed it along a few years back. It is always a crowd pleaser and a great alternative to cranberry jelly....

1 bag of whole cranberries
4 apples, skin on
1 lg can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup of fresh OJ
rind of half and orange
nuts to taste
lemon juice to taste
sugar to taste

Chop cranberries, apples and nuts separately in food processor. Toss together. Add remaining ingredients. The recipe actually calls for 1 1/2 cups of sugar...I have a sweet tooth though, and only use about 2 tablespoons. I also usually cut the recipe in half.

Enjoy!

Marvelous

I have been having quite a lot of fun in my studio lately...which may be evident by my lack of blog entries. While happily painting animals and tomato head people, I have been listening to Sylvie Lewis...who is my current musical obsession. There is something about her voice and great lyrics that really inspire whimsical thoughts and sketches. So I am gladly riding that wave. You can give her a listen here.

Here is a little peak at one of my new tomato friends...

November Arrives with a Loud Thud

It has been gray and blustery here the last few days due to Hurricane Noel. I have to say, as much as I love the sun, gray days are more familiar to me and remind me of Maine. Yesterday, the wind was shaking the pecans from the giant tree in the back yard. They hit the deck like rocks. I thought acorns could inflict pain, but I think a pecan could actually knock you unconscious. My next logical thought was to collect them all. I headed outside to brave the elements (the wind), stare death in the eye (medium sized falling nuts), and battle my enemies (the hoards of squirrels that like to store their nuts stash in our garage). After being cooped up all day in my studio, it was an exciting outing...and now I can make a pie!