Butternut Squash Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

No two times that I've made lasagna have been quite the same. The time of year as well as the seasonal produce available typically determines what I throw into the mix. The fall version combines a hint of sweet and a bunch of savory, and is infused with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Perhaps it's time to dig in.

Butternut Squash Lasagna
1 pkg no-boil lasagna noodles
6 cups bechamel sauce
2 cups spinach
16 oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz cottage cheese
1 egg
mozzerella cheese, parmesan cheese
3 cups pureed, butternut squash
1 medium onion, 3 large garlic cloves (sauteed)
1 cup sliced mushrooms

Easy Bechamel Sauce
5 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups milk or half & half
2 teaspoons salt
nutmeg to taste
Recipe Directions.

1. Pre-heat oven to 400.
2. Mix ricotta, cottage cheese, 2 tsp of salt and pepper, and 1 raw egg together.

• Spread bechamel sauce on the bottom of an oval, baking dish.
• Next, layer the pasta on top of the sauce, try and cover the bottom of the pan.
• Add squash puree.
• Then another layer of pasta.
• Add final layer of ricotta/cottage cheese mixture.
• Place mushrooms, spinach and sauteed onions/garlic on top, evenly.
• Add one last layer of noodles.
• Top with bechamel sauce.

3. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, add more bechamel on top, if needed. Add a foil cover for the final 30 minutes.

Mousecapades

We may have added a roommate, or two, or maybe more. Within the past few, pre-winter months, we have realized that we have been accompanied by none other than, mice. YES, it's true! First thought (queue the dramatic tone): EEEKK, ewww, yuck, WHY, how, HOW MANY, WHERE?! Second thought: Now what? I don't say this often, but this is a perk to renting as opposed to owning; Just pick up the telephone when you have a problem, let it be known and it will be solved, for free. Our inconveniences in this rental apartment have been few and far between and when they are present, are typically fixed pronto. Mice are a little different. No quick fixes. After catching three in a trap during the first three nightly attempts, they have disappeared. Well, not so much. We still hear them scurrying about in the ceiling above our bed (lovely, I know) and in the walls. Poison was the next option. It's been about a week. Although the pitter patter has been stifled, it's still there every now and again. This might be something I might just have to ignore, or get used to for about six more months. Painful? Not really. Life? Yup. (Queue heebie jeebies).

Flow.

Oftentimes I find myself searching and for what, I wish I knew. Sometimes I don't know whether I should be annoyed or angry with my lack of contentedness, or just let it be. Humans, in general, are always pursuing something, and probably a different thing at any given time; a new job, money, social acceptance, vanity, material goods, etc. As of late, my thoughts and dreams have blown up to the point where blogs that I have thought about posting seem either much too trivial or much too personal, or spacey, for lack of better words. There is much to share, but the timing is off. I'm still in discovery and wondering how to make sense of it all, as well as learning that not everything should or can be deciphered immediately. A precursor to stage 4, otherwise known as a quarter-life-crisis in upon me. Sigh.

Saturday afternoon, a surpising 65-and-sunny day graced us with her lovely presence. I haven't been spending much time at the park across the street mostly because I need to get my priorities in check. But mostly, because I've been busy; a lame, overused, festering excuse. So, I grabbed Bill Plotkin's Soulcraft (a book that I've been reading for over 2 months, because I've been too busy) and ventured outside. The warm, humid (November?) air embraced my face as if summer and I had met again, like old friends. I settled on one of the sunniest spots in the park on a cedar bench and dug in. The inner is no less real than the outer, and, although it is part of us, it is not literally inside our skin. We imagine the unconscious... WOOF. HONK, HONK! CHIRP. SCREEEEEECH.

Although the parks that sprinkle our metro area are a godsend, they are still band-aids, meant to exercise, relax and otherwise distract us from the destruction that we are causing our mother earth. Onward, ...Looked at with soulcentric eyes, every dream reveals hidden...[insert sounds of basketballs hitting concrete, baseballs hitting bats, laughter, traffic, more dogs barking, birds chirping, doors slamming here]. GAHHhh. So. hard. to. focus. After 20 minutes or so, I nearly gave up, lost all hope and almost my sanity and headed back inside to the cave that I call home. Away from all the humanity. It sounded good at the time, but that sun was just too damn good to me and us Minnesotans take our sunshine when we can get it.

Again, ...Looked at with soulcentric eyes, every dream reveals hidden potentials of our deeper lives and stories and provides the opportunity for the ego to be rooted more firmly in the soils of soul.... I looked up at a tall oak tree, I felt warm and much more relaxed. Many pages and many minutes flew by without my knowledge, without my care, without my stress, without my anxiety, without distraction. Flow. A term that is coined by psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, as a "state of heightened focus and immersion in activities such as art, play and work." Flow, for me, usually only occurs when I'm outdoors; gardening, biking, hiking, walking, exploring, anything really. It has always been that way, especially as a young girl. Kelsey lately is on the pursuit of flow. Happiness will be not far behind.

Calypso Bean

Of all the wonderful things in the wonderful universe of God, nothing seems to me more surprising than the planting of a seed in the blank earth and the result thereof.  

Julie Moir Messervy

The Black Calypso Bean, otherwise referred to as orca or yin yang is an heirloom variety. I purchased the seeds through Seed Savers Exchange, who say that the beans were originally found in the Caribbean. Besides being one of the best for baking and soups, this full-of-flavor bean wears a dramatic outer shell, which is just, awesome. Many of our high school friends back in the rural homestead have followed in their parent's footsteps and taken on conventional farming. It's a bit of crazy-making conversation when we find ourselves together, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms. One night on 'the town,' Jon, still in his garden jeans, discovered a few Calypso Beans from a test picking earlier. We weren't surprised when there was little interest in the beans that we had proudly harvested. A few minutes and a few changes of subject later, a gentleman approached Jon and I and through his heavy, Mexican accent he spoke, "Those beans...can I see those beans?" He must have noticed us admiring them, or rolling eyes at them, depending on who he had been watching.

When we flashed the beans, his eyes lit up with intrigue, "Where did you get these," he rang out. We explained to him that we had purchased them through the Seed Savers Exchange and he went on, "The last time I had seen these beans, it was over twenty years ago in Mexico." He proceeded to mention something almost inaudible with regard to his family. Realizing it was a bittersweet moment full of cherished memories, but of loved ones left behind was when we found all of our hearts sinking. "Take them," we insisted, "Plant them. Then you will have some to share." The man smiled from ear to ear and through his smile came the gracious, yet quiet, "Thank you."

This moving moment is one that will not be forgotten: we will never take for granted the power of an heirloom seed.

Grasshopper

A couple of months back, we started noticing some grasshoppers in the garden. Their welcome coincided with my reading of Animal Speak by Ted Andrews, a fascinating discovery of natures voices all around us.

Those with grasshopper totems have an uncanny ability to leap into successful ventures. This becomes even more true when they learn to listen that inner voice and follow their own instincts.

Sometimes grasshoppers can show up if we are not listening or if we are afraid to make the leap off our mound. Many times such fears have to do with the fact that "no one else has done it that way." Grasshopper people have to learn to make new leaps. Life only becomes difficult when they refuse to move. At such times they may feel as if they are experiencing a scourge of themselves.

Remember a grasshopper always leaps up or forward. It doesn't leap backward.

Basil Pesto

The first year planting my very own garden had me experimenting with a few items outside of my traditional planting realm. Herbs. Prior to this season, well, call me the dill queen. Our garden housed fresh parsley, sage, dill and the new favorite, basil! There is nothing like fresh basil atop whole wheat pasta and homemade spaghetti sauce or paired with cherry tomatoes and a fried egg on toast! The herbs are arranged in the center of our medicine wheel garden and the plants blessed us with hundreds of bees, which are rare in our rural community, as I have been told.

Before the first frost hit, we made sure to store some of our lovely herb in a delicious sort of way, pesto!

Adapted from Ina Garten's Basic Pesto Recipe.

Ingredients
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts)
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions
Place the walnuts, pignolis, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes: I omitted the Parmesan, with the intention of adding it when thawed. I stored the pesto in freezer bags. Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out. To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.

Simple Refrigerator Pickles

Descending from the recipe bible of the matriarch herself, Erna M. S. (my great grandma), comes a rather easy, straightforward method for these crunchy, classic, low-sodium pickles that require much less work than those that are traditionally canned. One bite of these beauts, and I'm thrown back to my 7-year-old days, visiting with grandma in her kitchen, sampling goodies like these very pickles and, of course, saltines topped with strawberry jam. Although G.G. Erna is no longer with us, her masterpieces will trickle down for future generations to relish, no pun intended. Thanks, G!

1 gallon jar or ice cream pail
Approx. 5 lbs. cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium white onion, sliced
2 cups distilled vinegar
4 tablespoons salt
4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Thinly slice enough cucumbers to fill a one gallon jar, container or pail. In no specific order, combine ingredients, stir the mixture and cover. They will be ready to eat within a few days (if you can wait that long) and will keep in refrigerator for about 2-3 months.

Simple deliciousness.

Full Circle.

Having just concluded chapter 16 of Barbara Kingsolver's, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle appropriately titled, Smashing Pumpkins: October. I fell into a bit of an emotional state. It's mid-August and my garden is slowly dying, coming to an end, ceasing to exist, expiring, kicking the bucket, what have you. Although once the garden meets its fate, the seasonal change will bring newfound, weekend freedoms consisting mostly of..hockey. Don't get me wrong guys, I'm a fan, but still, heavyheartedly speaking!

Having developed a deep connection with a piece of land for the past 6 months (call me crazy); marking the four directions, wiping dripping snot from the nose while making fence in the chill of April, planting the seeds, experiencing garden foes (below), harvesting a plethora of rich bounty only to see it wilt, shrivel up and be cultivated and/or die will be difficult. On the brightest side, I am now a firm believer in the power of the circle, the medicine wheel, natural healing and native american practices, both agriculturally and spiritually. But mostly, I trust the influence that nature has on us miniscule beings and our minds, our bodies and our souls.

What does this mean? It means that within the past week, Jon returned from his school trip to UC Berkeley with a sense of relief after presenting our project to some pretty important people. I don't blame him. In addition to the academia involved, the garden alone was a huge undertaking. The only thing on my mind is grad school. The second I found the major, it was decided. But, which college? Will I go for a Master's, Doctorate? And location, where do I see myself living, working and BE-ing in the next 2-6 YEARS?! TBD. Our garden may be 'dying,' but our project has only begun.

"The Circle has healing power. In the Circle, we are all equal. When in the Circle, no one is in front of you. No one is behind you. No one is above you. No one is below you. The Sacred Circle is designed to create unity. The Hoop of Life is also a circle. On this hoop there is a place for every species, every race, every tree and every plant. It is this completeness of Life that must be respected in order to bring about health on this planet."
Dave Chief, Oglala Lakota

It appears that the title, Refrigerator Pickles isn't fitting for this post after all.

Peach Pico de Gallo

Another hot summer day with a refrigerator full of nothing but nature's blessings; peppers, onions, cilantro, peaches and tomatoes, oh my! This refreshing salsa is a combination of sweet, chunky, tangy and salty and it's sure to please, even on the warmest of days.

1 red onion, diced
2 medium tomatoes, seeded, diced
1 green pepper, seeded, diced
1 yellow pepper, seeded, diced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced
1 peach, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
2-3 teaspoons lime juice
2 sprigs of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
A pinch of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients. Refrigerate a bit before serving to fuse flavors. Serve with tortilla chips or over a warm, cheesy black bean taco. Enjoy!

Sunflowers!

The first sunflowers have finally graced us with their lovely, sunny presence. What started as sunflower seeds in the birdfeeder, sprouted into a not so welcome guest in my mom's flower bed. Can't wait to see the rest!

Zucchini Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A peaking zucchini harvest means yet another dessert recipe! Sadly but thankfully, the zukes are calming down a bit, but don't be fooled, they are still coming out of places where the 'sun don't shine.' Here is a simple recipe that I hope you'll enjoy.

The Cake: Carrot cake box mix. Make the cake according to package instructions. I added nearly 2 cups of finely grated zucchini.

The Frosting:
Adapted from Janni's

2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Blend in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. After the cake has been cooled and frosted, store in refrigerator.

Photo.

The Miracle of Seed

As I was browsing through photos from our garden, I stumbled upon two pictures that caught my eye.
The before....

And, the after.

 It may definitely be impossible NOT to have a garden from this point on.

July Harvest Stir Fry

Anyone can throw some veggies in a wok and call it a stir fry, but truly, it's the sauce that'll make or break ya!

The FRY: On a simple bed of rice laid a concoction of fresh from the garden snap peas, green beans, onions and, of course, the z-word. Accompanied by the store-bought (another swear) mushrooms and red and green peppers.

The SAUCE: After trying generic sauce after generic sauce, I decided it's time to experiment. I discovered Hoisin Sauce (vegetarian version) which is a very fragrant, almost pungent, rich colored, salty yet sweet mixture. Also, rice vinegar: sweeter and more mild than your average vinegar, think acidic.

Finally, peanut butter to balance out the saltiness of the others. Chunky was all I had on hand. I started with a dash of olive oil and 2 cloves of minced garlic. To the Hoisin base, I added a dash of the rice vinegar and whisked in the peanut butter.

A fairly small amount of the mix will do, just add a bit at a time and taste lots!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Buttercream Frosting

A healthier alternative, featuring devil's food cake, ZUCCHINI (see, it's in there!), topped with homemade buttercream frosting and whipping cream. Don't judge me. I have zucchini coming out of every orifice of my refrigerator. So, as you can tell, this dessert is not necessarily meant to be healthy, but moreso to aid in my zucchini escape, because although lovely, one can only indulge in zuccs sauteed in olive oil, onions and garlic for so long. Did I mention chocolate?!













The Cake: Plain old box cake mix (no frills here). Devil's food, dark chocolate, regular chocolate, etc. Make cake according to package instructions. ADD 1-2 cups of finely grated zucchini. The only apparent rule in adding zucchini for moisture is making sure that you're adding half of the amount of your dry ingredients. The cake mix I used was 3 cups. The cake was delicious, super moist and the veggie was an afterthought.

The Frosting: a super simple recipe, courtesy of: Savory Sweet Life

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks or 1/2 pound), softened (but not melted!)

1/2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon table salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon almond extract

4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

1. Cream butter for a few minutes in a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Turn off the mixer. Sift 3 cups powdered sugar and cocoa into the mixing bowl. Turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the dry ingredients do not blow everywhere) until the sugar and cocoa are absorbed by the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and milk/cream and beat for 3 minutes. If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add a little more sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time.

Additional Toppings: As I'm not a huge frosting person, I found the buttercream to be a little too sweet. I whipped up some heavy cream and mixed in a bit of powdered sugar to lighten it up a bit. Also, ice cream!

No excuses now, EAT THOSE VEGGIES!

Tribute to Taoyateduta and the Occasional Zucchini.

On July 3rd, 2012 we remembered Taoyateduta (Little Crow), chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux: a leader, a teacher, a legend. (1810 - July 3, 1863). We traveled about six miles north of Hutchinson, MN to offer our very first zucchini as a tribute. As day turned to night, we noticed that the moon was painted red.

What Makes a Home?

Jon and I have been living in our quaint, Bryn Mawr treehaus for a little over a month now and we are pretty in love with everything about it (simply put). For starters, our 'new' apartment boasts a deck, hardwood floors and built-ins, lots of windows for natural light, exposed radiators and plenty of charm. Realtor Kelsey speaking, but you get the jist. There is an enormous park across the street with access to trails, bike paths, outdoor hockey rink (YEAH!), etc., that is always buzzing with softball-ers, basketball-ers , bikers and the like.

A few blocks down one will find rustic, but modern, shops that house organic, local produce, fresh coffee and vintage antiques. Oh, and don't forget the free library or the free movies in the basement of Cuppa Java on Tuesday nights! During our walk, we were greeted by the market owner, who informed us he'd been managing the place for decades now. It's truly a home away from home for us. There are neighborhood meetings, a neighborhood publication, Bryn Mawr Bugle, and plenty of ways to get involved to maintain that small town feel in the big city.
Did I mention the park?! Hello, nature.

Hello, home sweet home (for at least a little while).

Diggin' It.

The recipe for a lovely, yet productive weekend consists of a dash of sunshine, a bit of mom time and a sprinkle, okay (I lied) a TON of gardening. Resulting in a sunburn, good times (and full bellies) and over 300 feet of planted goodness! I was so excited to finally get my hands dirty and that I did. In terms of The Peace Project, this was our very first weekend of sun and warmth, so of course we took full advantage.

Till, rake, dig, hoe, furrow, bend, plant, cover, repeat. I was sad to leave Jon back at the site to keep working on this fabulous Monday, but a bit relieved to get a little 'break' back at the office. Whew! Don't let anyone ever tell you gardening is easy, especially on a larger scale, with two workers and a tiller made in the early 90s.

Potatoes, bush beans, herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro, sage, dill) radishes, onions (red and white), spinach, leaf lettuce, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, beets, squash (zucchini, pumpkins, butternut, acorn), sweet corn, ornamental corn and pole beans (calypso and cherokee trail of tears varieties). Tomatoes (courtesy of Litchfield OVOC, One Vegetable, One Community) and peppers to come.

Note: this blog post was meant for last week, sorry guys. An update alas, Jon and I will be doing even more planting as our demonstration garden is evolving into more of a highway market than a community garden, which is super exciting. The ball is in our court again. A lot of public interest, just not enough commitment and the with mother nature's schedule, someone has to do some planting. Chameleon abilities. Peace.

Earth Day 2012

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees." Qwatsinas

As a whole, the world celebrated Earth Day 2012, this past Monday. One special day, named to honor and recognize the miraculous planet that we live on. My hope is that most of us try to recognize, honor and respect the earth every day. As for me, my connection with nature and our mother earth is only becoming stronger. I have been a city dweller for the past 5 1/2 years, but mind, body and soul have pretty much stayed in the rural countryside, where I was born, raised and lived for all 18 years of prior existence. I'm longing for it and I can no longer ignore it. 

I miss the woods, trees, the fields, the birds, the green, the stars in the night sky, dirt, the crunchy leaves, butterflies and the sun. I miss it all and more. For me, it's time to transition back to the basics, back to my roots, but in my own way.

Earth Day 2012 was extra special, because after weeks of devoted composition, The Peace Project's first 'sign' of life, a true labor of love, is standing proudly; no turning back now!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

A healthi(er), multi-season treat and one of my favorites.

The Crust:
1 3/4 c. Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 tbsp. Light Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 c. Melted Butter

The Filling:
3 (8 oz) Packages of Cream Cheese (at room temperature)
1 (15 oz) Can Pumpkin Puree
3 Eggs
1 Egg Yolk
1/4 c. Sour Cream
1 1/2 c. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
1/8 tsp. Ground Cloves
1 tbsp. Flour
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1] Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2] For Crust: In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter to mix. Transfer to 9 x 13 pan, spread and pack evenly. Set aside.
3] For Filling: Beat cream cheese on low-medium, until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, extra egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, flour, vanilla and spices. Beat together until well combined.
4] Pour/spread mixture evenly onto crust.
5] Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
6] Allow 15 minutes after baking for bars to cool/settle.
7] Top with freshly whipped cream, a bit of nutmeg, caramel or your favorite, chopped nuts (optional).
8] Store in refrigerator.

Photo.

Feng shui

...in the apartment has just imploded.

After receiving one very hefty quote of $500 for a professionally made sign, we decided, we've got this. A little ambitious, but it wasn't in the budget. Some particle board (free) and $30 worth of paint later and we're about 75% done with the beaut. I'm supposed to be helping my 'partner' with the second coat as we speak but, shhhhh, priorities. 'COMING!'

The plan is to have it UP, implanted in the ground this weekend; rain or shine. Hoping for rain, needing the rain, but when you're cooped up all week, it's nice to have that shine. Win some, lose some.

This is exciting, and a bit of a milestone in TPP's timeline, since it will be Litchfield's very first, physical entity or 'sign' (so to speak) of the project.

Off to paint. Peace.

Living and Breathing...

the native culture.
Before, it was all in my head, floating around like some dream cloud. But slowly, slowly, it's becoming real. Jon and I took a little weekend trip to Mankato, MN. We celebrated 5 years of love on St. Patrick's Day and wanted to do a little something special. We ended up mixing business with pleasure and actually spent the majority of our milestone day researching at the Blue Earth Historical Society. Nerds, right? We love it. Although it's basically been a second, full time job, we couldn't be more passionate about our little brain baby.

Here's what's 'dangerous' about this project. The Peace Project; the four As: call to action, awareness, activism and accountability. The more we learn, the more we expose ourselves to, the more we explore, the more we. are. changing. Personal change and growth is inevitable, but it's a turn off for a lot of people. We have learned that there is a fine line between preaching and practicing. We have also learned that there is a big difference between planning and doing, although they are both fully dependent on one another. Thankfully, we have developed a major support system through many impromptu emails, phone calls and in-person meetings; it's great to connect with those that are willing to listen as well as share what makes you tick. As more paths are crossed and more ground is covered, the inspiration only increases. Did I mention we are about a month away from planting season!? 
POTENTIAL MEMBERS: If you, or someone you know, is a Litchfield, MN native, is able to commit/tend to a garden plot for the spring/summer and partake, open-mindedly, in a series of workshops throughout the growing season, we want to hear from you!

Email Kelsey & Jon at: thepeaceprojectmn@gmail.com

Follow us on twitter: @plantpeacemn
'Like' us on facebook: www.facebook.com/plantpeace

Things.

You guys, I have been so busy lately. Good busy, to the point where I am almost OK that I am neglecting this blog; just OK though. As much as I love, love, love unleashing my inner mind and often nonsensical thoughts via head in the clouds, my head has actually been so far UP in the clouds lately, that it's been a little difficult to come down, down, down and take a second or two to fill you in on Kelsey lately. Grounded and balanced; It's good to be most of the time. But mostly, light bulb moments don't give a $#&*! as to what stage you may be at in the game, they hit you. Hard. The thing is, things are great.
Life is great, work is great, love is great. But no matter what, I always have something on my mind and that is my unsatiable urge to attempt to change certain things. I say attempt, because I am not one to expect nor acknowledge to fulfill such a task. The thing is, I know what I know and I know that I am here for a reason. I am constantly reminded that life is way too short and the time is now. Our project is coming this Spring. It has consumed me, invaded my mind, set up shop in my heart and will be my mission, because it will not be escaping me anytime soon. Things can change. Social responsibility, accountability, awareness, activism: They've become some of my favorite things. We have the land, we have the support system, the tools, the passion, the determination, the dream...but we will not succeed in our vision without help. It's funny how things change; in life, in love...in the environment..in the economy. Are you asking questions? If not, the time. is. now. Apologies in advance for simply being M.I.A., but it's time to cultivate knowledge and other, miscellaneous things.

Hanging Hearts: Origami Therapy

Valentine's Day is...tomorrow?! I am thankful and so blessed with love in my life. I am even moreso thankful that I don't feel the need to buy, buy, buy to show my love or appreciation for that special someone...but instead, make, make, make or do, do, do. Regardless, if you're still frantically trying to pull a gift idea for a valentine out of places where the 'sun don't shine,' don't fret; by using just paper, ribbon and a bit of hot glue, you'll be unstoppable!

Origami heart decor (original, I know). Although not a new concept, they are new to me. For those of you experienced in origami, you'll know that it actually is quite therapeutic. I started playing around with different origami shapes and figured that V-Day was right around the corner, so WHY NOT do hearts?!

This video isn't the greatest quality, but it's a simple method to follow. Start with notebook paper, or computer paper, until you get the hang of it. For my decor/valentines, I found cardstock to be a better fit; of course, it's not easy to work with, but definitely more sturdy (use a metal ruler or top of a candle for creases). I especially like the outcome of pairing a bold color with neutral, vintage/curvelinear patterns.

What you need:

• Assorted Cardstock (standard letter size, 8.5 x 11)
• Ribbon, twine, string (wide enough to hold glue)..
• Hot Glue Gun/Gluesticks

Fold origami hearts. Arrange into segments (3 or 5 together on a strand of ribbon work well), the more colors/patterns mixed, the more fun! Cut ribbon to desired length (it helps to lay out hearts first). Gun a dime-sized bit of glue in the center of the heart, hover it over the ribbon and catch the seeping glue on either sides of the backside with a square cut-out of cardstock. This will also help the hearts from pulling way from the ribbon, once you hang them. Surprise your valentine with something unique this year, or hang. Anywhere.