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.

A Favorite: Italian Pasta Salad

After a couple of rounds of trial and error (as always) I believe it to be damn near perfect, or at least my stomach thinks so.

2 boxes rainbow Rotini
2 bottles Kraft Tuscan House Italian Dressing
3/4 can sliced black olives
1/2 c. sliced green olives
1 of ea: chopped green, red, orange, yellow peppers
2-3 chopped mild pickeled pepperoncini
1-2 diced roma tomatoes
1-2 chopped broccoli heads
3 coined carrots
1/2 diced red onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 c. diced celery
1 sm. sliced cucumber
1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese
2-3 tbsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1] Boil noodles to al dente, run under cold water, drain, allow to cool.
2] Chop all vegetables, add parmesan cheese.
3] Dressing: Tried Zesty Italian (or similar) in the past and found it to be much too salty. As there is plenty of salt in the black/green olives and pepperoncini, you should also not add salt until last, if even needed. Kraft's Tuscan House Italian is full of flavor without the sodium.
4] Add dressing as needed; start with one bottle (esp. if sitting over night).
5] Refrigerate; the longer, the better.
6] Enjoy! ~

23.

I am getting old and the undeniable proof is right there. In frosting.

I had a fabulous day; worked, of course, followed by drinks and dinner with the whole clan and manis the next day with mom and sis.
Cannot complain one bit. At least, until my bones start aching, that is.