"The home that really impresses everybody is the one that is suitable. A 'knock-'em-dead' interior, which has no bearing on the lives of people who live there, is like wearing an evening dress to lunch. It may be a beautiful dress, but it looks ridiculous at high noon."
No surprise that Pahlmann continues to explain the practical side of creativity in the most entertaining and obvious terms.
About flair:
"Flair is akin to 'taste,' but people who have excellent taste can lack flair, and people can have flair whose taste is open to question. Flair is bred of the imagination - the extra fillip, that something-beyond-the-usual-pattern, which contributes to distinction and raises the individual above the mean average... Flair is something to do with the love of living and the talent for living. But too much of the rambunctious sort can ruin everything."
Thanks, buddy.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
OH Dayton OH
Let me start by saying - I love flying. I love it. The people you meet boost the excitement (plus there are those you don't actually meet but just SEE...one of whom was a crazy punk with an orange Mohawk, tattoos on his head and everywhere, and ears gaged out to the size of a pop can top...Oliver couldn't stop staring. The guy was really nice, though. He told me Oliver was 'adorable.' Imagine a spectacle like that using such a kind word. When will I learn not to judge a book by its cover?).
But the true exhilaration is takeoff. There is no feeling like jetting down that runway as fast as it takes to get something as monstrous as an airplane + passengers off the ground. IN THE AIR.
I will admit that traveling with a one year old makes things slightly less jovial. Okay, by the time we actually found our gate, which was roughly three miles of walking with a back pack, satchel, and baby on the hip to the very end of everywhere, I wanted to call Andrew and demand he accompany me from here on out. I was sweating before I even had to try to contain a toddler on a cramped plane next to an old bachelor who didn't seem to know what a kid was and certainly had no idea what to do with him. Then we boarded. We found our seat by the window along with our traveling companion for the next 2 hours - the man I just described. Now, don't think it was as hellish as you first suspect, for worse things could have happened than did on that ride over country and through clouds. The flight was over before any of us (Oliver, our unknown seatmate, or I) started crying.
Fortunately, navigating the Dayton airport was much simpler than Minneapolis. We found our luggage and -- OUR FAMILY -- with hardly a blink. What a joyous reunion! It had only been a little over a month since Olives and I had been to see the Gaalswyks, but when I saw Anna and Luke I realized just how much I had missed them (mostly Anna...kidding!) and my heart sang.
I won't go into detail about everything we did or saw or talked about because it would take a year to retell every splendid moment. I will say that we made up for all the giggles, talks, and shopping adventures we would have otherwise missed since the last time we were together. Some highlights were reading aloud Leif Enger's new book "So Brave, Young, and Handsome"(MUST READ!), garage saling, getting lost to and from the outlet mall we went to while Luke watched Oliver (for 4 whole hours! thanks Luke!), hearing their pastor at Apex speak, visiting with the Turkish and Korean women where Anna goes weekly for 'conversation time,' arranging and rearranging furniture/accessories, coffee talk, and oh so much more.
After a tearful goodbye Oliver and I made our way through security to our gate, where, while waiting, we met some other rambunctious little boys who watched airplanes and ran around with us.
On our return flight we had the privilege of sitting next to the sweetest family from Montana. The dad, Mark, who's a real life cowboy, gave Oliver high fives for a good portion of the trip, while the 13 yr old daughter, Courtney, played peek-a-boo with Oliver. I didn't get the wife/mom's name because she was next to us just telling about the other two the whole time. She also held Oliver for most of the flight, making his interaction with the rest of her family easier. She almost got the little goose to sleep. It's a strange thing being that geographically close to someone for 2 hrs of uninterrupted time, and yet know you'll never see them again. Hm.
When we got back to MN I was so very travel weary. Thankfully the moving sidewalks took a little strain off the 3 mile hike we tramped to our baggage claim.
And there was Anj, just waiting by the carousel, smiling expectantly. Another joyous reunion.
But the true exhilaration is takeoff. There is no feeling like jetting down that runway as fast as it takes to get something as monstrous as an airplane + passengers off the ground. IN THE AIR.
I will admit that traveling with a one year old makes things slightly less jovial. Okay, by the time we actually found our gate, which was roughly three miles of walking with a back pack, satchel, and baby on the hip to the very end of everywhere, I wanted to call Andrew and demand he accompany me from here on out. I was sweating before I even had to try to contain a toddler on a cramped plane next to an old bachelor who didn't seem to know what a kid was and certainly had no idea what to do with him. Then we boarded. We found our seat by the window along with our traveling companion for the next 2 hours - the man I just described. Now, don't think it was as hellish as you first suspect, for worse things could have happened than did on that ride over country and through clouds. The flight was over before any of us (Oliver, our unknown seatmate, or I) started crying.
Fortunately, navigating the Dayton airport was much simpler than Minneapolis. We found our luggage and -- OUR FAMILY -- with hardly a blink. What a joyous reunion! It had only been a little over a month since Olives and I had been to see the Gaalswyks, but when I saw Anna and Luke I realized just how much I had missed them (mostly Anna...kidding!) and my heart sang.
I won't go into detail about everything we did or saw or talked about because it would take a year to retell every splendid moment. I will say that we made up for all the giggles, talks, and shopping adventures we would have otherwise missed since the last time we were together. Some highlights were reading aloud Leif Enger's new book "So Brave, Young, and Handsome"(MUST READ!), garage saling, getting lost to and from the outlet mall we went to while Luke watched Oliver (for 4 whole hours! thanks Luke!), hearing their pastor at Apex speak, visiting with the Turkish and Korean women where Anna goes weekly for 'conversation time,' arranging and rearranging furniture/accessories, coffee talk, and oh so much more.
After a tearful goodbye Oliver and I made our way through security to our gate, where, while waiting, we met some other rambunctious little boys who watched airplanes and ran around with us.
On our return flight we had the privilege of sitting next to the sweetest family from Montana. The dad, Mark, who's a real life cowboy, gave Oliver high fives for a good portion of the trip, while the 13 yr old daughter, Courtney, played peek-a-boo with Oliver. I didn't get the wife/mom's name because she was next to us just telling about the other two the whole time. She also held Oliver for most of the flight, making his interaction with the rest of her family easier. She almost got the little goose to sleep. It's a strange thing being that geographically close to someone for 2 hrs of uninterrupted time, and yet know you'll never see them again. Hm.
When we got back to MN I was so very travel weary. Thankfully the moving sidewalks took a little strain off the 3 mile hike we tramped to our baggage claim.
And there was Anj, just waiting by the carousel, smiling expectantly. Another joyous reunion.
Ready or not...
At the airport.
It's a SWEAT BAND.
Oliver was introduced to the amazingness of the 'cookies and cream' milk shake at Chic Fillet. Love at first taste.
Out and about
Reading at Books & Co.
At a great little bar + eatery- the Pub - in the Greene outdoor shopping mall.
The classiest and most quaint coffee shop. Never mind me looking like a Sneech, check out the brick wall and the beautiful desserts in the background!
Luke coaches a baseball team of 11 and 12 yr olds. We got to see them play an exciting game! (I think Oliver's on the edge of his seat...I mean stroller.)Buds
Oliver and Uncle Luke had a great time bonding. There was a puddle in Luke & Anna's backyard, so naturally the boys had to play in it, Oli was tuckered out after the outdoor adventure, then the two shared a laugh at the coffee shop.
Monday, May 12, 2008
It's a date!
Andrew and I actually went on a date the other night! This was the first Oliver-less date since Valentine's Day, so it was pretty exciting. And so much fun! Mom watched the babe, so she took a few pictures of us when we got back to the house.
The first picture is Andrew proposing to me with his ring on my right hand. Very -ahem- special. He could be a photographer with creative ideas like that rolling around in his head. Imagine what else could be up there.
Next we have a shot of the two of us again, this time Andrew's cooperating. It's a moment where I'd say, 'take a picture,' because it doesn't happen often...but since it is a picture, we're very fortunate that it is in fact documented.
We obviously couldn't take many snaps without getting Oliver involved. Here is another crazy Kodak moment where the three of us all have our eyes open and real smiles on our faces.
Oliver was looking so darn great in this picture, but this time - I must confess - I was looking quite ridiculous. Thank goodness for the ability to crop.
I don't remember if I wrote about our glorious Valentine meal at the Black & White in Little Falls, but that's where we went for our Friday night date as well. We were not disappointed -- the best steak I've ever had, plus bread pudding that was TDF (to die for, Mom).
The romantic evening left me feeling so blessed to have Andrew as my husband. I get to go through life with my best friend by my side. In the busyness of life it's so easy to get distracted by my own selfishness, forgetting God's design. But in the garden of Eden, at the very beginning, He took a rib from Adam and created Eve, symbolizing that we're dependant on each other- incomplete without the other. I pray that I would never lose sight of that significance.
The first picture is Andrew proposing to me with his ring on my right hand. Very -ahem- special. He could be a photographer with creative ideas like that rolling around in his head. Imagine what else could be up there.
Next we have a shot of the two of us again, this time Andrew's cooperating. It's a moment where I'd say, 'take a picture,' because it doesn't happen often...but since it is a picture, we're very fortunate that it is in fact documented.
We obviously couldn't take many snaps without getting Oliver involved. Here is another crazy Kodak moment where the three of us all have our eyes open and real smiles on our faces.
Oliver was looking so darn great in this picture, but this time - I must confess - I was looking quite ridiculous. Thank goodness for the ability to crop.
I don't remember if I wrote about our glorious Valentine meal at the Black & White in Little Falls, but that's where we went for our Friday night date as well. We were not disappointed -- the best steak I've ever had, plus bread pudding that was TDF (to die for, Mom).
The romantic evening left me feeling so blessed to have Andrew as my husband. I get to go through life with my best friend by my side. In the busyness of life it's so easy to get distracted by my own selfishness, forgetting God's design. But in the garden of Eden, at the very beginning, He took a rib from Adam and created Eve, symbolizing that we're dependant on each other- incomplete without the other. I pray that I would never lose sight of that significance.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
O William
My dear Mr. Pahlmann has done it again! I was reading this morning, wanting someone else to share in my joy and entertainment. Please do.
After he talks about the unnecessary frills of formal decorating (i. e. forbidden passage to parlors and guest rooms), he then cautions against being too careless with the casual side:
"I cannot refrain from interpolating here that I think casualness can be carried too far. The overstressing of easy living has resulted in some houses I have had the misfortune to visit being scarcely distinguishable from a pigsty. I think it is a mistake to reduce surroundings, in favor of casualness or easy living or anything else, to such a low common denominator that there is no pride or dignity left.
"Children who are brought up in such houses will have to learn about order and respect for property somewhere else. A certain amount of discipline is necessary in life. A child who is reared in a concrete cell, with furnishings he can and does take the hammer or the hose to, has every opportunity of becoming a barbarian. I am aware that I may be treading on the toes of progressive theorists in child psychology, but I base my contentions on horse sense."
It cracks me up! He tells the truth with such sarcastic flair, wearing his passionate conviction on his sleeve. I'm only on chapter 4 of 34, so I can't wait to see the next of many revelations I'll receive from my new friend.
After he talks about the unnecessary frills of formal decorating (i. e. forbidden passage to parlors and guest rooms), he then cautions against being too careless with the casual side:
"I cannot refrain from interpolating here that I think casualness can be carried too far. The overstressing of easy living has resulted in some houses I have had the misfortune to visit being scarcely distinguishable from a pigsty. I think it is a mistake to reduce surroundings, in favor of casualness or easy living or anything else, to such a low common denominator that there is no pride or dignity left.
"Children who are brought up in such houses will have to learn about order and respect for property somewhere else. A certain amount of discipline is necessary in life. A child who is reared in a concrete cell, with furnishings he can and does take the hammer or the hose to, has every opportunity of becoming a barbarian. I am aware that I may be treading on the toes of progressive theorists in child psychology, but I base my contentions on horse sense."
It cracks me up! He tells the truth with such sarcastic flair, wearing his passionate conviction on his sleeve. I'm only on chapter 4 of 34, so I can't wait to see the next of many revelations I'll receive from my new friend.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
"NO"
Yes, that's Oliver's new word. He just started saying it yesterday, but so far I don't think he understands exactly how or where to apply it in life. It's only a matter of time before he begins telling me whether or not he'll obey, instead of just physically defying me (which he is in the habit of doing). He's been quite the stinker - looking at me after I tell him 'no' (irony?), and doing whatever it was that he got in trouble for with so much rebellion in his face. Perhaps I'm being a little extreme. My one year old may not be rebellious, but when he shoots me that look of ' what ya gonna do about it?' I'm quickly brought back to reality. My child is not the cherub he pretends to be, but a descendant of Adam - which makes him heir to natural sin. I'm always annoyed by moms who act like their child can do no wrong. Like when their kid pushes another over, they go to the other person's innocent child and accuse them. Though I can feel myself doing that, or at least considering it, it's denial. I want to believe that little Olive is an angel. -My son is the perfect kid we've all been waiting for!- But even now, as he cries in the background wanting me to help him down the stairs (which he can maneuver just fine on his own but simply needs me to stop doing what I'm doing), I'm hit with the truth: no body's perfect, including my precious baby. He's making that quite clear.
In other news, Oliver got new sippy cups. He is so proud of himself, carrying his cup of water around like it's a prize. Oh the simple joys in life.
Also, backtracking to a post where I quoted 'Sheep in a Jeep' - I credited Margot Apple with the writing, but she's the illustrator (the pictures are amazing). Nancy Shaw wrote the beloved book. Way to go ladies.
In other news, Oliver got new sippy cups. He is so proud of himself, carrying his cup of water around like it's a prize. Oh the simple joys in life.
Also, backtracking to a post where I quoted 'Sheep in a Jeep' - I credited Margot Apple with the writing, but she's the illustrator (the pictures are amazing). Nancy Shaw wrote the beloved book. Way to go ladies.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Our Sunday afternoon
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