2: 52 weeks.
In the spirit of the new year, what with a new president, a new dog, a new head cold, and new zest for French macaroons, I'm just going to forge ahead and pretend like it isn't the end of January and I'm sharing my resolutions with you all right on time. Because I am feeling both optimistic and delusional. Feel free to hold me accountable.
A New List for a New Year
- Learn to play the accordion. A child's accordion or toy will do. It's just that. damn. I have always wanted to be the chick with the accordion.
- Make this purse. From the amazing Zakka Sewing book. In gray, of course.
- Leave the city. Which includes visiting the Oregon Coast at least once, and the Columbia River Gorge. I have been thinking about this place more and more lately. I plan to take the pup on every excursion. He's an explorer of the world, that one. And since we're on the topic,
- Fully commit myself to Bradley's separation anxiety training. Every day. No excuses. I haven't talked about it much here, but we've sought professional help, someone specializing in the disorder and highly traumatized dogs, and there is much hope for recovery in six to twelve months. This pup is so incredibly loving, with a capacity for gentleness that I've never before seen in an animal. I owe him a least that much.
- Finish decorating the studio and attic/guest space. After working exceedingly hard on the rest of the house, I was overtaken by a fit of laziness. And then it snowed and was winter and, you know, more laziness. But I think our guests would prefer to sleep in a bed.
-Buy a guest bed.
- Find at least four new bands to love. This does not include new albums from old favorites. When it comes to new artists, my old fuddyduddy tendencies have been increasing lately, and this must be stopped before I begin wandering around with an ear trumpet, talking about Gershwin.
- Order soup from SoupCycle. I love soup. Especially soup that arrives by bicycle. Unfortunately, I live outside of Souplandistan, but I am determined to figure out a way around this.
- Make at least one dress. I would like to make one I really love this time. Preferably in gingham. How long until Spring again?
- Take part in the One Little Word project. Too many to choose from, but in the end, I decided on still. Because if you know me at all, you know that I am rarely still. With or without the camera, moving at the speed of light. Aaron refers to me as 'the squirrel' for good reason. But it's internal stillness that concerns me, the thing I most want to embody. Somehow in focusing on that this year, I feel like all the rest will fall into place. Which leads me to...
- 52 Weeks. What better way to seek stillness than to be your own material? I am already on week four and feeling wholly out of my element. Definitely good.
- Walk across the Broadway Bridge. It has always been my favorite bridge in Portland (we have a lot of bridges), and when my pal Andrea did just that, I was totally inspired.
- Dance barefoot in the living room with Aaron as often as possible. There can never be enough of that.
The list-lover in me would like to go on and on, but if I learned anything from last year, it's that simplicity is everything, fun is necessary, and geekiness is unavoidable. Off to find an accordion... Happy weekend, friends.
All love,
*Andrea
Great minds think alike! I am also in accordion love. I want one with a bittersweet musette so that I can play the whole Amelie soundtrack by Yann Tiersen. Also, video game music.
A great city to visit is Vancouver -- the drive from you to me is FAB. Also, we have cute, little islands to visit. They are full of sheep and super chilled out peeps.
Whatchu lookin' for in a dress pattern? I have millions of vintagey ones, so send me your measurements and dress details and I'll fly one to you.
My band recommendations: DeVotchKa (they have an accordion player), Beirut (them too), Danielle Ate The Sandwich (a girl on YouTube) and Kings of Convenience ("indie folk-pop duo" says Wiki). Listen to them. You will not regret. Money guaranteed!
Posted by: Nadia Lewis | January 23, 2009 at 02:08 PM
In my obsessively assembled library of dog books (expanded after 2 new pups moved in last year) I read a theory that dogs with separation anxiety are not "worried children" as we usually suspect, but "worried parents" in that you are their pack, and when you are gone, they worry incessantly about YOU until you return. I suspect the treatment is still the same, but I find it fascinating to view it in this light.
Posted by: Kathi D | January 24, 2009 at 12:16 AM
ANDREA!
(Where is your email address??? I have lost it. Please supply.)
I assume you are familiar with the glories of both Andrew Bird and Animal Collective. You are so much the more savvy than I that I must assume this. Gershwin and ear trumpets aside.
My mutt, Bennett, and I send our best wishes for a very happy new year to you and your Bradley.
Posted by: Erin | January 24, 2009 at 05:51 AM
An accordion is my fantasy instrument of choice, too! I really want to learn it, because I can't find anything sweeter than busting out the tune from "Amelie" for your friends after a few bottles have been opened.
Also, I love soup.
Posted by: John | January 24, 2009 at 10:36 AM
If you want, you can have the soup delivered to my house and then I can bike it up to yours.
As for bands, I really love Weinland and Laura Gibson (they're both folk-y and local!) Stars, and subsequently Amy Milan (she's just a person, not a band).
Posted by: Marcella | January 25, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Hey! I made a blog. But I don't really know how to. So I made an almost blog!! I'm so excited!!
Posted by: Marcella | January 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
A renewed zest for French macaroons sounds like something I shall try to cultivate... it is sure to be a most tiresome chore ;)
Posted by: gracia | January 25, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I really, really, really want to order soup, too! I was so jazzed on it when I heard about it-started immediately dreaming about how the soup deliveries would change my life until James informed me that it was a no go. Maybe we can get a job one day a week in the soup zone...?
Hope all is well with you, dear. I may come and try to visit you today. Must go pick up some film.
Posted by: abby try again | January 26, 2009 at 10:31 AM
this is a most excellent list andrea.
as for bradley...my friends had a lot of trouble with their dog when they first got him (in terms of leaving him alone). they found that using flower essences, www.petessences.com,- not sure if that's the brand or not- really helped with his anxiety, just a thought)
Posted by: julia | January 26, 2009 at 08:11 PM
The Oregon coast has a wonderful network of (heated!) yurts along it's coast (plus a couple inland- one of which we're staying in in two nights!)- why wait for spring/summer! :)
Posted by: Kat | January 27, 2009 at 07:10 PM
Hello
I discovered your blog through Habit "guests" and I whilst recovering from the flue I have started to peruse your archives...
Since I have no idea what kind of music you are interested in.... you may already know of these bands.. they are some of my favourites right now
the Great Lake Swimmers
Okkervil River
The Mountain Goats
Posted by: Ramona | March 15, 2009 at 02:37 PM