Because ungrateful whining is so 2009.
I had a whole post written and ready to publish, about the ways in which I spent the last six weeks pretty much not-coping with the weather. In truth, there was a stretch of darkness and rain so debilitating that the only defense was to press my face against windows every few hours and weep silently, eat my weight in soup, wash sweaters obsessively, and read reputable, yet mildly trashy historical-romance novels (16,000 pages of novels to be exact. Yes. I said THOUSAND.), but then things suddenly got all lovely on me, and the sun made a few appearances. It's still unpredictable, but the trees in the muddy park that I visit every day with the dogs started sprouting pink buds (two months early, at that), and I had to think better of all the lamentations. Dear Universe, Thanks, I GOT THE MESSAGE.
Because you can't run away in giant floppy paw-feet.
So I've got nothing else. Unless, of course, you count spending part of last week encased in a giant Clifford the Big Red Dog costume. You should know that this is not unusual. On top of regular story-times and book fairs, once a month or so I visit schools with a 'favorite book character' and one of my co-workers who is awesome, but cannot help the fact that he is taller than Paul Bunyan. And so I typically find myself sporting said suits built for persons under 5'10" that smell of everything from male sweat to chewing gum. Now. I'm not sure what happens in the minds of children between kindergarten and first grade (maybe some of the educators and parents out there can elucidate), but please remind me next time to STEER CLEAR of grades one and higher. It will only end in tears. Mine. Or maybe I should just beat them to the punch and pin a large target on my stomach? It will help with their hand-eye coordination. You're welcome, kids!
Because there are funnier ways to waste time.
Everything is Terrible
Three Wolf Moon Shirt (A comment goldmine.)
What Claudia Wore. (And would you believe this is the second BSC related web-page I've had a crush on in the past few years? Clearly, I have a problem.)
Because it still sounds more like 'strangling' rather than 'playing.'
There is an accordion in this house, and Number 1 is being crossed off the old list! One day I will play it for you. Just not today. Trust me. You don't want that.
Next up: a long overdue craft-related post. Just when you thought I was losing touch with my inner grandma, the doll-making bug strikes again.
All love,
*Andrea
i once had a job in college that required me to wear a gian cat mascot suit, sort of like a generic Garfield. I had to walk around some winder fest thing with man-made snow and wave at the kids. I got pelted with ice chunk man-made snowballs for a while. Kids are so MEAN to mascots. Sniffle.
Posted by: holly | January 27, 2010 at 12:45 PM
I so love reading your posts and I'm sorry to say got a chuckle out of the image of you in a Clifford costume trying to run for it. On the other hand, I can so relate to your weather woes. We've had cold for soooo long that the last three days were a huge blessing I am certain sent to remind me spring will in fact come -- eventually.
Posted by: Jenny | January 27, 2010 at 01:56 PM
i, too, had to wear a cat mascot suit once. except, it was during a press conference where i was supposed to represent the fat cat oil companies who didn't care that kids were getting asthma. so luckily no one could take a swing at me. that's what i get for being an unpaid intern...
Posted by: julia | January 27, 2010 at 03:15 PM
I'm a little late to the party, but just read your pages in Artful Blogger!! Congrats! I always love how clean & neat everything about your blog and your house looks. So unlike my own spaces! Hope all is well in Portland!
Posted by: jeanne | January 27, 2010 at 05:14 PM
Hello there, I am new to your blog. Randomly picked up "Artful Blogging" last month to check out the beautiful pictures and as I came across your spread my jaw dropped. Love the simplicity, clean lines, & interesting subject(s) of your photos and so had to immediately add you to my fav reads.
PS-Your post made me laugh out loud! Especially the first paragraph, I too, haven't seen the sun in a LONG time.
Sarah M
Posted by: Sarah M | January 27, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Have you found moshezuchter on YouTube yet for accordion tutorials? He makes videos about everything from techniques to whole songs. Plus, he has this great sense of humour and Russian accent. I highly recommend! I'm trying to learn accordion too... I just hope I learn before my neighbours kill me! (I live in an apartment.)
Posted by: Nadia Lewis | January 27, 2010 at 08:19 PM
FYI: starting a BSC Book Club in anticipation of the re-release. Email me to join up!
Posted by: Erin | January 28, 2010 at 01:48 PM
I cannot imagine the terror of little kids approaching me inside a costume like that. I have to say, it never crossed my mind when I was little that it could've been a girl inside.
The author of the Clifford books came to my elementary school and we got a poster-sized sketch he made during my dad's curriculum committee meeting, which was always an exciting thing to me.
(and I'm glad to see you posting!)
Posted by: mj | January 30, 2010 at 09:04 AM
It has been incredibly grey here. Not cold but dark and there has been a void of light.
I finally bought lemon bars to bring some sunshine to my life.
Posted by: Ramona | January 31, 2010 at 08:18 AM