...sheepdogs in their full glory are so incredible they can bring a tear to one's eyes. We got a hold of some free tickets to the National Sheepdog Championships in the beautiful Soldier Hollow. The last time I was there was for the 2002 Olympics Cross Country event. I had forgotten how beautiful the Midway area is. Like the land storybooks are made of. We arrived on the scene to a crowd of about 3 or 4 thousand people silently watching a boarder collie and his handler perform in top form.
I was amazed at the silence of this size of crowd! Maybe that's just protocol--as with golf and tennis crowds. The whole competition was about how well the dog and handler heard sheep from the hillside, through narrow gate openings and then sorts out marked sheep, which is called shedding, from the larger flock. And then put that smaller group in a pen. All without actually touching or nipping at the sheep.
I know, it sounds boring but in action is quite amazing. When I saw the first dog eagerly react to his handlers whistles and hand signals, it was like I got a glimpse of what this dog was truly made for. It was a demonstration of obedience, submission, trust and pure love.
.... not only is pressure cooker canning (of which I have yet to brave) a dangerous task, but water bath canning is also quite hazardous. In cooking up a glorious batch ginger peach jam this weekend, I now have a nasty pea sized burn above my left eye to go along with the steam burn on my left arm I got last week which is just under a burn I got from the lip of the canner a few weeks ago. I'm sure my bakery co-workers wondered what happened to the self-proclaimed boring "quite" newbie (I have deemed myself boring because I do not seem to lead a drama filled life as most everyone there seems to and they have deemed me as "quite"-which I have heard many times in my life). Especially if they've noticed the burns on my left arm. I can only imagine their minds exploring all possibilities of what my life is really like.
... having my james cook the main dish while having friends each bring yummy side dishes, yields a much more enjoyable time of backyard gatherings for me. I did make a peach galette with homemade whipped cream, but that is easy shmeezy considering the usual dining fare I attempt to create.
... in the past this holiday has been one of those weird holidays I don't understand but capitalize on the time off from work, but this year I realized it is a celebration of the American laborer. We did indeed celebrate - human and canine alike.
Me plus working 40+ hours a week does not equal a lot of blogging time. Always an excuse, I know. But seriously, how do you people with full time jobs do it? I barely have the energy to clean, keep the lawn watered, spend time with friends and oh, the laundry beast has exponentially multiplied. This past week it really hit me; followed by a dramatic melt down with tears and all. My james said he's been waiting for it to happen. He knows me so well. I think my body and emotions are finally saying, "Whoa! What happened? Why are we running around so crazy busy lately?" My hands have been longing for the needles and my feet the coolness of my craft room basement floor. I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that the treasured season of rest and discovery is over. I'll get over it. I'll find a new rhythm. I must. I know this gift of time was to prepare me for something. What that is, I have yet to find out.
OK enough with the self analyzing already!
As an outlet for some creativity and to get a head start on Christmas gifts, I've been canning. Don't ask where I have found the time and energy. I really don't know. (Actually I think I stole it from the laundry beast because there are several mounds of dirty clothes of which I just noticed are roaring loudly at me.) Anyway I was generously blessed by some friends with a box of peaches from their tree! So what did I do yesterday after a full day of work? I cranked out several jars of Ginger Peach Jam. Here's the recipe I used. And yes, it is Grand Champion caliber if you as me.
Now I'm off for an hour of taming the laundry beast, wish me luck. Then off to the busy bakery!
In case you are wondering... how the Craft Lake City went, it was fab! I highly enjoyed it. My friend Halen was demonstrating the Yudu, a personal screen printing machine from Provo Craft, and her cute picture was in the local paper. I found loads of things I would have loved to purchase, but my budget only allowed for these neat-o items:
In case you are wondering... how Bosco is fairing, he's doing quite well! We actually found him a better home with some good friends who can love and be with him and go along with his high-maintenance needs, and I am happy to say I CAN BREATHE!! I didn't realize how badly I was allergic to him until he'd been out of the house for a few weeks. We visit him often, but we do miss that big guy.
In case you are wondering... how the garden is growing, it's finally taking off! Especially the lettuce! Which is strange because my understanding is that lettuce is a spring/fall crop--too hot for the summer. But it seems to be doing well in my backyard.
In case you are wondering... how the knitting is coming along, actually I've only knit a small washcloth for friend who requested one to go with some soap. So really, nothing is currently happening in the knitting department.
In case you are wondering... how my new job is going, so far I really like it! I'm exhausted when I get home, but I like how fast paced it is and the time seems to fly by. And of course the pastries and cookies and candies and yummy sandwiches and salads are a special bonus. Man her peanut butter cookies are to die for!
In case you are wondering... what else I've been up to, here are some picts...soap making (my james made the beautiful red molds!), canning salsa and dilly green beans and enjoying the little treasures in my backyard.
On the way home the other day (from where I can't remember) my james and I had a conversation that went like this...
Me: What do you want for dinner tonight?
James: What do we have?
Me: Dunno...sigh... (long pause) hey...I want to work at a bakery someday!
James: Um oookkaaay...yeah...that'd be fun for you.
Me: I would be surrounded by baked heaven. Think of it! Breads, pastries, cookies, candies...all of my favs!
James: Do it.
Me: (after another long pause) Hmmm, but then I'd probably have to wake up at 2am or some crazy time like that. What's the little saying about bakers getting up early and whatnot?
James: What are you talking about?
Me: Nevermind.
James: (another long pause) What are we having for dinner?
I'm noticing a lot of our brilliant conversing usually revolve around the what's-for-dinner question...anyway, this random conversation was had just a few days before a friend casually mentioned her friend was in desperate need of good, reliable help...at her...ready???........bakery!! Yes, I said bakery! A French bakery and cafe to be exact. So a few phone calls later I am now employed at...a...bakery. It's just part-time, but that will be plenty. It's super fast paced at times and after only 2 days of working there I'm realizing it's going to be a bit of adjustment from my much needed 2 year hiatus of working a full 40 hr + work week. I think it will be worth it though to be surrounded by the likes of lemon madeleines, croissants, pain au chocolat, scones, buttons, peanut butter cookies, carrot cake cookies, shortbreads and the "queen of pastries"...Kouing-Aman. Everything is made from scratch. Everything. She also serves amazing breakfasts and lunches. Lavender lemonade. Oh and beautiful cupcakes. Marshmallows too! I could go on and on...
I think I have some favor from on high. James says next time I randomly throw out a request to please include the statement: "...and a check in the mail for one million dollars, too please."
Oh and in case you are wondering, I do not have to get up at 2am, but rather 5am. Which is plenty early but doable for me.
Craft Lake City is almost here! I'm so excited! Yes crafting funds are non-existent and it's in the heat of August BUT it will be oh so worth it. I may just have to sell some plasma or set up a lemonade stand outside my house so I generate some funds for a purchase or two to support the local crafters and artists. I'm still adoring my finds from the Beehive Bazaar and Renegade and I have a strong feeling Craft Lake City will indeed be in the favorite event category. But really just to be among all that creative energy and music will probably be enough. No purchase necessary.
my james rescuing a dragonfly drowning in our pond (He pulled this little guy out of the algae. The dragonfly flew to james' chest as if to say, "My hero," rested for a few minutes, wiped his eyes and then flew off into the cool night air.)
fresh jam just made from apricots from a friend's 100 year old tree
I tend to ebb and flow from needles to glue to gardening to fabric to music appreciation to watercolors to baking to soap making to... well, anything that can be made and creatively expressive... I love my life and my dear husband, family and those that surround me with friendship and most importantly my creator. In this space I chronicle my life adventures of everything above and probably more.
