KISMET

Luca Scarf by inks+thread

 KISMET...this is my new favorite word. It sounds spectacular spinning off the tongue, almost like a flirtatious whisper. It's meaning you ask...Fate or Destiny. Never in my life have I felt as though I had a destiny. I am almost 30 and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. In fact, I don't feel like a grown-up. Taxes and bills make me curl up into the fetal position. When I accidentally touch the "Stocks" app that was pre-programmed on my phone the images shock me: plus, minus, green, red, up, down. My escape from the "Stocks" app cannot come fast enough as a fumble to exit it. Grown up stuff isn't my thing. I guess I don't want to let go of my fantasies. 

I am a big dreamer. I have grand ideas but they usually come to a halt when my mind conjures images of horrible failure. Most of my adult life has been spent roaming and chasing these big dreams that I've  never had the courage to put into action. Jumping from one location to the next, roaming between artistic ventures. One year, I actually moved apartments 5 times believing that if I was replacing one space with another then my life would complete. All of this roaming is what I refer to as dying. This may sound down right pessimistic. When I refer to dying, I guess I mean growing up, perhaps even trial and error. If I didn't explain that quite right please refer to the quote below:

“We all have to die a bit every now and then and usually it's so gradual that we end up more alive than ever. Infinitely old and infinitely alive.” -rb, the skating rink

So here is a rather grand trial and error for me, inks + thread. Will it be a fail? I don't know. Thus far it has been a Kismet experience if not for seeking my own small biz then for the simply joy of creating. Collaborating with artists and creating patterns pushes the concept of failure out of my head, which is a strangely new phenomena for me. Thus making this venture seem KISMET. Two people must be praised, thanked, and anointed with godly oils. Beca Lewis of Tumbleweeds Handcraft and Danielle Tanner of Dinosaur Toes|Girl&Parrot. These two outstanding ladies let me use some of their original art to make some of the inks+thread patterns. They are supportive and just plain stellar. The inks+thread shop is open, take a look! 

Wild at Heart, Pattern created with original art by Beca Lewis

Pastel Planets Scarf, Pattern created with original art from Danielle Tanner

Summer Night Scarf, pattern created with original art by Beca Lewis

Luca Scarf in Teal, inks+thread

Spring Scarf, pattern created with original art by Beca Lewis

Bouquet Scarf, pattern created with original art by Beca Lewis

Here's to hoping inks+thread can obtain a constant Kismet state in my life.

Thanks,
Maggie

An Edible Ode to the Passing of Winter + Coming of Spring

 It finally looks a bit like Spring here. The trees still are bare as the blooms have begun to dazzle us with their existence. But those who are cold-natured remain bundled up. On what I would deem moderately cool day, I see daring warm-natured folk busting out their shorts and exposing their arms with short-sleeves. However I am bundled up: long-sleeves, chunky knit sweater accompanied with my winter coat. Some how it doesn't feel like Spring unless I can participate in the shedding of layers. 
Though the my body prevents me jumping into the spirit of Spring with warm weather friendly clothing; there are other ways I initiate the coming of Spring. Whenever given the opportunity, I will walk. Actually experience the Earthly re-genesis. Driving, no matter how slow go and how much I aggravate the driver behind, never gives me the feeling and celebration of rebirth. I might see the initiation of Spring but I haven't experienced it. Walking. Breathing. Developing that blister of my heel from wearing the inappropriate but cute pair of shoes.

Perhaps the most tasty rite I adopt to initiate the coming of Spring is through fresh produce. My garden has not birthed any edible vegetables or fruits as of yet; but quick visits to the grocery with its abounding delights hints to me that Winter has gone.
Here is my edible tribute to the Winter-Spring Transition with wintery butternut squash combined with the essence of Spring squash, zucchini. Butternut Squash + Zucchini Pizza.

The flat bread is topped with spoon fulls of ricotta cheese, slivers of zucchini, diced butternut squash, one garlic clove chopped up. After spreading the love around on my pizza canvas, I drizzled the top with olive oil that has been upgraded with basil, pepper, and salt. Then baked. Then consumed.