Guilty pleasures...and a glutton for punishment?

I love, love, love to curl up on a Sunday morning and read the New York Times cover to cover, love it. This morning I didn't finish the whole thing. I didn't get to the magazine, the travel section, or the entire book review- I never open the sports, simply glancing at the front and back cover usually tell me all I could possibly want to know. I already "fear the Turtle" and understand refs refuse to see Duke's travelin' ways....my dear husband fills me in on this sweet meat of sports trivia. Oh ya, I am also aware the Broncos might be losing one of their most celebrated to another team. Whatever, I think I met my sporto quota of the decade.

The following articles gave me a little smooch of satisfaction and little kiss of curiosity this mornin'... beginning with an articles on the "snuggie." I sure could use one to wear while I read my favorite paper! The first time I saw the ad on late night TV I was full of shame and secret desire to own one...but I promised not to buy things on the phone after the quad- blade disappointment and the mini-sewing machine fiasco.
Side note: the "cold heat glue" guns may not be cold but they really do glue quite nicely...just fyi.

My favorite little guilty pleasure is always the Modern Love column. You never know who the author of these short, and usually bitter sweet, essays will be...sometimes famous, sometimes not so much. I am usually as attracted to the graphic as to the story itself. This graphic was online only. The paper version was very different and a bit sad. Jane Alison was featured today with her haunting tale about parents and their reckless and sometime selfish behavior and the children who are often caught in the wake. It reminded me a little of a book called blackbird whose author I can't recall.

As I admitted, I didn't get to read the whole N.Y. Times book Review only a chaaaaaarming review of a new biography on that wacky little bird Fannery O'Connor. I think She may have been celibate her whole life, which makes me shiver...but hey, the fact that I do not understand her ways may have given her a shiver too. Nah, probably not.

I have a great and sincere fondness for performance art and so when I read about this Taiwan born artist I was intrigued and moved by his nearly lifelong dedication to ideas, innovative thought, and evocative public art. He did several year long pieces. He once tied himself to another artist( 8 ft long rope) for an extended amount of time...they did this without touching each other. I'll be thinking of his patience and endurance for along time...not sure how long. I do have the attention span of a gnat I realize.

Yes sir, Big Sur...grass is good!

I saw a house I completely fell in love with this weekend. I was watching a bit on water view homes on HGTV when this jewel popped on the screen. I had to towel off the drool. I wish I could find more pictures of the interiors. They were paired down, simple, clean, and pure. The Big Sur vista was the highlight and the drama.
One night! That's all I want, just one night in that beautiful abode.

The roof was insulated with natural grasses...they looked a little better in this NY TIMES article and photo than they did in their brown stage on the second to last photo. The entire house is literally hidden from view above! Love that. Just you and the ocean below, just you and the wild frontier...and gorgeous modern, but low-key finishes inside....ahhhh.

All the stones were chosen locally to fit the small of your back, the nape of your neck...the contours of your reclining form. The only thing missing is my giant tome of Kerouac's classics on the side of the hot tub.

I would turn into a stark raving mad recluse if I owned this property...and I mean that in a good way.

This is an example of good non-obstructive, Green design.
Obviously it's winter time, the grasses have gone a little dry but come springtime, the HILLS WILL SING! ...Probably.

And now time for something completely different....

This is an example of TERRIBLE Eye-gouging, hippie dippy, too much time on your hands to conjure acid -trip, wacked out green design. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ON YOUR HOME!

Dropping Acid- my new passion.

The Sunday New york Times had an article that was momentous for me!

I love fizzy drinks- but dislike the cloying sweetness of most soft drinks. Rootbeer with pizza is one exception to the rule but the sugar content makes me worry about my delicate, cavity prone teeth.

Alas, I was born into the wrong generation- I knew something was wrong! Apparently the Romans, as well as others, were vastly adept in the making of an ultra-thirst quenching beverage with vinegar. Yes, my family has already made that face. Until recently is hadn't made a come back....UNTIL NOW!!!!!

The last couple of nights I have been enjoying a vinegar fizz. Sophia's Great Aunt Gina sent us a wonderful bottle of blackberry vinegar I had yet to open...now served with 3 cubes of ice and soda water I am enjoying it immensely!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The English, I believe, call this brilliantly acidic and delicious concoction a SHRUB!

The following is a recipe from the Times:

Recipe
Shrub Makes about 1 1/2 to 2 quarts, depending on fruit used.
These measurements can be played with quite liberally, as some fruits contain more natural sugars.
2 quarts fruit, use any fruit, pears, figs, raspberries, cherries 1 liter apple-cider vinegar (preferably Bragg) or other vinegar. 1/2 to 1 cup raw sugar Soda water Ice.

BUY JARS IN BULK AND MAKE YOUR OWN!!

Extra Extra! Read all about it! Funny Bone Found in Perfectly Roasted Game Hen

From her blog!

Alexis (what ever with the drag queen make-up)

Tiffany "bars" oh, if only.

I have been a Martha fan for years. I actually have an archive of her mags going back to 1995. And in true Martha form they are displayed in magazine holders and in order from month. (OK most of them) Back off! I use them for research and reference.

Martha is a superhero. Let's face it, her blood is redder than the average American. She is amazing and has built a huge multimedia extravaganza. She was born working class and rose to financial feats that stagger the imagination. She may not be madly modern but she is original. She is an icon! I realize not everyone shares this opinion.
Even her beloved daughter rolls her eyes occasionally. Hence, "Whatever Martha" was born. The NY Times wrote a fabulous article about vintage Martha Stewart Living shows being rebroadcast with snarky, funny, witty commentary made by her daughter Alexis and friend. Martha approves. SHE HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR PEOPLE! It has been my mission for the past 13 years to defend that dame, and by Zeus I will continue! Aah it's exhausting- the prison stint almost sent me over the edge. I should have sent her cake with a Tiffany file baked in!