My New Art

While on my recent trip to Prague I was wandering around the city with my friend, Sherry.  We stumbled upon an open market where we came across the art of a man named Tigran Sukiasjan.  We both fell in love with his work, and I picked up these three pieces as well and a piece for my friend, Lisa.  Now they are hanging on my living room wall, and I love them.  My conservative, Christian mother says 'well you sure are obsessed with butts!'.

I do have a thing for nudes, and have many around my home.  I can't help it.

The Holidays, Chez Laurie

I am working in the hospital straight through Christmas, so I had my mom and dad over for a holiday dinner tonight!  Here they are pictured by my little Christmas tree.

For dinner I made roasted chicken, truffle mushrooms and asiago polenta--it turned out great and was a real hit!  For dessert I had homemade pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream--yum!  We sat around my table and talked about my crazy aunt Gerry.  Seriously, she is crazy.

My dad has alzheimer's disease, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to leave the house--he gets quite confused, and I think a little scared when

 he is not in a familiar environment.  He did pretty good, though.  Towards the end he started talking about how he wanted to get home to see the Lawrence Welk Show, and I felt like he was itching to be back at home where he feels safe.

To the right is a picture of them with their min-pin, Lily-bit.  Lily-bit is the fattest min-pin you will ever know.  My mom tries to put her on a diet, but my dad keeps feeding her bacon.

Prague--a magical place

Well, I just spent a wonderful week in Prague, Czech Republic. My good friends Shane and Barbara decided to get hitched, and do it up in style! Friends and family descended on this beautiful European city for a week of eating, drinking and debauchery. I made wonderful new friends, spent time with dear old friends, and generally got my Prague on.

The architecture in Prague is stunning. Most of the historic buildings are still true to original form, being spared during WWII. Styles include Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern.

My friend, Sherry, and I arrive in Prague on Tuesday November 25 around noon to our hotel, U Stare Pani. This spot was located on an old cobblestone street very near the famous Old Towne Square. We were fortunate enough to arrive a day prior to most of the other guests, so we were able to

enjoy an evening out with Shane and Barbara, wandering around the city and drinking beer.

On Wednesday November 26 I celebrated my 38th birthday! Pictured here is me with my friend Sherry at the Palffy Palace Restaurant. This place came recommended to me by my dear friend, Tina...and was amazing. Sherry, Farley, Joe, Tim and I wined and dined in this 4 star restaurant sitting at the foot of the Prague Palace. It was truly one of the best birthday celebrations I have ever had.

Thursday November 27 was Thanksgiving Day, and after a day of touring around and having the best Thai massage of my life we had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner Czech style with the whole wedding gang at U Zlate Convice.

After dinner, some of us headed on over to the Prague State Opera House for 'Carmen'. Though I discovered that opera is not really my cup of tea, it was worth the trip to see the amazing opera house. I was mezmorized by the detail and beauty of this place.

Friday and Saturday were wedding festivities and more touring around Prague---see link to pictures to the right!

Ashtanga yoga keeps me sane...

In early 2008 I started to dabble in yoga. I stared with basic Hatha classes a couple of times a week. I instantly enjoyed the stretching and calm atmosphere, but I found that I really wanted to be challenged---I wanted to get a big fat workout everytime I practiced yoga. Someone suggested Asthanga yoga and I decided to give it a shot.

IT KICKED MY ASS. 15 minutes into the first session I was a sweaty pool of humility laying prostrate on the floor. I was attempting to move my body into positions that seemed obscene and unnatural--and I was hooked. By May I had committed to practicing 3 times a week for 1.25-1.5 hours at a time. By fall I had increased to 4-5 sessions a week.

The thing about yoga is that for most people it is a long and gradual learning curve---it truly takes years to become an accomplished yogi. For example, if you want to run a marathon you could start training 6 months beforehand and be ready to run--not the case with yoga. I think each running month is like a yoga year.

So, I started practicing a style of Ashtanga called Mysore--this is kind of a supervised self practice where all levels practice together and everyone moves at their own pace. This has been a great way for me to learn as I practice beside folks who have been studying for many years. I also made a little yoga room in my house so that I can practice at home.

Besides feeling fit and strong I have really noticed how much yoga has impacted my psyche. Life has thrown me a couple of curve balls this fall, and I truly believe that it has been the confidence and centeredness I have developed with yoga that has allowed me to bounce back quickly and calmly. I am more present, aware and at peace.

Namaste

And yes...that is my new yoga boyfriend, Peter.

Uninspired blogging...

Well, I haven't been inspired to blog lately...but I can feel myself breaking through the bloggers block.  

Next Monday I leave for 7 days in Prague.  I am going for the wedding of two good friends, and will be traveling with a close knit group of folks.  My excitement is growing, and know I will return with plenty of pictures and stories to write and share...so stay tuned!

Happy Birthday, Stacy!

This is my awesome friend, Stacy---she turns one year closer to 40 today :)  Stacy is married to Ryan and is a school teacher in Washington.  She has two daughters, Riley (see pic) and Erin.

I met Stacy in 1995 in Big Sky, Montana.  We worked together at the 320 Guest Ranch in Gallatin Canyon.  That was the same year we got to know our hot and famous friend Mark Norby who is Matthew McConaughey's stunt double and buddy.  We spent most evenings at the Half Moon Saloon drinking and carousing.  Sometimes we had to work the breakfast shift at the Ranch.  One night Stacy drank so much that she spent our shift the next morning puking in the bathroom, and I had to work all by myself.  Thanks, Stacy!

Stacy's grandmother always told her that she looks like Connie Selleca, and it is pretty much true--just check out this picture!

Happy birthday, Stacy :)

My girl, Angela

This is my beautiful friend Angela and her daughter, Clare. Angela and her husband Bill live outside of Roanoke, VA with their children, Clare and Will. Angela and I met while working at The Riverwood Restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC in 1991. I was a waitress and Angela was a bartender/wine expert. Those are what I would call 'the good ole' days'.

Angela and I have so many wonderful memories. This picture is from Halloween 1995 when we dressed up as midgets! Yes, indeed--we thought we were pretty crafty. Anytime I hang out with this girl my cheeks hurt from laughing--we have such a great time. On top of all that, Angela is one of the most non-judgmental people I have ever known, and a wonderful friend.

Happy birthday, Ang!

Timbo turns 36!

This is my baby brother, Tim (and his cat, Stella).  Tim lives in Brooklyn, NY with his boyfriend of 11 years, Jimmy.  Really, Tim is one of the funniest people I have ever known, and has a heart of gold.  He has a genuine and kind way that people fall in love with, and Tim makes lifelong friends everywhere he goes.  

Some of his passions include politics, Stella, music, his blog, my mom's homemade mac and cheese (and lasagna, smothered chicken,

 mississippi mud cake), travel and writing.  His laugh is completely infectious--I just love it.

Tim had a tough childhood.  He was a gay boy born in the south to conservative, religious parents.  He was preceded by 2 brothers who were diehard athletes (football, baseball, basketball) so when he opted for violin, homemade puppets and singing it was confusing for everyone.  On top of that, as a child Tim had his adenoids removed, had to have his sternum broken and reset because it was growing wrong

 (WTF?!) and then became an insulin dependent diabetic at the age of 15.  He was shy and awkward, but hit his stride in his late high school years when he embraced his uniqueness, and never looked back.

Most recently I have been included in an email correspondence between Tim and my mom.  My mom is trying desperately to evolve, but is still clinging to her right-winged conservative ways.  Tim has made it his mission to educate and challenge my mom, and always does so with love, kindness and plenty of documentation.  In his most recent email, he concluded by saying:

'Mom, you have always taught me to keep a teachable spirit.  That's one piece of advice I always keep with me, and it is so important.  Do not be lead by your fears, Mom.  I love you.  And I can't wait to see the Rockettes with you when you come up in December!'

Really, just so freakin' cute.  I can barely stand it.

I love you, Tim--happy birthday!

Saturday Morning: Durham Farmer's Market

Being Saturday, I slept in way too late. But not too late to miss my favorite weekend activity, the Durham Farmer's Market! I love to go people watch and support local

farmers and craft people. There is always someone playing music, DFM t-shirts for sale, and more local meats, veggies, flowers and baked goods than you could shake a stick at! It reminds me of the really wonderful things about the USA, the south and my community.

I normally buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers, but I arrived late and they

were all picked over. I did buy some fresh eggs from Little Tree Farm, ate some homemade goat cheese, and munched on a chocolate chip muffin!

Ani at the Durham Public Library

I went to the Durham County Library this morning to pick up the next read for book club, Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook.  While checking out I saw this picture of Ani Difranco encouraging folks in Durham to read!

Just another thing Ani and I have in common :)

Talk to Me Now: Ani Difranco

I have been a fan of Ani Difranco and her music for years.  As a budding feminist and community activist in my twenties I found her (often angry) words to be refreshing and cathertic.  She makes no apologies.  I love it.

Today I was cleaning my house and I busted out the Ani playlist to keep me company.  While singing along, I realized that her song 'Talk to Me Now' was getting me thinking...

The phrase I keep playing over in my head is this:

I've played the powerless

in too many dark scenes

and I was blessed with a birth and a death

and I guess I just want some say in between

don't you understand 

in the day to day 

and the face to face

I have to act

just as strong as I can

just to preserve a place 

where I can be who I am 

so if you still know how

talk to me now

Thanks, Ani

My Buddy, Bennett!

This is my very dear friend, Bennett.

Bennett and I met in 1995 in Big Sky, Montana and became fast friends. When I shaved my head that summer, he was the only person I knew who actually like it (besides me)! One time Bennett and I drove across the US of A from Big Sky to Boone, North Carolina...and we didn't kill each other. He claims that I ruined his clutch on that trip. Whatever.

Anyway--we are still quite close and are the last 2 standing member of 'The Golden Girls Club'. When we are old we plan on living in a big house together, eating cheese cake and gossiping. Like usual, he will be the floosie and I will be the rational one.

Bennett is one of the most gentle souls. He is a brilliant writer and is funny as all get out.

I love him dearly :)

Bookclub: Chatting About The Poisonwood Bible

When I first moved back to Durham in April, 2006 I decided to start a book club, something I have always wanted to do.  I posted an add on Craig's List, and ended up with 12 of the coolest women I have ever met!

We meet once a month to drink wine, eat good food and discuss our book of choice.  Tonight Lisa, Aura, Julie, Sherry, Colleen, Lindsey and Sara gathered at my house to chat about Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.  It doesn't happen very often that we agree, but we actually all loved this book, and it made for an energetic, heated and well rounded discussion.  

Other books our bookclub has read:

Mating by Norman Rush

The Last Girls by Lee Smith

The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty

Independence Day by Richard Ford

Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

A Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthann McCunn

Middlesex by Jefferey Eugenides

Blindness by Jose Saramago

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon

Seeing by Jose Saramago

Brick Lane by Monica Ali

The Human Stain by Phillip Roth

A Thread of Grace by Maria Doria Russell

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J Gaines

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

My favorite was Blindness---LOVED IT

My Scooter, Peetie

Here I am (with my vogs) on the way to work!  His name's Peetie, and he gets me to and from Duke University Medical Center safely and efficiently everyday. 

Sometimes I see people laughing.

The jokes on them---$4.50 in gas lasts me 3 weeks!

Friends and Food--Dinner Party

WOW--what a great night!  The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun.  Everything went off without a hitch and folks stayed well into the evening chatting, drinking and laughing.

I'm exhausted today--but it was worth it!

See link for pictures :)

Prelude to dinner party....

Tonight Simeon and I are hosting a little party of around 30 of our good friends.  Fortunately, I am not doing the cooking, Simeon and Freddy are taking care of all the food, and here is our menu:

Potato and celery root empanadas

Crudite

Antipasto

Shrimp and cucumbers with remoulade

Herbed and goat cheese crostini

Hummus

Rosemary and lemon chicken

Pork loin

Pasta bar with sauces

Mashed sweet potatoes with jalapenos and brown sugar

Glazed carrots and parsnips

Cornbread

Mixed green salad

Banana pudding

Chocolate decadent cake

DAMN!  pics and details to follow....

Keepin' the Faith!

Crumpet the spider

This is Crumpet.  He is a very large spider who has set up his home on my front porch.  He is about the size of a silver dollar, and I am fascinated by his habits.  He only comes out at night, and he generally must rebuild his web every evening.  

If I get too close then he scampers up to the top of his web and seems to play dead--it is so cute!

Anyway--I have grown kind of attached to him, and hope he sticks around

It's a done deal!

Lowanna and Chip were married this weekend.  I have to say, this was one of the most perfect weddings ever!  I loved that it was very simple.  There was no fanfare, just friends gathered around a sweet ceremony.

The event was held at Lowanna and Chip's beautiful home.  Plenty of great food, music, drink and good cheer!

I have know this girl forever--we have so many hilarious stories.  We traveled together in Central America (where we should have died at least 10 times),  all over the northwest USA and several trips to NYC.  We were also roommates in Big Sky, Montana back when we were ski bums.  Lowanna has always been unconditionally happy with reckless abandon--a quality I envy and admire :)

I hate to gloat, but...

Simeon and I went on up to Madison, WI for Lowanna's wedding. We had a great time, the wedding was beautiful, and I won the bet!  

Our bet was about the song Jungle Love by Steve Miller.  I believed the lyrics are 'You treat me like I was your ocean; you swim in my blood when it's warm'---and Simeon said that I must be high.

I won.  I never win.

I love this picture of Simeon--damn!

Lowanna is getting hitched!

This is my old and dear friend Lowanna.  She and I met in 1992 when we were both working at The Red Onion Cafe in Boone, NC while attending Appalachian State University.  Back in the day, Lowanna swore to never get married and have kids :)

This weekend Simeon and I are traveling to Madison, WI to help her celebrate her marriage to Chip!  Not only that, but she is now stepmom to his two young sons.  She is as happy as I have ever known her to be, and I can't wait to be a part of this celebration...

The Vog Blog

To put it mildly, I am obsessed with John Fluevog shoes. I discovered them when I was living in San Francisco from 2003-2006. I lived in the Haight-Ashbury district, and everyday when I walked to work I would walk by the Fluevog store on the corner of Haight and Cole. I would covet the delicious shoes in the window, and as soon as I started making a salary I started buying.

Now I go visit my brother in NYC for my Fluevog fix. In 2007 I put myself on Fluevog probation--it was a very depressing year. I will never do that again.

I got the whole gang together for a group pic :)

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

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I have 3 brothers, and the youngest one is Tim. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his main squeeze of ten years--Jimmy!

Jimmy is a wonderful artist. To see some of his work you can either come to my house of go here. Jimmy is also a really good sport, as he is always the unwitting straight man for Tim's online rants and raves as evidenced here.

Anyway--Saturday September 6th is Jimmy's birthday--cheers!

Lola: The Boss

Lola runs the show!

I adopted Lola from the SPCA December, 2001 when she was about 8 months old. She has no tail and extra thumbs on her front paws.

Her favorite spot is in front of the house underneath a bush--this way she can greet all who walk by and keep tabs on things. When I walk the dogs around the neighborhood everyday Lola insists on coming along and stays about 10 feet behind us.



Lola is famous for bringing home half dead animals. She used to have a cat door, but I had to get rid of it because she would stash her animals in the house for me to find (moles, birds, chipmunks, snakes). Now she leave decapitated cardinals and entrails on the front porch as gifts for Simeon and me!

Bean 1993-2007

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Bean came into my life when I was 22 years old and still in college. She loved traveling and was very much at home in my little blue honda accord. She traveled with me across the country several times,visited many national parks, played in the waves on both coasts, lived as a cowgirl in Montana and a city girl in San Francisco. She loved the Beastie Boys (back when she could still hear) and was the bossiest girl around, right up until her last days.

Bean passed away October 2007, and I miss her terribly
*Picture by my dear friend Chris Thompson

Jake

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This is Jake--another German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption sweetie who came to me in the spring of 2008. He was supposed to be a foster dog for a while, but he is such a wonderful companion that I decided to adopt him. Don't know a lot about his history, except that he has been moved around A LOT and been in and out of shelters. I think it is for this reason that he has become quite attached to me and follows me around everywhere :) I can't imagine why anyone would ever give up this sweet boy.

Hands down, Jake's favorite thing to do is patrol the yard. He likes to know who is walking by, and his theory is bark first and ask questions later. He makes me feel very safe and cared for.

Roxie

This is sweet Roxie. She came to me from German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption after she was almost killed by 2 other dogs. She is 9 or 10 years old, but you were never know it because she is so goofy. When she gets really exicted (like when she sees me grab her leash) she runs around chasing her tail!







Roxie's favorite thing to do is eat. When I adopted her in November 2006 she weighed 92 lbs!! You could see her back legs shaking under the weight--not good for her german shepherd hips!! Now she is a svelt 65ish lbs, and is generally not happy about it.

She also likes bossing Jake around. Jake is a lover, not a fighter...so her generally just ignores her and lets her think she is in charge

Simeon--My Main Man

I love this picture of Simeon. He is laughing and glowing--and this is how I see him in my mind.

I met Simeon 5 years ago at a dinner for the Dean of UNC School of Pharmacy. I got a little tipsy and spilled red wine on him when I was awkwardly trying to chat him up. We have lived on different coasts for most of the time we have known each other, but now we are both in Durham. I have so much fun with him that my cheeks hurt from smiling.

My friend Sherry

This is my good friend, Sherry. She has lived the most interesting life and often I am awestruck by her stories. She grew up in the Bronx and when she was 15 she moved to Israel to be in the Israeli army--she was there for Six Day War! She lived in NYC during the Studio 54 days and in San Francisco when Jerry Garcia was making his mark. She is an amazing woman, and a wonderful friend.

Sherry just celebrated her 60th birthday in Buenos Aires--happy birthday, Sherry!

Quilting

One of my favorite hobbies is quilting. I have never considered myself much of an artist, but I do enjoy the calming effect of working with my hands and it is so easy to make a quilt look good--especially if the sweet ladies at the quilt store help you pick out your colors :)






This is the largest quilt I have made--about 6.5 ft x 6.5 ft, and will fit nicely on my queen bed when I am done! I did all the piece work on my machine, but I much prefer to do the quilting by hand.

This part of the project will take me a couple of months--

Dinner parties!

Speaking of dinner parties--here my dear friend Shahzad from Pakistan cooked up a yummy traditional indian feast!

This party was mexican night- and Luis went to town on the fixins :)

Homestead views

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Here is a picture off of the back porch. Someday I hope to screen in the back porch and put a comfy couch for reading and lounging

I think the kitchen is my favorite room. It is big, bright and great for cooking up food for dinner parties!

Durham

I love Durham!

I live in a little bungalow in an old neighborhood called Watts-Hospital Hillandale. My house was built in 1940 and has that old house charm.
I bought this house in April 1, 2006--and my first experience as a homeowner. Sometimes I can't believe it is mine!