tissue paper flowers

I found myself on the decorating committee for a soccer fundraiser this last weekend. It wasn't hard to get excited about making tissue paper flowers, so bright and colorful, and they couldn't be easier to make, my 10 year old jumped right on the band wagon and helped make up a bunch of these. Super cheap, fantastic party decor.
All of the pictured flowers are a variation on the same pattern, watch the tutorial here. On some of the flowers we just trimmed the edges differently, or changed up the middle (twisted the paper, cut into strips, looped the paper then cut strips- use your imagination). Whip some up for your next summer party- how about red white and blue?

West Mountain

I finally got out of the house and onto my bike. It felt good to be back in the saddle (until about 40 miles)- in the company of friends, watching the sun come up over the mountains, riding past campers still in their sleeping bags on the shores of Utah Lake, feeling the burn because I haven't ridden much at all yet this year. Riding a bike is good for the soul.

the queen's birthday

I've been thinking about space lately, (as I push a paintbrush around my own pad). Your house says so much about you, or at least I think it should. Clean/messy, organized/disheveled, funky/boring or somewhere in between... It's always inspiring and intriguing to take a sneaky peek into someone else's space. One of my favorite places to browse (I can make hours disappear...) is The Selby . A great look at people and their places.
Number one on a list of 'must-haves' is oodles of shelves. Our book collection grows by the day and to have them all organized, all in one place- would be dreamy. By color, topic or alphabetically. Just some way to find what the book you need...

Art imitates Life

A very good representation of our garage... I think we are a few short on Lego bikes in the picture.
And so the adventure begins, we re-list the house in the quest for a little more space, and a special place for parking bikes and boats.
I've assigned myself the job this week of turning all of the colored walls- which is just about every wall- back to white. Big job, it's a good thing I like painting. The whole place sure looks and feels clean and fresh. Smells nice too.

see what piano lessons can get ya

'Paparazzi' by Lady Gaga is a favorite tune to sing around our house, everyone takes turns siniging the phrase, "I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me- papa, paparazzi". Good silly fun with some great lyrics.
Well, today the kids showed me this video, one of the perks of having the kids out of school- my intake of pop culture news and views has dramatically increased.
Greyson Chance, 6th grader rocks this song at his school talent show, then the kids showed me his later performance on the Ellen show too. Wow, you go little dude... I'm impressed.
Now, my little friends gather round Mama's knee as I pass on these words of motherly wisdom and inspiration- don't just practice the piano-only because you have to, really practice (and don't be afraid to sing along too) like you mean it my friends... see what it can get you. (you know, chicks and stuff...)

some more red rock fun & games

We hit the red rocks again this past weekend, Lake Powell as tradition goes. The water was no bathtub (like it is in August and September), but the air temperature was perfect- in the 80's (I think). You can see the high water mark here, the lake level seems to be steadily rising, a bit higher every year, I wonder if it will ever reach the high water mark again. It might be a bit weird (in a good way) to not have to see the HWM across all the cliff faces.
View from the crack climb just off the main channel.


These tiny rock friends have all been trapped inside this sandstone bowl together for so long, the water has shaped most of them into perfect little balls.

The kids, enjoying scampering over, under, around and through the rocks.

The water was very... well... refreshing... An unseasonable cold spring made it the coldest water I've ever felt at Lake Powell this time of the year (it's around 65 degrees, I think).
Good thing cold water doesn't bother kids...

summertime

Today is the last day of school in these parts. It came with the mandatory Alice Cooper soundtrack and the annual last day of school (in this case, last day of elementary school too) mohawk. He chickened out on the real, true mohawk (hair on the sides of your head shaved off) vanity perhaps? I think it's cuz he hasn't felt the full heat of the summer sun on his mop yet this year- it's been a cold, rainy spring. I'm giving him a week or two before he's begging me to shave off every last golden strand. So, nothing with a serious commitment on the noggin... but he did wear his homemade duct tape shorts.
Speaking of golden locks... M went for the 'hippy' look today. The headband and wavy (french braided all night) hair were an essential part of the look. I love the tights she dug out of the bottom of the drawer, they make me mourn for the days when the kids were little and I could dress them darling everyday. Now they just want to look like everyone else (for the most part). I guess the last day of school hippy outfit is a step toward standing out in the fashion world, hopefully always in a good way- throwing caution to the wind.


Another essential soundtrack for the last day of school. All kids- 8th, 6th, 4th grade and kindergarten graduates rolled their eyes when we put this clip from High School Musical 2 on- then watched the whole thing while tapping their toes. I hope they all start the "summer" whisper just before the bell rings today.

Birch Creek Service Ranch informational gathering

Birch Creek Service Ranch
Cottage Meeting at Olpin’s House
Come hang out and learn some more about one of the greatest investments you can make in your kids.
Birch Creek Service Ranch is a camp in southern Utah- it's for good kids 12 to 15 years old. There are 3 sessions going on this summer, one session for girls and 2 for boys. It was an epic adventure and growth experience for our 12 year old daughter who went last year, she can't wait to go back this summer.
So come by, with or without kid(s), learn about camp, eat some yummy snacks.
Time: 7:00 pm Wednesday May 26
Where: Olpin’s House
1165 South 1080 East
Springville

birch creek service ranch (rough cut #1 march 23, 2010) from Solpin Films on Vimeo.

gonna put my backpack on and walk

I just spent 3 wonderful days in the desert backcountry. I really can't believe I've been coming to Escalante for 25 years and never been to Coyote Gulch, and even more embarrassing, I never knew there was an arch (or 2 or 3) in said Gulch. Duh. Here is the view of the bend in the river, standing at the highest point under Jacob Hamblin arch. We camped just to the left (out of the picture) under a little ledge, right across the river from the spring- where you can drink deliciously cool spring water that trickles from the rocks.

Walk a little further down the canyon, about two miles from Jacob Hamblin arch and you bump right into this natural bridge, I believe it's just called Coyote Gulch natural bridge, a bridge because it was made by water; an arch is made by wind and rain.

Looking down river at Jacob Hamblin arch. It's about a 7 mile hike in from Hurricane Wash, where we parked. This is what comes into view when you come around the canyon bend. Orange globe mallows in the foreground.

We climbed just above the natural bridge to see an indian grainery and an amazing view all around. The area (well, all of Utah really) has had huge amounts of rain this winter and spring making the wildflowers plentiful and stunning. Everywhere you looked there was something blooming- indian paintbrush, evening primrose, juniper, skyrockets, lupine, penstimon, beavertail cactus, orange globe mallow and those were just the ones we could name.

The beavertail cactus flowers were my favorite. The pink was in that hot category and the flowers- papery thin. I couldn't stop snapping pictures of the blooming desert- especially the pink.
I'm planning on making up for lost time, we are already planning a trip back with the big kids (that can carry their own packs) in the fall, sometime when the weather isn't too hot. We stopped at the ever popular Spooky and Peek-a-Boo slot canyons on our way back. Fantastically fun, I'll get more pictures up in flickr soon, when I get a minute between trying to clean my house, plant the garden (before it's too late), last week of school events, yard work etc...
Back to the madness, but it was great to get away from it all for a few days. You've got to recharge your batteries, take some time to ponder the important things in life, slow down and unplug any chance you get. Thanks to my father-in-law Owen for planning and organizing the trip- you're the best.

Adam & Kristen Rex

What an amazing weekend- my brother Adam married Kristen Haering in Escalante today.

It's not very often that we all get together under one roof, to make and eat wood fired pizza (until it hurts), hike around, cousin party down- what a blast.

The setting- Kristen and Adam did a fabulous job jazzing up the desert setting, next to the Slot Canyons Inn. Everything was beautiful.

One of my favorite pictures of the day- getting silly with the doggie BFF's, Izzy and Roscoe sitting in a tree...

This is what 19 wonderful years of marriage looks like...

I get to go off the grid for a few days now. As "The Chosen One" from our family, Steve O is staying home to take care of the kids. I head out into the desert to hike Coyote Gulch with some Olpins. Backpacking is something I haven't done in a while- I cannot wait to be unplugged for 3 or 4 days.

handmade goodies

In a bunch of images, all neatly arranged, my haul from the Spring 2010 Beehive Bazaar.
To see more pictures, get some facts or artists & crafter details- go to my flickr page.

Just one of the many items I picked up at the Beehive Bazaar this last weekend. I'm working on getting pictures up of all my gets here in a bit, but right now, I think I'll take a break and go out to lunch with my fella- get reacquainted after all the harried madness that has been 2010 so far.
Meanwhile, talk amongst yourselves on just how funny Betty White was on Saturday Night Live this last weekend... loved it.

great write-ups

The Spring 2010 Beehive Bazaar starts tomorrow night... The pillows here are by Ruby Market, they'll be at the show as well as about 75 other extremely talented artists and crafters and their handmade wares.
It's been a lot of work preparing for this Beehive Bazaar, the reward is see it all come together under one roof. Everyone involved has literally spent thousands of hours painting, sewing, drawing, gluing, cutting, knitting, crocheting, baking, printing, (what am I leaving out?) photographing, stenciling... working their little fingers to the bone. Oh (sigh) but finally seeing the Bazaar all set up it is a sight to behold and a surreal shopping experience for all who attend- the creativity, uniqueness, originality- the handmadeness leaves me swooning.
Oh, and by the way Salt Lake City Weekly and ArtDuh just published great articles about the Bazaar. View them here and here.

digging through my jewelry box...

If you're a Beehive Bazaar Handmade Art & Craft Fair fan and veteran shopper- your going to want to check out this giveaway on Facebook. Here are the details:
1. Take a picture of your favorite item that you've gotten at a previous Beehive Bazaar.
2. Post that picture on the Beehive Bazaar Facebook Page, as a fan photos and tell them why you love that particular item (and why it's changed your life etc.)
All entries must be submitted by midnight tonight, April 30th, they will draw 3 winners at random from all of the entries.
Winners receive tickets to the Spring 2010 Beehive Bazaar VIP Opening Night Party Wednesday May 5th at 8 pm.

if only my life were so simple...

I know, pictures of pets... boring. But perhaps let me entertain you for a moment with a few pics of Pierre... this wasn't a stretching moment frozen in pixels... he napped like this for about an hour. Sometimes I dream about a Freaky Friday day with Pierre- but what would he do with my life as I napped his day away?

Oh to spend the afternoon napping in my monkeys arms...

featured

Ooh look, my 'Sunday Stroll' purse was featured in this Etsy Spring Picnic gallery today. To inquire about the pictured items more completely- or browse a little Etsy click here.

local street art

Thanks to Brent for pointing out this amazing piece of street art on the Fice, Estes Pizza building just across the street from SLC Bicycles on 2nd E and 2nd S in downtown Salt Lake City. I could easily have missed it. It's really embarrassing to admit- but that's why traveling in cars can be so stupid. You miss the little things...

yo tengo nuevo zapatos

two ninty nine

Ahh yeah, that's right, this pair of hot pink wool trousers are mine for a mere 2 dollars 99. It was one of those lucky, silly shopping moments... there I was, quickly perusing the clearance rack as I passed on another errand when these babies caught my eye- and they fit just right. Now I just have to decide if I keep them full length or crop them to ankle or capris. This time of year I'm tempted to make them into capris, but I just might regret it next winter. We shall see.
Literally- hot pants... anyone jealous?

The Spring 2010 Beehive Bazaar is right around the corner-

Just a couple of weeks until the next Beehive Bazaar, May 5-8 to be exact. Ohh, I can't wait- there are some amazing artists, new and veteran this spring. The artist pictured above is Colt Bowden, new this year- can't wait to see his creations.
To check out all the spring artists here or on facebook if that's your thing.

Published in The New Yorker 3/29/2010
by Harry Bliss

kind of like The Secret Garden

I got out into the yard yesterday and mowed, put kid stuff away, swept, raked, put more kid stuff away, trimmed, had a few "so that's where my hammer/cordless phone/whisk walked off to" moments, scooped dog poop, picked up a few more forgotten toys (mostly matchbox cars and assorted balls) and finally fertilized.
It felt a little Secret Gardenish, discovering early perennials and bulbs starting to brightening up the world. Not much around here really resembles Francis Hodgson Burnett's magical garden (except some wailing coming from the house at piano practice time) but I was so pleased to notice this Lungwort (I think that's what it is) early bloomin' under my still bare beech tree, I think I just planted it last year.
Hooray, my yard (and me) are finally mature enough for shade loving plants!

laugh lines

After seriously pouring over the Hearthsong catalog for about 15 minutes, M my 10 year old got to the page with this picture of the "Fun Straws" and muttered under her breath, "Oh my gosh, that is so unsanitary..."

"Look! A big penny!" Emphatically announced by C my 5 year old when he found a quarter in the car on the way to school today.

"I was an emotional mess in second grade..." Admitted by Q my 8th grade daughter while reminiscing about elementary school last night.


And of course a New Yorker Cartoon that I think we all can appreciate...


Published in The New Yorker 03/15/2010
by Mick Stevens

Roxanne

If you missed Saturday Night Live with Tina Fey and Justin Bieber this last weekend- it's well worth watching- the whole episode is dang entertaining. Here's a little silliness to break up a rainy Tuesday, certain to bring a smile to your face.
It's always fun to watch Tina Fey dress up like Sarah Palin...

Torrey time

We stopped in Torrey for the weekend, to complete the Grandma and Grandpa tour de springbreak. We got a little hike in on Saturday all around the house of G&G, as you can see, there is still lots of snow on Boulder Mountain in the distance, but, it's warming up fast all over the Northern Hemisphere and I like that.

C here was happy to find a elk horn of his very own along the trail, and this hat, given to him by grandma- you can only get it off of him when he's asleep. So cute.

Hmm, that's funny... I guess someone spilled their Coco Puffs along the trail...

Kate, mystery girl, can you give us a little more to go on next time, like a last name...


When we got to the sand dunes, Izzy the dog let loose and had some real doggy fun.


And so did the kids... can you have more fun than getting permission to jump over your big sister with sandy feet?

Escalante round-up

We've been spending our days at Grandma's and Grandpa's bed and breakfast, Slot Canyons Inn trying to be good helpers, earn our keep, and have a bit of fun too.

The kids thought they'd died and gone to heaven... Adam's tiny motorcycle was perfect for tiny riders, and Roscoe the dog loves running alongside.

We hiked around the property a bit, it is always amazing to me how many pictographs, petroglyphs and Indian ruins are within a short walk off the Inn. I've been playing here since I was a kid and I find or learn something new every time I hike around. Some archeologists from BYU have dug here for quite a few summers now and taught us amazing new history. All my new knowledge this time was imparted by my brother Adam (orange shirt, helping the kids get crazy on the rocks) who lives here full-time and is getting married right here at the Inn next month, oooh I can't wait to see it. Kristen (his fiance) know how to do it up right.

Artsy shot of the trip. I love the brother peeking around the mirror in this picture.
I hope everyone had a great spring break, now back to real life...

dinnertime

It's spring break, we escaped the snow in the north to enjoy some snow in the south... weird. Anywho, who cares when it's wood-fired pizza time. This special concoction I made up all by myself. The sauce isn't really a sauce. I mixed olive oil with crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper- then brushed it on the crust. Then topped it with bacon, caramelized onions, spinach, mangoes and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. The dough is just a basic pizza dough recipe, pulled as thin as you can get it.
Then out to the wood-fired oven...

I'm not going to lie to you- in my experience, everything cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven is delicious, don't even get me started on the desert possibilities...
Just don't walk away and burn your meal.
This pizza oven is in Escalante Utah, at the Slot Canyons Bed and Breakfast. It is my brother's creation, and is available for dinner reservations, if your in the area... and folks, it's definitely worth a trip to the area ( for lots of reasons not even related to amazing pizza).

F, 12- mastering the peel, C,5 warming his hands. The pizza cooks in minutes, you've got to stay on your toes, no slacking.

We slacked...
We stopped watching the pizza for a minute to play Row Row Row Your Boat with the peel as an oar and overcooked the crust a bit, but it was still way delicious and we polished off every drop. The mangoes weren't as sweet as I had imagined they would be- a pizza combining the right amount of sweet and salty, and the right textures is culinary genius.
We stuffed ourselves on this one and about 10 more sassy pizza combinations. Then we rounded it out with some cookie dough delights cooked in the wood-fired oven in ramekins, topped with vanilla ice cream. Dee-lightful.