Inflatable watercraft

I'm thinking about buying an inflatable kayak. Or a folding one. See, I live just 3 short blocks from the Cooper River, and could easily paddle several times a week if I just had the right watercraft. But the number one issue is where on earth do I store it?? My place is on the second story of a duplex, so I don't have a basement. Nor do I have a driveway, back yard or even a shed at my disposal. So folding or inflatable seems like the way to go.

But I know the fun will wear off quickly if the damn thing takes too long to prepare for the water. Do any of you have experience with such things?? I need guidance.

Latest wares

I glazed a whole bunch of stuff in my clay class last week, so hopefully it all got fired and I'll be bringing it home tonight. Watch for photos on my flickr set called my clay work.

In the meantime, though, I took advantage of having kilns at my disposal to fire some beads I made a few years ago. I've been wearing them on leather cord off and on all week, but this morning the inspiration struck me out of the blue to make earrings (pictured). I love them! Much more to come... and watch my flickr photo set called my jewelry. So fun to have fresh inspiration.

Saying so here might kick my rear to do it, so I'll proclaim now that I will soon start an account on etsy.com for purchasing my wares. Stay tuned!

Damn Pollen

It's time to admit it. I have allergies. Never before has the spring pollen taken such control of my head. The creases in my eyelids hurt. My eardrums ache. How do all of you who suffer from regular allergies (much worse than mine) deal with it? I guess I'm about to find out. The doctor prescribed Clariton. Wish us luck.

It's no wonder the pollen causes health issues. Just look at the layer of yellowish-green dust covering your car. We're breathing that crap in! If any of you have tips on how to deal, please share.

Porch haiku

The porch. The sun on the porch. The awning's shade. A new pad for the chaise lounge. Giving myself a pedicure. A light breeze. A cool beverage. Suntan lotion. Pigtails. Spring Saturday bliss.

Dirty Rock

Bless their hearts, those White Stripes. Meg and Jack. Icky Thump? Yup, that's the name of their new record and single and it's as sick as it sounds. It's dirty, melodic rock that makes your nose scrunch up and your head bob (well, I can't speak for you, but it does those things to me at least). Damn I love them! Not sure when the new record comes out, but I can't wait.

Also, I heard an old track of theirs from before they were on a major label and realized I need to dig back into their older stuff too. Some of their songs are tough to listen to, but what's good is friggin' GREAT. Icky thump, indeed.

Oh What a Beautiful Building!

The Kimmel Center is really beautiful and unique. Say what you will about how it fits in with Philly's architecture ... and how approachable it looks from the street ... and the fact that you can never tell if there is anything going on inside unless you are, in fact, inside ... I'm partial to it just the same. I suppose I'm biased considering that I've worked there for 7 years!

Anyhoo, take a look at what a pretty building it is!
> Kimmel Center on flickr.com

Changing the Chi

Ever since moving to Collingswood, I've had the opportunity to blur the often-too-well-defined lines of my life by bringing a variety of friends together. It has been a revelation. In fact, it should have been on my "top 5" for why I love Cwood so much! I get to see all these new, wonderful sides to the people in my life through the eyes of the other people in my life.

Tonight, I had three of my dearest friends over for a walk and take-out. Two of them know each other very well, but the third had only heard about the others, and vice versa. I wasn't nervous about their liking each other or getting along ... but you just never know how such meetings will go.

After dinner, I excused myself from the dining room to have a smoke on the porch. I sat there gleefully listening to the three of them interact—their voices raising and lowering, their laughter bellowing, and the ice cream dishing. It warmed my heart!

As they were getting ready to leave, I looked at the mound of dirty dishes in the sink not as a chore, but as a happy remnant of a successful party. As I cleaned up, the sounds of the festivities replayed in my head.

My new apartment and I love bringing friends together. To quote one, "it changes the chi in the room." Yes, it sure does!