antm: tomato edition

After eight weeks and three cuts, only four tomatoes remain. Who will be America's Next Top Tomato? Over the past weeks the girls have been bringing it -- throwing out luxurious foliage and hitting some fierce poses. The judges have seen a lot of potential but when it comes time to fruit will they have what it takes to be the tastiest thing this season? The judges aren't sure if there's room enough for all four in that pot. We know they can pose but can they work the runway? Tune in next week to see who is still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top Tomato*

* And join with us in our hopes that someday, some season, Tyra will learn how to rework that sentence so the verbs are correct. Ack. Gives me shivers just typing it, but you gotta keep it real. Do I lose points for mixing reality TV catch phrases?

32 things I know

1. Cake is always a good idea.
2. I like cake.
3. As you get older, you *do* get to choose your family.
4. Shoes aren’t the only things that take time to break in.
5. Water is good for you. Especially if you’re standing, staring at it.
6. There is always room for more books.
7. Change takes time.
8. Some roller coasters are worth it.
9. Settling for less is never enough.
10. Sci-Fi fans are good people.
11. I like long stories.
12. Children are a gift – even if they belong to someone else.
13. Nothing tastes as good as a sun-warmed tomato.
14. Italy takes everyone’s breath away.
15. A jigsaw puzzle is a great way to spend a day.
16. There is a lot to be thankful for.
17. Poetry stays with you. (Well, it stays with me.)
18. Chocolate doesn't actually solve anything, but it helps with everything.
19. I don’t ever want to ride a motorcycle.
20. The right words make a great gift.
21. I want to live in New York in a movie.
22. Cats are worth the effort.
23. There is a book inside me somewhere.
24. If it makes you smile, bring it with you.
25. Randomness is good.
26. The world is full of wonder.
27. Many great things start with “Preheat the oven to 350”
28. My life isn’t complicated enough to keep my cell turned on.
29. I like growing things.
30. Laughter is good for the soul.
31. There are a thousand ways to feel loved.
32. I am a fortunate woman.

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. I feel very celebrated. And very loved.

sweet dreams

A friend of mine is having a baby girl in a few weeks and I wanted to give her something special so I decided to try a quilt.

I walked into my new favorite fabric store in Abby and asked the easiest pattern they had. And here it is. The pattern is called Yellow Brick Road. If you're looking for a place to start, I highly recommend it. It was not without its bumps, but most things in sewing can be undone so no major whoops'es. I am thrilled with the way it turned out.

I figured that the baby's crib set would already be taken care of so I made it square to go on the floor. When it came time to tie it down, I didn't want all the strings to show on the top so I stitched little Xs where the ties would go before attaching the back and then tied it upside-down once it was all together. The result was the clean look I was going for and the ties still held perfectly.


Here it is all laid out. It's not the best light, but you get the idea.


Mark & Rachel's baby is due at the beginning of November, so it looks like I might be getting some more practice in the blanket-making department. Sounds good to me. Sweet dreams.

starting small

Growing up my Mom used to plant whole rows of tomatoes every summer. I like to think she did it just for me, but to be fair we all tomato eaters in my family. I tried and tried to grow tomatoes in White Rock but tomatoes are the original sun worshipers and that yard, much as I loved it, just couldn't deliver.

This year I'm in Abby and lo and behold, the sun shines here, right in my own backyard. I decided to start small and planted a couple of varieties of heirloom tomatoes, starting them indoors in an impromptu greenhouse (read "inflated plastic bag") a couple of weeks back. Now the first true leaves are in, they have survived the culling, and I am eagerly awaiting my summer harvest.

Does anything taste as delicious as a fresh tomato, still warm with sunshine? I doubt it, but come summer I'm willing to experiment. All in the name of science of course.

play a song for me

I just want to go on record, now, before the live show tonight and say that I have no idea what fate has in store for Jason Castro tonight. There's the camp that thinks he's toast and the people who think the Aggies will pull him through. Some think he gave up, some claim he never cared in the first place and still others will love him to their dying day - whether he likes it or not.

For me, it doesn't matter. None of it does. Whether it's on the Idol stage next week, or from the coach at Ellen's or on a CD a year from now I have just one request for Jason Castro play a song for me. Just let me know where and when and I'll show up. I've got my iTunes account prepped and ready to go. I'll meet you there.

Entertainment Weekly writer Mandi Bierly questioned Jason's intentions last week with her [ insert voice of incredulity here ] "You're kind of ready to walk off America's biggest stage??? " comment. She revels an interesting, and I'd guess common perspective. "Who wouldn't want to be an American Idol?" the collective conscious asks. Well, I wouldn't. And lucky for me I am in no danger of it. But I wonder if Castro would whisper "me too".

There seems to be something patently unAmerican about not wanting to demolish the competition, come out on top and reap tons of money. But here's the secret. . . .it's not everyone's dream. Have you seen the video from last week of the Idol contestants entering the Mirage hotel in Vegas? There's a massive group of fans gathered and they're all screaming, reaching, kissing, yelling, photographing and groping towards the contents as they try to enter the building. Can you imagine that being your life? I am very happy it's not mine.

So what will happen to our dreadlocked hero? I have no idea. Half of me hopes he gets his Aggie homecoming and the other half hopes he gets to home so Simon & Randy can find someone else to kick the crap out of next week. Which ever way it goes, I hope the future sees him with a guitar in hand, on his own terms. And if he feels like sharing. . . I'll be there.

a good day

Any day when you do your taxes, find out the government owes you money and then you come home and your house smells like ganache-covered cupcakes is a gooood day.

Today was a good day :) And my roommate rocks.