(given to me from Hannah with my Christmas present of toe socks)

Tuesday Morning's Scribute to 10am:

Well!
That sums it up, doesn't it?

Is this thing on?

Aw there I go, disappearing for days at a time again. Oooo, it annoys me when I do that. But sometimes it's like (1.) "if a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound", and (2.) the weather has been too tempting to stay out of, except for the rain yesterday, which means I slept on the sofa like a spoiled cat. But then again, (3.) sometimes I just get too lazy to type.

But unluckily for you, I get over that soon enough after refueling with the right combination of sleep and caffeine. I've had my naps and coffee, so back to work. And the way I get back to work is by refilling the wells. You know what I mean.

(4.) Sometimes you just have to cut yourself some slack and fill the inspiration-well back up with all sorts of research whether it applies or not. For projects I'm working on and projects to come, I have to spend a good period of time soaking up every little thing around me from new recipes to reading online newspapers from around the world. And if you're reading this, I know you, man. Spring is nice but it also shakes you up like a jar of muddy water -- and are you like me, feeling a little drained and overwhelmed? Then you need to refill the well, too, and let the dirt and silt settle around you.

It's nothing but good for you, so start fillin'.

I'm back on the road next Wednesday, but until then I'll post "well-fillers" for you and me.

Here a a few links I've found along the way to post. Links of sheer coolness. Starting with Nick Dewar.

Unless you have the time, don't even click this Thumbtack Press link. It's too cool. Illustrations galore and glorious. So I guess I'm saying *make time* since there's never really enough time to refill the well with creative thoughts.

Beware though: gross photos ahead. I've run across some totally horrible links, too, such as the woman who had 125 pounds of her belly removed. And the hawk what ate the sparrow who got the last word in, from the inside out. Nasty photo, but I admire that sparrow's spunk of "never give up, never say die." Take that, Monday!

So I owe you a few "Scributes to Tuesday at 10am". I need an intern, one who likes to scan. Forward your CV to me when you can, I'm deciding soon. Bonuses include free caffeine and well-refilling links.


Here are a few more fugitive links for you:

I'm fascinated by shipping container houses. One day, one day.

Amigurumi dolls. Do I have to be able to pronounce them to make them?

There's never enough time to soak it all up at design*sponge. (Yes, I enjoy cheap puns.)

And always remember, you can never spend too much time at Apartment Therapy, Craftzine, or swissmiss.

And Rachael Ray. I don't care, I love the girl, I know you may think she's annoying, but I learn something new from the kid everyday. Grab a recipe and create something to fill your well and your friends with. Or try Chow.

I've got more if you need 'em. Go fill the well. I have to fill up the car, but first, I think I'll bake some cookies.

Enjoyyy.

Gas predicted to go up to $5.00/gallon by June.

So here's my new summer reading list instead.

Check the menu for the Wine Tasting tonight.

First Course: Rosenblum Viognier, Katherine's Cuvee 05/ Mango Jerked Shrimp and Scallops

Second Course: Rosenblum Cote du Bone Blanc, Chateau la Paws 05/ Butter Poached Lobster, Lobster Pancake

Third Course: Rosenblum Petite Sirah, Heritage Clones 05/ Seared Ostrich, Hunters Sauce

Fourth Course: Rosenblum Zinfandel, Harris Kratka Vineyard 05/ Roast Tenderloin of Wild Boar, Blueberry-Sage Zin Sauce

Sweet Course: Rosenblum Zinfandel, Annette's Reserve 03/Chocolate Molten Cake


Guess I better go for a quick jog around the block first.

Remember the Happy Hippy?

Well, I'm still fascinated by him, even had a dream about him last night where he brought me strings of yarns in all different colors and was showing me what they all meant. I took them as allergy markers of what he had. Yes, whatever that means. Now that the weather's getting warmer, everyone's getting out around the courtyard more, so I've seen Happy a few good times -- always happy, always doing the usual in an unusual way. I wanted to write observation here about him, even today, but I just haven't said anything.

But luckily, girls tend to search and work in packs, and one of my exceptionally gifted team pack leaders (who will remain anonymous) has found out a few more things about the Happy Hippy and emailed them along. Let's read on:

"I was out fact finding on the happy hippy today and thought I would keep you apprised. I found out three additional pieces of information to add to our files:

"1. He doesn't know who Etta James is, even though he claims to be 'old school.' So, he has bad taste in music apparently. Might be a rocker afterall as completely unversed as he is in blues and jazz. I bet he has an old Pantera cassette in his apartment or something equally horrific. Tesla? But don't laugh too hard because I think my husband owns every CD put out by Tesla and has even seen them in concert multiple times.

"2. He is apparently heterosexual, as he referenced an ex-girlfriend. She gave him a cat who is now 13 years old, so we know at least 13 years ago he dated -- apparently quite seriously if the giving of living creatures was involved.

"3. Since he has a cat that he apparently loves (he sets out bowls of water for bird baths so the cat can watch them through his freakishly clean windows -- have you looked in, er I mean AT, his windows lately? They're freakishly clean), he probably isn't a serial killer. Serial killers usually get their start by torturing animals.

"So there you go. Add it to the files."