Rumination Avenue

First Draft

Christi — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:18:28 +0000

Crumple: 1- To crush together or press into wrinkles; rumple 2- To cause to collapse

So much more satisfying than Backspace or Delete.

Let the Muppets Sing!

Christi — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:25:20 +0000

Jim Henson's The Muppets have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, I didn't watch much TV, we didn't even own one until I was 8. But, when I would visit my extended family in the US, I would geek out to Sesame Street and the The Muppet Show in between bowlfuls of Cheerios. My favorite muppet was Kermit the Frog and I hated Ms. Piggy for making life so difficult on him! Read more..

Zen and the Art of DIY

Christi — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:29:55 +0000

Do you DIY? Do it Yourself has always existed, but has been rebranded to entice Generations X and Y to engage in producing something themselves rather than purchasing products. Practically every magazine on the newsstand expounds the virtues of digging into an interest and independently performing the tasks associated. Blogs, books and online videos and television shows have exploded onto the market with step by step instructions and a ready made community for those would be DIYers. Read more..

5 DisLikes Vol. VI

Christi — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:44:08 +0000

Patchouli Bomb

This has happened to me several times. I turned a doorknob right after someone who had just doused with patchouli. Holy shit! I could not rid myself of the smell for the rest of day. Word to the wise, beware of lethal nature of this hippie essence.

Update: Work, Study, Play, Repeat

Christi — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:27:31 +0000

I've been an absentee blogger. An update is probably warranted. I recently launched a copywriting and Spanish translation business, Bridges Writing Services. Working for oneself is a drastic change, but so far I am enjoying being my own boss. After 11 years working in local government, I felt a strong desire to break out of what I had been doing, leave my 9 to 5 job and start anew. Read more..

A New Look at the Ordinary: Artist Siobhan McBride

Christi — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:22:02 +0000

Rumination Avenue has been quiet lately, because I've been quiet, too. Listening. Observing. Feeling. Gathering inspiration for future output. I have been meaning to write about artist Siobhan McBride's work for a while because there is something in her paintings that draws me in. On the surface they seem to be ordinary depictions of interior or landscape, but with any underlying note, something hidden that creates anticipation. Her artist statement explains, "The moments I like to find are remote and still, familiar but oddly so. The landscapes are anxiously awaiting or blushing... Read more..

Leftover Chicken Solution – Poblano Cream Sauce

Christi — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:49:58 +0000

Chicken is a staple protein for my family, we have it ALL the time. But it can often be boring and bland, especially if you are trying to use up the leftovers the day after. So, since Mexican food is my FAVE, I used this Martha Stewart recipe to make Chicken with Poblano Cream Sauce to add a little spice to an otherwise ordinary dinner. Ingredients 1 poblano chile 2 tablespoons canola oil Read more..

Return On InVESTment

Christi — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:07:16 +0000

Ok, truth be told, this post has nothing to do with return on investment. Although, I would argue that a vest purchase really does yield a benefit higher than the cost of said vest. So, let's move on to what I wore yesterday which was a beautiful and sunny winter day in Central Texas. Why? Because fashion is fun and should be shared. Right? Of course, dahling.

Milestone Christmas

Christi — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:34:05 +0000

I have been typing and erasing, typing and erasing in an attempt to tackle how to write about Christmas and the season, etc. "Christmas is complicated." So, too are families. That was the best I came up with after all this time! This Christmas my family endured the absence of my boisterous, life of the party brother. We reveled in the joy of my girls and the magic of Santa Claus. It was a bittersweet Christmas, for sure. Read more..

Women Drivers: Life Lesson #1,000,007

Christi — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:07:51 +0000

Life sometimes gives us the opportunity to confront our previously held beliefs. I was lambasted with a lesson during a trip to the grocery store. While I was scrutinizing ingredients due to a foray into a gluten-free diet, my eldest daughter hummed songs to herself and danced with our shopping cart. Carried away by her internal tunes, she did not realize that a large man in an electric wheelchair was waiting for her to clear the path. Quickly, I asked her to come stand by me to allow passage and apologized for her obstruction. This Hanes undershirt wearing, house slippered hulk of a m... Read more..