Wedding Anniversary

My Husband and I spent our 3 year anniversary in New York City this year. It was a lovely and romantic time. Here are a few photos from our trip. 

Beautiful flowers in the French Garden in Central Park.

We drank ALL the wine(s).

View from Asiate, the restaurant where we celebrated our anniversary.

English Garden pond.

Central Park

30 Rockefeller Plaza

Halloween 2012

Hellooooo!

I went on a little photography adventure and took pictures of houses decorated for Halloween.
Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love the idea of having a day to celebrate all things spooky and autumnal. I love walking around at night in the fall, taking in the smells of crisp leaves and fires lit in surrounding houses.

I hope you all had a fun Halloween and are enjoying this season.

Floral Design

It's spring and wedding season is in full effect. I have been to six weddings this season and I am about done with it all! But really, it has been a happy time. I have worked weddings before as a wedding photographer/videographer but with these most recent weddings I have taken on a few new roles. This spring I have been an attendee, a bartender/server, and a floral designer.

I wanted to write about my experience making bridal bouquets for my sister-in-law Samantha's wedding.

Sam's wedding took place in Bahamas on an island called Exuma. I was honored with the task and surprised that my family had so much faith in my very little experience floral arranging.  I had done the decorating and flowers for Sam's bridal shower and I suppose that was enough to prove myself worthy. Here is how it all went down.

Sam flew in some white and green hydrangea for the bridesmaid's bouquets and some green orchids for her bouquet. The plan was to use those flowers as a base and then go pick the rest from the wilds of Exuma. Exuma has amazingly colorful foliage so I knew I could make something great. I went out with the groom's cousin and picked a ton of flowers! We picked a wonderfully colorful paper thin flower called Bougainvillea which comes in bright fushia, pale peach and pink. Then we found a Frangipani bush and picked a few handfuls. These flowers have five white petals that turn yellow in the middle. They smell beautiful and are usually used in Hawaiian lays, which is fitting since half of Sam's family is from Hawaii. Then we picked a few Ixora, which are clusters of small yellow and orange flowers. Lastly we snipped some fern steams and a few green berry like plants for filler and off we went with a trunk full of flowers.

With all the flowers loaded into a bedroom at the reception house I went to work, sweating and stressing out the whole way though. It took me about three hours since this was my first time making bouquets. I wanted the bouquets to be perfect, no flower out of place or sticking out in a weird way since all most of the steams were bent at strange angles. I personalized each bridesmaid's bouquet so that they were a little different and saved all of the best flowers for the bride's bouquet. After wrapping the stems in ribbon and attaching two small lacquered ivory flowers to the bride's bouquet ( gifted from her grandmother, she wore them in her vail when she got married) I ran the flowers down to to the bridal party twenty minutes before the ceremony.
Phew!
It was a challenge for me, but the bridal party and the bride were pleased which made me happy.

The ceremony took place on the beach and was very lovely.

Here are a few photographs of the making of the bouquets and the finished product.

Cats with Katie and Anna Podcast!

At the end of 2011 my friend Anna and I started our first podcast called "Cats with Katie and Anna".

If you are unfamiliar with podcasts, it is like a radio show that you can download to your computer/ipod and listen to any time you like.... for free!

I love podcasts for this reason.

I have been listening to podcasts for the last four years and it has been great for driving around in the car. Instead of having to listen to obnoxious morning shows, I can listen to a podcast by a favorite comedian or listen to a show about science or books or whatever you might be interested in. So I am really happy to co-host a show with a friend, it really was a bright spot in 2011 for me.

Anyway, enough of my babbling. The show is about..... cats! Ha.
It is like NPR's "The Splendid Table" but about cats and not so much about food, even though food might come up, because, it's like, the best thing in the world.

On our first show we talked about our cats, christmas trees, cat gifts, dreamcurls, "tuggin", cat piano, cat socks, and making donation's to your local animal shelter for the holidays.

We plan on having guests on eventually and I think that will be a lot of fun!

So if you like cats or know anyone who likes cats pass on the word and give a listen to

Cats with Katie and Anna!

Here is a link to our podbean site were you can stream it to your computer.

http://www.catswithkatieandanna.podbean.com/

Also join our facebook page and post pictures of your cat!

Cats with Katie and Anna on Facebook!

I think Martha would approve!

Francis Whitmore's Wife

This is a video that was made of my artist friend, Kathy Fahey's crankie. Kathy was kind enough to ask me to do some cut out paper puppeteering for the video.

I think this medium of the "crankie" for story telling is beautiful, whimsical and enamoring. Kathy does a beautiful job constructing this crankie, and singing as well.

Please check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYrNBbVqQGE&feature=youtu.be

This is a scrolling shadow puppet show or "crankie" based on a song by Carole Moody Crompton. The songwriter set the song to the tune of an old shape note song called Fiducia. It is the true story of one of the first families to settle in southern Vermont in the mid 18th century.

Video Credits:
Vocals: Katherine Fahey
Songwriter: Carole Moody Crompton
Director of Photography: Michael Patrick O'Leary
Art Director/Paper cutter/puppeteer: Katherine Fahey
Puppeteer: Katie Cuffari Shinsato
Puppeteer: Rebecca Siegmund Williams
Paper Cutter: Raj Bunnag
Sound: Nick Sjostrom
Crank Box Construction: Neal Golden

Happy 2012!

Well it has been awhile!

2011 has been a crazy year!

I quit my restaurant job earlier in the year and just have been winging it ever since. There have been some highs and some lows. I have gone months with out a job, and then other months I have been pretty busy. As much as I like freelancing, a full time job is the goal eventually. I still struggle with what I want to do in life. I feel just as clueless as I did 10 years ago. But I keep going, keep trying new things and meeting new people. I have to accept that I will never be a type A personality. I will always not want to wake up early, I will keep being a procrastinator, it will always be hard for me to motivate myself to work hard on my own. But despite these character flaws (laziness), I know that once I find a job, once I find something to do, I make sure I do it the best I can. But whatever.

There have been a few things going on, a few extra circular activities that I am excited to share.

This past November my friend Katie and I co-curated a photography show. Here is the blurb about the project.

"Baltimore: Place to Place "

''This collaborative project brings Baltimore residents together to look at both iconic and hidden treasures this unique city has to offer and photographing them from an individual perspective. Participants were asked to choose a location in Baltimore, which in turn was swapped out with another location at random. After photographing the location and choosing one image, those involved were asked to write about their experience. This led to a deeper look into what the location meant to them, whether they had been there before or were seeing a part of Baltimore for the first time.

This project was created by Katie Smallwood and Katie Shinsato, two long time Baltimore residents looking to celebrate the city they experience every day while hoping to gain new perspectives along the way. By collaborating with Baltimore photographers, both professional and new to the art, the possible outcomes were endless and shed newlight on what makes Charm City so special.''

The event was held at "The WindUp Space" and had a great turn out. It felt good to step outside my comfort zone and do something I had no experience in. Katie and I came up with the concept, wrangled people to participate, set deadlines, found a venue, individually picked up the photographs, hung them with the art director from the venue and had an opening. All of that took us many months since we had no idea what we were doing. But now we know and hope it will be a much smoother process next time.

It was great to meet new people and have professional and amateur photographers come together in one show to celebrate Baltimore.

Here are a few photos of Katie and I and participants reading what they wrote about their experience photographing their place.

Thank you to all who participated and to The WindUp Space for hosting the show.

Also, we were fortunate enough to have an article written about the project. A special thanks to Baynard Woods for the article and to The Urbanite Online.

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/the-purpose-of-place/Content?oid=1464847

Autumn Times

Thankfully, it has been a busy autumn for me. Got a few things going on that I will make a post about, but just wanted to make a short post with a few pictures.

I had a quiet Halloween. It was my first time at home on Halloween and I so much wanted some trick or treaters to stop by. But alas, after sitting outside my house adorned in a renaissance festival cloak and witch hat, I only had one kid from the neighborhood come to trick or treat. A girl dressed as Hermione Granger came up to my porch, only after I called out to her like a creep. At least I got a Harry Potter character. I don't mean to complain though, I had a nice night sitting on the porch for an hour and a half watching the sun go down. My cat Koji kept me company by sitting in the window.

I lurve cats!

Cross-stiching a sampler for some friends who are having a baby soon. I really like sitting on the couch with Koji and doing a little crafting. Cats are great little friends!

Autumn is coming soon and I am getting excited.

Hurricane Irene: Power's out!

Hello!

This past weekend Baltimore was hit by Hurricane Irene. It was quite a windy rain storm but all in all I (and many others) didn't feel like it was that big of a storm. But in the morning, many trees were down, live wires were freaking out all over town and we were without power. I thought "No big deal...".

We pulled out our cooler, got some ice and unloaded the fridge. I had plenty of candles and one old timey oil lap I bought because it makes me think of "Frontier House" (a show that documents modern people trying to live the homesteader life of the 1880's) my favorite show.

My only worry was keeping my phone charged as it was my only way of communication and telling time. ( I lost my wrist watch) Luckily I was freelancing on a job and could charge myphone there during the day.

Anyway! The power outage lasted for 3 whole days, much longer then I would of thought. I still was not bothered too much. A good time away from the TV, got to read books by candle light and just chat with my husband.

Power is back now so I wanted to share some photos from the outage I took in myneighborhood.

Then neighborhood is usually bathed it yellow neon light from the street laps, but after the power went out everything was pitch black. Looking outside at dusk I found the houses to look quiet beautiful in the darkness.

Neighbors house

Side of house candles burn inside

It's Summer Time!

So I have been out of the loop for a little while, I guess I figure not too many "Martha Like" things have been going on lately. I have been a little uninspired, the cause I believe comes from being unemployed and trying to find a "grown up" job. It's hard going. But life is still going ok.

I have been doing some cool stuff, trying to bulk up my demo reel, spending time with family, volunteering at the SPCA, doing odd jobs and trying to get some confidence while dealing with this whole job search thing. I know I am not the only one, but this is the first time I have ever been without a job and it is quite lame! It can also be confusing looking for a job because I find myself questioning what I want to do for work. What can I do well? What kind of schedule is good for me? What am I willing to sacrifice so I can just start making money again? Go for what I want, or go for what I can get like another restaurant job. Only time and effort will tell.

Not to be a total downer, but just thought I would update. Thanks for reading.

It's still summertime, so i'll have a little fun.

Just made the BEST dessert that I have ever made! Biscuit Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote and Chevre!

This evening I was reading through the Martha July 2011 magazine. I was admiring the lovely summer desserts that are featured, especially the " Corn Ice Cream Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote". I started thinking that I could make some corn bread and berry compote, which would be similar and easier. When went to the kitchen and looked in the cupboard I saw a box of Bisquick. I took it out and turned it over. On the back of the box was an EASY recipe for shortcakes! I was real excited. I had all the ingredients in the house and some goat cheese. I made the shortcakes and compote ( which really was very simple to do and I had never made either before) and sprinkled some of the chevre on top. I nearly died!

You all must try this!

The Martha/ Bisquick/ Katie Biscuit Shortcakes with Blueberry Compote and Chevre!

BLUEBERRY COMPOTE

1 1/2 cups of Blueberries (I used frozen)

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons of water

2 tablespoons of lemon juice ( I used lemon juice from the plastic lemon)

Make the compote:

Heat 1 cup of blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat until berries begin to burst, 4 to 5 minutes. Simmer, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in remaining blueberries and let cool.

SHORTCAKES

2 1/3 cup bisquick

3 tbs sugar
3 tbs margarine or butter -- melted
2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 f.

Mix bisquick,sugar,butter and milk until
soft dough forms. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls into
6 mounds on ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with
sugar. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Another Year, Another Fairie Festival!

The Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival has come and gone once again.

This year I went by myself. I love to go and people watch and just hang out and listen to the live music that they have going on. Spoutwood farm is a beautiful place. I always feel very peaceful when I am there.

Here are a few photos I took with my iPhone, mostly landscape, not many fairies.

Some quotes I wanted to share

"Martha Stewart Living magazine......showed multiple generations of women (and men) that when they're armed with a little insperation- and prehaps a pair od pinking shears-their everyday lives and gatherings could be more beautiful, more practical, and more meaningful."

"I still marvel at the creativity and care that go into every story and into striking that balance between inspiration and action."

"...we have a feeling that these small changes will make your world just a little brighter"

Quotes from Martha Stewart Living, My Life with Living by Pilar Guzman

I wanted to share these quotes because when I read them in the June 2011 issue, I felt they correctly communicate my thoughts on why I think the Martha magazine is inspirational. It teaches me to take the time and think about how I live and how to thoughtfully make my house a home. It's not all about perfection, its about being inspired to create the life you have dreamed of, and to live in a place that everything you see has thought put into it. Living thoughtfully, and seeing the beauty in everyday life. Thats what I like about Martha!

Royal Wedding Viewing Party!

(paper crown made for me by my friend Kathy)


Hello folks!

So I was getting excited for the royal wedding, but then got kinda sad when I thought of watching the wedding all alone in my living room. So at the last minute I put out a Facebook invite for people to come over. It went something like this.

Hey! Do you like british stuff? Are you excited about the Royal Wedding? Are you unemployed and looking for something to do at 5am this Friday?? Are you crazy and want to come over at 5am for mooch off scones, tea and mimosas? Come to Katie and Jason's house to watch the Royal Wedding! Folks, this only happens a few times in a life time, whether you care or not is another story. But anyway!!!!!

To my delight six people were cool enough to get out of bed at 5am and hang out.

I had prepared tomato cumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches, a spinach and gruyere quiche, and went to whole foods and purchased some scones and clotted cream. I also had a pot of english breakfast and earl grey tea along with mimosas.

It was a lovely party, and the wedding was beautiful.

Here are some photos!

Koji hangs on the table, waiting to knock over my tiny commemorative plate.

Tea cups and pots.

Party table with food and drink.