happenstance home

Actually, I really want to write about the Goat Rodeo Sessions today.




My sister introduced me to the music of Chris Thile more than a few years ago.   Fielder, Josh, Noah, and I have enjoyed his concerts in Ann Arbor as Chris Thile, and with his band The Punch Brothers.  Last night along with my mom and sister I saw him in his newest group - The Goat Rodeo Sessions.  We saw them at Meadowbrook - the weather was amazing (high 70's all evening) - the crickets were loud.  It was the most peaceful concert I have ever been to.  At one point I just laid back on my blanket - shut my eyes - and just enjoyed the perfection of the evening.

The Goat Rodeo includes the following musicians:

Chris Thile
Yo-Yo Ma
Stuart Duncan
Edgar Meyer
and with Aoife O'Donovan (on some of the songs vocals)
You have to listen to her voice.  Just beautiful.

It is really hard to choose which video to put here so I picked one with Chris and Aoife.



The concert ended with them singing a song called All Through The Night.  Check it out on iTunes.  It was the perfect ending.

Here is a longer video about how The Goat Rodeo came to be.  It includes some of what is in the video above.



 I am addicted.  If you like  The Goat Rodeo Sessions also be sure to check out all of Chris Thile's music.  He is unique, and his songs are interesting and different.

Thanks for reading!  It's kinda funny because on one of my recent posts I have something like 1070 views and one comment.  It's sometimes hard to be a blogger out here.  Say hello if you stop by.  I love reading your comments :)

 

I don't know about you, but I find it exciting when someone takes something that is crumbling, and restores it to it's former glory - or in this case maybe even made it better than it originally was.

This story in our local paper is a very inspiring example.


I have fallen hard for the exterior colors they chose.  The blooming tree out front just adds to it's charm.

This home is located in the Franklin Boulevard Historic District in Pontiac.  Prior to 1920 this was a private residence - in 1954 it became an office for Catholic Social Services.  The new owners have restored the property, and it is now The Murphy House Bed and Breakfast.   They hold public and private events - tea parties are also an option.  They have also restored another home on this same street where they run a gallery. 

I had a friend back in high school that lived on one of the historic streets in Pontiac.  Her house had two lion statues at the end of her drive.  There are unexpected historical treasures that truly exist in this town.   If you know the Pontiac area this would probably not be the first thought you would have.  There also exists some very rough sections.  Next time I drive by I will take some photo's of the homes.  They are truly beautiful - they just don't make homes rich with this much character and thought anymore.

For more information on this property and their gallery visit:

www.galleryboulevard.com
www.murphyhousebb.com

What do you think?  Do you love it? 

Hello!

It's hard to believe another week has slipped by.

I went to a nice BBQ at my neighbors last week.  His name is Hans and he makes the BEST ribs ever.  He really needs to open up The Swedish Ribshack.  He uses a dry rub, and they are amazing.  His youngest lives in Sweden and was home for a visit - he shared with me photos from his trip to South Africa.  He worked at a wildlife park for 2 weeks so lots of Cheetah pics.  They were stunning photos. 

Saturday I went with my sister to a beer festival in Ypsilanti.  So much fun.  You receive tokens, and trade them in for tastes.  I'm no beer expert, but I always like the beers from Dark Horse Brewing Company in Marshall MI. They had 99 different beers to choose from.  I had all my tastes except one from there.  I got the lone other taste from Bells - it was Bell's Blacknote.

The Dark Horse beer names I tried (they are fun names so why not share) :
Whatsupwiththemonkey Blueberry Ale
Perkulator coffee Dopplebock - Oh so good!
The Mighty Peach Basil Ale
Where The Wild Things Macerate Raspberries Sour Ale
Bourbon Barrel Plead The Fifth Imperial Stout - LOVED! Had 2.

Last year they had one named What's Up Doc - It was a carrot cake beer - it was my favorite last year.

On to more dog things ... 

As you might know our dog is pretty special around here.

I just got her a new ID tag, and it's cute enough to share.


Rockin' Doggie - I'm loving their alphabet tags - 3 sizes - many colors - solid or glitter.  We went with the purple glitter in the medium size.  Noah picked out her polka dot collar at the local pet store.


Closer view.  With my love of letters I'm finding it perfect.


While looking up the tags I ran across another collar I really like, and some neat hooks you can use on your collar so you can switch your tag easily from one collar to the next.  I'm thinking if I was going to buy more tags I would buy them at this website - http://www.shopmimigreen.com/

Here are a few reasons -





Rubits tag holders - clip them to your dogs collar  - slip on their tag - then it's really easy to change their ID from one collar to another.  I know I always have the hardest time sliding GG's tag onto that holder on her collar.  I'm really liking this idea.


Lastly, really nice leashes.

So many happy prints to choose from.

Yesterday I had lunch with one of my friends.  Went shopping at the GAP which I haven't done in ages.  Bought some funky pants.  Why not!





Today is more shuttling N to basketball camp, and later dinner with more of my friends.  FUN!

Hope all is well.

I just might have a problem.

:)

I like things to look good to my eyes, and sometimes when you want pretty you just have to create it yourself.   My Whippet, Guinness, likes to be comfy so I wanted to add some extra cushion to her kennel.  I always find it surprising when you go into one of the pet supply stores how very unappealing their pet beds are.  Do people really want to put this stuff into their homes?  I think we can often just settle with what is there, and figure that is what it is supposed to look like.   For me, I just can't do it.   When you see the before of the bed hopefully you will really like the after.  Now I'm thinking - why not spray paint the kennel itself.  That black metal isn't very exciting either.    

I caved and bought an orthopedic type cushion for the bottom of the kennel.  Nothing pretty about it. 

It's dimensions:  35L 22 w 2.5 deep

Then went around my house to see what fabrics I could use to disguise it.

I used some feedsack material from a Decor Sales sale.  (See previous post)

I also used some floral material, and a velvety stripe that I bought on clearance years ago.

So, I made this up by the seat of my pants.  Here are my main measurements ...

I cut 2 main pieces out of the the feedsack fabric 37 by 26 1/2 inches.  I cut everything so it would be roomy, and even though I pre-washed the fabric I figure there may still be some shrinking in the future.

I cut my side pieces 4" deep.  I used feedsack on 3 sides, and the stripe on one.  I like to mix up colors when I wear clothes and accessories so why not on the bed too!

I cut pieces out of the floral fabric to make some flange welting - I cut those pieces 3" wide.

Last time Decor Steals had this feedsack fabric I was quick to make a purchase.  The fabric does not disappoint.  It's soft, but heavy.   I purchased A, C, and E.  Love A and C.  E is more of a burgundy stripe in real life, but I actually just finished making a dog bed cover using it - it looks really nice, and will be one of the next projects I will share here on the blog.  I will show you a sneak peek at the end of this post.



 Here are all of the colors.

Visit decorsteals.com to purchase.  It sells out fast!  $37.50 for 3 yards.

And here is the sneak peek at my project - 



 Happy Weekend!

It has been so difficult to get down here and write :)

Another Fourth of July - another S'mores  bar.  I wanted to switch up the look this year so yesterday morning this is what I came up with.  I will call it Vintage-Picnic.


I visited Jo-Ann's on Wednesday and found the stars - thought they would be really fun for a new look.


I quickly made a flower out of nut cups, cupcake lines, and paper doilies.  Then I just draped ribbon across the table front.  The Detroit ribbon in blue worked for me as far as the 4th goes. 


Hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth.

At the end of our night we make a bonfire - relax - and do midnight grilling.  I was on the back deck and spotted a fire.  We called 911.  My one friend was saying that it looked like it was a mile away. I thought it was from the neighborhood just next to ours, and headed out to the court with all of the teen boys quickly following.  Sadly we ended the evening helplessly watching someones home burn.  I get chills just thinking about it.  The family got out safe with their dog - there were 7 firetrucks - it took a half hour from our call for the first water droplet to finally hit the house.  So very sad - please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Joined the party at:
Jen Rizzo - Fabulously Creative Friday Linky Party
Shabby Art Boutique
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures

Hello again!  It's been awhile.  I do have some new things to share soon so that is a good thing.  Right now I'm busy getting ready for our annual Fourth of July party, and came up with something new for dessert.

The fun fortune cookie!  My son Noah doesn't really like the cookie itself, but he enjoys seeing what words await him inside.  I think I may even find him snacking on this new version.


This cookie is my favorite as far as pretty goes.

Making the cookies is very simple.  I purchased a large box of fortune cookies from our local Asian market.



I gathered all of my colored sprinkles and sugars in Fourth of July colors.  From the cake supply store I purchased little blue and white sugar flowers.