The Great Pumpkin Challenge

I'm a nature lover and use natural materials over the fake alternatives.  My way is naturally beautiful and biodegradable.  Yes, I spend money every year on decor but I also support the small farmers in my area.  

When my eldest son was visiting he commented on how delicious those pumpkins are roasted.  He and his friends ate some that they threw on the hot coals of a camp fire and roasted.  So the day after Thanksgiving I brought them in  and put them in the basement to store them.  They usually just end up in my compost pile.

I cut the white one open today and it is by far the meatiest pumpkin I've ever encountered.  It took some time and muscle just to cut it open.  I thought I would just cut it and roast it for dinner but there was so much of it that I made pumpkin, potato soup and it's delicious.  

I made 2 big pots of the soup and still have this much leftover (below).  I'm freezing soup, and taking some to my parents.  I was thinking how it would be a great way to get our small town "Home of the Pumpkin Vine Nature Trail" to come together and have a community outreach/contest to see how many pumpkins we can make into food for a homeless shelter, or to feed the school children.  We have to teach them how delicious vegetables can be!  Something we can all work on for next year.

If you have any great recipes for pumpkin besides pie and soup, please share your ideas.  If you want to try my soup recipe here it is:

Halloween Pumpkin Soup!

10 pounds of pumpkin cut into chunks
2 white potatoes also cut into chunks
2 white onions chopped
2 carrots chopped
thyme
chicken stock or water

Sauté the onions and add the carrots and cook for a few minutes, then add the pumpkin and the stock.  I had one quart of stock and added enough water to cover the squash.  Add salt and pepper and a teaspoon of thyme.  Cook until soft.  Let cool for a little while then process in a food processor.  Top the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds to serve.

Sunday Morning Reflections

 I was raised in a Christian home and went to a Catholic school where we went to church everyday, except Saturday, and on that day we went to confession.  Then I raised my children in a pacifist church that taught love and compassion and how to utilize the gifts you were given.  I walk every morning but on Sundays I try to go someplace out of the ordinary.   I pass churches full of people on my walks, or today an Amish home full of people praising God.  I'm not against church  but I find myself more motivated by the peace I find each morning to have a more intimate relationship with our maker.  The one who created such a beautiful earth for us to live on with such an abundance of plant life and food.  It's easy to be thankful and full of gratitude when you are walking in such a peaceful place.

Then in the midst of chaos in Florida, Montana, Texas etc, and on the eve of 9/11, sometime  it's hard to know what to pray for. It's sad when you loose your place in this life that you created for yourself and family, a home. In the big picture it's very simple...

Most importantly save the people.  Give them courage and strength to endure whatever it is that's coming.  Houses and stuff can be replaced.  They really are not that important in the big picture.  I pray that you enlighten us and fill us with the  knowledge to know what to do in time of a crisis, or how each of us can help.  I pray that in the midst of all this devastation that the people that we are prejudice against come to our rescue so that we have a change of heart, and accept everyone who is different.

I pray that we all start to take better care of each other and this earth.  Who knows if it's global warming that's causing this, a conspiracy theory or whatever.  What I do know is that there is so much more we can do for this planet.  Think of it as a living body or even God.  We are killing it (and I don't mean that in a good way).  There are so many people I know that call themselves Christians and they don't take the time to be good stewards of the earth.  They want the organic food and the beautiful view but they don't do their part to help sustain this planet for future generations.  

If you were God would you be happy with the way the world is today?  So much hatred and killing, pollution, greed...
When it comes down to it, it's really pretty simple.
Love one another.  Do unto others as you would do unto yourself.  Honor this life by taking care of the earth, our world that's only ours to use for a short time.

The Amish worship in homes and make a day of it.

Sisters

My daughter came between two sons and never had a sister until she married.  Her husband has 3 brothers, which fit the personality of my tomboy daughter perfectly.  Oh, she's a girly girl, but can rattle off stats from a ballgame like nobodies business!  Today the youngest brother gets married so she'll gain a 4th sister-in-law.  

I know she feels so blessed by these wonderful young ladies in her life, and sometimes its kinda ironic how much they look or act alike.  As her mother I feel grateful that she became part of such a wonderful family.

The brothers wanted some "bro time" so they spent the night together at their parents, just like the old days and their mom made them all breakfast.  So Rose and Amanda spent some quality time together.  I asked if they would like to do a photo shoot and they were totally up for modeling some UMT jewelry and clothing.

Amanda lives in Chicago and has a very popular blog called Manda Carpenter.  If you need to be uplifted, or need a dose of reality she is brutally honest and sends out notes of encouragement monthly.  She's done lots of modeling and takes some great photos so I was thrilled to get them both on such a beautiful day.  We went to a small park in Mishawaka that I've always wanted to visit called Shiojiri Niwa.  Its a Japanese strolling garden.  It was full of people taking photos.  There was a wedding, a senior getting her pictures taken, baby twins with their mom with a photographer, and a quinceanera.  So many special occasions in one small area.  

So anyways be checking my ETSY shop for all the new merchandise.  

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Char

Rosemary and Amanda

Sisters by marriage

friends for life

The young lady celebrating her Quinceanera

Congratulations To Emily and Chris!

I could not be happier for these two lovely souls.  I've written a couple of posts about Emily here and here.  The couple that met while hiking the Appalachian Trail, then set out on a new journey to Live Large in a small bus.  They tied the knot in Oregon during the eclipse!  Guess what she wore?
Her favorite Urban Mountain Traders shirt!

The journey continues on and I can't wait to see where they go, but together it will be a beautiful journey!

I wish you all the best life has to offer.

xoxo

Char

Goodbye junk Evolution

It's the end of an era for junk E, and although it's sad, we feel ready to move on.  You can only do so much with space, time and money and we all gave it our best shot.  Gary of Carpenter Gothic will continue to sell his furnishing in our space and CircaArts Galley is still going strong.  Please continue to follow junk Evolutions page because the business is not ending and may Pop up at various locations and shows.  

As for Urban Mountain Traders,  I really do love working on furniture but my body is telling me to cool it.  So the items I do have will be at the new "Barn Door" in Middlebury.  I can take one item in and not feel like I have to have a whole display.  The owners will do all the styling, we just drop it off and it sells!   

My new love is sewing the shirts and making jewelry (much lighter loads!).  I've been invited to sell my clothing at Ignition Garage in Goshen, and I couldn't be more excited.  I think it will be a great fit for my clientele, and it happens to be one of my favorite music venues-right up there with Red Rocks!  If you are into vinyl or great stereo systems, this is the place for you, as well as some of the best music around for intimate concert settings.  The artist love it because it's an actual Listening room.  The Garage is also a satellite station for The Globe Radio 91.1, Goshen College Radio station, so they work together to bring some great talent to Goshen.  The owner, Steve Martin also has a live show on 91.1 on Thursday evenings called "One Guys Opinion".

My jewelry is available in my Etsy shop as well as The Old Creamery Antiques in Middlebury.  So you can see a theme here...I'm trying to stay as local as possible and avoid all the driving time.  So I'm inviting all my South Bend customers/friends to check out our wonderful little town in the country.  

I also volunteer as a tour guide for Krider's World Fair Garden/Park.  The tours take place Thursday at 10am and my tour will be next week on June 29th.  If you are into gardening The Michiana Master Gardeners, Garden Walk will be on July 8th and our garden will be in it.  

Having the opportunity to pursue my dream of opening a shop opened has been such a highpoint in my life.  We have met so many wonderful souls and it provided so many other opportunities for Linda and I  (writing for a local news letter, design work, wedding planning, hosting events, teaching classes, as well as my current job teaching at Ivy Tech)  I will be forever grateful to all of you that made it possible.  Thank you for your continued support.  The hardest part of leaving (once again) is the wonderful people you meet along the way.

Ignition Music Logo

Summer Aloha Shirts

I'm Back!

After a much needed break (2 years) I'll be back at junk Evolution as Urban Mountain Traders starting on March 17 and 18th.

Life is to precious to be spent sitting....waiting.  We love the energy of special events like a First Friday or a weekend Art/Craft show, where it's a whirl wind of activity,  "Buy now or cry later" type of show.  

junk Evolution was about to throw their hat in the ringer and retire. Then Linda had the idea to shrink it down to a monthly market and we were all in.  The Market @ junk Evolution was born!  Beginning March 17th (Lucky St. Patricks day!) and March 18th the shop will be open 2 DAYS A MONTH.  That's where the Buy now, cry later part comes into play.  

We hope that it inspires us to have more time to be creative, and get back to the original "Evolution" of junk, not just struggling to keep the shop filled.  Our merchandise will be of the utmost quality, and we hope the shop will be new and different every month.  This will also give Char and Linda more time for Design work, so let us know if you need help with upcoming projects, Interior Design, party planning, wedding decor etc...you know how we love a challenge!

We are also partnering with the other shops at Hill and Colfax in this endeavor so CircaArts Gallery, Inspire Me!  and Piser Designs will also be open late on the 3rd weekend.

We won't be offering any refreshments because we are planning to meet you for an After Party at The General Store Cafe, just down the street on Jefferson.  We can't wait to see all of our customers and friends!

 We will keep you posted for more information as it develops.

UMT Style

For people who love ADVENTURE

NATURE

CABINS,

CAMPING,

SIMPLE LIVING

New Flannels and jewelry are loaded into the Etsy shop.  
You can click to the link on the right side of this page.  

Conquering Fear

I'm not very good with heights.  I could never climb this tower at Bonneville

Mill county park in Bristol, IN.  My children loved it and just watching them climb to 

the top would almost do me in.  There was another similar tower at Ox Bow Park, and it was

the same thing for me,  I would try, but the slightest wiggle of the tower made me run

for the safety of the ground.

Twelve years ago I went through a very tough time. A divorce.  You never think it will happen

to you and when it does you go through about every emotion known to mankind. 

When I realized there was nothing more I could do for the marriage and it was time to move on, I 

wanted to do something I had never done before.  Climb to the top of the towers.  It was a small feat for some, but something I had to do for my mental well being.  If I could conquer this, I knew I could 

get through everything else I had to deal with.  It wasn't something I shared with anyone, just something I had to do.  I know it sounds kind of silly, but once you face your biggest fears it gives you courage you never knew you had.

At that time my daughter Rose was a cross country runner and The Raiders would practice at Ox Bow park.  One day while I was waiting for her I just did it.  No body else was with me.  It was me and my fear. 

Step by step I slowly climbed the stairs, hanging on to the rail with my life.  When I reached the top it was if a weight had been lifted from my heart.  Every time I face an ordeal that I really don't want to face it takes me back to the towers.  (I did them both that week.)

My Intro to Environmental Designs students have their big jury next Tuesday.

I have never seen such a talented group all in the same class.  From the research, to

the beautiful renderings of their room designs.  They are all hoping to get The Best

of Show award, and let me tell you, it's going to be a tough decision so I'm glad that

I don't have to make it alone.  

One of my  students said she was ready to quit so she didn't have to go though this part of the class.  I told her I saw the perfect quote for her,

 "Your passion must be stronger than your fear."  

This is a big part of the job as a designer.  You must be able to sell your designs, your ideas and yourself.   

I remember my first jury.  I was so confident but when I stood in front of the Advisers my legs were

shaking uncontrollably.  Ed Harding (the one that was probably making them shake!) asked me if I would like to sit down.   I said "No thank you."  I did just fine even with the shakes, and it never happened again.

I wish there was something I could say that would help but it's just the doing of the task that will render the fear.

Tiny House Living in Small Bus

Remember my friend Emily Swift who hiked the AT last year?  (click on the link to read about it).  Well, here she is with Chris (her boyfriend that she met on the trail:) and they are ready to launch into a whole new nomadic adventure-Living large in a tiny bus while traveling the states.

Chris bought the bus at a school auction and converted it to run on used cooking oil.  This is not a cheap endeavor, but the reward is once it's done you can pretty much run for free.  If cooking oil is not available they also can switch over to run on diesel fuel.   Most small restaurants have to pay to have this waste product hauled away, so it's a win, win situation most of the time, and it's recycling!  They live to support small local business and hope to make some great connections in their journey.  We met for a crafted brew at the Crooked Ewe and everyone knew them there.  They let them fill up the bus while I filmed.

As a Union electrician Chris can go just about anywhere and find a job that pays a decent salary as  temporary help.  His job at IUSB just ended so they are headed to Memphis, TN his hometown to finish up the interior of the bus in a warmer climate.  They are making some custom cabinets to house  the already purchased appliances.  Will be adding solar panels, and a compostable toilet.

Emily will just go with the flow, take care of the dog and bus and work when needed.  She's thinking about something that she might be able to do out of the bus, like a handicraft, she's a creative gal and I'm sure she'll figure something out.

I'm hoping that they start blogging so that we will all be able to go on this fun journey with them!

Here's a personal tour of the bus and how it works.  Hang on tho,  I'm not that great with a hand held camera!

Mock Baked Oatmeal Recipe

When the weather turns cold my breakfast turns hot and sustains me until lunch time.  I love baked oatmeal but when I'm read to eat I don't want to wait for something to bake so I came up with this quick dish.  

I start with (my homemade cranberry) granola and pour (almond or whatever milk you like) milk over it just to barely cover it.  Then I nuke it for a minute.  The milk will be absorbed into the oats.

While that is cooking, chop a couple of apples and saute in a small amount of butter,  add a handful of walnuts and sprinkle with cinnamon, stir until coated.  I always make more and have some for the next day.  Cook until desired tenderness and top granola with a few spoonfuls of this apple nut mixture.  Your home will smell like you've been baking apple pies!

The sauteed apples can be heated later and topped with Greek yogurt then a sprinkling of granola, as a healthy dessert, or another breakfast option.  They are also great cold (keep refrigerated until ready to use) I also just made a wonderful kale salad using the apples and dried cranberries with a olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing.  Having cooked apples on hand makes me think of different creative ways to use them.

It's fall y'all !  Eat what's in season, and take it to a health new level.

Musakka -A Favorite Summer Dish

My summertime favorite vegetable is eggplant and tomatoes (together) and right now my garden is rocking both of these.  Our very favorite is grilled eggplant layered with sliced tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella cheese, baked until the cheese melts and sprinkled with fresh basil.  If you think you don't like eggplant try this-it's a game changer.  

My friend Lisa shared her mom's recipe for Musakka and it has become a summer staple.  I had 6 nice sized eggplants so I made 2 pans for the freezer and one small one for dinner tonight.  I've made a few amendments to the recipe with wine and spices.

Start with 2 large eggplant chopped into bite sized pieces, sauté in olive oil until lightly browned and soft.  Pour into your greased baking dish.

Saute' 2 vadalia onions until slightly camelized and and add on top of the eggplant.

Next add garbanzo beans (I always buy a bag and soak and cook my own but you can buy canned).  One can should do it, I used one small bag of cooked beans for 2 small pans and 1 large just to use them up.  Make some hummus if you have left overs!

Spread the top with sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.  I actually chopped mine and added lots to make some good liquid.  The recipe calls for 3/4 Cup of water, but I use wine for extra flavor (a dry chardonnay-It will be a nice pairing for the dinner!)  I also crushed some dried oregano (my homegrown) and will add fresh basil when it comes out of the oven.  Also salt and pepper.  Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.

The other two pans were ready for the freezer as soon as I was finished making them. (I didn't bake them for an hour).  Everything that needed to be cooked was.  I'll get them out in the morning (this fall when I leave for work) and they will be ready to stick in the oven when I get home.  

I'm not a vegetarian because once in a great while I want a good organic steak or burger, but for the most part we are.  This is loaded with protein and is a great main dish if you are a veg head or side dish if you aren't.

If you are an eggplant lover, what are some of your favorite ways to fix it?  I'm always up for a new dish.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

A few years ago we went to a great restaraunt in Chicago and I ordered this.  The Basil and 

strawberries help to sweeten the lemonade naturally.  I used the opal basil and it also naturally 

turns pink.  Here is my version.

1 ripe lemon (roll on the counter to soften) and squeeze into a 2 qt pitcher

Fill with ice, and add a tablespoon of Agave nectar, 

a handful of ripe strawberries and a few stems of sweet basil.

Allow to sit in the refrigerator so the sweetness develops for 

an hour or so.  Stir, taste and adjust the sugar if needed.  

Serve over ice and garnish with basil and a perfect strawberry.

Enjoy!

You Can Always Go Home Again

Its always bittersweet when you have to leave a place that you love.  Sometimes you don't know what you've got until you leave.  Colorado is so beautiful but there is always a price that comes with beautiful places (very high rent and unaffordable housing.)  Family is a hard thing to move away from.   When joyous occasions happen or sad painful ones, your heartstrings pull a little harder each time. Home is always where your heart is.  Trust me I've left mine pieces of heart in several prime locations but the pull of family wins every time.  I moved from Colorado to Hawaii in 1986 and back to Indiana in 89.  Now my daughter Rose and her husband Drew are in route to IN as I write.  They are closing on a home in Mishawaka tomorrow.   They were ready to settle down (and I pray…start a family).  Colorado didn't have many options.  

I know exactly what they are feeling and I hope that the love of family puts that smile back on their face and fills their hearts with overwhelming joy.  

Me and my little sis circa 1985 Montezuma, CO (wish I
still owned that jeep!)

mother and daughter last summer in Summit County, CO

Drew hiking with us in Greeley CO

Rocky Mountain National Park

Interior Design

It all started with an idea to paint, and now all the sudden we are doing a total remodel of our kitchen.  I love the process, the planning, sketches, choosing materials, colors, textures new appliances etc but the best part is when you walk in and see it all put together after months of dreaming.  That won't happen until May (if I'm lucky) but it is in motion.

My husband Ed is also in the remodeling business, so it's been fun working with him to redesign the kitchen to fit our needs.  You don't need a fancy kitchen to cook great food but it sure does inspire you to cook!   Here is a peek at my mood board.  I'll share the finished product in a few months.