tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80854929224176315942024-03-14T04:47:52.513-04:00Something IvoryA writing blog about my life as a classical pianist, a foodie, a devoted wife, a thrift shopper, and a serious Christian.Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.comBlogger491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-46473538926100311842015-08-24T09:59:00.003-04:002015-08-24T10:02:39.947-04:00Our Golden Hour Dinner Party<div style="text-align: center;">
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All the way back in June I decided that one of the things I wanted to do this summer was plan and host a pop-up dinner party. Before that day I didn't even know what a pop-up dinner party was but when I read <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2015/06/midsummer-pop-up-dinner-party/" target="_blank">this post</a> I thought, "You know, I could totally do that!" A few minutes later as I scrolled to the end of the post I thought, "I'm definitely doing that!" and started looking at dates on my calendar.<br />
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So many things about this concept–hosting a semi-surprise, fancy dinner party outside with friends–resonated with me. What could be better than eating al fresco, for one? We live in a gorgeous part of the country and I was pretty sure we could find a breathtaking venue. I loved the idea of being in nature but using linen tablecloths and real forks and plates and glasses and cloth napkins. The challenge of coming up with a menu and cooking everything myself excited me. And of course, the most fun part was making everything as beautiful and magical as possible and getting to share that with the people I love. (I just hoped I could pull it off!)<br />
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We have such a lovely collection of friends here in Charlottesville. We had four couples at the party, plus us and my baby brother (who took all the photos and was incredibly fun and helpful all day long–couldn't have done it without him). In <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2015/06/midsummer-pop-up-dinner-party/" target="_blank">Oh Happy Day</a> style I sent out this slightly cryptic invitation on Paperless Post a few weeks in advance.<br />
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I thought that keeping things sort of secretive would add to the magic of the party. The venue we decided on was a quiet public park with a lake and pretty mountain views. We set up the tables in the shade under a collection of old trees near the small lake. The morning of, we emailed directions that my husband had written out old-school style and told everyone that once they arrived, to look for white tablecloths under some nearby trees.</div>
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I spent all day cooking. My brother and husband were a huge help with this. I made only things that would be delicious at room temperature and I wanted everything to be fresh and seasonal and look colorful and beautiful on the table. We had poached salmon with a dijon sauce, brown rice with chives, local tomatoes with olive oil and feta, sliced peaches and blueberries, kale and cabbage salad with a balsamic dressing, baguettes with salted butter, and for dessert, lemon pound cake and raspberries. And rosé, because it's so darn pretty.</div>
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As we approached 5ish we loaded up both of our cars with all of the supplies. Two 6-foot folding tables, 11 chairs from around the house, a huge tub of tablecloths/dishes/silverware/serving utensils/glasses, the cooler of wine and sparkling water, a metal bucket with candles/bottle opener/twine/lighter/scissors, two vases of wildflowers, and finally the platters of food wrapped tightly in saran wrap. We stopped on the way for ice. </div>
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One thing that was so incredible: as my husband and brother and I set up it was very hot, humid and buggy. This was around 6-6:30ish. We lit tons of citronella candles and sprayed our legs with bug spray and hoped the heat would subside. As we approached 7, which is when we had told our guests to arrive, the sun crept behind the mountain and it became instantly cooler and perfectly crisp and comfortable and the bugs all but disappeared. It was such a welcome relief and I was really able to relax once this happened!</div>
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My brother is an excellent photographer and he snapped most of these in the few minutes we had between taking off the saran wrap from the food and when our guests arrived. The light was golden and exquisite and I think he really captured the magic of the evening.</div>
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Our friends were so sweet and excited and I think they all loved the surprise element. They didn't quite know what to expect and I think it's safe to say they were amazed when they arrived. It was a marvelous, enchanting evening and I'm so glad we did it.</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-55391993855251995882015-08-10T10:18:00.007-04:002015-08-10T10:32:05.056-04:00The More Loving One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been slowly making my way through the most fascinating book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Rituals-How-Artists-Work/dp/0307273601"><i>Daily Rituals: How Artists Work</i></a>. Have you heard of it? The author chose 161 inspired and inspiring people from human history–writers, scientists, composers, poets, inventors–and did meticulous research on the habits that surrounded their work and gave structure (or lack of structure) to their days. Interesting, right?<br />
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As you might expect these creatively brilliant people were mostly quite odd, and many of them followed their routines with a manic sort of discipline. The Danish philosopher Kierkegaard would fill his coffee cup to the brim with sugar, pour acid-strong coffee over it and drink it in one energetic gulp. Thomas Wolfe wrote his novels naked, standing up, using the top of his fridge as his desk. Gustav Mahler dragged his wife Alma on 3-or-4-hour walks every afternoon, often stopping to compose for an hour or two at a time while he insisted she wait for him. Gertrude Stein usually wrote no more than 30 minutes a day and often got her creativity flowing by staring at individual cows and rocks (!) in the French countryside.<br />
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Along the way I've been doing a lot of Googling because I find myself wanting to know more about the actual work these people did. I'm familiar with the composers he's written about and a lot of the writers but the psychologists and poets are a little less known to me. In my side research the other day I discovered this poem by W.H. Auden. It's called <i>The More Loving One.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Looking up at the stars, I know quite well</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">That, for all they care, I can go to hell</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">But on earth indifference is the least</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We have to dread from man or beast</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">How should we like it were stars to burn</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">With a passion for us, we could not return?</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">If equal affection cannot be,</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Let the more loving one be me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Admirer as I think I am</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Of stars that do not give a damn,</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I cannot, now I see them, say</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I missed one terribly all day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Were all stars to disappear or die,</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">I should learn to look at an empty sky</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">And feel its total dark sublime,</span></div>
</span></i><div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Though this might take me a little time.</span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></i><br />
I love this poem. It's simple but so emotionally honest. <i>If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me.</i> How beautifully self-sacrificial to prefer the giving end of unrequited love, to have heartbreak rather than cause it. <br />
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Anyway, I highly recommend the book. It's gotten me thinking about my own habits as a creative person. Mostly though, it's sort of like peeking into someone's window which is something I find endlessly intriguing. We've talked about my nosiness before, right?<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://emilyjeffords.com/" target="_blank">Painting by Emily Jeffords</a></span></i></div>
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Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-38951940370984710112015-07-24T10:04:00.002-04:002015-07-24T10:09:11.036-04:00Life These Days, And Hello Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This poor Something Ivory has gotten a bit of neglect these last few weeks but today is Friday! (I always feel inspired on Fridays.) And I wanted to check in and post a little update.<br />
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First of all, though I never thought I'd be one of the many writers/bloggers to ever say this, I think that <a href="https://instagram.com/katezharvey/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> has begun to replace my blogging in some ways. I almost always spend more time crafting the caption than taking the photo and I see it as a chance to tell a little story. When we were abroad our friend Jim asked midway through the trip if I'd blogged yet. I answered no, I hadn't, but that I'd started to think of each of my Instagram photos/captions as a mini blog post. Not everyone uses Instagram like this but I love trying to thoughtfully share real glimpses of my life this way.<br />
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Even though I haven't been blogging I've still been writing privately. To be frank, there is something in this season of my life that I'm struggling with deeply and that is too personal to blog about (for me, anyway). But there are many days where I wake up and can't imagine writing about anything else. So I write privately.<br />
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In better, kinder news, my life as a business owner/freelance artist/teacher/musician has taken off! I now have close to 15 students in my private studio. I've developed friendships and partnerships with several other young professional musicians and I can tell you, few things are more fun than playing music with your friends. And then gabbing about life over lunch. The best.<br />
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A few months ago I was asked to take on the role as vice president of the Charlottesville Music Teacher's Association which made every introverted muscle in my body tense up. I took a day to think about it, then gulped and said yes and it is now my job to plan each of our group's monthly programs for the whole year. We're going to Skype with an expert on performance anxiety, I've invited a soprano and a pianist from UVA to perform some German art songs for us and one of our own members will run a discussion on studio policies and practices. (Among many other things!) This has been enormously fun for me and a huge honor. And time-consuming! More writing emails and less writing blog posts. :)<br />
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This time in my life–personally and professionally and inwardly and outwardly–is one of change and growth. It's one where I feel quite proud of myself at times and at other times feel completely raw and vulnerable. Sometimes I'm confident and other times I doubt myself. I have made several incredible, close friends here in the last year. I'm learning how to do adult female friendship well and I'm so thankful for this gift. I feel fulfilled by my musical life and so sure that I'm in the right line of work. I also have realized that we are very much not in control and that we must take every blessing and every hardship alike to God. My prayer life has deepened necessarily.<br />
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I suppose what I'm trying to say is that life these days is both harder than ever and more beautiful than ever. Is it possible that both could be true? I'm learning that yes, I think so. There's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkB8ygXz-sQ" target="_blank">rare sort of beauty</a> that is found in suffering. And everything else, it's made lovelier by comparison. Glory be to God for this not-so-small miracle.Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-38876667695522620262015-06-24T15:54:00.003-04:002015-06-24T20:04:36.977-04:00Japanese Silk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There was really only one thing that I would have been heartbroken to leave Japan without and that was a silk made-in-Japan kimono. Before the trip my mom and I both did a little research on the best place to find them and we decided that I didn't actually want a kimono at all–what I wanted was a <i>yukata.</i> A kimono is a very formal, very expensive, very hard-to-put-on-by-yourself piece of clothing. But a yukata, a simple robe that is made in both cotton and silk, in indoor and outdoor versions, is something I knew I would use and love for years and years.</div>
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We read that the best place to find good quality silk yukata (when in Japan, always go for the silk) was in high-end department stores. So one evening I took a cab to Takashimaya just before closing time before meeting the rest of our group for a late dinner. The "kimono floor" where I was instructed to go was magical. Wooden and paper fans and exquisite hair clips and the most luscious fabric samples surrounded me as I stepped off the escalator.<br>
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I decided on an indoor yukata as opposed to an outdoor one, something intimate and lovely to slip into after a bath or wear on lazy Saturday mornings before getting dressed. I tried on short and long ones but think I knew the whole time that the long, almost floor-length ones were for me. The saleswoman helped me into pale pastels with dark brushstrokes and a cream-colored one that I thought might be it.<br>
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But then I put on an orange-red yukata, that color that is so Japanese, with the most gorgeous white and gold and blue flowers and cherry blossoms pattern. (The photos don't do it justice.) I looked in the mirror and <i>knew. </i>There was no other yukata for me. This was the one. It made me feel elegant and lovely and isn't that the point of a luxury robe, how it makes you feel? The beauty of buying a piece of clothing that's meant to be worn only around the house is that its purpose is purely to make you feel good and soft and pretty. (And maybe to make your husband think that too.)<br>
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Since I was alone this first time around I was excited to bring <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/06/on-traveling-with-friends.html" target="_blank">Val</a> back with me a few days later because she wanted to bring a yukata home too. (Side note: I was so touched when, this second time on the kimono floor in Kyoto's Takashimaya, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEAD6vGOFeM" target="_blank">Brahms' Op. 118 No. 2</a>–which I consider my signature piece–was playing overhead.) She decided on a knee-length yukata in a fresh mint shade that is to-die-for against her dark hair and light skin.<br>
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I had thought I'd save my yukata to wear only every so often but I've been slinking into it almost every night. The older I get the less I believe in "saving" our nicest things for special occasions, but instead using them and loving them in regular everyday life. As evening looms I get excited to put it on and lay in bed with a book and I'm not sure I own anything (aside from my wedding dress) that makes me feel more beautiful.<br>
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p.s. Val and I decided that kimono just sounds better than yukata so that's what we call our robes, even though we know it isn't really accurate. :)<br>
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<br>Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-43357187407787626372015-06-19T13:43:00.001-04:002015-06-19T13:43:20.034-04:00Never Stop Noticing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't it lovely when life overwhelms you with joy over the simplest things? The other day I was making a chickpea salad, a new-to-me food that I can't believe I haven't thought to make before because chickpeas and I are very close friends. I whirred up the chickpeas and olives and tomatoes and red onion and jalapeños and stirred in a squeeze of lime juice and olive oil and kosher salt and chopped basil from the porch and it was all so fragrant and heavenly.<br />
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As slices of sourdough bread toasted I ran into our bedroom to grab my book to read while I ate and the sight of our tidy bedroom, which I'd spent some time cleaning and organizing earlier that day, made me ridiculously glad. There are few things as satisfying as a clean bedroom.<br />
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Back to the kitchen I skipped with a smile to assemble the chickpea salad sandwich. My first bite, that combination of warm, crisp slightly sour bread, slathers of mayo, earthy garden lettuce and the incredible flavor of chickpeas mixed with herbs and onions and spice almost made me fall over. It was so. good.<br />
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We can find joy anywhere. In fresh sheets, in warm baths, in powerful thunderstorms, in that first sip of cold lemonade, in a hug, in a pretty bike spotted on the street, in a line from a poem. We just can't allow ourselves to stop noticing it.<br />
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Happy Friday, friends!Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-61670570070164251472015-06-15T13:31:00.001-04:002015-06-15T13:31:58.892-04:00On Traveling With Friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z2v003ummFnqt2uQ7JWFA4saegMbiIw2LO6Cml_eq1ueLRr6uIksj1QjXg8YmXA0wAE9lKhbsO0pFo5vHsZLdAuLNTEsUpz_CRYAZSoh_V68pnGrCAxdSssNjgI_rY1VEaJagQ7Nuow/s1600/IMG_6701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z2v003ummFnqt2uQ7JWFA4saegMbiIw2LO6Cml_eq1ueLRr6uIksj1QjXg8YmXA0wAE9lKhbsO0pFo5vHsZLdAuLNTEsUpz_CRYAZSoh_V68pnGrCAxdSssNjgI_rY1VEaJagQ7Nuow/s1600/IMG_6701.jpg" /></a><br />
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I think most people would agree that traveling with friends is risky. We went to Japan with another married couple and we joked on the trip that we'd either love each other even more or hate each other by the end of it!<br />
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But with these friends there was never any question in my mind which way it would go. If you are lucky enough to find friends who are as delightfully laid back, curious and interested, positive even in a crisis, fun-loving and goofy, un-picky about food and uncomplaining in general, and excited by life as these friends are then I can wholeheartedly recommend going on vacation with them. Seriously. We had the time of our lives, the four of us.<br />
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There are so many cool perks to traveling with friends and particularly another married couple. First of all it's just plain fun. Of course I love traveling with my husband and family but there was something about traveling with good friends that made us giddy. It felt extraordinary to be sharing these otherworldly experiences with each other! They also live in Charlottesville so we did plenty of getting together to plan and chat about the trip which amplified the excitement and anticipation.<br />
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It was also really wonderful to sometimes pair off for girls things while the guys paired off for guys things. One afternoon us girls went to an onsen where we soaked in hot baths in the nude, along with some other Japanese ladies, for three hours! It was an amazing, culturally beautiful experience and it was so nice to have a girlfriend to do it with. (I loved this <a href="http://cupofjo.com/2015/06/do-or-dont-naked-leisure/" target="_blank">recent, related post</a> on this general subject.)<br />
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It was neat how we all settled into roles. We four worked so well together and had the right mix of personalities. I was the one who always had a water bottle to pass around. Jim figured out all the subway routes which I appreciated even more after I struck out on my own one day and had to navigate the complicated Tokyo subway system by myself. My husband was good with directions on the ground and keeping us all laughing. Val had the camera and enough enthusiasm to fill three people.<br />
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One day we completely miscalculated how long it would take to get to the airport and had to take a $200 cab ride so we didn't miss our flight to Kyoto. And then after our flight we sat on a train for 2 hours just to get to our hotel. It could have been a miserable day but it wasn't, not even a little bit. We made the most of it (in part by buying some wine and beer and sipping it on the train! not illegal in Japan!) as we traded stories and laughed about the super yucky rice ball flavor we picked up at 711.<br />
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I think it's safe to say we solidified our friendship with these two for life. We definitely want to travel with them again though we're unsure how we could possibly top Japan. As my sister-in-law recently wrote me in an email, sharing memories makes them live longer. Jim and Val, we think the world of you guys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSZ-4sXv-ibDVzK9eo0HNiRT19g-sP4oEPCxbaa2CLN0f22UbZNYf0dcMXMt3t1kWbfVB26lxHJwqdJfn5Cgore3hdm6oxBBKud3ujrSdtGmmLr0omZS6i4ftwweqEwl-cU8fgLqyQn4/s1600/IMG_9658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSZ-4sXv-ibDVzK9eo0HNiRT19g-sP4oEPCxbaa2CLN0f22UbZNYf0dcMXMt3t1kWbfVB26lxHJwqdJfn5Cgore3hdm6oxBBKud3ujrSdtGmmLr0omZS6i4ftwweqEwl-cU8fgLqyQn4/s1600/IMG_9658.jpg" /></a>Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-4421237527156107282015-06-08T10:53:00.001-04:002015-06-08T10:53:04.257-04:00Inspired By Japan!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi, friends! I've been excited to share bits and pieces of our trip to Japan with you but it's hard to know where to begin. (I've also been fighting the jet lag demons ever since we got home. Ugh!) This trip has left my eyes wide open and my heart expanded and so much of me is inspired by what we saw, learned, witnessed, noticed, absorbed. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
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<b>The natural respect</b></div>
There is an amazing culture of respect in Japan that seems to permeate all relationships. Family relationships, friend to friend, shopkeeper to customer. Everybody bows hello, thank you, goodbye. Even two young friends parting ways in the subway after a night out will give a little bow to each other as they say goodnight. We found it to be so sweet and dignified. All of us loved this tradition.<br />
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<b>The design</b><br />
Oh, Japanese design. It's lovely. It's simple. It's infused into the most everyday facts of life. Everywhere we went I noticed this careful, thoughtful focus on beauty and aesthetics. Spaces were uncluttered, walls were white, little details never went by the wayside. In our hotel room in Kyoto the hair dryer was stored in a cream-colored linen bag with the word "DRYER" hand-stamped on the edge in inky block letters. The tiniest, most subtle thing. At our gate in the Osaka airport, there were rows and rows of kelly green seats with light-colored wooden frames and the notes of a piano trio murmured over the sound system. A garage door near our Airbnb in Tokyo was made of wood, not vinyl, and I never knew a garage door could be so gorgeous. These things are heart-swelling for someone like me. I'm so inspired by this intentional creation of loveliness, by the elevation of the mundane, by the attention to simple beauties.<br />
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<b>The cleanliness and general treatment of public property</b><br />
Japan is a clean place. On the streets, in public restrooms, in the backs of taxi cabs, in the subways. All clean! It was marvelous. We realized partway through the trip that this has less to do with fastidious janitors or a well-paid city cleaning staff and more to do with maintenance by regular people and a respect for what is shared. The tip-top bathrooms were obviously most noticeable to us. People don't trash public restrooms in Japan. If anything, they will leave a bathroom stall cleaner than it was when they walked in. Some bathrooms even had wall-mounted cleaning spray for the seat. Brilliant!<br />
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<b>The onsen culture</b><br />
This was a girls activity that my friend and I did together while the boys headed back to the hotel. An onsen is a Japanese spa where women and men go (separately, usually) to bathe. There were two hot indoor pools, one hot outdoor pool that was dyed red for some reason and one cold pool (which was a godsend). All done in the nude! This part took a little getting-used-to but I think we both found the atmosphere to be quite liberating. There's nothing showy about it and there's also nothing fearful. Body image does not have a place in the onsen. You are there to nourish your body, physically and spiritually, not to criticize it or flaunt it or feel ashamed of it. You soak, pamper, relax, treat. It's like a little thank-you to your body for working so hard. It was neat to get over our natural modesty for a moment and remember that bodies are just bodies. They're functional and biological and they're beautiful no matter what precisely they look like. The Japanese women barely gave us a glance and absolutely none of them (and many of them were quite a bit older than us) were self-conscious about walking around with nothing to hide behind. Really inspiring.<br />
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...and SO much more. I <i>loved</i> Japan. I adored it. I didn't want to leave and I definitely want to someday go back.<br />
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Of course, having the best travel buddies in the world didn't hurt. Post on that to come!Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-44018829622092378462015-05-20T08:00:00.001-04:002015-05-20T08:00:56.777-04:00Insta-TravelHi everyone! Just a quick post to tell you that if you're curious and interested, the best place to follow along on our trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan will be my <a href="https://instagram.com/katezharvey/" target="_blank">Instagram account.</a> If we're not already Instagram friends, let's change that! I promise that my photos over the next ten days will be positively <i>otherworldly</i>. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnc7iSppXJ6nimSfED1ZFTMwk9ZMf3focESUSsYmZcc3WtXRk9ke6clFJJFkpSKDWGIZK8zRc-McbZqqkiAK3Pl2nDgUaykWOLxVKPyWZTOErFhgdLED-yAUYOfnoBiYJFOqJN8Fbido/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-20+at+7.43.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnc7iSppXJ6nimSfED1ZFTMwk9ZMf3focESUSsYmZcc3WtXRk9ke6clFJJFkpSKDWGIZK8zRc-McbZqqkiAK3Pl2nDgUaykWOLxVKPyWZTOErFhgdLED-yAUYOfnoBiYJFOqJN8Fbido/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-05-20+at+7.43.43+AM.png" width="590" /></a></div>
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See you again when we get back! xo</div>
<br />Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-70900866093216556612015-05-14T11:01:00.003-04:002015-05-14T11:02:28.823-04:00I Made The Perfect Margherita Pizza!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvezJ_mYXNHlMbLD6YYPnIXc5x3cRdIrRZ6gtwfyxacduEM-PMGyVoCw1hk6y0rv_XEyI_55UGbL7W2QUXbWZRT_4gEuo7wLNa7Rx3vDfzpTZjS1Ne5E7Tqj5pxiCsAouAbuww1tptLIs/s1600/unnamed-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvezJ_mYXNHlMbLD6YYPnIXc5x3cRdIrRZ6gtwfyxacduEM-PMGyVoCw1hk6y0rv_XEyI_55UGbL7W2QUXbWZRT_4gEuo7wLNa7Rx3vDfzpTZjS1Ne5E7Tqj5pxiCsAouAbuww1tptLIs/s640/unnamed-10.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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I brag about this only <span style="font-family: inherit;">because pizza-making does not come easily or naturally to me. I've made many a mediocre pizza so when a good one (no, a divine one) comes out of my oven, I rejoice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't use a recipe but I did do a bunch of research to come up with this method. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The key to this pizza, I think, is two different things that have the same purpose. The first key is to use a very small amount of sauce. I mean less than a quarter cup. Spread it very thinly and evenly and don't use too much! The second key is to use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella. The whole milk part keeps the cheese rich and melty but it won't be so wet that it bogs down the pizza. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A new revelation for me is to make the sauce from fresh tomatoes. Jarred spaghetti sauce just won't taste like the Margherita pizza you're craving—trust me! Take a few smallish, quite ripe tomatoes (or one medium, or half of a large heirloom) and cut them into wedges. Gently squeeze the excess juice and seeds from the tomatoes. (Save the juice and drink it later. It's delicious.) Then pulse the tomatoes in a food processor with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Scoop the sauce into a mesh strainer and let the extra liquid drain off for a few minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spread a very thin layer of sauce on your rolled out dough, b<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">etween 3 tablespoons and a quarter cup.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> (I cheat and get my dough for a bargain at Trader Joe's because me and yeast don't get along.) Next add thin layers of sliced mozzarella and lots of freshly cracked pepper. Bake on a pizza stone with a sprinkle of flour between the dough and the stone at the hottest temperature your oven will permit. I bake pizza at 550 degrees.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When it's bubbly and browned, take it out and sprinkle generously with torn, chopped, or whole basil leaves. Then eat, and marvel at the delicious thing you just made!</span></div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-33155143513262427702015-05-12T08:51:00.000-04:002015-05-12T08:51:03.014-04:00Packing For Japan: Fun (And Tiny) Travel EssentialsIn an effort to continue my mission to pack leanly for this trip I'm not bringing many things that are not clothes. And the non-clothing items I am allowing myself have to be sufficiently small and light for me to put them on the list.<br />
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Over the last few weeks I've been hunting down mini versions of certain beauty products on Amazon and filling little 3 oz bottles with face wash and sunscreen. I <i>finally </i>caved and bought a Kindle in the smallest size instead of lugging along 2-3 books for the plane and I'm obsessed with it (so glad my mom encouraged me on that one). My mother-in-law gave me a gorgeous clutch as an early birthday gift that will be perfect for carrying just a few things to dinner or a night out. Basically everything I'm bringing is tiny. It's adorable.<br />
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Here are a few of the non-clothes/non-shoes travel essentials that to me, are worth toting halfway across the world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFMnW7kc8qPbmO-WJcEJYe4qReeizwH-sRfsOrlTslnP6s-naIhD_c3mgVadPK-7FUg8TcDQ4vvU8qwP9TxPYsJ0almsJKa7_5zhEatQdXyNcXEQxnMz6E4Masv7K2-QSvzoCx3UrfoA/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFMnW7kc8qPbmO-WJcEJYe4qReeizwH-sRfsOrlTslnP6s-naIhD_c3mgVadPK-7FUg8TcDQ4vvU8qwP9TxPYsJ0almsJKa7_5zhEatQdXyNcXEQxnMz6E4Masv7K2-QSvzoCx3UrfoA/s640/unnamed-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My <a href="http://www.beautylish.com/s/clinique-long-last-soft-shine-lipstick-dubonnet-" target="_blank">favorite rosy red lipstick</a> that can dress up any outfit and make me feel beautiful and fresh and put-together with a single swipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwHwNP-DTIqNWSg7raXXnek_RJDTOlZWgy6nwQHoyEVNmvSivSvMWHBo3VgnjzHeBdzo3iUvZkfggfU8JGnwQueEqgthNGCQBiOJb72DFP__VODNdU36T_tmq4T61_xxXP-M45Bm9I8/s1600/unnamed-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzwHwNP-DTIqNWSg7raXXnek_RJDTOlZWgy6nwQHoyEVNmvSivSvMWHBo3VgnjzHeBdzo3iUvZkfggfU8JGnwQueEqgthNGCQBiOJb72DFP__VODNdU36T_tmq4T61_xxXP-M45Bm9I8/s640/unnamed-4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A shot of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Water-Snoozeberry-Sleep-Relaxation/dp/B0049JYRDO" target="_blank">Dream Water</a>, recommended by a friend who always looks out for me, to help us catch a few hours of sleep as we fly from Toronto to Tokyo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVNSwmeqOTCYYneq78-NCSfFQEFMKb0FKE5AtkayDc9eAWZiFSIQPX9n6ky1ULh1zVuUVEbcbr9GipFd0hUUurMHQmlWd2Y7lZlYLySOtGzn6wauI_38d2o2qGdnOxZnbksKnO9ZuJI8/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVNSwmeqOTCYYneq78-NCSfFQEFMKb0FKE5AtkayDc9eAWZiFSIQPX9n6ky1ULh1zVuUVEbcbr9GipFd0hUUurMHQmlWd2Y7lZlYLySOtGzn6wauI_38d2o2qGdnOxZnbksKnO9ZuJI8/s640/unnamed-5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clinique-Moisture-Extended-Thirst-Relief/dp/B00BGFMJDE" target="_blank">A tiny pot of the best intensive moisturizer</a>, which I will be slathering on my face before each flight to combat dry airplane air.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4w9SiKtyBXBB-vVAUpVrANXs39vLd_L2_YUiN_4TUS5OphufT5n6EDWPdrcjOm8WmfmjWbtsIuugwnXJ-RuZHszH1WqyqHhbPYtzcItX0fz8iZh3Rmw1DFD3z5mB6oEK3DVyItj1_Ko/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4w9SiKtyBXBB-vVAUpVrANXs39vLd_L2_YUiN_4TUS5OphufT5n6EDWPdrcjOm8WmfmjWbtsIuugwnXJ-RuZHszH1WqyqHhbPYtzcItX0fz8iZh3Rmw1DFD3z5mB6oEK3DVyItj1_Ko/s640/unnamed-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sephora.com/mineral-water-spray-duo-to-go-P230538?skuId=1154897&icid2=evian_must_haves%20_p230538" target="_blank">Evian facial spray</a> for more moisture for my finicky skin and the welcome jolt of energy that comes from spraying a jet-lagged face with a mist of cool water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZWLn_cfYNa86F1JtLhws6rO8JbIs1V7mw46hwqyvBM6qkk_EWMdCvpyPCxV0Pmm95M6CSYCdziQMjK-jGYUV1Gb4MfvGlKA_E5tQhFiu_nQgfJE68nmxAJY7WM-N5HgMrDhOlBXslaA/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZWLn_cfYNa86F1JtLhws6rO8JbIs1V7mw46hwqyvBM6qkk_EWMdCvpyPCxV0Pmm95M6CSYCdziQMjK-jGYUV1Gb4MfvGlKA_E5tQhFiu_nQgfJE68nmxAJY7WM-N5HgMrDhOlBXslaA/s640/unnamed-8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A small tube of the only hand sanitizer I'll use because unlike most, it's moisturizing and doesn't have a horrible alcohol or synthetic smell.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GT3p8h_tGYxOrFGjGgbfppDcr2MhtvZI_RSENUYuX9EOhU8LEjjPgugFwpd5I7qIkKfOBrOGuVTeTgc1nlR2gG4cPlhjAygwbW5_5nG77-2WqHSvHJodvhi-bohKgibSt8O5mzXMvpw/s1600/unnamed-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GT3p8h_tGYxOrFGjGgbfppDcr2MhtvZI_RSENUYuX9EOhU8LEjjPgugFwpd5I7qIkKfOBrOGuVTeTgc1nlR2gG4cPlhjAygwbW5_5nG77-2WqHSvHJodvhi-bohKgibSt8O5mzXMvpw/s640/unnamed-9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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My new Kindle, loaded with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Never-Told-You-Novel-ebook/dp/B00G3L7V0C/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=" target="_blank">few</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paying-Guests-Sarah-Waters-ebook/dp/B00INIQUOQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1431434258&sr=1-1&keywords=paying+guests" target="_blank">good</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Interestings-Novel-Meg-Wolitzer-ebook/dp/B008U4HH54/ref=sr_1_1_ha?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1431434312&sr=1-1&keywords=the+interestings" target="_blank">books</a> I can't wait to dig into along with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dictionary-Japanese-Food-Ingredients-Culture-ebook/dp/B00HXY96CO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1431434284&sr=1-1&keywords=dictionary+of+japanese+food" target="_blank">Dictionary of Japanese Food</a> to help us navigate the eating part of our adventure.</div>
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(Not pictured: a regular toothbrush instead of my bulky electric one. I'm serious about this minimalist thing!)</div>
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9 days to go!!!!!</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-45707874158900386642015-05-04T09:54:00.001-04:002015-05-04T09:55:03.692-04:00Trick For Creamier Vinaigrette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9mqP5NaMoYua5H-n8QxBSUGjnt23ppBDgky4qkm8ltZLOTF5gj7Xfg-w5adXrbQaVheneThlCYX-eh6ByYHVJio8sAvSbrgbDs0nec0KMkrSQcFr8nBckjo0OIeMHk20gjBVDhGWp9s/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9mqP5NaMoYua5H-n8QxBSUGjnt23ppBDgky4qkm8ltZLOTF5gj7Xfg-w5adXrbQaVheneThlCYX-eh6ByYHVJio8sAvSbrgbDs0nec0KMkrSQcFr8nBckjo0OIeMHk20gjBVDhGWp9s/s640/unnamed-2.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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I make my own salad dressing by adding a pinch of salt and a dollop of dijon mustard to some vinegar (usually balsamic or champagne) and shaking it all up in a jar with good olive oil. I always add freshly cracked pepper to the greens and often a big squeeze of lemon. Easy, delicious vinaigrette.<br />
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Sometimes, though, I crave a creamier, thicker dressing. Last night we had a big kale salad for dinner with cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, walnuts, freshly grated parmesan, mandarin oranges, and spicy crisped chickpeas. (We had fried chicken for lunch, hence, the abundance of superfoods for dinner.) I was thinking about the dressing I wanted to make and the chickpeas lent me a flash of inspiration. Why not add a spoonful of hummus to my salad dressing to give it that creamy texture?!<br />
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So I did and it was divine. The subtle chickpea flavor played off the chickpeas in the salad very nicely. The taste of garlic and tahini were welcome additions to the vinegar and mustard and most importantly, it was rich and creamy without being heavy or unwholesome.<br />
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<i>p.s. <a href="http://sabra.com/products/Classic-Hummus" target="_blank">We buy this hummus.</a> I've made my own hummus before but I can never get it to taste as silky and perfect as this store-bought variety, so I've surrendered to it.</i>Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-13005794132488678372015-05-01T12:03:00.000-04:002015-05-01T12:03:02.791-04:00What Is Resolution Without Dissonance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX3progEwNFFRb_wU_gr1kChxLVbKAfzF9iGNYycuBCXDNZ0MOvfzv-pT9rqSZSC3RhM4vYLcNx5eQGfrkjqQMXVMdpq3vqlMkaEoY9oNTm7eOVrQ4wPfJkeu6g9D2gfyidOD2kL4HPA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX3progEwNFFRb_wU_gr1kChxLVbKAfzF9iGNYycuBCXDNZ0MOvfzv-pT9rqSZSC3RhM4vYLcNx5eQGfrkjqQMXVMdpq3vqlMkaEoY9oNTm7eOVrQ4wPfJkeu6g9D2gfyidOD2kL4HPA/s1600/unnamed.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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<i>What is resolution without dissonance?</i></div>
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This is something I talk to my students about all the time. Music is filled with dissonance—tension, clashes, disharmony. And it is filled with consonance—resolution, release, sounds that are right and pleasing and natural. </div>
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I talk to them about how a passage or a harmony filled with tension, though on its own not always particularly pleasant, is transformed into a thing of beauty by the resolution that follows it. And perhaps more importantly, this resolution is made more meaningful, more gratifying, more pure and special because of the tension it arose out of. </div>
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<i>What is resolution without dissonance?</i></div>
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In lessons I'm so focused on conveying musical and artistic ideas to my students that it hadn't ever occurred to me to apply this same philosophy to my own life outside of music. It wasn't until I heard <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/inspired.html" target="_blank">Seymour Bernstein say it in his documentary</a> that it struck me. My brain was able to zoom out and see that this elemental part of music that I've been coaching my students on for years is one I need to be coaching myself on too. When I play music it comes naturally—I gravitate toward those rich, complicated, moody chords, I lean on them before I move away and then I relish the way they resolve into openness and freeing release. </div>
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But as a Christian, as someone whose faith isn't as a strong as I wish it were, as a human with imperfections and dreams disturbed and a desire to trust in God <i>despite</i> how things are going, I need this lesson to become a bigger part of me.</div>
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When life is dissonant I want to lean into it, not away from it. I want to feel tension and longing. I want to recognize and accept it. I want the grace to see struggle as something that can lend strength and goodness and character and godliness if only I let it. I want to wait in joyful hope and with peace in my soul for unrest to end and resolution to take over.</div>
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Because when resolution does come, it will be so much more beautiful than it ever could be on its own.</div>
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What a joyful discovery that is! I'm grateful—always grateful—for the way music continues to teach me the most profound of life's lessons.<br />
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Happy weekend to you all!</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-19780387547631772132015-04-30T11:23:00.002-04:002015-05-01T10:55:36.554-04:00Packing For Japan: Shoes And One Pretty Accessory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I said in my <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/packing-for-japan-pantsskirtsdresses.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I'm bringing only two pairs of shoes for our 9-day trip. This is not a large number of shoes, am I right ladies? So I had to make sure they were both <i>super </i>comfortable and as versatile as possible.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm9dUgB_Jio1r7tLfB4eZ_EZfjVXk2Y9ODO9rS-bU3D861YKJFmGRkHotlGXN_ozLFXyry3bsu7mw2waOgH6u5CFUhz90gN7ToRy3lQQisdRM_7e6467t5O3Cx_ui6wOj0a4qD-iXaxo/s1600/DSC09519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvm9dUgB_Jio1r7tLfB4eZ_EZfjVXk2Y9ODO9rS-bU3D861YKJFmGRkHotlGXN_ozLFXyry3bsu7mw2waOgH6u5CFUhz90gN7ToRy3lQQisdRM_7e6467t5O3Cx_ui6wOj0a4qD-iXaxo/s1600/DSC09519.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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Obviously I needed a pair of lace-up sneakers for all the walking we'll be doing. These <a href="http://www.bornshoes.com/" target="_blank">Born shoes</a> are a few years old and I got them when I was on the hunt for shoes for Europe (back when we thought that's where we would be honeymooning). It's getting easier to find sneaks that are cute and can be worn with dresses and skirts in addition to jeans (<a href="https://www.everlane.com/street-shoe" target="_blank">love these from Everlane</a>) but it's still a tall order. I love the "oxford" style of these which gives them a menswear-inspired look but the fact that they're light-colored keeps them feminine and pretty. Plus the arch support and padded soles means I can wear them all day. (I bought soft no-show <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O1SDROI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">socks</a> to wear with them.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk9uMrw6bmQH5oLZuVUfmYVPnHiZKPilWg_7BNfjIAiLEnFeeJkwR5X9U93rVNa4j0ygQ1fIwceYK5LHGBvMbS5Ir25u71zRCJj6XWgN0AkNl5H_VI7pbPr_V9vMca1sWwwxEE2wWyww/s1600/IMG_5691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk9uMrw6bmQH5oLZuVUfmYVPnHiZKPilWg_7BNfjIAiLEnFeeJkwR5X9U93rVNa4j0ygQ1fIwceYK5LHGBvMbS5Ir25u71zRCJj6XWgN0AkNl5H_VI7pbPr_V9vMca1sWwwxEE2wWyww/s1600/IMG_5691.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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(Here's a photo from my Instagram of me wearing them, and also the <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/packing-for-japan-pantsskirtsdresses.html" target="_blank">olive pants</a> I'm packing.)</div>
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For lighter walking days, evenings when we are getting a bit more dressed up, and for temple-hopping which will require us to be constantly slipping our shoes on and off, I have these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Franco-Sarto-Womens-Heath-skimmer/dp/B00LN6BTC8" target="_blank">Franco Sarto leather flats</a>. You know how some ballet flats barely cover the top of your foot at all, just your toes? I <i>love </i>these shoes because they come up a bit higher on the foot which makes them ten times more comfortable. I also popped <a href="http://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-heel-liners-for-all-shoes-skuid-102294" target="_blank">these</a> on the inside heel and now they feel just like slippers. </div>
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In Japan there's a lot of taking off of shoes that happens, and not just in the temples. Apparently a lot of restaurants require it too and bare feet are a no-no. (A friend of mine warned me of this—thanks M!) So I plan to keep a pair of socks in my purse at all times so that I'll never be caught barefooted. Phew! Potential cultural crisis and general awkwardness averted.</div>
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I don't plan to bring any jewelry except for my wedding rings and the gold studs I always wear, so I'm counting on this scarf to lend me a little flair when I need it. It can be wrapped around my shoulders if I'm chilly or tied around my neck and it looks good with everything I'm bringing. Japan is a country of vibrant colors and I figured I needed something bright and floral to complement my neutrals. This will do the trick!</div>
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I'm almost done with these packing posts. I hope they've been fun/informative/helpful or that at the very least they've indulged your nosy side. (I love seeing how people pack for trips!) I've got one or two more posts planned, so stay tuned and thanks for reading.</div>
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Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-73314023954726850572015-04-24T09:52:00.001-04:002015-04-24T09:52:06.317-04:00Packing for Japan: Pants/Skirts/Dresses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW6vHDsdX4RkZ7H9vSjVc2mPxWGsHWZNXC1UBKbVSDt-Ti-NTfQK93UP3N9Li-wqSuE8INBbQjcYBI3aWR34W9_ooYL0zF17psYLk-Xp4Vs4jeKgVAgxtK-nOGgY2IqxA_WLUM39ErDk/s1600/DSC09477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKW6vHDsdX4RkZ7H9vSjVc2mPxWGsHWZNXC1UBKbVSDt-Ti-NTfQK93UP3N9Li-wqSuE8INBbQjcYBI3aWR34W9_ooYL0zF17psYLk-Xp4Vs4jeKgVAgxtK-nOGgY2IqxA_WLUM39ErDk/s1600/DSC09477.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I've heard from several sources (friends, travel guides, websites) that you should pack a bit on the dressier side for Japan. One friend told me she didn't seen anyone wearing blue jeans when she was in Japan last year and advised on nicer pants and skirts and dresses instead. A dressier society is something I can get on board with so I'm happily taking her suggestion!</span><br />
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Here's what I'm packing for bottoms: two pairs of pants, a pair of nice shorts, one casual day dress, and one fancy black skirt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH1B3pTsH9tH_eDe7V5e-mgI2pS2fHgZjBywoNj7RSHgounQ2G5gREf1K7c4h40XGsf2gSD3Zq6rwWOoB44jNcPGiidNZzTwORZRia4Ib8fNgIAMkuz4l7PmkaY9o3qpX28Y_-nJru6c/s1600/DSC09463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH1B3pTsH9tH_eDe7V5e-mgI2pS2fHgZjBywoNj7RSHgounQ2G5gREf1K7c4h40XGsf2gSD3Zq6rwWOoB44jNcPGiidNZzTwORZRia4Ib8fNgIAMkuz4l7PmkaY9o3qpX28Y_-nJru6c/s1600/DSC09463.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've never had a pair of pants that fits better than these Paige jeans. My sister-in-law found them at T.J.Maxx and they were too long on her so she gave them to me! Best gift ever. These are the kind of stretch jeans that don't lose their shape even after multiple times wearing them which is great for travel. They will go with all of the tops I'm bringing (perks of neutral colors!) and I can roll up the bottoms if it gets hot. I think I'll wear them on the plane too. They're as comfy as leggings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIHzo1G3cZtmm757cZc-LJpDd9tEKMcGX8xXjcWcBhjBiwBkdZCWPXYklTY96DGT-i3Pts1TsDdDsVgr4XnE4UbEJlMH9xsvNhW7mdWThNG-1N11elhj8E-P0Gba8af9lGlEkYp-kA-E/s1600/DSC09461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIHzo1G3cZtmm757cZc-LJpDd9tEKMcGX8xXjcWcBhjBiwBkdZCWPXYklTY96DGT-i3Pts1TsDdDsVgr4XnE4UbEJlMH9xsvNhW7mdWThNG-1N11elhj8E-P0Gba8af9lGlEkYp-kA-E/s1600/DSC09461.jpg" /></a></div>
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These Gap olive khaki pants hit mid-calf and have sort of a tomboyish fit. They make me feel a little rugged-chic, you know? If Japan had safaris, these are the pants I'd wear.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZfukGlCyCqLgoblSNeEH1XrIquV-U8WtrN_ZkLdpHSpEv42T2KeaTD6VV07Ejwyyhn8gF8cYmXRecxsQzGO8EhuyssP9osdE8-tL5PNgKgAZawpVDsGtbL0PHOEbNsje0CiEXlUYsb8/s1600/DSC09474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZfukGlCyCqLgoblSNeEH1XrIquV-U8WtrN_ZkLdpHSpEv42T2KeaTD6VV07Ejwyyhn8gF8cYmXRecxsQzGO8EhuyssP9osdE8-tL5PNgKgAZawpVDsGtbL0PHOEbNsje0CiEXlUYsb8/s1600/DSC09474.jpg" /></a></div>
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These shorts (with pockets!) are not your typical pair of shorts. They're a looser cut and almost look like a skirt. One day we're hiking up a mountain to see a castle and I'll probably wear these so that I don't completely melt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOCXXBQgQ3TRpHtUjVZTC1Bm0xb3KraUDVaiixwO5stsg6ZqyLUHjC6KBVveDbzRfb3zq59huVZptXaGb0mL70ERlObZ6pp7Dk0MN3ZLxOyEfP3v6Mm0DxqeFaMK4ZwjcMsh9YxR699k/s1600/DSC09458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOCXXBQgQ3TRpHtUjVZTC1Bm0xb3KraUDVaiixwO5stsg6ZqyLUHjC6KBVveDbzRfb3zq59huVZptXaGb0mL70ERlObZ6pp7Dk0MN3ZLxOyEfP3v6Mm0DxqeFaMK4ZwjcMsh9YxR699k/s1600/DSC09458.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is the one dress I'm bringing--it's a casual daytime shift dress that's made of a nice sweatshirt type material. Not everyone likes to wear shapeless dresses but for my fairly straight figure it's one of my favorite looks. This one also has pockets and looks cute with the sneakers I'm bringing. (The dyed pattern sort of reminds me of <a href="http://www.aceandjig.com/" target="_blank">Ace and Jig's</a> prints--partly why I got it!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTM0gwyLJEEqtw13LS_0oOKvAqtbYEMoN8Ko6RV0Ki-eq-stVpG_nMrv_HoqHNVzJyixHUaMjeJMdzu38pcjPkw7u34UrW-AW5TBASQWpSF6ULaW7b30EdwbpL-eZLL4_dUiYWL00ynw/s1600/DSC09473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTM0gwyLJEEqtw13LS_0oOKvAqtbYEMoN8Ko6RV0Ki-eq-stVpG_nMrv_HoqHNVzJyixHUaMjeJMdzu38pcjPkw7u34UrW-AW5TBASQWpSF6ULaW7b30EdwbpL-eZLL4_dUiYWL00ynw/s1600/DSC09473.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited about this high-waisted knee-length black skirt. My sweet mother-in-law got it for me when we were shopping at Banana Republic together. This is my replacement for a little black dress and to me, this is better--I can wear it with any of the <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/packing-for-japan-tops.html" target="_blank">tops</a> I'm bringing (tucked in or tied in a knot to the side), swipe on some red lipstick, and instantly I'm ready for dinner or a night on the town. It's pretty and light and I feel good in it. This is my only "fancy" piece of clothing but I know I won't get tired of wearing it and changing my look a little bit each time.</div>
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This is it for clothing! I made one small addition to my <a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/packing-for-japan-tops.html" target="_blank">tops pile</a>--a thin long-sleeved emerald green shirt I'd been intending to pack but forgot about because it was in the laundry--so my total clothing count is now at 11 and it's staying at 11. I actually put everything in the bag I'm bringing and it was shocking how light it was and how much leftover room I had. Hooray!</div>
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Next up, shoes. (This one is a record for me. I'm bringing only TWO pairs.)</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-24984225339168932642015-04-22T08:56:00.000-04:002015-04-22T08:56:27.465-04:00Curried Quinoa With Raisins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe_xfR60xMj7R9efzplfcTLFEp5yFqjWGEiCQpPQ3Qo9XDLPP8o2NgGznnlR2glMPxofw42O4FrACXjJqaG4T4vhnCl0U5f6VUjeqrsIh8L3vKoKHfdsEoI48hjqu28pFQgXENYEdyLA/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe_xfR60xMj7R9efzplfcTLFEp5yFqjWGEiCQpPQ3Qo9XDLPP8o2NgGznnlR2glMPxofw42O4FrACXjJqaG4T4vhnCl0U5f6VUjeqrsIh8L3vKoKHfdsEoI48hjqu28pFQgXENYEdyLA/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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This "recipe" for Curried Quinoa With Raisins (like a lot of my cooking) was born out of a mixture of inspiration and improvisation. The idea came from <a href="https://instagram.com/p/1rMIyhyaFe/?taken-by=osmiaorganics" target="_blank">this photo posted by a lovely lady I follow on Instagram</a> and I thought it sounded and looked so good--light yet warming and spicy and fragrant. I happened to have a few cups of cooked quinoa languishing in the fridge and since quinoa normally doesn't inspire me, I got to work right away before my creative mood disappeared.</div>
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First I heated some olive oil and sautéed one shallot and one clove of minced garlic for about a minute. I added the cooked quinoa next along with a healthy handful of raisins and just enough chicken broth to moisten the quinoa and to plump up the raisins. I stirred and cooked this for a few minutes before adding (completely to taste) kosher salt, a good amount of curry powder, and a bit of <a href="https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/garam-masala/c-24/p-132/pd-s" target="_blank">Garam Masala</a> (this sounds fancy but if you like to cook Indian food every so often as I do, this is a fairly basic and easy-to-find spice blend to keep on hand). </div>
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We topped it with creamy plain Greek yogurt because that's my favorite thing to put on all Indian-flavored food, and I have to say it was <i>delicious</i>. We ate it alongside crispy shrimp and an avocado/grapefruit salad but it could easily be a main dish. </div>
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I could think of pretty much endless variations on this basic recipe--toss in some toasted almonds or pistachios, add some chickpeas, sauté fresh ginger with the garlic and shallot, use dried cherries instead of or in addition to the raisins, throw in baby kale or spinach for a little green. If you don't have cooked quinoa already in the fridge then just cook the quinoa first and proceed the same way. (You might be able to skip the chicken broth addition by cooking the quinoa in broth and not letting all of it completely absorb.)</div>
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Yum! I hope you try it!</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-24725628004662097702015-04-20T10:44:00.002-04:002015-04-20T10:47:43.881-04:00Packing For Japan: Tops<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y1_SEdKqZWCMBJ2x6wtLAQFc9s5znzZlz285Le0M8m0uzsBeGXUb3W-VFW2n2nOa13Bn3ijp2Ikrf8diyeiPuD2kV6B4_LQUp4SY1cye7c9UZAOgrDFEp-Q336pMMdihBQAe981235U/s1600/DSC09491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y1_SEdKqZWCMBJ2x6wtLAQFc9s5znzZlz285Le0M8m0uzsBeGXUb3W-VFW2n2nOa13Bn3ijp2Ikrf8diyeiPuD2kV6B4_LQUp4SY1cye7c9UZAOgrDFEp-Q336pMMdihBQAe981235U/s1600/DSC09491.jpg" /></a></div>
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This weekend I spent a few hours in the bedroom prancing around and trying things on and finalizing the list of things I'm bringing to Japan--and guess what? I'm packing only TEN pieces of clothing! For a ten day trip! Ask me if I'm proud of myself. (Enormously.)<br />
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<a href="http://something-ivory.blogspot.com/2015/04/packing-for-japan-plan.html" target="_blank">I wrote last week about my plan</a> to come up with a basic, neutral, mix-and-match-able wardrobe for this trip. Once I decided on that it was surprisingly easy to come up with the actual pieces I'd bring. Here are the tops I picked.<br />
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A simple, comfortable drapey black tank. This French Connection top goes with everything and can be dressy or casual. It's also super lightweight and breathable which is a must for the warm, humid weather we're expecting.</div>
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The three tees I'm bringing are all loose and flowy, which is my favorite and the most comfortable for travel, especially in hot temperatures. This Banana Republic striped tunic top is so soft and the cut is flattering and elegant which dresses up the fact that it's a t-shirt.</div>
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Of course I'm bringing my favorite <a href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/ryan-collection" target="_blank">Everlane Ryan tees</a> in charcoal grey and white. These look so weird on the hanger but I can assure you they're very cute when you put them on. They're comfy and go with everything and can be dressed up when you tuck them into something pretty and high-waisted (hint hint) or tie a scarf around your neck.</div>
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This is the one pair of long sleeves I'm bringing. This sweater is cozy and a little boxy in a chic way and is loose enough that it can be thrown on over anything. I imagine I'll need this for flights and in the evenings if it cools down. I'm a little worried about the cream color being susceptible to stains but a black sweater just feels so wintery and formal.</div>
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And that's it for tops! 4 tees/tanks and one sweater. I may cheat a bit and wear my men's flannel button-down for the long 30 hours or so we'll be traveling before landing in Tokyo--I'm just thinking that whatever I wear for that initial travel I probably won't want to wear again, and all of these things need to be worn at least twice. So we'll see.</div>
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Next up are pants and shorts. I hope this is interesting/fun for you guys too? I'm just so excited about planning a travel wardrobe and packing lightly and efficiently. Thanks for humoring me as I share and count down the days until we go! One month from tomorrow!</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-22630596681794912132015-04-16T12:01:00.002-04:002015-04-16T13:50:55.467-04:00Inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was so inspiring.<br>
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I performed in a chamber music concert in the morning for a group of fellow music teachers. To say that I was extremely nervous about it would be an understatement but the moment I began to play, the anxiety was replaced with an acute awareness of the majesty of the music. Performing is magical that way. It's like playing a piece for the first time in some ways, hearing it as the audience does, fresh and new.<br>
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In the afternoon my dear friend, neighbor, and sometimes-piano student came over to play me a medley she had written for her husband years ago. It was composed of a few of his favorite pieces--The Parting Glass from <i>Waking Ned Devine,</i> an Eagles song, Simple Gifts, a Scott Joplin tune. It made me tear up it was so gorgeous and heartfelt and so obviously inspired by the most real love.<br>
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Then in the evening I went to see a documentary called <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2219650/" target="_blank">Seymour: An Introduction</a> and just about melted into a puddle in my seat. It's about classical pianist and master teacher Seymour Bernstein and it was the most poignant tribute to art I think I've ever seen. Bernstein says that music is the "God inside us" and watching it, I got a familiar but at the same time rare feeling that I can only describe as intense gratitude for the music inside me, in my fingertips, in my soul. Gratitude that this art that touches me so deeply is <i>my </i>art, that of all the professions in the world this is the one I'm called to.<br>
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You know, the nervousness before a concert, the hours of practicing, the frustration and feelings of inadequacy that are inevitable in a life devoted to a craft, they can cloud you and bring you to dark places. I think it's because music is inherently soulful and it makes you vulnerable. It's so so hard to do justice to a late Beethoven sonata, a fugue by Bach. It takes such extraordinary effort and emotion. So when I am able to step back and be reminded, as I was over and over yesterday, of the richness and beauty and purity and sheer goodness that make up the tradition of music, it can be so profound and overwhelming it makes me cry.<br>
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All of music--the composers who make it, the poetry of art songs, the lessons we learn by studying it, the people who inspire it and whose names are written lovingly on manuscripts, the natural grace of the piano itself--all of it is our gift.Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-88723133159795340492015-04-13T10:16:00.001-04:002015-04-13T10:16:18.567-04:00Packing For Japan: The Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started thinking about packing for Japan just after booking our tickets and checking our safe to make sure our passports were still where I thought they were. With that important business out of the way my mind turned to more exciting things. How many Japanese words can I learn before May 21? What activities will we plan and which ones will we daringly improvise as we go? And of course, what should I wear that will make me both comfortable <i>and </i>cute?<br />
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Packing intentionally for big trips--i.e. packing lightly--has never been a strength of mine but I'm determined to turn over a new leaf. Partly because we are traveling internationally and hopping between two cities and I want to be mobile and not bogged down with stuff. Partly because the friends we're traveling with are super low-key and the opposite of high maintenance, and I'll be darned if I slow down the group because I was the pathetic one who over-packed. Partly because it seems like a fun challenge. Partly because I need room to bring home at least one kimono.<br />
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I've slowly been coming up with a plan. The first challenge is to mostly bring clothes and shoes I already have and buy only a few select things in preparation. The second challenge is figuring out the vessels I will use to transport everything and use daily while we're there. And overall my goal is to bring a small amount of carefully selected neutral basics, which can be mixed and matched and re-worn in different ways and sneakily modified depending on our circumstances. Comfort is high on my list of requirements for each piece of clothing, but I also want to look nice and put together and be able to dress up any of the outfits I bring.<br />
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In essence I'm creating a wardrobe for this trip--one that is simple, flexible, stylish, comfortable, and very much me--and I'm having a terrific time with it.<br />
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Stay tuned for more soon!Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-21003288455656968892015-04-10T09:36:00.000-04:002015-04-10T09:36:06.424-04:00My Old Lady Beauty Ritual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a funny nightly ritual that I fondly think of as my old lady beauty ritual. After I've washed and moisturized my face and brushed my teeth I sit in bed and pull out a giant pot of super emollient cream from the cubby in my nightstand. I pat a little under my eyes and on my eyelids (<a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/eye-care/_/eye-creams-do-you-need-one" target="_blank">experts say that eye cream is a bit of a hoax</a>--any thick cream will do) and then I rub a generous amount of cream onto my whole neck, from my chin down to my collarbone. The skin on my neck tends to get dry and tight which can be uncomfortable so I take extra care of it. </div>
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But then not too long ago I read somewhere that you can often tell the age of a woman by looking at her neck. What?? I guess the reasoning is that the skin on your neck is just as fine and delicate as the skin on your face but more likely to get neglected. Moisturizing it with your regular face cream is good but using an extra rich cream is better.</div>
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I'm not obsessive about anti-aging tricks and when it's my time for them, I say bring on the laugh lines and eye crinkles. But I think we could all do without neck wrinkles for as long as possible. Here's to hoping my little routine will stave those off for a good long while.</div>
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Do you have any quirky beauty rituals? Please share! And happy weekend, friends.</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-61838715222126304922015-04-09T08:10:00.000-04:002015-04-09T08:10:00.122-04:00Addicted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have any of you read this book? Oh. My gosh. It's good. I've been listening to it on Audible because we had some credits to use up and this type of book (the psychological thriller type) is my favorite kind to listen to on tape. The characters become so vivid as you listen with closed eyes and something about being read to heightens the drama and suspense, which this book has in plenty. For a few days straight I've been listening to it on walks, in the tub, and today I'm finishing the last 45 minutes while I eat breakfast. </div>
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I'm dying to know the ending!</div>
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Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-65096412766151787022015-04-03T11:56:00.000-04:002015-04-03T11:56:03.476-04:00Good Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">By His wounds you have been healed. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">/</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Peter 2:24</span></span></span></div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-52461177370742991752015-03-26T11:17:00.000-04:002015-03-26T11:17:29.311-04:00On Making Your Own Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week at the end of the day on Friday, I was feeling weird and restless. It had been a full and productive week and I was in the mood to do something but was having a hard time coming up with a fun thing to do that didn't cost money. We're trying very hard these days to be conscious of our spending--in general but also in anticipation of our Japan trip--and at 4:00 on a Friday, the only ideas I could think of involved drinks or food.<br />
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What's a girl to do!?</div>
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I was getting mopey. My husband suggested I take a long walk and reminded me that fresh air always makes me feel better. I mulled this over. We talked about dinner. We had planned an indulgent Friday night dinner of hot dogs with some kale and brown rice on the side for health and balance. I told him we didn't have hot dog buns. Cue more mopiness on my part.</div>
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And then my husband (as he is apt to do) saved my afternoon. "Why don't you walk to that cute little food store near the park and buy us some hot dog buns?" </div>
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Ok, I know that on the surface that doesn't sound like fun, or a very romantic suggestion on my husband's part. But the man knows me. This was exactly the adventure I needed. The store he was referring to is about a mile away from our house, a perfectly walkable distance, but in our town we are so used to jumping in the car when we need something that it wouldn't have occurred to me to hoof it.</div>
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"It'll feel like you're in New York." He knows I miss those days of walking 30 blocks without a second thought, my little bodegas where I used to pick up that one thing I was missing for dinner. The people-watching and buzz of life all around. They were little adventures.</div>
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It was a chilly day but I was already feeling my spirits lift so I bundled up, popped in ear buds and turned on my Radical Face Pandora station, grabbed a tote, and set out down the street.</div>
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The store didn't have hot dog buns.<br />
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As far as I was concerned, though, my Friday afternoon mission was completed. I was mopey no longer. I smiled to myself, thinking how funny it was that I had walked 20 minutes (one way) to buy hot dog buns at a store that doesn't carry hot dog buns. I bought some regular bread and a few ripe avocados and some lemon mint tea and began my trek home, red-cheeked and tingling and happy.</div>
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The hot dog buns were just the excuse anyway.</div>
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<i>(Photo above is an adorable house I noticed while walking.)</i></div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-28172101427170675702015-03-23T08:25:00.003-04:002015-03-23T08:25:32.509-04:00Earthy Linen Napkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkxqn9b-_GsO6b7hz20oWzAg7LfTTs9pJEFTX-EMCCFlJM-EQgZbVarSBnvUuVbtCgosqMVDuUR6DV_47XI-T1jXaGhVDbAn7RxSWFkmiPFnZkhlD5dK1YQGS0VzLycksiXyPWb0G94/s1600/9c65d3eb92ca1f8f_napkins.xxxlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkxqn9b-_GsO6b7hz20oWzAg7LfTTs9pJEFTX-EMCCFlJM-EQgZbVarSBnvUuVbtCgosqMVDuUR6DV_47XI-T1jXaGhVDbAn7RxSWFkmiPFnZkhlD5dK1YQGS0VzLycksiXyPWb0G94/s1600/9c65d3eb92ca1f8f_napkins.xxxlarge.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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I've been on the lookout for some beautiful cloth napkins, soft and faded in a deep color that hides imperfections, a rich mocha or grey-blue slate or inky charcoal. I stumbled on these <a href="https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2481031" target="_blank">stonewashed hemstitch linen</a> beauties and they perfectly mirror the ones in my imagination. They are simple enough for everyday but sophisticated enough for special dinners. Wouldn't it be lovely to mix and match several of these earthy tones or maybe create an ombré palette? </div>
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(p.s. They also <a href="https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2481036" target="_blank">sell these without the hemstitch</a>, but I love the homemade quality that pretty stitching lends.)</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-73051433619093804732015-03-19T14:58:00.000-04:002015-03-19T18:27:44.992-04:00Married Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mostly I go to this coffee shop called Shenandoah Joe when I'm in a coffee shop sort of mood. It's my favorite cafe in Charlottesville. I come here to write, to meet friends, and when I just need to get out of the house. It's where I am writing today.<br>
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But sometimes I go to this other coffee shop which is a little less funky and a little more buttoned up. Think chairs and tables and laptops instead of vintage sofas and bespectacled customers reading paperbacks. I've gone to this other coffee shop several times in the past few months, both times on a Sunday (once because I was in the area and once because Shenandoah Joe is closed on Sundays). It's a nice, solid backup cafe. </div>
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On the first Sunday there was this sweet middle-aged couple sitting at a table in the middle of the cafe drinking coffee and playing cards. The woman had this completely contented look on her face as she shuffled the deck. She wasn't wearing makeup and he had on an old sweatshirt and I remember thinking they looked so comfortable with each other and so happy to be sharing their Sunday afternoon over coffee and cards. It made me smile. </div>
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The next Sunday I was there, so were they. Drinking coffee and playing their card game at the same table in the center of the cafe. I pointed them out to the friend I was with and said I'd seen them before. It seemed to be their Sunday afternoon ritual.</div>
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We gazed over at them for a minute and my newly married friend said that she had been thinking about traditions in marriage and that she'd like to start some with her husband. I said I thought that was a wonderful thing to do. But I added that some of the best traditions my husband and I share aren't the ones we thought out or intentionally planned but the ones that just were, that are. The ones that are a natural byproduct of who we are individually and together.</div>
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One of my favorites is our nightly routine. I'm a major early bird and my husband loves to stay up until the wee hours of the morning. If he came to bed with me he'd toss and turn for hours and if I came to bed with him I would become a zombie in a matter of days. Our compromise is that he "puts me to bed," as we call it--ha! Sounds funny but we think it's sweet and special. We will snuggle together and chat about our days in the dark as I get sleepy and he makes sure I have a glass of water and that my phone is charging on my nightstand before he tiptoes out. </div>
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If I had to bet I'd say that the coffee-drinking card-playing couple didn't decide this would be their Sunday afternoon tradition. I bet they did it once or twice and it stuck and now it's as natural and established a part of their week together as Monday night Downton Abbey or Tuesday night tacos.<br>
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To me, this naturalness is as beautiful as the tradition itself. It reminds me that in its simplest form, a marriage is a shared life. A life in which you don't have to leave the warm bed to get your own glass of water and are never wanting for a Sunday afternoon card partner.</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8085492922417631594.post-22983226958461415172015-03-16T15:23:00.000-04:002015-03-16T15:23:10.681-04:00Books For SpringIsn't it funny how sometimes you have stacks of books you're dying to read on your nightstand (your figurative or literal one) and other times you can't quite figure out what to pick up next? Suddenly this spring (and it <i>does </i>feel like spring, weather-wise and inspiration-wise and hopefulness-wise) I'm swimming in books and loving it. Here's what's on my (literal) nightstand.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Opposite-Loneliness-Essays-Stories/dp/147675361X" target="_blank">The Opposite of Loneliness</a></i> was on a recommended reading list for 20-something women in <a href="http://domino.com/books-every-girl-should-read-in-her-20s" target="_blank">Domino Magazine.</a> I read this <a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/another-view-the-science-and-strategy-of-college-recruiting/" target="_blank">short piece of Keegan's in the <i>New York Times</i></a> and loved her wise, confident writing. I checked her book out of the library and was shocked to discover that this smart young woman died days after her graduation from Yale and that this collection of her writing was published posthumously. Heartbreaking, but how powerful that her words live on.<br />
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I pre-ordered <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hey-Natalie-Jean-Inspiration-Motherhood/dp/1617691526/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426532693&sr=1-1&keywords=hey+natalie+jean" target="_blank">Hey Natalie Jean</a> (</i>written by one of my favorite <a href="http://www.heynataliejean.com/" target="_blank">bloggers</a>) a few months ago and Amazon says it will show up tomorrow. Hooray! Natalie is a deep and witty and lovely writer and I think her story is meaningful and important. Excited to dig into her book when it comes.</div>
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My parents sent me <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/magazine/meet-the-unlikely-airbnb-hosts-of-japan.html?emc=eta1&_r=0" target="_blank">this hilarious article on Airbnb in Japan</a> because we decided to use Airbnb for two nights in Tokyo. I loved the writing so much I decided to look up the reporter and discovered she co-authored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/House-Sky-Memoir-Amanda-Lindhout/dp/1451645619/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426532675&sr=1-1&keywords=a+house+in+the+sky" target="_blank">this book</a>. The book is dark and disturbing but from what I've gathered from reviews, incredibly brave and beautiful too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhROcB0L0SS70aQqdcHjdOJwh-Z2gt0U1tWA2DQ6dyBwc8A5mu23zrMbY6RY-wQgA0RcH9VCW-UtBucFBxZouydNGbBK8_S_KLWm7V9nkrY4OYUxUqb2gw0-3PFkfyFrovIFWjxUQCTQs/s1600/616Eizn12dL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhROcB0L0SS70aQqdcHjdOJwh-Z2gt0U1tWA2DQ6dyBwc8A5mu23zrMbY6RY-wQgA0RcH9VCW-UtBucFBxZouydNGbBK8_S_KLWm7V9nkrY4OYUxUqb2gw0-3PFkfyFrovIFWjxUQCTQs/s1600/616Eizn12dL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My mom recently finished <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lila-A-Novel-Marilynne-Robinson/dp/0374187614" target="_blank">Lila</a> </i>and passed it on to me. I don't know much about it but if my mom liked it, I'm sure I will too. Fact of life.</div>
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What's on your reading list this spring? Please share!</div>
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(Not pictured: a book on Japan, and another book on Japan, and one more.)</div>
Kate Harveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09960902615430592468noreply@blogger.com3