SPRING TO DO LIST

The warm wind today was so, so, good for my soul.  I am still at about a 85% in terms of health but today's gentle and forgiving weather had that number ticking upwards, I could feel it. Other things that seem to help is that Ken is back a little earlier this week, the ridiculous dalmation cookie from The Dog and Pig Show, and how Sloane cups her ear with her hands when she tilts her head and says, "What's that sound?" whenever she hears something peculiar. 

It really felt like spring today and even though the forecast tells me that the next few days is going back to bitter cold temperatures I'm determined to keep the hope alive so I'm doing things like making spring to-do lists, and daydreaming about Easter and bare legs and what it will be like meeting this baby.

Some things on my spring to-do list: 

I can't wait to start going on some picnics. I'm fantasizing about free afternoons with nothing to do but to find a nice spot at a park, lay down a blanket and snacks and enjoy the day away.

 (via)

Make panna cotta and while I'm at it why not make it a Lavender Panna Cotta with Poached Rhubarb

I'm really looking forward to Easter and I hope Sloane and I get to dye some eggs  

This Zucchini Fettuccine with Rosemary-Butternut Squash creme sauce will either be awesome or not so awesome. I'm going to find out.

I can't wait to go strawberry picking again (our trip last year!)

I really need to organize all my craft and art supplies and I'm going to make it happen this spring. This is a far cry from what it will probably end up looking like,  but it is super motivating and satisfying to look through photos of organized art supply closets on Pinterest. 

And some links to take us into the weekend: 

1. I really enjoyed watching this ten minute Oscar-nominated animated film about marriage. 

2. There is this pencil store called CW Pencil Enterprise 

in New York City which is yes, exactly that, a store for pencils. It is extremely specific and I kind of love it for that and it appeals to all of my stationary sensibilities. They have online store, and I feel joy looking at their selection.

3. Death Cab for Cutie's new album is 'Kintsugi' is up for streaming at NPR's First Listen right now: I listened to the whole thing through yesterday and I'm in.  Sufjan's Steven's 'Carrie and Lowell' is also up and I'm been saving that for as my made-it-Friday reward.