sprite writes
broodings from the burrow

January 31, 2008


twins, good draw, and comfortable
posted by soe 3:36 pm

Three beautiful things from the past week:

1. A woman embarked onto the Metro at Dupont Circle with me and her double baby carriage. The back occupant appeared to be asleep, but the baby at the front, covered with a blue blanket, eyed me curiously. His mother confirmed that her five-month-old daughter could sleep through anything, but not the twin son.

2. Not understanding the rules of the Super Bowl pool, I picked my grid square based on flawed logic. Oddly enough, it ended up being an even better draw than I’d expected.

3. Sweetpea and I had a girls’ night out Friday to head just over the Maryland border to Hyattsville for a yarn sale. We had a nice dinner at Franklin’s Brewery/General Store before heading across the street to A Tangled Skein. From outside, it looked like the store was mostly empty, but we quickly realized that was because the store was littered with people sitting and knitting. The workroom table was filled. The sofas and comfy chairs were occupied and blocking access to some of the yarn bins. Knitting bags and shoes were littered across the floor as friendly women in handknit socks lounged cross-legged or with feet hanging over the arms of their chairs. The atmosphere was one of someone’s living room — and clearly it worked for them as Sweetpea and I both spent a somewhat extravagant amount of money on yarn. While I have spent my fair amount of money at other D.C.-area stores, I’ve never found one where I’d feel comfortable slipping out of my Mary Janes and tucking my feet under me on the couch. And yet you really felt like that was possible there. I’ll be back.

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January 30, 2008


random ten on wednesday
posted by soe 4:55 pm

It’s been a while since we’ve spun up the iPod, so I offer you a random ten-song playlist from mine:

  1. “Railroad Man” — The Eels
  2. “Radio Song” — REM
  3. “Sleep, Little One, Sleep” — Kevin Locke
  4. “Mystery Town” — Little Junior Parker
  5. “Little Earthquakes” — Carrie Newcomer (not the same song as Tori Amos’)
  6. “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” — Odetta
  7. “Are You Happy Now?” — Michelle Branch
  8. “It Hurts to See You Dance So Well” — The Pipettes
  9. “Jesusland” — Ben Folds
  10. “The First Noel” — America

Please feel free to play along in the comments by hitting random play on your own iPod, Zune, computer playlist, or cd multi-disc player. Come on; own up to what’s floating around in your music collection…

Category: arts. There is/are 4 Comments.

January 28, 2008


best movies of 2007
posted by soe 3:35 am

I figured before the calendar left January, I’d better get around to posting my other round-ups of 2007. I already gave you my book highlights. Tonight, I offer you the best of my movie watching over the last year:

  1. Juno
  2. If you haven’t yet seen this movie about a quirky teen who discovers she’s pregnant by her best guy friend, get ye to a movie theater! The movie’s title character manages to retain her unique voice regardless of what situations she finds herself in. Utterly delightful and a total must-own when it comes out on video.

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January 26, 2008


my d.c.: topiary
posted by soe 8:55 pm

People in my neighborhood take their postage stamp-sized yards very seriously and like to employ lawn services to help them care for them. Usually, I think it’s a silly notion, but when these two “bushes” appeared at the end of November I did reconsider, at least for the holidays.


Deer Decorations

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no wonder i’m so confused…
posted by soe 1:53 am

My D.C. will appear belatedly tomorrow as Sweetpea and I took a five hour road trip to buy yarn six miles away. (Factor in city driving times and dinner and it’s slightly less impressive than it sounds.)


You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained


The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.
Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.
If you’re left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.
Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.
Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.
If you’re right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.
Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?
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January 24, 2008


outside the frame, reception, and fit
posted by soe 11:33 pm

Three beautiful things from the last week:

1. Newly arrived clothing busts stand in the Macy’s window for a Valentine’s Day promotion. A naked mannequin leans just out of view, as if she is in the process of window dressing. (Sorry. Couldn’t resist the pun. Puns are beautiful too.)

2. An afternoon program at work is followed by a reception that features vegetarian sushi and samosas and a variety of desserts. This is particularly appreciated as it means I get to dine with friends instead of at home on my first night without Rudi.

3. Eddie Bauer had a sale recently where boots and pants were half off, so I ordered three items off their Web site. They arrived Tuesday and, to my great shock and delight, everything fit. I now have a pair of casual pants for spring, a new pair of cords for work, and a pair of dressy boots. Yay!

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