Blame it on those pesky gremlins. We had way too many appliance breakdowns and home repairs this month (and last), and dealing with all that got in the way of my usual routine. Nothing like the furnace breaking down (twice) when it's barely 20 degrees outside to zap one's enthusiasm. I'm still catching up on orders and emails and hoping a little stream of inspiration trickles down soon. The creative process--its so elusive as we navigate precariously through life. I think Elizabeth Gilbert expressed it well when she spoke about the perception of 'genius' at a TED conference recently. Take a moment to listen if you have some time today. I think you'll find it interesting, if not enlightening. I'm still thinking about it.
And--I'm still thinking about homemade pickles! Which turned out better than ever--so much so, that every last one has already been eaten. This was the last jar. Did you try the recipe I posted last summer? I hope they were as good as these. We're already thinking about our backyard garden--with plans to increase pickle production. Because it's just so sad when the last jar is gone and summer's still a long way off. Yep. So sad.
No more pickles is very sad, but having TED access is such a happy consolation... thank you for the link!
Posted by: Natalie | February 12, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Why is it that appliances always seem to go on strike at the same time? We've had a similar run of repairs that cost us a fortune to have fixed--so you really have my sympathies. The pickles look good. I've never made them but I might give that a try sometime.
Posted by: Laura | February 12, 2009 at 12:12 PM
i just listened to the e.g. talk and had to come back and say thank you for sharing the link. it all makes so much sense!
Posted by: ellie | February 12, 2009 at 12:17 PM
It's a bit chilly here in Southeast Texas today but the memory of summer in homemade pickles warms my imagination. Thanks for happy thoughts.
Posted by: Cgirl | February 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Thanks for the link, I really enjoyed it.
Posted by: Judy | February 12, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I just had to write and thank you for the link. An awesome speech and one I am sure I will be thinking about for a long time.
Posted by: Nancy | February 12, 2009 at 01:58 PM
I'm so glad you are posting again, I missed you! Your blog is one of my favorites. Thank you for the inspirational link today and the update on the pickles!
Posted by: amy | February 12, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Thank you for that inspirational link, Vicki!
Posted by: Christy | February 12, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Thanks for the link--it was great!!!!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | February 12, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Dear Vickie,
-just listened to Elizabeth
Gilbert and wanted to say, I'm so glad that you keep "showing up" sharing your life and loves and talents. Thank you!!!
Samantha
Posted by: samantha martz | February 12, 2009 at 07:04 PM
Hi, I've been stalking you for a while. I love you blog. I am going to try your recipe and jar some pickles this year for certain! I am sad for you, that yours are gone. I'm with you, more pickles this year! I have a house full of pickle crazy people, so I will plant lots! Kathy
Posted by: kathy | February 12, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Home made pickles-YUM! It is so hard to keep pickles in our house!
Nice of you to share what is inspiring you today~thanks!~have a wonderful weekend~Smiles~Tam!
Posted by: Tam | February 13, 2009 at 12:38 AM
I followed the link and listened to Elizabeth Gilbert too--thank you so much for that, it was enlightening as you say. I agree with Samantha and appreciate that YOU show up here and inspire us all.
Posted by: Lori | February 13, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Oh, I do love homemade pickles. My Grandma and Great Aunt always made pickles. Every Sunday dinner had pickles put out in sweet little crystal dishes. They made dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, watermellon rind pickles, dilly beans and dilled asparagus pickles. My mouth is watering with the thought. My Great Aunt is gone now and my Grandma is almost 95 years old and no longer canning pickles. I guess it is time to carry on the tradition. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, and my refrigerator and freezer went out the day before Thanksgiving and I was hosting! Car lights went out too, while I was driving at night!
Posted by: Debbie Nania | February 13, 2009 at 09:28 AM
How did you make the labels?? (I have already saved the recipe, lol).
Rache
Posted by: Rachel | February 13, 2009 at 04:01 PM
I'm glad you're back! I was getting worried because all my favorite magazines, restaurants, and shops are going away and I don't want to lose my favorite blogs. Love the new banner!
Posted by: Kim | February 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Loved the EG talk -- I'm cussing out my guy in the corner right now...
Posted by: Susan Elliott | February 14, 2009 at 07:17 AM
I love your new banner (but then I loved the banner with your beautiful cat and that gorgeous rug underneath her,too). Love reading your blog - it is so inspirational. You and your girls are so creative - love it!
Posted by: Barb | February 14, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I was just telling my husband we need to can at least 25 quarts next year! I can't wait until August:(
Thank you for sharing.
Warm wishes
Posted by: Tonya | February 15, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I like your new banner!
Posted by: Elisabeth | February 16, 2009 at 04:40 AM