Cabin in the City

Books, cats and midwestern charm.

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30 Days of Thanks 2023 // Week 2

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It’s been a beautiful and very exciting start to the month. Let’s dive in and see what I’m grateful for this week (and always).

Day 4: Work

I will be honest: For the bulk of the year, work troubled me. Despite being passionate about writing, baking and food, I just didn’t feel like Taste of Home was a good fit for me anymore.

However, I have recently accepted a new opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m so excited about what this change will bring.

Day 5: Quotes

I love Baba Yaga. I’ve been a fan of this folktale figure since I was a kid, and my adoration has only grown with time. In my home, you’ll find a few pieces of Baba Yaga art and a copy of Ask Baba Yaga, a collection of advice columns from the eponymous series on the Hairpin.

Over the years, one letter has stuck with me: “What Is Missing?” In a strange way, this specific column has helped guide me over the years. I think of it often.

Dear Baba Yaga,

I feel like I’m forever missing something inside myself. With people, without people, wonderful job, jobless. I always feel like there’s a gaping hole. What is missing?

BABA YAGA:

By rooting in the hole you make the hole wider; you scrape , its walls you open fresh soil — the earth of it smells blacker & blacker, you see the hole & the hole only, you live within it always; if you find yrself eating fruits in the good forest you remember the hole & go to look if it is still there dropping yr fruit-meat all the whiles. & if you think think think only of the hole it will become the great work & mystery of yr life, & you will die in the hole as you lived in it.

—Ask Baba Yaga

Day 6: Time

Over time, working in the food space has robbed some of the joy I used to get being in the kitchen.

However, as I begin to untether myself from that career, I’m finding I want to be back in the kitchen for fun again. I’ve been flooded with recipe ideas, and I can’t wait to spend more time bringing them to life.

Day 7: Creativity

Mini sweater ornaments

I’m still working the world’s lowest-stakes side hustle: Kaminski Handicraft. And I’ve been finding new ways to love embroidery all the time. You’ll see below I’ve started combining watercolors and stitching (I love it!).

But I like to work on other smaller crafts and creative projects. These ugly sweater ornaments were my favorite craft from last year. These were so much fun to make and to share with my family on Christmas. I’ve got another holiday idea up my sleeve for 2023 and I’m dying to start. I’m glad that even though I’ve been working with a needle and thread for 25+ years, it still holds just as much appeal.

Day 8: Health

I’ll put this simply: I hope that my family remains in good (or as good as possible!) health. I am so thankful for the doctors who help with this, especially for my mom.

Day 9: Friendship

Last month, Michael and I hosted Stocktoberfest at our home—the first party we’ve held in at least three years. It felt so incredible to have a home full of friends.

A huge shout-out goes to my friend Amanda and her husband for making a serious trek to come see us. Seeing them walk through the door was a total surprise and filled me with so much joy.

Day 10: Books

If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have noticed that this blog has turned into a list of book reviews more than anything. Since 2020, I’ve made more and more time to read (or listen to audiobooks). I find reading a few pages before bed or listening to a book while I sew relaxes me tremendously.

I’m so grateful for Libro.fm (as always: not sponsored, just a fan), for making listening to audiobooks and supporting small booksellers so easy. And I’m so happy to support the Milwaukee Public Library System! Where would I be without their Libby app and their top-notch Instagram account?

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined!

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30 Days of Thanks 2023 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year.

The past few years have been very challenging, but finding time to be grateful is just as important in tough times as they are in good times. So let’s get started! And stay tuned. I’ll be publishing these every Friday in November.

Day 1: Self-Care

I think a lot of what we see online in terms of self-care is going to the gym, putting on a face mask or getting a massage. While these are all forms of self-care, this year I’ve found that self-care has taken the shape of really listening to myself and my body.

At times, self-care has meant laying on the sofa and reading all afternoon or taking a long walk. Sometimes it’s finally buying that record I’ve been thinking about. It changes all the time, but I feel I’m more in tune with what I need than ever.

Day 2: Nature

Every year for the past 20+ years, my family travels up to Winter, Wisconsin. It’s a great way for us all to hang out together in a lo-fi way. We spend our days playing cards, floating in the pool and snacking.

We also have the opportunity to enjoy the lake there. This summer, my sister and I kayaked on the Chippewa Flowage. It was incredibly peaceful at dusk—though we did see eagles and a beaver! Taking some moments to be still and enjoy these waters is a real joy. I’m grateful I made the time to get out on the water like this.

Day 3: Optimism

Life is tough! My mom is very ill, and that’s something that’s really challenging to find brightness in. But my family is really terrific about finding silver linings, good news and highlights. Every time I see my mom beat my dad in a game of cribbage or read a recipe or pick up my FaceTime call, I get a jolt of good vibes and a peek at the bright side.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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Dream Come True: I Was on NPR!

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Coming as a surprise to no one: I’m an NPR nerd! I’ve been listening to my local station for ages. It’s by far my preferred way to get the news, and I love so many of the programs.

Recently, my love of NPR has grown even more; I was invited to be on “All Sides with Ann Fisher” on WOSU out of Columbus, Ohio.

It was so much fun to be on this show. I got to talk about some of my favorite holiday cookies—including some lesser-known varieties like rosettes and khrustyky.

Listen to the show here!

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 5

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Welcome back to the last installment of this series of 2022! I hope you all found some time to recharge this past weekend and had a wonderful holiday. Let’s get into the home stretch (though, I’m grateful all year long!).

Day 26: Routine

One routine that has stuck for Michael and me over the years has been Sunday Morning Cartoons. Each Sunday, we stay in bed and watch a show together. Sometimes it is a cartoon, like Bob’s Burgers or Central Park. Other times it’s SNL or Ted Lasso. This is such a nice way to roll into a relaxing Sunday. I’m grateful this is one routine that’s stuck.

Day 27: Art

Art versus craft is a debate I love to have with myself. Whatever it is that I spend my time on, I am glad to have these creative outlets. Being able to sit down with a needle and thread or pull out the sewing machine is really satisfying and joyful for me. I’m so thankful to have these creative outlets and grateful to my mom for introducing them all to me!

Day 28: Energy

Over the years thanks to many failures and therapy, I’ve learned better ways to ration my energy. Yes, I’d love to give my all to everything to every project, every meal, every get-together, every invite, but that’s not possible.

While I still struggle with burnout, I am getting better at dividing my physical and mental energy. I’m in a better place than I was even six months ago; that’s something to be thankful for.

Day 29: Ideas

Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I’ve found this to be absolutely true.

While I’m not making at the same levels as I have in the past (see above), I’ve found myself full of a lot of creative ideas. I’m grateful that these ideas are still coming! I’m hoping to capitalize on a few for the holiday season.

Day 30: Self-Love

I like myself. That’s a good place to be!

This was the last 2022 entry in this series. Hope you all have counted a few blessings along with me.

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 4

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I’m back with week four of this series. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying time at home, out shopping for loved ones or putting up holiday decorations.

Day 19: Family

I’ve got a wonderful family and I married into a pretty darn good one too. I love you all and am grateful to be bonded with you for life.

Day 20: Inspiration

Above is my great-aunt’s convent in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Visiting this place is always an inspiration to me. It’s such a great example of sisterhood.

At one time, this place was nearly self-sustaining with a farm, orchards, a bakery and even a post office. While the nuns no longer grow and harvest their own apples, this place remains. I am always inspired by what these wonderful women accomplished.

Much of the convent and its surrounding buildings are now up for sale, but I am forever thankful that I’ve had the pleasure to visit so many times (and even get married there!).

Day 21: Beauty

Wisconsin is truly a beautiful place. This was taken at Big Bay County Park on Madeline Island. It’s one of our favorite vacation destinations of all time. It’s so serene and it’s easy to see why this place is special to so many.

Day 22: Memories

Yes, I know I already talked about kayaking on Lake Superior in this series, but that’s OK! It was a really wonderful experience and a special way to spend our seventh wedding anniversary.

This wasn’t all we did to celebrate seven years, though. We also went out to Greunke’s for dinner and caught a showing of The Bob’s Burgers Movie over in Ashland.

I’m grateful for these memories and for having a spouse who thinks this is as great of a day as I do.

Day 23: Books

Books have become a major part of this blog. Looking back on my Goodreads stats, I realized that my reading has increased majorly over the years. I’m glad to have discovered audiobooks and how easy it is to borrow ebooks from the library.

Taking some time at the end of the day to read is a real joy to me. And assembling a puzzle while queuing up an audiobook is just about the best way to unwind if you ask me. I’m thankful I’ve found more ways to fit books into my life. It feels good.

Day 24: Home

I love my home and I’m so fortunate that Michael and I can call it ours. This 1960s ranch once belonged to my great-aunt and it’s been really so much fun to find our place in it over the years.

This home is so good to us. While small, it gives us all the room we need to relax, rest, work and practice our myriad hobbies.

Day 25: Change

While we love our home, it does need updating. This year, we finally got the ball rolling with a big remodeling project for our entryway and bathroom. It’s going to be a big change! It’s also something I know we’ll be so happy we did. I’m grateful that we’re finally making this project a priority and that we’re moving our home into the 21st century (or at least some of it).

One more week of this series! Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 3

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I’m back and still grateful! Be sure to count your blessings this week leading up to Thanksgiving. Life is hard but there’s a lot of wonder and joy in this world too.

Day 12: Work

I get to do some pretty awesome stuff a Taste of Home. This year, I had the pleasure of joining in on a virtual bake-along with Christina Tosi, one of my favorite bakers of all time.

Because I’m not just fortunate, but very fortunate, I’ve gotten to speak with Christina four or five times over the years. It’s always a joy and am I ever thankful! Also thankful that Christina turned me on to adding malt powder to brownies (try it even if you aren’t a malt person!).

Day 13: Kindness

I’m married to the kindest man. Michael, I am so grateful to be married to someone with a soft heart (and someone that knows just where to take me for birthday dinners: Ishnala).

Day 14: Food

Is it absolutely ridiculous that the donut above was at the top of my list of must-do Maine activities? Yes. But it was also so incredibly satisfying.

While it took we had a few false starts, my mom and I snuck a trip to HiFi Donuts in while we were in Portland. It was absolutely delicious and maybe my favorite eat of the whole trip.

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: I am so grateful that I got to do this trip with my mom and so happy we got to revisit a few places from our last trip to New England.

Day 15: Music

This year, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. This is a big deal and the celebration required all the bells and whistles—including live music.

Booking a band on short notice during peak wedding season was a challenge, but in the end, I am so thankful that I was able to track down the Pray Trio. Sarah and John did such an incredible job and added so much joy to this party. Thank you both for playing family favorites from Patsy Cline, James Taylor and Elvis for us!

Above is a photo of my parents in 1982—the year they were married.

Day 16: Health

I’m so thankful that my mom’s health has been good enough to allow her to do so much this year, including taking our annual trip up north. It was an absolute blast.

Day 17: Seasons

My mom and I hit New England at just the right time for fall colors. I’m so happy and grateful that we did (that was the plan, but you never know booking so many weeks out!). This photo was taken on our last day in Maine. It was just about to pour, but we stopped the car and snapped this photo. It captures the essence of our trip perfectly.

Day 18: Joy

I talked about recognizing unexpected joy last week, but this idea is worth revisiting.

This year, I went on a press trip to Sonoma, California (yes, again!). It was a really lovely time and full of top-notch food, wonderful wine and stunning views. Despite all these lovely things, the highlight of the trip for me was getting to stomp grapes.

As a kid, I was a major fan of I Love Lucy. Getting to stomp grapes a la Lucille Ball was so much fun! I could not stop grinning. It paid off: I was given the “most enthusiastic stomper” award and came home with a hat (which I wear on the reg). Without this trip and my role at Taste of Home, I’d never have the opportunity to live this childhood dream. I’m so thankful I got to do this!

I’ll be keeping up with this series throughout November. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 2

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I’m back with another week of things to be thankful for. Take some time to count your blessings this month along with me.

Day 5: Creativity

When I first reflected on this year, I thought I hadn’t done as much creative work as I have in the past. But you know what, I still did a lot! I had a great craft show this spring and I have really kind neighbors that think of me for their creative projects like the one above.

I’m glad and grateful that my creativity can make others happy. And I’m very thankful that even in a tough year, I was able to make some space for making.

Day 6: Weather

After a few 70ºF days this week, the weather is finally turning truly autumnal. I love this time of year. And, thanks to Karolina Zebrowska, I’m appreciating Novembers more than ever.

Today it’s cool and breezy. That, my friends, is perfect sewing weather. I love and appreciate having days like this.

Day 7: Adventure

Three years ago, my mom and I visited Maine for the first time. We loved it. Before my mom had brain surgery, I promised her I’d take her back when she was up to it.

This October, we returned to Portland and Kennebunkport. I am so beyond grateful that I was able to go on this adventure with my mom.

Day 8: Words

After explaining my feelings of burnout to my therapist, she asked me, “so what are you doing for yourself?” At that time, the answer was not much beyond the basics.

So after my appointment, I walked over to Black Twig Bakery and bought myself (and Michael) some cookies. It’s now become a ritual after my sessions and it’s really been great! In sum: I’m so grateful for the kind and measured words of my therapist. Going on a regular basis has been amazing.

Day 9: Connection

I’ve taken a step back from a lot since my mom became ill. I feel like it’s the right thing for me and my family. But I am still so incredibly thankful for kind friends that reach out to check on me and ask how the fam is doing. Thank you for keeping these connections alive when I am not able to give them my all.

Day 10: Wonder

When I saw that I could walk out to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, I couldn’t contain my glee. As I leaped from rock to rock on the breakwater, I was filled with awe and wonder. I got to be on the waters of Casco Bay and see really stunning sights. I also was fortunate enough to have the breakwater to myself to take it all in. It was one of the highlights of this trip and I’m so grateful I got to enjoy it.

Day 11: Feelings

I think it’s important to take note of the times you find yourself unexpectedly smiling. These unplanned yet marked moments of joy are what make life so wonderful.

A few times I found myself smiling or laughing without realizing it: managing a tricky stretch in a yoga class, seeing a litter of kittens up for adoption at the pet supply store, winning at darts in a dive bar, watching any episode of Lego Masters and playing Night in the Woods for the first time.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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30 Days of Thanks 2022 // Week 1

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The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year and focus on what’s going well.

2022 has been a rough one (I know, I said this last year, too), but I do find that taking time to be grateful really does help keep some feelings of anxiety away. It also sets you up to express love and gratitude to the people you care about. That’s all good!

Day 1: Comfort

Much of this year has been about seeking comfort wherever and however I could. I’m really grateful to have a home that brings me a lot of joy and is always a cozy place to come rest.

No, it’s not a showplace or very fancy, but it’s warm and inviting to me. Plus, it’s always full of good snacks and cats—two of life’s greatest comforts.

Day 2: Nature

This summer, Michael and I returned to Bayfield to celebrate our seventh anniversary. While we were there, we kayaked along the shores of Lake Superior and even got to explore a few small sea caves.

Getting to experience nature in a new way was awe-inspiring. It gave us both a new appreciation of the beauty and the power of this Great Lake.

We also had the privilege of kayaking with some really knowledgeable local guides, some of whom are members of the Ojibwe tribe. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences and beliefs with us!

Day 3: Wisdom

For the longest time, I lived by the motto “better out than in!” when it came to emotions, stories—pretty much anything. But over the years, I’ve picked up a bit of wisdom from my sweet husband. Not everyone needs to know everything. Not everything needs to be said the second it comes to mind. It took me a decade to pick up on this, but it’s something I take to heart.

Day 4: Love

Back in March, I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl Zara. It was incredibly hard. Adopting a new kitten was also challenging. I wondered if I could grow to like her.

Well, Little Miss Ember is no Zara (and I wouldn’t want her to be!), but my heart has made so much room for her. Seeing her and Mukki together is so darling. I love these two beasts and I am so grateful to wake up to them each morning.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

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Introducing… Ember!

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A little over a month ago, Michael and I added a new member to the family: a tiny black kitten named Ember.

We adopted Ember from MADACC, the county animal shelter. The first few days home were a struggle, first in picking a name and then introducing her to Mukki, but after a few weeks, we all got in the groove. All of us are so happy she’s here!

So, What’s She Like?

She is squirmy and silly! When she’s not running around after her favorite sloth toys, she’s flopped on one of our laps or snoozing on her scratching post.

She also spends a lot of time with our other cat Mukki. She gives him a run for his money! Ember tackles him, leapfrogs him and is generally a pest. She also likes to snuggle by his side and clean his head. It warms my heart to see it.

Why We Picked a Kitten

I volunteered at the Wisconsin Humane Society for five years, so I understand the advantages of adopting an older cat. Older cats are sweet! They’ve grown out of the bounce-off-the-walls stage and into their personalities.

But in the end, I selfishly wanted a kitten. I hadn’t had a kitten since I brought Zara home 16 years ago. Also, it’s been a very hard year. I figured we deserved a kitten as an extra dose of fun. I also rationalized that introducing a tiny kitten to Mukki would be easier than getting two grown cats to adjust to one another again (it was very challenging).

It turns out that this was the right move, not only because we love Ember, but because our vet said this was smart thinking. According to Dr. Paul over at Harwood Veterinary Hospital, older cats tend to respond to kittens better. Kittens aren’t that threatening to older cats, and kittens adjust pretty easily to most surroundings. It doesn’t mean that two fully grown cats won’t get along, but the getting-to-know-you process can be more challenging.

What’s It Like Introducing an Adult Cat to a Kitten?

I think introducing cats is incredibly hard. In all honesty, it’s what I was most nervous about before getting married. Would our cats get along?

This being said, introducing a kitten to an older cat went much more easily than getting two adults to adjust to one another. So how did we do it? Irresponsibly! Most experts would recommend, letting the kitten have their own space before bringing in the existing cat. But Mukki loves other cats, so we let him see her pretty much the second we got home. It wasn’t so bad! They sniffed, had a little hiss, played and that was it. We only let him visit with her for about 10 minutes at a time. There were squabbles and growls, but nothing serious.

We did keep Ember in her own room exclusively for about five days. We’d spend time with her and let Mukki in occasionally, but she stayed in her habitat for a while before we released her into the rest of the house. And even then we still had her sleep in her room at night just in case.

After two weeks, we let Ember have the run of the house full time, and things went well! I mean, yes, she does feel the need to get into trouble every night around 11:00, yes, she wakes me up in the morning biting my nose and yes, she collects every cobweb she can find in the basement, but in the end, all of us are happy she’s here.

In the words of my dear friend Amanda (a newer cat lady), “two cats is the perfect amount.”

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Getting Ready to Say Goodbye

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Back in the fall, I found out my cat had a tumor the size of an egg in her abdomen. I cried because my options were a painful, risky surgery or to let her live out her days knowing this tumor would kill her.

I opted for the latter not wanting to put my 15-year-old tabby through an arduous operation. The thought of her dying on the operating table or being in severe pain post-surgery was too much to bear.

Now, she is in her final days and it is hard. So hard. I knew it would be, but this is a loss layered on top of so many this past year, including the heartbreaking loss of my mother-in-law. Knowing that yet another blow is coming is gutwrenching.

But there’s no way to stop what is ahead. Zara is slowing down. We knew this was coming, but for so many months, she was doing well. Her attitude and habits were pretty much unchanged since the fall. She sat with me as I quarantined with COVID. She comforted us both after the loss of my mother-in-law. She squawked at the door to go on the patio. She grumbled when we woke her up in her cat bed. She’d growl if our other cat got within an 18-inch radius.

She’s not doing these classic Zara things anymore, and we’ve had to have some really challenging conversations. Bless Michael for his softness and sense. After a chat with the vet (a call I could not bear), he sat me down and we talked about what was to come.

We had to discuss what our ideal situation would be for her last moments and what would happen after. It’s not pleasant, but I know that having this talk now is best.

For now, I am spending as much time with my sweet Zara as I can. While she can’t do her favorite things like go outside or climb her cat tree, I can still try to make her days as pleasant as possible. This means lots of wet food, treats, fluffy blankets and naps. It means appreciating her purrs when she has the energy and her meows when she’s excited for food.

She’s not the Zara she used to be but she is no less loved or cared for.