Idea Seeds

Things in my head have been chaotic lately. This is a good thing. The chaos is all creative chaos. Some form of creativity monster has taken over my brain and filled it with about 437 ideas that all NEED to come out. They're bouncing around inside and pushing all the normal, sane thoughts out. I kind of love it.



One such thought has actually been planted in my brain for years. Literally years. And I FINALLY got to pull it out and put it to use when I made the custom coloring book last week. It was a huge hit. Within a few hours of putting the pictures online, I had 4 people email me to ask me if I was planning to do more of these so they could place an order for one. I had people send me ideas for promoting it and a lot of friends and family encouraging me to take a step in that direction.



About 4 years ago, I knew a little girl from church who was as much of a shoe-noticer as I am. When she was in preschool, she walked up to me one day and said, "oh those are beauuuutiful shoes." My heart melted and my brain started spinning. I thought, 'I should write a little story about her and her love for shoes. And then I could draw pictures to go along with it and print a copy of it for her mom.' And then I thought, 'I wonder if people would pay me to do that?' And then I thought, 'this is the greatest idea I've ever had.' And I thought about it and thought about it and looked up printing costs and researched types of paper and met with a few idea geniuses and talked about it and thought about it more. And then tucked it back up inside my head. Because I don't have the time or the start-up cost, the confidence in my talent or my idea, or the guts to tackle such a project.



But when I made the coloring book last week, I had a new passion for my little seed of an idea. I was loving every moment of putting it together. I loved thinking of ways to make each book completely unique, to make each illustration a refelction of the subject, and all the things the coloring books could be used for. I loved that by making it a coloring book instead of a storybook that the kids would be more involved in it, that printing would be cheaper, and that I would only need about 1/3 of the time for each picture. My little chaotic creativity monster went nuts.

So all this week, I've been talking to some great supportive friends and family who are SUCH encouragers and we've been discussing my idea and discussing prices and they've been trying to tell me that I'm worth more than I think I am and to not be afraid of getting myself into something like this. So yesterday, I FINALLY decided on a price and a package and a plan and I set it free into the world. In less than 24 hours, I had received over 150 hits on the item listing on Etsy.


I've got three coloring books currently lined up to get my feet a little more wet. One is mainly a promotional item for the idea. A sample book, basically. One is a fundraising effort for an adoption that is near and dear to my heart. And the last coloring book is a book for grownups that will not be custom - just one that I can print and have on hand.



As shackled as I've been by the fear of this little idea I had 4 years ago when a preschooler told me I had beautiful shoes, I couldn't be more proud of myself for stepping out and actually trying it. I'm still nervous about it. I'm still insecure about the timing, the price, my own talent, etc. etc. etc., but I'm trying to push through that fear and put value in myself and what I can create.



So basically, I just want to say thank you to all of you who said the tiniest words of encouragement to me. To those of you who said such giant and wonderful words of encouragement, and to those of you who just smiled when you looked at the coloring book. I took every. single. one. to heart and stored it up inside of me.


So here it is. My little seed. The project I've wanted to tackle for four years. You gave me the courage to do it.





Here's the link on Etsy: Steph Hagen Art - Custom Coloring Books

Red Lentil Curry Soup

I made soup last night at 10:30. I tasted a little bite to make sure it didn't need anything else, and it was so good that I ate a small bowl right before bed.

I'm having the leftovers for lunch, and it's so amazing that I wanted to share it as quickly as I could. Thus, the super quick blog post for the super quick soup.

Super Quick and Easy Red Lentil Curry Soup

2 cayenne peppers, sliced thin

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Sautee in a little olive oil until you can start to really smell the garlic, then stir into:

1 package of red lentils (green will work if you can't find red)

*I soaked mine in salt water for a few hours, because the last time I tried to make lentil soup, they absorbed EVERY BIT of liquid and I just had lentils without the soup. It worked, but it wasn't soup.

about a tsp of turmeric

about a tbsp of cilantro

about a tbsp of red curry powder (I love curry!)

salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Cover that with water and/or chicken broth until the lentil to liquid ratio is where you like it. Simmer on medium heat until the lentils are softish. Their color will fade as they cook, so don't be alarmed if your red lentils end up a kind of yellowy-beigeish.

If you're adding a lot of liquid - you might need more spice. I don't know, soup is a very personal thing. Go with your heart.

And that's it folks! That's the whole recipe! And... lunch break over - back to work.

Sadie's Turning Six!

I finished the coloring book!! During the birthday party, but luckily the birthday girl herself was late so we didn't miss out on the party. What we thought would take about an hour or two in the morning ended up taking about 4 1/2 hours. That was completely maddening. As Dave put on twitter "@stephhagen is as stressed as I ever remember seeing her, and she's making a coloring book!"

I don't handle computer problems gracefully.

When the coloring book was explained to Sadie, she said, "Whoa. This is cool." And then all my hardwork was totally worth it.

So, anyway - here are some of my favorite pictures from the coloring book.

I really had a blast doing this project. I've already got two more orders for coloring books and some ideas for more. I'm thinking a coloring book for grown-ups is in order. Who else finds coloring extremely theraputic?

Why I Call Him Superman

My husband is tired. He's had the most packed season of his career, having been working basically non-stop since early Spring and there's not really a break until November. (woot woot! beach vacation in November!) Which is great! Don't get me wrong; we love that he has work lined up. We really do love that. But he is tired.

He is also sore. Some days out at the studio, he and 'the fellas' will play baseball or throw a frisbee for a while. In the past couple of weeks during aforementioned game time at work, he has sliced and bruised his bicep by falling on a wire fence thing (funny story about this: when someone asked him how he cut his arm, he said, "I just made a muscle and it ripped open" which still really makes me laugh,) he's fallen and bruised or cracked a rib, he's been attacked by a swarm of bees and stung thrice, and who knows what else that he just hasn't been awake enough to tell me about.

And in his sweet, sore tiredness last night, he made me a light-box. Isn't that the sweetest thing?

Time Hog

I'm working on a project right now that is 1) oh so fun and 2) a super duper time time hog.

All of the moments in my day that aren't already filled up... you know, those 8 minutes between getting home and changing clothes to leave the house again. THOSE 8 minutes per day are completely devoted to making a coloring book for a very sweet 6 year old and her upcoming birthday party.

I really forgot how much I love drawing. I mean, I doodle. All the time. Everything in my office has a doodle on it somewhere. But drawing drawing. Spending time getting faces and arms and birthday cakes just right. Today, I have roughly half of the sketches finished. And from there we do the tracing and digitizing and printing, etc.

Here's the first sketch for the book. I'm in love with it. And if you know Sadie... I hope you love her outfit the way I do.

Even though it's time consuming, I can't imagine something I'd rather spend my time on.

Overfull on Time

I was listening to the new Ray LaMontagne album yesterday morning. There's a line in one of the songs that says something normal, but smooth... you know, the way Ray does. And I kind of misheard it and knew that I hadn't heard it correctly, but I liked what I thought it said anyway.

What I heard was, "hungry for life and overfull on time." And I thought wow, that's an awesome line. And I thought that's so me. I sat down at my desk and looked up the lyrics, and I was way off, but I still love what I thought I heard.

The past couple of weeks at work have been.... difficult? Maybe that's a good PC word for it. I have been very much hungry for life but overfull on time. I've been mopey and that's not a good place to be.

Yesterday I got a phone call from someone who calls us to chat several times a week. Normally I go along with it, and think really mean things like, "you know... this is my job. I have things to do apart from talking on the phone all day." Yesterday I thought I was getting one of those calls. He started to small talk for a few minutes, I was in a foul mood, and I just listened halfheartedly until he said, "Steph, I have something I'd like to share with you. I had a spot removed earlier this week and they think it might be cancer. I'm supposed to hear back today or tomorrow; I wanted to let you know so you and the rest of the office can be praying for me."

That made me pay attention. So, I told one of the ladies in the office that talks with him often so we could both pray for him. About five minutes later, he called again and said, "Well, Steph... I have some good news for you. I just got the call from my nurse, and it's not cancer!" We talked again for a few minutes, and he began to cry while saying how great God is and how full of mercy and grace He is, how thankful he was for Christ's love and compassion in his life. And the whole time my friend was talking and crying, I was crying right along with him.

I'd been so selfish and concerned with the junk in my life... so hungry for different life, that I hadn't stopped to look outward and see that I have time. Sometimes God uses someone else's issues to bring me to my knees. I forget that too much.

Don't Mess with Texas

In 2 months, Dave and get on a plane and head to Victoria, Texas. My big brother, Steve, is getting married the weekend of Thanksgiving and we'll spend a full week on the beach with family.

This is Steve, and his beautiful fiancee, Trysta.

See that little "A" down there by that beautiful blue water? That's me. I'm the little "A" in November.

Thanksgiving can't get here soon enough.

The husband has been working crazy hours lately, and I've been stressing over work and well... everything else my brain sits on for more than 10 seconds. I'm tightly wound right now. Thankfully, this weekend was a great stress reliever - I got time at home with Dave and time out and about adventuring with him. Our adventure consisted of thrifting in hopes of finding a Nintendo 64... which is serious adventure to us.

But the idea that in just two short months, I'll be (maybe camping) on a beach with Mr. Hagen has got me looking for the fast forward button.

Extracurricular

Do you ever have those days leading into weeks leading into months where you feel like you haven't even sat down? I kind of feel like that lately. Like... all day every day I'm busy. And I don't stop. It's an exaggeration, I know, because I have a lot more free time than SOME people I know. Ahem. Husband who works at least 2 jobs a day and friend who has like, 4 jobs to do from home while also watching 3 kids under the age of 6. Pretend you're not hearing me complain, k?

I work. I come home. I exercise, shower, cook dinner, eat dinner, maybe do a load of laundry and clean up the kitchen mess I made while cooking, maybe get my lunch ready for the next day, maybe see my friends in the evenings, try to write a little (blog or journaling normally) and then it's already time for bed. How do you grown-ups do it?! Don't you just get so worn out?

Anyway... (I almost typed "I digress" here, but every time I see that phrase I feel like it should be yelled. Like... IIII DIGRESS!! With my arms pushed out to the side and my head leaning forward with my eyes closed. Why is that? Is it from a movie or something?)

One of the weekly activities I have is a pottery class. I LOVE my pottery class. Yes, it takes up one whole evening, but it's worth it. It's messy and creative, I'm meeting fun new people, and I'm learning a new form of art, which is always fun for me. And bonus, I brought my camera along this week!

It turns out, I love to make teeny little things. I made a tiny bowl made of clay buttons (featured here) as my first project, and the last two weeks were spent making 3 tiny animals and another fun little tiny project that cannot be mentioned at this time because it has Christmas implications.


This is my friend and neighbor Amanda. She made a snake and a spider for her 4 year old son.

I'm really trying to get over my fears and insecurities of posting pictures I take on the blog, so I'm dragging my camera everywhere with me. If you judge me for my photo-taking skills, it will break my heart. You do not want my broken heart on your conscious... so for your OWN PEACE OF MIND, just don't judge. AND our Teacher-Who-Is-So-Much-Fun is actually a photographer also, and I asked him to take a few pictures of class this week. Because, you know, being the teacher means he has to do whatever random thing I've asked and not help anyone else in class? Why did I ask him to take pictures? Note for next class to self: don't be a Josh-hog.

Facebook Life

I have a deeply rooted passion and love for Facebook. That sounds about as immature as it actually is. But it's true. It's sort of like my love for The Real World: New Orleans. I hate that I love it. I really don't want to like it, but I record it every week because I feel like I know these lunatic people who are emotionally stunted and unable to make sound decisions. I need to watch the train wreck that is The Real World. I don't like that about myself and Dave sure as heck doesn't like that about me. Every time I mention the show he has a mini-break down wherein he says things like, "Steph, you don't want to be like the people that watch that show. Don't watch it. Please don't watch that show." Isn't that so cute?


Do you know what they should do? "They" being the MTV executives. They should make a new season of The Real World that's The Real World: Facebook. And instead of going out drinking and what have you, they all just sit at their own houses and Facebook all day. If by going on The Real World, it revealed that you are a complete alcoholic, your Facebook page would reflect that by random status updates that say things like, "OMG I TOTALLY WAAAAAAASTED LOL LOL LOL!" And all the gross random "relationships" that people have on the show would just be that you are "in a relationship and it's complicated." And I would totally go on that show just to be the one of them that doesn't get airtime because they're somewhat normal and adjusted humans and it would further my acting career. Except I don't actually want to be an actress.


So, Facebook is kind of a compulsion. I leave it open on the computer if I'm home. I check it on my phone about 10,000 times a day. If I haven't been on Facebook for several hours, I catch up. I go all the way back to the last post I saw. I pretend like that's because I really care about the people in my life, and Facebook is the best way for me to understand what's going on with them and see pictures of the things I'm missing or the things I was a part of, and the like. But it's probably a bit more narcissistic than that. Because, confession time, I feel really funny on Facebook. It's the perfect place for me to say things like, "I wore fancy earrings today to distract people from the fact that I didn't wash my hair. I feel like Courtney Love." And then I sit and fester in my pride for thinking of something funny that several people will see, that probably isn't really that funny in the first place. Where else but online can I get the social gratification I need? (Don't say real life, that doesn't count.)


There are a few things that I can't handle about Facebook though. For example, some people use Facebook as an open political bashing forum. I do not care for that. Please don't ONLY post things about how SuperHardcoreDemocrat you are and that all Conservatives are ignorant and you know better all the time about everything. Or how Obama should be impeached for whatever new thing you think he did or didn't do that was completely made up in the first place. Some politics is fine. Lots of people care about politics. But that is not the only purpose of your online profile. Please change topics.


Another thing I can't deal with: unfinished Facebook business. If I've been invited to an event, asked to join a group, friend requested, etc. I have to handle it immediately. I cannot leave those things unattended. It's like hearing someone's phone ring and them not answering it - the whole time I'm thinking, "Aren't you going to get that? Don't you want to know who is calling you? Can't you at least turn your ring off so we don't all have to hear you ignoring this call? Do you realize you're giving me hives?" If I ever come back to earth as a ghost, it will be to take care of unfinished Facebook business. Don't invite me to CD release party after I die, please. It will really interfere with my Jesus party.


But the very worst is when people reveal WAAAY too much about their personal lives. Like... your baby's daddy is late on child support and you just keyed his car because he should have learned the first time when you bashed in his windshield. Or the heartbreak that occurred when they met that one girl last night and it was so magical but then she never gave you her phone number and now you can't go on. Not ever. You'll never be the same. Real life should still be a little bit private. Don't you think? I feel like there should be Facebook etiquette classes that you're required to take before you create a profile.

Maybe that's why I should go on The Real World: Facebook. So I can create and promote my career as a Facebook etiquette instructor. Lesson 1: Catering to my personal preferences.

Thai-Peanut Sauce Recipe

Sunday I went to Whole Foods, which, to be completely honest, freaks me right out. It's so yuppie. It's so "Green Hills" if you're from Nashville. It's really pricey.

But, I know when I'm going in there that I don't have to worry *quite* so much about what I'm going to be taking home with me. They have lots of overpriced stuff. But they also have lots of stuff that I normally can't find anywhere. AGAVE COLA! Meaning, soda that I can drink without becoming diabetic. Pizza crusts that aren't sugar-filled and so.much.more.

One thing I found that I was anxious to try out was a ginger-peanut sauce. I make my own ginger-peanut sauce fairly often. It's super quick, it's easy, and best of all it's cheap. RECIPE BELOW! WOOT! But when I saw this sauce at Whole Foods, I decided to give it a try because what's quicker than making a quick sauce? Dumping a sauce out of a bottle. Granted, I'd have to cook whatever the sauce is going on anyway, but I was in a Whole Foods induced stupor. I remembered to take the picture of the bottle, but Dave had the camera - so phone picture it is.

And this is what I decided to do with my new ginger-peanut sauce. I decided to make um... Coconut-ginger-peanut-lasagna-with-kale-and-shrimp. Right. What is that, even? I don't know either. It was right after my workout, I was delirious, I was feeling experimental, and I was hungry. That's really a dangerous combination. Turns out, it's not terrible. But it definitely isn't recipe-shareable. It kind of tasted exactly how it sounds. I didn't finish the bowl.

The recipe that totally IS worthy of a share, however, is my Thai peanut sauce. I prefer it to the bottled kind that I bought, which is good, because it's cheaper. It's good with chicken, it's good over noodles, it's good as a dipping sauce... it's just good. My little sisters and I LOVE IT. Dave could take it or leave it, but we have opposite taste preferences. Mine has got some heat, but you could easily knock the heat down a few notches.

Thai Peanut Sauce

-2 cloves of garlic minced

-about 1/2 inch of fresh grated ginger (ginger packs a punch, so if you don't want heat, use less ginger. also, to store extra ginger grate it, wrap it up, and freeze it. Just cut off however much you need and it'll thaw as you're cooking next time!)

-1 1/4 cup of milk

-1 1/4 cup of peanut butter. *normal peanut butter is pretty darn unhealthy. It's loaded with sugar, which I didn't know until recently. I bought a jar of peanut butter that's only ingredient is peanut. This recipe is based around THAT type of peanut butter. Using "normal" peanut butter will throw the recipe off.

-about a tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce

-salt and pepper to taste (not really a need to add salt since you're using soy sauce and garlic salt, but Mr. Hagen adds salt to everything)

-3 pinches of red pepper flakes (again, use less if you don't want much heat)

-and about a tablespoon of garlic salt

-let the garlic and ginger sit in the pan for a bit to heat up and release their flavor

-add the other ingredients and keep stirring! if it sits, the peanut butter won't melt well

- let it all cook together until it's melty and heated through (such technical lingo)

Dave ALWAYS adds more milk to his bowl because he prefers it runny. I like my sauce to be thick... so if you like yours a little less "much" like my husband does, just add a little milk until it's the consistency you prefer.

Let me know what you think, if you try it. I'm pretty new to actually writing down recipes as I go. I'm normally an 'eyeball it and figure out what it needs later' kind of gal. Moral of the story: if you're shopping in whole foods and you see a version of something you make that you already like, save your money for Agave cola.

Fall Is My Favorite

It's cold in my house and the windows are open. That makes me so incredibly happy. I know there will be a few more hot days thrown in before fall really starts up, but I'd be lying if I didn't say my brain was already in fall mode.

So much, in fact, that I put these outfits together hoping with all the hope I can muster, that I can pull some fall things out of the back of my closet very soon. Something I'm loving about the styles this season is that anything goes. Tights with shorts and a jacket. Cardigans over dresses with socks peeking out the top of boots. A ruffled floral dress with a leather jacket. It's hodgepodge and it's wonderful. Another thing I love about this season is that you can basically get inspiration from any era. 50's style glasses with a brogue shoes, hippy prints and scarves, an oversized sweater and leggings straight out of the 80's. Nothing makes sense, and I really like that.

Labor Day Fun

It's no secret that I live in an awesome neighborhood. On Labor Day, we decided to have a neighborhood grill party and it was really fun. Here are some of my amateur pictures of the afternoon. I'm a fan of blurry photos; my husband can tell you. It's not an excuse to take bad pictures (though I do need a valid excuse... let me know if you think of one I can use.) Hence the wavy arms and legs and such. I think it's fun.

Good, good, good food. Lean hamburgers with a grilled portabello mushroom, turkey bacon, and A1 on top. My faaaaavorite. The not-even-full-yet grill, in all its tasty glory.

A little baseball action, with fierce pitching skills by little Micah and excellent batting form from Mr. Griffin and Mr. Hagen, obviously.


There's a group we like to call "the interns" of younger (closer to my age than the rest of the neighborhood, but we pretend like I'm older for some reason?) folks who hang out with us sometimes too. This is Intern Ian playing frisbee with what I can only assume was someone very short. Either that or throwing frisbee in this squatty position was another part of the weird game they were playing wherein they could only throw and catch a football with their elbows in at their hips. Why did I not take a picture of that?

And the cutest little pirate you ever did see. When asked, "are those shoes just the cutest?" Little Amilie replied, "yep." But seriously. Just the cutest.

More fun I didn't get pictures of: finding a giant frog and catching it (turns out giant frogs urinate very very much when feeling threatened,) the "can you eat that chunk of watermelon in 30 seconds without utensils?" wager, and so much more. There are several houses in our neighborhood for sale, if you're jealous. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?

#37

Ryman Auditorium is called the Mother Church of Country Music. It's a beautiful venue with amazing history and charm.

I went.

After moving to Nashville, seeing a concert at the Ryman seemed necessary. You're not a true Nashvillian if you've never been to the Ryman. I added it to my Project Life List (#37), and got to check it off this weekend.

Not only did I visit the Ryman, but I saw the Grand Ole Opry there. Amazing. You should know that I'm a sold-out fan. I grew up around country music, bluegrass, and folk and still can't get enough of it. There's something else you should know about me. I like to force an experience to its absolute peak. That sometimes means wearing an old fashion brown and cream dress and vintagy red flats because it "goes" with the theme of the event. And it sometimes means walking around downtown Nashville taking as many pictures as I can so I can soak up the richness of the place.

I saw Jean Shepard sing "The Tennessee Waltz" at the Ryman Auditorium. I sang along with Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. and granddaughter of Hank Williams, singing "I Saw the Light" at the Grand Ole Opry. I fell in love with The Steeldrivers and laughed at the creepy jokes Little Jimmy Dickens told.

A big fat thanks to Dave's aunt for getting the tickets for us. It was an awesome experience. It was a perfect evening.

In an Instant

I had a really cool, really fun weekend. I took a lot of pictures, which is rare for me. I normally leave the picture taking to Dave because he understands the ins and outs of the camera, and he's quite good at it. I normally put the camera on auto and just manage the zoom. I can handle zoom.

One of the 50 billion blogs I follow is cakies. I love this little family! She is hosting a giveaway right now for a free polariod with film. HOW MUCH FUN would that be?! If you're interested in winning this little prize, just follow the directions here!

Because the camera I've got is NOT instant, I still have some uploading and editing to do before I can put them up here. Hopefully soon I'll get to share all the fun!

Technical Difficulties

I had a post ready to go this morning with a fun downloadable freebie.

I am experiencing some mental and technical delays in figuring out the digital download things.

I'll work on it.

In the meantime, here are some cute pictures of baby animals to keep you from getting upset until I can figure out how computers work.

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