A Day in the Life in Catalonia

Sam dons the Catalan flag proudly.  Copyright 2015, polkadotmagpie

It took me awhile to put on my Americanism breaks. I was in a hurry to go and do, and the world around me was not at all.  Coming from New Mexico I expected the pace to be the same. But NOOOO!  It is delightfully slower paced, which means more time for moments of joy.

Each morning I wake and make my one cup Italian expresso coffee in the little percolator pot.  I have something small and sweet, like a sandwich cookie stuffed with fudgie cream or an "angel wing" which I buy at the pastry shop in town. It's long and shaped like a wing, made of puffed pastry with a tiny layer of fruit filling, topped with sugar and toasted pine nuts.  Then a walk on the beach.  Part of my morning dressing routine is to spray myself with "au de Halley" which is a delightfully scented natural bug spray named Halley...but I call it the prior.  Screens are not used here, and mosquitoes love me.  Then down into the studio.

In the shop I am usually greeted by 3 turtles that are eating their breakfast that Jordi our Maestro has put out for them. Out the windows of the shop is a vast variety of green plants growing that Jordi's wife the other Maestro takes care of. Fuchsia Bougainvilla, orange trumpet vine, ferns, grape vines, purple callais, bamboo, and various other annuals that grow all year here.  I notice something new every day. One wall of the studio is all glass, which lets in a warm natural light.

The indoor market

At 2pm here and everywhere in Catalonia is "Siesta Time".  Except for a few food stores and cafes, all the metal gates are rolled down over the storefronts.  The shops don't reopen until 4-5:30, and stay open until around 8. Our studio is open from 3 to 5. Then I usually go into town to buy food or look around. Sitting at all the sidewalk cafes are 3 generations of Catalonian families.  This town is not a hubbub of youth like my neighbor to the south Barcelona is. But neither am I.  Having their coffees, ice cream, wine or drinks. And they smoke, making it look as glamourous as the 40's movies did. I am getting to know the faces. I have met a few artists from the UK who have come here for the light or to retire. Areyns de Mar is an ideal place for retirement.

The fish monger filleting for his customer.

On particularly hot days I have gone to the beach for a swim after work. One day the surf was really high, and  I was in the sea with all the kids. Being knocked down by breaking waves that cooled my soul.  At one point in my childish squealing with all the kids I looked up at the sand. All the adults were watching me like I was nuts (partly true).  My instinct was to look around to see if they were staring at something else. But no, all I saw were 100's of children playing in the water around me.  That evening when I went to bed I felt as if I had a piece of sand in my eye. I couldn't flush it out.

When I woke in the morning my eye was stuck shut with puss. So I asked Claudia to take me to the doctor or clinic in town.  Not only was I driven by the bubbly Claudia, but her daughter Adrianda came to translate. Again, as when I was in the sea if felt like a kid being taken to the doctor. The clinic was like stepping back to the 1970s. I was the only patient. The doctor put some numbing drops in my eye and was going to invert my lid to see if I had something under it.  Her nurse came over to help and in her hand she had a large paper clip.  Yes, an actual paper clip!!!!!  I reached out as it was headed for my eye and stopped her hand to get a look at it. Perhaps in my distress I was seeing things!  I asked: "Is that a paper clip?"  "Yes" the nurse said and shook off my hand. In seconds the paper clip did it's job, the doctor looked. Nah, just probably Conjuctivitis--pink eye, what kids get.  Like the ones in the sea with me.

On the weekends there is no studio. So I usually get up early and go to the Saturday open market in town. There again are the people who were in the cafes, talking, hugging, kissing cheek to cheek.  Women my age look different than I. They look me up and down, knowing I am a visitor. Some who speak English start a conversation while waiting our turn in line. Others fan themselves with beautiful fans talking the entire time to each other. They are incredibly social, as am I. Fresh fruits, vegetable, olives, fish, and cured meats are the general fair.  It's slow food 100%.  Mostly seasonal, and extremely fresh. I go to the market every day for a few items. It's not because I have to have them. It's because that is where the life is.

One of my favorite sellers at the market. She always has beautiful plants and flowers too. 

I do my laundry which gets hung out on my balcony on a portable drying rack. Dryers, as well as screens are not a part of everyday life here, and for most of Europe. No dishwasher...so that is part of the daily routine. The dish rack is not next to the sink like in America. It is a double decker rack hidden in a 2 door cabinet above the sink. Perfect planning. IKEA sells these, I know.

This week was an annual town festival in Areyns de Mar. Celebrating  Saint Zenon who drove out the plague. http://www.arenysdemar.cat/welcome.php  I have enjoyed lots of dancing, giant puppets, and music.  Women sat at the concert fanning themselves looking very elegant. The men don't get fans...seems unfair, they were hot too.  We had a BBQ at the church and stood at tables eating our sausage and bread rubbed with fresh tomato, and there were carafes of wine and water that people drain into their mouths like a watering can without their lips touching the spout. No cups. This is a Catalan tradition that takes practice and skill.  My roommate Arlene did it.  I took a pass. But I think I will bring one home to use in my studio for the vegetable oil.

The King and Queen in the town square.

Dinner is not until 9pm.  You see the tablecloths and candles being set at the cafes. People dine until 11 or midnight. Outdoors all together, it is very social again. Clinking of glasses and laughter can be heard all up and down the street.  I am usually home in my apartment by then. The magpies making their clicking noises as they are nesting for the night.  And so am I.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz





No photos from this blog may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the blogger and polkadot magpie.

A Bicycle Built For Two

The Mediterranean Sea continues to soothe my soul. Sleeping with my windows open, and the sea air surrounding me  day and night is truly a powerful force of nature.

Today she had a new experience of riding a tandem bike. Ariadna and and Arturo graciously made this possible.  We had a great time together.

Ooooh, this feels so good between my toes! Sam is enjoying it as much as I am.

Bon Dia (good day in Catalan).


Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz


NO PHOTOS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER. 

Ahhhh....

Sam is enjoying the sea breeze. It's been quite balmy here in Barcelona.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo,
Suz




NO PHOTOS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOTMAGPIE.

Hello Mediterranean !!

Sam is here, I am here, and the windows facing the sea are wide open for the ultimate sea breeze effect.  There is something about saltwater air that soothes my soul. To our delight there are black and white magpies everywhere! A warm welcome, and almost an affirmation of my coming here. A sign so to speak.

Copyright 2015 polkadotmagpie

I had thought we would be closer to the sea. It's about a mile and three quarters away. We are on a very steep hill! I had reserved a bicycle. But after seeing the steep narrow winding roads to and from the apartment...it would be crazy to ride a bike here. I looked for cyclists, but have seen none up here. For good reason! Tomorrow I will get a rental car.  Sam likes this, 'cause she can sit in the front seat!

In the meantime, I am working on my first drawings for my prints.



Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz







NO PHOTOS FROM THE BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER.

Off to Barthelona

Sam is on her way already, and I leave in a day for an artist residency in Barcelona.

We'll be gone most of the summer. Sam has packed her bikini and 2 sundresses. As well as wigs!

The last time I was in Barcelona was with Kelley. So I am sure it will be bittersweet at first. I look forward to bringing you some great Sam pictures, as well as new artwork.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo
Suz







No photos from this blog may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the blogger or polkadotmagpie.

A Busy Knife Wife

Last year we started a company called Terzuola Tactical.  The purpose of this was for my husband Bob to spend less time standing at his machines. When he turned 70, and had back fusion surgery he no longer could work the hours he had for 40 years. He'd had lots of design ideas, so now was the time to start making them. First would be to redesign his ATCF so that it was a "flipper", with a 3.5" blade. This complies with most US states knife laws. Second would be a tool in the shape of his dragon logo.  Having other people water jet cut, or CnC has been the bugaboo.  Except for our local water jet man Michael.  Thank goodness for him!

ATCF-EDC prototype

ATCF EDC Prototype

ATCF EDC parts

This year we have a booth at the Blade Show in Atlanta.  Some of the things we will have besides the ATCF EDC (every day carry) prototype are: sticker packs, danger tags in handmade and printed paper sleeves, Terzuola Beads, the dragon tool, patches, t-shirts, and the CRKT first edition knives. And much much more! In the next few days I will post all of our swag.

Danger tags and handmade paper sleeves I printed myself with the dragon logo.

Blue anodized titanium dual action opener

Our tool came out beautifully. We are very proud of it. The one in the photo is Titanium. We also have them in Stainless steel for the show only, as well as blackened Zirconium, and "dragon's blood red" Cerakote edition.  I'll show more before the show.  We've been told that this is the best looking and working one on the market!

My desk with several of our original stickers.

I have been a busy knife wife. My focus at Blade will be to find CnC machine shops that are ready and able to make our tools and knives, that want a long working relationship. Without dependable machine shops none of this will be possible.  We have cut our teeth on this issue, and look forward to working together.

Each day is a gift, open now.

xo

Suz

No photos from this blog may reproduced without the consent of the blogger. 

Only The Good...

New sticker will be ready for Blade.

Life has been off the hook busy with all good things! We started a new company: "Terzuola Tactical." I have been busy designing all sorts of goodies that we will have ready at our Blade Show booth #1046 in June. I'll be posting some of these as we get closer. It's exciting! Many vendors to deal with, such as waterjet cutters, CnC machines, laser etching, and many other talented makers. In fact I realize I live in a world of makers. People who use machines, or their hands to earn a living. It's the best world for me.

Young Walter when his tail was coming in.

I had to share a recent loss with you. I have posted so many photos of my chickens over the years. I started raising the Swedish Flower breed just over 3 years ago. They are excellent layers, and come in a variety of colors. I have about 12 of them. We kept one rooster, and called him Walter.  When we had the Merek's disaster due to ordering other non inoculated birds from Wingshadows Hacienda, none of the Swedish were affected because they had been inoculated. However Walter went blind in one eye.

More young Walter...he would get to be 2 1/2 ft. tall

Roosters can be very difficult. I am sure you have heard stories of them attacking people. Here is the rooster "theory of mind." They want two things: to mate with the hens, and keep all other suiters or roosters away from their women.  My practice has been to bring hand held food with me when I let the birds out every morning. This way even the roosters associate me with food.  There have been a few roosters that saw me as a threat no matter what. But Walter never.

Favorite all time picture. What are these hens saying?!

Last night I found him slumped over in the yard. He'd made his transition to the big hen house somewhere. Roosters don't live as long as hens. Their hearts beat faster. They are basically in fight or flight mode for their entire lives. Walter had about 20 hens in his flock. He made sure all their eggs were fertile. :-) They say only the good die young. He was that. When I go out to feed and water the flock this morning, his crow will be missed. There will be a shake up in the flock. I keep my 2 banty roosters in a smaller coop. We'll see if one of those boys decides to move in with the "big girls."

Walter, I will miss you and your gentle manner with me and your hens. You were not only beautiful, but a great flock master. Thanks for all the joy you brought to us.  I can still see you running to me from across the yard. Long tail feathers bouncing up and down as you ran.  I have several drawings of this photo. This summer I will make an edition of prints of this wonderful moment I captured on film. You will always be in our hearts.


Each day is a gift, open now.


xo,
Suz






NO PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOT MAGPIE.