09/06/2018
05/15/2013
04/22/2013
Looking Both Ways
"I see beyond the road I'm driving..."
Tom Scholz
One of the benefits of attending the Write Now (www.modocforum.org) workshop in Alturas was that it gave me an excuse to drive over Cedar Pass to stunning Surprise Valley.
I've been to Surprise Valley twice before but never during spring. Spring, in my opinion, makes the stark difference between the western and eastern slopes of the valley even more obvious and breath-taking.
The Warners...the western border of Surprise Valley...
Surprise Valley, where the Warner Mountains lie to the west and the beginning of the Great Basin is reached by heading just a few miles east, features alkaline pools ringed by crackling kiln pottery shorelines that stretch the length of its 70 mile long valley floor. I considered it other-worldly during my previous S.V. adventures but to me the contrast is even more startling in spring.
Look one direction, you see verdant green pastures with snow blanketed, tree studded hills providing a backdrop. Crane your neck in the opposite direction, toward "the playa" as locals call it, and your vision is filled with an ominous minimalist high-desert landscape. It's downright schizophrenic but that's also the beauty of it, part of Surprise Valley's charm. It's the surprise of Surprise Valley.
The eastern view of Surprise Valley...looking toward the playa and beyond to Nevada and the Great Basin...this photo was taken at the same time as the previous "snow-covered peak" photo...
The duality of this place is emblematic of how I see myself: I'm this and yet I'm that...
I'm a mom and yet I'm still a kid myself...
I'm artistic, yet practical...
I'm smart and yet so dumb sometimes...
I'm outgoing, yet I treasure solace...
I'm serious and silly...
I'm intuitive but can be oh-so insensitive and clueless other times...
I could go on and on.
Am I the only one?
Perhaps that's why I enjoy being in this yin-and-yang valley so much. I can relate to the dichotomy and contrasts.
The Modoc Unified School District Poetry Slam...I got the sense there was something bigger than poetry going on here...
When I started this blog just over three years ago, I did it to serve as a platform for sharing my creativity. A place that in my busy life I could come to keep a creative toe in the water. I didn't necessarily know where doing this blog would lead but the act of posting weekly provided me a crucial outlet. I could put down ideas. I could share my stories, photographs and projects. Also, I could leave my daughters a permanent record of myself and my days. Lastly, I figured if I posted about things I enjoyed, there might actually be others out there who shared my interests. That proved to be true.
I was amazed and gratified that Queen Without a Country, a blog I was really only doing for myself, my friends and family, began to be visited by people I didn't know. The number of page visits proves this. Eventually growing to a modest yet loyal readership of about a thousand kindred spirits per month and 22,000 views in the three years of QWaC's existence - more than I ever dreamed possible.
Over Queen Without a Country's time in the blog-o-sphere, I was surprised to find that I have a true love of story-telling, both with words and with photographs. Initially, I thought QWaC would be a forum for sharing home and craft projects but I found the posts that were most gratifying were the ones in which I told a story. Which leads me to the Write Now workshop...and that road in Surprise Valley...
My compatriots...and Ray March(far right), Modoc Forum and Write Now founder, instructor extraordinaire...
I signed up for Write Now under the impression that it would teach me about the craft of writing. I have a scant year of college under my belt and though I managed to pull off decent grades in English, I suffer from a serious lack of formal education where writing (or anything else for that matter) is concerned. Write Now instructors Ray March, Joelle Fraser and Sara Gooch came through for me in spades. What I hadn't bargained for was what the class would teach me about myself, things that had little and everything to do with my writing.
What I found, not only as a result of Write Now instructors but as a result of thoughts and feedback shared by fellow classmates, is that "looking both ways" is a common thread running through my life. While looking both ways before crossing the street is a good thing and it's good to see both sides of an argument, you also have to focus on the road in front of you. For the sake of a goal one must allow two points of view to come into focus, providing one clear direction. One must commit to moving forward toward a destination.
I realize I've spent a lot of time trying "to be this and yet that". Trying to cover all the bases, trying to avoid putting all my eggs in one basket. I've tried to look both directions so I won't miss a thing, sometimes losing sight of what's right in front of me. If you're some of this and a bit of that, you end up not fully anything. As the old saying goes "Jack of all trades, master of none". That's me. Find one thing, one direction and stick with it, is my new motto. If I want to be a good writer, I have to commit to it. And the first step is the hardest. Here goes, I declare for all to see:
I am a writer.
I bet he didn't see trouble coming, ha!...
Whew, that was scary. Now let's see where it takes me. It takes me nowhere without tons of hard work, that's for sure.
The first place that scary statement is taking me is to the end of the road for Queen Without a Country.
Perhaps not forever but at least for now, this will be the last post of Queen Without a Country. I want to thank all of you who stopped by to hang out with the Queen. You've changed me forever. Thank you for looking in my direction! I will miss you. I hope our paths will cross again one day soon...
Farewell for now,
XOX, VC
The road ahead...watch out for the curves, California Highway patrol, and deer...
04/15/2013
A Dedication...
This brief post is dedicated to my new friends from the Write Now workshop held in Alturas over the weekend. I stumbled upon these quotes (thanks to my Facebook friends-of-friends, Melinda Sabo, Columbus, Ohio; and Mascot, Oakland, CA) and simply had to share them with my fellow classmates...
and...
It was my honor to be among you...
Back row: Beth Tozier, Karen Fisher, Gene Larkin, Patrick Luna, Sally Armstrong
Front Row: Kandi Maxwell, Me, Kirsten Petersen
Missing: Virginia Taylor
~~~
Thanks a million:
Ray and Barbara March of Write Now
www.modocforum.org
Ray March is also the author of River In Ruin: The Story of the Carmel River
www.riverinruin.com
Joelle Fraser, author of The Forest House
www.counterpointpress.com
Sara Gooch of Clear Creek Editing
www.clearcreekediting.com
The Niles Hotel, Alturas, CA
www.nileshotel.com
~~~
I promise to post more about the workshop next week! Seriously, I promise. For now, my head is still recovering because my brain is so stuffed with new ideas and gained knowledge. When I called home from the workshop to check-in, my 14-year-old daughter, Clare asked how the class was going. I told her that my brain hurts.
Clare replied; "Welcome to my world, Mom"
I promise to go easier on you from now on, Clare. You can count it...
04/07/2013
Whole Lotta Frittata
Frittatas are a crowd-pleasing dish. The traditional Italian crust-less egg pie has been a popular addition to many Queen Without a Country gatherings. Great to serve for a springtime brunch for forty or a light dinner for two, everyone loves a frittata. What I appreciate about a frittata is that you can grab a few basic always-on-hand ingredients, plus whatever meat or veggies you happen to have leftover and throw a frittata together in no time. Here's my favorite frittata recipe:
~Queen Without a Country's Vegetarian Frittata~
~What You'll Need~
Eggs - 6, large
Red Potatoes - 3 medium, chopped into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes (no need to peel them!)
Chunky Salsa - 16oz. jar (mild or spicy, it's up to you)
Monterey Jack Cheese - 1 1/2 cups, grated
Flour - 2 Tb.
Milk - 1/2 cup
Thyme - 1 tsp., dried
Green Onions - 2 stalks, chopped
Salt - 1/4 tsp. (can be omitted)
~What You'll Do~
1. Microwave potatoes on high for 5 minutes or until cooked through (they can also be boiled or sauteed on the stove top, just make sure they're fork tender).
2. Place potatoes into a 9 inch pie pan or scoop into a 12 cupcake pan lined with foil liners (spray liners with non-stick cooking spray) for mini frittatas. Leftover bacon or sausage could be added at this time! Top potatoes with a heaping teaspoon of the salsa, spreading to cover the potatoes (and meat, if used).
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, cheese, flour, thyme, onion, and salt. Pour on top of potato and salsa layers.
4. Place pie or cupcake pan into a preheated 375 degree oven. Bake pie until light golden brown and bubbling, approximately 35 minutes. For mini frittatas, bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Top with remaining salsa, sour cream and green onions. Serve with lightly dressed salad greens on the side for a complete meal.
Enjoy!!
XO, VC
04/01/2013
Tour De Force
| "tour de force: n.; a masterly or brilliant stroke, creation, effect, or accomplishment"; | |
| Collins English Dictionary, 2010 | |
For 25 years, the Benicia Historical Society has sponsored the Vintage Home and Garden Tour. That's a total of 175 homes (averaging seven per year); double that number and you get the approximate number of homeowners who have generously opened their homes to lucky tour goers: 320. Multiply the number of years (25) by 50 and you get the number of docents who have participated over the years: 1,250. Add the ten or so board members who each year take on necessary key roles to pull off this event and it all adds up to a lot of commitment to a cause. In accordance with the above definition, a true tour de force, a genuine labor of love...
All for a good and worthy cause: to preserve the history and heritage of our city for future generations.
The Riddell-Fish House, Benicia, CA...
The first tour I signed up to docent was way back in 1989. I was just a babe - they used to allow kids to docent in those days, ha! I worked in the upstairs hall of Benicia's Frisbee/Captain Walsh House, all dressed up in a period costume and hat. I was so nervous but I did my best to cheerfully greet guests, share information about the lovely, extremely historic house, and ultimately I caught the docent bug - did you know there was such a thing? Don't worry, the docent bug isn't like measles or lyme disease!
The Frisbee/Captain Walsh House, Benicia, CA...
Since that first tour I've docented on at least ten tours, in a variety of historic homes throughout our town. On the eastside, the westside, and everywhere in between. Each tour as much fun as my first. It's always a treat to have the opportunity to venture inside homes I've passed by and admired for many years. At long last satisfying my curiosity about what these homes are like on the inside.
The Fischer-Hanlon House, Benicia, CA...
In addition to serving as a docent on the Benicia tour, I've attended a number of local tours. A couple of my favorite tours were the San Francisco Victorian Alliance Alamo Square Tour and the Head Royce School fundraising tour of homes in the Berkeley hills, which included homes designed by Bernard Maybeck and my architect hero/goddess, Julia Morgan. I've also been on self-guided walking tours of Woodland, Alameda, and Yreka - each a virtual Victorian home heaven in their own right!
Alamo Square, San Francisco, CA...
I've loved old houses as far back as I can remember. I think it's in my blood. Somewhere in my family tree there must be a branch of old home lovers. My great-uncle, Uncle Van was a huge fan of architecture and interior design. I'll never forget the flocked red velvet wallpaper he installed in his bungalow in Stockton. Hey, it was the sixties! Uncle Van had mah-vah-lous taste! And like him, I can't get enough of old homes - or flocked red velvet wallpaper! Growing up, both my grandparents and great-grandparents lived in a magnificent Queen Anne Victorian. The loss of their home to the wrecking ball could also have something to do with my passion for antique homes and preservation. Wherever this passion came from, it's undeniable and seemingly forever has been a part of who I am.
Postcard Row, San Francisco, CA...
As long-time QWaC readers probably remember, my 1930s home was on the Benicia tour last year, giving me yet another perspective on home tours. It was such an honor - and a lot of work - and so worthwhile! Without question my most eye-opening home tour experience to date. Being a tour goer or a docent is one thing, being a homeowner is a whole other ball of wax. Kind of like going from attending a play to ushering to performing on stage!
The Cullen/Henderson House, Benicia, CA...
My years as a tour attendee, docent, and homeowner have laid a squiggly, round-about path to my new role as chair of the 2013 Benicia Historical Society Vintage Home and Garden Tour. Once again, an honor to be asked and no doubt equally, if not even more, rewarding than any role I've taken on so far. I hope to create a positive tour experience for homeowners, docents, and organizers alike because I've walked in their soft-soled shoes (fyi: always wear soft soled shoes on home tours!).
Front porch, Fischer-Hanlon House, Benicia, CA...
For more information go to:
www.beniciahistoricalsociety.org
If you live in Benicia or plan to visit the weekend of May 11th and would be interested in being a docent for this year's tour, email me at:
victoria.cullen@hotmail.com
or call:
707-315-6434
I'd love to have you join me!
XO, VC
03/25/2013
A Small Token
"Easter is the only day of the year when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket"
Unknown
~~~
Easter is a time for giving loved ones and special friends dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies but what if you want to give a special someone something a tad outside the box of chocolates?
Here's a sweet, simple idea for an Easter gift or spring token of appreciation that will be around a whole lot longer than eggs or chocolate - at least in my house and I'm guessing in your house, too.
These adorable potted succulents take no more than five minutes to put together and cost no more than five dollars to make and probably far less. I give them my highest Royal Recommendation for easy assembly, budget friendliness, and just plain darned cuteness!
Here's how to make your very own:
~What You'll Need~
A 2 inch Potted Succulent, any variety
A 4 inch Peat Pot (for starting seeds; sold at garden and hardware stores)
1 yard Jute Twine
A small amount of Shredded Wood Excelsior
Hot Glue Gun
~What You'll Do~
1. Starting a half inch or so down from the top lip of the peat pot (my pot had a ridge that seemed like a natural spot for the twine - see above photo), attach the twine with a dot of hot glue leaving 8 inches of twine hanging (for a bow later); wrap twine around the peat pot a couple of times returning to the point of attachment; give the twine another dot of glue while again leaving another length of twine hanging; once glue is cool, tie a bow. This is the trickiest part of the entire project.
2. Place a 1/2 inch layer of excelsior in the bottom of your peat pot.
3. Place your plant (still in the plastic store pot) into the peat pot. The top rim of the plastic pot should roughly be even with the top of the peat pot.
4. Take a hank of excelsior, tucking it in between the two pots - like a nest!
5. Trim your bow.
That's it! Really, it couldn't be simpler!
Happy Easter & Happy Spring
from
The Queen!
P.S. In case the Easter Bunny was wondering if I've turned over a new leaf (no pun intended), in addition to plants, which are very nice, I still want chocolate...
XO, VC
03/18/2013
The Queen Turns 3
~~Happy Birthday, Queen Without a Country!!!~~
Queen Without a Country is turning three! To celebrate, the Queen wishes to thank her loyal subjects and to encourage each of you to treat yourselves like a queen. Remember, a queen does not ask for time, she takes it! So, take some time today to treat yourself like the royalty that you are!
Thank you for making the last three years of creativity, sharing, and fun possible!
XOX, The Queen
03/11/2013
Don't Stop!!
The other day my daughter Clare earnestly asked, "Mom, what's your favorite quote?"
I have many favorite quotes but I wanted to give her one that would "sum me up", that would express the sentiment about life that I most want her to know I believe in. I told her I'd have to get back to her...
A while back, I took one of those cheesy Facebook quizzes: If you were a Journey song, what song would you be? As much as I don't care for those quizzes, I couldn't resist taking this one. I have a soft spot for Journey (going way back before Steve Perry was the lead singer!) and saw them in concert a number times back in the day.
According to the quiz masters at Facebook, if I were a Journey song I'd be Don't Stop Believin'. Somehow despite the suspect origins of the survey, after all they don't know me, they managed to hit the nail right on the head!
Although very good songs, I could never be (whatever it means to be a song) Lights or Wheel In the Sky. How did they know that I sing Don't Stop Believin' at the top of my lungs in the car when it comes on the radio? How could they know that hearing it never fails to lift my spirits? They're good over there at Facebook.
So Clare, to quote Journey, "Don't stop believin, hold on to that feelin'." At the age of fourteen I'm not sure she has any idea how hard that can be sometimes. Clare, don't become discouraged; don't be afraid; try to remain positive in the face of adversity.
Overall, I'd say I'm a pretty positive person, but like most people, occasionally I experience self-doubt - especially when facing a new challenge or opportunity. Even when a challenge is a positive one, an opportunity to do something that I've been dreaming of for a long time, I have to overcome that tiny voice of self-doubt.
Such is the case with two opportunities coming up in my near future:
I've been asked to chair the Benicia Historical Society's annual home tour, the Society's biggest fundraiser of the year. No pressure! I'm thrilled and honored to be asked but I'd be lying if I didn't also say I'm a little terrified. Really, I'm more of a co-chair because thankfully I'll be working with a team of talented wizened veterans who will walk me through the process and reprise their key roles from last year. Hallelujah! None the less, I'm nervous. I don't want to be the one who burns down a house, or floods someone's basement.
For years I've secretly wanted to attend a writer's conference and finally, thanks to Mr.Greenjeans who's willing to hold down the fort, I'll get to do just that in April in Alturas. The Write Now Workshop is perfect for me: it's small, with personalized attention and feedback from professional writers; it's low-key with no pretense or intimidation. Perfect! I'm excited but I'll admit I'm anxious, too...there's that quiet whisper within...who do you think you are?
I don't know...I'm just me, Victoria Cullen, the woman who's just crazy enough to think that if she just keeps believin' she can follow her heart and do these things. And I really hope that whatever the outcome, succeed or fail, that my four girls are paying attention. I hope they see that I felt the fear and did it anyway...
~Some Other Favorite Quotes~
For Clare, Hilary, Cori and Caroline
May they inspire you, too...
XOX, VC
03/04/2013
Keep On Truckin'
"Like a rock, standin' arrow straight
Like a rock, chargin' from the gate
Like a rock, carryin' the weight
Like a rock"
From "Like A Rock" song by Bob Seger, also Chevrolet truck slogan and advertisement theme song
Dontcha' just love an old truck? Judging by the number of cool old trucks I've been able to photograph during my travels on backroads and byways, I think many people agree with me.
Few images are as iconic, nor as quintessentially American, as the farmer in his (or her!) trusty truck, hat on head (be it a cowboy hat or baseball cap), one hand on the wheel, left elbow out the window; his best friend, his loyal dog next to him on the seat; truck bed loaded for the task of the moment.
These days it appears to be a given that if you own a winery in the Napa Valley, one must also invest in a vintage truck to park out front, winery logo on the door, of course!
Whether used to haul or to hype, left in original condition or gussied up, there's something so captivating about an old truck.
To me, the way an old truck lures you into noticing it is very different from the way you would notice an antique automobile - which are beautiful and attention-deserving in their own right (I would not be my father's daughter without saying this!) - but there's just something about trucks from another age; something soulful.
Perhaps the allure of a vintage truck comes from the fact that these utilitarian vehicles are often expected to work, usually very hard, during their service to humans. A truck's beauty is rarely a primary consideration when new but they somehow manage to achieve it through the passage of time. It's really quite amazing that they survive at all, let alone for many, many decades...let alone while gaining a measure of beauty. Beauty which is perhaps a direct result of leaning into the challenges year after year and chore after chore.
Of course, you won't be too shocked to hear this if you are a regular reader of QWaC, but my favorite old trucks are the ones where their use in the completion of that duty is allowed to show. I'm fond of the rustic relics that possess the glorious patina from the passage of time, the scars of service. They seem to wear them proudly like an old army veteran displays medals on his chest. Those are the trucks I love best...
Here are a few of the vintage trucks I've discovered along the way...
Nickel & Nickel Winery, Oakville, California...
A Calistoga beauty...
One tough grill...
Faded in the field...
I {heart} the paint on this one...
Any place with a truck as cool as this has got to be good...
Santa Fe, New Mexico...
An early truck (ha!)...Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico...
Bits...
And...
Pieces...
Napa...note the wine barrels in the back...
"Truck", a painting by Matt Decker (my son-in-law)...
Gleaming chrome accents...
Pope Valley tow truck...
Hometown Hero...
Pope Valley sign...
Sugar City Sweetie...
Keep on truckin'...
XO, VC
"Truck", a painting by Matt Decker is a copyrighted image and may not be used without permission by the artist
Victoria Cullen
Think Kitty Bartholomew ("it's-not-what-you-don't-have-it's-what-you-do-with-what-you-do-have"), Scarlett O'Hara, and Carmen Miranda all rolled into one big yule-log!
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