Martha, Martha, Martha

There is something you should know about me: I love Martha Stewart. Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated with her. It might be because my mother looks a lot like her - albeit younger - or that I admire her ability to prove women can be domestic goddesses and badasses simultaneously. The one thing I really enjoy is her magazine, Living. Having said that, I know I'm going to have to get rid of some of my these magazines as they will eventually overrun our home. I've actually decided - in an attempt to save money - to not renew my subscription, as well. That was rough, but I work right near a Borders so I can sneak a peak at lunch. Thus, I've been tearing out things that I just love from each magazine - after making sure to take in every precious page - and telling myself I will then recycle what's left of the magazine (of course, I've always removed the four complimentary recipes from each issue). I've often used pages over the years to wrap gifts, as that's environmental and my friends enjoy the recipes I try to wrap on the topside so they can use them if they like. Today I'm recycling the September 2010 Home Issue. Before I do so, I will share some pieces that were featured in this addition. Now, what you must know if you don't already, is that Martha doesn't live in the same world as you and me. She doesn't have to and she shouldn't have to - she's earned her way into a world where stories about "how to stock your pantry" and "how to host a modern tea party" are commonplace and ubiquitous. But, that's what so awesome about Living. It's above and beyond and makes me think outside of the norm and allows me to dream. I will share with you three pieces that were in the September 2010 issue that were of particular interest to me. One was her story on icing. Yes, that's correct, icing. I need not say more. The second was a story about a man named Carlos Cortes - there's an accent on the last "e" that I can't insert - who is a faux-bois (directly translated from French as fake wood) artisan. This means that he makes furniture out of cement that he fashions to look like wood. Third, was the story about sedums, which are extremely forgiving perennials. These pieces were just a few of the great reads in this one issue. It will be with a heavy heart that I recycle it. I hope Martha isn't out there in cyberspace reading this.