Contract

Just as buying a "real couch" makes me feel a little more grown up, so does signing a contract to be a contributor to a published book...a quilting book no less! My virtual quilting bee, Block Party, is being turned into a book that will be written by our fearless leaders Kristen and Alissa and published by C&T Publishing, a quilting and fiber arts company. As members of the bee, each of us have been given one of the twelve chapters in which our quilt will be featured.

More than a "how-to" manual, the book will also speak to the emergence of virtual quilting bees and the sense of community crafters have found online. Modern quilters unite!

All Grown Up

It is my experience that the modern world is majorly lacking in official rites of passage. As a twenty-something, I find myself constantly questioning whether I'm really an adult or when it was - if yet - that I "grew up." Am I "legit" when I am done with college? When I have a job? If I get married? When I buy a car? If I have my own apartment? When I contribute to society? When I find out what I want to "be?" Maybe people have always felt this way throughout the centuries, but I think it's safe to assume most modern-day young adults don't quite know where they fit into the landscape of "adulthood" and where it started.

At long last, I might be one step closer to feeling a little more grown up. We bought a new couch that screams sophistication. Nothing says, "I'm responsible and have a job and can pay my bills," like a grown up couch ordered from a store and delivered to your house. Just look at this beauty. Modern design. Tweed upholstery. Clean lines. Perfect.

Until a few weeks ago, I had an old set of couches for almost 6 years that had an imaginary sign on them that read "bachelor pad." Now rid of them, I can face the coming challenges and responsibilities that are sure to come in life knowing that at least we have the couch of our dreams.

Just Try It

Are there any lunatics out there who don't like pizza? I didn't think so.

I imagine that if I were forced to only eat pizza for the rest of my life, I'd be as happy as a clam. Sure, I'd tire of it eventually, but not if I could change it up and put a new spin on a classic. Here's a doozy for you: Asparagus, Tomato, and Goat-Cheese Pizza. You read that right, and it's to die for.

When my friend first made this recipe years ago, I initially scoffed at the idea. Little did I know how well these flavors mesh atop some Pillsbury dough. I plan on cuddling up this weekend while this gem bakes in the oven!

Asparagus, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Pizza

Ingredients
10 spears thin asparagus, trimmed, and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1.5 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
1 10 oz tube refrigerated pizza crust dough (such as Pillsbury)
1 14 1/2 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings, drained
1 5.5 oz log soft goat cheese (or more if you want)
Marjoram, chopped (optional)
Ground (cayenne) red pepper (not optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss asparagus with oil in medium bowl to coat. Unroll pizza dough on baking sheet, forming 9x12-inch rectangle. Spoon tomatoes over dough, leaving 3/4-inch plain border. Scatter oiled asparagus over tomatoes. Bake pizza 7 minutes. Remove from oven. Crumble goat cheese over pizza. Sprinkle lightly with marjoram and crushed pepper. Bake until crust is golden around edges, about 9 minutes longer.