lemongardenia

May Tomorrow...

2006-09-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Be a perfect day...may you find love and laughter along the way...may God keep you in his tender care, til he brings us together again. Goodnight everybody! Name that song- why, yes, it is the closing song of the old Donny and Marie show. My head is full of nearly useless little ditties from my youth. I am singing it now because I have made the jump to Typepad. I am not 100% sure this is what I want to do but for now it is. I am sentimental and now that I am wrapping this one up, I feel a little sad, forgetting all the times I tried to load pictures only to have that fail. The many times I couldn't find my blog because blogger was down- all the little frustrations. Those types of things. Plus, I paid the $50 and I can't stomach the idea of wasting that cash so off I go! I do hope you will join me at www.mommo.typepad.com . Cheers!

JACKPOT!

2006-08-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

These postings are few and far between. Life is so full of curve balls these days I am just trying to stay as relaxed as possible and ride it as I can. Sort of like when you are body surfing and you get pounded and you are in the wave and its like a big washing machine and you are scraping on the bottom and don't know which way is up- if you relax, trust in the knowledge that you will pop up eventually and go where the ocean wants you to, it can be a small bit easier. Its the resisting and fighting against what you can't change that gets you pretty beat up. Some days easier said than done, but I am trying!
S0 we went to a sale today and that gorgeous purple beauty is all mine. 12 pounds of swirling pearlized thunder. And matching shoes and the most swanky bag to house it all. And the shoes are my size! All that, in pristine condition for $5! Thats one thing I think so much of our generation lacks- the way older generations took care of things. Things weren't so disposable back then. We didn't need so much either. There was also a rule book inside and on the front was written,"team captain" I suppose this ball has some pretty powerful mojo to go with it. Bowling has really become a family affair. The local alley gave away coupons so each kid can bowl a free game -with shoes- every day of the summer. So if the kids and I go it costs only $5. Now that I have my own shoes it will cost even less! Good clean (and pretty hilarious watching the little ones bowl) fun!

So after I came home with this treasure, I found a package waiting for me. From my colorswap partner, Mary Lynn! It was Nuetrals month and she put together such a lovely package. What I love most was that she included yarn and patterns to go with the yarn. There is a hat pattern with the merino that looks very cute. And that Merino is soft and yummy! Note the open bag of werther's chewy caramels. If you haven't had these, you might not want to- its one of those things that I ge started on and that is it! So I will have my hubby hide these from me so that they last a few days instead of a few hours! I love those little yellow flower quilting pins too. All these lovely goodies- what a great package!! I better go feed those kids. We have been stuck home with horrible asthma this week and we are all getting a bit squirelly. Asthma or no asthma, we are hitting the pool tomorrw. I am sure they will be better by then. Summer is almost over! I need my water fix! Have a great weekend!

Fun sewing...

2006-08-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Phew! It has been a crazy few weeks with out of town guest, a few parties and way too many overtime days at work.I think the worst is over where the overtime is concerned so now I am trying to get out my swaps and my goodie bags to the winners. I hate to make a kid wait for fun mail but work just took over! For fun, I just completed Whip lash's "wardrobe surgery" which you can see modeled above. I am happy with how it turned out. My whole inspiration was the excitement of getting new school clothes. I have great memories of new Hee Haw overalls, A Smile overalls (which seem so horrible now!) and this cute little dress I had with tiny hot pink flocked flowers. There is nothing like fall for new school supplies and back to school clothes! In that spirit, this was made for M out of a shirt I found at Salvation army and an angora sweater I had in my stash. I love the whole idea of turning something into something else. The skirt is made from 6 panels (3 for the front , 3 for the back) cut on the bias so I would get some zig zaggy striping going on. Here is how it all started:

I thought the shirt had a lot of nice details that could be used. I love the embroidery on the front and had thought it would be great on the hem of the skirt but I ended up liking the velvet ribbon alone better. So it became this cute belt.

I love how it turned out. I used some very cute apple fabric from my stash for the back. It is a piece that a friend brought from China and I have been wanting to use it but afraid to use it all up!

I blanket stitched the neckline on the sweater after running a line of stitching on the edges I cut and added a little french knotted "M". The outfit is all very sweet but not too girly to me because of the colors, which I am happy about. I think the belt will look cute with other things as well. Heck, I may make another one of those for her from different fabric, just for fun. I had saved the cuffs of the shirt for a little purse and heck if I can find them. I am sure they are somewhere "safe" and I will find them in a week or two! The purse can wait, I guess. So there is another installment of Whip lash.What a fun project! I love that it gives me "assignments" so I can get out of my usual routines. Better go make something for dinner before they get all crabby!

Birthday fun!

2006-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

It is my sweet boys seventh birthday today. Sigh! I can't belive he is already seven, and then on the other hand, those seven years have been so full it seems it couldn't possibly have been only seven years! We have had lots of fun today. We started out with plenty of birthday hugging and I decorated the house last night after he went to bed which he loved. Tuesday and wednesday there are free movies at Regal Cinemas so we went and saw "Doogal" which we laughed a lot at. Then to Dairy Queen to meet up with a buddy and off to the free library show. This week there was crazy juggling guy and my palms were literally sweaty because he actually had me tense! He had all these plates spinning and then with the tall unicycle and he was just crazy enough that I couldn't tell where the act ended and real guy began! Now we are home for a little R & R before the festivities at Nana's later.
He has been asking for a bag like his sister's since I made hers so I figured it a perfect present for his birthday. I really love making things for them for their birthdays. I tucked a little bowling game into a drawstring bag inside and he was thrilled with both. I feel so lucky that my seven year old still gets excited about homemade gifts from his Mom! I hope that lasts awhile longer. I think it turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself.
Lastly, we used his new bag to put the comments in for the birthday goodie bag drawing! He picked two winners and here they are:
www.simple-studio-journal.blogspot.com who has a 6 year old and a four year old which is almost exactly what we have here, and little Colin (6) whose mom is www.wrensnest.typepad.com. I was happy he was pulled out because his mom said he didn't get as much mail as his older siblings so I was glad he would be getting one. If the winners would just email me with addresses, the goodies will be on the way!
Now I have some more birthday snuggling to do! I hope everyone is having a beautiful August 2!

Books and other treats

2006-07-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have to say thank you for all the kind and supportive comments about my last post. Amy said it was moment by moment and she is right. I know it will be that way for awhile as we watch this all unfold. Its nice to have somewhere to come to help me process. So thank you all!
Time for something lighter. My sweet unbelivable baby boy will be 7 on wednesday . Or in "4 sleeps" as he says. I told him about what I did with my birthday- the drawing for the treats and he wanted to get in on that. So what we decided is that we have a few extra goodie bags from his party that he would like some lucky kids in blogland to end up with. I will say that he is a lover, this kid, so his treat bag goodies are pretty sweet and unisex. I will leave the contents a suprise , but I will say that a copy of one of our favorites, "Diary of a Worm" will be included. I am a plan ahead kind of gal so when I saw that book in the Scholastic book order months ago for only 95 cents each, I ordered 18 of them to use as party favors and little gifts. I have three treat bags so leave a comment with the ages of your kids and how many you have and he will draw a winner on his birthday. He is so excited! He loves to get things in the mail and I love that he wants to do this for some other kids.
Speaking of great books- I was at a garage sale a few weeks ago and it was like winning the book lottery. I got to talking with the woman and her daughter had had a brain tumor when she was young (she is now 23 and wonderul- didn't want to keep you in suspense!) so they had to spend a ton of time at home and in the hospital. As a result, they joined several book clubs for kids. They had so many books! And they were all between 10 and 25 cents! We bought a set called the "lets talk about " series. Its all books about different issues a kid might face, like, "lets talk about bullying" Lets talk about tattling" that sort of thing. The kids love them! I was amazed how easily they took to them and thankful because they really do frame up certain things that I don't always have the best explanations for. We also found these great books- a whole series of science books with the most amazing illustrations (the photo above). I found a few old craft books and other children's books not in sets and they have all been a huge hit. Plus I found a brio wooden loom for $3! So much great really useful stuff. The best part though was just talking to this woman. We bonded over the whole child inthe hospital thing and talked about how isolating that can feel and how amazing it is to have your child get well after worrying so much. I love when you connect with a person that way. We hugged and I left her sale and have not seen her since , but I have thought about her.
Finally, here is a photo of the lovely morning glory that reseeded itself in our yard. L and I planted these last year and they were so nice. I had always heard that the intentional morning glories you plant from seed do not re seed themselves. I am here to tell you that is crap. Everywhere we planted them last year is full of them this year. Only the dark blue though. The Heavenly Blue we planted did not come back. M looked at them the other morning and I told her that they would be closed by dinner and thats why they are called Morning Glory and she just kept saying, No, they can't close, they are too beautiful. It was sweet. She is a four year old who is a bit rough around the edges so its always nice to see this side of her too.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. We are looking forward to being home and having a little fun and getting a few things done around the house. There is a Hawaiian festival tomorrow so you know where we will be! Aloha nui loa!

2006-07-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Does this have to have a title? I can't think of one. This is a photo of a small collection of teacups I have. It started years ago when I was at an estate sale and I saw the prettiest tea cup. (That one 2nd up from the right). Then I found another one at another sale. By the time I had bought four or so , over the course of a couple of months, I realized they were all made by Aynsley China in England. So I decided thats all I would buy. (with the rare exception twice of Royal Albert because it was my Grandma's favorite).
I haven't been very bloggy lately. Long story short, someone extremely important to us will not be with us much longer. I still feel sort of speechless at the very thought of it. Like it is the most absurd thing I have heard. I am still really navigating my way through all of these painful layers. It feels weird to come on here and start talking about my knitting when I feel like my whole heart is a huge wet sponge. And the sponge is so full of wetness that it is just dripping all over. Does that even make sense? Well, sense or not, its how I feel. I guess the good thing about talking about my knitting is that it reminds me that its o.k. to not be completly eaten up by all of this. And truth be told, thank God for my knitting and my sewing because it is a wonderful distraction. One day at a time, right?
I guess times like these are also great reminders of the greatness in our lives as well. And I am really really really thankful that our lives are full and abundant and wonderful. But it also reminds you that really, the people you love are about it. The most important. I will be back soon , talking about my knitting. Goodness knows I have been knitting a lot.

Quilted treasure bag

2006-07-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yay! Whiplash is here again! The thing I love about Whiplash is that it gets me going on projects I might not otherwise have made time for. I have been wanting to make a bag out of some of these fabrics for some time and here it is. This week was rife with challenges and sewing this proved to be necessary therapy and a break in my mind from the things I didn't really want to think about. I intended to do a tutorial but the further I got in this project, the more I realized that I sew the way I cook and I know I will end up where I want to be, but explaining how I got there is not always very clear to those not living in my brain. I love the sight of M, running about town, with her bag on her back. I found one of her purses in my bag the other day and it tickled me to open it up and discover the items of such importance that she was compelled to carry them around with her. I love to find her purses and bags around and dig through for a peek. She loves her bag and I love that she loves her bag. I love all these fabrics and have really been itching to get something made out of them. I guess I will enter this in the "fancy" category for Whiplash because it was a bit involved and the details , like these little ends to her drawstring, while not truly fancy, are afforded a bit of extra effort to make this a bit more special. Maybe its skill though, since I made the pattern up and that took some skills. Either way, I am happy to say that it turned out just as I wanted. L is already going through the shelf of fabrics to pick his out so I can get started on his bag. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Finished!

2006-07-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

And just in the nick of time! Our little friend is on her way over! I think they turned out so cute. The doll was pretty easy though the hair took a little extra thought. I love how the hair turned out and it is yummy yummy yarn so it feels nice and soft. I will surely make more of these skirts- it took less than a half an hour. The fabric I bought for about $3 a yard and I think it is such a darling print. Nor much else to say except that this weekend we will continue with the other side of the yard and I am hoping to cast on a halter top for M out of the blue yarn Iused for the doll's hair. Have a great weekend! Pirates of the Caribean comes out this weekend- I am so excited to see it!

Independence Day!

2006-07-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Actually it was "Independence Weekend". Independence from the clutter in our house, Independence from some of the huge backyard projects we have underway, and Independence from the clutter in my studio room. We have had so many projects going on and we decided to just suck it up and go head first in completing a few off them over our four day break. Needless to say, we are exhausted and will spend the coming weekend doing very little that is work related.. If we don't have some fun this weekend, I think the kids might try to trade us in for some fun parents who don't make them do yardwork!
For starters, I reclaimed the corner in my office/craft room so that my sewing machine could have a permanent home. I love this- I don't think I need to explain this to most of you reading-the joy that comes with a space dedicated purely to sewing things. Ahhhhhh! I almost showed a before photo but I just couldn't. It was so bad! So here is the after: Then, after the kids were tucked snug in their beds, we went through the playroom with a fine tooth comb and purged 2 huge boxes (HUGE!) of toys. They haven't even noticed. Their Grandmas have very close personal relationships with Target and Toys R Us and as a result we were drowning in toys. Ridiculous! Now they are at the Salvation Army. The big project this weekend though, was finishing up the one end of the yard and starting on the other. Here are the befores:
Actually, these aren't truly before as to get to this spot, we spent a few weeks pulling out misc. trees and shrubs, rolling up the old sod, clearing things out and prepping the ground for the new grass seed. We hauled several huge truckloads to the dump, several truckloads of mulch to the space and then even more truckloads of rock. So this is where we landed-

It was so nice to sit out there last night and have it beautiful and functioning. For the rest of the weekend we worked on the opposite side of the yard. There is a pretty large overgrown perrenial garden that we did the mass weeding on. I also moved and took out some plants and added new ones here and there. The space adjacent is jut a huge empty space so we took out all of the weeds and suckers, leveled the ground and tonight we will start putting down landscape fabric and then come the cedar chips. We are going to have the kids playhouse and big plastic climb on pirate ship back there. We will also be landscape fabric-ing the garden because the weeds are out of control and we refuse to use chemicals and poison. Ahhhhh. A weekend well spent- though I am beat! No sewing but tonight maybe...

Weekend works in progress

2006-06-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Those great green chairs were one of last weekends finds. I have been wanting chairs to go with that table for the kids and these are perfect! I love the color and I love the fact that they won't tip backwards. And I love that they were only $2 each!
The little doll will be for a friend who just turned five. I feel like five is such a monumental birthday. Five. I love the sound of it and ,to me, it is the official close to being a toddler. Plus, any other moms of fives may or may not agreee but five is the start of something so sweet. I had a great time with the pillowcase dress and M has been wearing it all over. In fact, she has christened it with a bit of gold glitter that I don't think will come out but oh well! I have made her a skirt from April Cornell napkins (here is the link- I still don't know how to make a word a link!-
http://lemongardenia.blogspot.com/2005/08/did-you-see.html )
So I have these other napkins and a great towel and they want to be made into something this weekend. I am not sure what, but I was throwing things together last night and I have a few ideas. Not sure which way things will go though!
I hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend and stays safe!

Its official now!

2006-06-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Yep, its official. I am 37 and a day. Even though my Dad looked across the table at me last night and said, "So 38 eh" And I said, No, and at first he didn't believe me (!) but I had him do the math and reminded him I was the second born and he then seemed convinced. Crazy Pop! So business things first, The winner of my first ever (though I am sure I will do this again) birthday giveaway is...
one crabapple at arttealife.blogspot.com

I will email you for your mailing address and then I will get your goodies in the mail! Thanks everyone for playing!
Secondly, look at some of my fun birthday gifties. My sister, who is a world class shopper, left little presents all over the house. It was nuts! This was on the dining room table. How great is that thermos? This is the third little white ceramic bird she has given me. I guess I am collecting them now! They really are so charming. And who doesn't like bamboo? She really spoiled me!
Sadly, there was no spoiling coming from our usually pretty considerate neighbors (though there is a love affair with the leaf blower going on over there that I can't even begin to understand. Oh, and good news, he now has a pressure washer...) At any rate, I can handle the daytime noises. And I m even pretty cool with the noise until 12:00 / 12:30 a.m. HOWEVER when you have a backyard full of four guys drinking until 4:00 a.m. , by the time all that beer is drained and it is 4:00 a.m., it sounds more like 40 guys. Oh,and did I mention it was over 100 degrees yesterday? So at 12:00 a.m. in the house, it was 90 degrees - in the house!! So after being woken up every ten minutes by grunting noisy sreaming laughing "men", I had to close all the windows. The I steamed from the heat and because I was mad until 4:00 when they all passed out. We just weren't sure what to do. We figured they would wrap it up by 1. Then they were al pretty lit so who wants to go ask a bunch of drunk fools to please be quiet? We talked to their mom today and I hope that will be that. At any rate, I woke up with that special kind of crabby that comes from no sleep. But hey, we will be in the pool in anopther hour and I will be feeling pretty good!
I have to say a big thanks to Lorinda over at www.lorindarants.blogpsot.com for the shoutout on my birthday on her blog! She is a wicked good knitter! Plus she called me an estate sale scorer extrodinaire which you will believe when you see the treasures I scored last weekend! That will have to wait unitl next time- the pool is calling!
* I just have to say that we just had two very sheepish and sweet boys come over and offer apologies for being noisy last night. The one said he had war buddies in town so they were pretty excited. It made me feel really sad that at his young age he already has "war buddies". Then he told us he is getting married in September and I said a little prayer of thanks that he came home safe and sound to his bride and the rest of the people who love him.

Pillowcase dress & Birthday giveaway

2006-06-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

It seemed time for a little whiplash fun. For the month of June we are just posting things we made that we are enjoying so here you go.I have had this sweet pillowcase for a year and finally got around to making it into something for M. First I thought I would do a skirt but I figure this way, next summer if its too short I can make it a skirt then. Plus I love the look of this- all cute and cool and summery. I had the perfect two tone ribbon in my stash that I think worked out so well. Basically I just cut some arm hole, turned and stitched those down and then made casing for the ribbon. Little tip for those of you with wiggly children; I tacked the ribbon down on both sides so it would be easier to get tied on her. Isn't the embroidery just too wonderful? This dress could not have come at a better time as it hit 90 plus today. Phew!
Secondly, it is my birthday on monday. The big 3-7. O.k. not so big, but it is the first time I have sort of felt like my age sounded old. I don't feel old (except for that tired thing that comes with keeping up with two energetic kids). I thought to celebrate and put a positive spin on things, I would do a little giveaway. Just leave a comment and I will do the drawing on monday or tuesday. Realistically tuesday since Monday it will be 100 degrees- it will be hard to draw a name from the pool which is where I plan to park it all day! I have been seeing people do the giveaways and its just fun . So whats the big prize? One of the yummy candles I did the labels for from B Pure and a sampler pack of my Froy and Olo stationery and tags. So Happy Birthday to me and happy giveaway to you!

One of my treasures

2006-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing all of these great pincushion ideas on blogs and I keep thinking, I could really use a less ratty pincushion. But sewing without this by my side would feel all wrong. When my Grandma passed on (13 years ago), I was given her old Singer and I made sure I got my hands on this pincushion, which was easy because no one else wanted it. She is the one who taught me to sew. And taught me to garden and taught me to see the actual value of things. She would darn socks and meticulously take care of things. She also canned and never wasted a bit. She grew up in Poland and Russia and fled during the war so the things she had later in life did have the enormous value only someone who had truly lived with nothing could respect. She is probably a big reason why I like to can, and grow things, always plant "Early Girl" tomoatoes and buy very few things new. Before she died she put a little slip of paper with my name of it and taped it to the inside of the case that the Singer stands on top of. To get to the bobbin you lift the machine on a hinge and whenever I do that, I see the little piece of paper with my name shakily written down. I still miss her so much. She was such an unbelievable spirit. So strong and loving and she had the most incredible laugh. She always made her own dresses from the same apttern, with or without sleeves. And she would make pajamas for all of us, mom and dad included. I will never forget the pair she made for my dad of white polka dotted turquoise cotton. She probably got a good deal and he wore them for years though, trust me, he was never a white polka dots on turquoise kind of guy! She would always have big plastic tubs of cookies in the freezer for us and we would run down for them as soon as we got there. I still like my oatmeal cookies frozen. I like to suck all the cold out of them and eat the crunchy frozen raisins. (You should try them that way!) Another reason I can't let this pincushion go is that it was made by my Dad, for his Mom. The brown stain on the left lower corner is his blood. He poked himself making it but forged ahead. She saw the charm in that and I do too. The Dad I grew up with was not the one you could easily envision as a joyful child, or a child at all. He was stern and his word was the final word and he was pretty trapped by what the roles of men and women were in those days. He has really mellowed with age and has developed a softness that I am really enjoying. I say "developed" but I suspect it was there all the while though buried pretty deeply.
I am feeling a tad on the sentimental side today so I wanted to share this.

Summer blues

2006-06-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

So the title refers to the blues in these photos that I meant to get up yesterday for my one attempt at color week, but we are feeling a tad blue over here too. Well, not so much feeling blue, as the grey decidely unsummery weather is starting to wear on all of us. The sun is slowly starting to peek out but I am more ready for the warm all day fun in the sun type of weather that has been in short supply this year. I want to go to the pool!
So about the photos. I love blues. The little cat cup I bought in Paris back when I used to travel to Europe for work. I must have had it for 8 or so years now, though it hardly seems possible that those trips were that long ago. It is in the bathroom upstairs that we remodeled a bit when we moved in. A guy we hired to help us out with another bathroom thought there was dry rot so we took the bathroom down to floor joists only to find... perfectly good wood. We ended up taking out the cabinet, sanding and refinishing and covering the formica with these beauties from Pratt and Lambert. Is that right? Is that paint? Pratt and Larson. Thats it. Handmade beautiful way over budget expensive if I hadn't been lucky enough to find them in the Pratt and Larson seconds room. The border pieces would have been $16 each, but I got them for $3. The whole 6 foot counter and backsplash cost us $90. I just love it!
The hydrangeas were blowing in the wind so I couldn't get a decent shot but they are such a lovely color. And the bushes are huge and covered! Thats one thing to be thankful for the grey weather- they usually get all crispy and fried in the sun. They are in too sunny a spot but are enormous so there they will stay.
Last , but certainly not least, are these beautiful blue yarns from Junes color swap. Kathy from www.irisheyesknitters.blogspot.com was kind enough to include a pattern for a beginner worthy lace scarf which I was thrilled about. It seems like the perfect first step into something with a repeat. She also included the cutest ceramic sheep but that walked away very quickly in a little girl's chubby hands! She loves her animals. I hope everyone has a great weekend and a happy happy father's day. I am starting on another softie from the book where I found the pattern I used for my back tack. I think I am getting addicted!

Oh this is just so good!

2006-06-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have to say thanks for all the nice comments on my back tack. It was fun to read everything people had to say about it on this blog and Alicia's blog. To address a few questions that came up, I got the wool stuffing at www.magiccabin.com .It really was a peach to work with and it made the shaping so nice. You know how polyfil is sort of lofty in a plasticy way and lumpy too? Not this wool. Secondly, someone asked about the paper mache case I put all of the backtack goodies in. I bought the case at Joann's fabrics but I am sure they you could find them at bigger craft stores. I painted it and then put oilcloth on it. I just spread a nice thin layer of tacky glue on it and it adhered beautifully. My only problem was when I painted the interior, it buckled a little. I used acrylic but it seemed to be a bit watery for paper mache. It still turned out nicely, but I am not sure if I would paint the interior again. Maybe oilcloth that too? At any rate, it was a great project and I really enjoyed it all. I can't wait for next time!
I may or may not have mentioned the shelves we picked up at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago. We bought three for $10 each.
They reach all the way to the cieling and have doors on the bottom half (though the one here I left the doors off of). They are so good I can't stand it. They were made for this house. They fit perfectly exactly where I wanted to put them. It took a couple of days, but all my fabric (ok, not quite all, the silks and fancys are still in the closet) is now folded, arranged somewhat by color, and out for my viewing and crafting pleasure.
I can't get over how happy it makes me feel to walk by them and pause and just look at them and plan out what I want to do with them, now that they aren't all suffocating alone in their dark plastic tubs in the closet. How great is the stack of greens up above? Ahhhhhh. I am making a needle roll for my newly knitting sister and a softy for my little friend celebrating her 5th birthday. Then some skirts for M, and another softie for L. Then who knows what!

Backtack delivered

2006-06-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get to hand deliver my back tack to Alicia today at her beautiful shop. I had yet to go there so it was nice to get to see it in all its charming cotton candy beautiful prints and colors glory myself. It was also so very nice to meet the lovely Alicia in person, as well as Andy, who was eating lunch with her at the shop. Its a little odd to know things about people that have never laid eyes on your face! They were both as charming and lovely as you would think from reading Alicia's blog. For some reason though, I always pictured Alicia with shorter hair- I'm not sure whose face with the little bob I have been picturing, but now its been replaced with her actual face.
From reading her blog and from emails between us, I knew she is a girl who loves England and English style so I used that as my point of reference. Difficult, however, to get englishy with black and white but I tried my best. We both agreed that it was a challenging set of rules to stick to but in the end I was happy to have to get my brain to think outside of it's normal creative paths.Here are some details- not very ladylike to show up her dress but I liked the bottom of her feet!

I named the bear Sheila after my English mother in law. I stuffed her with actual wool stuffing and I have to say that I won't use that dreadful poly fil ever again. Wool stuffs so nice and allows you to shape nicely too. I read somewhere that when you cuddle a wool stuffed softie, it warms up. How nice is that? I packed her in a little case that I spruced up with glossy black paint and a great oil cloth remenant along with some English treats so that Alicia could have a proper English tea time.
Another back tack under my belt and I am already wondering what those girls will cook up next. It also got me into a bit of a softie run and I have a few others in the works for little friends birthdays. I love how the little case worked out so I am sure the new softies will be packed in their own cases. I just saw vinyl you can buy with the glitter in it. The kind you would upholster your speed boat seats in. I am going to take an internet break for the rest of the weeksend so I can peck away at the yard. I finally found my chocolate cosmos today so I am thrilled. Also THE MOST incredible "Ebony" Dahlia. I will post when it blo0ms- it has dark dark leaves and the stalk is almost black. A Great weekend to all!

Sneak peeks and aftermath

2006-06-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh, back tack is finished and ready to go ! It will be hand delivered friday or saturday. I am happy with how it all turned out- I hope Alicia is too! Who knew I could get so into yellow?

So as you can see, I have a bit of a mess to clean up.While I was busy with back tack, Hubby was painting up the $10 garage sale shelves. The one for my studio is painted and in the studio so tomorrow will be a day of cleaning up my back tack mess and the beginnings of organizing my fabric on their very own out in the open shelves. Nighty night!

My backtack has two heads!

2006-06-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I made two heads and will choose between them. I am making two softies and deciding which I like best. I was totally torn on the fabric so there you go! But isn't it supposed to be done and to our partners by saturday? Why, yes, it is. And Alicia's will be hand delivered by my handsome hubby on friday. He works pretty close to her place and with school wrapping up for the kidlets, its busy busy busy. Its all starting to take shape and I'm feeling pretty happy with it.
So do you ever have those moments where the teenager you think you are gets the cold water in her face and realizes, hey, you are OLD!!! Did I forget that I am almost the same age as my mom when she had that birthday party when she turned forty and everyone brought her canes and Depends? I so vivdly remember that party for her. I must have been about 16. Now I am 36 (37 in a couple of weeks) and I don't recall feeling much different. Well, tonight we interviewed a new babysitter. In walks this 5'11" tan and blonde and young and not wrinkly and looking well rested and smelling good and dressing cute and I think I saw myself through her eyes for a minute and I am that oler lady. That "Mam" that the people in stores call me now. I am not a Mam! I don't look like a Mam! Right? Wrong! I must look like that Mam becuase its not one or two that call me that. Its pretty much all of them. There is the odd "Miss" thrown my way and I swear I practically tear up when I hear it. I have never been one to care about "getting old" but this year, I care. I have never freaked out on a birthday and this year I feel like I might freak out a bit. I think this year has been so rife with odd changes and realizations that I am really more introspective and concious of things. Thats somewhat good and somewhat bad. I am still processing things and I think I want to do something with all of these feelings but I am not sure what. I know one of the issues has got to be that I feel like I have been losing little bits of me ever so slightly since I had kids. Its funny to feel that way when having my kids and being a Mom is pretty much It for me. There is nothing I love more. Maybe thats one reason why I have let some of me slip away. I think thats one reason why I am gravitating toward this blogging process and community. It gets me makin' things which is something I have always always done (but had let fall by the wayside)and it gets me connecting with peers in similar situations. So thats good. On that note, my two heads need a body . Off I go.

Lookie!

2006-06-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, it was a great amil week , but a slightly less great camera week so it took awhile to get some of these photos together. Our digital is moody. I will go chronologically to keep things straight. First of all, I participated in Eireann's (www.baradesign.blogspot.com) trim swap and check out my goodies! I love the yellow velvet and the green with the tiny flowers is my favorite. I cannot wait to use these!! Oh and the brown rick rack is so perfect for a piece of fabric that I have. What a fun swap and what great choices she made for me! Secondly, and very exciting I might add, I got my back tack! Dorie (www.tumblingblocks.blogspot.com) made a perfectly lovely pointy kitty! The M on the side is so perfectly done I was very impressed. My absolute favorite part of this kitty, Is that Dorie used the button to make this gal a Momma kitty. Too too cute and funny! Nice creative use of the buttons! She also packed in some other goodies like the cutest little vintagey chenille fox that is now in the china cabinet looking very cute. Also the softest nicest linen napkins and some fabric to boot! I love backtack-especially when you have a great person backtacking for you! Speaking of backtack, after much agonizing, I mean much concentrated thought, I have landed on what I am going to do for my backtack. I have the advantage of living in the same city as my recipient so I can work until the last minute and still deliver on time!
We thrifted yesterday because we needed bookcases. We ended up finding three nice tall ones for $10 a piece which was exactly in our price range (of what we wanted to pay, not what we expected to pay so it was nice). Course I found a few bits a bobs that needed to come home with me. (thats what the bookcases are for- to store al this stuff!) I love that butterfly fabric. And the paisley is so nice. Pretty good finds, really. The piece on the far right is actually a flocked placemat. So cute. We also finally bought rocks so I can finish the rock area in the backyard. The photos are not as clear as I would have liked because it is grey and gross here today. Not good for photos but wonderful for the green blades of grass poking out of our dirt! Have a great sunday evening!

Ugh!

2006-05-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

From Ahhhhhh last weekend to UGH! this weekend. We spent much of saturday in the constant unrelenting downpour, moving big piles of dirt around and seeding the lawn. The rain this week was horrible. All week . Wet and cold and just really miserable. I was so excited because the roses and peonies had all exploded and were literally covered with these amazing blossoms. And then the rain came and beat them all into muddy brown pulps. Just sad. I brought some in anyways and they look ridiculous but they still have a nice fragrance so that was a nice suprise. The upside of this weekend was a visit from a dear friend who now lives in Holland. Because of the distance we only get together when work flies her out for meetings in the office that happens to be here. Lucky for us or I'm not sure when I would get to see her. Its always an easy comfortable fit with little to no adjusting back to each other. She and her family hope to move out here in a few years so I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.
I did find a good garage sale which is where I got the fabric above. A woman had bolts and bolts of fabric in her garage she was selling off for $2 per yard. The felt is always nice to have and a steal at that. I bought the white fabric with the little red silohuettes with someone in mind so a yard of it will be getting mailed off. I am trying to get a box of projects and activities put together so that when school gets out we can have a big box of projects ready to go. Maybe designate a day of the week to dive into the box. Im hoping it will make my life a little smoother this summer between trips to the pool.
Speaking of the pool, our neighborhood pool opened this weekend. Its great fun to be able to walk around the corner and swim the afternoon away. It opened yesterday and ,though it was grey and cold and rainy, the kids and hubby got in .(I was out shopping with my friend so I had a good excuse!) We went back today and thankfully the sun is out and it is warming up. Here is the problem: Hubby and I take very seriously our responsibility of raising children who are kind and respectful. We don't have cable, we don't have video games, we are pretty "strict" as one might say. We try hard not to be permissive and to help them make good choices and find that balance between being fun and"the parent". ( Hey, we don't sound like very much fun! I promise we do have a lot of fun!) The problem lies in the fact that we are the least lenient parents on the street. There are tons of kids, which is tons of fun, but the rules for them and the rules for our kids are pretty different. For example, today there were peers of my child throwing a ball back and forth across the long end of the pool. These kids are 7 ish- they don't have complete control over things they throw so people kept getting hit. All the parents of these kids were there- yet not one said anything to prevent a child from imposing themselves on the rest of the folks at the pool. This is one example of the stuff going on today. I tweaks me off when we have to explain to our kids that , no, they can't behave that way, but they see other parents saying its o.k. for their kids to behave that way. I guess the bottom line is we have to stick to our guns (which we will) and keep doing what we think is right for our kids. I think we are doing something right because I see how they are and see little ways where they show compassion or awareness of others and I think we are on the right track. Speaking of kids, its time to snuggle for a little before bed wind down- I love a good snuggle!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

2006-05-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Wow. For the first time in nearly three years, we went somewhere out of town, as a family, for the sole purpose of HAVING FUN. Is that as sad and pathetic as it seemed to me while I was soaking in all the loveliness of being somewhere with my beautiful family , all of us just enjoying ourselves? So now that I have been made aware of how wonderful and essential it is to get away just for fun, I am sure we will do it again soon. We used to be so much better at enjoying things a bit. My trying to navigate the whole making money around the kids need came in which meant if I wasn't being mom while my hubby was at work, I was working while he was home. It got ridiculous and I see how much we were missing out on. Even though I wish wish wish there was someway for us to live on one income without selling the house and moving in with our folks (ha ha!), I know having this part time job is a blessing. When I got my first paycheck I held it up for him to see and I said, "Know what the best thing about this is?- We get another one just like it in two weeks!" And that feeling of security is almost as good as the paycheck! At any rate, the beach was amazing. How wonderful is that sand castle? We just came across it on the beach and I just thought it was so charming. It was sunny and clear and warm and incredible. Next time we are planning ahead and bringing firewood so we can have a fire on the beach and roast marshmallows and snuggle under a big blanket, the four of us, while we listen to the ocean. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

Here is a little backtack preview. I am finding about a million fabrics in a million colors that I am inspired for for this project. But wait! I have to stick with the black and white! I am enjoying having to come out of my color comfort zone but I am struggling with what color to use for the 20% color part. I have this incredible piece of very vintage yummy perfect yellow velvet ribbon which I want to use but then I keep going back to the light blue/aqua that I love so much. Only time will tell! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. We are seeding the lawn finally! And then its off to the rock store! I cannot wait for it to be all done and pictures posted!

All dressed up!

2006-05-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

So it is week 6 of whip lash. I am really starting to enjoy this little exercise as it is sending me off in directions I had not anticipated. But now its over! But thankfully I have ideas I have yet to execute that were born of the inspiration I found in whip lash, fodder for future projects.
The theme this week is "color" . How wonderful, I thought, considering my official occupation is "Color Designer" . (yes, its actually a job) especially given that the last few weeks I have been immersed in color as we are ramping up the season. I bought this fabric mainly for the color and the energy of the complementary colors. I have always loved blues and oranges/reds together and this was no exception. I should have taken before shots but its 11: 20 p.m. and time is a wastin' so suffice it to say that the vase and candleholder covered by these cheery little slipcovers are a bit ratty at best. Especially the candle holder. All smeary melted wax. Not attractive. Using the inspiration of the abundance of great big ruffly roses in my garden right now, and the inspiration of that corally colored rose in the right of the shot, I came up with this ruffled complementary colored vase slipcover. And given that this time of year there is nothing nicer than dining alfresco into the wee dark hours of the warm evenings, I made a slipcovered candle holder to go with it. (more of those will be coming as you can't have enough candlelight). So there you have it. A fond adieu to a fun few weeks of projects. The best part has been seeing what everyone has come up with , all with the same starting point. Pretty great stuff out there!

Treasures from China

2006-05-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

So one of my coworkers went to China for work and look what she brought back! My favorites are the apple one and the one to the right of the apple one, but I love them all! I am such a fabric junkie. I received an order from www.kittycraft.com this week and I am in love! What a great place. I have also started my first Noni Bag and am getting very anxious to have it done. It seems like it will be a fairly quick and easy knit, but the felting is still scary to me! I will keep you posted.
So it is time for another round of Secret Pal. I wasn't sure if I would do it this time as last time my secret pal was mia and completely flaked out. The good news is that I found I enjoyed the spoiling as much as being spoiled so I am giving it another go. Here is the questionaire for my sevret pal, whoever youare!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? I dont think I am too much of a yarn snob though I really go for the feel good yarns in yummy colors- pinks ,blues, greens, purple etc. My last spoiler sent me the yummiest baby alpaca and it felt so good to knit that I tend to that direction now.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I don't spin or crochet but I am going to try to learn to crochet.
3. I just got a great needle roll so they are in there.
4. how long have you been knitting? Off and on about 15 years but on now about a year Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I would say I am a beginner plus
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?Nope
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)I like vanilla and tropical florals- also clean grassy scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?I have sweet teeth and I like chocolate but I am trying to finally lose that baby weight. (from several years ago!)
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I love to sew and bead and garden
9. What kind of music do you like? I like happy music. Latin,hawaiian, or pop or anything with a beat you can feel happy withCan your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) No mp3 player here
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love pinks, blues ,purples,greens. I really love most to all colors
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a boy, 6 and a girl 4 ,a hubby and a hamster. My six year old boy is learning to knit now too! He knows how to sew and my mom in law thinks I am going to "sissify" him but Im not worried at all! He loves it and it helps him think in different ways so we will keep it up!
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Sure
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Soft and yummy
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I dont like a real stiff feeling yarn like some of the more mass produced stuff
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I want to learn more techniques so I am going to start doing some of the smaller projects in Lucinda Guys handknits for kids. Really knitting in general is getting obsessive- its so portable!
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I dont really have a favorite
17. What are you knitting right now? My first Noni Bag!
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love it. Nothing better than the stuff people make
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Im still not sure
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? bamboo and aluminum. The aluminum reminds me of my beloved Grandma
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? no but I would like to!
22. How did you learn to knit? Fell in love with a mormon guy in highschool and he went on his mission and I wanted to knit him a sweater. Thats all I remember. Wonder what that guy is doing now?
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 7 years old but I abandoned it without intention of finishing. Does that count?
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Hmmm, as far as animation goes, though its not animation , Im a sucker for Japaneese cute . Animals I like are birds, pandas, penguins, seals, whales
25. What is your favorite holiday? Valentines Day! Chocolate, love and glitter!
26. Is there anything that you collect? Not so much
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?I dont have any- I usually just get what looks good at the knitting store though not very often.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Not that I can think of since I got the LG handknits for kids for christmas
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Really anything sounds good.
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am not a sock knitter but I would like to try that. I will get back with my measurements
31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) June 26

Whip up- Yarn!

2006-05-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

The theme this week was "Yarn" . My first gut reaction was that with my knitting skills the weekend was not long enough to do anything with yarn! Then I thought about it a bit and came up with this. Grandma brought this cute as pie doll cradle from a garage sale over the other day. It was without any bedding and who here can get snuggly, doll or not, in a bed with no blankets? I bought a merino wool sweater verst from salvation army for $2. I thought it might felt but it didn't come close to felting though I washed it and dried it very hot. No matter, I bound it in this cute fabric I scored at an estate sale awhile back. Then I added the little fabric squares. I think my favorites are the pillows. I used the placket from the vest to create the one buttoned pillow which I though was pretty cute ,if I do say so myself. The best part about this little bedding ensemble is that the minute I had it in the cradle to photograph, the kids were running off to find softies who needed a cozy nap. They are already using it and thats the way I like it! I will also say that while looking for sweaters to felt at the salvation army, I stumbled across a 100% cashmere sweater that looks barely worn for $2! My first cashmere and boy is it yummy! I had better get outside because we have been tilling and digging and weeding and just plain wearing ourselves out in the yard. It is coming together so I will be posting before and afters in a couple weeks. I am super psyched with how things are going out there- its looking pretty good! Enjoy your sunday afternoon!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2006-05-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

I think this is the cutest display. Its in the window of my favorite bakery. It was tough to get a good photo of it without a lot of reflection, but I think this shows it pretty well. I love Mother's Day. I love every day of being a mother. My oldest ended up sleeping with me last night as he does every once in awhile. I always end up with his little moppy head burrowed as deep into my armpit as it can get, my arm raised up uncomfortably high. When I wake up on feeling him burrow even closer, I just sigh and smile and count my blessings. Both of my babes are about all I could ever hope for and everyday brings new reasons to be thankful. So to all you moms out there- Have a happy happy mom's day!

The yummiest!

2006-05-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of some labels I did for these incredible candles amde by B Pure. If you haven't been to www.bpurebody.com , you should go. The lotion is the nicest non greasy nice thick lotion that there is. I discovered it when I did a trade with the owner of B Pure quite some time ago. We found each other on www.theswitchboards.com , and I'm so glad we did! Her lotions are also really nicely scented and if I shower at night and put lotion on before bed, everything still smells good the next morning. Its one of those things that makes me feel a tad feminine in an otherwise decidely not very femine existence! I try- I love a lot of feminine trappings but I am tired and short on time so I don't always get too feel very girly. At any rate, Mary asked me if I would be interested in doing the labels for her new candles and I , of course, said heck yes. It is a line called "Islands" so all the scents are tropical in some sense, though not all overtly so. The recipient of the bunny I did and posted awhile back came over and literally buried her nose in one and just sat and inhaled it (and literally drooled all over it!) for quite awhile until we got it back from her. Mary was so sweet and she sent me a big box of candles which was so great. I have been generous with a few but am having trouble parting with very many! I am pretty happy with the way the labels turned out too so that was icing on the cake.
We had such fun today just being silly and enjoying each other's company. We had a playdate with a friend of L's and it was pretty clear there is a little crush at work. They get a tad shy with each other and a little goofy too. They just need a little time to warm up to each other and before you know it they are getting crazy pretending to be different creatures together. I don't say anything to L about it because I know he would be mortified so I try to just roll with it so that he doesn't start feeling uncomfortable about her coming over. They have a great time together so I would like to keep it that way. Her mom told me she was writing his name and drawing hearts around it before they came over so I guess the crush is mutual! Six seems so young to be already getting into that! Time to watch Lost on tape. Have a great thursday!

Pretty Baubles

2006-05-07T23:27:00.000-07:00

I have a thing about jewelry. I love it all. Well, no, I love most of it. I find that I make most of my jewelry, 1. because I know what I like and , more importantly, 2. I'm cheap, I mean thrifty, and it is so much cheaper to make it myself. This weeks whip up was "chic to classic" (or was that Classic to chic... no matter). What is more classic than pearls? So I whipped up some new baubles for the week. I have had these beads for awhile so it was nice to finally get them made into something. I like to wrap the long strand twice around my neck. The clasp is so pretty and the beads all heat up on my skin which I love. It is made with peruvian opal, adventurine (?) pearls and laboradite. The green beads with the pearls are chalcedony and the pearls are tiny and drilled offset which I think looks really nice. I think the earrings are my favorite. Funny thing about shorter hair is that you dont really see my earrings much because my hair is not long enough to pull back and it hangs just below my ears. These are a tad larger so I think they will show a bit more. At any rate, I am happy with them and excited to have something new to wear tomorrow.

Check out the lettuce! Looks so great, and in the nick of time. The tree above the planter is leafing out now so the sun that fed this gorgeous lettuce is all filtered now. That means out with the lettuce and in with my begonias. I got a nice piece of Dubliner cheese to go in our salad. Too good!

Lastly, I was weeding up a storm this weekend ,prepping the garden for new plantings and mulch and who should be peering out at me? We hear the frogs all the time but they are pretty shy about being seen. What a sweet little gaurdian of the garden. Have a great week!

Thrifted goodies

2006-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

The start of estate and garage sales is officially upon us! Atleast you would think so living here- the sun has been out and the sales have been going on. I think that tea set is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I bought it for M, really I did. Or maybe I bought it for us- I mean, it has a weiner dog on it, how could I resist? The other goodies were from a sale across the street. I love the old thread colors and the fabrics are a nice addtion to the stash. The little pink hankie was only 50 cents and was the cutest in a bunch of other hankies that were all $1-$2. I love it when the thing you like best is the most affordable one and not the other way around!
M had a lovely party on saturday despite the fact that her party started at 2:00 and the rain started at 2:05. It then continued to rain for the next two and a half hours and then it was done- along with the party! The great thing about living here is that generally people learn to roll with the whole water from the sky thing. We headed in and did projects and played games and everyone had a great time. I can't believe my little one is 4!

Birthday lei making

2006-04-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Hawaii, one of my favorite things to do would be to gather up beautiful blossoms from our yard and make leis. Someone there told me that when you are making someone a lei, you are to spend the time thinking wonderful thoughts you have about the recipient. How much you care for them, what they have meant to you, wishes for them.
When the kids birthdays roll around I like to take the time to do "lei making" for them. Its not usually a lei that I make, but I make them a gift in the spirit of making them something they will enjoy and spending the time thinking about the people they are and how much (how incredibly much!) I love them. I have many wishes for them and it is bittersweet sometimes to think about them in the future as every year takes them a little farther out into the world. I take my job of helping them be the very best people they can be very seriously. They are both so kindhearted and wonderful we must be doing something right!
This tent is this years "lei" for M. She is a girl who likes her hidey holes so I thought this would be a nice way for her to have a sweet little place to go and read or play or sit and imagine about when she is a mom. She currently has a "baby in her tummy" Her name is Kate and she is a girl baby because "girls come out of girls and boys c0me out of boys". So Happy Birthday tomorrow to my sweet sweet girl!

Here is what is under the tent. It is basically a slipcover for a folding card table. I found the funnel in the garage and taped it to the top. It allows a nice place for the flag to go. Best part- its all portable and put away-able!
I like the little butterfly detail because when its off the table and you are trying to get it on the way you need it- the butterfly orients me to where the front opening is. Plus its cute! I'm off to make her cake!

More Bunny love

2006-04-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a familiar face- only now he has his own quilt too. I finally finished Miss D's birthday package. Now her bunny has his own crate and his own quilt. And because I can't send something to one of the girls only, (Im a good aunt!) I painted the little basket next to him for big sister C. Inside are six tiny chicks and their own tiny quilt too. I hope they like their goodies (Im pretty sure they will!).
Speaking of goodies, how nice is that new beautiful begonia? I need to get a few more filler plants and pot that baby up. I have a sort of begonia love affair going on. Can you blame me? So many different and beautiful plants in the same family. Im all abuzz with garden projects. We are going to build a rock patio. Phew, I am tired just thinking about it but how nice will it be to sit out there on summer evenings , feeling the day's heat radiate off the stones. It should look really nice too. More good new on the garden front: the saxifrage wintered over! I never thought that would happen, but yay!
We got our backtack matchups! I was so patient, hoping that I got a spot and then I got the email! I laughed pretty hard at the email where it was noted that apparently the whole city of Portland is back tacking! Oddly, I am backtacking for fellow Portlander and blogland favorite, Alicia at www.rosylittlethings.typepad.com (I have got to figure out that thing where I can just have her name and thats the link- for now this will have to do). I can say I got a little jump in my belly when I read her name- I am so enamored of her crafting prowess that I feel the pressure is on a bit. Of course I felt the same way last back tack when I had a recipient who wasn't so familiar with. I think anytime I make something for someone I want ti to be just perfect. Without giving anything away, I will say that I have been sitting on the nicest piece of black and white italian fabric I bought at a once in a lifetime yardsale two summers ago. I may finally make something out of it given the rules of the game requiring the use of blacks and whites with one tiny color hit. At first this seemed limiting- I am a Color Designer after all, I love color and play with color pretty much daily so I like a lot of it. It feels good to pare down a bit and be able to focus on one clean color popped off of a black and white base. I will also say that we received a children's book from a book order a couple of weeks ago that is serving as good inspiration- I won't say which book though because that would give something away!
Time for bed! Everyone went to sleep pretty well tonight after a long evening of running around the neighborhood getting crazy with the neighbor kids. That is one of my favorite happy things- to have my kids be able to enjoy such a simple pleasure as pals just down the street to play with.

Whiplash!

2006-04-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to do some new wall art for M's room for the longest time but haven't eeked out a space of time or thought to make something. I truly love to shop estate sales and go thrifting and as a result , I have quite a treasure trove of supplies in my stash. One thing just burning a hole in my stash has been these amazingly sweet little vintage millinery flowers. I was at an estate sale down the street and I think I got a couple of small boxes of them for around ONE DOLLAR. I saw them and scooped them up right away, feeling a little guilty, like I was doing something wrong because it was just too good a deal! I also have a bunch of german glass glitter which I love. The colors and sparkle are really gorgeous and I thought they would be the perfect compliment to my little flowers. Also in the stash are several incredible old children's books with beautiful illustrations. I actually wanted to frame some pictures from a very old copy of Cinderella with just magical drawings, but I couldn't cut it up, even though I make it live in the garage because I brought it home smelling like cigarette smoke. The smell is almost gone now and the pictures are so incredible so I just couldn't bear to cut it up. At any rate, I found some other great pictures to frame, as you can see. The most hilarious of the bunch is actually a scan from a book M and I got at the library. It was titled something like, "Why animals shouldn't wear clothes" When we got to the picture of this poor unfortunate chicken , with his trousers full of egg, we laughed and laughed and laughed. Then we looked at it some more and laughed some more. It still makes me giggle. I finished this trio off with thumbtacks that I glued little flowers and other vintage bits too so they would have cute hangers. And the frames were plain wood that I got at Michaels and Ikea for next to nothing. I used plain fine glitter on the one with the houses and if you look closely, you can see the wood grain through the glitter which I like. All in all, Im pretty happy with M's new wall art. And I am happy that Whiplash finally inspired me to get off my bum and get something made!
Now I am going to take my chocolate bloated self to bed! Hope you had a happy easter!

Happy Easter!

2006-04-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Look at the poor easter bunny- he fell in the mud

Look at all the people- and all the umbrellas!
OK, so I have lived in the Pacific Northwest almost my entire life. For those of you who don't live here, I know you have heard the jokes. And yes, it rains. Sometimes it rains a lot. Sometimes a little less. We are , after all , technically in a rain forest. At any rate, Spring here is a crapshoot. Sometimes its great, a lot of the time its pretty wet. We are not daunted by a bit of moisture, we go about our daily lives with hardly a notice of the rain. Somedays you notice though.Today was one of those days. We got all dressed in many layers and headed out for the annual easter egg hunt at the local dairy. Its great- They fill big open fields with tons of "chocolate" eggs. Some have little stickers and you can redeem those for prizes. The sad thing is that, and you think this would be a given , even though it is intended for the kids, there is always this contigency of rabid mothers , drunk with the possibility of redeeming eggs for all those plastic toys and cheap stuffed animals that run out and grab up as many eggs with their greedy little hands as they can. I digress, we managed to have a decent time despite the rain. The kids had a few eggs to redeem and given the rain there were fewer people than normal so they scored a bonus big stuffed purple rabbit that they are sharing beautifully. They are making a bed for it and playing really nicely and that makes me feel really pretty good.( It also makes me wonder if the kids of those rabid mom's would react the same way given only one bunny between them!). I think one of the funnier parts was after the hunt, watching the people who had been directed to park in the big grassy field next to the dairy, all spin their mudcaked tires fruitlessly. We ended up helping push another guy out and having another push us out. We were soaked, covered in mud and pretty cold but all in all , I had a pretty good time!

We were pretty stuck!

Thrifty goodness!

2006-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun day sunday just roaming around, going to different places we can never seem to get to. First we went to Crafty Wonderland and I saw the lovely Stephanie and Mia of littlebirds fame in the flesh. I felt like a stalker! They were at one of the first tables when we walked in and I recognized them both right away and said something like, I know you! I felt like a dork but Stephanie was very gracious! We even got a pincone for L's sewing kit. Then I spied Baby J from shim + sons, but I didn't put two and two together until we got home. What a cutie though, peering out from his baby backpack. Then we went on to Scrap, where people and companies donate whatever leftover things they have and then you can go in and fill a bag or two with these things and go home and make fun art projects. They have everything- fabric, yarn, funny plastic boxes, tins, we even got a few strips of Tazo Tea labels to play with. I also found a yard of Amy Butler fabric from the gypsy caravan line so I was happy with that. Thats been my favorite collection of hers. After that we headed to the Rebuilding center and right down the street was the greatest plant nursery called Pistil. They even had baby chicks to buy and this funny fella walking around. He is like the Liberace of chickens,what with his perfectly coifed curly feathers.

On the way home we spied a garage sale sign and, given our luck with fun finds for the day, we stopped. It was all fabrics and ribbons and buttons. Pretty dreamy!I got to talking to one of the women there and she told me that her friend was dying of ovarian cancer and they were helping her sell her stash. It was a lifetime of crafting supplies, lovingly cared for, all put out to sell. It sort of broke my heart a bit. I reminded me of the story in "Yarn Harlot" where she and her friend go through her other friends yarn stash because her arthritis made it impossible for her to knit anymore. I picked out some of her fabrics and beautiful ribbons (those are them above) to take home and make something to carry on her creative spirit. I buy a lot of craft supplies second hand ,but I seldom know the origin. Its sort of bittersweet to have the whole story.

On another note, here are a pair of the cutest salt and pepper shakers I found thrifting recently. They are nestled in one of the plants we bought at Pistil. Aren't they sweet?

Birthday Bunny

2006-04-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

I made this little bunny for a sweet little friend who turned two yesterday. It is the wee wonderfuls wee bunny. It was a fun pattern and a quick sew , though I just realized this little bunny has no tail! Not the pattern, but my bunny- I just forgot. I painted the little crate to match and tonight I am going to make a little quilt to go with it. Then she will be in the mail for my sweet D. I can see how this little pattern can get addicting.

Egg cozies

2006-04-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have been the reluctant easter bunny this year. Not much time or energy to get the house festive (I still have to do my taxes!). UNTIL I picked up the latest Country Living and found a really cute picture of egg cozies made of felt. I thought the very idea of making something to cozy up a perfect brown egg was just the thing I needed to spark my easter mojo, so here you go. I think these turned out a bit tall but they were quick and cute and they look pretty happy. I also found this to be a perfect entry into this month's "use what you have" What a great idea. I have been searching for crafting focus and this was just the thing to get me out of the fabric/yarn/crafty store and into the making part. I have a few other projects from treasures I have unearthed in the great piles in my studio that I will post as I finish them.

So much fun!!!

2006-04-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

We got our miniswap package in the mail this weekend and the kids were over the moon! It came all the way from H and S in Norway!! First off, here is what spilled out of the envelope

Little wrapped goodies and bags foir the kids. The green tissue paper happens to be the same color as the new paint in the kitchen!

In all the bootie were these darling little easter goodies. I particulary love the postcards and little eggs. Oh and the chocolate bars had the cutest little wrappers. They disapeared very quickly- M just toted them around all afternoon!

Each kid got a fabric drawstring bag with goodies inside. L just kept walking around all day saying ,"this bag is so awesome!" He loves planets and thinks that there is something magic about drawstring bags! We made one some time ago and he couldn't get over how great it was to just pull the ribbon and the bag closes up!

I think my favorite part was a book they made for us with drawings and photos of our new pals from Norway. They also wrote all about life in Norway- the things they do the types of foods they eat- it was really fun to read to the kids. Plus there was even a little sewing kit wrapped in the sweetest red with hearts fabric! I was sure to put it away right away so that I get to use it and not the kids!
Oh, one more thing- there was a coloring book in M's bag that has the absolute sweetest drawings- check this out

Dont you love their little mushroom caps? All in all we had a ball with miniswap! The good news is that there will probably be another one in late summer early fall. The bad news is that we ahve to wait that long! It was really nice to involve the kids in this and to make some new friends far far away!

The new me!

2006-03-24T23:07:00.000-08:00

I think we probably all have body parts that we identify with- that are dominant features that sort of define us in a way. For me its my hair. I have always had long curly hair. I usually end up putting it up a lot because its big and curly but if I wore it down, it always got comments. Which was funny to me because half of the time I felt like it was just this big wad of hair on my head! At any rate, probably due to this to some extent, I have always had this security blanket of big hair and I have always been a little nervous of not having all this hair. And lately it has really been getting so long . It also happens to be the month of the two year anniversary of my sweet baby girl's open heart surgery. Aside from all the the feelings of relief and joy that she was finally better, the feelings I have about that time are overshadowed by the complete sadness of being in a place where sick children were. Sleeping at the hospital and spending a lot of time there, you meet people and see their kids and realize how incredibly lucky we were that all she needed was open heart surgery. My girl is amazingly well now-better than new, I like to say. The first year anniversary we took a bunch of books and videos for the hospital library. This year though, I went to the salon, and my stylist took that lush carpet of brown curls living on my head, put them in two ponytails and lopped them off right below my ears! Then we put them in a bag and they are on their way to Locks of Love. It was something small that I could do. I can grow hair , and there are so many beautiful little girls (and boys) that can't. There is also something to be said about the fear and sadness that can overwhelm a parent when their child is struggling . It makesme tear up just to think about it. Mom to Mom, this felt really good. Whenever I catch my reflection, I am still a little stunned- and when I run my hand through the tiny peices of hair at the nape of my neck, it just makes me smile. I just feel happy that I did this. Not only because I feel like it was the right thing to do, but because I was able to put my vanity in the right space. On one hand, its only hair! But to someone who can't grow their own ,or have the finances to allow them to buy it, its a lot more.
Now for the crafty part of this post! I have one skirt down and one to go! M and her cousin are geting matching skirts for her cousin's birthday. It turned out pretty cute if I do say so. This fabric is so charming!

We're waking up!

2006-03-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't he cute? We got him at a garage sale a couple years back for $2. I think he is the sweetest. It was such an incredible day today. In the 50's , warm, beautiful blue sky. We spent the day outside and I felt like layers of grey winter crustiness just kept peeling off and it just felt so good to just be. We planted lettuce and pansies in the front planter box. I did this last year and it was so nice to have lots of yummy sald through May. Then it all comes out because by then the leaves have come in on the tree in fron of it and its too shady for lettuce. At that point the begonias go in. Heres the whole lettuce walkway. I love to have the little happy faced pansies greet our guests on the way to the door.

I had so much fun planting- I put in a new limelight hydrangea, another hydrangea from a friend (not sure what color) and a white bleeding heart. Then I pulled weeds. And pulled weeds and pulled weeds. I kept uncovering little suprises and it was like seeing old friends. I was so happy to see this sweet little alchemillia peeking up its accordion leaves. Crap. Blogger wont let me post any more pictures. Well, I guess they will have to wait until tomorrow. Besides, Grey's anatomy is on and Im hooked. And I stiff and sore from my first day in the yard so I am going to go sit on my can and enjoy!

Good finds!

2006-03-14T17:11:00.000-08:00

I needed some eyelet yesterday for the cowgirl skirts I am making for M and her cousin for her cousin's b-day. -Cowgirl skirts because they are having horses brought in for the party. Horses in Seattle in a neighborhood with pretty narrow streets and swanky houses. The kids are pretty excited so cowgirl skirts it is. At any rate, I found the eyelet, and this cute fabric:

Not sure what they will be, but really, so cute. We were on the way out the door- M had charmed the staff with her "good news" about how "Nana's kitty is staying with us for forty years!" (or a week in adult time) and we were just about out and then I saw this:

Its the nicest cotton voile. Airstreams! Those funny trees! 2 1/2 yards later I think Miss M will have the cutest cropped pants or sundress- maybe both! So I will put that on the project pile for when the skirts are done.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

2006-02-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

First of all, wow, this is the second night in a row that the kids have been asleep in the 7:30 neighborhood. Its just odd to be off and doing things other than the bedtime routine at this hour! I thought it was a treat last night , but tonight too? Wow!
A couple of weeks ago we actually had a nice stretch of sun and I made a point of trying to get some product shots taken to put on the site. I strung some yarn on my old $5 screen door I love so much and hung up the tags with tiny clothespins I got at an estate sale. Speaking of estate sales, its starting to feel a little springy around here and its getting me in the mood for a good sale or two. At any rate, I like the way the photo turned out. I love little sparkly things!
We are just finishing up our mini swap things. I am excited to send them off and we have had a really good time getting these things together. I will be bummed when it is over. Maybe I will need to get another one going. The kids have really enjoyed it. (me too!)
I have a busy couple of weeks with freelance etc. coming up. I will admit to being slightly envious of the Nebraska plant workers who won that big powerball. Thing is, I don't need 15 million dollars (thats what each person walked away with). I could do just fine on even half a million. Just enough to sock away to take the edge off!
Tonight we were reading "Crictor" (tonight and everynight) and there is a picture of a goblet shaped glass and M called it a "birdpot" - she meant "birdbath" but I thought that was just really cute. Im easy to please when it comes to them!
Not that I dont love sitting and chatting to all of you, but the season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" is on so I am outta here!

Valentine Kitties

2006-02-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here are the valentine cats I made for L and M. I gave M hers and she was like, oh, thanks! and L was hugging it and saying how it was the best present he's ever gotten. M's is up here on the chair still but L has his with him. He is the supreme lover of all things snuggly! I got to help out at his party at school today and there is always such reassurance after I see so many kids in his class are even more "listening challenged" then he is! The teacher gave them some simple instructions and they all milled about aimlessly. It was actually really funny to watch. All these little ones completely unknowing what to do even though they were just given clear concise intructions! I will chalk it up to Valentines distraction even though I know a little better! Speaking of, I hear them breaking into their candy stash- better go make sure they dont make themselves sick!

Valentines Eve!

2006-02-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

Its almost Valentines Day here so I jumped the gun and gave my sweetheart his valentine a night early. Here is what is left of it.
The boy loves pie. How could you not love pie? Pie is good. At any rate, this particular pie was made from blackberries I hoarded in August and stowed away in the freezer for very special occasions. I even managed to find some peaches and I added those. It was very yummy. Don't worry, we didn't gorge ourselves that much- his floks came over and we shared it with them. Tonight as soon as the kids are in bed asleep, I am going to finish their valentine treats. I will post photos tomorrow. I am hopeful that they will turn out pretty cute. If not, atleast they will be super snuggly because this fuzzy fabric I am using that has coated the insides of my sinuses with fine lavender hairs, is so super snuggly!

Sewing lessons

2006-02-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Marcella left a comment and asked how I got Logan started sewing so I thought I would post one of his projects and do a run down.
The bag above was one we made probably about a year ago (though what do I know! Time is always off in my head!) At any rate, he sat down and drew out his pattern- or basically, he drew the bug. Then he cut out the pieces of the bug from the paper, pinned them to felt that he chose, and cut them out. Then I had him choose thread colors and I actually sewed the bug onto the front of the bag. Then we pinned the bag together and he sewed the sides, with a little help. The main reason I love getting him to sew is that the boy is an amazingly prolific artist. Thats ok but I thought it might be nice for him to get engaged in a little longer process and see how things turn out when you plan a little. His second project, he made a little purse for his friend Callia's birthday. He picked out some poly from my stash (no fraying!) and then he cut out a rough square shape and then he pinned it all and sewed it all together. He picked ribbon for the handle and even put a button on. It was really his project start to finish and I was very glad when Callia loved it! The third thing was a drawstring bag and he thought it was so magical that you just pull this string and the bag closes! We have also done hand sewing with felt and embroidery floss. Our next project is this week for his mini swap partner and he is very excited. So I hope that answers the question! Here is a photo of some gorgeous flowers from our yard from last april. We are so close to that again!! It is sunny this week and I swear it makes everything so much better!

Sort of a corner

2006-02-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

I have been seeing everyone's corners of their homes and really enjoying them so I am showing one of my own. Its almost a corner- the wall right before the corner. I love the chair because it was my Grandma's. She had it forever and I finally reupolstered it a few years back. I love the shape of it and I love the fabric. When I recovered it I found the original tag from the shop where she bought it and it had a phone number on it with only five numbers. I love that sort of thing. The thing behind it is an old screen door I bought at a garage sale for $5. I love the way it looks. I take it to card shows and I can slip the edges of the cards into the slats and it makes a really nice and easy display piece. Plus the table I got at an estate sale down the street of some people moving to Mexico. $35! More than usual but I really liked it. I m a sucker for bamboo. I love that our house has so much "found" furniture. Oh, and hey, did you notice the actual SUNLIGHT in the photo? Ahhhhhh, a small much needed sunbreak yesterday. Just long enough to get outside and breathe fresh air and play with the new stomp rocket.
I feel like a real knitter today. I realized this morning that the big shapeless box of a dress that I am knitting for Maya was probably not really supposed to be a big shapeless box. In my haste, I didn't clearly read the direction. I then ripped out almost all of it (!). See, Im a real knitter now- in the past I would have tried to find a way to fake it but now it needs to be right!

cute find!

2006-02-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

I found this little beauty awhile ago at an estate sale. I love her crazy hair. This idea is so cute- the skirt of her dress is made with little crayon pockets that go all the way around. I think about how many crayons my kids have. It seems like back when she was made, people did with so much less- things were so much less disposable. It makes me sort of sad that things are not that way still. Though by the looks of how many magazines I have under my bed, its obvious I like to have choices and amass things!
Its been a weird week though i finally feel like I am finding some equillibrium again. Last thursday while out with my great girlfriends I ate something- not sure what- but I had an allergic reaction to it. My throat started to swell up and my whole body just felt wrong. Long story short, I got to ride in an ambulance and then got lots of drugs that made me feel crabby and pretty much useless all weekend. Still don't know what I ate but will find out on the 10th. My girlfriends were so great- taking care of me - I do feel bad we had our longawaited fun night out cut very short! The good thing to come out of this is that my sweet boy, who is so allergic to dairy , told me he was happy because, "Now Im not all alone" The only boy who can't eat at school, the only boy who has to carry all his drugs around ,the only boy who has to bring his own cupcakes to birthday parties. Always the only one. I had him pick out fabric so I can make us his and her epi pen cases so they don't get mixed up in my backpack. So I guess thats the silver lining.
It didn't rain today. I could cry it felt so good to be outside!

Crafting ADD!

2006-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Thats a d d (attention defecit disorder), not add. Im sewing, Im knitting, Im beading, Im not finishing anything! I have been pretty knitty as of late and continue to be, but lately, all this Denyse Schmidt madness has infected me! I so need to make some of the projects out of her new book. M and I went to the new remodeled Jo ann's fabrics yeterday and were pleasantly suprised (see photos above). The only thing was we ended up spending more of our time on the bathroom because M had a phantom poop that just kept teasing her enough to get her into the loo, with no actual pooping! Thank goodness it was a clean bathroom. After the third trip, I just told her if the urge came back to hold it til we got home. It was about 8 hours later when that poo finally came! Did I just cross a line? Are you non moms out there grossed out?

I got my elann order today so that means I can send out my secret pal package tomorrow. I did learn a good lesson though- do not buy chocolate for my secret pal until the day the package goes out becuase we ate it all!(dont worry- i will get her some more!)

I am happy to say that my valentines are up on the site and that orders have already come in ! I was afraid I waited too long but maybe not. Speaking of orders, I have to get busy!

So cute!

2006-01-20T22:43:00.000-08:00

This little cabinet belonged to my sister and I when we were wee. It was a lovely (ok , not very lovely) shade of rust. It was at my mom's house and I asked if I could have it and paint it for M for christmas and I got the go ahead. I took her to the paint store and had her pick out a color- without knowing what it was for. Then I painted it up and put it in her room. Knowing I was doing this, my mom bought her the cutest set of dishes for christmas. Last year I gave her a Royal Albert "Old country Roses" tea set and now that set is housed in this little cabinet too. She has a table and chairs in her room and I put a tablecloth on the table and it all looks so cute. Old Country Roses was my Grandma's favorite pattern . It is also my mom in law's favorite pattern so itmakes me happy to see it in there. I am happy to say, the whole thing has been a huge hit with both kids and I am happy to see the little cabinet that I loved so much, now belonging to my kids. My beautiful Grandma, (the same one who favors the Old Country Roses pattern) gave it to us. She was and is such a force in my life . I tell L how she watches over him . Maya and I both have her name as our middle name. She taught me to sew and now I am teaching my kids to sew. She was an incredible strong woman and even though she passed away 12 years ago, I still miss her so much. Everyone should feel as loved as I always felt by her.

GO GO GO!

2006-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Phew! That was quite a weekend! I hadn't realized it was going to be so packed with things to do, but it was. Saturday we went to brunch at my sisters and that was nice. I picked the camelias above to give her- aren't they gorgeous? The photo makes them look like they have glitter all over them. Just rain- in fact I was suprised there wasn't more ugly brown spots on them- they have been taking quite a beating out there.
Secondly, that is M's skirt! Its long and skinny like her. It looks so cute onher and the moms at preschool were all agog when she wore it to the program with her shiny metallic red mary janes- on the wrong feet of course. She intentionally wears "banana feet" because thats just who she is. I am now torn between finishing a dress I have half done for her or starting the mice in Lucinda Guys handknits for kids. I think the dress will win out. Keep you posted!

Yahoo! Its that time again!

2006-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

I still have yet to download my latest photos so here is an oldie but a goodie. I have birthday party on the brain though this house will not see any birthday party action for another three months. This is from L's 6th bday last August. The boy is shark crazy and has about a jillion shark facts in his brain he is willing to share with whoever.
The fun news is that its time for Secret pal seven to start! I had such a great time last time and was spoiled rotten! I got my match today and I was reading her blog and she and I have a ton in common- the dress I am knitting is out of the same yarn that she used in a project she just posted- among lots of other things. I also got an email from my spoiler today and she seems like she is going to be a lot of fun. So here is my questionaire:
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? I dont think I am too much of a yarn snob though I really go for the feel good yarns in yummy colors- pinks ,blues, greens, purple etc. My last spoiler sent me the yummiest baby alpaca and it felt so good to knit that I tend to that direction now.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I don't spin or crochet but I am going to try to learn to crochet.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Sadly they are in a huge jumble in a bag!
4. how long have you been knitting? Off and on about 15 years but on now about a year
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I would say I am a beginner plus
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?Nope
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)I like vanilla and tropical florals- also clean grassy scents
7o you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?I have sweet teeth and I like chocolate but I am trying to finally lose that baby weight. (from several years ago!)
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I love to sew and bead and garden
9. What kind of music do you like? I like happy music. Latin,hawaiian, or pop or anything with a beat you can feel happy with

Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) No mp3 player here

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love pinks, blues ,purples,greens. I really love most to all colors
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a boy, 6 and a girl 3 ,a hubby and a hamster. My six year old boy is learning to knit now too! He knows how to sew and my mom in law thinks I am going to "sissify" him but Im not worried at all! He loves it and it helps him think in different ways so we will keep it up!
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Sure

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Soft and yummy

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I dont like a real stiff feeling yarn like some of the more mass produced stuff

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I want to learn more techniques so I am going to start doing some of the smaller projects in Lucinda Guys handknits for kids. Reall knitting in general is getting obsessive- its so portable!

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I dont really have a favorite

17. What are you knitting right now? The front of a dress for M . The back is done so Im hoping to finish soon (no sleeves. then I am going to do the mice from LG handknits for kids

1. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love it. Nothing better than the stuff people make

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Im still not sure

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? bamboo and aluminum. The aluminum reminds me of my beloved Grandma

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yarn winder, no and whats a swift?

22. How did you learn to knit? Fell in love with a mormon guy in highschool and he went on his mission and I wanted to knit him a sweater. Thats all I remember. Wonder what that guy is doing now?

23. How old is your oldest UFO? 7 years old but I abandoned it without intention of finishing. Does that count?

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Hmmm, as far as animation goes, though its not animation , Im a sucker for Japaneese cute ie anything sanrio. Animals I like are birds, pandas, penguins, seals, whales

25. What is your favorite holiday? Valentines Day! Chocolate, love and glitter!

26. Is there anything that you collect? Not so much

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?I dont have any- I usually just get what looks good at the knitting store though not very often.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Not that I can think of since I got the LG handknits for kids for christmas

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Really anything sounds good.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am not a sock knitter but I would like to try that. I will get back with my measurements

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) June 26

So there you have it. Me in a nutshell.
Things have not slowed down for F&O since the holiday so the studio is calling... Plus the Valentines stuff is almost done so I better go finish that. Sweet dreams!
p.s. I didn't proof read so this could be embarrasingly full of typos!

WOW!

2006-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Does that last post really say October??!!! I knew things had been nuts but I hadnt realized for how long! Well, I am just wrapping up another season of Freelance work and am glad to ahve a little break. The holidays with Froy and Olo were a complete sucess and I am so thrilled about that- despite the sleepness nights and woriking round the clock to keep up with frrelance and F&O. All of that nuttiness paled in comparrison to all that has been going on with my dear sweet Mom in law. I could go on and on and on about it but I will make a long story short. In mid November they found a tumor. They have since removed it entirely but not without of lot of pain and discomfort, and a fair amount of bungling. She went in the hospital around thanksgiving and just left last week to go to a nursing home for a couple of weeks. Theoretically this is supposed to be a level of care greater than what could be provided at home but not as intensive as the hospital. After a week of her being there we realized we could have hired a couple of monkeys or a six year old wil lng to work for candy and she would have received better care. Now we are trying to get her released so she can go home for the first time in alomost two months!! So ,as you can see, the holidays were somewhat less jolly this year- atleast until the part where we heard they got all the cancer.
I have photos to show but I have to get them onto my computer so that willhave to wait until next time. Time for snacks and snuggles so I am outta here!

Here it is!

2005-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

And so here, after much ado, is my backtack! I was so excited to wrap it all up and send it off. And even though I am feeling a little crunched for time these days, there was something so nice about having a sewing project to do. So here is the finished product.

I used a dark maroonie felt , lucious cotton candy pink silk, and that great velvet burnout that I just want yards and yards of. The bamboo handles are meant to lighten the whole thing up and keep it fun. The flowers on the back, the "H" on the pincushion and the flower on the tape measure cover were all done by cutting shapes into the felt, putting the silk behind it and sewing around the shape. I love the way it looks. The lining is so yummy and pink. The pocket inside is trimmed with this fat rickrack with a piece of velvet ribbon over it. Its a happy bag! Just in case she is stalking, I am going to wait and post the contents after she receives it. I haven't heard from my backtacker for a long time so I hope she didn't forget. The good news is though, that I had so much fun putting all this together that I have already thoroughly enjoyed the whole backtack project. I hope she loves it!
I really hate driving- passenging too. I have soem anxiety about long car trips so for this Seattle trip I decided to take some knitting to keep me distracted. It worked. I really did find that focusing elsewhere was a good idea. Especially the drive back ,which was trafficy and no visibility due to all the crappy rain and greyness. It took me so long to just cast on the 355 stitches . Its a skirt for M. I did a ruffley hem where you cast on 4 times the number of stitches you need and then decrease by half the next two rows until you end up with the number of stitches you need. The circular needles kept looping around on themselves and I was a bit woozy from being a tad car sick . After a long time of slowly getting through all this, it really looked liek I had screwed up my knitting by knitting a stitch in the wrong direction b4ecause it kept looping around. Good news- I did just fine and now its just some easy knitting in a circle and before you know it, M will have a new skirt. Im excited. Its so soft too! Take a gander at this:

Tonight's post does have a color story doesn't it! On another unrelated note, I have yet to hear back from the interview Ihad four weeks ago tomorrow. I can't decide if thats good or bad. (ok deep down, I dont think its necessarily good...) I do know that the woman I interviewed with has been out of town a ton. I hope they are just busy. I really have let this one go and decide whatever happens, is whatever happens. On a happy note, the show at my sis in laws house this weekend was great. Not a huge turnout, but a good turnout with plenty of orders. Everyone was really nice and it was a fun crowd. Time to get ready for the next one! But now Im off to bed!

I CAR A PGAN

2005-10-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

So in case you don't speak 6 year old writing, The above says, " I carved a pumpkin" and the very sight of it makes me feel weepy! His brain is unfolding in such amazing ways and I am so blown away that I get to witness it all. Being a mom is like this magical present I get to open every single day! sigh.... drunk on momma love.
(fanfare noises go here) I finished my backtack!!! I am so excited 1. to have finished! 2. that it will be on time afterall and 3. that I like it!!! I will post photos tommorow. I had a little chuckle today though when upon stalking my receipient's blog, noticed that the bag she made for her backtack buddy is essentially the same colorway that I made for her! This has got to mean that its colors she likes! I am going to go ahead and post all my photos of bag and goodies because i figure if she is a backtack blog stalker (like me) then let her have a little preview. On second thought, maybe I dont want her to have any sneak peeks... I will think about this! Time for bed!

Sneak peek!

2005-10-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I hope this looks better on your screen! In real life the colors are really beautiful. Its a sneak peek for my back tack. What you cant see in that dark corner is a beautiful dark eggplanty felt and a piece from a sweater of the same color that I got at the goodwill for $1.19 and felted! I want it to feel really fally and texturey. The top floral piece is a piece of burnout to layer on top. The deadline is fast approaching and I am antsy to get things started. BUT FIRST...

I am busy busy busy prepping for this weekend's "Cocktails and Correspondence "party in Seattle. The idea is that I will bring lots of beautiful sparkly paper goodies and my sister in law will bring lots of sparkly friends and neighbors, we will ply them with liquor and I will sell all of my stuff and take mucho orders to boot! Oh, and those are my famous chocolate chip cookies. I think they would look better if they weren't sitting in all of that grease! The good news is that we will all eat that much less greasyness because so much of it soaks into the paper. That way you can eat 6 instead of just 3 before you feel sick! Truth be told, I am nervous for this weekend. Its unsettling to feel sort of all out there for everyone to see. I usually do this sort of thing with other people too and we always hire people to deal with the money so I am insulated from the actual process of people buying (affirming) or not buying (feeling like you suck!) But the past shows have been pretty good so heres hoping!
I would probably feel a bit more prepared and gung ho if I wasn't so tired from sleepless nights taking care of sweet L, who has pneumonia. Poor guy. Its that stupid asthma. It brings out the mama bear. I just want to protect him and keep him healthy. (both of them really)

Time for dinner! Hopefully I will have something to show for back tack progress (like finished product!) soon. I have done all the shopping for the bag contents so thats something!

performance anxiety!

2005-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

First of all, I didn't proof read my last post so it is chock full o' typos! I never did learn to type without looking at the keys and I try, but not that hard!
So I am trying to figure out my backtack bag ! I have all the goodies to put inside, but the bag eludes me. There are so many sites with such great stuff on them that it makes a girl feel a little shy about it all! I am excited to get started though. i am retty sure I narrowed down the fabric so atleast I am that far! It could change though...
I am trying to get all the Froy and Olo holiday stuff finished and added to the site asap. Phew. Lots of work, but fun so thats good. Im outta here to go do something crafty.

well hello!

2005-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, Im almost embarrased how long its been since my last post, and I am embarassed that I have yet to post photos of the beautiful gifties that cam as part of spoil a blogger and secret pal 6! I let one pal know how fantastic everything was and the other pal's email address is lost and so I have yet to thank her. This is what came: yummy yummy lotion and other yummy bath products with a fantastic eye mask. She has never even seen me, yet she knows I have huge bags under my eyes? I literally opened the package and went directly upstairs, sniffint the stuff the whole way and put it all to use on the spot! The theme was "sps" and ,boy, did I need it! The lotion is gone and I am trying to be frugal with the other bath products . I so seldomly feel like a girl anytime lately that it really was so appreciated. Thank you!!
Secret pal 6 sent me a knitting book of Louisa Harding, who is one of my faves and it was a book I didn't have ! I actually have two projects going out of another Louisa H book right now and I have my eye on one in the new book for when I finish those! She also sent some Burt's Bees stuff which is one of my favorites! I had to laugh, because she also sent the very same candy bar from See's (my favorite!) that I had bought for David that morning . David doesnt know this, but it was the only way he ended up with the one I bought him! And some beautiful stitch markers to boot! So all in all , a pretty fabulous haul! And now I am looking at the calendar and I am due to get my packages out for October! Oh, I actually have a couple of weeks but you know those will disapear!
I am really gearing up for my first card party next weekend. David's sister is throwing it for me. We invited about 65 ,and I am really curious how many will come. She is out of town for a few days so I don't imagine I will get any updates on rsvp's until about tuesday. I have been so busy making cards, designing all the new holiday etc, and getting my mega 200 contribution done for home of the sampler. And trudging through the quaggy mire that is self promotion. I have been hitting it hard and have wrangled some pr for the holiday season. I contacted a woman at www.wickedlychic.com to be considered for her "25 days of Christmas" thing coming out in Nov. and she emailed me right back with lots of great compliments and told me she put me up as "site of the week" that day!! I was thrilled as it was really unexpected and she was so complimentary. It really came at such a good time. Plus, I will be in the 25 days of christmas too! Yay!
I am still waiting to hear form the interview from two weeks ago. She said it would be atleast two weeks until I heard something so Im not too worried, but then I am a little worried. Worried I will get the job, and worried I wont! Change is hard!
Time to go glitter some more cards!

so tired!

2005-09-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that kindergarten is kicking my ass. It sort of a long drawn out emotional thing- I expected it to be a day or two of tears at the busstop as my love chugged away on the big orange bus. I never cried at the busstop- its more subtle than that. And drawn out. Im not one for homeschooling but I just wish we could stay in co-op forever! Where all the parents know each other and you know the kids too. I volunteered for classroom help and have yet to be called upon. I should probably call but Im sure she is just getting her bearings in a new school year. Its only been two weeks- it feels like this has been going on forever!
I did home of the sampler last month and I actually had a good time doing it. I can't wait to get my samples in the mail. I want to do the mega super contribution next month (200 promos) because then you get special mention and promotion for no fee. I really think I need to add photographs of the products to the website. It jsut seems like the person who has never seen the cards up close can't get a feel for what they are really like on the site. I really need tp learn how to update the site myself!
I am fixing to freeze lots of roasted tomato "sauce" (too chunky to be a sauce really) tomorrow morning as well as a bunch of peaches. The peaches may or may not make it to the freezer because they are divine. I have blackberries freezing in sheet in there right now. D's mom's friend gave us a freezer and I had no idea how much I would enjoy it! The thought of all that yummy fruit in the winter is so great! MMmmmm peach pie in January here we come! Better get to bed. M has croup and will no doubt be up barking like a seal all night.

Here I am!

2005-09-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

First, here are the turquoise boots I am so happy with. They are not made for walking as much as ,apparantly, running around at the playground while Mom chases you , trying to get you to put your dress back on. We had a friend over for dinner last night we hadn't seen in a year and he looked at me at one point and said, "Ya, thats the one you have to worry about!" (talking about M, the 3 year old) I figure these fiesty traits will all serve her well later in life!
So awhile back, I signed up for "backtack 2", along with a lot of other people. I thought I didn't get a spot and then stumbled upon, "secret pal6" so I signed up. Lucky me, I got into backtack after all so now I am enjoying backtack 2 and secret pal 6 at the same time. I am psyched, though I feel a little hoggy! So here is the questionaire for secret pal 6.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?- I am not a yarn snob, though I really go for snuggliness and good color.
2. Do you spin? Nope Crochet Nope, but I want to learn
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)Sulfa drugs, does that count? (kidding)
4. How long have you been knitting? I have been knitting for about 15 years off and on. If you condensed the time I actuall y have spent knitting, its more like two years.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I dont even know what that is
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Ilike tropical floral scents- anyhting nice and clean
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Its more like I have sweet teeth.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Lots of stuff- sewing , illustration, beading. Whatever sounds like fun
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) No mp3's- I like pretty much all music, with the exception of some country and really angry stuff
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I like all colors. I guess I dont love brown- unless it is paired with the right compliment (robin's egg blue, pink, yellow greens)
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Ihave 2 kids, boy 6 and girl 3 and we all live with my hubby, their dad. We have a little black hamsternamed Carrot who likes his tummy rubbed.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)Not to lose my mind and to be a good person and mom. To inpsire my kids .
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I dont really have a favorite yarn- back to good colored snuggly yarn, I guess.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? 100% acrylic. Dont mind the blends
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? none
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Things that don't take so long!
17. What are you knitting right now? I am just starting a skirt for my three year old. I saw a little girl at the zoo and her mom told me how to do it. My first without a pattern so we will see!
18. What do you think about ponchos? I had the coolest orange poncho when I was little from my airline pilot uncle who got it in south america. Now though, I am not sure. If it was soft enough, great!
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I am doing my first circular needle project right now so I will let you know.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo for the feel, aluminum for the sound . Haven't used plastic
21. Are you a sock knitter? Not yet
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself and had some help from a friend
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 1.5 years old!
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I must have a favorite animated character, cartoons are about all I watch! I can't think of one though. I love birds and no real favorite animal
25. What is your favorite holiday? Valentines Day
26. Is there anything that you collect? Mostly just fabrics and other things to make things out of.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? Not really, there are so many good ones.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? No

Wow, that was a lot. I hope it helps my secret pal!

I just have to toot my own horn and say how excited I was the other day to get orders two days in a row off my froy and olo site. I got another one today. I just love this! I really do need to get my act together and finish up the holiday stuff. Off I go- time to go to Home Depot. I hate Home Depot. I have cried from sheer frustration in Home Depot. Today all we need is toilet guts so how frustrating can it be?Hmmmmmmm

Breakin the code!

2005-09-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

If you know me and have seen me, this pear will seem strickingly familiar...
Thanks to my friend Lori- www.patache.blogspot.com, I am now having a little color and a few working links on my blog! (I am noi where near finishing my link list so dont worry if you dont see yourself!)You have to go check out her playhouse. I want one for me- so cute!
So at long last, here is spoil a blogger round one, "creativity"

( Wow! I just edited the html and moved this photo where I wanted it! Its like a whole new world!!! Thanks Lori!)
At any rate, feast your eyes... I wish you could feel the towel because it is so nice and soft. The pink purse and notebook are fun and girlie and from a trip she took which make them extra special- sharing goodies from her travels. She also put in some great silver beads with little words on them. I have been stockpiling some beads here and there because both kids are into making jewelry right now. Tomorrow when L is missing his first real day of kindergarten due to his fever (can you believe it?) it will be a great project for all of us. Thank You whoever you are!
I have been busy biting off more than I can chew, trying to get the word out about Froy and Olo. The clock is ticking but I am bound and determined to make some headway this month. I am also hoping a little freelance gig will come my way from one of the many lovely huge companies I freelance for here. It would certainly take the edge off.
On a fun note, my beloved Granny Mop and Uncle Bill are coming this weekend for their annual trip. They are my grandparents, not by blood though, by love. They are amazing and interesting and fun so I am really happy to spend some time with them this weekend.
I have to go do some actual work now. I am going to sleep smiling tonight because I actually figured out (with tons of help) how to do something to this blog! Nightie night!

Wow

2005-09-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Im still in that place where my brain is always half thinking of the tragedy in the south. The tradgedy of the hurricane and the tragedy of the bungled response. I can't help but think about how in disbelief those poor people must have felt ,when day after day, there was nothing for them. And if I hear one more idiot go on about how "they should have left before the storm" I will scream. Scream at them that you don't know what they thought or what they heard or what little to no resources they had to "just leave" . One fundamental thing I try to always keep in my head is to remember that you might think you know but you dont really truly know what a person goes through unless you have been there. And even then, shut your piehole. There is just too much sitting on our big fat asses pointing fingers because we certainly all must have it all figured out. So yes, Im still angry . and sad. And very very relieved to know that my friends from Hattiesburg, MS and Cutoff ,LA are all as ok as they can be given all that has happened. Listening to Christy tell of waiting the storm out clutching her babies in a dark hallway listening to all the trees in her neighborhood uproot and fall (get thrown) to the ground- unbelievable. Miraculously, their house was boxed in by trees on every side but not a single one fell on their house. It took Rodney five hours waiting in line to buy a chain saw that he had to lug home on his bike just so they could cut the trees away from the garage so they could get out. He has continued all week to use that chainsaw to help neighbors and other folks because there are so many many trees down. I read today that they are bring displaced people all the way here. I can't imagine- you lose your home and end up somewhere clear across the country. Atleast I know the people here are wonderful and nice and will take these people in with open arms. We oregonians are a friendly bunch.
Otherwise, things here are moving along. L is starting kindergarten on tuesday. He is so excited- counting the days. I am excited too but a part of me just wants to hold him and bury my face in his neck and not let him go! I try not to let that on to him- i rearranged his room and we painted a desk for him so he can feel like the bigger boy he is. This is why people go off and have more babies. Don't worry- Im not that freaked out by it all!
On a happy fun note, I got my spoil a blogger package in the mail! I was so happy to have some fun mail. I am going to put a photo on tomorrow or the next day. I just need to get the camera together. It was all wrapped in the softest towel though. I am going to make it into something but what? Time to go get some work done while the house is quiet.

Check out my goodies!

2005-08-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

Getting fun mail is one thing- getting unexpected just because mail is another! Leslie from www.thepaperprincess.com sent me these lovely goodies today! I have to say the timing of the little zipper bag is so perfect because I have been cursing not having one on several recent occasions when I just don't want to drag my whole eight pound wallet with me. (not that it is so full of money that it weighs eight pounds- its just mostly misc. papers and receipts and what not). The cards are shiny and heavy weight and beautiful! The really big hit though was the bookplate stickers for the kids. We all flipped out over them and I had to sneak the little ones away so that one may actually find its way into a book! It also answered the question of what to get some of our little freinds for the holidays. They are so charming!
I found a website www.sierratradingpost.com and it is all discount stuff. I found the cutest turqouise roper boots with floral embroidery for M. I can't wait to get them! $19.95 from $70. I love a bargain!
I decided that if I am going to stay sane ( a very fine line right now) I need to take time to go out walking by myself atleast four or five days a week. So yesterday I took off after David got home from work. We have a trail right by our house and it was really empty and so nice. The trail is flanked by tons of wild weeds etc. including tons of blackberries. It wasn't long before walking turned into standing and I just kept popping those full of afternoon heat berries into my mouth. There is nothing better. I laugh at Daria in North Carolina when she talks about how hard she tries to grow blackberries and I spend most of my summer ripping them out of everywhere! They are so perfect right now. Just one of those great Oregon things. The schools are going to pot but the weedy berries are heaven!

Did you see...

2005-08-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, jail must have been good to Martha. She looks great on the cover of her latest issue. Its probably trhe first time ever that she had to slow down a bit. Those are the hydrangeas I was talking about. The other thing I have been doing is "efficiency sewing" I just dont have a lot of time to sew right now so I took some cute on sale napkins I found at Aprill cornell and made them into a skirt. I used four napkins- two of two different patterns so it would be really full. I think it turned out so cute and the best parts are that it took so little time and the napkins are stain resistant so that helps! Off to go work now!

Yahoo!

2005-08-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

I sat down to do some internetting and checked my Froy and Olo email and there was an order! Its always so exciting to find an email saying not only does someone like what you do, they already gave you money! Im enjoying this whole having a website thing.
We went to the pool tonight and had a great time. We were the loud laughy family and we just couldn't be quiet or stop laughing no matter what. Last week there wer a few nights where all the kids on the street came out and played and the parents lolled around laughing and enjoying the summer evening as much as the kids. I just think it doesn't get much better than that. David and I still marvel at how serindipitous it was for us to get this house in this neighborhood on this street. Cool neighbor Bob came over tohelp us with an electrical problem. We really need to have them over for dinner. He made us this amazing crab feast a few months ago. The whole great evening was topped off by our boy barfing NEXT to the toilet- couldn't quite make it! They were so gracious about it! We owe them double!
David and I were talking about pumpkin fest 2005- the culmination of a summer's worth of pumpkin coddling and crap talking about whose gourd is the biggest. I thought the perfect dessert would be smores on the barbecue. I found these fancy graham crackers and homemade marshmallows at the local chi chi foodstore. Now we just have to pick a date.
After our swim I puttered around cutting the non crispy hydrangeas. The ones that managed to snuggle into the bush a bit away from the beating sun, have deepened from a common (but still pretty ) blue to the most amazing luminous earthy green. I just love it. They feel really vintage and special. And good news on the hydrangea front: the one that David mowed over in an attempt to get out of weed pulling has survived! It has come back quite a bit and it looks pretty impressive given it was nothing but a few sticks in the ground a month ago. The other good news is he brought me a new limelight hydrangea to replace the one he mowed before it had come back to life. I love this time of year with the japanese anenomes blooming and veggies for the picking.
Better go get working on that order so I can mail it on monday. I also have a corporate invite project this weekend. I told them we should do a classy pop up and they love the idea. Then they told me, oh not 30 or 40 cards like we had planned, but 100 cards. And can we have them in a little less than two weeks. uh oh.

Fun things

2005-08-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

I got an email from my secret pal tonight. I had sort of forgotten about it so it was a nice surprise. I, being a touch technically challenged (ironic as that is for as much time as i spend on my mac) I set up a supposedly anonnymous account on yahoo. Well long story short (ok , not that long of a story) when I sent her an email, it had my name in bold in front of my secret email address. How stupid is that? Or how stupid am I? At any rate, she knows my name so I hope she will pretend im still a big secret til the end of it all! Think I will send her a card in the snail mail tomorrow. Without my name on it!
Lovely Leslie of www.rubber-sol.com tagged me with five idiosyncratic things I do meme. I have to limit it to just five of the odd things I do?
1. If no one blesses me when I sneeze I bless myself.
2. I check the doors and windows about five times before I will go to sleep
3. I am obsessive about germs and use those disposable wipes even though I think they are wasteful . You really dont need e-coli twice.
4. I wake up every morning promising to go to bed earlier that night and I NEVER do-even though I really believe I will.
5.I have to make the bed every morning when I get up or I just dont feel right.

So there you go. I had a good one for #3 but I read it to David and he cringed and got really judgemental about it so I deleted it. He can be such a stick in the mud.

Time for bed. If I go now and hurry , I will be going to bed earlier- though not as much as I think I should. Nightie night!

Im back!

2005-08-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

I actually hadn't left... Just so busy. Every summer I envision lolling around the pool, going for long walks, eating ice cream, relaxing. Then summer comes and its non stop and nuts from start to finish. We have had lots of fun, and there has been lots of work. I managed toi finally gewt the site up for Froy and Olo (www.froyandolo.com). I found a great webguy and he whipped it into shape in no time. I knew exactly what I wanted- i just need someone to help make it work. If I can't even figure oiut how to get photos on this thing, I think an actual e commerce site is beyond my reach!
I did get my spoil a blogger spoilee the other day. I had sort of forgotten that this was coming so it was a fun surprise. I guess there is a spoiler lurking around out there trying to get the digs on me and this sparsely posted blog is no help! So here are my spoil a blogger questions:
What is your favorite color? Not one to play favorites, I like all the blues, greens and pinks the best.
What is your favorite scent? I love floral scents i.e. roses, plumerias ,jasmine, tuberose and banana boat aloe vera which I will be slathering on tonight for my sun itchy skin!
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Im a maui girl or central oregon (high desert)
Do you collect anything? Lately I am collecting vintage fabrics- heck all fabrics. I love Amy Butler and Kaffe Fasset. And velvet ribbons.
Do you have a favorite tv show? This can be potentially humiliating- right now I find "so you think you can dance" riveting. I also love Malcom in the middle , arrested development , and shark week on the discover channel. I dont think sharks are cruel mindless killing machines though. Its the food chain.
Are you crafty?
Yep. I like to do it all. Sewing, drawing, beading, knitting. The latest thing on my list is I want to learn to crochet.
Do you have kids? 2 beautiful amazing ones.
Do you have pets? One black hamster named Carrot that likes his tummy rubbed. Odd behavior for prey, dont you think?
What kind of movies do you like? I like all but sad, depressing, evil scary violent ones. My top favorites right now are "Finding Neverland " which was incredible , "The Notebook" Oh, the crying, "The Color Purple"," Fried Green Tomatoes"
What kind of music do you listen to?Right now I cant put the new Jason Mraz away. I like all kinds though. I love brazilian, latin, bossa nova.
What kind of books do you like to read? Read? I dont read anymore. Sad but true. I love reading and when I read all I want to do is read so it is on hold until I have less to do!I love magazines though. Thats my reading.
Do you have a favorite magazine?I love Home Companion (much to my surprise) This Old House, Shape, Self, People
What is your favorite weekend activity? Letting it roll out naturally- having a plan or two but really just doing things we feel like doing. A day trip to play frisbee golf, a day at the beach. Just uninterupted good ole family time. And anything spa related.(when I need a break from good ole family time!)And gardening.
What kind of work do you do?I am chief illustrator and founder of Froy and Olo. Along with that I do freelance design work. Specifically, I am a color designer. I color shoes for big footwear companies. Yes, it really is a job.
What do you do for fun? Swim, go walk, knit, sew, draw, laugh with my kids, hang out at farmers market, bake pie, garden

So thats me in a nutshell. It is so hot here tonight. It hit 100 today and the house just won't let all of the soaked in heat go. I wonder if its going to be hot again tomorrow?
Now I am going to try to add a lovely picture of a pot from Aimee's house (a favorite friend ) She and Unky D (her hubby) have the touch with the flora for sure. I need to get me some of those ghost ferns. Until next time...

Hey! I did it! I put the photo on at the top!

oooo snuggly

2005-07-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

oooo snuggly,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

This is the little bad I made for sweet Callia for her 4th birthday. I mad Maya the same one for christmas last year. I should say I made the bedding and mattress- the bed itself is a little vintage number I picked up somewehre. It was abig hit both times. Maya still tucks her little animals into it on a fairly regular basis.
Callia lives with her sister, Delah, and her Mom and Dad in Eugune. Mom is Aimee, one of my very favorite friends, and Dad is Unky D, another favorite. Going to their house is always the nicest time. They make incredible food, all four kids play beautifully together. Oh, and they have unbelievable gardens. When I download those photos I will post them. Unky is in landscape acrchitecture school and Aimee is also quite gifted with the greenery. I will be pulling out about half of what is in our yard to be able to use some of the plants I saw there. So beautiful!

chicken in pants

2005-06-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

chicken in pants,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

This is funny- and in some way oddly familiar...
Its from the book "Animals should definetly not wear clothes" by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.
M picked it out at the library and I was reading it to her last night. When we got to this page, I laughed out loud.
I bought me a huge desk at the salvation army for $25 the other day. Then we moved the bed out of the guest room/studio and now it is just the studio. I cant tell you how nice it is to have dedicated space now. Its so wonderful to sprawl and set things up and get more excited about Froy and Olo. Speaking of, better get to work, I have a date with a lot of glitter!

June Bug

2005-06-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

P1050120,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

Today we had this great collaboration- me and my five year old. He sketched out his bug and then picked the felt and then cut out most of the pieces. (those tiny eyes were too small for him). At any rate, we were both so pleased with our work. He later announced that we should have "sewing club" and that he wants his own machine for his birthday. My boy likes to sew! My Grandma -who taught me to sew- must be awfully pleased with herself right about now!

I'm so brave!

2005-06-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am posting this in the living room with The Beautiful White Carpet. And Im eating spahghetti with tomato sauce in here too. I think Im brave but if I stain The Beautiful White Carpet I'll be pissed! Whats a gal with two wee ones and a husband who is ,ahem, "relaxed" about his cleanliness doing with Beautiful White Carpet? Its soooo pretttyyyy. We bought this house about a year ago and it had been left, untouched for forty some years. It seemed really dark because it was all the wood and brick and rust (we think it was rust colored, original color a little difficult to determine) shag carpet that was the sixties. We managed to do quite the remodel with our own two hands and part of that was to paint paint paint -including the bricks (we painted off white) and new flooring, including The Beautiful White Carpet. It really is so yummy. Its the shag of the 00's. As opposed to the shag of the 60's. We still have lots to do to this house but we love it here.
I'm 36 now. It was a mediocre birthday. I think that after 11 years together, David should know that a little effort goes a long way and I should know that he needs to be reminded, with fairly (completely) overt "reminders that a little effort is appreciated. I will say that I had a great birthday surprise with a package from Lori-lyn! I got a great cd in the cutest little bag. The box even had puff balls floating around in it which was such a fun touch. Yay for birthday fairies!
Off I go to do some more work. Play time is over! (for now) Mo

Lame-o blogger

2005-06-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

I really do have better intentions for this blog! My hubby had the week off and I had intended to do all sorts of things I didnt get to. I did, however, get to lots of things I didn't expect to get to. I had a great week or two with orders coming in from unexpected sources. This made me happy. It also made me tired because I had lots to do. The good news is that I have managed to send most of what I need to to Ruth my web designer. Hubby had a great laugh when I told him I had gotten an email from her asking, kindly, if I could stop doing her job. Truth is, Im detail OBSESSED and so used to doing it all myself, its tough to let go. I had to hear it and kudos to her for being able to say it.
Meanwhile, I just want to make something. I went to April Cornell and bought the cutest vintagey looking napkins on big sale. I got two each of two different designs and I am going to make a quick and darling skirt for M. Its half sewn- I should be able to do this. We'll see!
Its my birthday tomorrow. Big 3-6. It feels sort of like my birthday and sort of not. My lovely friend Beth had a fantastic party for me and her mom ( we share a birthday). I always say Beth could feed the world- she is so nurturing and loving. She made quite the spread of pork chops and shrimp /tomato kebabs and salads and all sorts of yummy things. The best part though was my favorite cake- Banana whip cream cake. I dont eat it very often at all but I do enjoy it a ton! It was a great night about a week ago so I sort of feel like I already had a birthday. I'll take another though. I think we may do the zoo , or go swimming . I do have a date with an extremely handsome and snuggly boy for Shark boy and Lava girl. Should be a great day.
Im off to bed ! Im older now- gotta get my beauty rest! Mo

I'm back!

2005-06-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, its been awhile. Its been terribly busy around here with this and that. Tomorrow I have an interview of sorts and I really should be prepping for that. I have ten years of design work to winnow down into one amazing (thats the hope anyhow) portfolio. I haven't had any sort of interview in five years and Im pretty steeped in my momness so going out into the business world sounds a bit daunting. Its for a freelance gig and I sent a work sample and truth is there are just not a lot of footwear color designers out there and he already said I am going to be doing the gig, I just need to come in and sign paperwork. But it still gives me the willies. From what I hear though, everyone at this company is great and down to earth. Still....
Its still not sunny or particularly warm yet. Its only mid June. My birthday is in two weeks and I am hoping by then to have a day of sun to enjoy turning 36 on. Im not bothered by age or how old I am. All I know is that I still feel about 17! Better go get responsible and work on the book. Ack!

Plant Saturday

2005-06-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

We woke up today and got to go to my favorite farmer's market in the area. It happens to be huge and popular so it gets really crowded. David's buddy Kelly is getting married in two weeks here in town and they live in Seattle so we went to scope the flower offerings and report back to him. God love this boy and his beautiful bride, for keeping this a really heartfelt wedding about their love and not all the fancy trimmings. David is in the wedding and gets to wear his own suit- so nice because tux money is not in the budget . And then the day of the wedding someone is going to go pick up gorgeous bouquets from the farmers market for the wedding. I think thats great.
So as long as we were at farmer's market, I might as well pick up a few more plants . Why? To put next to the big pile of plants I keep buying and have yet to plant? Sure. The kids each picked out a dahlia to grow and I bought (another) goldish apricotish heuchera and an amazing castor bean plant I have wanted since last summer. It has an amzing big leaf and incredible corally pink fuzzy pod things that grow out of it. Prehistoric and dr. suess all at the same time.
Later I had to go grocery shopping and I perused the garden section for a wire vine. They didn't have it but they did have lime scented geraniums! And some pretty gorgeous begonias. I couldn't very well go home without my wire vine so I stopped at the nice chi chi nersery on the way home and they didnt have it either. But they did have all kinds of neat things I cant remember the names of. I bought four more plants there and then asked the guy about where to plant my castor bean plant- He kindly informed me that they dont sell them because they are wickedly toxic. Eat a pod and die toxic. Hmmmmm. My son is 6 and has severe food allergies so he puts very little in his mouth so he is ok. My daughter, on the other hand... She came to me face covered with frothy orange snot the other day. Come to find out she had shoved her flintstone vitamin up her nose. It hadn't looked that big until I saw it firmly lodged in her three year old nostril. Sadly, the castor bean may have to find a new home. Makes me too nervous. We have been through enough with her. Just over a year ago she had open heart surgery to correct a birth defect (an enormous hole). She is rough and tumble and fearless and so precious. We just finished paying all those bills - yep, the plant has to go.
I am happy to say though that Imanaged to plant some of the things I bought in my Guy Wolf pots I bought at a garage sale the other day for a buck a piece. In case you dont know, they sell for $40 a pice at smith and hawken. I love me a bargain.
I have been playing with my fabric stash and am wanting to make more bags. With the website getting staarted soon and oprders coming in I have nt had the time. My mom may take the kids to the zoo on monday so I may have to make it a make something day. Better go get to work. I have fireworks and pregnant ladies to draw.

Oh that wasn't very nice

2005-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

David brought home reeses peanut butter cups (at my request) He brought the king size home- I had one earlier and then he had one and then I ate the remaining two while he was busy doing something else. Im hormonally primed to not leave chocolate bits just laying around and he must know that. Still, I feel guilty having cheated him out of his fair share. They were pretty good, for corporate candy.
Things around here are moving right along. I had an "up " day today, where I felt positive and focused. Yesterday was a down day for sure where I felt panicked and edgy. I did find some irony when, at the peak of my frustration , Jehovah's witnesses came to the door and left me a booklet that said something on the cover like ,"living with all stress in your life" Something to that effect. Coincedence? Im not so sure. It atleast got me to slow down a little and take a breath and get off that crazy panic train.
My panic comes from not having work and not having worked since december. Dont get me wrong, I am enjoying myself. But this cant last forever. I am trying so hard to get my business going and I have made great strides but great strides aren't going to immediatly pay the mortgage. I think they will help down the road for sure though.
My two fun things this week business wise, were discovering www.theswitchboards.com- a forum and community for people like me- entreprenurial types who like to make stuff. Its been a wealth of info and inspiration. Secondly, looks like plans are laid so my website will be getting built in a couple of weeks. With any luck it will be up in time for my birthday- June 26. I hope thats enough time. I willbe so excited to have it.
Time to go and relax a little and lay around and rub this belly full o' chocolate and peanut butter. I finished my month of softies bag and now I just want to make more so maybe thats what I'll do. Cant sit still for too long!

May Flowers

2005-05-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

I picked these lovelies last weekend. We got the funny bowl/vase thing at a garage sale years ago. I just love it and it always looks great with the hydrangea . I have to jump on the hydrangeas to pick them between when they bloom and when they fry because they are planted in far too sunny a space. It would be such a monster bush to move though.
http://photos12.flickr.com/16817885_94e109e46e_m.jpg
Here are some roses too. I love the bright roses.
http://photos12.flickr.com/16818095_a160fef1fc.jpg
And finally, here is my may month of softies submission. I went practical and fun this month. Especially in summer, its always fun to have bags to choose from. Maybe that will be my month of softies theme for the next couple of months. Bags around the theme. Hmmmmm.
http://photos11.flickr.com/16818096_66e91de821_m.jpg
Sweet dreams! Mo

summers over- again

2005-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well, the sun has left. We had two days of 90 and 98 degree heat, only to go bak to the mid 60's again. In a way its good because I still have so much planting to do and the heat like that is not good fo fresh transplants. We have a nice long flower box that runs the distance of the walkway to our door- got to love your 60's tri levels- and it is now full of more begonias , the wintered over licorice plant (chartruse one) wire vine, lamium and some other stuff I cant remeber names for from last year. I love walking to and from our house with the flowers all there. I will take photos and add them later.
Im feeling a little pins and needles today because one of our most favorite couple friends had a plump sweet little fertilized egg implanted today. They have had their share of trials and disapointments where this baby making stuff is concerned. There are people out there who really do deserve to be parents because not only are they phenomenal people, they would be phenomenal parents. Now they have to wait for two weeks of wondering and hoping and imagining this little baby growing inside them to see if it took. It must be pure torture.
I am getting excited to get the estimate for the website I am hoping to get built. I should hear tonight or tomorrow. I am so hoping it is within reach so I can actually get going with this dream business of mine in a real and all over the internet kind of way. I did three new designs for nirth announcements tonight so it feels good to check those off the list. I am hoping to do 7 more designs before the site goes up.
Good news on the pumpkin front, the seeds have germinated and shoved their first leaves through the soil. I say shoved because these giant pumpkins are pretty big from the start and the grow at an alarming rate. David dug and filled his hills for transplanting. Please, god of the pumpkins, give this man a decent pumpkin this year. I hate to see a gourd break his spirit.
Time to finish up my month of softies submission for May. Always at the last minute! I am pretty close to finishing and an evening of sewing will be nice. June is somthing like "June bugs" which sounds like a lot of fun. Im off to finish! Mo

Cookie bloat

2005-05-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

I made my famous chocolate chip cookies for the neighborhood barbeque tonight. The ones with three kinds of chocolate. It didn't take many to get me all bloaty but here I am. So i figured I might as well share my chocolate gateau recipe now. get it all out of my system at once. So here you go.

Chocolate gateau

8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1 cup butter room temp. (butter only- no margarine or lard or any other poor ridiculous substitute for butter. There is no substitute for butter)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla ( i tend to be a bit liberal here yummmmm vanilla...)
4 eggs
1/2 cup all purpose flour. be sure to use the scoop and level technique so you dont over flour it.

Preheat oven to 350
Place chocloate in top of double boiler- I chop it into equal size peices first-and heat until melted. Meanwhile ,in a medium mixing bowl, whisk butter and sugar together until pale and creamy. Slowly stir melted choc and mix well unitl well blended. Add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, until blended and fluffy. Slowly add the flour.
Pour batter into ungreased 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Bake 45 minutes or until the center feels firm to the touch. tested with a toiothpick the gateau should be moist and crumbly, not dry. remove from oven and cool on a rack.

Variation: fold three tablespoons of your favorite liquer into the batter after flour is added. ( I add gran marinier)

I top this with mascapone cheese. I buy a small tub of mascapone and whip it up with sugar and tons of vanilla or more gran marinier. Plop all that on top and drown it in rasperries. fresh ones, not frozen. You dont need the berries but they are so yummy on it.
Its a crowd favorite. As soon as the warm weather comes, I just want to cook for people and get them in my backyard playing horseshoes and croquet til the wee hours. I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend. Mo

Yay!

2005-05-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

I justlove the facts that people leave comments! Again, not so technologically inclined. I keep trying to write back to the people that leave comments to say, hey thanks and all that but I can't seem to figure it out. I did check out Anessa's blog though which I loved and Im probing the depths of my brain for a name for you so I can win the contest. I have to say though that I am one of the folks who likes "pink fifi portraits " I did think it was just for dogs though so I guess I can see why you are looking for a new one. I cant seem to find Mandy's blog though I would love to check it out.
You know when you haven't experienced something for a really long time and you know you love the thing but its been so long that when you do experience it again, you can't believe you lived without it for so long? Thats how I feel about leaving the window above my bed open all night and letting the night breezes blow in. It is finally dry and warm enough to have them open and I cannot beilieve it has been so long! It was so nice. Especially sitting here last night on my computer, warm breezes blowing in, the calls of the wild peacocks that live in our neighborhood every so often. It jsut felt really right and good. David told me he saw them flying (they do fly- i was sort of surprised, they are a bit large) from our humongous fir tree in the backyard. I thought it was so great and magical that they had been in our yard. They apparently felt great and magical about being in our yard because there they were at 3:00 a.m. howling their yelpy howls. And at 3:30 and at 4. Are they nocturnal?!! They woke us all up so we had to close the windows. I still think its kind of fun though. What if they were laying eggs? That would have to be good ju ju.

5432345!!! technology!!!

2005-05-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

P1040782,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

I know this isn't how you are supposed to get the %&&**^$#!!$%& photos on the site, but I can't seem to figure this one out. I keep clicking the picture looking icon in the compose field but it wont give me the box to put the url of the photo in. And while Im at it, How come even though I have a photo saved as a jpg ,it still wont post in my profile section because it says it is not a jpg? I hope someone is out there who knows!

P1040783

2005-05-26T22:41:00.001-07:00

P1040783,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

P1040788

2005-05-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

P1040788,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

Treasure Dive #3

2005-05-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

P1040790,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

I am in a women's artist collective. We came together and formed the Treasure Dive Collective last September. In what has been a pretty short amount
of time, we have really gelled and been able to pull off some pretty great show/sales. There are five of us total and for the last show and going forward we are inviting two or so guest artists to join us. It is a way to offer something new each show and also meet more artists in the community.
Between the five of us we offer a pretty nice range of product from jewelry to cards to paintings to kid's apparel to collaged painted works. As varied as our work so too are our personalities and it has been nice riding this wave with four other like minded but very different women. we have managed to find a way to compliment each other's strenghts and weaknesses.
Being part of the TDC has been such a great catalyst for me to get off my butt and take care of some business. I have such a better focus than I think I would have had had I beed floundering around on my own still. I would love to take the idea to a bigger scale and get an internet collective going with all of the amazing talented people I am meeting on these blogs. Stay tuned, Im sure I will get around to that one of these days.

Mo 1971

2005-05-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Mo 1971,
originally uploaded by meaux mo.

Pedicures and pastries

2005-05-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hi!
Imagine my excitement when I saw I had actual comments on my last post!!! All thanks to Lorilyn, www.dreamlifestudio.blogspot.com my blog mentor and internet friend. I am still trying to get my photo on here and figure out my new flickr account (also thanks to the fabulous Lorilyn). I am on a mac and I find its a bit glitchy with these things.
I had a very nice morning. I woke up to actual sun- and it is still shining. I love Oregon and all that but May has been painful in the amounts of rain that shower upon us EVERY DAY. To have actual sun two days in a row has lifted my entire mood. So my sister and I went out and had pedicures and lunch and pastries from this little bakery. I rarely get to be so indulgent so it was very nice. I picked out a color, sort of deepish sparkly purple red called "Yukon do it" . (I love OPI polish because they put a lot of effort into their names.)
The it I am hoping to do is blow out my little business I do here on the side and get it really going- create a satisfying cash producing work set up. Where I am the boss. I have been the on again off again design freelancer for years now. Its a great gig- if you can get it. Great money and interesting work. The hard thing is here I have been out of work for the last five months and I am not sure when I will work again. We have always been able to get through the leaner times but it really is feast or famine. I have always been entreprenurial and have ,over the years, done all sorts of things. I had my first business at around 18- I made jewelry under the name "Moriginals "(it was the eighties!) I made these paper watercolored earrings . It was pretty sucessful- all my parents freinds would say, you'll be the next Laurel Birch! At any rate, that ended finally though I dont really remember how or when. I got sick of it, I think. My thing now is an invitation/cards/announcement business. I call it Froy and Olo. It is really something that has taken off on its own and now I just want to get a website up and going. Controller that I am, I want to do the site myself- I am a designer- shouldn't I do it myself? Im starting to think no, I need to just pay someone or the site may never get up! I have as much as a homepage www.froyandolo.com. I have had that for like, three months. I need to bite the bullet but we are in a "famine" period so Im not sure how to get one made and paid for! At any rate, thats where my head is today. I think I will go dif through the recipe files so I can pass along my choco. gateau recipe by the weekend. Mo

2005-05-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome!
I have officially gone from blog voyeur to blogger today. It feels weird to be doing this and feel like I am not talking to anyone but I'm sure I will get used to it. I figured it would be a great way to learn a little more about how internet crap works. Now I just have to make it something I would want to read. I had a whole list of names that wouldn't work which is funny given that I made stuff up just to find an available name and it still took so many tries.
I wonder how I add pictures? I think at this point, for my first entry, I will share the lemon custard ice cream recipe I found in the paper the other day.

Lemon Custard Ice Cream
Makes about 11/2 quarts
The yellow outer skin of a lemon, called the zest, contains aromatic oils, which best convey its distinct sweet-tart flavor. This tartness is a perfect foil to the rich custard ice cream.
6 medium lemons (about 11/2 pounds)
11/3 cups granulated sugar (divided)
2 cups whipping cream
2 cups milk
2 egg yolks
11/2 teaspoons vanilla
Using a vegetable brush and warm water, wash the lemons well; pat dry. Using a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler, remove only the yellow zest of the lemon skins, not the bitter white pith. Set the lemons aside to juice.
In a food processor or blender, combine the strips of lemon zest with 1/3 cup of the sugar. Process until the zest is finely minced, about 30 seconds.
In a heavy, medium, nonreactive saucepan, combine the minced lemon zest and sugar with the remaining 1 cup sugar, the cream and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, 6 to 8 minutes.
Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot lemon cream. Return the mixture to the saucepan, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until the custard thickens enough to coat a metal or wooden spoon (at least 160 degrees on a candy thermometer), 5 to 10 minutes. Do not boil or the egg yolks will curdle.
Pour into a bowl and cover loosely. Let cool 1 hour at room temperature.
Squeeze 3/4 cup juice from the lemons, discarding any seeds. Add the lemon juice and vanilla to the custard, stirring to blend. Refrigerate, covered, until very cold, at least 6 hours or as long as 3 days.
Stir the lemon custard and pour into the canister of an ice cream maker. Freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Transfer to a covered container and freeze at least 3 hours or as long as 3 days.
-- From "The Best Ice Cream Maker Cookbook Ever" by Peggy Fallon

I think I want to try it with limes or oranges and plop it on this amazing chocloate gateau recipe I have. I will dig it out and share it another day. Yummy! At any rate, I am jonesing a little summer weather so we can sit outside in the beautiful backyard and have parties where we eat things like lemon custard ice cream on chocolate cake. And pie. And tons of tomatoes and basil.
Tomorrow it is supposed to not rain, though it has rained so much lately, day after day after day, huge heavy jumbo drops of rain. I suppose I should be thankful they aren't cold raindrops. I am going to plant my tomatoes rain or shine and David is going to try to plant his pumpkins. He is the brain behind our huge pumpkin grow off. He got everyone roped into it last year, handing out Atlantic Dill giant pumpkin seeds. Atlantic Dills are the world record holder for the biggest pumpkin which was like, 1300 lbs or some such craziness. Imagine the disapointment when after such careful nurturing (I am serious about that- he rigged up special tents with plastic sheeting and pvc pipes, kept the pumpkin journal, watered dilligently, hand pollinated etc. etc. etc.) and so much smack talking, Dave's prize pumpkin came in at 8 pounds. About half of the weight of my mom's cat. Granted its a hugely fat cat but that had to sting a little. Plus all the pumpkins ended up looking like boobs. Just the way the stems grew. He should have atleast been happy about that. This year he has selected a new spot for his pumpkins and is ready to jump in and redeem himself a little. As for me, I am putting in one early girl tomato in homage to my beautiful Grandma, a sungold- little orange tomatoes and a green zebra. I cant figure out why I feel the need to plant this one again since the last two years have been disapointing yeilds. It does look and taste amazing though with purple basil all chopped in with it. What you eat should be pretty.
As far as non food planting goes, I bought the most beautiful geranium called "midnight reiter". It has spiky dark dark purple leaves. I'm a foliage girl. Not that I dont like flowers, I love flowers, but there is some good foliage out there.
Off I go to try to figure out the rest of this blog thing! Enjoy the weekend!