This month I am:
Growing ...
Houseplants. Aloe Vera. I bought seeds for this summer's garden, but haven't planted them yet. That's a project for March. :O)
Reading ...
The Queen's Fool (Phillipa Gregory) So far, so good (I'm about halfway through it.)
I reread the Twilight Saga. Obsessed, I know.
Watching ...
Caillou, Curious George. What? My kid isn't napping, so I can't watch my TV. The Tivo is SERIOUSLY backed up.
Dreaming ...
Of new fabric. And new art. And a good start to losing some weight. And a child who naps.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Little Revelations
My son is an angel. But sometimes I think he's ruling the dark side. We've had the most rough past few weeks. Bug is going through something right now, and his behavior ranges from demon-like to the sweetest angel.
I think he's permanently attached himself to me. He always wants to be held--but only by Mommy. Housework and sewing have fallen by the wayside as we spend nearly every waking moment together, playing, sleeping, eating. Even at mealtimes, he needs to be in my lap. For the past week or so he's only gone to sleep lying in (our) bed with my arms around him. I can't listen to him whack his head on the wall and scream, "want mommy, want to sleep with mommy," all night. I realize that he'll eventually fall asleep if I let him cry it out, but it hurts my heart to do so.
But of course the good always outweighs the bad. And we keep moving on, hoping that he will outgrow this stage soon, always reminding ourselves how much we love this little person. And we look at pictures of him to remember how much our lives have changed--in the best possible way--because of this little human. Of course, the cheeseball face helps.
I think he's permanently attached himself to me. He always wants to be held--but only by Mommy. Housework and sewing have fallen by the wayside as we spend nearly every waking moment together, playing, sleeping, eating. Even at mealtimes, he needs to be in my lap. For the past week or so he's only gone to sleep lying in (our) bed with my arms around him. I can't listen to him whack his head on the wall and scream, "want mommy, want to sleep with mommy," all night. I realize that he'll eventually fall asleep if I let him cry it out, but it hurts my heart to do so.
But of course the good always outweighs the bad. And we keep moving on, hoping that he will outgrow this stage soon, always reminding ourselves how much we love this little person. And we look at pictures of him to remember how much our lives have changed--in the best possible way--because of this little human. Of course, the cheeseball face helps.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New Quilt
(Wow, I just noticed how dark this photo is. Sorry.)
I'm making a new quilt. It's been awhile, and I want something I can curl up in while reading a book. So I made up a super simple pattern, which I hope will do this fabric justice. I've already cut two yards of it, and now am onto the last 4. Wish me luck--I find that cutting the fabric is the worst part for me.
I'm making a new quilt. It's been awhile, and I want something I can curl up in while reading a book. So I made up a super simple pattern, which I hope will do this fabric justice. I've already cut two yards of it, and now am onto the last 4. Wish me luck--I find that cutting the fabric is the worst part for me.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Quiet Place
I love to sit quietly and look out the back window, but the hard seat of this rocking chair (gifted to me by my husband's grandma) was killing me! So when I went to Target the other day, I saw this colorful seat cushion on sale ($6!) so into the cart it went. (The scarf is just pretty, with lots of flowers and birds.) Now I have a comfy place to sit and knit!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Kids and Swaps
I'm sitting at my dining room table, hot chai latte next to me, and Iron & Wine on in the background, with my son and his friend running wildly through the house, yelling, "We're wunning! We're flwy-ing like airplanes!" in that halted way that toddlers have. They're going between driving cars maniacally, the play kitchen, and shoving Sir Topham Hatt in the barn. I made an agreement with a friend--she watched Bug so Jes and I could go out Valentine's Day, and now I'm watching her little girl. The kids have a way of making me happy--I mean, how can you not be affected by two high energy, screaming, playing kids!
I received a swap package yesterday, with a lovely handwritten note included. I love the fabrics she sent, but the note was what got me. I love to write letters, but very (very) rarely receive one in return. So I was just, well, tickled to get hers! I just penned a long letter back to her, and will get her package ready once I'm off the computer.
We actually have a busy weekend planned, involving birthday parties and such. I'll see you all next week! Have a lovely weekend!
I received a swap package yesterday, with a lovely handwritten note included. I love the fabrics she sent, but the note was what got me. I love to write letters, but very (very) rarely receive one in return. So I was just, well, tickled to get hers! I just penned a long letter back to her, and will get her package ready once I'm off the computer.
We actually have a busy weekend planned, involving birthday parties and such. I'll see you all next week! Have a lovely weekend!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
New Banner and Photos
I'm slowly updating my shop--not necessarily with new items, but with a new look. I've made a new Spring '09 banner, which is posted at the top of my blog and my shop. I'm also uploading new photos of all my items, trying to go for a more consistent, as well as "artsy" look. Right now the first 11 items are updated. What do you think? (Be nice--I'm learning (um, slowly?) on the product photography/image manipulation part here...) :O)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New Pillows
I made pillows for our little sitting room in our bedroom. I used a couple fat quarters of Amy Butler fabric, with a pretty beige print from my stash, and made two log cabin blocks. The backs are a simple envelope closure with a button to keep the flaps closed. Simple and perfect! Just the thing to make it a little more spring-y here!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tights + Mary Janes + Skirt = Awesome
I love my tights and mary janes. The skirt makes me feel very girly. We went to the zoo like this, and with the sun it made me feel like spring was on it's way. I love it!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Dudes. We went to the zoo.
Yesterday, being in the lower forties and sunny (!) we headed out to the zoo. Bug had the best time walking around, seeing all the animals. We were pretty tired after feeding the goats, stalking several peacocks, and playing at the playground, but still made it to my personal favorite, the Rocky Shores exhibit.
I have always loved the ocean, and all the sea life. I even wanted to be a marine biologist. That is, until I found out I'd actually have to go in the water. I'm terrified of deep water, sharks, and generally anything that might touch (bite) me. So, marine biologist I am not, but I still love to look at sea creatures in a (very controlled) environment.
For more pictures of my favorite walruses (walrusi?) check out my flickr photostream. Next time we go I'm taking my tripod. I NEED more pictures of them, but it's so dark in there that hardly any turned out like I wanted.
P.S. I once got in a giant pool with dolphins. In Mexico. I stood next to them, and pet them, and even fed them their fishy snack. That was brave of me. But I still hate water, and was (kind of) glad that the pesky hurricane kept us from stopping in Cabo, where I would have wasted $100 on a snorkeling adventure that we all know I wouldn't have done. LOL.
P.P.S. Doesn't that walrus kind of look like my Nibbler?
I have always loved the ocean, and all the sea life. I even wanted to be a marine biologist. That is, until I found out I'd actually have to go in the water. I'm terrified of deep water, sharks, and generally anything that might touch (bite) me. So, marine biologist I am not, but I still love to look at sea creatures in a (very controlled) environment.
For more pictures of my favorite walruses (walrusi?) check out my flickr photostream. Next time we go I'm taking my tripod. I NEED more pictures of them, but it's so dark in there that hardly any turned out like I wanted.
P.S. I once got in a giant pool with dolphins. In Mexico. I stood next to them, and pet them, and even fed them their fishy snack. That was brave of me. But I still hate water, and was (kind of) glad that the pesky hurricane kept us from stopping in Cabo, where I would have wasted $100 on a snorkeling adventure that we all know I wouldn't have done. LOL.
P.P.S. Doesn't that walrus kind of look like my Nibbler?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
24 Hours
In the last 24 hours:
it has snowed.
My son has painted.
I have painted.
I have had help.
I have bought fabric.
I have photographed my quilt (finally, what's up with that?)
I have knit.
it has snowed.
My son has painted.
I have painted.
I have had help.
I have bought fabric.
I have photographed my quilt (finally, what's up with that?)
I have knit.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Updating the Shop!
Whew! I have been photographing and editing and uploading *a lot*! :O)
Here a few pieces that are going in the shop today:
A sweet little clutch of ladybugs, mother of pearl, and Japanese linen tape!
A folksy clutch!
A dancing kids zipper pouch!
There are more in the shop, or being uploaded throughout the day. Enjoy!
Here a few pieces that are going in the shop today:
A sweet little clutch of ladybugs, mother of pearl, and Japanese linen tape!
A folksy clutch!
A dancing kids zipper pouch!
There are more in the shop, or being uploaded throughout the day. Enjoy!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Home! (And a Giveaway Winner!)
I'm home, and catching up. Mom is doing well--she's out of the hospital now, and trying to rest up for her operation. She has to kick the infection before they will perform the hysterectomy. Thank you ALL for all your well-wishes. I read each one to her while she was lying in the hospital bed, and she immediately perked up. It's amazing the amount of support, prayers, and thoughts that people you don't even know will send your way. Thank you again!
When I arrived home, the first thing I did was rip open my mail! Oh boy, that was so exciting!!!
First, I won a giveaway from Bee Square Fabrics--three fat quarters of the most precious mouse fabric. If you haven't seen her shop, check it out NOW! She has some great clearance fabrics!
I also received a package from vetcw3. She's my new quilt swap partner. She sent me a lovely bunch of charm square fabrics, to make into a quilt and send back. I'll be mailing her a charm pack of my own (Tula Pink's Nest,) tomorrow.
After ripping open my packages, I finished getting ready for my craft fair. It was pretty good for my first fair (under Tiny House) and I think given my situation I was able to pull off a pretty neat display. I used my own kitchen items...my favorite was the glass jars of pincushions! I was surprised--I very nearly sold out of crayon rolls, and even received a few custom orders. I was especially surprised by how well the "non-craft" booths did. There were several home party type vendors (wine, candles, jewelry) who did outstandingly well, as well as a couple booths with factory-made purses and shoes. They all did very well, while the hand-made vendors consistently had less customers, at least from what I observed.
Oh, and before I forget, we have a giveaway winner! Becky of the Diverse Woman blog, will be receiving a small but cute lot of fabric. Some are fat quarters, some are larger cuts, and one is a vintage pillowcase. Thanks to everyone for playing!
Finally, I will be doing a shop update over the next few days. Given all my free time lately, I was able to stitch up a set of nine heart sachets, perfect for Valentine's Day. Some are hand-embroidered, some are simply fabric hearts, but all were made while I was surrounded by people I love. (Sappy? Maybe, but I mean it.) :O) These are already in the shop; look forward to lots of pincushions, purses, zipper pouches, sachets, and aprons!
When I arrived home, the first thing I did was rip open my mail! Oh boy, that was so exciting!!!
First, I won a giveaway from Bee Square Fabrics--three fat quarters of the most precious mouse fabric. If you haven't seen her shop, check it out NOW! She has some great clearance fabrics!
I also received a package from vetcw3. She's my new quilt swap partner. She sent me a lovely bunch of charm square fabrics, to make into a quilt and send back. I'll be mailing her a charm pack of my own (Tula Pink's Nest,) tomorrow.
After ripping open my packages, I finished getting ready for my craft fair. It was pretty good for my first fair (under Tiny House) and I think given my situation I was able to pull off a pretty neat display. I used my own kitchen items...my favorite was the glass jars of pincushions! I was surprised--I very nearly sold out of crayon rolls, and even received a few custom orders. I was especially surprised by how well the "non-craft" booths did. There were several home party type vendors (wine, candles, jewelry) who did outstandingly well, as well as a couple booths with factory-made purses and shoes. They all did very well, while the hand-made vendors consistently had less customers, at least from what I observed.
Oh, and before I forget, we have a giveaway winner! Becky of the Diverse Woman blog, will be receiving a small but cute lot of fabric. Some are fat quarters, some are larger cuts, and one is a vintage pillowcase. Thanks to everyone for playing!
Finally, I will be doing a shop update over the next few days. Given all my free time lately, I was able to stitch up a set of nine heart sachets, perfect for Valentine's Day. Some are hand-embroidered, some are simply fabric hearts, but all were made while I was surrounded by people I love. (Sappy? Maybe, but I mean it.) :O) These are already in the shop; look forward to lots of pincushions, purses, zipper pouches, sachets, and aprons!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
It's Giveaway Time!
OK, so it's THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL STASH BUSTING GIVEAWAY time!
I do apologize--I'm still out of town and therefore not able to take a picture. But, I did set aside about 10 different fabrics, most are fat quarters, and some are smaller scraps. They're mostly neutrals--sandy browns and beiges. They don't necessarily all coordinate perfectly, but looking at the pile together they could work well.
Leave a comment if you'd like to win!
P.S. If you're following the saga, Mom is still in the hospital. They had a surgeon consult yesterday, and she has to have a complete hysterectomy due to the football-sized ovarian cyst, and while they're working in there, they may take out part of the infected colon. Send happy thoughts our way!
I do apologize--I'm still out of town and therefore not able to take a picture. But, I did set aside about 10 different fabrics, most are fat quarters, and some are smaller scraps. They're mostly neutrals--sandy browns and beiges. They don't necessarily all coordinate perfectly, but looking at the pile together they could work well.
Leave a comment if you'd like to win!
P.S. If you're following the saga, Mom is still in the hospital. They had a surgeon consult yesterday, and she has to have a complete hysterectomy due to the football-sized ovarian cyst, and while they're working in there, they may take out part of the infected colon. Send happy thoughts our way!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Spending the Night in the Hospital
This picture has nothing to do with anything. But I like it, so I'm putting it in this post.
I decided to send Bug to Jes' father's house for the night, since I needed a night off. It worked out well, since I'm staying the night in the hospital with my mom, so my dad could get a night of sleep in a real bed. Last I heard, Bug was having a fine time playing with cars. :O)
Mom is doing somewhat better. In addition to the diverticulitis she might have had a few heart attacks. Yep, that's right. My 40-something year-old mom might have had a few (3!) heart attacks. The way I understand it, her EKG said no, her cardiac enzyme tests said possibly, and her doctor said more than likely, given her symptoms. Luckily, most of her problems seem to be in her intestines, rather than her heart. And she said her migraine is gone. Yey!
I just watched the nurse give her an entire battery of medicine. Three IV medications, a few shots, an extra IV line, something to drink, and a few pills. And they took blood and urine samples. Pretty sobering. I think more than anything the heart problems are freaking me out, since my great-grandma died of a heart attack (around 50) and my grandma died (at 50) from complications of her brain tumor. And now we're here. Not that there's any imminent danger, but the thought has definitely crossed my mind. I'm not particularly religious, but I've paused several times near the chapel, and Bug and I have spent some time in there, talking about angels and such.
My 16 year-old sister is doing OK, but I think for awhile her and I were both hovering near the brink of breakdown. It's been so up and down that I don't think there's been time to fully process everything. Maybe once we're out of the danger zone I'll be able to think about it. Until then I'm trying to entertain both her and Bug, and doing my best to keep the mood light.
For now, it's off to (try to) sleep in my lovely hospital chairs. Mom's put on Family Guy!
I decided to send Bug to Jes' father's house for the night, since I needed a night off. It worked out well, since I'm staying the night in the hospital with my mom, so my dad could get a night of sleep in a real bed. Last I heard, Bug was having a fine time playing with cars. :O)
Mom is doing somewhat better. In addition to the diverticulitis she might have had a few heart attacks. Yep, that's right. My 40-something year-old mom might have had a few (3!) heart attacks. The way I understand it, her EKG said no, her cardiac enzyme tests said possibly, and her doctor said more than likely, given her symptoms. Luckily, most of her problems seem to be in her intestines, rather than her heart. And she said her migraine is gone. Yey!
I just watched the nurse give her an entire battery of medicine. Three IV medications, a few shots, an extra IV line, something to drink, and a few pills. And they took blood and urine samples. Pretty sobering. I think more than anything the heart problems are freaking me out, since my great-grandma died of a heart attack (around 50) and my grandma died (at 50) from complications of her brain tumor. And now we're here. Not that there's any imminent danger, but the thought has definitely crossed my mind. I'm not particularly religious, but I've paused several times near the chapel, and Bug and I have spent some time in there, talking about angels and such.
My 16 year-old sister is doing OK, but I think for awhile her and I were both hovering near the brink of breakdown. It's been so up and down that I don't think there's been time to fully process everything. Maybe once we're out of the danger zone I'll be able to think about it. Until then I'm trying to entertain both her and Bug, and doing my best to keep the mood light.
For now, it's off to (try to) sleep in my lovely hospital chairs. Mom's put on Family Guy!
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