Friday, December 21, 2007

Gratitude List for December 21

Today I am very grateful for:

1. Being able to sing jingle bells over the phone with Colton. I can't wait for baby Gray to be able to do this too!

2. Although the past two weeks have been utterly exhausting, I am so grateful for all of the help and support I received from my co-workers. I couldn't have made it without them.

3. I am incredibly grateful that my busiest season at work is finished!

4. I am grateful that I didn't need to get stitches when I sliced my finger a half hour before our staff holiday party was starting.

5. I am very excited to be going to my brother Michael's house for Christmas. I know were going to have a joyous and relaxing time.

6. Tomorrow I will be grateful that all of my Christmas shopping is finished!

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Boulder Love

Here are some pictures of my wonderful, cute, smart and silly nephews.

This is baby Gray who is 4 weeks old today. When he is awake he is very alert!



Here is Gray asleep on his daddy's knees wearing the 3-6 month old sweater that I knit for him. It fits him already. He's a big boy!


This is me and Colton washing the dishes. He loves to help... and get his hands wet too!

This Colton with my mom, Grammy Baabaa (Barbara) making blintzes. A dinner request from my brother Ryan.


Here is my very sweet sister-in-law Brooke with Gray. She and my brother are amazing parents! Patient, loving, but lots of fun too!


This isn't the best picture, but its one of my favorite memories from this time. Colton got a hold of Ryan's MP-3 player, so Ryan was helping him listen to the music. When Colton heard the music his face would light up and he would say, "singing!!!".


I am so utterly grateful for my family and these boys that have graced our lives. What joy they bring to us all!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Happiness is....

being in Boulder with my two utterly adorable nephews! It is fun to play with Colton! We've played trucks, tunnel, "I'm going to get you", gone for walks, washed dishes, made salad, and read books. There is NOTHING better than hearing a child laugh... you just have to laugh right along.

Baby Gray is 3 weeks old today and is weighing in at over 10 lbs! He is so sweet, easy and mellow. If he is crying that means you're changing his diaper, or haven't put him in the right position or its time for the "burrito wrap" (my brother is excellent at this) and binky. When he is awake, he is very alert, listening to all that is going on around him and following the motions with his eyes. Life doesn't get much better than this!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!


I have really been enjoying hearing about other people's holiday traditions (my BA is in Anthropology). One of our family traditions (which my brother Michael hates) is to name what you're grateful for. We did this at work yesterday too. Here's my list for today:

1. A sweet, brand new, healthy nephew. Now I have two nephews I madly adore and love. And, I get to see them tomorrow!

2. Quiet, easy mornings with a cup of black tea with lots of hot milk and splenda.

3. Spending my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, with friends and family while eating really great food.

4. Working with Sr. Patty for the past seven years. I will truly miss my partner in crime.

5. All of the wonderful, amazing, creative women I have met at art camps and on-line.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

ArT FiNaLLy!!

Here's a piece I made from AFF. I have been making a lot of stuff... I haven't been taking pictures and posting... sorry! I will try to do better!



Here's some pictures of some of my favorite people from AFF:

Laura driving us to Port Townsend:


Me and Gail:


The GaNg! Betsey, Me, Gail and Laura... Julie where are you???


New Fact For Me

Friday night I was watching Bill Moyer's Journal and learned that in order to be a part of the European Union your country cannot have the death penalty.

Monday, October 22, 2007

This Post Is For You Mom!

For her birthday last month, my mom asked me and my two brothers to write about the positive qualities that she taught us as children that made us into the wonderful people we are today. (My mom thinks we are great :D) Each of us responded in our own way. She really loved all of our responses and asked me to blog about mine. My way was to make a 3"x10" book for her called Mom Teachings.







Monday, September 3, 2007

More Than 1800


Iraqi civilians were killed in the month of August. Thats a staggering number of innocent people. I kept going back to check that number to see if I was remembering it correctly. Its not even the highest number killed in one month! Makes you weep, doesn't it?

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Hero Arts Ribber Stamps

My good friend Laura's husband is the CEO and owner of Hero Arts Rubber Stamps. Yesterday, Aaron gave us a tour of where everything happens. (I wanted to upload a picture of the outside sign and forgot to do it... so annoying!)

First off, let me tell that Laura and Aaron are just really good people. And from talking with Aaron I knew that he only makes deeply etched rubber stamps and uses the best quality products. So that means real wood for the blocks (maple I think). I also know that he believes in sustainability so this is a green company and everything is made in the United States. What I didn't know before the tour is that all of the rubber stamps are basically made by hand. They make a rather small sheet of printed rubber that is then cut down and mounted, by hand, onto the blocks. Its really impressive! So Hero Arts believes in handmade... they do it so we can do it too!

They have also just come out with a new line of very cool clear stamps that are used on a clear block. You can mount the stamp onto the block and then remove it when you're finished... easy peasy. Not only do I love this concept, BUT Hero Arts is making one of the few that don't have carcinogens in it! A lot of the other companies use lesser ingredients and are made outside of the country where the standards and regulations are different. I mean who knew or even guessed at what all goes into rubber or clear stamps???

I also came away with some goodies too! Thanks so much Laura and Aaron for a very fun afternoon!

I foRGoT OnE!


SHOOT! My sweet nephew says this word frequently and appropriately! It makes me laugh every time he uses it. Ok, here's an example: Colton has a little music box attached to his crib. One morning the strap had come off and he was trying unsuccessfully to re-connect it. When he couldn't do it he said, "shoot"! Oh my goodness, this is one smart boy with lots of personality! Were not sure where he picked up that word, but he sure knows how to use it!

Colton doesn't look very happy in this picture with his Aunt Sissy, but he is a very happy boy!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

FaVorITe WorDs


I wanted to remember and share some of my nephew's favorite words and phrases. Here are my top two:

In recent years my brothers started calling me "sissy". When my nephew was born my brother and sister in law decided I would be called Aunt Sissy. Colton has learned to say sissy but it sounds like "she-she". Both my mom and I frequently call him and sing him songs over the phone and ask him questions. Every time the phone rings he would say, "she-she". When we arrived last Wednesday we pointed to me and asked him who I was, and he said "she-she". Then we pointed at my mom and asked him who she was, and he said, "mo' she-she!" (Mo' is more, of course).

Colton has a snuggle bear that he absolutely loves and carries everywhere with him in the house. He calls it his "be-be". And, he frequently says, "oh my be-be, my be-be" in a loving voice. He will also put his hand on your arm and look at you and say, "oh my she-she, my she-she" in a loving tone. It just melts your heart! So cute or toot as Colton would say!

This is a picture of him in the wagon we bought him for Christmas. Its a great wagon for small kiddos with two little seats facing each other, cup holders, seat belts and its really easy to maneuver. We took him out in it everyday which was really fun.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Boulder

I love Boulder this time of year. You wake up every morning to warm, clear, blue, sunny skies. Then in the afternoon BIG clouds come rolling in bringing LOUD thunder, lightening, and pounding rain. The air is still warm enough to wear shorts. There's a cooling breeze and the air smells so sweet of rain and earth. Usually after awhile it stops and you can go back outside and the wet rain has all dried up.
There was a storm last night so I just layed in bed looking and listening and feeling the wind on face. I found it was deeply satisfying.

Nanny Chronicles

Me and my mom flew out to Boulder, CO on Wednesday to be the weekend nannies of my 18 month old nephew. Today was the last of our three full "nanny" days. We had a great time with that sweet boy! We've gone on lots of walks, wagon rides, to a swimming lesson, the Farmers Market, played in the park across the street and changed lots of diapers. We've laughed, teased, read books, thrown balls and basically, just enjoyed each others company. Its been such a treat to be here with him.

He has changed so much since I was here in April. His language is amazing. He says lots of words... and lots of words in his own language. This is such a great age. There are times when I think he could easily learn chinese, russian or speak the language of the Kalahari Bushmen.
I haven't taken many pictures this time because I have been too busy running after him or cleaning up or cooking!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

RAK'd!

I recently received these fabulous fiber ATC's in the mail. They couldn't have come at a better time! There's nothing better than getting a happy surprise in the mail. Thank you Gail and Bev.


















Monday, August 13, 2007

Beautiful Nevada City

As promised, here are my pictures from our trip to Nevada City. My favorite are the mornings. Its warm and quiet and I can sit outside on their beautiful deck drinking tea and reading a book. These are the views from their deck:



Here are their adorable dogs. They are queensland heelers or cattle dogs. The "blue" is a sweet old guy. And the red is our sassy girl. Her nickname is spicy jalapeño. Can you guess who runs the place? They are only looking at me with adoring eyes cause my brother is holding treats over my head!

They're growing plumeria they brought back from Maui. It smells fabulous!


Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Fair Didn't Disappoint!

Homemade corn dogs, fresh lemonade, hot out of the oven cinnamon rolls, great music, animals: cows, pigs, goats, sheep and baby animals of all kinds including camels and bison. We walked, ate, stood in lines, ran into family friends and all in all enjoyed ourselves. Today we are just relaxing, reading, and making homemade bing cherry ice cream. Do you think were a family that goes through life on its stomach?

Saturday, August 11, 2007

I MADE IT!!!

I am finally on VACATION! Two whole weeks! There were moments when I didnt know if I would make it... work has been extremely stressful for quite awhile now. BUT, here I am... on vacation AND in Nevada City.

Ovid and I left right after work yesterday and slowly (lots of Friday night traffic) made our way up to see my brother Michael and his partner Richard. I love coming up here! Its peaceful, quiet, and smells fresh and clean like only the country can. And of course, I love my being with my brother. They have a beautiful house in the foothills so there are lots of pine trees. We mainly come up here to do nothing... hang out, read, relax, eat... but the county fair is here this weekend so we'll go to that later today. That means CORN DOGS!! Whooohooo. I did remember my camera this time so I will upload pictures when we get back tomorrow.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

SuN TeA


We have been having some wonderfully warm weather so I have been making sun tea. I made one batch with white hibiscus aone batch with Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer.... YuMMy!

A Cleaning Machine

I am not! I don't like to clean... and certainly can't afford someone else to come in and do it for me ... so today while I was cleaning the shower I had an epiphany! I used to live in a beautiful 1920's apartment. But, when I moved into my current place which was only 5 years old at the time. I remember thinking how easy it was to keep clean! Now, 14 years later I was thinking about my brother Michael's place which is only a year or two old and easier to keep clean than this place. So, here's the epiphany... if I moved into a NEW place every 5 years I wouldn't have to clean as much!! Brilliant isn't it??

Ok, if that isn't feasible then check out http://flylady.net to help you keep things organized and clean. My friend Laura sent this site to me, bless her heart!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Encaustic Painting Class

Here are my paintings from yesterday:
























Saturday, July 7, 2007

Encaustic Painting Class

I have always wanted to learn how to use encaustic paints, and since my usual art camp isn't until October, I signed up for a one day workshop. Here are a couple of photos from my day (I was too busy playing to take many pictures):
















I had a great time.... even learned how to use a propane torch which was scary at first. That's it in the right hand corner of the above picture. In fact, the teacher began our class by telling us that the first piece of equipment you have to buy is antibiotic burn cream! When I saw the torch, I thought this may not be for me. LOL! But, I got over that. Tomorrow I will upload some pictures of my finished pieces.

This is making me...


so very, very happy!

Saturday, June 30, 2007

It Worked!

I have been so very frustrated with this new to me computer, but maybe, just maybe its starting to work. Here is a picture I took yesterday of a WIP! Its one of four crazy patches that I am doing for a mini quilt. I am just learning quilting and this is our first assignment!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Grateful


Lately, I have really been appreciating my on-line friends. I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful women at art camps who dont live in my area, and yet we stay connected to each other through emails and blogs. The sharing, the support, the sense of humor, the encouragement... priceless! It brings such joy to me. Thank you!

Isnt This True?

...Happiness is having a sense of self...not a feeling of being perfect but of being good enough and knowing that you are in the process of growth, of being, of achieving levels of joy... L. Buscaglia

Saturday, June 9, 2007

By Popular Demand!

I have listed my etsy shop under my links. Thank you all for your encouragement!

Not only will I be selling things I make, but I will also be selling some vintage treasures that I find at the flea market. I have found this "new" calling to shop there! One of the first things I am going to post on my etsy shop is some blue, vintage fabric trim that I found. Its from the 50's or 60's, and I havent seen anything quite like it. So look for it soon!

I Am Working On It!


I am getting my new to me computer up and running. I have to buy more memory and install it. The DSL line is ordered and will be here next week, so I am moving along! I cant wait to be able to take a picture of what I am doing and upload it to my blog!


Monday, May 28, 2007

Goal Accomplished!

Cindi and I each made at least three goals to accomplish this month. One of my goals was to set up an etsy shop. Well its now set up! Theres nothing in it yet, but there will be next month!

Thank Goodness for Gurlfriends!

... and family too!

I met my friend Nan over 10 years ago when we were working on our masters. From the first time I saw her I knew I wanted to be friends with her and we have. Right after graduation she and her husband moved back East. We have managed to talk on the phone almost every Sunday for the past nine years! What a gift her friendship is!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

A Long Way Gone

I wish I could post a picture of the cover of this book, A Long Way Gone Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. What a great read! I highly recommend it! It is the autobiography of a young boy from Sierra Leone who gets caught up in the civil war and what happens to him. I had the good fortune to travel very briefly to Sierra Leone 20 years ago. Although this story happened after my time, I know that there was a lot of bloodshed going on while I was there. The capital, Freetown, looks much like the Bay Area, so it felt like home after being away for almost a year. I have very fond feelings for Sierra Leone and the good hearted people I met there.

I also just finished What is the What by Dave Eggers. Another fabulous book! This is the fictionalized biography of Valentino Achak Deng of Sudan who becomes one of the Walking Boys or Lost Boys of Sudan. I know, fictionalized biography sounds strange, but the story is based on a real person's life. I think the story is fictionalized so that the author can include some things that might have happened to someone else or a way to tell some of the history of that time.

My other recent favorite read is The Hummingbirds Daughter by Luis Urrea. (I think that's how to spell his last name). Another fictionalized biography about an amazing Mexican woman who was considered to be both a healer and a saint. I loved this book too!

Being an avid reader, I am now at a bit of a loss for what to read.

I should have a new computer in about two weeks so posting pictures will be sooooo much easier! I cant wait!

Tending to the Nest


This weekend is about tending to our nest.... I have been doing loads of laundry, including felting more thrift store buys, straightenng up, cleaning the bathroom, and under the kitchen sink. The cleaning under the kitchen sink happened right before leaving for a friend's 50th birthday party last night when we realized the garbage disposal has a leak.
Of course, I am squeezing the cleaning in between an anniversary party for my favorite yarn store Stash, a 50th birthday party, attending a music video shoot that my sweetie's son is doing, trying on loads of beautiful handmade sweaters at a trunk show for the new book Runway Knits (beautiful designs), and getting together with my friend Laura!

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mothers Day!


This little girl is now lucky to have a wonderful mother who she counts as one of her best friends. This is rare. My mom is smart, funny, super well informed about what is happening in the world, generous, kind, a great cook, a very good friend to her friends, and absolutely devoted to her family. I count my blessing in her everyday. Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Happy Mother's Day to two wonderful mothers Cindi and Nan, You have and are raising some daughters who are beautiful inside and out!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Poked & Proded!

Today I took a sick day and made what felt like hundreds of appointments. I am so grateful to have good health insurance... but, whew, I am tired! I still have many more to schedule, but at least I got some of them out of the way.

The best part of the day was I got to have lunch with my BFFCindi who I never see often enough. We sat outside, the weather was just right, and ate at our favorite lunch spot. Life is good!

I also ran into Karen, my mentor when I was getting my masters and a dear friend, and a man who I hired over twenty-five years ago. He is still as sweet as ever. I remember him calling me at least once a day until I hired him. Today he told me that he owes me everything. It isnt true. He worked really hard in what I think is a very under-appreciated position. He stayed with that company for 10 years and said he had enough money afterwards to further his education. Its amazing. You never know how something you do for someone can make such a big difference.

A Great Everyday Reminder

I saw this poem by Michael James posted on another blog:

"DO THE WORK
DO IT FOR PRACTICE
JUST DO IT
IF ONLY TO TRAIN
UNEVENTFUL EVENTS
REPEATED
AGAIN AND AGAIN.
DO THE WORK
DO IT TO PARDON
JUST DO IT
AND NEVER COMPLAIN.
TRANSCENDING THE FEAR
OF BLAME
AND REJECTION AND PAIN.
DO THE WORK
DO IT WITH PATIENCE
JUST DO IT
BUT WITHOUT DISDAIN.
SHARING THE SECRECT
AND KNOWING
IT'S NEVER IN VAIN.
DO THE WORK
DO IT WITH PLEASURE
JUST DO IT
TO KEEP YOURSELF SANE.
TICKLING THE FANCY
AND LETTING
LAUGHTER REMAIN.
DO THE WORK
DO IT WITH PASSION
JUST DO IT.
NEVER, EVER FEIGN
AWAY WITH THOSE DOUBTS
HAVE FAITH AND
YOU ALWAYS WILL GAIN.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

New Favorite!

I have a new favorite website Whip Up! I LOVE this site and visit it almost daily. It has great links, tutorials and information on a variety of crafts. If you haven't been here dont wait. Go now!

So Many Good Things!

This week I found out that the ArtFiberFest Quilt Swap that I participated in last year, and beautifully hosted by Shari Beaubien, is featured in this issue of CLOTH, PAPER AND SCISSORS! My quiltlet is at the top of the second hanging from the right. Thank you Shari for all of your work!

I am also the lucky recipient of a give-away by the talented Rice Freeman-Zachery! She was giving away copies of her book Stampartistry... and I am getting one! Thank you Rice! By the way, if you ever have the opportunity of taking a class with her do so! She is a talented, patient, generous and fun teacher.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

So Sweet

Yesterday, I noticed that a mama mourning dove and her two teenagers were using my second floor balcony as their home. The floor is grey, with some leaves and stuff from the nearby eucalyptus treet, so it acts as a perfect hiding place. Their wings make so much noise as they fly its amazing. I love the birds in my neighborhood... hummers, red-tail hawks, mourning doves. robins.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Gratitude List


Even though its Saturday, I wanted to add my gratitude list. I thought about it all day yesterday.

1. My sweetie is feeling better and is certainly healing.

2. Even though I broke the promise I made to myself to see the Dalai Lama the next time he came to town, no matter what... my heart was filled with joy to know that he was just two blocks away from where I work giving a talk. In fact, on my way into work, feeling tired and not wanting to be grumpy, I kept imagining that he would be driven past me and would look out the window and smile right at me! (This actually happened to someone I know the last time he was in town). Anyway, the fantasy put a great big smile on my face. At lunchtime, I also loved seeing all of the men in their red and gold robes and women in traditional Tibetan dress walking around.
2. Yesterday, I was very grateful that it was the end of the week and today I am very grateful that its Saturday!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Proud!

Last night we went to an art reception for my mom whose watercolor paintings were part of a gallery show! Not only does she paint beautifully, but she also takes gorgeous pictures of flowers and makes them into cards. This is one of her photographs. Needless, to say I am very proud of my mom for continually working and putting her artwork out there!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Shopping Therapy!

Remember how distracted I felt on Sunday?
Well, I resolved it by going shopping! Nothing like being let loose in JoAnn's!
I bought a couple of stencils, fabric crayons, and spray paint for fabrics (who knew there was such a thing!).
I took it all home and just played. It was really fun. I think the "playing" that I did on previously painted fabric came out better than starting with plain white. I am trying to upload some images... but, thats another story.
I also watercolored some pages in my art journal.
Just to paint and get some pages ready for another day of gluing, writing, collaging was helpful.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Distracted

Ok, forgive me, but I need to complain a bit. Today is one of those days where I feel distracted... dont know what art project to work on, what to start, what to do. Its one of those days where I wish I only liked doing one thing: knitting, quilting, art journaling, painting, drawing... so I wouldnt be confused as to what direction to go in. This is a familiar theme for me so I am sure you will see me talk about it again.
And of course, I wish I had another week off from work... tomorrow is back to work day.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Nothing Better... Gratitude Friday


Than coming home, sleeping in your own bed, and finding packgages from friends. Thank you Shari for your wonderful gifts! I know its not the best picture... but its the best I could do.

Being loved.

Lying on the couch and watching movies.

Good books and magazines.

Lots of art supplies.

Remembering....

My sweet time with my 14 month old nephew and what he is doing at this age:

1. The sound of his happy voice always got me out of bed in the morning. I just had to see him!

2. His delightful sense of humor.

3. He learned to put his pointer finger to his mouth and say "shhh!" with a twinkle in his eye. He'd do this when we'd pass by loud dogs barking.

4. We both love the book Jamberry.

5. His nighttime streaking from bedroom to bathtub. Elbows bent, high stepping, fist clutching and squeals of laughter from all of us.

6. His cool head-bob to music or songs that are sung. I still have songs like ABC and Wheels Go Round in my head.

7. He loves Itsy Bitsy Spider and knows all of the hand movements. He claps before were done as if he is telling us what a good job we've done.

8. We loved playing ball together and he would laugh everytime he caught the ball.

9. His signing the word "thirsty". (He's not deaf... his smart parents taught him sign language to reduce that toddler frustration of not being able to express their wants).

10. How he would really listen when I told him there was a bird singing.

11. How he would bend his elbows, palms up, fingers closed and wrist touching when he wanted to be picked up.... so very, very sweet.

12. Sliding down the steps, like a plank, on his stomach.

13. And lastly, at bedtime he would want each of us to hold him and give him his bottle.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Easter

We had a very successful Easter... with 12 kids under 2 and a couple of older ones... and about 23 adults! Everyone had a great time. And, I did get the 70 degree weather... but yesterday, on Monday. For Easter it snowed! We "hid" tons of Easter eggs and candy in small adorable little nests we created with plastic grass (which my brother and sister in law will be finding for a long time), but the kids really surprised us. Instead of taking the entire nest, which we thought they would do, they just took a candy or two from the nest. So adorable!

My nephew is so utterly adorable... and I am hopelessly and forever in love with this boy! We took him to the park yesterday and he is so fearless! He climbs and comes down slides face forward (with his auntie holding onto him of course). And then we took him to the aquarium. We all enjoyed his sense of wonder. There is nothing like watching a child ooohing aaaahing in delight!

I come home tomorrow night and I will be so sad to leave him!

Saturday, April 7, 2007

DJES!

This morning my newphew started making loud noises indicating that he was finished with breakfast and ready to get down from his highchair. I asked him if he was ready to get down and he responded with a loud DJES! It was adorable! We hadn't heard him say yes before. He answered several other questions with yes too... like are you ready for a nap! He is one remarkable, happy, smart boy. His parents are doing an awesome job raising him.

I took their great, greyhound dog Max out for a walk this morning. We had a lovely time. Its cold, about 20 degrees, and overcast. There is ice on the naked tree branches with the fatest robins I have ever seen! I am going to go back out to try to take some pictures. Its really a winterland right now. Of course, for tomorrow, I am hoping for 70 degree weather for the Easter Egg Hunt!


Oh, and did I mention they have HGTV???!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Boulder!

Wow, how can the whole week have gone by and I didn't blog! Thanks for reminding me Gail .

This week has been a whirlwind of finishing things up at work so I could fly yesterday afternoon. It was an easy, very cramped flight, but I am safely here visiting my brother, his wife and nephew in Boulder. My brother wa a total sweetheart coming to Denver to pick me up last night. My nephew loved his bunny, by the way. I gave it to him this morning and he likes laying his sweet head on it.

Its great to be here. Although I didn't plan on SNOW! I was here in November and didnt have rain or snow... so I just didn't think. And, when I checked weather.com the other day it didn't mention it. Fortunately, my bro and sil have everything I could need... if need be.

Sunday they're having a big Easter brunch with lots of adults and lots of kiddos... I am really looking forward to it. It'll be noisy and fun. I love Easter Egg hunts, dont you?

Monday, April 2, 2007

The Pursuit of Happyness

I just re-saw The Pursuit of Happyness. Its such a good movie! Its based on the real story of how one man slipped into homelessness. This took place over 25 years ago... I would hope that the safety net would have tightened between then and now, but it hasn't. In fact, the holes have gotten larger and its much easier to slip through the cracks now.

I love that the movie uses extras from the Tenderloin, the TL, as we affectionately call it. One gentlemen today told me that he was in one of the scenes outside of Glide. There were definitely some familiar faces. The first scene of the people waiting in line to get into the shelter touches me every time I see it. Today, the lines are even longer.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Finished!




As promised, here are pictures of the two projects I finished this week: cleo's clutch from Spun Magazine and the bunny tutorial from BetzWhite.
I have to say that I am feeling a bit of a loss without these projects. I am casting around as to what to do next... especially with all of my new felted sweaters.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

New Guilty Pleasure

Ok... maybe its not exactly new. Its no secret that I love to shop for art supplies and I hate to shop for clothes. However, I must amend that. I love to shop for wool and cashmere sweaters that I will recycle at my local Goodwill store. What a surprise. Its pawing through racks of clothes (which I hate), but everytime I find a sweater... its like I hit the jackpot. Today I didnt even take all of the sweaters home that I found. But, I did hit the jackpot! A beautiful designer, spring green, cashmere sweater with cables everywhere. And, the cost? A mere $3.50!!! I am hooked. Now I will have to be brave and actually make something with it!

Friday, March 30, 2007

Gratitude Friday

I am grateful for bus drivers. I definitely think they are underrated. While they drive me home in all kinds of bad traffic, I get to read, sleep or knit. I arrive home safe and refreshed, without all of the tension that bad traffic causes.

I am also grateful for a boss who told me that I could take today off if I needed too; and co-workers who brought me a cookie from last night's restuarant, and a sweetie who gave me the other half of his sandwich for dinner. Life is good.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Home Again

I am still at home today. My sweetie refused to take me to work with him... said I still too sick and needed to rest. So here I am.

I had wanted to go in today cause I feel guilty for taking two days off, plus I will be on vacation the week of Easter too. And I often seem to be sick when I have scheduled bingo! I especially wanted to go dinner tonight with two co-workers and a woman we used to work with. I love these women. They share my love for being of service, are so supportive and caring. We have made a great team over the years.

I finished the cleo clutch. One of the wonders of felting is that it hides all of my mistakes! Love that! I will post pictures this weekend.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Its a joy to be at home!



I stayed home from work today down with whatever this current bug is that is going around.... I am so exited to have this time to move slowly, take care of myself, and work on some projects. Yep, I can finish up my taxes. I need to be fresh in order to that... which I am first thing in the morning, but not at night. And, I am almost finished with my Cleo's clutch from Spun Magazine. This was a good cable project for me (it does have a mistake in the pattern which took some time to figure out). I am almost finished with the bunny for my nephew too. I have a lot of things I want to do!

I love the mornings here. There are a lot of birds that sing first thing. They hop up onto my balcony and sing away. Robins, morning doves, little twitter birds. And, oftentimes there is a big red-tailed hawk in the big eucalyptus tree across the street. Oh, and hummers too. I love hummingbirds. Sometimes, I am lucky enough to find birds nest abandoned by them. Birds are such a gift.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Anyone else?

Ok, here's the good news: I have so many creative ideas and projects that I want to do: my first zine and swap; a bunny for my nephew from a recycled sweater; felted blankets; and an assortment of knitting projects. Ok, here's the hard news: finding the time and energy to do it. I oftentimes feel overwhelmed. Of course, then's the taxes, house cleaning, excercising, and working a full time job.

I am home early today so I had a chance to watch Oprah. Part of her show was about a preacher who's started a no complaining policy... so don't think that I am complaining. Just trying to figure out how to fit it all in. I think this is a lifetime goal.

Maybe what is important is just knowing that I do love to be creative... even when I don't do it as much as I would like to. Its a good self reminder for those times when I think I am not creative at all, and to find the courage to be kind to myself when I am not creating.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

First Post

Today is my first post! I am officially starting my blog! This has been on my to-do list for sometime, but now I will be able to cross it off.... well ok, not quite, as it needs some adjusting. Thank you dear Gail for encouraging me to start my own blog!