Mourning

One of my favorite cards for the appropriate circumstance says:

"We are all creatures of this great earth - interconnected in ways beyond understanding.

Take elephants.
So big.
So strong.
And yet,
when a member of the herd passes,
even elephants mourn.
They gather around,
extend their trunks,
and gently touch
the tusks
of their fallen friend.
It's their ritual.
It's how they heal.
And it's sad.
And it's beautiful.

So maybe
what we're trying to say
is that the world
doesn't expect you
to be fine with this.

Be how you need to be.
Mourn how you need to mourn.

And know that you're thought of with love."

To my dear friends, you are held close in prayers and closer still with love. Mourn how you need to mourn.

- Posted from my mobile phone

The W List: August Books 2011

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo ~ A china rabbit with furry ears is lost at sea, then in trash heap, and finally in a doll shop. In the meantime, Edward learns to love and he learns that it is a painful, if rewarding, emotion. Enjoyed this! F (Children's?)

Readymade: How to Make (Almost) Everything: A Do-it-Yourself Primer by Shoshana Berger ~ I'm going to count this book as read because I looked at the pictures. And because I have very little interest in a lounge chair made out of recycled plastic water bottles, no matter how green it is. Many visitors to our house picked this book up, flipped through it and commented on the strange things within, so that makes it an interesting conversation starter. NF

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley ~ Really enjoyed this one! This novel contained many of the classic fairytale elements in graphic novel form. Loved the story of the circus and then the order of the bearded ladies! When I had some time to think about it, there were some impressive subtexts woven into the storyline regarding faith, love, friendship, protection, fairness, and the realized power of those others consider weak. Very cool! F GN

De:tales: Stories from Urban Brazil by Fabio Moon ~ Not as awesome as Daytripper, but the artwork was full of talent and promise. I am often impressed with what graphic novels can leave unsaid (unwritten) and still obviously convey to the reader. F/NF GN

Hush by Eishes Chayil ~ I gave up on this book 1/3 into the story. I am done with novels that have this hidden mystery agenda in revealing sexual abuse. This abuse took place in a heavily cloistered Jewish community and from what I read, I assume that the victim killed herself and then nobody spoke of the abuse or the death again, which, just so you know, can cause some trauma all around. I don't intentionally choose these types of books, but they seem to find me as there is this rape/incest/molestation/abuse topic floating through what seems to be a large quantity of young adult fiction. Yuck. YA F

Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Houses by Alan Hess ~ I looked at the pictures and they were pretty. The stained glass and woodwork were incredible. I didn't read more than a paragraph. NF

Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National 1997) ~ I'm beginning to figure out that Quilt National is not my thing right now. It's a little too conceptual and fantastic in an unattainable and currently unappealing way. The talent and creativity is undeniable, but most of these quilts are not functional beyond wall hangings and that is not for me. NF

Sew Charming: 40 Simple Sewing and Hand-Printing Projects for the Home and Family by Cath Derksema ~ This is a fun book for a beginning sewer and printer - there are bright fabrics and colorful, modern designs (think a bit retro 60's mod) and the how-to on creating everything from hand printed tablecloths to little boy pajamas. NF

Simple Contemporary Quilts: Bold New Designs for the First-Time Quilter by Valerie Shrader ~ Maybe "first-time quilter" is pushing these designs and techniques a little far. This was a comprehensive book, but nothing special. NF

Simplify with Camille Roskelley: Quilts for the Modern Home - Use Pre-Cut Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Fat Quarters & More by Camille Roskelley ~ Again, I saw this book and thought that I would get a lot out of it, but it really just slid on past my eyes. Her quilts were, as always, a bit of happy eye candy and appreciated. NF

Stash-Buster Quilts: Time Saving Designs for Fabric Leftovers by Lynne Edwards ~ This lady has some neat ideas; I think I've read more than a few of her books now. She utilizes color and her quilting is incredibly complementary. Good book. NF

Patchwork: 25 Sewing Projects for Fabric Lovers by Cynthia Shaffer ~ Cute projects and great ideas for using small scraps (think mere single-digit inches). Nothing jumped out, but this was a colorful, well-articulated book. NF

Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch ~ A London copper that can speak with ghosts and solves paranormal crimes. He is also introducted to magic. It was an okay read, but it isn’t anything on par with Harry Potter or the Sookie books. I think it develops into a series, but this novel really got bogged down in archaic British terminology and London locations – there comes a point when I really don’t care where Armetishire is, okay? F

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi ~ This was sad, in a way, as a commentary on what humans have ultimately done to the earth. But really it’s about a boy trying to figure out family, loyalty, honor and love in despicable circumstances. It took me awhile to figure out what the “half-men” were and while the story followed the traditional, the context was futuristic in an engaging, curious way. Read it. YA F

The Last Train by Kazu Kibuishi ~ Daisy Kutter is awesome. She is real and terrible and wonderful. Just read this graphic novel in an afternoon and you’ll be convinced that graphic novels are bigger than comics and contenders with novels. Surprising, touching, and talented, I am a fan of Kazu, no doubt. GN F

Mugglenet.com’s Harry Potter Should Have Died by Emerson Spartz ~ Well, not to ruin the book for you, but the conclusion is not that Harry Potter should ha died. I hope any HP fans out there have checked out Mugglenet.com – it is a well operated HP website with fanfiction (of course) and lots of extras. This book was okay, possibly meant for a younger audience (in the list of debates, one was Who would you rather kiss? Voldemort or a dementor?). NF, based on F

Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood by Carey Goldberg ~ Well, I guess this book is what happens when you decide to pass around seven vials of sperm in the quest to become a mother. I take no issue with taking action to become a parent, spouse or not (and I know some do), but this non-fiction story remained trite and may have been best kept an anecdote told at social functions. NF

House Beautiful Small Space Decorating Workshop ~ This is a great book for pointing out all of the little places (in an already small environment) that you can create storage and encourage light to peer in. For example, in smaller kitchens, cabinets are great on the bottom, but open shelving (if it works) makes the entire area more spacious looking and even allows display of dishware/tools (red toaster, Fiestaware, pretty glass, etc.). Very cute book! NF

Quilting Line and Color: Techniques and Designs for Abstract Quilts by Yoshiko Jinzenji ~ I really enjoyed the visual of some of these quilts, but do not understand the teaching aspect of a “random” or “improv” quilt. Introducing a measured method to something that is supposed to grow out of a creative mind just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe you can encourage creativity and spontaneity, but I’m tempted to write that you can’t force or calculate or write instructions for the same things. NF

The Radleys by Matt Haig ~ A vampire family story and I quite enjoyed it. The family dynamics and the hows/whys of vampirism are well explained and the book is a quick read with very short, quick chapters – would recommend (and it was recommended to me, by AM). F

Tattoo Machine: Tall Tales, True Stories, and My Life in Ink by Jeff Johnson ~ I read this for the stories and there were some stories for sure (the one about the serial killer still creeps me out). Not especially talented writing or continuity, but I’m betting the author is a talented artist. NF

Adventures in Bookbinding: Handcrafting Mixed-Media Books by Jeannine Stein ~ This is an example of an art/craft that I thought I would be interested in because I love books. And while I have learned a little about bookbinding, I don’t think that I am going to venture down that crafty path at this time. This book, however, is very enlightening and instructional and for someone who is interesting in creating mixed-media books, I think it could be an excellent resource. NF

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd ~ I’ve had two different people try and explain to me why it was so terrible for a Jedi to be friends with a Klingon and I think I might understand, but I’m still not sure. I watched some Star Trek (the Next Generation?) with my dad when I was little, but apparently that in no way prepares me for the nerdiness of the stories in this tome (see, I use words like “tome” – how does that not make me a nerd?). But I am still enjoying them. Even if I hate Star Wars and read a book through all three movies one night. Or were those the Lord of Rings movies that C tried to make me watch? Either way it was painful. F Anthology

Paper Quilts: Turn Traditional Quilt Motifs into Contemporary Cards and Crafts by Sandra Foose ~ Well, my interest is waning in both quilting and papercraft books, but this one seemed very straight forward with easy-to-follow directions and clear photographs. There were some three dimensional/origami type crafts in the back that I would love to devote more time to. NF

Simple Printmaking: A Beginner's Guide to Making Relief Prints with Linoleum Blocks, Wood Blocks, Rubber Stamps, Found Objects & More by Gwen Diehn ~ Too deep and too detailed for me – practically a definitive history of printmaking. But from that aspect, it was comprehensive as far as printing objects, medium, surfaces, and findings through archeological findings. NF

Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling Basics and Beyond ~ More of a bookbinding instructional guide, but still pretty cool. NF

Better than Running at Night by Hillary Frank ~ Nope, don’t recommend at all. It might have been personal preference on my part, as I enjoyed the art school portions of this book, but strongly dislike the relationship portions. I’ve read better. F YA

Water Paper Paint: Exploring Creativity with Watercolor and Mixed Media by Heather Jones Smith ~ This book is cool and if I find time to pick up my watercolors again, I might need a copy of this to guide me through paints, techniques and the very important paper choices. It covers the basics in a very modern way. NF

What He Can Expect When She’s Not Expecting: How to Support your Wife, Save your Marriage, and Conquer Infertility! (exclamation point part of the official title) by Marc Sedaka ~ I skimmed this book since it wasn’t really written to me, BUT it is awesome for men. I read parts out loud to C and he got it. There are many a lot of funny scenarios, realistic situations, advice and it’s presented in a way that most men can respond to: through sarcasm. Nothing is off limits, from the collection room to the details the author’s doctor adds. Very comprehensive and slightly dated (only because technology, science and medicine are racing each other in this field). I highly recommend – better than many of the books geared toward females that want to hold your hand instead of telling it to you straight (i.e. the test called an HSG HURTS! A LOT! and the ART process is expensive, NO JOKE!). NF

The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects that Give Old Books New Life by Lisa Occhipinti ~ Neat crafts, but I'm still uncertain about walking that fine line between expression & art and the actual destruction of books. Granted, not all books are fit to be read (in anyone's opinion), so the crafts are utilizing old, unwanted books in a fresh, creative way. Interesting. NF

Whip Up Mini Quilts: Patterns and How-to for 26 Contemporary Small Quilts by Kathreen Ricketson ~ Actually rekindled my interest in small quilts as wall art or table runners, or, as my first quilting project went, a doll-sized quilt. Very simple and classically designed small quilts with little tricks to make them easier and more streamlined. EB - check it out. NF


It feels like the book reading petered out a bit this month. I’m still in a place where I don’t care all that much for fiction, not even my well-loved young adult fiction. I haven’t been able to go to that fictional place and care about those characters when there are real people telling real stories. Does anyone else ever feel that way? And I’ve put some hard prep work into my sister’s giant quilt, which is no small feat and a huge time killer. But for me, more design, house, style, dress books with a side of biography, memoir, and other assorted non-fiction. Surprise, surprise, 31 books this month. At least 20 can be classified as non-fiction and if you read the reviews, I was not fond of a lot of the fiction. September may prove to be sweeter.




- Posted from my mobile phone

Manholes

C does this all the time, but I did it for the first time and there happen to be pictures.












Of course there is a story, but there is also patient confidentiality, my own privacy (and commitment to customer service, I might add), and the purported illegality of climbing into a manhole. So that leaves you with pictures, enjoy!

- Posted from my mobile phone

Something to do with Sister B

She never reads this blog, even though C's brothers occasionally do. So I could say a lot of things about her and start all sorts of rumors. But I won't because I dearly love sister B.

Below is something that's a little more about me. I've needed fabric labels for my quilts/projects that go off into the world. I didn't care for any of the predesigned ones, so I set out to design my own. I should have just paid someone uber talented to get them right, but instead I spent five hours in the simple Paint program (no, I can't figure out Photoshop or GIMP, or any other complicated program). The cool thing is, once you have a design, you can upload it to a custom design fabric place (I adore Spoonflower.com) and have them print it. Your cost/label drops significantly compared to the fabric label sheets you can run through your printer. Pretty cool, right?

These are what I came up with for now. The blanks I can fill in with a fabric pen/marker (I prefer Micron). Might have one of those talented people clean it up and color it in for future printings.




I found this fabric someone had designed on Spoonflower. I'm going to try and work it into the following project. It's got sister B's name written all over it (she's a hippo kind of girl - I can say that because she doesn't visit here)!




This is going to be the coolest thing ever. It's a quilt for sister B, who might have asked why I make quilts for other people's children, but not my only sister. Probably because babies don't have opinions on color, fabric, design, pattern or thread color. Oh, and baby quilts are smaller than the larger-than-queen-size quilt she wants. But sure enough, I took the challenge and have all the blocks pieced, cut out and need to find the motivation to cut all the sashing. I think it's going to be a beast, but spectacular.




Sister B will definitely get a "Made with Love" label. Unfortunately, this quilt will be nowhere near complete by her birthday in September. Happy birthday anyway, B!

- Posted from my mobile phone

The W List: July Books 2011

Early July thought: If I finish two quilts this month, then I might forgive myself for the paltry book tally.

Mid-July thought: A tally which was looking rather paltry half way through July, but doesn’t look too terrible now. But only one quilt is complete-ish. That’s how it goes.

Last day of July thought: I read 29 books this month. Wow. And I have both quilts pieced and quilted. All that remains is different stages of binding for each. Yay for July!

The Match: "Savior Siblings" and One Family's Battle to Heal Their Daughter by Beth Whitehouse ~ This book, title alone, reminded me that we all need to withhold judgment without either much more information or without walking in someone else's shoes. This book offered so much information along with the personal story of Katie's family. Read it before you go saying things like "I would never" or "How could they?" Becoming an informed human being is really the least this changing world asks of us. NF

Flight, Volume Two ~ I did not find it as good as the first volume (which I own), but only because of my own taste in comics. I am a big fan of Vera Brosgol and Kazu Kabuishi and neither were heavily featured in this volume. The covers are always amazing though, because Kazu is a stunning artist – you can actually buy his prints (and Vera’s) at Nucleus Gallery online. GN F

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith ~ A poignant read actually. This book tricked me into learning more about Lincoln's non-vampire life than any other could - it is sprinkled with true quotes, dates, events and deaths. I even enjoyed the vampire parts because they added a dimension to Lincoln's legacy. I recommend. F

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass ~ This book has been on my reading list for so long and it was very good. The main character sees colors for sounds and unconsciously assigns them to letters, numbers and words. She is strong and real and Mango is her beloved cat. Read it. YA F

Haven: Cozy Hideaways and Dream Retreats by Allison Serrell ~ Is probably a good book, but it isn't speaking to my aesthetic. I am going to finish looking through the pictures and call it read. NF

Daytripper by Fabio Moon ~ I highly recommend this graphic novel! It said so much about the course of life and the possibilities of people and situations through both the pictures and the words (seriously, AM and LB, pick it up from the library or I’ll force it into your hands when I someday own it). I wanted to quote the last letter that is written in the novel, but I returned the book too quickly to the library (others deserve to read this as well) and it gives something away. Love this. GN F

Give it Up: My Year of Learning to Live Better with Less by Mary Carlomagno ~ I must have thought this book was going to be helpful or interesting and it is not. From the first chapter alone, I judge Mary as a flippant, self-involved woman looking for the next thing to shake up her dull life. Her idea of living with less is going without alcohol in January and without buying shoes in February. I did not get any further. Her vapid, shallow ideas were not what I wanted to adopt, when, in fact, they disgust me. NF

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman ~ I’ve read Godless by the same author and RH mentioned that Pete was coming to speak at a conference she was attending, so I wanted to pick up another novel by this author. It was a little heavy-handed in the way that young adult novels can be: drugs are bad, people are bad and good, you be the change, etc., but it is a good message nonetheless. YA F

The Baby Business: How Money, Science and Politics Drive the Commerce of Conception by Deborah Spar ~ Wow. I know of many people that would not care to read this because it thoroughly discusses that those people who cannot have babies (in the sex + pregnancy = baby way) are left with only one other option: to purchase a baby. And being in my position, I agree. Whether you are considering adoption or ART (assisted reproductive technologies), you are buying a child or a chance for a child. This concept only gains momentum when you consider how much a couple pays to adopt a child ($15K-$50K) or the dollar amount needed to procure donor eggs ($3K-$50K), sperm ($200-$1K), or a surrogate ($20K-$100K). If anyone does read this book (and though it is a little dry, the information is unequaled and I do recommend it), I would ask that they keep an open mind and investigate different perspectives relating to this issue – especially if infertility is not an issue that affects you directly. NF

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures by Amanda Blake Soule ~ I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as I thought I might, but for a different person, I can see how wonderful and transformative it could be. Good ideas and sufficient explanations. **AM really enjoys this author’s books, so like I stated, it’s just about your personal crafty goals, aesthetic and what you’re needing instructions for! NF

Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in the Sun by Kaffe Fassett ~ Beautiful quilts and photographs. I looked through the patterns and decided that they were all a little bit not my style. There are seemingly clear instructions on assembling each featured quilt in the last half of this book (complete with specific fabric notes). NF

The Last Days by Scott Westerfeld ~ A follow-up novel to Peeps (very much enjoyed and gifted sister B with this Christmas). This YA novel hops around the five perspectives of would-be band mates as the stealthy vampire apocalypse has arrived and their music has everything to do with it. Not as good as Peeps, but a delightful addition to the vampirism-as-a-disease genre. YA F

Mind-Rain: Your Favorite Authors on Scott Westerfeld's Uglies Series ~ Thought-provoking essays on all sort of undercurrent subjects running through the Uglies series. There are a few essays towards the end that really shine the light on “pretty” vs. average or “ugly” that are a reflection on our society. Definitely an awesome companion to the series – possibly to pull essays to discuss alongside the series in an English class? NF, as related to YA F

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley ~ On loan from my parents, this book showcases what actual millionaires buy, spend, and how they build their wealth. It's not what it seems. “Millionaire” is used loosely (a person with a net worth of at least $1 million), but most of the practices are spot on. Not sure I can truck through the remaining pages (I have the message – live within your means/frugally = big pay off someday), but I will attempt to! NF

Haven by Kristi Cook ~ A good young adult read that continues with the vampirism-as-a-disease theme. Throw in some other paranormal, a boarding school, and BAD vampires and it is a great read (for you, sister B!). YA F

Denise Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects by Denise Schmidt ~ I’ll be honest – some of the quilt books are starting to run together. This book features 20 projects and 10 quilts in the back, and since I’m less of a project girl and more of a quilt girl (for now), my interest lies solely with the quilts. I loved an orange and white triangle pieced quilt, except for the part where I’ve sworn off anything remotely triangular (due to the disaster of the still unfinished quilt that needs to be finished and go home). Her quilts and projects are definitely modern and utilize wonderful colors, patterns, and quilting. NF

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo ~ Heart breaking with a happy ending – is that how Kate always rolls? The love of family, honesty, and helpful spirits collide with magic and one homesick elephant to create a better existence for everyone involved. F (Children’s?)

The Party Dress Book: How to Sew the Best Dress in the Room by Mary Adams ~ Adam’s had a shop in NYC where she designed and sewed beautiful party dresses. She oscillated between differing trends of the last three or four decades: pleats, ruffles, overlays, quilting, bright colors, etc. This books sets forth some of her influences and tricks and tips that she has used to achieve her quirky, yet feminine party dresses. NF

Twinkle Sews: 25 Handmade Fashions from the Runway to Your Wardrobe by Wenlan Chia ~ This designer published her first few books on knitting and switched over to fabric in time to develop Twinkle Sews, which is packed with classic garments that always have a twist, but can remain in one’s closet for years. Her ideas are spot on and this book pushes the designer in all of us to higher levels, tweaking Wenlan’s classic to make it our own. NF

Print Workshop: Hand-Printing Techniques + Truly Original Projects by Christine Schmidt ~ A book that is so chock-full of information about setting up a print workshop that it is almost overwhelming. Schmidt outlines all of the tools, how to use them, numerous projects and offers that you can take all of these techniques and use them wherever you’d like. Very cool book – considering a copy for reference for my own library. NF

City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views by Cheri House ~ The quilt and skyline on the cover made this a book I wanted to peruse, but while I enjoy the quilts inside, the skyline is something beautiful and not for me. While I’m not highly allergic to downtowns the way that C presumes to be, I still appreciate the countryside more; especially the farming squares as seen from a low flying airplane. House styles some awesome quilts – getting into quilting software and the different uses of sashing to create diversity within the same pattern. Also seems like she is mother to Lizzie House (google her fabric). NF

Schnibbles Times Two: Quilts from 5” or 10” Squares by Carrie Nelson ~ This book is great for a person who is making their first quilt! When you purchase charm packs, you have a selection (usually solids or a designer line) of pre-cut 5” or 10” squares and their uses are endless, while you’re time spent cutting is almost non-existent. These charm packs (and jelly rolls, but there are other books about jelly rolls) make designing a quilt somewhat easier and this book offers creative uses and designs. NF

Word Play Quilts: Easy Techniques from the Unruly Quilter by Tonya Ricucci ~ Word quilts are a whole other beast in the quilting world – figuring out which words, how to contrast, whether to piece and appliqué or piece or whatever other method you want to use. While my interest isn’t with word quilts (yet – I am considering one for my sister that states “My Sister Loves Me” or “My Sister Knows I’m Smart” in huge bright letters – just so she never, ever forgets those two facts, but I digress) at this moment, I am thrilled that there is a very well-written and detailed book out there for when I come around. NF

Quilts Made Modern: 10 Projects: Keys for Success with Color & Design, from the Funquilts Studio by Weeks Ringle ~ Full of great suggestions – from fabric to color to design. Also showcased the 10 projects in different color ways so that you could figure out what an alternate version looks like. Easy construction instructions and love the quilt on the cover. NF

Last-Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson ~ I enjoyed a few key projects in this book, especially the stuffed elephant and the simple pillowcases. The author also displayed a beautiful quilt made from log cabin blocks. NF

Modern Log Cabin Quilting: 25 Simple Quilts and Patchwork Projects by Susan Beal ~ This book detailed many many ways that you can utilize the log cabin (simple) block to create stunning quilts. NF

Sewing Bits & Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps by Sandi Henderson ~ Full of great ideas to use up all those bits and pieces discarded from larger projects. There is one photograph that sticks with me - a fun tiered patchwork skirt over leggings (my winter outfit of choice) that have three rows of ruffles attached. Very sweet and cool. NF

Ape House by Sara Gruen ~ Began this one because of how much I loved Water for Elephants. Whenever you personify an animal, make them more human, you create a character (in this book six characters) that people can empathize with. Honestly, I was a bit angry at the book from the beginning for this set-up (think literary version of the new Planet of the Apes movie) and have only continued reading for the happy ending that I'm not sure will happen. F

Flight, Volume Three ~ About 1/3 into the book on July 31st, but still going to include it on July's list as it is an anthology of graphic stories. Sitting next to the bed, a little more will be read each evening. I am enjoying this one more than the second volume - probably just due to the stories and graphics appealing more to my specific aesthetic. GN F

As always, ask me any questions you have on these books or recommendations!

- Posted from my mobile phone

The Function of the Space

Mine first because it is inside and easy to photograph (with the phone). This is the room you will sleep in, should you have the honor of bunking with us. It is called the orange room, but the paint color is as close as my dad would let me get to creamsicle (my dad is a paint man, so I respect his opinion - and he painted most of the house!). It used to be called the library, but there have been some functional/crafty changes.

The spectacular desk/work station that C made me. Still needs to be painted (by me) and it has a metal base, wood top, and measures 7ft x 3ft x 3ft. It seriously rocks. I could start listing all the cool stuff on it and under it, but that would take forever!




Fabulous quilt rack made by the talented C for my birthday is UP! The bright green is totally growing on me and despite it's huge girth, this rack is such a space saver! Would like to point out the ironing board (for quilting only) and the stacks of fabric just inside the closet. We'll be working on feasible, yet visible fabric storage soon - any ideas?




Just had to show you because it is that cool - the roly-poly sculpture/thread hanger doing it's job on the wall. I'm beginning to see the colors I gravitate towards: bright oranges, pinks and yellows, anyone?




Poor Athena has been wearing this barely unfinished dress for almost a year! And she's in the corner. Not to mention I think I know what she did to get those beads. One of these days I'll hem the bottom of the dress and the sleeves and wear my first (decent) dress.




A block from the quilt. That. Just. Won't. Play. Nice. Thanks to AM and EB, it might be finished soon, but not without anguish on the creator's part.




Line up of Jeeps in the driveway. Ugly blue house with accompanying cars not included. Grey & yellow and black Jeep are ours, the second yellow Jeep is one C is working on for a friend. Soon to be joined by another friend's reddish Jeep. It's a rather full driveway.




The garage, or, the reason we bought this house. Deeper and wider than a traditional two-car. C's domain. More driveway fans in the foreground: military Dodge, work Tahoe, and the black Dodge.




Inside the lair. Lots of stuff being moved around to make space for the Jeeps C is working on.




Another angle of C's workspace. The Jeep doors on the wall crack me up because they're still muddy. Many cool tools and pieces of equipment in here.




Really, it's a relatively small house on a piece of land (in town), so I figure we're lucky to have the space and resources to pursue the hobbies we enjoy. Which, is what we're doing today.

- Posted from my mobile phone

My Birthday!

Presents were not a big deal this year - I just wanted to make sure that C knew I wanted a birthday card. He broke down and got me a very un-lovey card.

My parents were able to come up for a fabulous birthday dinner and they brought me the best present ever: my SISTER! It was such a nice evening to have my family together and we ate some tasty steaks Mom & Dad brought. Mom had to remind us all that we needed to remember that it was a weeknight, they had to get home, and we all had work or school the next day! Did I mention that Dad and B went to the grocery store and came home with Oreos, lactose free ice cream, rainbow sherbet, and waffle cones? Best low-key birthday ever! Thank you all!

As I said, presents weren't a big deal this year. Until I arrived home Monday evening and C was working on something in the garage for me. I wasn't allowed in. When he was done, he came to show me because he never can wait to give me things (have you heard the proposal story?).

It was this:




I bet most of you can't figure out what it is, so I'll explain. It's twofold really. I had mentioned to C that I would like him to make me a thread holder thing - something to hang on the wall to display and let me see all the different types of thread I have. I wanted it to have dowels or spikes that could hold two spools each and mentioned that metal medium was fine. So that explains the spikes - to hang spools of thread.




The second part is in regards to C's grandpa V. He used to weld metal creatures out of old coffee cans (I think) and C's mom and I know C to be very talented and creative as well, so we've encouraged him to try his hand at it. At the top of my thread rack is a sculpture of a roly poly. Painted with the same paint used on the candleholders C fabricated for our wedding.




So here's the sum: C made me something for my birthday. It is functional, artistic, and meaningful - I think it is the coolest thing ever. Absolutely love it.

But there was more. I arrived home Tuesday evening and C was working in the garage again and I wasn't allowed in. He told me the gift on Monday was just a distraction and now he was working on my real birthday gift.




On Wednesday evening I arrived home to find C and my parents & sister there, with this huge quilt rack on the dining room table. He painted it green because he knows how much I love green. The quilt I had been working on was displayed on it - so sweet!




This quilt rack is every bit of four feet across and will hang on the wall in the orange room.

C is so sweet and talented and his presents to me even showcase how supportive he is of my quilting! I'm lucky.




Been reading this quilt book.




And this quilt book. Maybe one of these quilts will hang on my quilt rack someday!