Cabin Fever

So, to add insult to injury our computer died on Wednesday. Officer B very kindly replaced it for me today. He said he was afraid he was going to drive by the house and find me in the window with big note cards, trying to communicate with the outside world. I've got to tell you, after a few days alone in the house I start getting a little weird. Considering I'm pretty odd to begin with . . . well, you can imagine. I think the clencher was when I shared my theory with him that John McCain is a zombie. Anyway, I'm back on-line so things should improve quickly.

I haven't been idle though. I had to do something to keep myself occupied so I dug out my beads and started making earrings. That was okay for awhile but then I started getting cranky fiddling with all those tiny little beads.

I also finally broke down and went to the bookstore and got a new book to read. I'd gone through everything I'd been given, not to mention crossword puzzles and nearly every movie in the house. I've been bored. Can you tell?

Dancing Shoes

This was my first mini-project with the new sewing machine (which sews like a dream). I made little pillows to transform an old pair of dancing shoes into cute door stops. Yes, in the days before sciatica I actually wore these to the clubs. My feet curse me every day.

A new toy!!!

Look what came in the mail for me today!

From my wonderful hubby!
Isn't it lovely?!

Artistic endeavours

This past Saturday I had some time to work on my painting. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the light was wonderful. In my usual Bohemian way, I just plopped down in the floor and started painting. Easel? Who needs an easel?

Of course, I had lots of help from the doggies.

Wasabi, being of Japanese descent, had lots of opinions on how things were progressing. She likes to try to stick her nose in the paint. Wouldn't a big splotch of bright red look great on that face?

Gerrard, who is very sweet but not very cultured, just wanted to have his powder-puff toy thrown.

Despite all the distractions, I managed to get a lot done. There's quite a bit of detail work still to go, but the foundation is there.

Of gluttony and painting.

I was thinking about the poem I posted yesterday and hoped that no one took me too seriously. While it is true that there is no "all-you-can-eat" in Europe, I don't know that it is such a good thing that we have it here. There has been many an evening when I wobbled away in gluttonous shame from the buffet at the Chinese restaurant near my home. I've got a weakness for fried drumplings that borders on vice.

My latest artistic endeavor is taking shape. The bad weather last week had prevented me from buying the canvas I needed, but last Friday the heavens relented and I was able to get started. I ended up downsizing from my original plan, partly because the canvas would have been too expensive and partly because I was intimidated. 30" X 40" is still a respectable size.

It's been ages since I last painted. Rediscovering the feel of the paint brush, remembering how to layer color, and the calm of being focused on a single task has been a joy. I've got a long way to go, but I feel like I've made a sold start.

A Dream Of Spring

Don't you wish ladies still wore hats? Or rather, don't you wish ladies weren't made to feel a spectacle if they did wear hats?

I love hats. Straw hats, felt hats, fuzzy Dr. Schivago hats, berets, cloches, tams - all hats. The real bother is that women who wear hats are so rare, and consequently hats themselves are so rare, that it can be difficult to find a hat that fits. "One size fits all" - laughable. Whether it is due to an over-ripened ego or the bric-a-brac of trivia that been crammed into it, "One Size Fits All" does not fit my skull. "One Size Fits All" is a torturous vice that leaves unattractive read marks on my forehead. No, I need a hat with some room in it. When I find one, I buy it.

Now, I know that there are milliners out there whipping up confections of tulle and roses, but you will find that on average a good, made to order hat starts at $150 and sky rockets from there. My solution? A glue gun, florals, and all the ribbon you can shake a stick at.

Heritage

Last week, my dad brought me some quilts that my grandmother had made. I think they speak volumes of her resourcefulness and love for her family.

This first one is probably my favorite. The colors are so delicate. I smiled when I discovered that the print from a feed bag that was used to stuff it is visible through the backing.

This one is pretty bold.

Almost all the squares on this one are pin striped. My grandmother worked in shirt factory for years and I wouldn't be surprised if these were scraps from damaged shirts.

This last one took my breath away when it came out of the bag because it was so different from the others. I can only assume it was meant for a special occasion. It had to be unfolded to really appreciate the pattern and the cross stitching.

Special thanks to Liz at Mabel's House who gave me the You Make My Day Award. I don't think I deserve it, but it was very sweet of her. I'm going to pass it along to Jennie at Falling Down the Rabbit-Hole, whose blog I have really enjoyed reading and in whom I sense a kindred spirit. Cheers!

Christmas silliness

Just a few pics to record the busy little bee I was this past weekend.

My equivalent of Santa's workshop. Please note the chaos.

I've almost finished my sister's gift. This is the inside. You may have noticed in the picture above that I'm still working on the lid.
And here is one of the more interesting sides.

Earrings for friends and family

Don't you just love those folks who take pics while they cook and it always looks like Martha Stewart's kitchen? I ain't one of those people.

But the results are pretty tasty. Chocolate Chip Scones.

For our canine friends, Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Doggie Biscuits.

And proof that there can be peace on Earth.