Showing posts with label Things I Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things I Love. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
In The Strangest of Places If You Look At It Right
this was just too amazing and awesome not to share. Below are pics of the back of a shopping center in town. The front is average looking, even a bit depressing. But this is the back, done all in spray paint, by the one man who has been given permission to use this space. I wish I knew his name, because I would fully credit him here, but I don't. Click to enlarge the pics- and you will want to, because they are spectacular. Sorry for all the shadows from trees; it was just that time of day.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hello, New Decade (and Old Blog)
Belated Happy New Year!
Despite a bevy of circumstance around here that aren't conducive to regular blogging, I have returned. It was a hectic, crazy, wild and sort of stressful holiday season, and frankly, I am glad to see it is over. Now we come to the good part- the part where I sit down with the formidable stack of books that I got for Christmas, and feel perplexed, inspired, delighted, moved- and almost transformed.
Isn't that just the most lovely stack of brand new paper from all over blogland? And if I do say so myself, they all compliment each other wonderfully.
Creative Time and Space is just the best book. It's not terribly lengthy, but I am only halfway through it. I like to read a bit, try some things out, then think on what I have read, and then when I feel duly inspired and ready, I sit down and read another chapter or so. It is truly changing the way that I think, and helping me get a leg up on that which confounds me so, especially in light of the changes in my life: Time, and Time For Art. I love it, although BF has threatened to take it away from me. He was not pleased when I announced that with the help of my (now broken, grrrr) pear shaped kitchen timer, I would only be doing an hour of house related things a day, so he better pick up after himself. He was further displeased when I told him where to shove his displeasure. And so it goes at the House of Stupid.
The printing books and the sewing books are sort of like great cross training, if one was to consider crafting a sport. I am very excited about them- I want to cover everything in patchwork, then dip it in bleach, then dye, then rub stamps all over it all, and possibly work a silk screen in there too. Inspiration and guidance are sort of the perfect mix there. I am all tingly.
As for the knitting book- I am sure you will hear more about that. There is a sweater coat inside it, The Winter Wonderland Coat for those of you on Ravelry that I simply must have. It's long, has many complicated charts, much sewing, and is likely way over my head. I can't wait to get started. One of my goals this year is to knit something grand, and huge and awe-inspiring. I figure if I start now, I will have it finished by October.
and finally- those food books. Wow, Well Preserved. I didn't think that I could get so excited about canning. But I think that it's the combo of canning with the delicious recipes for that which has been preserved that had me literally drooling on the pages. Seriously. I looked like Lilly- she gets these disgusting dangly Drool Strings sometimes when she watches people eat. It's very unbecoming, but like a big burp- it's a Complement To The Chef. As for a Homemade Life- do you guys read Orangette ever, and long for more frequent updates? Well, this book- oh it's so wonderful. It is the first time that a book with recipes has moved me to almost tears. The stories that go along with each recipe are so personal and wonderfully ordinary- featuring extraordinary people that I keep it on my nightstand and read one chapter before bed each night. I am trying to stretch it out so that I can enjoy it for longer. It's hard not to read it all in one day though.
So, that's what I am up to as of right now. I'd love to share more about my goals for the year and all that, but my allotted computer time is drawing to a close, and I have yet to check the bank balance. See? A New Leaf is turning over here, people. I'm very much looking forward to whatever this year will bring. And, I am also hoping to spend much more time in this space. (yeah yeah I know, but hey- New Leaf).
Despite a bevy of circumstance around here that aren't conducive to regular blogging, I have returned. It was a hectic, crazy, wild and sort of stressful holiday season, and frankly, I am glad to see it is over. Now we come to the good part- the part where I sit down with the formidable stack of books that I got for Christmas, and feel perplexed, inspired, delighted, moved- and almost transformed.
Isn't that just the most lovely stack of brand new paper from all over blogland? And if I do say so myself, they all compliment each other wonderfully.Creative Time and Space is just the best book. It's not terribly lengthy, but I am only halfway through it. I like to read a bit, try some things out, then think on what I have read, and then when I feel duly inspired and ready, I sit down and read another chapter or so. It is truly changing the way that I think, and helping me get a leg up on that which confounds me so, especially in light of the changes in my life: Time, and Time For Art. I love it, although BF has threatened to take it away from me. He was not pleased when I announced that with the help of my (now broken, grrrr) pear shaped kitchen timer, I would only be doing an hour of house related things a day, so he better pick up after himself. He was further displeased when I told him where to shove his displeasure. And so it goes at the House of Stupid.
The printing books and the sewing books are sort of like great cross training, if one was to consider crafting a sport. I am very excited about them- I want to cover everything in patchwork, then dip it in bleach, then dye, then rub stamps all over it all, and possibly work a silk screen in there too. Inspiration and guidance are sort of the perfect mix there. I am all tingly.
As for the knitting book- I am sure you will hear more about that. There is a sweater coat inside it, The Winter Wonderland Coat for those of you on Ravelry that I simply must have. It's long, has many complicated charts, much sewing, and is likely way over my head. I can't wait to get started. One of my goals this year is to knit something grand, and huge and awe-inspiring. I figure if I start now, I will have it finished by October.
and finally- those food books. Wow, Well Preserved. I didn't think that I could get so excited about canning. But I think that it's the combo of canning with the delicious recipes for that which has been preserved that had me literally drooling on the pages. Seriously. I looked like Lilly- she gets these disgusting dangly Drool Strings sometimes when she watches people eat. It's very unbecoming, but like a big burp- it's a Complement To The Chef. As for a Homemade Life- do you guys read Orangette ever, and long for more frequent updates? Well, this book- oh it's so wonderful. It is the first time that a book with recipes has moved me to almost tears. The stories that go along with each recipe are so personal and wonderfully ordinary- featuring extraordinary people that I keep it on my nightstand and read one chapter before bed each night. I am trying to stretch it out so that I can enjoy it for longer. It's hard not to read it all in one day though.
So, that's what I am up to as of right now. I'd love to share more about my goals for the year and all that, but my allotted computer time is drawing to a close, and I have yet to check the bank balance. See? A New Leaf is turning over here, people. I'm very much looking forward to whatever this year will bring. And, I am also hoping to spend much more time in this space. (yeah yeah I know, but hey- New Leaf).
Friday, December 18, 2009
No Paycheck Fridays: You Can Still Look Good
Okay, first of all, I have regained my composure, and I am now getting to the portion of our programming where I let go of what I cannot accomplish, I but what I cannot find time or will to make, and I feel silly for being all woe is me.
So there's that.
Second of all, I spent most of the afternoon driving to get to an anticlimactic 15-minute interview. I braved the elements (raining emus and ostriches today) and drove about 40 minutes each way to see a lady about a job. It went kind of meh, sort of okay, rather ho-hum, and a host of other lackluster descriptions. BUT!
I looked really pretty.
And every day I look really pretty. Because I put a little effort in. And I find that it makes me feel lots better, and far more human than that feeling you get when your significant other comes home, takes one look at you and says "Kitty cat pajama pants...still? Okaaaaay." Time slips by so fast when you've nowhere to be. But I have found that it's much better if I get up when I used to get up, and I shower, put on Real Clothes, and do my face up. I thought like it was time to stop looking like I felt.
So, i don't want to sound all infomercial-ish. I am not getting anything out of what I am about to tell you. I am simply saying this because it really, truly, has made a difference in how I see myself (literally and figuratively) and I think it's awesome, and you will too. If you like awesome makeup, that is.
Give Sweet Libertine a try! Really! Here's why: First of all, it's handmade makeup. Handmade = great. It's mineral makeup. That means that if you are Sensitive Skinned and your eyes feel all itchy and yucky when you wear eyeshadow, you can probably get away with wearing this stuff. It doesn't have all the ick-o chemicals in it that the store bought crap does, and it turns out that those ick-o things are the very things that make my skin feel itchy and burny. It's handmade mineral makeup made by a one-woman show. If I need to tell you why this is an worth supporting, then you are just a Lost Cause. It's handmade mineral makeup made by a one-woman show that is affordable. You get a lot for a little. Do you know how cool that is when you are a person with not a lot to spend on things like eyeshadow? It's super cool. I got my Retail Therapy Allowance package in the mail today, and I am very pleased. It arrived quickly, looks awesome, and didn't break my bank. And y'all- these days everyone banks are pretty fragile, no? And the colors are pretty much magical. Dragonfly, Thai Silk, Feral, Boombox- how the hell can you go wrong? You totally can't, that's how.
Anyway, it's not too late to snag some gift certificates, some sparklies for yourself (the better to look hot while ringing in 2010, yes?), or start making your wish list for when you do land that Next Big thing.
I realize that I am sort of getting kind of commercial-y here, so I will cut it short and say that I think this makeup is very rad, it's a little thing that goes a long way in making a gal feel good, and I wanted you to know about it. Cool?
Now get back to your frantic crafting, wrapping, or smug Ignoring of A Holiday Which You Are Not Into.
So there's that.
Second of all, I spent most of the afternoon driving to get to an anticlimactic 15-minute interview. I braved the elements (raining emus and ostriches today) and drove about 40 minutes each way to see a lady about a job. It went kind of meh, sort of okay, rather ho-hum, and a host of other lackluster descriptions. BUT!
I looked really pretty.
And every day I look really pretty. Because I put a little effort in. And I find that it makes me feel lots better, and far more human than that feeling you get when your significant other comes home, takes one look at you and says "Kitty cat pajama pants...still? Okaaaaay." Time slips by so fast when you've nowhere to be. But I have found that it's much better if I get up when I used to get up, and I shower, put on Real Clothes, and do my face up. I thought like it was time to stop looking like I felt.
So, i don't want to sound all infomercial-ish. I am not getting anything out of what I am about to tell you. I am simply saying this because it really, truly, has made a difference in how I see myself (literally and figuratively) and I think it's awesome, and you will too. If you like awesome makeup, that is.
Give Sweet Libertine a try! Really! Here's why: First of all, it's handmade makeup. Handmade = great. It's mineral makeup. That means that if you are Sensitive Skinned and your eyes feel all itchy and yucky when you wear eyeshadow, you can probably get away with wearing this stuff. It doesn't have all the ick-o chemicals in it that the store bought crap does, and it turns out that those ick-o things are the very things that make my skin feel itchy and burny. It's handmade mineral makeup made by a one-woman show. If I need to tell you why this is an worth supporting, then you are just a Lost Cause. It's handmade mineral makeup made by a one-woman show that is affordable. You get a lot for a little. Do you know how cool that is when you are a person with not a lot to spend on things like eyeshadow? It's super cool. I got my Retail Therapy Allowance package in the mail today, and I am very pleased. It arrived quickly, looks awesome, and didn't break my bank. And y'all- these days everyone banks are pretty fragile, no? And the colors are pretty much magical. Dragonfly, Thai Silk, Feral, Boombox- how the hell can you go wrong? You totally can't, that's how.
Anyway, it's not too late to snag some gift certificates, some sparklies for yourself (the better to look hot while ringing in 2010, yes?), or start making your wish list for when you do land that Next Big thing.
I realize that I am sort of getting kind of commercial-y here, so I will cut it short and say that I think this makeup is very rad, it's a little thing that goes a long way in making a gal feel good, and I wanted you to know about it. Cool?
Now get back to your frantic crafting, wrapping, or smug Ignoring of A Holiday Which You Are Not Into.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
So, that actually worked
We moved.
It's all over, and now I can unpack. Or rather, keep unpacking. So very, very, very much to unpack.
It's funny, unpacking a house. You see where your priorities are. The kitchen is completely done, and the sunroom is as done as it will get for a while. The rest? Eh...I'm trying.
I am so very very sore, and very tired. But, for the first time in my adult life, I love where I live. I love my home. This is such a nice feeling. I can't imagine what it will be like, knowing where all my stuff is in a house I love. And if I could just hurry up and make up my mind on some new furniture...This will just be great.
The animals made it okay. I thought that we lost Charlie yesterday, and Maya got out of the yard twice, but all in all we are settling in and getting used to the sounds of toenails click clicking on the wood floors.
And another thing, and hopefully this will make for good blog fodder- we have made a commitment, he and I. Well, I have. I have decided that we are buying a few things Brand New- just a few. All the rest, all the furniture in the house, will be second hand. I have already done some yard sales, and soon plan to hit the Habitat resale store. It should be fun- I am looking forward to this little project.
Back tomorrow with pics, hopefully. I remember putting the camera bag somewhere and thinking "this is a great place for this. I will know where it is all the time." Not so sure where that is now. Oopsie.
It's all over, and now I can unpack. Or rather, keep unpacking. So very, very, very much to unpack.
It's funny, unpacking a house. You see where your priorities are. The kitchen is completely done, and the sunroom is as done as it will get for a while. The rest? Eh...I'm trying.
I am so very very sore, and very tired. But, for the first time in my adult life, I love where I live. I love my home. This is such a nice feeling. I can't imagine what it will be like, knowing where all my stuff is in a house I love. And if I could just hurry up and make up my mind on some new furniture...This will just be great.
The animals made it okay. I thought that we lost Charlie yesterday, and Maya got out of the yard twice, but all in all we are settling in and getting used to the sounds of toenails click clicking on the wood floors.
And another thing, and hopefully this will make for good blog fodder- we have made a commitment, he and I. Well, I have. I have decided that we are buying a few things Brand New- just a few. All the rest, all the furniture in the house, will be second hand. I have already done some yard sales, and soon plan to hit the Habitat resale store. It should be fun- I am looking forward to this little project.
Back tomorrow with pics, hopefully. I remember putting the camera bag somewhere and thinking "this is a great place for this. I will know where it is all the time." Not so sure where that is now. Oopsie.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Bliss
Today is already shaping up to be the best day ever.
This morning BF and I got up for early breakfast with friends. that's always nice.
After that, I headed downtown for the yarn store's birthday sale. almost everything (but the really really good stuff, ahem) was 40% off for the first part of the sale. I arrived with a shopping bag, a list, and sheer determination. This is the last purchase I am allowed to make before my trip. No more. My yarn cabinet is full, and I must empty it by way of using up yarn before I can have anymore. I left a loophole in this promise by saying no more YARN, which does not include needles of any sort. So anyhow, in the course of saving $50, and spending a bit more than that (kind of a big bit) I now have enough yarn to finish my capelet (I hope I hope I hope) and make three summer tops, all of which I plan to take on my vacation. Fun stuff, huh? Normally I abhor shopping. It's boring, I hate people, and I never know what I want, and I wrestle with wondering if I really want something, or if I just want to buy it more so than have it and use it. Then I curse my consumerist mentality, and vow never to shop again. But this was different. I brought a list. I brought a shopping bag. I left with nothing that was off the list. I have plans for all of it. I am victorious.
BF is gone for the day. WHAT'S THAT? Sorry, i can't hear myself think over the choir of angels that begins to sing whenever I say that. He's out doing some work with a friend on the disc golf course, then cooking out, then playing a round or so of golf. This means that I have the house all to my glorious solitary self. Most likely till dinner. I feel silly- I have been giggling to myself maniacally thinking about the cleaning that I plan to do. Cleaning and actually putting things away. Finding places for stuff. Deodorizing things. Then, locking the animals out, and basking in the cleanliness. Then napping, on the couch, or maybe in the middle of the bed- on clean sheets of course. Or maybe I should have one nap on each? Then a bubble bath in a clean tub? Lots of Style Channel? Hopefully there's a Golden Girls marathon! Oh, thank you, universe. Thank you for this day of alone time. I promise to use it well; if you can keep the rain away then I might be alone long enough to sew something.
I also would like to mention that there is an exhausted foxhound at my feet. she has spent the morning playing with her new sister, running, smiling and wagging her tail. I am sure the downstairs neighbors didn't appreciate the stampede, but I sure do. I can't believe the change in this little dog. I have had her for 13 months, and she went from completely shut down emotionally to a normal dog. I find maya very inspiring when I think back on this year. I think that a lot of people could benefit from trying to be like her. No matter what you do to her, she never lashes out, not even out of fear. She's overcome God-Only-Knows-What and learned how to trust, no matter how scary that is. And she always knows when to go to a quiet place and take time out when it gets to be too much. I'm so proud of her, and I am proud of me too. She is the first thing that I didn't give up on when things got tough. I am glad I stuck with her.
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope it's filled with clean floors and sale yarn and friends that make you smile, no matter how many legs they have.
This morning BF and I got up for early breakfast with friends. that's always nice.
After that, I headed downtown for the yarn store's birthday sale. almost everything (but the really really good stuff, ahem) was 40% off for the first part of the sale. I arrived with a shopping bag, a list, and sheer determination. This is the last purchase I am allowed to make before my trip. No more. My yarn cabinet is full, and I must empty it by way of using up yarn before I can have anymore. I left a loophole in this promise by saying no more YARN, which does not include needles of any sort. So anyhow, in the course of saving $50, and spending a bit more than that (kind of a big bit) I now have enough yarn to finish my capelet (I hope I hope I hope) and make three summer tops, all of which I plan to take on my vacation. Fun stuff, huh? Normally I abhor shopping. It's boring, I hate people, and I never know what I want, and I wrestle with wondering if I really want something, or if I just want to buy it more so than have it and use it. Then I curse my consumerist mentality, and vow never to shop again. But this was different. I brought a list. I brought a shopping bag. I left with nothing that was off the list. I have plans for all of it. I am victorious.
BF is gone for the day. WHAT'S THAT? Sorry, i can't hear myself think over the choir of angels that begins to sing whenever I say that. He's out doing some work with a friend on the disc golf course, then cooking out, then playing a round or so of golf. This means that I have the house all to my glorious solitary self. Most likely till dinner. I feel silly- I have been giggling to myself maniacally thinking about the cleaning that I plan to do. Cleaning and actually putting things away. Finding places for stuff. Deodorizing things. Then, locking the animals out, and basking in the cleanliness. Then napping, on the couch, or maybe in the middle of the bed- on clean sheets of course. Or maybe I should have one nap on each? Then a bubble bath in a clean tub? Lots of Style Channel? Hopefully there's a Golden Girls marathon! Oh, thank you, universe. Thank you for this day of alone time. I promise to use it well; if you can keep the rain away then I might be alone long enough to sew something.
I also would like to mention that there is an exhausted foxhound at my feet. she has spent the morning playing with her new sister, running, smiling and wagging her tail. I am sure the downstairs neighbors didn't appreciate the stampede, but I sure do. I can't believe the change in this little dog. I have had her for 13 months, and she went from completely shut down emotionally to a normal dog. I find maya very inspiring when I think back on this year. I think that a lot of people could benefit from trying to be like her. No matter what you do to her, she never lashes out, not even out of fear. She's overcome God-Only-Knows-What and learned how to trust, no matter how scary that is. And she always knows when to go to a quiet place and take time out when it gets to be too much. I'm so proud of her, and I am proud of me too. She is the first thing that I didn't give up on when things got tough. I am glad I stuck with her.
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope it's filled with clean floors and sale yarn and friends that make you smile, no matter how many legs they have.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
the State of Things
Have you been wondering how we are here? Have you wondered if my bloggy silence means that BF has killed me and stuffed me in the toilet tank? Lord knows a time or two he has certainly had the motive, as have I.
Things are new here.
New is good. New is bad. New is different. New is exhausting. New is exhilarating. New is distracting. New is becoming familiar.
For the first few nights after BF arrived, I slept terribly. I woke up at all hours, fought for covers, fought for room on the bed, had my covers forcefully removed from my grasp, had sleepy arguments about who was taking up all the room, and so on. At times I woke up, simply thought, "He is here next to me now" and then went back to sleep. That makes me smile now when I think of it.
He is not working right now. That's fine; we knew this would happen. Unfortunately, job leads didn't pan out, and there has been little interest in the resumes he has put out. For now we are okay though, so we are not worrying. Part of me loves coming home to a Mr. Mom. I like that there are shiny happy doggy faces (Charlie's face is neither shiny nor happy, more on that in a minute.) waiting to greet me, sometimes errands are done, the bed is made, and the kitchen is sort of clean. I say "sort of" because he tries, God knows he does, but Domesticity is not his bag, and so things like wiping off the counters escapes him. It's cute, like when 5-year-olds make breakfast on Mother's Day. It's not really done well, but the effort is so apparent despite the lack of skills that you love it more than something easily and perfectly executed. However, he is bored with running to the post office, being the resident dog walker, and staring at the classifieds. He wants to bring in money too, and I appreciate that. Please think good thoughts for us on the job front. We need them.
Oh, animals. We have so many. Or at least it feels like we do, here in our cozy little apartment. Two hounds, one tortured feline soul. Lilly has quickly learned that this is her home, and she's rather happy with that. She would be a fool not to be- after the Long Car Ride, she got another person, a sister, and a bunch of car rides with friends and parks and dog shows waiting at the end of them. Maya is slightly less overjoyed, but still happy. She is braver now as a result of Lilly and BF. When we all go on walks together, she smiles and doesn't pull away or seem to have any reservations. I guess that a pack of two wasn't big enough for her, but four seems to be just fine. I think she gets tired of all the activity, and she seems sort of offended when Lilly steals her toys out of her crate (not that she would dream of doing anything about it). Secretly, I am sort of liking the way the New Dog and New Person have made Maya a mom's girl. She sits with me while i cook now, trails after me while I water plants, and sadly does not draw the line at trying to sit with me in the bathroom while I...you know.
And then there's Charlie.
Oh Charlie. My poor little moustache face. He now has what we call his Office- the triangle of space behind the loveseat in the office. The loveseat sits catty-cornered by the window, and so he has a private little pocket of space where no dogs can go. Occasionally he comes out, like when I pull him out of it, and close off the office, and he growls, hisses and swats at Lilly whenever possible. She can't seem to find it in herself to ignore him though; and is sort of fascinated with how much he seems to hate her guts. It's all rather exhausting, but no one has shed any blood yet, so we'll take it. I guess. Poor kitty. I miss him. I miss him sleeping on my pillow, scooping up and hugging him too hard, all of it. This is tough on him, but he's just got to keep kicking Lilly's ass till she leaves him alone. Keep fighting the good fight, Charlie.
So yeah, that's where we are. I love all the company around the house, although I have been known to pretend to be going number two, just so i can sit quietly alone and read a few pages of my domesticity book. I hide it away like it's a stack of Playboys, and savor just a little bit for a few minutes. It's bliss, all of it. Except the hissing and swatting, but that will get better, I'm sure of it.
Things are new here.
New is good. New is bad. New is different. New is exhausting. New is exhilarating. New is distracting. New is becoming familiar.
For the first few nights after BF arrived, I slept terribly. I woke up at all hours, fought for covers, fought for room on the bed, had my covers forcefully removed from my grasp, had sleepy arguments about who was taking up all the room, and so on. At times I woke up, simply thought, "He is here next to me now" and then went back to sleep. That makes me smile now when I think of it.
He is not working right now. That's fine; we knew this would happen. Unfortunately, job leads didn't pan out, and there has been little interest in the resumes he has put out. For now we are okay though, so we are not worrying. Part of me loves coming home to a Mr. Mom. I like that there are shiny happy doggy faces (Charlie's face is neither shiny nor happy, more on that in a minute.) waiting to greet me, sometimes errands are done, the bed is made, and the kitchen is sort of clean. I say "sort of" because he tries, God knows he does, but Domesticity is not his bag, and so things like wiping off the counters escapes him. It's cute, like when 5-year-olds make breakfast on Mother's Day. It's not really done well, but the effort is so apparent despite the lack of skills that you love it more than something easily and perfectly executed. However, he is bored with running to the post office, being the resident dog walker, and staring at the classifieds. He wants to bring in money too, and I appreciate that. Please think good thoughts for us on the job front. We need them.
Oh, animals. We have so many. Or at least it feels like we do, here in our cozy little apartment. Two hounds, one tortured feline soul. Lilly has quickly learned that this is her home, and she's rather happy with that. She would be a fool not to be- after the Long Car Ride, she got another person, a sister, and a bunch of car rides with friends and parks and dog shows waiting at the end of them. Maya is slightly less overjoyed, but still happy. She is braver now as a result of Lilly and BF. When we all go on walks together, she smiles and doesn't pull away or seem to have any reservations. I guess that a pack of two wasn't big enough for her, but four seems to be just fine. I think she gets tired of all the activity, and she seems sort of offended when Lilly steals her toys out of her crate (not that she would dream of doing anything about it). Secretly, I am sort of liking the way the New Dog and New Person have made Maya a mom's girl. She sits with me while i cook now, trails after me while I water plants, and sadly does not draw the line at trying to sit with me in the bathroom while I...you know.
And then there's Charlie.
Oh Charlie. My poor little moustache face. He now has what we call his Office- the triangle of space behind the loveseat in the office. The loveseat sits catty-cornered by the window, and so he has a private little pocket of space where no dogs can go. Occasionally he comes out, like when I pull him out of it, and close off the office, and he growls, hisses and swats at Lilly whenever possible. She can't seem to find it in herself to ignore him though; and is sort of fascinated with how much he seems to hate her guts. It's all rather exhausting, but no one has shed any blood yet, so we'll take it. I guess. Poor kitty. I miss him. I miss him sleeping on my pillow, scooping up and hugging him too hard, all of it. This is tough on him, but he's just got to keep kicking Lilly's ass till she leaves him alone. Keep fighting the good fight, Charlie.
So yeah, that's where we are. I love all the company around the house, although I have been known to pretend to be going number two, just so i can sit quietly alone and read a few pages of my domesticity book. I hide it away like it's a stack of Playboys, and savor just a little bit for a few minutes. It's bliss, all of it. Except the hissing and swatting, but that will get better, I'm sure of it.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Farmer's Market and Dog Show
I can't believe that I am about a week late on this post! The days are just flying by. Once I get home from work (read: where all the pics are stored) I am not going near the computer. There's too much life going on in the house to lock myself away in the office at home. But still, I wanted to share these pics with you.
Last Saturday we went to the sort of Town Square thing where they were holding a dog show, and the usual site of the Farmer's Market. It was such a beautiful (as you can see) and fun day. Lilly came with us, and behaved splendidly. We ate kettle corn, bought tomatoes, ate various samples and enjoyed the Dog Show. Sigh. It was a marriage of all my favorite things. Well an orgy of them, really. Dogs, local produce, handmade things, The Pickle Lady, beautiful spring weather, and so much food you can't believe it.
Let's get on with it then.
Beautiful Weather:
Dolly Parton (costumes were by FAR my fave):
Swine Flu:
Pirate Wench:
Ever wonder what a 73 pound Bassett Hound looks like? Gunther will show you. Bassett Rescue was out at the show and they make me feel all melty and wanty. I am a sucker for floppy ears.
I just can't stand the nice weather.
Child Handler Event. A girl and her Big Pink Bow and her Whippet. Even my heart of stone melted for them.
I love doing all my produce shopping here. It really gets no better.
Lilly, having what possibly amounts to the Time of Her Life.
Last Saturday we went to the sort of Town Square thing where they were holding a dog show, and the usual site of the Farmer's Market. It was such a beautiful (as you can see) and fun day. Lilly came with us, and behaved splendidly. We ate kettle corn, bought tomatoes, ate various samples and enjoyed the Dog Show. Sigh. It was a marriage of all my favorite things. Well an orgy of them, really. Dogs, local produce, handmade things, The Pickle Lady, beautiful spring weather, and so much food you can't believe it.
Let's get on with it then.
Beautiful Weather:
Dolly Parton (costumes were by FAR my fave):
Swine Flu:
Pirate Wench:
Ever wonder what a 73 pound Bassett Hound looks like? Gunther will show you. Bassett Rescue was out at the show and they make me feel all melty and wanty. I am a sucker for floppy ears.
I just can't stand the nice weather.
Child Handler Event. A girl and her Big Pink Bow and her Whippet. Even my heart of stone melted for them.
I love doing all my produce shopping here. It really gets no better.
Lilly, having what possibly amounts to the Time of Her Life.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Let's Do the Time Warp Again!
Well, hello there stranger. Long time, no see.
I've been busy this week. That whole thing about March going out like a lamb, what does that mean? That's a temperature thing, right? It is mighty pleasant here, but only lamb-like (lamby, lambish, lambitous...we'll stick with lamb-like) if lambs are awfully busy little creatures.
Maya is doing better again. We have to go soon and have blood work done and buy more pills. Ya know, I don't want to though. I don't want her on pills anymore. I don't know that they are the right thing anymore. I mean if they were totally what is working for her, then she wouldn't have any days where she pees her pants, right? The other day I came home to find her pressed against the door to her crate, and her crate was filled with pee. It was such a copious amount of pee that I could only conclude that she tinkled because she couldn't hold it anymore. And I believe this is caused by the pills, since I know that I have told you that a very convenient side effect of them is dry mouth, increased water intake, and increased water output. Also, BF will be arriving in just a few weeks. He is bringing Lilly, Maya's new sister, with him. I think that the company of other dogs is better to her than pills, judging by how she behaved when we were visiting my mother. It's just so hard to say, ya know? The path to mental wellness is so tricky- there are meds, therapies, meds and therapies, meds that aren't the right meds, adjusting to meds, and so on. Adding in the fact that she can't talk further complicates things. Sigh.
I am still loving The Gentle Art of Domesticity. So, so much, in fact. i love it to bits. Every night I read a little- just a little. I stare at the pictures, i read and re-read the passages that appeal to me. Just the other night I caught myself closing it ever so slowly and then hugging it to my chest before setting it down. How funny is that? i just really like the book- originally i was drawn in by the talk of things I like, and the pretty pictures. But now the thing i love most about it was my original biggest fear of the book. i was afraid that it would make me feel like Martha Stewart makes me feel- slovenly, inadequate, and piss poor at making things pretty. This book does quite the opposite. Unlike Martha, the author fully acknowledges that sometimes someone may (gasp!) not have an unlimited amount of hours to spend on somesticity and The Gentle Arts (i just love that they are called The Gentle Arts.). Really what matters is doing what you can, when you can, within your own personal means, so that you fill your home with things that make you and your loved ones happy- the finer things in life, which are coincidentally the most simple. Anyway, it's a glorious book and it's added even more joy to the things I like doing. Not so much joy that I actually finish something, but that's okay. Maybe there's a section later on finishing things.
I love knitting socks, and I expect to show you a whole pair of them by the end of the weekend. that I finished. Won't that be something?
Also, somehow it turns out that I have a big vacation in the works after all. Originally BF and I were going to take a trip. Then we decided that it was a Bad Idea. then I changed our minds by getting each of us some tickets to see Phish at The Gorge in August. This will be the culmination of our trip in which we go to San Francisco, Washington, CA, two days of wandering up the coast, then George, Washington, then finally Seattle and then home. I'm so excited. Apparently I lived in California for a year when i was little, but I don't really remember. So, this will be my first REAL trip to the West Coast, and it has really become something to look forward to. Hey Other Southerners: out There, In The West, even in summer at night time they wear jackets and stuff! In August! Can you imagine? The thought of that alone will get me through the month of July, when it becomes sweltering hot. Have I mentioned that I am excited? Also, is it wrong that as soon as I started to arrange this trip, I thought right away of all the time I would have for knitting? And that this presented me with a place to take my knitting needle case? It may not Make The Most Sense Financially, but you know what? You can't take it with you. Did I tell you i am excited?
Finally, I suggest wholeheartedly that you rent Milk if you have not done so thus far. It is a beautiful movie. I loved every second of it, and I cried and cried at the end.
Well, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Practice the Gentle Arts. Or the Martial Arts. And Crafts.
I've been busy this week. That whole thing about March going out like a lamb, what does that mean? That's a temperature thing, right? It is mighty pleasant here, but only lamb-like (lamby, lambish, lambitous...we'll stick with lamb-like) if lambs are awfully busy little creatures.
Maya is doing better again. We have to go soon and have blood work done and buy more pills. Ya know, I don't want to though. I don't want her on pills anymore. I don't know that they are the right thing anymore. I mean if they were totally what is working for her, then she wouldn't have any days where she pees her pants, right? The other day I came home to find her pressed against the door to her crate, and her crate was filled with pee. It was such a copious amount of pee that I could only conclude that she tinkled because she couldn't hold it anymore. And I believe this is caused by the pills, since I know that I have told you that a very convenient side effect of them is dry mouth, increased water intake, and increased water output. Also, BF will be arriving in just a few weeks. He is bringing Lilly, Maya's new sister, with him. I think that the company of other dogs is better to her than pills, judging by how she behaved when we were visiting my mother. It's just so hard to say, ya know? The path to mental wellness is so tricky- there are meds, therapies, meds and therapies, meds that aren't the right meds, adjusting to meds, and so on. Adding in the fact that she can't talk further complicates things. Sigh.
I am still loving The Gentle Art of Domesticity. So, so much, in fact. i love it to bits. Every night I read a little- just a little. I stare at the pictures, i read and re-read the passages that appeal to me. Just the other night I caught myself closing it ever so slowly and then hugging it to my chest before setting it down. How funny is that? i just really like the book- originally i was drawn in by the talk of things I like, and the pretty pictures. But now the thing i love most about it was my original biggest fear of the book. i was afraid that it would make me feel like Martha Stewart makes me feel- slovenly, inadequate, and piss poor at making things pretty. This book does quite the opposite. Unlike Martha, the author fully acknowledges that sometimes someone may (gasp!) not have an unlimited amount of hours to spend on somesticity and The Gentle Arts (i just love that they are called The Gentle Arts.). Really what matters is doing what you can, when you can, within your own personal means, so that you fill your home with things that make you and your loved ones happy- the finer things in life, which are coincidentally the most simple. Anyway, it's a glorious book and it's added even more joy to the things I like doing. Not so much joy that I actually finish something, but that's okay. Maybe there's a section later on finishing things.
I love knitting socks, and I expect to show you a whole pair of them by the end of the weekend. that I finished. Won't that be something?
Also, somehow it turns out that I have a big vacation in the works after all. Originally BF and I were going to take a trip. Then we decided that it was a Bad Idea. then I changed our minds by getting each of us some tickets to see Phish at The Gorge in August. This will be the culmination of our trip in which we go to San Francisco, Washington, CA, two days of wandering up the coast, then George, Washington, then finally Seattle and then home. I'm so excited. Apparently I lived in California for a year when i was little, but I don't really remember. So, this will be my first REAL trip to the West Coast, and it has really become something to look forward to. Hey Other Southerners: out There, In The West, even in summer at night time they wear jackets and stuff! In August! Can you imagine? The thought of that alone will get me through the month of July, when it becomes sweltering hot. Have I mentioned that I am excited? Also, is it wrong that as soon as I started to arrange this trip, I thought right away of all the time I would have for knitting? And that this presented me with a place to take my knitting needle case? It may not Make The Most Sense Financially, but you know what? You can't take it with you. Did I tell you i am excited?
Finally, I suggest wholeheartedly that you rent Milk if you have not done so thus far. It is a beautiful movie. I loved every second of it, and I cried and cried at the end.
Well, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! Practice the Gentle Arts. Or the Martial Arts. And Crafts.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Gentle Fart of Domesticity
I'd like to tell you a story. Gather round, children.
It's barely lunch, and there is already a story to tell. This morning started way too early. BF is on a business trip, and so he thought that I too might like to get up at 8:15am to chit chat. As this was a horrible error in judgement, I was too aggravated to go back to sleep at 8:30 when he finally let me off the phone with promises of blueberry pancakes once he moves here. Anyway, I got up, watched some tv, hung out with the dog, and decided that I should go get an uber coffee drink at Starbucks, and maybe wander around Barnes & Noble. Whoever thought to team the two up is an Evil Genius.
So I get my coffee and I wind up purchasing two books with the money I earned (but have not received yet) by cleaning a newly vacated apartment owned by some clients at work. Aren't I clever? I was going to blow it all on yarn, but these books called to me. I bought Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. It's splendid. It's not intimidating, has cute projects, all easily (or so it would seem) completed and all were things that I totally wanted to make. Love. I looked at sooooo many books that I had my eye on because of the blogosphere hype of them all, and they sort of left me feeling kind of meh. But this one, oh this one had me wanting to run home and sew all sorts of things. I like that- I think that's the mark of a good, no, great book. There's a difference is a book that's nice to look at and makes me say "oh, that's a nice...thing" and one that makes me say "I LOVE that, that, that, and that and I need them in my life and feel inspired to make it so." That's how I feel about Heather Ross' book. It's neato.
Then. Oh, then I found a book I have coveted from afar but never actually held in my grubby little hands. It's The Gentle Art of Domesticity. It's beautiful. What little I have read has been sweet, thoughtful, accompanied by gorgeous photos, and just generally enthralls me. I had already planned to leave it out on the coffee table with my other Coffee Table Books (Spirit Dancer and Bitter With Baggage Seeks Same- what can I say, I am a varied and complex young lady.) So I pull up at the house with visions of cleaning a little, opening the doors and windows, planting some foxglove seeds, perhaps a little NPR, and practicing the art of domesticity, ever so gently.
Then I walked in the house and smelled shit.
Yup, Someone could not stand the thought of me having fun without her and shit her pants. Er, crate. Then i let her out of her crate, to discover that she stepped on turds with her back feet. They made these sort of Turd Hooves that thankfully didn't get on the carpet (mostly) while I chased her around the apartment. By the time I caught her she was so frazzled, I had to carry her to the bathroom. Now at this point, i will say that there is an upside to the fact that I frequently have to wash her own bodily...whatEVERS off her. That is that this dog delights in baths and has perfected her own Gentle Art of taking them. She waits for her collar to come off. Once it does, she hops in the tub on her own. She stays at the back end of it waiting for the water to be the right temp before walking into it (the tub drains sort of slowly. I bet there's two dogs worth of fur down there.) and then she stands very still while you lather her up, except for maybe giving you a kiss or eleven while you are on eye level. that's about the point where it's useless staying mad at her. So then when it's rinsing time, she puts her front paws up on the edge of the tub, so that you can make sure you get all the soap off her, please and thank you. Then she steps back down and lifts one leg at a time so that you can rinse those as well. Turn off the water and she will shake off once, hop out of the tub (more slowly and carefully than hopping in- wouldn't want to slip, now would we.) and waits to be towel dried. Again, with the Show Pony style leg lifting. She gives one thank you kiss, and then heads out to resume laying on the couch. How this civilized little doggie still insists on crapping herself, I will never know.
So yeah, this sort of sums up my life, and the constant fuckery that accompanies my attempts at crafty goodness and a lovely surrounding. I have the grandest intentions of perhaps ogling my hostas (still not over the wonder that is a plant that dies and then just decides to come back without a seance or anything. Amazing.), cleaning, working on the great kitchen makeover, knitting a few more rows of the second sock, and reading my books over and over and over again. But does that happen? Nope, not till the dog's Turd Hooves are removed, and the remaining little shit nuggets in her crate are ever-so carefully removed, the surrounding area cleaned, the room aired out, and disinfectant sprayed. Hey, we share a bedroom, Maya and I. i don't want Eau de Dookie in my room. Aromatherapy, it is not. Actually, I have started having a Pavlovian response to it almost and my blood begins to boil immediately upon smelling it. So yeah- cute tunics, vegan muffins, neatly stored balls of yarn, the quiet and thoughtful feathering of one's nest- not happening here at the Stupid house. Nope, but the gentle art of poop cleaning is in full fucking swing today, friends!
Oh and in the way of Confessional Sunday, unless you count books (which I do NOT; books are our friends and they are always allowed to be purchased and loved- AWAYS!) I am guilt free this week, and last week. I am also sadly Finished Object free, but hey- see above.
It's barely lunch, and there is already a story to tell. This morning started way too early. BF is on a business trip, and so he thought that I too might like to get up at 8:15am to chit chat. As this was a horrible error in judgement, I was too aggravated to go back to sleep at 8:30 when he finally let me off the phone with promises of blueberry pancakes once he moves here. Anyway, I got up, watched some tv, hung out with the dog, and decided that I should go get an uber coffee drink at Starbucks, and maybe wander around Barnes & Noble. Whoever thought to team the two up is an Evil Genius.
So I get my coffee and I wind up purchasing two books with the money I earned (but have not received yet) by cleaning a newly vacated apartment owned by some clients at work. Aren't I clever? I was going to blow it all on yarn, but these books called to me. I bought Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. It's splendid. It's not intimidating, has cute projects, all easily (or so it would seem) completed and all were things that I totally wanted to make. Love. I looked at sooooo many books that I had my eye on because of the blogosphere hype of them all, and they sort of left me feeling kind of meh. But this one, oh this one had me wanting to run home and sew all sorts of things. I like that- I think that's the mark of a good, no, great book. There's a difference is a book that's nice to look at and makes me say "oh, that's a nice...thing" and one that makes me say "I LOVE that, that, that, and that and I need them in my life and feel inspired to make it so." That's how I feel about Heather Ross' book. It's neato.
Then. Oh, then I found a book I have coveted from afar but never actually held in my grubby little hands. It's The Gentle Art of Domesticity. It's beautiful. What little I have read has been sweet, thoughtful, accompanied by gorgeous photos, and just generally enthralls me. I had already planned to leave it out on the coffee table with my other Coffee Table Books (Spirit Dancer and Bitter With Baggage Seeks Same- what can I say, I am a varied and complex young lady.) So I pull up at the house with visions of cleaning a little, opening the doors and windows, planting some foxglove seeds, perhaps a little NPR, and practicing the art of domesticity, ever so gently.
Then I walked in the house and smelled shit.
Yup, Someone could not stand the thought of me having fun without her and shit her pants. Er, crate. Then i let her out of her crate, to discover that she stepped on turds with her back feet. They made these sort of Turd Hooves that thankfully didn't get on the carpet (mostly) while I chased her around the apartment. By the time I caught her she was so frazzled, I had to carry her to the bathroom. Now at this point, i will say that there is an upside to the fact that I frequently have to wash her own bodily...whatEVERS off her. That is that this dog delights in baths and has perfected her own Gentle Art of taking them. She waits for her collar to come off. Once it does, she hops in the tub on her own. She stays at the back end of it waiting for the water to be the right temp before walking into it (the tub drains sort of slowly. I bet there's two dogs worth of fur down there.) and then she stands very still while you lather her up, except for maybe giving you a kiss or eleven while you are on eye level. that's about the point where it's useless staying mad at her. So then when it's rinsing time, she puts her front paws up on the edge of the tub, so that you can make sure you get all the soap off her, please and thank you. Then she steps back down and lifts one leg at a time so that you can rinse those as well. Turn off the water and she will shake off once, hop out of the tub (more slowly and carefully than hopping in- wouldn't want to slip, now would we.) and waits to be towel dried. Again, with the Show Pony style leg lifting. She gives one thank you kiss, and then heads out to resume laying on the couch. How this civilized little doggie still insists on crapping herself, I will never know.
So yeah, this sort of sums up my life, and the constant fuckery that accompanies my attempts at crafty goodness and a lovely surrounding. I have the grandest intentions of perhaps ogling my hostas (still not over the wonder that is a plant that dies and then just decides to come back without a seance or anything. Amazing.), cleaning, working on the great kitchen makeover, knitting a few more rows of the second sock, and reading my books over and over and over again. But does that happen? Nope, not till the dog's Turd Hooves are removed, and the remaining little shit nuggets in her crate are ever-so carefully removed, the surrounding area cleaned, the room aired out, and disinfectant sprayed. Hey, we share a bedroom, Maya and I. i don't want Eau de Dookie in my room. Aromatherapy, it is not. Actually, I have started having a Pavlovian response to it almost and my blood begins to boil immediately upon smelling it. So yeah- cute tunics, vegan muffins, neatly stored balls of yarn, the quiet and thoughtful feathering of one's nest- not happening here at the Stupid house. Nope, but the gentle art of poop cleaning is in full fucking swing today, friends!
Oh and in the way of Confessional Sunday, unless you count books (which I do NOT; books are our friends and they are always allowed to be purchased and loved- AWAYS!) I am guilt free this week, and last week. I am also sadly Finished Object free, but hey- see above.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring Is Here, Nanny Nanny Boo Boo!
Yes, I am now officially taunting people. We have spring, you don't. HA! That is right, I am laughing while I can. Especially since you will be laughing when you have lovely breezy days in the high 70's and I am laying on top of my air conditioner, covered in sweat and cursing this Southern Existence of mine. But for now, I play in the dirt.
I live in a shady little spot. For the most part I like it quite a bit, but it makes having plants difficult. All the super pretty colored ones seem to want sun. I don't have any to really spare, so I went with some low light stuff for the front porch. I wish I could take this little pot with me everywhere; I love it so much.
Here's the very under exposed back porch. The picture is good in that it shows you just how quickly it's dark back there. I sort of love it that way though. As you can see, the cat, Buddha, and The Best Rocking Chair Ever make it all nice and cozy. The calla lillies, my second favorite behind tulips, don't hurt any either. I don't know how well you can see it from the pic but that rectangle planter is holding my most favorite arrangement. I had so much fun putting it together. I have no idea what the plants are in it, but when the Nursery Lady was writing up my ticket, she went nuts over it and said that I must be artsy or have a background in plants. Since I consider myself neither, this made me feel good.
And finally, the terrarium that I made a while ago needed some new inhabitants. I have a hard time with this thing- I can't seem to find anyone who gets along with the lone survivor, the guy in the 6 o'clock position. Everyone else wants all sorts of water and sunlight and bedtime stories and all sorts of botanical coddling that I am not prepared to give. so I snatched up these little succulents when the label on them basically said "likes total crap for soil and doesn't give a shit about water." I mean I am paraphrasing, but I feel the same way. Now I just need to switch out the critters, and do a bit of re-staging. I finally found a T-Rex like I wanted, and I have a blue stegasaurus that would look fantastic in there. Wow, when did I turn into a 5-year-old boy? I guess sometime around when I realized that "scrotum" is the funniest word ever, and farts are the funniest sound ever.
So yeah, spring has sprung here in the Awesome house! And this is one of the many reasons I have been sort of non-bloggy lately.
I live in a shady little spot. For the most part I like it quite a bit, but it makes having plants difficult. All the super pretty colored ones seem to want sun. I don't have any to really spare, so I went with some low light stuff for the front porch. I wish I could take this little pot with me everywhere; I love it so much.
Here's the very under exposed back porch. The picture is good in that it shows you just how quickly it's dark back there. I sort of love it that way though. As you can see, the cat, Buddha, and The Best Rocking Chair Ever make it all nice and cozy. The calla lillies, my second favorite behind tulips, don't hurt any either. I don't know how well you can see it from the pic but that rectangle planter is holding my most favorite arrangement. I had so much fun putting it together. I have no idea what the plants are in it, but when the Nursery Lady was writing up my ticket, she went nuts over it and said that I must be artsy or have a background in plants. Since I consider myself neither, this made me feel good.
And finally, the terrarium that I made a while ago needed some new inhabitants. I have a hard time with this thing- I can't seem to find anyone who gets along with the lone survivor, the guy in the 6 o'clock position. Everyone else wants all sorts of water and sunlight and bedtime stories and all sorts of botanical coddling that I am not prepared to give. so I snatched up these little succulents when the label on them basically said "likes total crap for soil and doesn't give a shit about water." I mean I am paraphrasing, but I feel the same way. Now I just need to switch out the critters, and do a bit of re-staging. I finally found a T-Rex like I wanted, and I have a blue stegasaurus that would look fantastic in there. Wow, when did I turn into a 5-year-old boy? I guess sometime around when I realized that "scrotum" is the funniest word ever, and farts are the funniest sound ever.
So yeah, spring has sprung here in the Awesome house! And this is one of the many reasons I have been sort of non-bloggy lately.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
When Good Things Happen to Crazy People
It's so nice to have nothing to really complain about. I mean, this week has been strangely awesome. Really! It seems that here lately everything has been either Wrong, Harder Than It Has To Be, Out of Whack or at the very least Just A Bit Off. So it's very nice to be able to say nothing but good things.
First, there's the current Star of the Blog, Maya. She went to play with her friends on Friday night and was SO happy to see them. And when the dogs all came indoors, Maya wandered around and said hello to all the People there, instead of pacing anxiously and then deciding to sit by the door, far away from Everyone. The changes in her are noticeable to other people too! It makes me feel sort of validated, like I'm not just making up improvements in my head to keep from being nuts about her costly medication. She's having a lazy Sunday under the afghan her grandma made a long long time ago.
In knitting news, I am back to knitting for my favorite recipient me. I finished the Hat Fit For A Boyfriend for BF. I tried it on and it fits me great, so hopefully since it's stretchy it should fit his slightly-larger-yet-seemingly-sometimes-empty head. I should not say that his head is empty, because he has possibly firmly planted himself on the Knitworthy list. When I asked him what else he wanted (since he treated himself to the fancy headphones I was going to get him. Grr) he said, "The hat's plenty! Besides, you MADE it, so it's great." It was like the heavens opened up and angels sang because of that comment. I think that's what we call Appreciation of Things Handmade, and obviously Very Important.
And then on Saturday morning, I got up Very Early to be at the local yarn store when it opened. It was Annual Sale day! I felt all self-righteous when I left because I only spent $70 and did what I set out to do- I bought local, I bought Better rather than More, and also I made a list ahead of time and bought only what I needed for specific projects. And there's something thrilling about sales, although let me tell ya: there are sales, and then there are Sales At A Yarn Store. I had to judo chop an old lady to get to the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, and I'd do it again if I had to. While fondling some other yarn I thought one woman was going to pull a knife on me. The moral of the story is don't cross a knitter on sale day, folks. You could easily lose an eye or worse. Here's the Miski Baby Llama yarn I bought for a capelet (it's just disgustingly soft and I love it so much I want to marry it)
and here's the Alpaca With A Twist Highlander tweedy yarn that is also super soft, squishy, and will be next winter's hat, mittens, and cowl set. I won't be caught off guard by all the random cold snaps, and I will probably wear the set in August because although that would be terribly silly, there's something just so very right about purple tweed alpaca No Matter What. It's the little things, people.
And here is the very best thing, the thing that matters more than yarn and hats and dogs, even. This week a big huge wonderful thing happened, and there was a Change of Plans. I have been working up the nerve to announce to you that I was moving 750 miles away to live with BF. This was to happen at the end of March. It's been in the works for months and I wasn't fully prepared emotionally to handle leaving my job during a recession, and leaving my Whole Life behind. Well, it seems I don't have to because he is moving here! Soon we won't have to cry at airports, or have massive cell phone bills, or do any of that stuff. It's very exciting. And the yarn came about as a result of me figuring that things would be tight for us while he searched for jobs and both moved (his dog is coming with so we need to move to a house with a yard for the sake of all of us). I rationalized that while all the fancy yarn was on sale, I should grab some and then it will keep me occupied and offer some stress relief while we get used to seeing each other every day and not having any money to do stuff (I realize that the logic there is a bit wonky, but I am going with it and you can't stop me.). This is just so exciting. I can't stand it. Really, I can't.
And now here it is, Sunday, and I have lots of sewing projects that need to be sewn (finally). I hope that the week and weekend has been just as busy, exciting, productive, and whatever else for all of you.
First, there's the current Star of the Blog, Maya. She went to play with her friends on Friday night and was SO happy to see them. And when the dogs all came indoors, Maya wandered around and said hello to all the People there, instead of pacing anxiously and then deciding to sit by the door, far away from Everyone. The changes in her are noticeable to other people too! It makes me feel sort of validated, like I'm not just making up improvements in my head to keep from being nuts about her costly medication. She's having a lazy Sunday under the afghan her grandma made a long long time ago.
In knitting news, I am back to knitting for my favorite recipient me. I finished the Hat Fit For A Boyfriend for BF. I tried it on and it fits me great, so hopefully since it's stretchy it should fit his slightly-larger-yet-seemingly-sometimes-empty head. I should not say that his head is empty, because he has possibly firmly planted himself on the Knitworthy list. When I asked him what else he wanted (since he treated himself to the fancy headphones I was going to get him. Grr) he said, "The hat's plenty! Besides, you MADE it, so it's great." It was like the heavens opened up and angels sang because of that comment. I think that's what we call Appreciation of Things Handmade, and obviously Very Important.
And then on Saturday morning, I got up Very Early to be at the local yarn store when it opened. It was Annual Sale day! I felt all self-righteous when I left because I only spent $70 and did what I set out to do- I bought local, I bought Better rather than More, and also I made a list ahead of time and bought only what I needed for specific projects. And there's something thrilling about sales, although let me tell ya: there are sales, and then there are Sales At A Yarn Store. I had to judo chop an old lady to get to the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, and I'd do it again if I had to. While fondling some other yarn I thought one woman was going to pull a knife on me. The moral of the story is don't cross a knitter on sale day, folks. You could easily lose an eye or worse. Here's the Miski Baby Llama yarn I bought for a capelet (it's just disgustingly soft and I love it so much I want to marry it)
and here's the Alpaca With A Twist Highlander tweedy yarn that is also super soft, squishy, and will be next winter's hat, mittens, and cowl set. I won't be caught off guard by all the random cold snaps, and I will probably wear the set in August because although that would be terribly silly, there's something just so very right about purple tweed alpaca No Matter What. It's the little things, people.
And here is the very best thing, the thing that matters more than yarn and hats and dogs, even. This week a big huge wonderful thing happened, and there was a Change of Plans. I have been working up the nerve to announce to you that I was moving 750 miles away to live with BF. This was to happen at the end of March. It's been in the works for months and I wasn't fully prepared emotionally to handle leaving my job during a recession, and leaving my Whole Life behind. Well, it seems I don't have to because he is moving here! Soon we won't have to cry at airports, or have massive cell phone bills, or do any of that stuff. It's very exciting. And the yarn came about as a result of me figuring that things would be tight for us while he searched for jobs and both moved (his dog is coming with so we need to move to a house with a yard for the sake of all of us). I rationalized that while all the fancy yarn was on sale, I should grab some and then it will keep me occupied and offer some stress relief while we get used to seeing each other every day and not having any money to do stuff (I realize that the logic there is a bit wonky, but I am going with it and you can't stop me.). This is just so exciting. I can't stand it. Really, I can't.
And now here it is, Sunday, and I have lots of sewing projects that need to be sewn (finally). I hope that the week and weekend has been just as busy, exciting, productive, and whatever else for all of you.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Emotional Enemas
Today was the ultimate in emotional enemas.
Have you ever had an enema? Now I realize this may well be TMI. But you know what? I'm gonna go there. I had one once, when I was a little girl. I went to the emergency room for what would turn out to be kidney stones. At the time though, they thought I was constipated, and so they gave me one. I'll spare you any further details, except to say that I imagine if you actually need one, they are very, erm, cleansing and theraputic.
I think that the collective heart of America got an enema today. I feel like mine did. I feel like the past 8 years I have just had to Tamp It Down. Let's get into a Make Believe War that carries a real body count. Tamp It Down. Let's bully the world as a whole. Tamp It Down. Let's pretend that pillaging the planet and consuming purely for the joy of consumption is without consequence. Tamp It Down. Let's do it all over again for four more years! Tamp It Down. Let's monitor the innocent, torture the accused, and use hate and intolerance as a unifier. Tamp. It. Down. There's only so much bottling up of emotion you can do. Even when people have written letters, made signs, and shouted in the streets, we Stayed The Course.
And then we got an enema today, and all the shit was flushed right out. And it felt really, really good.
I really hate (although it's very fitting) that for all the emotions that I've felt and the things that I've thought, that all I can distill it into is a poop metaphor. Well, a leopard doesn't change its socks, does it?
No, it doesn't, but every so often it gets a shiny new President. And that's good.
Have you ever had an enema? Now I realize this may well be TMI. But you know what? I'm gonna go there. I had one once, when I was a little girl. I went to the emergency room for what would turn out to be kidney stones. At the time though, they thought I was constipated, and so they gave me one. I'll spare you any further details, except to say that I imagine if you actually need one, they are very, erm, cleansing and theraputic.
I think that the collective heart of America got an enema today. I feel like mine did. I feel like the past 8 years I have just had to Tamp It Down. Let's get into a Make Believe War that carries a real body count. Tamp It Down. Let's bully the world as a whole. Tamp It Down. Let's pretend that pillaging the planet and consuming purely for the joy of consumption is without consequence. Tamp It Down. Let's do it all over again for four more years! Tamp It Down. Let's monitor the innocent, torture the accused, and use hate and intolerance as a unifier. Tamp. It. Down. There's only so much bottling up of emotion you can do. Even when people have written letters, made signs, and shouted in the streets, we Stayed The Course.
And then we got an enema today, and all the shit was flushed right out. And it felt really, really good.
I really hate (although it's very fitting) that for all the emotions that I've felt and the things that I've thought, that all I can distill it into is a poop metaphor. Well, a leopard doesn't change its socks, does it?
No, it doesn't, but every so often it gets a shiny new President. And that's good.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Inspiration, Organization, and Thoughts on the Color Orange
Don't you love it when you think and think and think and think on something, and don't arrive at the solution till you stop thinking about what it is you were thinking about? Did you catch that?
Anyway, I had just sort of given up the hope that my Office/Evil Den of Crafty Mayhem would ever be a place where I truly liked to be. It's devoid of personality, and any attempts at interjecting some have just failed. The best I came up with was a tropical print steno chair. Oof. Anyway, I figured I would just never find the right color combo, and then just like that, I did.
I went to the fabric store looking for two fabrics to do a recovering type thing for my cork tiles. I wanted one to hold things that I wanted handy, but didn't want to poke holes in. (I'm looking at you, checkbook! Outta the underwear drawer!) And lo and behold, I found a combination that made me so sublimely happy I couldn't stand it:
I love green and orange together, and I mainly just love all things green. But with my bedroom being all foresty and woodsy feeling, and the living room feeling calm yet fun, I wanted something that would say "Get off your ass and make something! And put things back where you found them, dammit!" Orange says that to me. It's like an epiphany! Yay orange!
And, yay pockets, yay things on the wall where I can find/see/remember them, and just.....yay.
Now, let's talk about orange for a minute. After this occurred to me, I did what I always do. I bought stuff and then did nothing with it. For a while. Then after doing this, and being an out and proud orange lover, I realized I knew what I wanted to do with an awesome peice of furniture I have for this room. (It's sort of a secret project. That way I can put off doing anything about it. Heehee.) Anyhow, I bought some fun fabric (On sale!) for it, and went in search of orange paint. I went to Lowes, and took home paint samples. Let me tell you something: unless you do their fun color matching thing, there isn't a really good, vibrant, ballsy orange to be had. In bringing them home and also looking at them in the sun, they are all some salmon-ish, terra cotta-like, polite...eh. I can't even get worked up about them, and people, I get worked up about pincushions. So, I will be heading back soon to try the color matching once I realized I want some paint in the exact color of my orange socks. I am just sort of sad that all color-maker-paint-chip-type folks think anyone wants is for color to be polite. I think that the occasional eye-searing shade of whatever floats your boat is necessary.
So, now that I finally have a direction in which to go, I'm looking forward to beating this room into submission and making it a place that I want to be in. Oh and learning how to put things away, that will the kicker.
Anyway, I had just sort of given up the hope that my Office/Evil Den of Crafty Mayhem would ever be a place where I truly liked to be. It's devoid of personality, and any attempts at interjecting some have just failed. The best I came up with was a tropical print steno chair. Oof. Anyway, I figured I would just never find the right color combo, and then just like that, I did.
I went to the fabric store looking for two fabrics to do a recovering type thing for my cork tiles. I wanted one to hold things that I wanted handy, but didn't want to poke holes in. (I'm looking at you, checkbook! Outta the underwear drawer!) And lo and behold, I found a combination that made me so sublimely happy I couldn't stand it:
I love green and orange together, and I mainly just love all things green. But with my bedroom being all foresty and woodsy feeling, and the living room feeling calm yet fun, I wanted something that would say "Get off your ass and make something! And put things back where you found them, dammit!" Orange says that to me. It's like an epiphany! Yay orange!
And, yay pockets, yay things on the wall where I can find/see/remember them, and just.....yay.
Now, let's talk about orange for a minute. After this occurred to me, I did what I always do. I bought stuff and then did nothing with it. For a while. Then after doing this, and being an out and proud orange lover, I realized I knew what I wanted to do with an awesome peice of furniture I have for this room. (It's sort of a secret project. That way I can put off doing anything about it. Heehee.) Anyhow, I bought some fun fabric (On sale!) for it, and went in search of orange paint. I went to Lowes, and took home paint samples. Let me tell you something: unless you do their fun color matching thing, there isn't a really good, vibrant, ballsy orange to be had. In bringing them home and also looking at them in the sun, they are all some salmon-ish, terra cotta-like, polite...eh. I can't even get worked up about them, and people, I get worked up about pincushions. So, I will be heading back soon to try the color matching once I realized I want some paint in the exact color of my orange socks. I am just sort of sad that all color-maker-paint-chip-type folks think anyone wants is for color to be polite. I think that the occasional eye-searing shade of whatever floats your boat is necessary.
So, now that I finally have a direction in which to go, I'm looking forward to beating this room into submission and making it a place that I want to be in. Oh and learning how to put things away, that will the kicker.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
And I'm Back
A very happy new year to all of you!
I am back, having just dropped BF off at the airport an hour or so ago. The fits of body-shaking, snot-gushing, tear-filled sobs seem to have stopped for the time being, so I figured I should get something out of the Happy Time (it comes and goes in waves, the whole me being able to function or wailing and moaning and clutching some unfortunate cat or dog and wiping my face in their fur. Cute, I know.). So anyway, New Years was wonderful and just what I wanted it to be- full of great food, music, friends, and lots of good wishes and high hopes for an awesome 2009.
We saw the Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival at the Fabulous Fox and it was fantastic. Our seats were GREAT, and the theater is one of those places that enhances the show you are seeing just by virtue of being a Real Life Theater- it's the Fabulous Fox, not the Verizon Wireless This or the Pepsi That, and is it just felt special. Did you know that it was the location of the first ever showing of Gone With the Wind? It was. And also, my Girl Crush on Susan Tedeschi has grown even bigger. She has an amazing voice, can rock the blues guitar, and has shiny hair. Sigh. And before too long, it was midnight and BF and I were celebrating our anniversary and a new year. I love that two very important celebrations in my life are marked at the exact same moment. That makes me smile.
Anyway- before I have to run off and wipe my face on the cat, let's talk resolutions.
I know that some people hate them. And after reading all sorts of blog posts- some people have lists a mile long, others don't bother with them at all and get sort of resentful about them. Resolutions are important- whether they are yearly, monthly, whatever- it's important to just try. You can insert lots of clever quotes here said by people far more eloquent and accomplished than I, but they all say the same thing. Just fucking try, ok? I mean, yeah I will probably not succeed with a lot of mine. But hey, in the time in which I am trying I am being better than if I just sat on the couch eating chips, accepting the status quo for another 365 days. And if one resolution is a total failure- it will most likely be because I was chasing the wrong thing, and it gave way to something better. That's alright, don't you think. Just trying is good.
So here's my list (even though I told you last week that I wouldn't be posting it. I changed my mind, and I can do that.)
I am back, having just dropped BF off at the airport an hour or so ago. The fits of body-shaking, snot-gushing, tear-filled sobs seem to have stopped for the time being, so I figured I should get something out of the Happy Time (it comes and goes in waves, the whole me being able to function or wailing and moaning and clutching some unfortunate cat or dog and wiping my face in their fur. Cute, I know.). So anyway, New Years was wonderful and just what I wanted it to be- full of great food, music, friends, and lots of good wishes and high hopes for an awesome 2009.
We saw the Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival at the Fabulous Fox and it was fantastic. Our seats were GREAT, and the theater is one of those places that enhances the show you are seeing just by virtue of being a Real Life Theater- it's the Fabulous Fox, not the Verizon Wireless This or the Pepsi That, and is it just felt special. Did you know that it was the location of the first ever showing of Gone With the Wind? It was. And also, my Girl Crush on Susan Tedeschi has grown even bigger. She has an amazing voice, can rock the blues guitar, and has shiny hair. Sigh. And before too long, it was midnight and BF and I were celebrating our anniversary and a new year. I love that two very important celebrations in my life are marked at the exact same moment. That makes me smile.
Anyway- before I have to run off and wipe my face on the cat, let's talk resolutions.
I know that some people hate them. And after reading all sorts of blog posts- some people have lists a mile long, others don't bother with them at all and get sort of resentful about them. Resolutions are important- whether they are yearly, monthly, whatever- it's important to just try. You can insert lots of clever quotes here said by people far more eloquent and accomplished than I, but they all say the same thing. Just fucking try, ok? I mean, yeah I will probably not succeed with a lot of mine. But hey, in the time in which I am trying I am being better than if I just sat on the couch eating chips, accepting the status quo for another 365 days. And if one resolution is a total failure- it will most likely be because I was chasing the wrong thing, and it gave way to something better. That's alright, don't you think. Just trying is good.
So here's my list (even though I told you last week that I wouldn't be posting it. I changed my mind, and I can do that.)
- Embrace change, and accept it as part of life.
- Share all the good tidings and crap I hate during the holidays all year long.
- Be involved in and vocal about things I believe in. Write congressmen, give of time and money, and generally stand up for what I think is right.
- Practice contentment, and stop comparing myself to others. Enjoy and be happy with what is right now.
- Eat better, and love cooking again
- Buy locally, handmade, or from companies with a conscience, making my money do more good than for just me and Wal*Fart.
- Learn something new
- Regularly send cards, letters, and notes in the mail, because it's nice and makes people feel good.
- Take a class. I am pretty proud of my ability to teach myself things with the help of books or the internet, but learning in a group is pretty cool especially when creativity and enthusiasm are contagious. Right now I am considering yoga, pottery, or Italian. Or cooking.
- Travel more
- Manage time better, and stop procrastinating by playing on the internet.
- Write more- and not just about botched or barely completed projects. I learned this year that I sort of like it, and people seem to find it amusing so I'd like to do more of it. But I won't take a writing class. Pottery sounds like more fun, and Italian too.
- Free myself from materialistic/compulsive hoarding tendencies. I would like to learn to trade More for Better or Special. I think that I could apply this to every single thing I purchase.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Summer
Merry Christmas, if that's your thing.
Today was the un-Christmas for me, and I found it sort of nice. If you are wanting to see pics of family in festive pajamas or goofy sweaters, or mounds of toys, or beautifully decorated tables full of wonderful home cooked food- you've come to the wrong blog. Quick, leave before something icky touches your reindeer sweater!
First of all, I spent both Christmas Eve and Christmas day totally alone, save for an interaction with a gas station clerk and my animals. I will admit that I moped about a bit yesterday and I even cried a little. I started to care just a little too late, I guess. But don't worry- apathy returned just as quickly as it left.
I ate ice cream for my Christmas Eve dinner, and then today had smoked oysters and crackers with Cheese-In-A-Can, and shared some with Maya. Now I'm full on tempura shrimp and feeling quite content. I am also full of chai tea- this time I mixed up a batch for me and only me, and I tracked down some instant black tea online, and bought just enough. It's got a stronger flavor and less sediment at the bottom, and I love it. Fat and happy, that's me.
Reading though people's blogs, I am alternately jealous and thankful that my weather isn't like the rest of the country. Everywhere else there's snow piled up all over and it's cold out. Here- it felt like it was a March day. The thermometer in my car read 78 degrees at one point and the sun was shining brightly. Just a beautiful day- the perfect day for Maya to go try something new.
The dog and I hopped in the car and headed to the beach. I figured we may as well do up un-Christmas right and go for a walk in the sand. We did just that- and we even stuck our toes in the ocean. It was chilly, but fun to do just so I could say we did it. Maya waded into a tide pool, and seemed very surprised that it got deeper very quickly- and yet continued to wade further in while making it very obvious she wanted out. It was funny, even though she shivered a bit afterwards. Typical Maya walking ensues- just when I think it can't get more pleasant for us to stroll along and look at birds and wave at people, a switch flips in her and she wants to be stubborn like a mule. So, the Gentle Leader went on. God, how she hates that thing. All in all, I think the trip to the beach went well.
Then we came home and both had cookies, and she took an un-Christmas nap and I got to work. I can't wait to show you the magic I worked on my office. I even took a pic to show you the height of chaos. Oh, and I found those missing greeting cards. Hee hee.
And then I still felt like I needed a pick me up. So at my mother's suggestion (for a crazy person she sure is wise sometimes) I watched Obama's Acceptance Speech. That really did the trick. It's 17 minutes of everything you could want on Christmas Day: joy, hope, peace, and the promise of good days to come. Then I got another pick me up by reading this post on the Yarn Harlot. Then I started thinking about how good I really do have it, then started planning a great summer trip with BF, and now I'm just feeling ridiculously good.
I just love this time of year, particularly when Christmas is over, and I can breathe and look forward to the year ahead. And eat ice cream for breakfast.
Today was the un-Christmas for me, and I found it sort of nice. If you are wanting to see pics of family in festive pajamas or goofy sweaters, or mounds of toys, or beautifully decorated tables full of wonderful home cooked food- you've come to the wrong blog. Quick, leave before something icky touches your reindeer sweater!
First of all, I spent both Christmas Eve and Christmas day totally alone, save for an interaction with a gas station clerk and my animals. I will admit that I moped about a bit yesterday and I even cried a little. I started to care just a little too late, I guess. But don't worry- apathy returned just as quickly as it left.
I ate ice cream for my Christmas Eve dinner, and then today had smoked oysters and crackers with Cheese-In-A-Can, and shared some with Maya. Now I'm full on tempura shrimp and feeling quite content. I am also full of chai tea- this time I mixed up a batch for me and only me, and I tracked down some instant black tea online, and bought just enough. It's got a stronger flavor and less sediment at the bottom, and I love it. Fat and happy, that's me.
Reading though people's blogs, I am alternately jealous and thankful that my weather isn't like the rest of the country. Everywhere else there's snow piled up all over and it's cold out. Here- it felt like it was a March day. The thermometer in my car read 78 degrees at one point and the sun was shining brightly. Just a beautiful day- the perfect day for Maya to go try something new.
The dog and I hopped in the car and headed to the beach. I figured we may as well do up un-Christmas right and go for a walk in the sand. We did just that- and we even stuck our toes in the ocean. It was chilly, but fun to do just so I could say we did it. Maya waded into a tide pool, and seemed very surprised that it got deeper very quickly- and yet continued to wade further in while making it very obvious she wanted out. It was funny, even though she shivered a bit afterwards. Typical Maya walking ensues- just when I think it can't get more pleasant for us to stroll along and look at birds and wave at people, a switch flips in her and she wants to be stubborn like a mule. So, the Gentle Leader went on. God, how she hates that thing. All in all, I think the trip to the beach went well.
Then we came home and both had cookies, and she took an un-Christmas nap and I got to work. I can't wait to show you the magic I worked on my office. I even took a pic to show you the height of chaos. Oh, and I found those missing greeting cards. Hee hee.
And then I still felt like I needed a pick me up. So at my mother's suggestion (for a crazy person she sure is wise sometimes) I watched Obama's Acceptance Speech. That really did the trick. It's 17 minutes of everything you could want on Christmas Day: joy, hope, peace, and the promise of good days to come. Then I got another pick me up by reading this post on the Yarn Harlot. Then I started thinking about how good I really do have it, then started planning a great summer trip with BF, and now I'm just feeling ridiculously good.
I just love this time of year, particularly when Christmas is over, and I can breathe and look forward to the year ahead. And eat ice cream for breakfast.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I've Hit The OCD Motherload
Looky at what I found.
This appeals to the darkest corner of my psyche- the place where I allow myself to make lists of lists I want to make, the part of my brain that rejoices in labels, order, uniformity, and Having A Plan. It's the same place from which I suspect the '70's porn music pipes in when I browse The Container Store. In case you haven't gotten the memo- my head is a scary place to be.
It's the Mother of Organization.
I can't wait to look at this more. I don't want to be someone who has to pencil in time to poop or something, but in moderation- organization can be a fantastic vice. And I found this just in time for 2009, which is to be my Year of Organization. I think the main thing about the site that makes me interested is the prospect of a monthly checklist. I. Love. Checklists. LOVE THEM! I don't know why, but the feeling of crossing something off is so satisfying to me that I always have to try to not put things like "brush teeth" on the list so that i can have the joy of crossing them off.
After the missing greeting card rant the other week, and the discovery at the end of the day that I had my shirt on inside out, I have resolved to get some order to my life come hell or high water. I know that means less laughs for you guys, but hey- I will still be Accident Prone and also High Strung, so there's lots of fun to be had yet. The new year is really just 365 in which my hair could be set on fire or I legally marry my label maker. You'll just have to wait and see.
But, if I do decide to marry my label maker, you are all invited to the wedding, and we will be registered at The Container Store. Just saying.
This appeals to the darkest corner of my psyche- the place where I allow myself to make lists of lists I want to make, the part of my brain that rejoices in labels, order, uniformity, and Having A Plan. It's the same place from which I suspect the '70's porn music pipes in when I browse The Container Store. In case you haven't gotten the memo- my head is a scary place to be.
It's the Mother of Organization.
I can't wait to look at this more. I don't want to be someone who has to pencil in time to poop or something, but in moderation- organization can be a fantastic vice. And I found this just in time for 2009, which is to be my Year of Organization. I think the main thing about the site that makes me interested is the prospect of a monthly checklist. I. Love. Checklists. LOVE THEM! I don't know why, but the feeling of crossing something off is so satisfying to me that I always have to try to not put things like "brush teeth" on the list so that i can have the joy of crossing them off.
After the missing greeting card rant the other week, and the discovery at the end of the day that I had my shirt on inside out, I have resolved to get some order to my life come hell or high water. I know that means less laughs for you guys, but hey- I will still be Accident Prone and also High Strung, so there's lots of fun to be had yet. The new year is really just 365 in which my hair could be set on fire or I legally marry my label maker. You'll just have to wait and see.
But, if I do decide to marry my label maker, you are all invited to the wedding, and we will be registered at The Container Store. Just saying.
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Blast From the Past....Literally
This showed up in my inbox today. The subject was FW: The ghost of Holly Past. It looked like spam, so I almost didn't open it. But, when i did I got something fantastic that is really really making me laugh:
Greetings from your past. In the fall of 2005, you agreed to receive this message,
which has been preserved for a year in the Forbes.com E-Mail Time Capsule. For more
details, visit http://www.forbes.com/capsule
Here is the text of your message:
Hello Holly!
This is the Holly from three years ago. You have now received this email that you
typed out three years ago while you were hanging out at (edit:work name) doing
nothing.
I wanted to send you this as a reminder of what you hoped for and dreamed of for
this point in your life. If you have not accomplished all of these things, then
that's okay. I am sure that you are even more fabulous than you were three years ago. If
you haven't done any of these things, and you are reading this either on (edit:street)
Blvd, or (edit: work name) then you are a lazy stupid a-hole, and you need to get
moving before life passes you by! Here's what you wanted to be doing in three years:
1. You wanted to start a company around your jewlery making, and call it "The Strut
and Crow" or "Strut and Crow Beads" or something like that. But Strut and Crow was a
main component. **oh geez.**
2. You wanted this company to be in good standing with the IRS, and able to be
turning a profit by the time that you received this email. Just like a grown-ups
business. **this is funny. I remember being truly bewildered by the ins an outs
of setting up a business**
3. You wanted to be living in Nashville, and enjoying a great life up there.
**hindsight really IS 20/20, no?**
4. You wanted to have a dog by then. One that is nice to Charlie, and is named
Cooper, to remind you of Charleston.
**check! well, her name is not Cooper but I love her all the same**
5. You wanted to be in a stable relationship within three years (although you
would never admit to anyone that you wanted this). **check! I guess you could call
us stable**
6. You wanted to spend your days doing things that make you happy, and have a job
that you really, truly love. **Check!**
7. You wanted to be able to keep your car and house reasonably clean, and not go
on ice cream binges, or drink till you puke by accident (although on purpose is ok).
**i would go ahead and tentatively say check! on this one**
I hope that the Holly of the Future is sort of like the Holly of the past. However,
I hope that Future Holly is smarter, braver, and richer than past Holly. And likes
who she is.
I hope that Future Charlie doesn't shit on the floor in front of the litter box.
**future Charlie still has work to do with this one, I'm afraid**
which has been preserved for a year in the Forbes.com E-Mail Time Capsule. For more
details, visit http://www.forbes.com/capsule
Here is the text of your message:
Hello Holly!
This is the Holly from three years ago. You have now received this email that you
typed out three years ago while you were hanging out at (edit:work name) doing
nothing.
I wanted to send you this as a reminder of what you hoped for and dreamed of for
this point in your life. If you have not accomplished all of these things, then
that's okay. I am sure that you are even more fabulous than you were three years ago. If
you haven't done any of these things, and you are reading this either on (edit:street)
Blvd, or (edit: work name) then you are a lazy stupid a-hole, and you need to get
moving before life passes you by! Here's what you wanted to be doing in three years:
1. You wanted to start a company around your jewlery making, and call it "The Strut
and Crow" or "Strut and Crow Beads" or something like that. But Strut and Crow was a
main component. **oh geez.**
2. You wanted this company to be in good standing with the IRS, and able to be
turning a profit by the time that you received this email. Just like a grown-ups
business. **this is funny. I remember being truly bewildered by the ins an outs
of setting up a business**
3. You wanted to be living in Nashville, and enjoying a great life up there.
**hindsight really IS 20/20, no?**
4. You wanted to have a dog by then. One that is nice to Charlie, and is named
Cooper, to remind you of Charleston.
**check! well, her name is not Cooper but I love her all the same**
5. You wanted to be in a stable relationship within three years (although you
would never admit to anyone that you wanted this). **check! I guess you could call
us stable**
6. You wanted to spend your days doing things that make you happy, and have a job
that you really, truly love. **Check!**
7. You wanted to be able to keep your car and house reasonably clean, and not go
on ice cream binges, or drink till you puke by accident (although on purpose is ok).
**i would go ahead and tentatively say check! on this one**
I hope that the Holly of the Future is sort of like the Holly of the past. However,
I hope that Future Holly is smarter, braver, and richer than past Holly. And likes
who she is.
I hope that Future Charlie doesn't shit on the floor in front of the litter box.
**future Charlie still has work to do with this one, I'm afraid**
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Favorite Things
These things are making me happy here at the start of November. I love fall.
Naps on the couch:
Mums:
Using Handknits!
Afternoons on the porch, just watching and thinking:
God I love this chair:
Naps on the couch:
Mums:
Using Handknits!
Afternoons on the porch, just watching and thinking:
God I love this chair:
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
There Has Never Been Anything False About Hope
Remember this?
http://www.palinaspresident.us/
It was funny yesterday, with the globe, and the diploma wall, and the screams of the public out the window. But now, now it's much better. It's how it should be.
Turn your sound up and grab some tissues.
http://www.palinaspresident.us/
It was funny yesterday, with the globe, and the diploma wall, and the screams of the public out the window. But now, now it's much better. It's how it should be.
Turn your sound up and grab some tissues.
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