starrgirl's world

Celebration today...

2009-07-30T18:00:00.003-05:00

This is a little tongue in cheek - $500 for a new garage door when you are unemployed is not exactly fun, but it is a fact of life...

Sunflowers

2009-07-30T17:57:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year for the sunniest flowers of all...

2nd Street Market

2009-07-30T17:54:00.003-05:00

My son and DIL came and got me for a trip to the Farmer's Market last weekend. Sweet! I really enjoyed the fresh roasted beets and corn on the cob...

Digital TV

2009-07-30T17:52:00.002-05:00

Isn't digital TV and tivo the best thing ever? What a treat to watch whatever you want - whenever you want -with no commercials! Love it!

Italian Pasta

2009-07-30T17:49:00.002-05:00

This is a post from May 2009. And it was the best pasta I ever ate when I cooked it for friends for lunch!

The Quilt Auction is Live!!

2008-11-30T00:08:00.007-05:00

If you have followed my blog, then you already know about the Endangered Species Quilt that is now up for auction. In case you DON"T know about it, check out the eBay listing here and then watch the companion you tube video here.

This quilt has been a labor of love and all proceeds will be donated - 100% - to the World Land Trust for a project in the Cosanga Valley, Ecuador.

Please tune in on December 5th for the actual auction - it should be spectacular!!!

ACEO Quilt

2008-09-01T00:04:00.006-05:00

Wow, another month has passed since I posted here last, but that's only because I've been so busy with those darn ACEO cards! I continue to post cards for sale on ebay most weeks and I try to participate in the group theme weeks and swaps. The ACEO Art Cards Editions and Originals is a very active group!

In fact, August was really busy. The month started out with our theme week, which for August was "Endangered Species". It was a great theme with a lot of interesting entries and I discovered during my own research that the Earth's Rainforests are considered endangered. They are disappearing at an alarming rate but there are groups trying to save them. One is the World Land Trust, which uses donations to buy rainforest land and keep it from being developed. Our ACEO group decided to make a donation from our Endangered Species sales to buy some rainforest land for preservation. We will be designating it to the Cosanga Valley in Ecuador.

Then the idea grew. One of our members offered to make a quilt using the images from our theme week cards and donate it to be auctioned to raise more funds. The idea really took off and she was a dynamo on making the quilt. Even better, the quilt got shipped to me this weekend to help do promotional work for the quilt auction and to do the actual listing on ebay when the time comes. It will probably go up for sale in early December.

Meanwhile, I took some photos of the quilt and made a little slide show to share with the other participants. I am the fortunate one who actually gets to see the quilt, besides Char, the quilt maker/artist. Here is the video.

Profiles of the artists can be found on the ACEO Quilt Blog. New ones are being added as each artist gets theirs composed and turned in, so keep checking back for lots of info and updates.

catching up in July

2008-07-30T23:30:00.007-05:00

Again, I haven't updated in a while but I have been painting ACEO cards on most days. I usually have auctions going on ebay under user ID starrgirlblue.

Here are some recent sketchbook pages. This one is about making bread - this is a great new book on making bread everyday with a very simple method that really works!

This was a "pre-determined" page in my sketch journal. When I first start a new journal, I alter some of the pages to make me think about what to do with them when I get there. This one had some torn paper and paint streaks on it.

Some ivy.

Poor mousie...

I watch lots of movies while painting ACEOs.

52 Playing Card Deck

2008-06-08T21:43:00.006-05:00

My goodness, I haven't posted here in a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy!! I am still smitten with ACEOs - those little art trading cards that measure 2.5" by 3.5", just like official baseball trading cards. Only these are original art and if you go searching for them on ebay, you'll find a blue million of them - all creative and artistic and an absolute STEAL for the price.

One of the organized ACEO groups that I belong to on ebay has undertaken a project to make and publish a deck of playing cards. This has been a hoot to be part of! First of all, the signup for the cards took place a few weeks ago and the list of cards was filled in the first twenty minutes. Good thing for me that I was available during the Sunday afternoon signup!!

Thankfully, I got in on requesting a card and I was assigned the five of spades. I was thrilled to have an "ordinary" card and put some thought into the design. I wanted something that there would be "five" of and also something that would look good, design-wise, no matter which direction it faced. Here is what I came up with:

and here is what it will look like as a playing card...

This is just one of 54 original art cards that will be professionally produced and available for sale at ~ $5 per deck. Let me know if you would like one!!

ACEO time of the week

2008-04-13T18:01:00.003-05:00

I'm rather surprised I'm still going strong on the ACEOs, but I am. It feels great to come home and paint these little cards in the evening after work. I usually skip around more than this and it will soon be time to get outside and clean up the yard, but meanwhile, more cards. Here are this week's dogs.

For the link to this week's auctions, click here.

catching up again

2008-04-02T21:48:00.010-05:00

Well, in spite of the ACEOs that I still work on every single day (I'm totally addicted), I have made some moleskine journal entries lately. I just haven't stopped working on ACEOs long enough to get them posted! So here's some catching up of late.

Have you heard the word "copacetic"? It jumped out at me recently and I had to do a page about it.

Then, in early March, we had a most delicious snowstorm. The timing was grand - it started on a Friday, so all I had to do was get myself home from work that day. I did slide right past my street on the way home, but managed to get on home without mishap. The storm continued through Saturday and we accumulated 12" of snow on the ground. That's just plain gorgeous when you can stay inside and watch it come down. Then, on Sunday, my family arrived to help dig me out. I helped - and then fed them - and it was a grand time.

On the first day of Spring I had a nice outing with my daughter and grandkids...

Later that day I watched a fascinating documentary about ole Ben...

The full moon is always a wonder to me.

And today, of course, was an ideal spring day that I just had to write about.

And lots of ACEOs are in the works, of course. Flowers, dogs, birds...
Here are the current ebay auctions...

you got it - more ACEOs

2008-03-18T01:43:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm still on the ACEO bandwagon. I'm totally addicted to making these little cards and they are selling well, so that's what I am doing in my free time. This week I had to post some flowers (it IS spring after all...)
for a link to a current auction, click here.

The dog series have been very popular and I am getting requests for certain breeds. I will do those as soon as I can find references for them. Meanwhile, here are the doggies for this week:
Click here for a direct link to a current auction.

And I really do try to come up with something unique when I can. Last week it was "towers and turrets". This week it is old-fashioned iron lanterns. These things add tons of architectural interest to any building.

click here for a link to a current auction.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and my auctions. I appreciate the wonderful messages you've all sent!

Still ACEO land here...

2008-03-10T19:18:00.005-05:00

Well, I am falling into a pattern of producing the ACEOs. I work on them in the evenings after work and assemble the new ones that are ready over the weekend. On Monday evenings I do a five day listing of the new ones on ebay that will end on the following Saturday. I'm not selling GOBS of them, but am moving a half dozen or so per week which I think is decent in terms of what is selling. All I can say is that if people saw these in person, they would fight to buy them! They really are very NICE and very AFFORDABLE original art and worth much more than they sell for.

This week I have some more dogs - about half of my dogs sold last week. I am so anxious for the buyers to receive them and see how nice they really are.

Click here for one of the current doggie listings. From there you can click on "view seller's other items" to see everything listed this week.

Then, I have a series of Cottage Homes listed. I think they are rather unique and the sort of thing we all grow up dreaming about. Click here to get started. They really are dreamy....

I've done a couple of moleskine entries but nothing worth shouting about. Stay tuned for all the latest artwork...

and even more ACEOs

2008-03-03T20:20:00.004-05:00

Well, when they say these little art trading cards are addictive, they aren't kidding! I've been doing nothing else for weeks in my spare time. They are selling pretty well, which is encouraging me. I truly love making art and if the hobby can spread some joy AND pay for itself, I'm thrilled. No real money to speak of, but supporting the habit is a good thing.

This week I am excited to list the first dog paintings. I adore dogs and am too allergic to have one. If you are a reader of my blog, you will know that I researched dogs over the past year and got a rescue poodle for a companion last September. After six weeks I was having life-threatening allergic reactions and had to give up my new, much-loved companion. I'm still angry that I can't have even the most loving, non-allergenic dog, but I enjoyed doing these paintings that might share my love of the critters with others.

For a link to one of the doggie ACEOs, click here.

Also listed this week is a series of Fern paintings. It is almost spring and the ferns will soon be unfurling in the shady corners of the yard. I can't wait.

Click here for one of the Fern Series. You can click on "view seller's other items to see the rest of my listings.

And finally, this week I listed a second Orchid series. Orchids are so amazingly versatile. Oh, how I wish I could grow them! There really isn't time for that right now, so I'll just have to look at pictures of them and do studies like these.

Go to one of the orchid listings here.
These things are simply spectacular!

I'd also like to thank some of my regular blog readers for coming over to ebay and actually buying my art cards! Thank you so very much for your support. I hope you enjoy the cards - I send them off to you with a small piece of my heart attached.

more ACEOs

2008-02-25T19:04:00.004-05:00

I've spent an awful lot of time lately on making these little cards! They are quite addictive, and hopefully sale-able, so here's the latest. Doesn't this strawberry look yummy?
You can see the ebay listing here.

Maybe radishes make you long for spring gardening...

The ebay listing is here.

I also did a series of spring flowers

(ebay listing of one is here.)

And here is the first series of orchids. These are fascinating plants!

(ebay listing of one orchid is here.)

And after all that, there's more! Later in the week I'll be posting and listing another set of orchids and a full set of ferns. Stay tuned!

couple new things today

2008-02-21T01:05:00.004-05:00

As always, I've been busy creating some type of artwork in my free time, but it hasn't yet made it onto the blog. Lately it has been the trading cards known as ACEOs. I've got a whole big batch of them going, but I'm working assembly line style. Right now I'm painting them in the evenings and when I get the bunches accumulated, I will glue on the backs, attach the labels and scan them in to post here. Just let me say that I am getting better at this and I am excited to get the new ones posted.

Meanwhile, there have been changes at ebay. Just as I joined the ebay ACEO group to be part of the community that chats and supports each other on these little cards, ebay had changes in place to take effect on 2.20.08. Those changes are not particularly beneficial to artists and other small sellers on ebay and so a strike has been launched this week in protest. Even though I am new to the group, I did want to support the strike by not buying or selling on ebay this week. For more information on WHY the strike is happening, read this post at Mousewords. It is very complete in explanation as well as clarity and I plan to bookmark this site to read the excellent writing there.

In other news, I did sell some of my cards before the strike started and was pleased with my first efforts. Besides the ebay sales, one of my knitting friends, Hattie, was kind enough to purchase my first flower series, Alstromeria...

I am so pleased on several levels. One, Hattie is a young mother who is devoted to her family and who I know is on a limited budget. Still, she supports the arts and I couldn't be happier that she wanted my flowery art cards. Hattie is a proficient knitter that you can check out at her blog, Stitch Therapy. She also has an Etsy store, Yarnophilia, if you like yarn and roving. I am very fond of Hattie and enjoy following the masterful projects she tackles. Thanks for your support, Hattie!

So stayed tuned for more ACEOs. These little cards are addictive and I have oodles of ideas for them...

ebay listing for the ACEOs

2008-02-13T21:40:00.002-05:00

Well, just when I was considering listing my new ACEOs on ebay, a special came along. Today, for one day only, listing fees were reduced to 20 cents per item. Naturally, I had to snag onto that. And so, my listings are made for the recently created ACEOs. It has been a bit more work than I expected, but then again, I don't do anything half-way. I wanted good artwork, with good, sturdy backing, and I think I have a quality product to offer. If you like, you can check me out here. From there, you can click on "view seller's other items" and see the whole shebang.

Here I go again - off on yet another tangent...

ACEOs for Leslie

2008-02-12T23:42:00.004-05:00

OK, here is a post for Leslie. She asked me about the ACEOs and how I am mounting them and I want to reply since it is rather interesting information.

First of all, it was suggested to me that one can buy ready-made ATC/ACEO card-size paper. I knew that and may do it in the future, but for now, I am using up good watercolor paper that I already have. I am also cutting the paper a bit oversized by 1/8" to 1/4" larger overall so that I can crop it after the original sketch/painting is done. I know this is not necessary, but I feel like it gives me a bit of leeway to correct the composition in such a small format.

And so I have a little frame cutout with an opening of 2.5" x 3.5" to position over the original small paintings to mark where to crop. After I mark those, I get the card-stock backs ready.

So far, I've tried a couple of different glue-ing methods. I bought a small Xyron machine (2.5" capacity) that makes "stickers". (It was on sale at Michaels) I also bought pre-cut card stock in the 2.5 x 3.5 size and ran those through the Xyron machine. The card stock came out perfectly sticky and I attached it to the back of the watercolor paper within the crop marks I had made. I pressed the little "packages" between stacked books to cure.

After a day or so, I took out the glued "packages" and trimmed them to size. I used a purchased punch to round the corners of each card. However, the glue seemed to come loose on some cards and the edges would separate. Bummer.

On the next round, I used YES! Glue for attaching the card stock backing. When I opened the pot of glue it was much thicker than I was expecting. I used a palette knife to swipe some glue onto each piece of cardstock and then spread it to the edges with a disposable craft brush. I placed the back onto each hand-painted card and pressed them between heavy books to dry. This glue seemed to make a better and more permanent bond and the cards came out nice and flat. I then trimmed them to size with a rotary cutter on a self-healing mat.

Meanwhile, I made a WORD document of my general info for the back of each card. It turned out to be easy to cut up the word doc and feed it through the Xyron machine (sticker maker) so that each card has the essential information on the back. Naturally, there is enough free space left for an original signature and date.

So it remains to be seen if these little pieces of art will sell. My main interest is in making a quality piece of work that will be worth the purchase price. I want the artwork to be on a good surface and have the piece secured to an acid free backing that will preserve it. So far I am happy with my efforts and will try to get the ACEOs listed on ebay later this week.

ACEOs

2008-02-12T00:47:00.001-05:00

I recently discovered "ACEOs". These are an offshoot of "ATCs" (Artist Trading Cards) and stands for "Art Cards, Editions & Originals". The difference is that ATCs are based on an old tradition of artists exchanging original cards with one another and they are never made for sale. Rather, they are given to other artists as a representation of their personal work. BUT. One innovative artist, Lisa Luree, known as Bone Diva on ebay, started a movement in 2004 to sell ATCs. That required separating from the purist "trading" group and ACEOs were born. Today, more than 3000 artists list ACEOs on ebay. I am about to become one of that number.

For the past week and a half, I've been researching ACEOs and what it takes to make them. First, they are a specified size - 2.5" by 3.5". Other than that, there are no rules. They can - and are - made of anything an artist can conceive of.

Me - I'm just sticking with what I know, and that is painting. There are a lot of BAD ACEOs out there. When I see good ones, I see that they sell. People love to collect real art and this is an amazing venue for small scale, affordable, real art that you can collect and own. What is not to love about that?

My first series is a group of lemons.

and then there are some onions and some sushi - which was remarkably hard not to eat while sketching!

and flowers, of course.

It has been quite a process figuring out how these things are made. First, you paint on good watercolor paper. Then you mount the small painting to acid-free cardstock. The piece gets trimmed and a label with all the relevant info gets attached to the back. A real signature on the back along with real initials on the front completes the piece.

Now, I will list these on ebay when time permits. Hopefully I will sell this first batch and recoup my investment! Other artists can probably relate to my dilemma - I get so interested in new projects that I spend what I might have made upfront just getting involved! Yikes! Hopefully, ACEOs is a hobby that will pay for itself...

latest sketches

2008-02-12T00:40:00.000-05:00

This sketch is from last Saturday. It was on one of the "prepared" pages of my moleskine and documents a trip to a favorite market.

On Sunday evening I watched a bit of TV and drew an EDM challenge - #156, Draw a Sandwich. I was so hungry that I ate it before I was finished drawing and had to use a bit of imagination....

postcard exchange

2008-02-12T00:22:00.000-05:00

Recently, I engaged in an original art post-card exchange with an EDM member in England. It was so exciting to compose a postcard to her and wait for one in return. I sent mine off a couple weeks ago and today - I finally received hers! This is it! Anita checked out my profile here and found that I do love my lipstick and so that is what she drew for me. It could not be more perfect! I love love love my lipstick and even carried it in my fanny pack when I used to walk marathons. So this is a lovely, thoughtful and cherished post from a fellow artist across a mighty ocean from me. How fun!!

And this was my postcard to her a couple weeks ago. I looked for something unique to draw for her and decided on this sterling cucumber spoon from my collection. Others seemed fascinated by it, as well as unfamiliar with such a thing. Well, guess what? I also have a tomato spoon! It is a bit larger on the rounded end.

And now I will have to watch for others who want to trade artwork - it was quite fun to do and I love Anita's card.

Thursday evening

2008-02-07T23:41:00.001-05:00

Tonight I rushed home to play with the new gouache. Flowers again.

And a page in the moleskine

the gouache came!

2008-02-07T18:34:00.001-05:00

I was excited to find my gouache order on my doorstep on Wednesday after work. I couldn't get in the house fast enough to unwrap it! I don't have an official palette yet - I want to make one out of a small tin, so I squeezed out the three primaries and the three secondary colors into a small divided porcelain painting dish to get started. Oh - and white in the center section. Out came the onions again. The paints felt new and weird and before you knew it, I had worked the first onion to death. Even the white gouache couldn't save it. What a dark and muddy onion. Oh well...

So I flipped the onion over and tried again. This time I remembered that less is more and quit before the cause was lost.

Still wanting a top view, and by now being very familiar with this particular onion, I did another version. This time I felt more comfortable with the paint and was pretty pleased with the rendition.

Back to the kitchen to see what else I could find. Aha! A leek!

The Schmincke colors are quite brilliant! Maybe not quite as brilliant as they show on the computer screen, but very clear and bright. Very intense. I think I will like these a whole lot. And... I know that watercolor purists strive to save the white of the paper on the page for their highlights, but I just never did very well at that. I admire it when I see it, but I have to admit that I like the opaque white gouache for letting me go back and lay in a very rewarding highlight. Yum!

love that pizza!

2008-02-07T18:31:00.000-05:00

A sketch from Monday night's dinner decision:

another onion

2008-02-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I had to do this onion twice before I got loosened up and it still isn't loose and sketchy like I wanted it to be. It seems like my drawing is good and strong, but I definitely do not have control over the water paints. I start off fine and before you know it, I'm working too tightly and losing the lights. Drats.

I guess that's a case for practicing more. I'm looking forward to getting the gouache to see if I can work better with a more opaque medium. Watercolor was never my forte.

Sunday evening drawing

2008-02-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

While the rest of the world watched the Super Bowl, I plugged in a movie and sketched. Here is EDM Challenge 141 - Draw something with Bristles

and EDM Challenge 92 - Draw a Paper Bag

Then I raided the kitchen for subject matter and painted these on Arches 140# paper with W&N watercolors:

and Onions:

I'm loosening up! I ordered some gouache paints this past weekend, so that will be something new to look forward to. Now, off to sketch.

beginning February

2008-02-03T01:49:00.001-05:00

A new month has begun! I sketched some fresh flowers on Arches watercolor paper. The drawing doesn't flow as much as I would have liked, but, oh well...

I had some errands to run late today and called my daughter to see if she could go with me. She almost never leaves her little ones but today she did and we had a great time - shopping and eating!

an EDM Challenge (Draw a Lemon) but I forget which one...

wrapping up January

2008-02-02T00:24:00.001-05:00

January has been quite a productive month! After barely sketching last year, I somehow got motivated by the EDM group to get going again. I got a goal buddy - Ann - and wrote to her that I would like to get six moleskine page spreads done in the month of January so as to get sketching again. Well....

With these two sketches, done on the last day of Jan '08, I actually did 29 moleskine page spreads and a good bit of knitting! I am very pleased (and surprised!) with this output even though I am looking to change direction a bit and breathe some new life into my artistic endeavors. Oh, and by the way, I was working that pesky full time job all the while this month. Doesn't making a living just totally get in the way???

I recently started a new moleskine and I did "pre-treat" some of the pages with paint and collage a la Roz. This one had a cutout of some African-inspired fabric, so I did a bit of research on little African birds who might enjoy such a landscape. Isn't the Ostrich a hoot?

Yesterday I popped into a shop and picked up a cool magnifying glass with a gorgeous ceramic blue-striped handle. The beauty of that purchase is that I really need the darn thing!

For February I hope to expand even more. I have spent a couple days researching new art supplies like gouache (with the help of Laura) and beautiful Leather Journals (on the recommendation of Bill) so hopefully, new things are in store.

Stay warm and keep sketching/knitting/posting dear friends.

late, late Wednesday

2008-01-31T01:10:00.000-05:00

I can't stop sketching! I haven't found my new direction yet, but I am definitely loosening up and feeling more freedom in sketching. Here is Every Day Matters Challenge 143 - Draw an Herb or Spice

And while I did that, I baked a pie from a pumpkin that I cooked up a while back -

I've been Tagged

2008-01-30T17:45:00.000-05:00

Ann tagged me to tell five things you probably don't know about me. I wonder, when you put your life out on a blog, is there much not to know? But here are five things anyway...

1. I usually run late. It's a bad, disrespectful habit, I know, but I hate waiting around or having extra time with nothing to do. I hoard my personal time and try to arrive at meetings, appointments, etc right on time. Of course if anything goes wrong, then I am late...

2. I've known for sure that I was an artist since I was 8 years old. I was on a school field trip and the class was spread out on the lawn with drawing paper and poster paints to draw the historical home we were visiting. My drawing just flowed right out of the brush and I was amazed by it. I've been hooked ever since.

3. I hate clowns. They creep me out.

4. Can't tolerate roller coasters, either. Heights make me woozy and dropping from the sky is not a thrill to me - it's a death wish. But put me on a spinning ride and I'll stay there with the giggles all day.

5. I grew up on Bluegrass music - my family had a band. A very very good one, actually. As a teenager I was embarrassed by the down-home-pickin' (I wanted to be a hippie and follow the Beatles) but now I love it and the family recordings are a treasure.

And now I'm supposed to tag five others, but I think I won't. I'm not active enough with other art bloggers to tag them, but I enjoyed playing. Now, off to sketch.

owl or lark?

2008-01-30T17:21:00.001-05:00

This is one of my biggest dilemmas. (In other words, if this is one of your biggest problems, then you've got it pretty good!) Still...

exceeding january goals

2008-01-29T16:45:00.001-05:00

So my art goal for January was to do six page spreads in my Moleskine and get them posted. Well, I'm over twenty now and may just even out to one per day. The key to achieving anything seems to be getting started...

I've been trying some different things and I really like how the Pilot V Razor Point pen writes on Moleskine pages. Smooth to sketch with and lays down a nice line. It is extra fine, which is ok for everyday stuff. I could fill in with a very fine line Micron if I wanted to.

One of my "prepared pages" had this floral magazine cutout pasted into the book for me to work around. It reminded me that I really miss flowers this time of year.

new moleskine

2008-01-28T17:43:00.001-05:00

Starting a new moleskine and still looking for a new direction...

last page of this moleskine

2008-01-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

This is the last page of this moleskine. I love having another book under my belt and I'm ready for some changes. I hope to try some new things in the next book. Meanwhile, I'm a bit happier with this sketch.

a few more sketches

2008-01-26T13:37:00.000-05:00

I am definitely back into sketching and I find I'm getting bored with what I am doing. I need to change it up based on these recent sketches. They are so boring to me now. I'm not sure what I want to do, but I want to get away from this cramped, overworked feeling I am getting in these sketches. This lipstick holder did not come out at all like I pictured it.

In an effort to just draw with the pen and keep going, this awkward little vignette came about. Again, my hand is not getting the feeling I sense in my head.

This sketch is darker and more worked-over than I was going for. It's ok, but not what I wanted to do.

I'm not saying these sketches are bad - they're just not what I see when I sit down to draw. I think it is partly the materials. The moleskine is such a great book, but I don't like what I'm using in it. It doesn't take well to watercolor and the watercolor book is a different layout. I think I need to stick to watercolors in the watercolor version. Meanwhile, what can I use in the everyday sketch book that will give me better results? I think I'll go over to the EDM forum and get a consensus...

EDM Challenges

2008-01-25T19:19:00.000-05:00

Been drawing a little between work and knitting. Here is Everyday Matters Challenge #153 - Draw Something Wrapped in Plastic. I chose the caramel cream candies known as Bull's Eyes.

EDM Challenge #108 - Draw a Lightbulb. These are so ho hum.

So I tried again.

I'm not sure of the best medium for the moleskine yet. I love gray markers, but they bleed through. Watercolor takes only so well. I could get different sketchbooks, but I want to use these fabulous moleskines! aarrrgghhhhh.

baby gift

2008-01-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

I actually think I out-did myself on this one ~ a hand knit layette set for a workmate.

The kimono sweater in lavender for baby Lilianna, who is scheduled to arrive on 2/14/08. The newborn size is so precious!

Coordinating cap with a burst of flowers on top. The hat is Twist and Twirl and the floral top was my own addition.

The Mary Jane style booties are just too much! You can find the pattern here.

The decorative bear completes the set.

Oh those booties!!

All handknit in Baby Bamboo yarn, 80% bamboo and 20% wool. Deliciously soft. Sweater and Teddy Bear pattern by King Cole Ltd, England, leaflet 2768.

the rest of the past week

2008-01-13T18:11:00.001-05:00

I actually did stay busy drawing and knitting in the evenings this past week, but did not take the time to scan and post. Here's the activity.

The story of Baby Jeff-Loretta

The reason I had BJL was to make a hand-knit sweater like the one I made for Cherry, my grandaughter's bear.

EDM Challenge 117 - Draw something round

I just love these new shoes!

A creative look at dirty dishes...

a fabulous movie!!

My oldest grandson doesn't have (or need) a teddy bear, but he did request a scarf for his favorite stuffed animal. He has cast his Tigger into the role of Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes and wanted him to have a classic long red scarf just like Hobbes wears in the comic strip. I was glad to oblige!

Oh how I do love to draw!

everyday stuff

2008-01-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

I honestly had to laugh at the crazy lunch hour I had today. It was one incident after another in such a short time!

At home in the evening I did a rare bit of ironing. But only after sketching the iron and mini ironing board!

I hope your day was this interesting!

January woes...

2008-01-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

Winter is here in Ohio and that makes for a mighty cold house! I am pretty frugal while on my own and it is very expensive to heat a whole house for one person. Sooo... I rely on small heaters to keep me warm in whichever spot I am residing while home. Thank goodness for individual ceramic heaters!

Meanwhile, another big expense when you are on your own is PLUMBING!! I was not happy to come home today and discover the bathtub leaking in a steady stream. But I DID drag my chair into the bathroom and sketch the offending faucet. So there!!

I must be back to sketching!

2008-01-03T23:03:00.001-05:00

I am finding great solace in the drawing challenges at present. Once again, I am losing myself in a drawing to relax at the end of the day. Drawing truly is my first love. This one is a bit dark perhaps. Just a sketch, not a masterpiece. It is EDM challenge #139 ~ Draw something with a handle. I went in search of "handled" things and found all of these in my kitchen: a tea kettle, a mini china tea pot, an Italian espresso pot, a percolator and a china sugar bowl. All have glorious handles! Don't you just want to pick them up and play house?

starting on 2008 goals & drawings

2008-01-03T00:22:00.000-05:00

2008 is starting off quite wintery and cold here in Ohio. And so it has been perfect to stay indoors with the sketch book. The Every Day Matters Sketch Group has been busy setting goals and I was inspired to participate. I've been paired up with Goal Buddy Ann from the Blue Ridge Mountains and we hope to encourage each other. I did very little drawing last year but I do still read the EDM messages and some of the blogs are quite inspiring. Check out some wonderful artwork by clicking on the links under Arty Links in my sidebar. This is the goal page in my sketchbook, scribbled out on 1/1/2008.

And this evening after work I did EDM challenge 150 - Draw a candle or candles. These are some candles off my fireplace mantle with a metal candle snuffer.

More of the Socks

2008-01-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

My son sent me his pics of the group wearing their new socks at dinner the other night. Here is a nice cozy one...

Knitting Gifts

2007-12-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

I had the whole family over for dinner the other night and each one got - for better or worse - a hand-knitted gift. I think they really liked them!

Number one son got a pair of Wool-Ease socks for boots or around the house.

Wife of #1 son got a pair of fingerless gloves. They were a quick and yummy knit in pure wool.

Son #2 also got a pair of Wool Ease socks for lounging at home in cold weather.

Wife of son #2 got some groovy socks in a beautiful Sockotta yarn from Italy. She was with me when I bought this yarn and thought it looked deliciously retro. It did and it worked up beautifully.

My only daughter got a nice pair of Superwash socks that go equally well with denim or khaki. These should keep her toes nice and warm this winter.

There was an extra gift for DIL #2. She had given me some yarn that she bought in hopes of learning to knit but discovered that she just doesn't have the patience for it. No matter. I made her a cap and scarf out of the yarn, mixed with some nice green and neutral cream ribbon yarn for contrast.

The grandkids love it when "Nonna" makes them things, so here are their winter slippers for this year. I'm a bit worried about how "slick" they are, but the boys love "sliding" in them. Hmmmm.....

Weight Loss Surgery Article Series

2007-12-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

As I said recently, my new obsession is writing Web Articles. I am learning how to write for the web better all the time. Meanwhile, based on my own experience, I have written a series about having Weight Loss Surgery. This is not the personal story, rather it is what you need to consider and what you can expect if you choose to go through the process. Here are the links if you would like to read more.

So, You're Considering Weight Loss Surgery
So You Want to Pursue Weight Loss Surgery
A Guide To Getting Ready for Weight Loss Surgery
So You've Had Weight Loss Surgery: The Physical Aspect
So You've Had Weight Loss Surgery: The Mental Aspect

There's a lot of practical information here. If you are even thinking about Weight Loss Surgery, please take a few minutes to read these articles.

Hey Hollywood, Step Away From the Fat Suit

2007-11-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

There are real fat people who can play the part
(article by starrgirl on Associated Content)

copyright free photo from www.sxc.hu

As if there weren't already a long line of celebs packing on the artificial pounds, guess who is the latest to join the fray? Right behind Tyra, Gwenyth, Meg, Julia, Eddie Murphy, Tim Allen and Courtney, the news was leaked this week in E! Magazine and various news outlets that none other than Tom Cruise is making a cameo in the movie Tropic Thunder as a bald, flabby fat guy. On the heels of that leak, Tom's attorneys have stepped in to prevent any contraband photos from being published prior to the movie's release. What's the matter, Tommy? Running out of publicity stunts?

The Spin Machine says that Tom was doing this bit part as a surprise for his fans. The bad news is that the Fat Suit has been done. To death. Shallow Hal said it all.

So, Hollywood. What's up with being Fat For A Day? Do you really think a celebrity can capture the experience of being morbidly obese by donning a latex suit and waddling around in it for a few hours? Is the viewing audience going to be enlightened about obesity by watching a normally thin and glamorous person suffer the humiliation that a fat person lives with every day? Of course not.

First of all, it isn't real. It's publicity. Publicity for the media star, not real fat people. Second, it's misleading. Padding up with an exta hundred pounds or so is not like getting fat over time. The person who becomes obese over many years has grown into the situation. They move with the gait and cadence of one who has had to adjust to growing girth. Their self confidence has been worn to a thin veneer. A fat person knows in every fiber of their being that they are unacceptable to society because they have suffered the misery and slights of fat discrimination every day.

In contrast, the would-be "social enlightener" has endured a few hours of uncomfortable makeup. They venture out into the world in a costume - a fat costume that is neither natural or believable. They bring their own stereotypical impressions to the performance. Have you ever seen a celebrity in a fat suit made up to look attractive? No, they take on the supposed misery and frumpiness that further displays their own fat-phobia. They wear ugly clothes and big glasses. They order lots of food. They recoil in disgust when they do not get their usual preferential treatment and admiring glances. Oh, the horror.

It's time for Hollywood types to step away from the fat suit. It's one thing for a movie character to reflect weight changes while playing a legitimate part. It's another to exploit a large section of the population. If it is entertainment news when a "model" from the show Deal or No Deal puts on a fat suit, what message does that send? Why isn't a real fat person doing that news story?

Fat people do not need anyone calling superficial attention to obesity. We all know that the best way to be invisible and ignored in today's society is to be fat. What kind of revelation is that? Big whoop. Did we really need to see Tyra or the Deal model be disregarded on the street or in a fancy shop for being fat? No, we need to see them endure a job interview or go on a date - after wearing the fat suit for three months. Then contrast that with the skinny gal who gets the job or the date with less than half the qualifications. We need to see them try to fit into an airplane seat and sit bolt upright without touching their seat-mate during a three hour flight. We need to see them put their entire lives on hold while desperately trying to lose weight on every diet and exercise program that comes along, while knowing that doesn't work for the majority of long-term morbidly obese people.

The fat suit is not a funny gag. It's old news.

the latest in knitting

2007-11-26T23:31:00.001-05:00

I've been busy knitting up some items for the family. With winter coming, I wanted to make each of the grandkids a scarf and hat. The boys got earflap hats and keyhole scarves - the kind where you pull one end through a slit on the opposite side. These made up pretty quickly.

Grandson number one got green:

Grandson number two is blue:

The princess granddaughter got a keyhole scarf and a cap with wooden star buttons:

And her favorite bear got a coordinating sweater:

My daughter reports that the kids already wore them out to play even though it isn't terribly cold yet. That brought a smile to my face.

Well, now I'm writing articles..

2007-11-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

I admit it - my hobby is hobbies. If it's something creative, I've probably tried it or wanted to. Lately, it's writing. I joined a writing forum called Associated Content to get some practice and a little spare change. I thought I'd link to some of the articles for those who check my blog.

Here's how it works. I'll print a bit of the article here and a link at the bottom if you want to read the rest. If you do click to read more, it registers a page view for me. Even better, you can rate my article if you like by clicking on the stars at the top. And you can be honest - no one knows which star you clicked on. There's also room for comments after the article just like there is here. I hope you'll come and visit when you can.

This is one of my first articles. It's a bit long (I'm learning to condense already), so I'll just print some of it.

Celebrity Worship - Are You Part of This Madness?
10 Celebs that I Wish Would Disappear

One of the most famous signs in the world, and iconic image of an industry.
Credit: Rich DuBose
Copyright: www.sxc.hu

Celebrity worship is not a new phenomenon, but it has soared to new heights and become its own culture. Hollywood-style entertainment started out as a nice diversion for the normal person who wanted to relax and see a movie on the weekend. Now you can't turn on the TV or walk past a newsstand without being assaulted by the media darlings.

Exactly what constitutes a celebrity these days? Surprisingly, very little. There is no longer a prerequisite for having talent or making a difference in society. I admire those who do have these qualifications, but really, all it takes now is to be found charming on a reality show or to have an extravagant lifestyle where you are on exhibit for your abilities to party with the A List. No need to worry about a few drugs or a bit of jail time - all that can be fixed with a well-paid publicist and the fans will continue to hunger for what happens next. What kind of credentials are these??

We need to take a good, reflective look at ourselves to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. Celebrities exist because we make them who they are. If we quit paying attention right now, eventually they would cease to exist. If we pay no mind to their drug problems or buy their products, we can have an effect on this epidemic of celebrity poisoning. Who are these people anyway? We don't really know them. All we know is how they are presented by the media. We watch them rise and then we watch them fall. We watch them spend their money and we watch them go through rehab like it's nothing but a revolving door. Is that what you want your children and grandchildren to emulate? That's not what I want.

What I want is for ten of these overexposed creatures to disappear.
(to find out which ten, click here)

Flower surprise

2007-11-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

My daughter has a lovely habit of surprising me with flowers. This was the smaller of two bouquets I came home to the other day. There it was, perched in the kitchen window like a jewel, saying "welcome home".

How nice it is to come home and have a greeting waiting for you!

Beaux's Legacy

2007-11-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a rough couple weeks. I recently found out that I am severely allergic to my new dog and I have had to give him up. I can't believe how hard this has been.

I've always had bad allergies but they had abated dramatically in recent years. I didn't even take allergy medicine any more. AND, I've had dogs over the years. Family dogs. Strays. Pets that came along as my family grew. I had some allergy problems then, but I took pills and got along ok. And when all the pets were gone or out of the house, my allergies did take a big leap for the better. Overall, it didn't seem like a very big deal.

Soooooooo, I started thinking about getting a pet of my very own about a year ago. I waivered a lot about it. I mean, it is a commitment of both time and money and I would never get a pet that ended up living alone. And I considered my allergies. How compromising could it be?

I researched "non-allergenic" dogs - there is no such thing for the truly allergic - and I knew that. BUT, you can stack the deck and that is what I decided to do. I spent months thinking about it before I looked at actual dogs. And then, when I started really looking, I decided I would do a rescue. So many dogs are abandoned that it is heartbreaking and if I could give just one a home, then that is what I wanted to do.

Meanwhile, both my oldest son and my daughter rescued dogs. It wasn't something we talked about - it was just coincidence. I visited the shelter where my son had adopted a dog. Oh my, it was awful! I was looking for a bichon or poodle or maltese or mix of those based on my allergies and there were none of those at the shelter. There WERE lots of beautiful dogs and when I walked past the cages and looked into their eyes I just started to cry. I so admire the volunteers at the shelter as they are doing what I could not do when it comes to these animals. I knew I couldn't even go back to the shelter to look again.

So I got online and searched for rescues in my area. That was easy and soon I located a bichon-poodle mix named Oscar that I wanted to see. I filled out the application and made an appointment. Wisely, the rescue group brought THREE dogs for me to see based on my preferences. I was surprised by that, but here is how it worked out...

Me and Oscar didn't click. But me and "Snow" did! You could have knocked me over with a feather! Snow greeted me at the gate and hung right by me as I walked over to Oscar. Oscar was not interested at all. I held Oscar and he was stiff and uncomfortable. He wanted down so I put him down. When I offered to hold Snow, he jumped into my lap and buried his head in my elbow. After petting him for a while, he looked up at me with pure adoration. I was totally thrown off by this. I never considered myself a "dog person". I know people who are and I sometimes think they are over the top about their pets. I mean, c'mon. Pets are not children. They're animals.

But as I sat and held Snow, my heart began to melt. It felt so odd that I put him down and coaxed Oscar back onto my lap. Again, Oscar was anxious and I put him down. Snow leaped back into my arms. The rescue ladies looked at each other and grinned. "What do you think?" Melody asked me. I looked down at Snow and replied, "I think I like this one." We all smiled.

Snow was still scheduled to be neutered, so I had to wait two more weeks to get him. That was fine as I had not purchased any doggie supplies - I hadn't been sure I would really come home with a dog. And so I stood at the fence and watched Snow run and play for a bit longer before I left. I felt a strange tug at my heart as I admired the bounce in his step. Snow was oddly regal in how he was pure white and how he pranced as he ran or walked. I felt a very strong connection to this dog.

Yes, I had had dogs before, but never "my own dog". You know, the way you think of your "own dog" when you are a kid. One that likes you better than anyone and would drag you from a burning house if he had to. I had enjoyed the dogs our family had over the years, but I sometimes wondered if I liked the IDEA of a dog better than the real responsibility of a dog. Suddenly, I was very excited about a particular dog - Snow.

I spent the following two weeks getting ready. I bought doggie beds, organic dog food, toys, treats, towels to go on my furniture in each room that could be washed because of my allergies, and even a doggie car seat. I was feeling a little silly, but also excited to go get this dog that seemed so perfect for me. I wondered if I was having some sort of delusion over being single and having an empty nest for so long. Was this normal??

Oh yes, it was. My daughter and her family went with me to pick up Snow and he got in the car with us like he was expecting us all along. I had intended to name him "Jaxon" after perusing about a million dog names, but on the way home, we all decided that that name didn't really fit him. We brainstormed and came up with Beaux - the French spelling, of course. He had that regal look, and it was close to the name Snow, so he should adapt to it pretty quickly. He did. And here he is...

Beaux was super-affectionate from the start. I wasn't sure of his potty-training, even though he was an adult dog, because he was out of a puppy mill and had lived in a cage. I tethered him when I couldn't watch him and took him out often. We took a lot of walks. He was perfect and within a few days he had the run of the house when I was home. After a couple weeks he had the run of the house even when I wasn't home. He never had a single accident.

It was fun to come home at lunch and at the end of the day and have someone so excited to see me! Beaux literally stuck to my side and showed me total allegience. We began to do some obedience training and he was a quick study. In a few weeks he would do the following commands: Sit, Down, Stay, Shake, Paw & Pattycake. Every day we worked on his obedience and I brushed his hair. I got very little hair out of him, but he liked the grooming and I figured it would keep him from leaving any hair on the furniture. Twice I bathed him (with my own shampoo) and he was a perfect sport about it. I blow-dried his hair and gave him a puppy trim and he was gorgeous.

I also took him out of town with me twice. He was a very good guest and everyone marvelled at how he followed me around. No one could entice him away from me, which made me secretly very happy. At last I had that childhood dream of a dog who loved me best and spurned all others. I never said that out loud, of course, but when Beaux and I looked each other in the eyes, we knew.....

Just as Beaux and I were settling into our daily routine, I realized I was having problems. I did not connect it to him, but I had been having a rash for several weeks that would come and go with no evident provocation. I wondered if I had become allergic to one of my supplements or prescriptions. I stopped all medications and began to test them one at a time. I had a pretty bad reaction after taking iron one day and thought that might be the culprit. In fact, I broke out in hives and when my lips started to swell, I left work and drove straight to the doctor's office. I was taken right in and given a steroid injection, a steroid dose pack, a prescription antihistimine and an inhaler. Doc told me not to take any more iron - I could get iron shots if I needed them. I was temporarily better but not for long.

Two days later, another severe breakout sent me to the hospital where I got oxygen and a prescription for an "epipen" - an emergency syringe of epinephrine that will help you breathe until help arrives. This was getting scary.

The next day, Beaux licked my neck in the morning and as I was getting ready for work, the place on my neck began to progress into hives. "oh no.....", I thought, "it cannot be the dog...."

Long story short - it was the dog. Believe me, we continued to test other things and clean up my environment in every way we could, but to no avail. It was the dog. I was heartsick. I had had Beaux for only six weeks, but it seemed like a perfect match. Friends and family commented "that dog LOVES you!" and I had to agree in wonder. I had never felt such a connection to an animal and was even a bit embarrassed by his total and complete admiration. Now, suddenly, it was over. Beaux had to be removed from my home with no notice because I was having trouble breathing. I could not believe this was happening and I knew the dog would not understand. I was devastated.

After a couple days, I was still breaking out, but I felt I should go "test" an exposure to Beaux. It was predictably bad. Hives upon hives broke out for hours, long after I was back home and away from the dog. I changed my clothes and showered and washed my hair and eventually it calmed down. Still, I broke out each day for a couple more days.

In a few more days, I went to visit Beaux just to be sure one more time. I was a wreck from missing him so much and he whined and cried as I petted him and brushed out his hair. I cried, too. When it was time to leave, my son distracted the dog with food and I snuck out. After I left, Beaux went to the door and cried some more. My son and daughter-in-law only told me this so that I would know how much the dog misses me as well. They did not want me to feel worse, but they wanted me to know than I am missed. That means a lot to me.

And so, I am now helping the rescue group find a new home for Beaux. Thankfully, Melody completely understands and is extremely compassionate about this situation. And I have gotten some promising calls from ones who might adopt Beaux and give him a loving home. That's the only thing that makes me feel the slightest bit better about this entire mess. In time, Beaux will bond with someone who loves him as much as I did and he will not remember me. That is a good thing.

For me, I will never forget the most unconditional love I have ever experienced in my life. I will never forget the black, black eyes that looked up at me as if to say "are you still there? I just can't believe it!!" I will not forget Beaux's utter excitement to see me come home or to reach for his leash and go for a walk. I will not forget how Beaux was ecstatic to jump into the car and go for a ride. He was happy just being with me and no - I will not forget that.

I will miss you Beaux. I wish for you a happy, loving new home where you will be a loyal companion and you will be loved for who you are. You were my best beaux ever...

more about Beaux

2007-10-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

I know, I know ~~ I have joined the ranks of the insufferably adoring pet-owners. Who knew it could still happen?? I am beyond the "blush of youth", yet a worthy companion has come along...

and lo and behold he is a dog......

When I was a kid and an acquaintance of mine acquired a dog and treated it like a child, I was disgusted beyond measure. I thought the woman was insane. I'd like to think I would still be of that opinion.

However, I can certainly understand it a lot more now. Beaux is my new beaux. How nice it is to have such a generous spirit greet you at the end of the work day and be so glad to see you come home - like you are such a genius for doing so! And should you also want to go for a walk? Well then, you are a superhero for being so brilliant! Just around the block? No problem ~~ you are the one and only one I would want to do that with!!

Let me tell you ~ no toddler and no teenager ever gave feedback such as this. I like being "alpha". And I think I could get used to it!!

"Snow" is "Beaux" and he is perfect!!

2007-09-23T17:51:00.001-05:00

My new pooch is home and settled in! Gosh, I cannot say enough good about this dog!! First of all, I have changed his name from "Snow" to "Beaux" (french spelling of course, to honor his heritage) and he is as darn near perfect as can be!! Really, you cannot argue with how intelligent this breed is, and he has proved to be the smartest and most loving dog ever. What a treat!! Not to mention that he is a purebred, snow-white miniature poodle with excellent conformation and unparalleled carriage. He literally "prances" when he runs!

I picked him up last Friday evening and took my daughter and her husband and kids along. Snow was an absolute peach. Even though he had been "fixed" earlier that day, he let the kids pet him and sit beside him and walk him and even brush him! He was so patient. And he was so good that I stayed for dinner with my daughter's family. We ordered pizza and Beaux just sat at my feet under the table while we ate. (We had re-named him on the way home and that was the name that we ALL agreed on.) Immediately my daughter wanted to trade me for the rowdy puppy she is working with in her own household. No way!! Beaux is mine!!

And so we have had an extremely pleasant weekend. Beaux has shadowed me both in the house and out in the yard. He loves to ride in the car. He listens and learns fast and has not had an "accident" even though he is learning a new environment. He is affectionate and appreciative and such a great companion. All who have met him so far want to steal him away from me, but I know he wouldn't go!! I'm so pleased with his temperament and I'm so happy to have taken a "rescue" that needed a home. Sometimes I feel like I could be a "rescue" myself, so having Beaux to keep me company now is a wonderful thing. I truly appreciate the efforts of the rescue ladies who found Beaux and fostered him until I could take him in.

If you are thinking of a new best friend of the canine variety, won't you please look into a rescue?? Go to http://www.petfinder.com/ to find a needy animal in your area. Chances are there will be a pet that needs you even more than you need him/her. And if you get in contact with the rescues in your area, a pet that is the breed you need for your lifestyle will come along sooner or later. Please do support your local pet rescue operations.

my new best friend

2007-09-08T16:46:00.001-05:00

Meet Snow. He is a 4 year old purebred miniature poodle with a snow-white coat. He is also a rescue dog in the Dayton Ohio area. I met him this morning.

I actually had the appointment to meet a different dog, but the rescue ladies were smart enough to bring several dogs that I might be interested in after interviewing me. I am so glad they did!! Oscar, the dog I thought I wanted, had little interest in me and vice versa. But Snow came right up and introduced himself and sat on my lap and let me know he'd like to come home with me. Even when the other dogs were running and playing, he sat with me and didn't leave to join the action until I put him down. He chose me first, so how can I not choose him??

He isn't quite ready to be adopted. He needs neutered and he needs some dental care while he's under anesthetic, so I will go back and pick him up later this month. That gives me time to get ready for him and buy the things he'll need to feel at home. I'm so glad to have found him! He is such an elegant little guy. He "prances" when he runs and he buries his head into my elbow when I am petting him on my lap. He's so smart and affectionate and we will be good buddies, I'm sure.

But about the name, Snow. I can see how that name was given, and the rescue lady says he has been resistant to having his name changed. So I'm thinking of "Beau" since it sounds a lot like what he is used to. But I'm more partial to "Jaxon", and "Jax" for short if he will get used to it. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. And I could change my mind again before I go and get him! What do you think???

Ravelry

2007-09-08T16:34:00.000-05:00

It's the hottest new knitting community on the web. I waited until I posted a knitting blog to sign up, which was just a few minutes ago, and then checked my status. Here's what I got:

Found you!

* You signed up on Today
* You are #31791 on the list.
* 20007 people are ahead of you in line.
* 0 people are behind you in line.
* 36% of the list has been invited so far

This will be FUN!!!!

on the needles now

2007-09-08T16:26:00.001-05:00

I've gotten lazy! After all that yardwork through early summer, I finally retreated inside when the heat started. and after about a dozen dishcloths, which I LOVE to make and give away, I started a pair of socks. Soon it will be time to start wearing them again and this is a lovely pair. The pattern is Snowflake Lace from MagKnits (great source for free patterns!!) and KnitPicks Essential Solid in Superwash. I reinforced the heel, but otherwise the pattern was followed. Next I wanna try two colors of yarn! So many patterns.... so little time.....

blast from the past

2007-09-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

I was going through my old portfolios this morning and it reminded me that I don't sketch and paint often enough. I want to, but there just isn't time to do everything! I've said before that my hobby is hobbies, and that dreadful job that supports me sure takes up a lot of time! Anyway, I thought I'd post some older artwork that I've done. Friends have asked to see it and so here it is, with the usual disclaimer that I cringe over some of it now because I can see things I would do differently. ah well, that's why I need to do new stuff!

This is one of my favorites, an oil of some zinnias in my garden. I don't think it photographed especially well.

Another oil in my back garden. I sold this painting but am glad I have a photo of it because this giant mulberry tree fell down in a storm. It's gone!

I used to do a lot of portrait work. This is an oil of friend's daughter who is all grown up now.

Another friend's daughter, also nearly grown. This is colored pencil.

I did a lot of pet portraits, too. This is also colored pencil.

I got away from the commission work as I just didn't enjoy it. I prefer to just paint for myself now, but I don't get around to it much. One of these days.....

two years today!

2007-08-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I spent most of my adult life fighting my weight. It felt like a battle to the death and I think it would have been except that two years ago today I had weight loss surgery (WLS). It saved my life.

WLS is controversial and becoming more common now but it took me a long time to come to that decision. My family doctor had been urging me for about three years, not just because of what I weighed, but because of more serious health issues. I had high blood pressure even on medication, high cholesterol even on medication, a heart murmur, irregular heart beat, two total knee replacements, depression, sleep problems and no energy. I felt awful much of the time. I could barely get myself to work. I couldn't keep up with my house and my kids would have to come over and help me. At 53, I was too young to feel so old and disabled.

Finally I realized that the weight really was going to kill me and that I was going to be dreadfully miserable until it did. Besides the health concerns, every day was a struggle with food, clothes, appearance and self-esteem. After 30 years of dieting I was fatter and sicker than ever and I didn't want to always be remembered in such a way. I had truly done my best to control my weight on my own and I had to face the fact that it hadn't worked and wasn't going to. I took another look at WLS.

The miracle was discovering a WLS called Duodenal Switch (DS) rather than the more common RNY. For more information on these surgeries, see the links I have posted in the sidebar of this page. Suffice it to say that when I read about the DS, I knew that this was a surgery I could live with. Not an easy way out by any means, but a possible salvation. I went through the qualifying process with doctor, surgeon, psychiatrist and insurance and two years ago today I was "switched". Then the recovery began.

I am now a different person - 100 pounds lighter. I no longer take blood pressure or cholesterol medicine - both are normal without it. I no longer worry about what I eat or what I will wear - I am normal in that respect for the first time in my adult life. Food is a joy, clothes are fun and I think about what I need and want to do everyday instead of how I look doing it. I don't dread getting out of bed or seeing others or having work to do. In fact, the picture below is something I'm very proud of!

Two years ago I could not pull weeds in the yard for even ten minutes. The blood would rush to my head and I would have to get a drink of water and sit down. You can't get much done in ten minute stretches. But take a look at this photo - this is the brush I cleared out of my yard just this week! That's seven bundles as big as I am tied up in twine and seven yard bags full of twigs, etc. This pile out for pickup stretches halfway across the front of my house. Mind you, I also work full time, so this is just the work of a couple weekend mornings and the evening the trash goes out. I bagged it all and carried it to the curb and you'd never know that I have two titanium knees. Not bad for a 55 year old, huh?

WLS isn't for everyone and I do believe you need to exhaust all your resources before you choose surgery. But for some of us it is a life-saving procedure. It requires lifetime compliance in taking supplements and getting proper nutrition and that cannot be neglected. It is worth it to escape the prison of obesity and I can say that I am happier and healthier than I've ever been. I am grateful and joyful over this every day. Life is wonderful.

pizza adventure

2007-07-31T06:04:00.001-05:00

Nary a soul loves pizza more than I do and I've been working on perfecting my home made pie. This weekend I got a "peel" and some quarry tiles to put on the oven bottom to see if it would give me a better crusted pizza.

I have a dough recipe I really like (Wolfgang Puck) so I made it up and spread it on the peel. I tried to keep it dry and loose so it would slide off.

Alas, my fresh sauce was too runny and I knew as soon as I put it on that it was sogging the dough and it would never slide off the peel. Drats! Two attempts to get it into the oven proved that I was just going to toss the toppings all over the oven, so there I stood with a superhot oven, a dough-y pizza on a huge peel and nowhere to set it! Yikes!

I finally got the peel propped onto the stove and used a spatula to roll the pizza up like a burrito, toppings and all, and unroll it back onto a pan. Pretty messy, but a recovery nonetheless. Daggone sauce.

It did take the peel to get the pie onto the tiles so low, but was pretty easy since the pizza was on a sturdy pan. Hmmm... this could work.

The thing that turned out best was the crust bottom - nice and browned like I wanted.

So it was a good enough tasting pizza, but the dough was too thick, the sauce too runny. I think I can do it better the next time.

cleanup in aisle 2...

2007-07-31T05:47:00.000-05:00

Actually, the cleanup was in my back yard this past weekend. I have very big old trees in my yard and the Ash drops branches like crazy. I'll have to have it looked at soon before it does some real damage to my house or my neighbor's, but I came home Friday to find another limb down. Fortunately it fell between the gas lamp and the mosaic pot. Phew!

Another view shows that it went right up onto the back porch, which meant I had to go out the front door and around to have a look at it.

Saturday morning I spent about an hour and a half trimming off all the small branches, cutting them up and bagging them into empty mulch bags. Sunday morning I got out the Gator and made quick work of the large branch. What a tool that is! It only took about 20 minutes and it paid for itself just with this cleanup job. Wow!

And in case you're wondering, it's the Alligator Lopper by Black and Decker. It has really helped me get my yard cleaned up!

zinnias again...

2007-07-19T17:53:00.001-05:00

oh, how I love zinnias!!

2007-07-18T19:09:00.000-05:00

honestly, there is a special place in my heart for old-fashioned zinnias...

more of the garden

2007-07-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I cannot get over my garden this year! Every day I rush home from the job to enjoy it or to work in it and I could not tell you the last time my television was on. And I am seriously neglecting the computer as well! But that is a good thing when the weather is pleasant and your attention is diverted to the outside. Right on schedule, the daylilies are blooming in July...

And I have been anxious to post my new play area for the grandkids. It took some thinking ahead of time and then I was able to install it in a couple days. I moved some large logs from an old firewood pile to create a back "wall" for the play area and then put down a bed of gravel as a base. Along the logs are bins for sand, gravel and various toys that the kids like, all with lids to keep the contents dry. The "floor" of the play area is a large checkerboard made of 6" pavers, half of which were spray-painted black and all laid into the gravel base. Naturally, I had to teach the grands to play checkers (and they aren't all old enough yet to enjoy the game) but they LOVE this play area.

Another view...

I enlisted the kids' help of course, since it IS their play area, to make some signs. I suggested to AJ, the 8 year old, that he might want to make a sign that says "kids only" but he ammended that to say "KIDS and NONNA only" ("Nonna" is me - Italian for "grandmother") as well as "No adults unless invited". Isn't it just perfect??? Oh - and it was his idea to call the area the "PLAZONE". Even though he is only eight, he is into creative spelling and told me that he purposely left the "Y" out of the word "PLAZONE" since it would "read well" with just a "Z". I agree, and even though I do have a degree in design, I think he is WAY ahead of himself at age eight. He also instructed me to attach the signs to the stake at an angle so they would look like they had been made by "real kids". Of course, I did! Makes a Nonna proud!

There really is a path through the wooded part of the yard behind the play area, so Josey made a sign pointing to the Secret Path. She is my little princess and did a wonderful job, don't you think??

And here are a couple more photos of the sitting area. This year I put a glorious hibiscus into the huge mosaic pot and I will try to winter it over when cold weather comes.

And the cobalt blue pots are just delightful. Every evening the solar lights come on at dark and make little glowing spots in the dark. I cannot express how much enjoyment I get from this garden each and every day. If I'm not out in it, I'm looking out the window at it, so I enjoy it from every angle. How fun! Thank you, God, for blessing me in this way!

life in the garden...

2007-07-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

This summer, life so far has been all about yardwork for me. After several years of being unable to do my yardwork, I totally delight in spending several hours PER DAY working in the garden. I've been too busy to post here, but will try to catch you up on the local events. First, one of the new gardens I installed this year is the Bird Hotel. Lots o' birdhouses, many adorned with stars, grace my biggest tree - an Ash that I hope will not succumb to the borer that is invading this area. Keep in mind that my garden is an Artist's Garden, not for the finicky type...

Also this year, I put out a few tomato plants and they are doing quite well! Look at these little beauties just waiting to be part of a salad next month!!

This evening there was a very busy butterfly gracing the coneflowers. She did not seem to be shy and so I got a photo of her.

Meanwhile, the hummingbird that generally frequents this feeder was sipping nectar when I sat down with my camera. Alas, my noise scared the little hummer away. He/she is a tiny thing with a ruby throat that I hope to capture on film soon. But this evening I sat and waited and waited and it did not return. Maybe next time...

And this is the absolute ultimate - I have a Chain Saw!! You do not know how amazing this is, but I have purchased this little gem and have been clearing the brush off the back of my property for weeks. What a beast of a tool! Makes a woman proud! And powerful!!! Yeh!!! Don't mess with me, ya hear???

back to sketching

2007-06-26T20:48:00.001-05:00

Time to get back to sketching! I can't believe how I cycle through the projects at hand, but I always do and I am no longer going to try to figure out why I do what I do. On again, off again, on again, no matter.

Lately I have been working in the garden like crazy and finally I am wanting to sketch again. I got out last year's garden sketchbook and picked up where I left off. First, a little explanation...

And then an easy sketch of a plant and a couple little birds sitting on a porch table:

This evening I sketched the hummingbird feeder after taking a bunch of photos of the garden. Hopefully I can get some more detailed sketches soon of what's happening in the garden this year.

SP10 Package arrived today!!!

2007-06-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I must say it was very nice to come home from work today and find a package I've been anxiously awaiting just sitting nonchalantly on my porch! My secret pal had let me know it was on the way some time ago so I had been on the watch. You see, I joined this secret pal knitting group and very much enjoyed sending off packages to the young lady I was given to spoil. Only one problem - my original secret pal assigned to me dropped out! And so, after not getting any packages, I reported it and I was given an "angel" secret pal. Now these are pals that do extra duty! They swoop in and rescue those who didn't recieve any gifts because - well, because they are just extra nice knitting pals who care. My angel pal is Karen and I am so tickled with my package from her! Just look at this:

the package has arrived!

Right on top is a card labled "read me" - how fun!! (I feel just like Alice in Wonderland, wondering what will happen next!)

Every message I had from Karen had a lovely knitting image on it and this card did too. I'll have to ask her where she got them!

A lovely note inside. I blurred out the personal stuff just in case...

WOW! Look at that book! It is filled with the lovliest patterns and photos ever! I don't think I would have splurged on it so I doubly appreciate recieving it. I adore books and I can't wait to try something out of this one. The photography is so luscious that I can just pore over the pages while deciding what to try first. The lace is so elegant! And look, too, at the yarns my pal sent me! Gorgeous chenille just begging to be cast on and some Knitpicks Essential that will make a delicious pair of socks. The color is Inca Gold, which is actually a yummy brown and much prettier in person. It will be fun to anticipate picking out a pattern for it.

And then, if that was not enough - a whole skin care package!!! Now I'm a girly-girl from way back and I just love all the personal jams and jellies you can get. Look at all these products! Notice the little jar of capsules you can break open and spread on - each one is a little present. And I am going to break into that bottle of lotion with the suspended beads of vitamin E in it yet tonite!! Even now I have a bath running so that I can gather up the whole collection and play in the tub with them all. That's a big girl's idea of fun!!

Thank you so much Secret Pal Karen - you are very much an angel to volunteer to make sure that an abandoned pal still gets a gift. I am nominating you for BEST PAL and if you don't win it will not be because I don't think you are the very best! I appreciate your kindness and generosity and I thank you for a most pleasant surprise that I will enjoy for a long, long time.

ps - I am going to affix your "read me" card inside the book with an inscription of how I received it so that I always remember where I got that lovely book. Thanks so much again!!

no way I'm MABEL!!

2007-05-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is totally the weirdest poll I've ever taken. If you can get from "Starr" to "Mabel" in any way, shape or form ~ you are on another planet!! Go take this test and see how far off it is for you!!!

Your Old Fashioned Name Is...

Mabel Saynsberry

What's Your Old Fashioned Name?

catching up...

2007-05-18T20:05:00.001-05:00

Well, it might not seem like it, but I have not been a total slacker! Last evening I was catching up on blogs of friends and I was totally shamed that I have not posted much! Really, I am as artistic as ever, but I get so dang distracted and don't keep up with any one thing, including this blog. But honestly, my first love is drawing and sketching and I do still do it from time to time. If I could indulge in one Big Regret, it is that I have not figured out how to have drawing/painting/sketching in my life every day while having to make a real living! UGH!! Does anyone know of someone who needs an apprentice to keep? I'm there!!

So anyway, my favorite program - bar none -is SURVIVOR!! I was so excited for the last season to begin that I copied the logo. That was in February, of course...

I did do one "everyday matters challenge" recently ~~~

Today I was just starved to draw something and picked up the nearest thing to hand...

And I have to say that I did follow the Survivor season and absolutely fell in love with Yau-Man. If only we had more men like this in the world!!

love my grands!

2007-05-18T17:33:00.001-05:00

Today, I cannot help but brag on my grands. If you have made it as far as I have in this life, you will know that the grandchildren were worth waiting for! Oh how I love those little guys even if I don't want them with me all the time!! And isn't that the beauty of it?? You get to have them for the best of times and send them home for their pathetic parents to deal with. Ain't it sweet justice?? I am grinning sooooooo big over that!!

Meanwhile, I came home today to a gift! It was cookies made by my five-year-old grandson Colin. He had searched out the recipe himself ~ chocolate butter cookies in the shape of pretzels (with red sprinkles) ~ and his mom helped him make them since he and his older siblings were home sick from school and needed some entertainment. Colin wasn't thrilled with the cookies themselves, but he did bring me a bagful and leave them for me while I was at work today. Naturally he decorated the baggie they are in ~ he wrote his name and drew a picture of me, along with a heart for love. Personally, I think he is a budding Rembrandt and will keep that precious baggie as a remembrance. Then, if he gets famous it will be worth a mint. If not, I can torture him with it, right?? In any case, I love it. I do know that the child is gifted no matter what.

And the cookies were tasty, too! I held off eating any until I photographed them, but then I promptly gobbled down two of the four. Honestly, they were very good! So I called Colin for the recipe, but he is too busy playing outside in the yard to talk to me right now. Hmmmmmmmmm. I guess I can wait for his recipe secrets, but the rest of the cookies will be gone by the time I talk to him again.....

Pickled!

2007-05-17T19:59:00.001-05:00

Sometimes even I wonder how I get interested in the things that I do! Of late, it has been making PICKLES! So, between working, yardwork, visiting family, knitting dishcloths and socks, studying Italian and working Sudoku puzzles, I've been researching pickle recipes and shopping for ingredients. Weird, huh??

I'm still experimenting, but I am focusing on FRESH pickles, not canned. I've made some sweet pickles, some authentic dills without vinegar, some kimchee style cabbage with Korean chile powder (whoo boy!!), some carrots that were wayyyy too sweet, some carrots that are just pickles and not sweet, some bok choy, some HOT cauliflower and so on and so on. When I get through the experimental phase I will keep the recipes that I like and go from there.

I do like the idea of Fermented veggies rather than just pickled, but we'll see how that develops. Meanwhile, aren't they gorgeous?? I love how they look just as much as how they taste!

Hmmmm...... should I plant some cukes real soon?????????? I know that they grow and multiply much faster than the grocery store prices would have you believe.......

knitting a shrug....

2007-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is my latest project even though I'm not quite sure yet how it will turn out! I am using yarn from my stash and filling in to make it last for the project, so it may not develop as desired when all is said and done. Meanwhile, I am on the second half of said project and will post a pic when I can get it photographed. I am using "bowtie" yarn by Moda Dea in shades of lavender, pink and bright green.

Also, I have been thinking carefully about gifts for my secret pal in SP10. I have sent two gifts so far ~ gifts that I carefully considered in terms of the list my secret pal posted as to her likes and dislikes. Upon checking her blog, I think that my secret pal is pleased so far. At any rate, she has gotten two "surprise" packages from me and she seems to be thrilled!

bouna giornata,
starr

a little quiz...

2007-04-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

I think I am really an enigma. I appear to be very social in person, but really, I am quite content to be alone and do not seek much company after mandatory work hours. I care very much for others but am quite selfish with my time! I think this little quiz captured me perfectly...

You Are 30% Extrovert, 70% Introvert

You are quite reserved
You aren't afraid of social situations...
But you very much prefer to go it alone
And why not? You're your own best friend!

Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?

sad, sad day

2007-04-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

The Virginia Tech shootings ~ another heart-breaking day in American history. I cannot understand such things enough to even comment upon them. My heart goes out to all of the families affected, even the family of a young Korean boy who was disturbed enough to do this. There are no words for this extreme sadness...

shopping bags vs spring cleaning...

2007-04-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

ok, I'm still knitting away in my spare time, BUT it is spring cleaning time as well! UGH!!!

When I was younger, I tackled such projects in a Very Big Way and took much pleasure in cleaning out the excess from my home.

Well....

Now, it is still something that needs done, but my enthusiasm has waned, to say the least! All that deters me now is the thought that if I don't do it, someone I love with have to and it won't be pretty!! UGH again!

And so I embarked on some closet and drawer cleaning this weekend. But only with my tried and true tricks in place. You see, I make a deal with myself. One, I only commit to working for ten minutes to start with and then, if I am too miserable, I can quit. Usually this will get me going for anywhere from one to three hours. Thank goodness!

Two, I play my current book on tape while I work to distract me. So far ~ so good! It works!! I start out with a small goal in mind and manage to do much more overall. Phew! It is good to know how to trick oneself to do these things!!

Meanwhile, I have lots more to do but am happy with what I was able to accomplish this past weekend. To reward myself, I took knitting breaks to work on Market Bags! I absolutely hate the buildup of all those plastic bags from the grocery, so I am going to make a stash of knitted bags to bring home the groceries. Here are two completed ones and the start of a third. It must be true that old hippies never die!! Peace, my friends! And happy recyling!!

fagioli alla Toscana

2007-04-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

or ~~ Tuscan Style Beans
I am an admitted italiano-phile and last night I was reading a new cookbook that I got called "The Antipasto Table". It mentioned how Italians LOVE beans (as do I) and here is how they cook them: they "oven-bake" them slowly to tenderize them and retain their shape, only adding salt at the very end of the cooking time.

BUT ~ one needs a cast iron dutch oven in which to do this (which has been on my "list" for some time) and today I went in search of one. Do you know how expensive these are???????? OMG!!!! I was in sticker shock over the prices of Le Creuset - a medium size Dutch Oven is $150 ~ $225!!!! OMG!!!!!

I'm sure that pan would outlive me by a long shot, but who can afford to have it now??? OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!

And so I took off for my fav local knock-off store, and lo and behold, there ~in all it's glory~ was a no-name brand of exactly what I was looking for!! It was RED, it was medium size (not too big and not too small) and it was OBLONG (my preferred shape). Yeh, it was made in China and it had a chip out of the rim, but not too big and something that woulda happened in short order anyway...

I snagged this prize and headed home to cook some fagioli of my own...

So here is what you do: rinse a pound of cannellini or Great Northern Beans, put them in a bowl covered with cold water by 2" and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. After that, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Drain the beans, put them in the ovenproof casserole with a cover. Add fresh water to cover by one inch. Add a large clove of garlic (peeled), a tablespoon of olive oil and a bit of fresh or dried sage. Bring to simmer over low heat on the stovetop. Move the dish to the oven and cook until tender ~ about an hour or so. Add salt to taste. Remove from oven, smash the garlic and add back to the soup. Serve warm or at room temp with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground pepper. These are really good atop toasted rounds of fresh bread, garnished with chopped fresh onion...

And that is exactly how I just had them ~ YUM!!! Best beans ever! Try them!!!

Family Dinner

2007-03-29T17:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been on vacation from work this week and you'd think I'd get some extra stuff done, right? Nope! Been busy cooking and having guests and it has been a lot of fun. First up was a family dinner. On the menu were my grandmother's homemade noodles, which are drying on the counter here in the first photo. Just egg noodles, but mixed, cut and dried all by hand just like my family has been making them for over a hundred years that I know of. They came out perfect and everyone had seconds! For those of you NOT from the midwest, these are served atop mashed potatoes (yes, I said ATOP) and you simply go into a coma after eating this delicacy. Some of the shredded beef roast goes into the noodles but you can serve the rest on the side if you feel the need for protein balance...

The table all set and waiting.

My sister had such a good time that she stayed for five days! We had so much fun that I hate to go back to my normal working schedule. Why can't I stay home and knit and make family dinners for a living? But I must be able to afford myself, so I'll go back to work next week. Meanwhile, I've got a precious few days left to enjoy the arrival of spring and the new fun memories of a family gathered round the table. Life doesn't get better than that!

For Cecily & SP10

2007-03-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

SP10 has begun! For those who don't know, that is Secret Pal 10 - an exchange with another knitter who would like to be spoiled with attention and gifts from a secret pal. How fun! I misunderstood at first, but now I know who my secret pal recipient is ~ and I do NOT know who my own secret pal is because he or she is the one spoiling me per the questions I answered for the project.

My current project is a pair of socks from the book Socks Socks Socks from Knitters Magazine. These were designed by Sheri Franz of Pittsburgh and I've had to frog them back to the ribbing once already, but that is fine~ I enjoy the process! The pattern is easy to remember so far and I am using Sockotta (Italian collection) yarn in superwash. It has a wonderful feel to it and a very retro look. I had to go down to size 0 needles and I do think I have someone in mind for these socks!

I've also been busy on my own version of dishcloths. I've developed a cotton cloth that is a good size and doesn't get weighed down when it is wet. I like it a lot ~ a whole lot!

And so I made a label for it for when I give it away as a gift:

Label back:

These cloths knit up quick, so you can make a set while watching a bit of TV or a movie on the weekend:

Use up leftovers by crocheting the edging on with a contrasting color:

and then wrap on that handmade label for a special touch:

fait accompli

2007-03-09T19:17:00.000-05:00

bonjour mes ami. I have finally finished my first KAL (knitalong) and here it is! The group is Six Sox Knitalong (pattern posted every other month so that the group knits six pair of socks per year together) and the pattern for Feb/Mar 2007 is called "Springtime in Paris". That is because on one side of the sock, ridges in the pattern resemble the Eiffel Tower. Tre bien! However, that is actually the "wrong" side of the sock, so if you turn it out, the pattern is more like raindrops. That is the side I will probably wear, so we shall imagine that is the look of rain on the apartment window as one gazes toward de la Tour Eiffel.

I have been to this enchanting place and stood beneath the rising spires of the tower that looks out over the City of Light. I can still see it if I close my eyes and remember the excitement of being there. And so I am thrilled that my first sock KAL is reminiscent of one of my favorite places in the world...

and a closeup of the stitches, one inside and one outside...

another purse

2007-02-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

I finally sat down last night and finished up this purse. It has been knit for a while, but I had to sew on the button and thread the handle through. It is just like Maureen's purse but with some lively color and an Art Glass button, which didn't photograph so well.

A bit of a closeup and it still doesn't do the button justice. I have some pink and blue yarns for a co-ordinating scarf, but that might not get made this winter. We are charging through winter pretty fast and I'm on a sock kick!!

Secret Pal 10

2007-02-17T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here is my post for Secret Pal 10, a fun knitting group activity. I signed up, and now I am posting my Questionnaire here so that when my secret pal gets my name, they can come here and learn more about me. I will do the same when I get the name of my new pal. Then we stay in touch and trade gifts with each other for the next three months. It sounds like a lot of fun! Here goes...

The Questionnaire
Here are is the questionnaire for SP10. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than the last day of February.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

LOVE natural fibers. I got back into knitting socks because I learned about Superwash Wool and I fell into all those fabulous sock patterns out there. Can you even imagine life before the internet? I was a sock knitter who quit because my wool socks got holes in them right away and were not worth the investment. Now I've discovered a whole new world!! Haven't used any pure acrylic and cannot imagine doing so except for decorative purposes.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

This is terrible - right now it is a big ole zip lock bag!! The good news is that I can see into it when retrieving needles. But also, I have some embroidered fabric waiting to be made into a needle case. I can't seem to find the time to make it!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit when I was 8 years old. I sat on the front porch steps (late 50's) and my grandmother helped me on a Sunday afternoon right after lunch. I was still tentative, so I walked to the library the next day and checked out a book on learning to knit. From there, I was on my own and knitted mostly gloves and mittens. Later, a sweater for my boyfriend. Still later, sweaters for my children. And then socks. Love at first sight!! Socks! And now there is superwash wool. A match made in heaven. I wish I could tell grandma! I consider myself an intermediate, waiting to advance!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Of course! But there is so much on it that I would never show it to anyone. They'd think I am the greediest girl who ever lived!! It is my private luxury - books to drown among!

5. What's your favorite scent?

Gardenia. also like Vanilla.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Dark Chocolate. Also like those chocolate creams that come in a romantic box.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I would like to spin with a drop spindle and have bought some roving in hopes that I will learn how. I don't see myself doing the whole spinning wheel thing, but a bit of yarn on the spindle ~ can someone teach me? Otherwise, I am an accomplished artist and have worked professionally. I was in the beaded jewelry business for several years. I quilted for a number of years and like anything to do with fabric, beads or paint. My hobby is hobbies! I'm hopeless!!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like most any music. My top five are: Mozart, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Vivaldi, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. and yes, I can play MP3s. I have an ipod for books on tape and lots of music. I listen to it every day and it puts me to sleep at night.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Adore Periwinkle Blue; Grape with Lime, Black & Taupe together, Blue-Blood Red. Fond of Cream and Naturals. Can't abide too much Orange or Tomato Red

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am mature, 55 years old, on my own. I have three grown children and three grandchildren who are the light of my life. I am going to go look at Bichon puppies soon in search of a companion.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Wear scarves all the time. Love to change them out with my coats for variety. Not so much hats or ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks, purses

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely. There is a piece of the maker's heart in such a gift. I would treasure it.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Love the Brittany Birch DPNS, but also love the Knit Picks Circs! I didn't wanna like those Knit Picks, but I do! But the birch ones make me feel so mellow. And I have a pair of straight Rosewood in size 11 that are nice.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both! And love using them because I got such a deal. Don't even mind frogging when I rewind myself!!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Believe it or not, I don't have one. I make myself finish things or Frog them!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Sorry, don't much care for holidays. Too much expectation. I like everyday celebrations the best. Just because....

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yes, I collect old Capodimonte Porcelain with a certain look. It has to have porcelain roses on it and be primitive looking, not refined. And I LOVE hand-dyed yarns. And BOOKS! If I have extra money, I will buy a book in a heartbeat!!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I put things on my Amazon wish list when I find them. I haven't subscribed to any mags yet. There is so much online to look at! Always wanting more sock yarn, of course! I'd like to check out those arty needles with the glass tops, but would they work and not break? Would like to have a drop spindle and learn to use it.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

yeh, haven't done Magic Loop yet. Would need to buy some longer circs for that. And I'd like to try some cashmere yarn for socks. Is there a cashmere superwash?

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

oh yeh.........foot length (standing on ruler) = 9.75"; around the ball of the foot = 9"; up to calf with ruler = 7.5". Flat feet - no high arch. Shoe size = Women's 8 or 8.5. Rather medium overall.

23. When is your birthday?

Geez, I hate to say since I don't put much stock in holidays. I will share with a buddy, but otherwise, I like special days and gifts just because.......

for Knitman

2007-02-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

I got the nicest post from a new friend, Knitman, who encouraged me to continue with these cabled socks. But of course I did! As soon as I frogged them, I cast on and started again. Along the way, I realized that two circs with this pattern was screwing me up, so I slid them off to my old faithful birch DPNs. such wonderful feeling needles! I do want to do the two-at-once socks on circs, but this pattern repeat didn't work out so well. So I'll probably finish these on the beautiful birchies. Thanks, Knitman, for the encouraging message. I'm adding you to my fav's!!

Frogged!

2007-02-05T18:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I've learned a lot recently from my Yahoo knitting groups ~ for instance, if you need to "unknit" a section of what you are working on, that is called "tink" - ing. (the word "knit" spelled backwards.) And if you should find yourself totally off base and need to start over on a project, then you must FROG it! Which means you will hear those tearing-out sounds of "rip-it, rip-it", also known as FROGGING!!!

Remember my recent post of two socks at once on circular needles? FROGGED! I had made so many mistakes in knitting them that it seemed a shame to waste the luscious yarn on badly-made socks. So this evening I sat down at the ball-winder and let 'em rip right back into a yummy ball of exquisite yarn with new possibilities. I will remake this pattern, of course, now that I think I can do it right. And here I was well into the foot of those socks! Never mind, they will be even more wonderful when I knit them right!

And while I was at it, I grabbed the ugly black & white Opal yarn Feather and Fans I made a while back and they took a dip in the frog pond as well. I see them being remade with solid black toes and heels and a lot of ribbing all around.

Here is the fresh start yarn, ready to go. Stay tuned!

I'm a daffodil?

2007-02-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

I am a
Daffodil

What Flower
Are You?

on the needles

2007-01-28T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here's what I'm working on right now ~ a pair of socks! yes, I'm knitting them both at the same time on two circular needles. This is a really popular method right now so I just had to try it. I can't wait to see how they turn out and just think - you finish them at the same time!

a post for Trish

2007-01-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

I had the nicest comment from Trish, who said that she checks my blog in hopes of seeing something new each day. What a nice complement! So this post is for you, Trish! Really, I do something artistic each day or I can't live with myself, but I don't always post it. so I will try to do better at that. Thanks for your interest.

Here is a bag that I made for my daughter while I was off work in December. It is two different pink yarns combined since I couldn't find a shade of pink in wool that I liked. It is trimmed with an antique button that I just love. My daughter ~Ellyn~ loves pink and old buttons, so this was an effort to thank her for taking care of me while I recovered from surgery last Nov & Dec.

Naturally, I needed to make a scarf to go with the purse. I started out with a beaded scarf like I made for Maureen, but somehow it didn't seem right. It was what *I* liked, but not necessarily what Ellyn would like, so I tore it out and started over. I remembered that Ellyn had been particularly fond of a "keyhole" scarf I had made her when she was young, so I found a pattern for one of those. This one is not only a "keyhole" but is done in a herringbone stitch which I had not heard of before. Perfect! It is a free pattern by Kim Hamlin of buleskyaplacas.com and was super-easy to do. I cannot provide it for you per her restrictions, but you can google that info and find it, I'm sure. I added the beaded ends on my version for fun.

The lining is a wild, pleated floral that adds the touch of the unexpected. Who wants to settle for ordinary?

I'm off to do some more knitting and sincerely wish I could knit and draw all of the time. If any of you figure out how to quit your day jobs and do that, would you let me know?? :-)

more knitting

2007-01-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I felt like getting the rest of the knitting out and chronicled here. I want to post to a sock knitting group and I need some evidence! This was my first pair a couple months ago. I got interested when I read Wendy Knits and she talked about superwash wool. Washable wool socks with nylon for wearability? Wow, I had to try that! Years ago I knitted some socks and they got holes in the heels so fast that I gave up. And these are her famous generic toe-up pattern that was pretty easy to do. Once I worked through it, that is. And they don't exactly match because I panicked and started the second sock before I wanted to. I was afraid of running out of yarn and really, I wouldn't have. oh well. I wore them and they are marvelous! Opal yarn. (note - I got those pesky holes in the gusset, but will do that better next time!)

This second pair is another Wendy pattern, the toe-up Feather and Fan in Opal yarn. I trusted the pattern even though it looked too big for me, and sure enough, the first sock is too big. I made the second one anyway, but am still deciding whether to re-knit just one sock or unravel both and start completely over. I'm not really attached to these and I could probably find something I like better out of this yarn. I think I would like this yarn better if the heels, cuffs and toes were solid black.

This pair is a Chevron Lace pattern from knittingonthenet, done out of Lorna's Laces. Nice and lightweight and I'm wondering how they'll wear.

I love how these turned out. I had gotten a lone ball of sale superwash sock yarn and paired it with some solid color yarn to stretch it into a pair of socks. I was amazed that the nondescript looking striping yarn worked up so pretty. I simply can't tell by looking at self-striping yarn how it's gonna turn out! The pattern is Karen's Lace Socks from needlesandwool.

After a few pairs of socks I wanted something even more mindless to do and that began the "cotton dishcloth phase". Sugar & Cream cotton yarn is cheap and I can even get it at the grocery, so I made tons of these cloths. I have gifted most away, but these are a couple I still have.

Then I started trying to use up the Sugar & Cream - I don't think it can be done. I also decided that the cotton cloths are relatively heavy and don't need to be so big. I made them into smaller rectangles like these and I like them a lot. That way you can use them a time or two and throw them in the wash. As long as you have someone knitting you a supply, of course! I do love these!

I wondered if you could make a face cloth that would be nice and this was my attempt with a skein of Bernat Cool Crochet, 70% cotton, 30% nylon. It has a bit of sheen and I thought it would be a treat to leave out for a guest to use. Or a nice gift in a basket with some handmade soap. (I have a friend who makes wonderful soap!)

And this is the latest ~ a baby hat and mitts and mittens for another co-worker. It will be new baby Giovanni's first winter, so I made him a hat with flaps and thumbless mitts. The hat seems stretchy, so thinking it will still fit him next year, I made him some big boy mittens, too. The yarn is Caron Simply Soft Tweed, acrylic and rayon for easy care.

And now what will I start on next? I'm itching to start socks, but I promised my sister another dog sweater for her Yorkie. I forgot to photograph him in the one I gave him a couple weeks ago, so stay tuned for that. He is one little designer dog in that thing! Now let me see.....

Posting some knitting

2007-01-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

Today I am posting some knitting so that you can see what I was doing all that time I wasn't drawing! Somehow I got sidetracked, then obsessed, and then, well, you know...

One of the first things was this felted purse. I found the pattern on the internet; I believe it was called Sophie, and I beaded the handles from my jewelry-making stash. It is Cascade 220 wool, doubled, and is lined in black.
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Then I made a smaller purse for my friend Maureen. It is from the Pursenalities book, black Patons wool and fun fur with an I cord handle.

And a coordinating beaded scarf for Maureen out of KnitPicks Elegance, baby alpaca & silk, color Redwood ~ yummy~

Then more Cascade 220 in gray for this Lucy Bag and a fun novelty trim. It's a roomy tote.

The Lucy bag closes by looping the large handle up through the small one ~ very fun!

I made the Sophie bag bigger and added flaps to wrap around purchased handles. This one was not planned - just knit with whatever caught my fancy as I went along. It is lined with a black & white small houndstooth check fabric that used to be a pair of slacks!

Another Sophie bag, and the one I am carrying the most, is more Cascade 220. One strand of a solid green and one of heathered. I like the softening effect of the heather.

My DIL discovered this fabric when we were shopping and it was perfect for the lining and to attach the handles. The purse also has little brass feet on the bottom ~ such a nice touch!

I couldn't resist the Candy Cane pattern hat. It was made for Meredith, a co-worker's baby. I improvised on the rose and it came out great.

And I have been doing socks as well! I was so taken with this Crayon Pattern from a magazine that I ordered up a bunch of Lorna's Laces yarn and made a pair for each of my grandchildren. They are surprisingly nice weight even though the yarn seemed so thin. I did weave an extra strand through the heels when finished, just in case.

And that isn't all of it, but it's all I have photographed at the moment. I'll be back with more, but right now I need to go have a knit-fix!

New Year 2007

2007-01-01T02:01:00.000-05:00

Unbelievably, I wanted the first thing I did in 2007 to be a sketch. It is...

Major PAUSE

2007-01-01T01:51:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has really been a while since I posted. I don't know what got into me, but I just STOPPED drawing as quickly as I started!! I think it makes me sound a bit unstable, but really, it was just the course of events. One day I was drawing, and the next I was knitting like a madwoman!! I was out buying yarn and knitting every free moment of the day and lamenting that I didn't have time to draw! I will have to post some of my knitting because I really did accomplish a lot.

Meanwhile, I did have surgery in November that put me out of commission for a while. I am recovered now and will be going back to work in one more day ~ YIKES!! I was off for seven weeks, which is enough to let you forget the trail back to the evil empire!! Alas, there are breadcrumbs to mark the way...

a random poll...

2006-11-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

Not sure why I felt like answering this poll when I haven't posted in forever, but here goes...

1. Explain what ended your last relationship?
He did because I would never have been able to. It was a good thing...
2. When was the last time you shaved?
This morning.
3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
sleeping like a baby
4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
surfing the net because tv is awful.
5. Are you any good at math?
Not particularly, but I manage.
6. Your prom night?
Was pitiful. I went with a nice fella who adored me but I didn't much care for him. Sad for me and gave him the wrong idea.
7. Do you have any famous ancestors?
Nope.
8. Have you had to take a loan out for school?
would have if I had been thinking straight. True answer = no.
9. Do you know the words to the song on your myspace profile?
No myspace profile. And don't want one.
10. Last thing received in the mail?
Lots o'junk and stuff from ebay.
11. How many different beverages have you had today?
4 - coffee, diet coke w/lime/, water, wine
12. Do you ever leave messages on peoples answering machine?
Yes. I do prefer it to actually reaching people.
13. Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
Not a concert gal.
14. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
of course. I'm memorable even if the tide is constant.
15. What was the most painful dental procedure you have had?
A regular filling - which is when I found out that I am not wired like a normal person. ew - ew - ew!!
16. What is out your back door?
A great back yard that lets me be in the city and feel like I'm private.
17. Any plans for Friday night?
Nah - just like anticipating a weekend away from work...
18. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
The ocean is worth whatever it does...
19. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Actually, yes!! It is and was a big surprise!!
20. Have you ever been to a planetarium?
of course!
21. Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Why wouldn't you?
22. Some things you are excited about?
Number one - surgery tomorrow. I'm totally freaked out!! And then bunches of other stuff like not having to go back to work until 1/07, projects I have in mind and sleeping whenever I feel like it. Bliss!
23. What is your favorite flavor of JELLO?
don't know about jello.
24. Describe your keychain(s)
half dozen keys and stupid store swipe cards that give you discounts.
25. Where do you keep your change?
In my wallet/change purse
26. Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
Open. But only because the upper stairway door is shut.
27. Did you read this far? Consider yourself tagged.
That would be me!!

overload

2006-08-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well, if you've given up on me, I don't blame you! I didn't quit drawing, but I sure got distracted. It's the story of my life - too many interests and not enough time. Between the knitting, which I'll post pics of later, and my recent vacation getaway, and then going right back to work and having to catch up, I like to never got the recent sketches posted. So now here is an overload. They are in the order I sketched them and they pretty much tell the story of my short trip. My, but it was a beautiful place at the beach. Why, oh why was I born a poor girl who has to work for a living?? Give me the beach any ole day!!!!!!

still knitting...

2006-08-04T05:52:00.000-05:00

geez, I've got the knitting bug - can't put down those pointy sticks! This is a sketch from a knitting book I'm currently reading. There just aren't enough hours in the day for all I want to do!

broccoli

2006-08-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Geez, I haven't posted in awhile - or drawn either, tho I have been knitting. Don't know what's gotten into me except that I needed a change or something. Anyway, I felt so rusty this evening when I got out the supper ingredients and thus delayed supper to sketch. Mantra: every day! every day! You can sure lose your edge fast!!

the pianist

2006-07-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie sketch to represent the evening...

the rocking chair

2006-07-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

this evening's quick sketch is a bit of family history...

flibbertigibbet...

2006-07-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

That's what I am this weekend. No focus at all. I have so many things that I SHOULD be doing that I'm not doing any of them. Instead, I've been fooling endlessly with my MP3 player because I cannot get the netlibrary books to download correctly. I've been emailing them and trying various things which has eaten up copious hours of time. Very frustrating. And then I thought I'd load a few podcasts onto the player. Now there's a whole new world for ya. And can I load just a few to try and listen to? No.....

So I'm sitting here loading Italian language lessons, Italian travel podcasts with video (that I can try to play on my tv), radio shows, wine information, tech info, health and beauty tidbits and on and on. While it loads I'm knitting on my socks - they are such a delightful small portable project and I finished one yesterday. Here it is by itself and again on my foot - amazingly it fits!

So I'll get back to drawing soon. When I'm done being a flibbertigibbet...

wool socks

2006-07-19T21:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I got way-layed a couple days ago. I had ordered some yarn and it came and I started knitting up a pair of Wool Socks. In July. When it's too hot to even sit outside! Ah well, when you get a hankering to knit, you just have to knit!

things from supper

2006-07-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Laura of laurelines for today's inspiration. Her still lifes are always so vibrant that I was driven to my own fridge for a couple of tasty subjects. She also caused me to try out these Cretacolor pencils in the WC Moleskine. I'm still touching up with regular watercolor and a bit of colored pencil, but less each time.

new sketchbooks

2006-07-15T23:49:00.000-05:00

Since I finished my second Moleskine yesterday, I decided to try out some new papers and mediums today. This sketch of my DIL is in the Fabriano book. I tried the watercolor pencils, but the paper doesn't take too well to water. After it dried, I went back in with colored pencils.

Then I sketched my grandson on the next page. I meant to leave it in graphite pencil, but I kept fooling with it and added some colored pencil, too.

I got out the new watercolor paper Moleskine and really struggled with it. I wasn't very skillful with the watercolor pencils and made kind of a mess. I touched this one up with colored pencils and more watercolor pencil, but I don't have the hang of it just yet.

Finally, I tried to use regular watercolors in the WC Moleskine and again, it was rather washed out. I ended up using the colored pencils again to add depth. I guess I need more work with the watercolors before they can stand on their own...

end of another Moleskine

2006-07-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

A nice relaxing Friday evening after a very long week at work. I got some new watersoluable colored pencils in the mail today, so am experimenting with them here. They go on smooth, but I'd like to compare them on other papers than the Moleskine.

a follow-up pencil drawing...

These are the art supplies I got today. I can't wait to try out the watercolor Moleskines.

These watercolor pencils are a new thing for me. I think they can be very nice but do not necessarily shine in the Moleskine. I have other things to try them out on, so I'm looking forward to a sketching weekend.

tuesday and wednesday

2006-07-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

Here's the drawings from the past couple days. Last night it was way too late to scan and post and I had to go to bed. It was drawn from a postcard that I got in the mail.

Today I was intrigued by the label on my iced tea bottle, so I peeled it off, cut out around it and decoupaged it into my sketch book. Beautifully blue.