Suicide, House, neighbors, dogs, PB&J, STD's and accents

Welcome to the December 4th version of Thursday Thunks!

1. Have you ever not thought about the possibility of suicide?
I don't understand this question...Have I ever NOT thought about the possibility of suicide - doesn't this kind of imply I think of it always? Anyways, I've never thought of actually killing myself.

2. How many dogs have you owned in your life? What kind? What were their names?
The first was Brandi, a cocker spaniel, then came Mookie, the Black Lab, then Beau, a Weimeraner.

3. In one word, what do most people describe you as?

4. Do you watch HouseMD? Why not?
I do occasionally - reruns.

5. What irritates you most about your neighbors?
I have great neighbors. The people I have a problem with are the folks who walk their dogs and don't pick up after them. I was raking leaves the other day and came upon a "deposit" - needless to say I was pissed. I don't have a dog and it really chaps my butt to have to clean up after someone else's dog.

6. Have you ever called someone in for some sort of abuse or neglect on humans, animals or property? No

7. What color is the sky in your world?
today it was a thin, soft, heathery gray

8. Did you see those 2 planets that everyone is talking about this week?
I tried, it was too cold to stay out long the way I was dressed (flip flops, t-shirt)

9. Would you like to submit your own question for future Thursday Thunks?
No

10. Do you have a skin condition? Are you gonna tell us what it is? No

11. Have you ever had an STD? No

12. Do you do any crafts?
Oh yes, I start many crafts. I sew, and bead, and scrap to name a few.

13. Peanut Butter & Jelly - what flavor is the jelly?
Has to be grape, and it needs to be jam NOT jelly

14. Stripes or polka-dots? both

15. What accent drives you crazy? Is it a good crazy or a bad crazy?
I love Scottish accents....that burr, definitely good crazy. :o)

Meme Express....Grinch

Today, the Meme Express prompt is “Grinch.”

Did you read Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as a child? Absolutely!

Do you watch the animated cartoon each year on television? Every year, without fail. If my grown children are around I torture them and make them watch with me.

Do you have your own copy of it? Yes, the animated version.

Did you see the Jim Carrey version of The Grinch in a cinema? I took my kids to see it...fell asleep but woke in time to see Christmas saved :o)

Did you purchase the movie? No.

Which did you prefer, the animated or live-action version? Positively the animated one - it's a classic!

Do you know any real-life Grinches? Well....it's not nice to call folks out like that.

Have you ever acted like a Grinch? I'm sure I have, in a moment of frustration, called off Christmas in the distant past (Probably while trying to fit Tab A into Slot B on the endless Barbie and Ninja Turtle toys)

Who is Cindy-Lou Who, anyway? She looks eerily like my sister...

Butterick 5186

I've been in a sewing funk lately. Seems like every sewing project I start ends up a turkey (remember the eggplant knit dress?). Even when I follow the directions to a "T", cut out fabric meticulously, sew exact 5/8" seams, grade & clip, baste and tack....blah, blah, blah...it's all for naught. The garments just don't fit properly.

So I decided to increase my odds...I chose a pattern that doesn't fit closely. Butterick 5186 was my choice. It says it's a "Fast & Easy" pattern and it was...really!

Because of the disappointing history I've had of late, I chose to use some inexpensive stash fabric - a dark brown stretch cotton. I made view A with view c sleeves. This pattern has a very wide collar - which is what drew me to it to begin with. After the front facing was sewn I tried it on...the collar was waaaay too wide for me so I took off 3.25 inches of it and I'm very happy with the results. Adding 2.5 inches to the length was a power move. The only closure it has right now are the ties but I have plans to add a large fabric covered snap.

I wore it to work on Monday with a baby blue turtleneck underneath and since I was feeling so froggy from that success, I wore the eggplant colored knit dress on Tuesday.

I am a Bette

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.


• * Be confident, strong, and direct.


• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.


• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.


• * Give me space to be alone.


• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.


• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.


• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant


• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on


• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest


• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life


• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me


• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to


• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence


• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it


• * never forgetting injuries or injustices


• * putting too much pressure on myself


• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit


• * are sometimes loners


• * seize control so they won't be controlled


• * figure out others' weaknesses


• * attack verbally or physically when provoked


• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted


• * are sometimes overprotective


• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Whoot! Whoot!

Look what I just bought on eBay....(joyous dancing!!)

I can't wait to get it....the perfect material is waiting for its arrival.

Dress 2...Me 0

McCall's 5464....It's beating me. I'm ready to tap out on this one. I added small round beads left over from Nicci's Christmas gift projects from 2 years ago to the neckline thinking it would solve the rolling facing issue. It didn't help, it still rolls ...or maybe I just need bigger boobs?

I picked apart about 2.5 inches of the neckline, made the facing smaller and made a quasi pleat in the dress front. Pinned the spots where the beads would go. Didn't help.

Picked it apart...again. Gathered the top edge of the dress front then resewed it to the facing. No dice. I'm done messing with the neckline of this dress; it gets beads and looser elastic on the sleeves and that's it.

I've got to get a black cami type top to wear under it.

The Neckline...

McCall's 5464...The neckline looked great till I understitched the facing. Now it's stretched out a bit and the facing rolls out. I'm going to have to find a trim to hold it in place unless I can find a fix. What about small Dior roses? Ribbon? Any ideas? Embroidered "x"'s and french knots with a silky black cotton?

What I'm Working on Now...

McCall's 5464...in a aubergine knit. I seem to have a problem with the fit of the top of the dress. The neckline was too low so I took the shoulder seem out and recut it about 1" shorter. The fit is better but it's still too low in front for work. I'm going to keep going anyway and plan to wear it with a cami underneath for work.

Joanne's was having a sale on McCall's patterns today, I picked up 6 new patterns and 1.5 yard of navy cotton twill and one yard of print cotton twill. My plans are a skirt but you never know - things change all the time.

These are the patterns I bought today:

Reconnecting...

We've reconnected with a couple we were wonderful friends with 16 years ago.

You know how you can look at someone you knew so well many years ago and you see a stranger...but you don't? They're still the same person you knew and the more time you spend together, the more comfortable you grow, the less you see the differences.
By the time they flew away home, it was like we were young adults again.

I'm sad now ...they're gone and they live half way across the country so it'll be a spell before we get together again :o(

Once upon a time we became friends because we liked each other and had things in common that were separate from our children. Not because the kids were in a sport together or were in the same class. I was worried about seeing them again. Had we changed too much? Had they? Happily, I worried for nothing, they're still the loving, humorous, easy-going couple we knew.

Now, that's not to say you can't meet great folks through the kids' sports teams because you certainly can. We have made some really fabulous friends through our children and their activities. Hockey parents especially are some of the most fun-loving, passionate, loyal folks; we're blessed to have met them all.

Reconnecting with old friends...I highly recommend it :o)

Randomness

randomness...feed your mind and your blog
Let's do good ol' fashioned random word association this week :o)
I say....you think...

1. flower...anniversary
2. paper...news
3. coffee...necessary
4. tire...iron
5. sand...castles
6. work...soon
7. reality tv...ugh
8. itch...scratch
9. tooth...paste
10. sour...patch
till next time....

The End is Near

Only 4.5 days left of summer vacation *sigh*. I love my job and miss the folks I work with but I'm going to miss my summer time fun :o)

He's My One and Only

Tomorrow is our 24th wedding anniversary. Who knew we had such staying power?! I know a lot of folks say their spouse is great but mine really is!

He's loving, thoughtful, funny, romantic, dedicated, patient, consistent, and very indulgent. He treats me like I'm precious to him, writes me love notes, makes the first pot of coffee every morning, brings flowers for no reason and cleans up after himself.

He knows how to fix a shelf as well as scrub a toilet; he does all the long distance driving, all the heavy lifting and all the grilling. When he goes away on business he always brings me a gift, sometimes jewelry, sometimes a fridge magnet :o) just so I'll know he was thinking of me.

I trully could not imagine my life without him. I am blessed :o)

Washington, DC

A most glorious day spent with N walking around DC. The weather was perfect; it was warm with a light breeze and the skies were crystal clear. We strolled thru the Enid Haupt Garden outside of the Smithsonian Castle then went to the Freer Gallery of Art. The Washington Monument was appreciated once again on the the way to our main objective....the WWII Memorial. It was absolutely beautiful :o) The pale smooth stone, bronze work, wreaths, columns and of course the fountains were all fabulous. It was soothing and peaceful; a wonderful place to reflect.

Vogue 8233

Another dress finished...another non-fitting garment for my collection. Rats! I chose the size for the dress based on the measurements given and its too big on top, mostly fits on the bottom. The disappointment cooked up by something that doesn't fit properly is demoralizing, initially makes me not want to tackle another project.

Somethings I learned from this dress: 1) Don't use crinkle gauze as a bodice lining...it stretches. When the top half of the dress was finished I tried it on (no late stage surprises this time) and it fit nicely. I added the skirt with one ruffle, view , and it stretched the top.
2) I really need a dress form. Thinking back over the last few dresses and tops that I've made I realized I keep making the same sizing mistakes.
3) Using the serger on the long, straight seams is fantastic!

I'm going to wash it tonight, maybe all the handling it got while being sewed stretched it out some. Pictures tomorrow.

To Serge or Not To Serge....that is my question

A while back I bought a serger, a Juno by Janome from Hancock Fabrics. I've played with it a few times and tried using it on a couple projects. My question is when do you use a serger? Are there hard and fast rules? Is(are) there a certain type(s) of fabric that are best? Should you only use it on the long straight stretches or can you use it for all seams? Do you need the different specialty feet? Do you have a favorite book that explains the world of serging to a newbie? I absolutely love the way my serged seams look but for now I think I'll stick to my regular machine.

T-Shirt Memory Blanket

I finished this a few weeks ago....just forgot to get pics of it before Daughter left. She was thrilled when I gave it to her. It's the best feeling in the world to have your child smiling up at you with pure happiness in her adult face because of something you did for her.













DD sent me the pics; the second one is a sock :o). The third pic was taken after we figured out how to lay it out. None of the 'squares' were square. She chose pieces from many of her friends (that's where the sock came from), basic training, her bro, her boyfriend, her BFF and her daddy. She showed everyone that came into the house and explained many of the blocks. It was one of the things she refused to trust the movers with.

July 4th...and 5th

I had a wonderful day yesterday after a rocky start (flight snafu for Daughter's BF). After a leisurely breakfast with my brother, his girlfriend, my mom, both my kids, Daughter's boyfriend and my absolutely wonderful husband we all went boating and kayaking.

Today...not so good. Daughter left today to go to her next duty station. As her best friend put it last night "I'm dying of sadness." It overwhelms me....I hate feeling this way every time she leaves. I miss her terribly already and she's only been gone an hour.

Butterick 5181

Originally I wanted a maxi dress like this one at JCrew. But didn't want to shell out $450 for a sundress, no matter how cute. After looking high and low for a pattern to make my own, settled on Butterick 5181. I've mentioned before that the Hancock Fabrics in my town closed but before it did it sold everything right down to the fixtures. I added several different lengths of fabric to my stash to include an orange plaid seersucker.

I made the maxi with narrow straps, view D...the kids voted to shorten it (they're not fans of the maxi dress). So I shortened it to the knee and it totally changed how I felt about it....I hated it. The skirt seemed very stiff and looked bulky at the waist. Darling Daughter wanted one like it so I lopped off another 6", shortened the straps and tacked the front and gave it to her.

Here's the dress on a hanger...pics of Daughter wearing it coming soon.

Really...What's Next

How do you decide what's really next for yourself? Not immediate future next, like the next sewing project but the next big step of your life? What if you make a mistake? What if you hate what you chose? Do you finish it out like you made the kids do when they committed to a sport or activity or do you cut bait? If you cut bait how do you justify it? God, why can't this be easy? Why don't I just know what comes next?

This angst-like feeling is partly because my kids don't need me like they used to. They're adults... young adults, but adults none-the-less. When do I transition out of mom mode? Is that ever possible? I don't want to be an icky too involved mom but I do want to be a part of their life. The good as well as the bad. Sigh. I'm gonna pull a Scarlett right now, "I'll think about it tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a better day."

Memory T-shirt Throw

Happy Days! My grown daughter is home on leave from the Air Force and will do a two week stint with her recruiter. When she left last year for basic training she boxed up most of her bedroom...turned into 9 very large boxes and a dresser full. She came back with a MOUNTAIN of stuff. No kidding, I think she has a clown car. The stuff just kept coming out of it. I have no idea how she fit in there with all of it.

Now, she comes by the rat packery honsetly so I really do understand her reluctance to toss her stuff. She did decide to downsize her t-shirt & hoodie collection. Since we were going to donate all the unwanted things, making a tshirt blanket was the perfect idea.

I spent a few hours cutting out the panels, then 5 more sewing them up along the sides and adding bits of other clothing. This isn't, by any means, going to be a quilt. Just a gathering of her favorite memories to take to the new and unfamiliar palce. I can't wait for it to be finished so I can see the look on her face :o)

Keeping My Fingers Crossed

I need help with a dress I'm making, Simplicity 2922. It just won't cooperate and I think it may be because I chose the wrong pattern for my body type. It was nearly finished, just needed to hand sew the yoke facing. I lined it, made a fancy hem and installed the BEST invisible zipper I have ever sewn in my entire life. I really don't want to take it out.

The lining had to go for two reasons: 1) the fabric was a poor choice. It was a thin cotton but still too much with the polyester. 2) it was too small! Duh, I used the actual pattern pieces for the dress for the lining and didn't add any ease (this is my first non-pattern lining.) That darn thing even got flat felled seams...need to use it for something else.

The hem was a 1" strip of the yoke material folded in half and a 5" strip of the dress material, also folded in half and pleated. By the time I had it all together it was waaayyy too stiff for a summer dress. So...out went the hem as well.

Then I started on the alterations. After the perfect invisible zipper was in I tried it on and realized you could send a small child down each side....well, not really but it was too big on top. I took in the yoke & facing about 5/8" on each side and removed the back gathers. No joy - it still makes me look like a line-backer and the gathers on the back made me look like Quasimodo in training. I pinned it all together and got the following pics: (I can't even pick out a not too hideous pic to put out here. Whenever I see photos of myself cringing happens with unbidden gagging noises. The blog photo was an accident; the only good pictures that exist are pure accidents.)

I adore the dress fabric (polyester), not so crazy about the yoke fabric (cotton with a little stretch, interfaced) so I'm thinking I'll take it off the yoke and find another top to add it to.

Dang, another bust. Someday, hopefully soon, I'll sew something I like and look good in.

Thrift Store Finds

Ok - Here are the 'befores' as promised. I'm not sure what any of them will be yet.

One Giant Step

I've finally done it...purchased fabric on-line. Now, just so you know, I am no stranger to Internet shopping. It's convenient and can be fun but I don't understand how anyone could buy fabric on-line confidently. You can't touch it, you can't see the true color, it's weight....way too many variables here for me, thank you very much. But...so many of the blog-land sewers seem to do it without any qualms that I figured it was time to jump in. Fashion Fabric Club was the site of my 'daring attempt' and this is what I bought:

Ivory Print Jersey Knit - 3 yards













Light Green Swiss Dot Gauze - 4 yards












Aqua Pique - 2 yards

On the one hand, I can hardly wait until it gets here. On the other, fear rules my psyche ... I just know I'll be bummed...dealing with buyer's remorse is such a drag. No.... I'm definately excited :o)

I just thought of something...what if this turns out to be a great experience? Good Lord, I have so much fabric now....

Turtles, Birds and Boats

Today was a dandy day thanks to the Bubba. We started the day thrifting on post; I found a few things to refashion...hopefully. A blouse for Nicci, a dress for the fabric and a scarf. Never having travelled this route before, I'll photograph the "befores" just in case there are "afters".

We ate lunch, I bought a hula-hoop (supposed to be good for burning fat) then strolled around the BOSS lot looking at campers, boats and trailers. We spotted a pair of turtles on the way off post, I said "Turn back!", not expecting him to turn the truck around because I always say "Go back" or "Let's stop" and he rarely does, but he did this time. In his defense, most times its either impractical or clearly dangerous to stop or turn around. He's such a good guy, good to me. I got a few pictures of the big one to send to the kids.

Then we picked up our electric pontoon boat, took it home to charge it up and exchanged it for the kayaks. We took them into the Occoquan and Bubba fished while I floated and paddled. We saw so many herons, they look like pterodactyls with their feet hanging behind them. I wish I were brave enough to take a camera out there. I've yet to turn the kayak over but with the kind of luck I have it would be sure to happen with a camera on board.

We ended the day with a fresh pot of coffee on the deck watching doves hop in and out of the gutters on the garage. Its amazing how many different species of birds you can find in one small lightly wooded area. We have robins, cardinals, blue jays, doves, a giant hawk (no joke - there's a short anecdote here for later) and some small bird with a feather that sticks up on its head.
All in all a very good day.

Questions

1. Where and when were you born?

1964, Brooklyn, New York

2. Do you have siblings? If yes, tell us more.

There are 6 of us. I'm the eldest, then Rasputin (Florida), Carmella (Georgia), D'Artagnan M. (California), Klaus and Dash (both in NY). No, those are not their real names. Using real names would require their permission and getting in touch with all of them with any kind of speed has always been challenging at best. Additionally, I'd have to tell them about the blog....not yet.

3. What are your parents’ names?

D'Artagnan J. & Josephine (what do you think? Real or Faux?). Parents of 6, grandparents of 7.

4. Did you (or do you) know all four of your grandparents?

I was lucky enough to know all 4 of them and to have many wonderful memories as well. I'm not a baseball fan but every spring I'll put a game on the TV, open the windows and instantly be transported back to my grandparents home when I was a child....when life was easier...slower...simpler. Grandpa loved baseball.

I feel bad for Klaus and Dash, they're many years younger than the first 4 of us and have few to no memories of my mom's parents. They did know Grandpa Buster. A kind, gentle, loving, intelligent, devoted man was my Grandpa Buster. He called me Allie. My children remember him as well, the only "Great Grand" they knew.

5. Do you have children? If yes, tell us about them. If no, do you want them?

I have two great kids. My daughter, Noodles, is 21, in the Air Force and currently living in Ohio soon to be in Vegas. My son, Toodles, is 20, going to college, and playing junior hockey. Being only 18 months apart they've always been close to each other. I am blessed.

6. Do you still live in the general area that you grew up in?

No, I've lived in many different places since leaving home. South Carolina; Texas; Colorado; Germany; Texas (again); North Carolina; and currently Virginia.

8. How often does your family all get together? Is your significant other close to your family?

It's been many years, 11 I think, since all of my siblings have been in the same room, at the same time. Grandpa Buster's funeral and the bar afterwards. My Hubba-Bubba loves my family and they love him. He really is a great guy. Again, I am blessed.

The One That Got Away...

Many moons ago, when I first started eBay-ing, I realized I was sitting on a potential gold-mine: I had boxes (and boxes) of stuff my kids had outgrown stored in the garage. I promised the hubba-bubba that giving up valuable real estate in his garage wouldn't all be for naught. It was spring and the weather outside was beautiful so the garage wasn't unbearably hot yet. Everything was sorted into the appropriate boxes and labeled. I thought "How hard can this be?" Just a wash, dry, press and picture and we're in business. Au contraire, mon amie. Thank goodness the man loves me enough not to point out that those boxes were still there 6 months later when he was looking for the snow shovel.

Along the way I've gotten smarter when bidding on things on eBay. You learn to read between the lines and ask questions and NEVER assume anything about an item. There are 2 things I did win that I let get away because I didn't have the vision to realize what I had.

One was a short satin red trench coat. Not burgundy, nor maroon, but RED, the color of tomatoes fresh out of the garden. It was "Look at me" red. This trench would have been perfect for a night out to someplace fancy, or a wedding. I just never got up the nerve to wear it

The other was a purple wool pea coat that was too big for me. Here is where the lack of vision comes in...just a little tailoring and it would have been a very snappy piece to add to my wardrobe. Sadly, both went to the thrift store.

I finally made it to the selling phase of eBay-ing. Everthing that I've bought in the last month or so that didn't suit me has been sold. I'm not making any money on the items - just making back the money I spent...mostly. It's better than sending them to the thrift store.

Yahooooo-ooooo

I've got a Yahoo email address and every time I type it out, I sing "Yahooooo-oooo". Silly? Oh, you bet! But it makes me smile every time.

Back in the Saddle Again!

I made a shirt (Simplicity 3739) yesterday...start to finish. It was very easy, a nice change from the last item I made. The fabric is from Hancock Fabrics and was from the Grandma's Handkerchief collection. It's a yellow backgroud with teeny mustard colored flowers and even teeny-er stems. I think next time I need to use less stiff interfacing...hopefully it softens up after a few washes.

Evidently the weight I put on after I quit smoking (a year this May) has made a significant change in my pattern size. And not in a good way either. Assuming I know what pattern size to use without measuring and confirming it is going to be a hard habit to break.

Frozen, Jammed, Wedged...Stuck

I'm stuck...I'm nearly done with a dress but can't quite close the deal. Turns out I lengthened it too much in the torso and I chose a size too big for my shoulders. Which is truly surprising because nothing is ever too large in the shoulders for me. The second half of the problem is I'm not sure I like it. I know, and the sad thing is it's not the first time.

In order to fix the shoulders on the darn thing I need a dress form, one of which I don't have and don't wish to spend $100 or more for. I've seen instructions for duct tape forms on the net...I wonder, do they really work out? The problem with too much length was an easy fix. There are 6 folds/gathers on each side of the dress and 13 in the back, I just ripped out 2 inches of stitches and voila! Length problem solved. I had to close up the arm openings about an inch so the old boulder-holder doesn't show.

And then there's the buttonholes...all 10 of them. I dread the buttonholes. Half of them will turn out great, picture worthy, and the other half? Well, the other half will be ugly. Needless to say, these will be the ones that I'll focus on and pick at. Threads, the May 2008 issue has a few tips that give me renewed hopes of learning to make decent buttonholes. It's always been hit or miss for me, maybe someday I'll figure out the variable and make it a constant.

Cave Dweller

I leave my studio (really my eldest child's converted bedroom) in search of sustenance and realize I have a fresh pot of coffee I completely forgot about. Bonus! That first cup, out of a fresh pot, is unbeatable.

Skirting the Issue

Zippity-do-da it was a good day! Remember the greenish cotton fabric I got the other day? Used it and the 2 small pieces as well. What do you think? I'm going to wear it to work tomorrow with boots and a sweater. Maybe my boy-brat can get a photo of me in it.

Second photo is detail of yoke. I'd never tried that before and didn't take into account that it makes the piece a bit smaller. Thank goodness the skirt still fits - it just doesn't have any wiggle room. I'm thinking about adding a large appliqued, raggedy flower in burgandy...or maybe just some ribbon.

So Much for Next

I went fabric/pattern shopping today. Did I need more fabric or patterns? Absolutely not, but...patterns were on sale. I found this lovely pink/brown polyester print, a greenish cotton print I plan to use for a skirt, 2 coordinating fabrics for details on the skirt, 6 yards of yellow cotton/poly blend and 1.5 yards of pale yellow cotton with teeny flowers for a blouse. I'm energized! A little sewing tomorrow, tanning and taxes (ugh). Hopefully I can get the skirt finished in time to wear to work on Tuesday - thats the plan anyway.

Next on the Sewing Agenda

I started this dress last spring. Cut out 5 projects...completed 2 got stuck on one then life cut in. I'm ready for the challenge and possible disappointment. Cause it does happen...things don't fit and I get discouraged. Wish me luck and perseverance!

Just a Hop, Skip or Jump

I seem to jump around a lot.

Translation: my attention can be commandeered in an instant, a blink of the eye, at the drop of a hat, well...you get the idea. It happens fast. Let me out and about on the Internet and I'm like a fat kid eating cake. I adore the Internet; it's a lot like a great encyclopedia, but better...much, much better.

Hop: Just last week I wanted a dog, not just any dog mind you, but a very specific (as in he already has a name) dog.
Skip: The excitement sparked again about Pennsic Wars, the big SCA yearly gathering, because of a fabulous picture gallery I stumbled upon.
Jump: Then, looking for a "how-to" on parasol making I came across a Burning Man website.

When I thought about what draws me to Pennsic and Burning Man, I realized I could get my fix, for now, through Ren Faires, museum visits, and camping with my family. Not the same, I know, but it's better than not playing, participating, creating just because it's not feasible to do the others.

Personality

Did another blogthings thing...

Your Personality is Very Rare

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive.

Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

Dreamy? Yes. Romantic? Yes. Elegant? Not so much. Expressive? Very.

A Puppy or a Guppy?

I really want a dog. A Yorkie. I found one thats at a rescue, his name is Scooter and he is the cutest. Doesn't he look like he's a smarty?

Maybe not tho, puppies poop, guppies don't. Well, they do, it's just not likely that you'll step in it. He is adorable tho.

Einee Meenie Minie Moe

This is me! Timmers and I were surfing Career Quizes and came across one that had you choose one graphic. I chose this one....it fits me very well.


You Should Be an Artist

You are incredibly creative, spontaneous, and unique.
No one can guess what you're going to do next, but it's usually something amazing.
You can't deal with routine, rules, or structure. You're easily bored.
As long as you are able to innovate and break the rules, you are extremely successful.

You do best when you:

- Can work by yourself
- Can express your personality in your work

You would also be a good journalist or actor.

Fabric Collector

Hi, my name is Leene and I'm a fabric collector. And yes, it can be an adiction, a bothersome compulsion to have pretty bits of cloth. Even if I do nothing but fold and re-fold it time and again.

My favorite fabric store closed last year and I haven't found a replacement yet. A million ideas are doing the backstroke in my mind, makes me want to create a few Spring/Summer outfits. At least six dresses is my goal by Memorial day.....I must find a new fabric store.

Finding inspiration is the next step. Its just outside the corner of my eye .... waiting to be caught. Imagine fabric and patterns spread out on the floor of my workroom...such a jumble, a mess...inspiration! Need to clean up the old mess first...that is so not fun and might be the reason I'm wearing the crown (I am the Queen of Procrastination).

Susan Senator

Peeking in on Susan Senator's blog every few days is becoming a routine. I am enchanted...she's smart, clever, accomplished ....so very interesting. She's very good at this blogging thing; sharing her self and life with dignity, without sharing too much.

Sick and Twisted

A friend sent me link to a video on YouTube for Middle Aged Women. After viewing that one, this one caught my eye....my stomach hurts now.

Smile

My Pickles & Moo

The Brooks and Dunn concert at the Nissan Pavillion...extras courtesy of PikiPimp. Sorry girls..Daddy and I had a giggle doing this.

What now, brown cow?

I need to figure out what's next for me. My children are grown and starting to lead their own lives. What do I want now? What do I need now? Who am I supposed to be now?

I started this blog thing with the idea that it might help me organize my thoughts and (hopefully) encourage me to be more creative. There are so many things running through my mind right now -- I'm excited about the possibilities.

Makes me want to sew, and scrap and take a zillion more photos.

Me

Cooking
floating with my Hubba-Bubba
Sewing
Scrapping
Photographing my family
Reading
Solitaire
Organizing files (I know, odd)
Music
Movies

This is just too much

I know this is out there for all to see...makes me squirm a bit. It's like a dream of being out and about in your underwear -- you know it's a dream but it's still makes you squirm.