Reflections and a Project List

I have hardly posted anything in the past few months save my neighbor rant (Booo!) and a quick recipe, and for those who actually read what I write on here, I apologise. My world has been spinning in so many directions lately I'm just grateful my head is still at the right place on my body.

Life has been super busy. I'm working full time (whaaa-hooo!) and learning all sorts of new things, and working with one's fiance is as hilarious as it can be frustrating. I'm working on finishing school as I'd like to go back and get a degree to teach science, Nick and I are planning our wedding for the Fall, possibly a Samhain wedding, and we recently lost two little members of our family rather suddenly, one after the other (Patches did not last long without her sister, and holy hell I never want to go through something like that ever again).

I'm still grieving, praying nothing goes wrong with Merlin in his old age. He was our very first ferret fuzzy butt and now we've come full circle as he's the last of the four we were blessed with.

I haven't really had the time for much crafting during all of this, but have resolved to set some time aside for my work each week because without it I just get grouchy and am just not good company, lol.

I'm working on quite a few projects, and all at the same time because I swear, I have crafters A.D.D.

I made Merlin a new hammock stuffed with super plush cotton to make sure it's nice and comfy for his old man bones. I used some of my faux fur leopard fabric so it's super soft and fluffy. So far he's been sleeping in it most of the day, so I'd say it's a hit.

I've also been working on new pillows for the couch. I'm making two of them and so far I'm almost done embroidering the first one. I'm using a triple moon design I found on Urban Threads. Will post pics (of course!) when they're all done.

Allsooo...the bunnies. Yes, I haven't forgotten my bunnies. I'm almost done with one that is being sent out next weekend for a baby of one of my Mom's friends, and a few more being worked on for the shop. Also on my project list is actually getting around to organizing all my crap and actually STOCKING UP THE SHOP. Amazing.

Umm..what else? Oh, skirts! I'm working on a skirt for myself that I'm super excited about. I found this dark grey wool/acrylic fabric on sale at Joann's that I've been itching to use. I also got my Moda Gypsy Rose Charm Pack that I ordered and am making hexagon flowers with it as an embellishment. That's the plan, anyway. We shall see where this insanity leads me, because I found these photos online and am now obsessed with hexagon quilting....

How cool are those? Speaking of quilts, I also have one of those in the works, but more on that later. I have a cat pawing at me for cuddles and a tired Mr. wondering what the hell I'm still doing up. It's 1 in the morning and I'm still looking at quilt photos.

Oops...

Seattle

We went to Seattle today to get out of the house and clear our minds a little. It's been a busy and heartbreaking week and a good drive was needed.

We went to this Red Mill burger place because we saw it on Food Network last week and omg the line was down the street. So worth it though. Best veggie burger I have had in a long time. So perfect!

I fell in love with and got some flowers for outside our door.



I love spring. Everything feels so promising, so new. One beautiful journey has ended, but millions more are blooming into new life.


How can you see this and not smile and feel a bit lighter? Today was all about the flowers for me.

And at the end of the day we came across a lone yellow hibiscus plant in the middle of nowhere, the same type we planted on Tink's grave years ago.



We both smiled. Those we knew and loved are doing just fine.

~*L*~

Best quote I have ever read

I was looking for photos of Keiko (the orca) for a painting I wanted to do of him, and I came across this quote on this site.

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"Recently, in a large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said:

THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?

A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:

Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they don't have kids either. Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who's skin is all scaly and smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me... I want to be a whale.

P..S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my grandkids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a latte with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, "Good gosh, look how smart I am"!"

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Fuckin' A, lady. You rock my world!

Scared for my brother!

I have no idea what the hell is going on, but my mom just called me saying my brother got hurt at work (he's a fireman) and he's being rushed to the hospital by ambulance. She doesn't know any details, but omg I'm all nervous now.

He loves his job, but I've always been scared that one day he won't come out of a building or something and holy shit I wish I had more details....please keep my big brother in your thoughts.

Update: He tore off a tendon in his arm and needs emergency surgery. He was trying to help/lift a 500lb+ woman out of the house. Nice, lady. Nice.

Right now he's waiting for surgery. I'm so happy it isn't a life threatening thing, but this isn't wonderful either. It's like that time he tried cutting an apple for me when I was little and cut into his thumb, snapping his tendon back. I see a theme here.

Hood Canal Bridge

The Sound is reflecting the sky tonight and looks like glass kissed with the sunset. Just beautiful.


A pod of transient orcas was seen here yesterday! <3

~*L*~

Classes, crafts, and ear infections, oh my!

Here at home things are a bit stressful, but thankfully nothing I can't figure out. Maggie developed an ear infection and I'm looking for the cheapest vet so I can afford her antibiotics. No clue where the infection came from, as she hasn't had this problem since she was just a little ball of fluff. Sigh.

In other news, my art classes are certainly interesting. Pastel is a totally different medium than I'm used to working with, but I'm learning more from this teacher than just how to work with the pastels.

The guidance and information she gives can be applied to all sorts of art media and her knowledge is amazing.

My portrait class doesn't start for a few weeks yet, but my colored pencil course did and it's so cool. Many tricks are being learned and we're going to focus on water next week. Pure awesome.

Also, I've been working on a cute bunny pattern for spring and so far, I think he's adorable with his big floppy ears of fuzz.

Many things are going on for the shop that will hopefully help income and in between all the crazy I've been working on a new watercolor that I'm really enjoying watching come to life.

I'm going to set aside some time to work on my Goddess workbook today, so I'll be posting shortly about that as well.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic February! <3




~*L*~

Mystery Solved!

It was Anna who sent me the fabric! She is by far the sweetest person in the universe and has totally made my day with her thoughtfulness and just made me feel all light and squishy inside.


You are just the bestest friend a person could have, Anna. Thank you for making my day a bit brighter!

~*L*~

The amazing Goddess Leonie

I came across this site thanks to Domesticated Gypsy and I plan on getting the workbook once I get paid this week as well as becoming a Goddess Ambassador. Plus the most recent post to her daughter? One of the most beautiful things I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

Leonie, if you read this, you are one amazing woman. Thank you for the things you do, you are truly inspiring. <3