Lola Nova - Whatever Lola Wants

Accentuate the Positive

2012-01-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

As this month is coming to a close, I think I am finally getting used to the idea that we are in a brand new year. I'm a little slow sometimes. As we get settled into 2012, I am thinking positive, putting a smiley face on my surroundings so to speak. It begins with giving the little green cottage a much needed clean and spiffy. It all began with the sunshiney yellow curtains from my last post.

I have also finally begun using Instagram, the photo app that has seemingly taken the world by storm, again I am a little slow. Though the photos are a bit grainy, I do love the instant pic satisfaction. All of the photos in this post were taken using Instagram. Just some happy snaps of the spiffying!

I think sometimes it is good to remind oneself that it is all going to be ok. Little positive affirmations about the cottage are doing wonders at the moment.

And Shine! Yes, one of my personal favorites. There you have the instant pics of my work this weekend. All that remains for the lounge is the difficult spot above the "couch that mocks me" to be given it's own bit of shine. I am in the mood for something new and possibly going big! We'll see.

I leave you now to get beck to some work that was overlooked this weekend whilst I was on my prettying up kick. I also leave you with a little link to remind us all to Accentuate the Positive!

Sunshiney

2012-01-27T14:41:00.001-08:00

I have spent the first part of my day wisely. I have pulled the lovely Miss B out of retirement for a bit of stitchery. My other machine had gone off for a much deserved spa week when I suddenly felt a desperate need for some new curtains. The lovely Miss B was my mother's sewing machine bought brand new in 1979. This old gal was the machine I learned to sew on. Let me tell you, Miss B has sewn more than her fair share of curtains over the years. She is a trooper and a solid piece of craftsmanship. When I moved away from my family, my mother very kindly sent Miss B with me. Up until just a few years ago, she was my constant stitching companion and only sewing machine. I love her madly, I really do and can't imagine parting with her.

So, Miss B and I reconnected and happily spent the morning stitching up a storm. Yellow, lots of yellow! Which is a bit out of character for me, but there was something so sunshiney about the yellows and greens, oh I admit I could do with a bit of sunshiney right about now. And wouldn't you know it, just as I was hanging up the new curtains - the sun came out and lit up the living room in a roaring dandelion glow!

The next thing I knew, Miss B and I were humming along once again and the "couch that mocks me" found itself decked out with a pair of new (rather large)cushions. It has me a bit giddy, as if I were living in a giant field of buttercups! Perhaps I am a bit drunk on sunshine; that can happen 'round these parts sometimes you know. And we shall see if it all stands the test. For honestly, I have not ever found myself surrounded by so much yellow, it might prove to be a bit much in the long term. Still, today it is making me happy.

I'm off now to shuffle some things about to complete the living room's transformation.

Have a sunshiney weekend all!

Solo Flight

2012-01-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

I've just returned from Northern California. Didn't notice I was gone? No worries, it was a short flight. Just a quick trip for family matters. I went alone. It has been a very long time since I have flown solo, and I had forgotten what it was like. Let me tell you; flying solo is EASY! Even with all the New World rigmarole one must go through these days; when the only person you need be responsible for is yourself... piece-o-cake!

Without the encumbrance of a car seat, coloring books, toys, games, 12 different types of snacks, 3 changes of clothes that will be needed for the 2 hour flight, and all of the necessary accoutrement for travel with a small child - getting through security is relatively painless. No need to apologize every 5 minutes to the person sitting in the row ahead for the onslaught of kicks to the back of his seat, no frantic searches for the shoe thrown off during final approach, no musical chair episodes for 4 bathroom breaks. I love my child deeply, but I actually got to read a good book uninterrupted for the entire flight to and from - and that is a small miracle in my opinion.

I did bring back few lovely things from my trip. Some gorgeous Liberty of London prints that were given to me by my mother. A basket of vintage bits and bobs from her as well.

And my Papa's hat; from a time when men wore hats everyday to work. It just so happens to fit atop my head just right, making me feel quite dapper indeed.

Gifts of promise

2012-01-19T11:21:00.001-08:00

As I sit under lamp light hearing the drip drop rattatat of rain on the window, I wonder if I should put on another sweater; perhaps my weekend cardigan with the big wooden buttons... it's a damp cold you know? We've had a surprisingly dry winter up till recently, but now days are looming as far as the weather man can see - heavy, wet and dark.

This past holiday I was given a gift of promise. Seeds from a friends garden, what a wonderful gift! I've had them out today, daydreaming about the spring and the garden. About how and what we will plant; the flowers, the vegetables and the herbs that will grow and end up on our table, feeding our family. Knowing that when we dig into the earth - the heady scent of good soil will rise, our hands will get dirty, we will unearth 2 my little ponies, 3 buried treasures, and the garden spade I was looking for all last Fall.

I'm thinking about how long ago when people emigrated from their home lands, they carried with them seeds from their gardens; sometimes sewn into their clothes like precious jewels. I am thinking about how those seeds were planted, the plants harvested and the seeds passed on; how we are connected through the smallest seed.

When I plant these seeds, when they grow and when I harvest; they will be known as Crystal and Hunter's scarlet runner beans, marigolds, and poppies. And I will pass on the seeds for another year in another garden. What a lovely thought, what could be better than a gift of promise?

Going Black

2012-01-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Learn
Sign
Go Black
Stop SOPA
Stop PIPA

The Once Over

2012-01-17T12:19:00.001-08:00

It has been some time since spiffying up the little green cottage has been a priority, but I am beginning to think it is high time that changed.

So today, as the snow turned to slush in a most disappointing turn of events (at least according to Pony Girl), I gave the inside of the cottage a good once over. Looking here and there, with the occasional 'tsk, tsk' and 'oh dear'. Things are indeed looking a bit forelorn 'round these parts.

Gathering up a few bits of fabric, giving them the once over, not yet settling on anything. Still, 'tis nice to contemplate cushions and consider curtains.

Let the spiffying begin!

Have a grand day my friends!

Blow the man down

2012-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a wild and blustering wind blew through town. It was one of those crisp and bright winter days, a brilliant sun matched with bitterest cold - oh lordy! The neighbors are putting a new roof on and I kept thinking that one of the boys were going to be blown clean off.

The chickens took to the safety of the coop, feathers ruffled and complaining. The Buddha Cat stared out the window all the live-long day with a vaguely pensive look and the occasional twitchy whisker, but never once ventured outside.

I on the other hand, decided to attempt a walk to clear my head and try to budge a significant writers block that was getting in the way of getting down to business. One of those blocks that have you staring at the blank page (or computer screen as the case may be) for what seems like hours until a panic begins to rise up in ones belly, turning it sour.

So scarf on, winter wool coat and hat atop my noggin, and out I went. Two blocks later I was lamenting the loss of my good winter gloves, yet still I pressed on.
To the park, which was quiet and empty and still, but for the wind of course ... and ever so cold. However, the light was glittering, prismatic, and stunning.

Thanks to a friend, I've discovered camera apps for my phone. I had thought my phone was incapable of capturing a decent photo, oh but now, it's thrilling to know that I can get a fairly nice shot without lugging my big camera around. So, I may not have done much for my writers block (the wind was making much too loud a roar in my ears and my nose nearly froze) but the walk was invigorating and the pictures aren't too shabby.

Phone App: Pixlr-o-matic for Android

2011, Bravado, and the foolhardy nature of making grand proclamations

2012-01-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

In 2011 I wanted to be Brave, and I was... a bit. I took risks, I leapt once or twice without looking; and what I lacked in bravery, I occasionally made up for in Bravado.

bra·va·do - noun \brə-ˈvä-(ˌ)dō\
1 a : blustering swaggering conduct
b : a pretense of bravery
2: the quality or state of being foolhardy
- Merriam Webster

Not so much the blustering swaggering conduct bit (unless you count that one night I decided that whiskey gingers were a swell idea).

However, the pretense of bravery was present; the old 'fake it till you make it' kind, which does work from time to time I might add. And certainly the 'foolhardy' thing, but that is not especially reserved for 2011, I've been practicing that for ages! Still, it does make a noted appearance in my year in review, in a couple of grand proclamations I made in 2011.

Remember that album I was recording...? It's ok if you don't and it probably isn't very prudent to remind you, but ummmm. You can read all about the grand plan here. So, that did not happen. Music was made, guitar and drums were recorded, an omnipresent cymbal made those recordings unusable, musicians went on tour, and something else came up that took all my time. It is alright though, I still want to do it and I will someday, but I might wait till the whole thing is in the bag before I make an announcement. I wrote some songs that I am proud of, I got to make music with some mighty talented folks, and that is always good.

So there were other things I had planned that didn't pan out, but let's not dwell on the things that I didn't do in 2011, because there were lots of things I did do. I went places, did things I'd never done before and I made stuff.

2011 was a funny old year. I am very much looking forward to 2012. I haven't made any grand plans, nor put together a list of resolutions; I think I might just go with the flow this year, see what might happen, and let it ride.

Here is to the adventure of a new year!

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

From all of us at the little green cottage, we wish you a truly spectacular and very happy new year!

xo

Giving and Receiving Handmade

2011-12-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies! I do so hope that you enjoyed, and are enjoying your holidays. It has been quite sweet here at the little green cottage, if a tad busy and messy. There has been a glut of good food, a windfall of friends and family, and an all around feeling of being very fortunate. I offer one caveat; it may be some time before I am up for baking cookies again.

It was a very handmade holiday 'round here, though I did very little of the hand making myself, wait... I take that back, the food was all hand made; the treats, the dinners, the bread, etc. and my hands were definitely involved in the making. Except for the traditional Christmas Morning Belgium Waffles which were all The Engineer (thank you again darlin', perfect as usual!)

Because I didn't have time to make much for the holiday, I purchased some handmade goodness to give. I thought I should share a little of the goodness with you.

This gorgeous hand crafted ceramic horse ornament came from Christine's shop Shepherds Grove Studio. She was a joy to buy from and I couldn't be happier with the ornament. Pony Girl was pretty thrilled too!

Photo by Claire Moxon

A stunning bracelet made by Claire from Scotia Spinner. Claire spins amazing yarn and beautiful fibre creations, and she makes wonderful jewelry. Claire is one of the first blog friends I met when Lola Nova started out. Please check out her great shop! I was very tempted to keep this for myself, but I did give it to my sister in the end.

On the receiving end of things - there were hand made earrings from my beautiful sister, handcrafted beeswax candles from the divine Crystal, art from my dear friend Tricia and more!

I did want to show a very special gift that was made for Pony Girl by Aunt Lydia.

This amazing paper doll kit made from fabric! Dolls and outfits, a quilted panel with pockets to keep the clothes in and all in a quilted carrying tote! The pictures don't do it justice. The amount of work and love that went into this is amazing, I am completely in awe! Thank you so very much Aunt Lydia, you are a doll!

Lastly, I did manage to make one gift for the Engineer. He is a big fan of Waylon Jennings so I made him some wall art.

Here is a link to the original album cover I used for inspiration. My version is totally wonky, but my heart was in it.

Well, that's enough of my rambling on for today. All I can say is, I love handmade!

Winter Wish

2011-12-22T09:20:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,
Thank you for another wonderful year. Thank you for coming to visit my shiny place and sharing with me. I am a lucky Lola!

I wish you a lovely holiday filled with joy and and happiness.

Be well

see you soon!

Lola

xo

I'm OK, Your'e OK

2011-12-13T21:56:00.001-08:00

Are we?

Is it ok that I have been spotty at best attending to this blog-o-mine of late? Is it ok that I have written a dozen posts in my head and not actually shared them with you here? Is it ok that I have not come to visit you, nor replied to your lovely comments because there just doesn't seem to be a right moment anywhere in the day? Is it ok that I keep forgetting about the first grade field trip that happens this morning and that I am vaguely anxious about taking public transportation with 100 school kids into downtown? Is it ok that I am turning 43 on Saturday? Wait, is that right, 43?

I think it is ok. I'll let you know for sure if we make it back from our field trip in one piece.

Have an a-o.k. day!

Winter Morning

2011-12-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

If I were to type my letter to Santa, what would I ask for? I would ask for my family to be safe, healthy, and happy. For myself, I might ask for time.

Time to sit and watch the beautiful morning light come through the front window. Time to meditate on how fortunate I truly am. Time to sip my coffee slowly at the table instead of running room to room gulping swallows of it as I stand in the kitchen for a second. Time to faff about the living room, arranging clusters of joyful here and there.

We are all so busy, there is always much to-doing; this being the most to-doingest season of all. What might happen if we took just a few minutes and sat still? What could happen if we watched the beautiful morning light, fog, rain, etc. for a moment and thought of how blessed we are? Do you think we might spin into chaos, throw off the balance of our to-do lists? Or, might we fill up our hearts and minds with a tiny bit of peace and joy making our days just a little bit better?

I don't know for certain, but I intend to give it a try.

Have a lovely day.

A little festive

2011-12-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

We are playing with paper and little lights,

working on 3 page letters to Santa,

and making important decisions.

What are you up to?

DIY Friday - Holiday

2011-12-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

I have been visiting some happy places out in blogland looking for some holiday inspiration. There are some gorgeous goings on let me tell you! I have decided to share some of what I found. Whether they be tutorials or inspiration for your own Do It Yourself holiday, there is certain to be something that will spark your imagination.

This beautiful wreath from the ever inspiring Rachel from Smile and Wave! She has the how to HERE. I am also over the moon for her holiday diorama!

My friend Vic from Punky's Mamma gives the basics of how she made this very cool tree decal for her home. I love her sweet Advent Calendar too!

And garlands! Always room for more garlands!

A classic felted garland tutorial can be found HERE.

This beautiful and inspired Dixie Cup garland how-to can be found HERE!

I adore these little winter jars. I found them at The Tortoise and the Hare. You can find them HERE!

and for a whole mess of lovely ornaments, we can always count on Martha!

Well, I have been inspired, how about you. Do you have a holiday DIY that I should know about? I've got some ideas floating around, now if I can only find the time!

Oh, and be sure to check out Dottie Angel's 12 Days of Joyfulness!

Not a Sparkle in Sight

2011-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Unless you count my button jars.

I have been seeing some serious sparkle and festive goings on out there in blogland. Alas, the festooning and bedecking has not come to the little green cottage yet. The main room, the place that gets dressed up for all occasions, is decidedly bare of holiday cheer. However, it is full up with the tools and trimmings of the "studio". My making space from the deep dark basement has moved camp into our living room for the last few months whilst I toil away on the giant project that must not be spoken of; not just yet anyway.

I was looking with a bit of envy at those of you who seem to have it all together when it comes to embracing the Fa la la la la of decorating for the festive season. I on the other hand, have made a banana cake. Oh it's quite good I assure you, but hardly sparkle worthy.

So, I need some inspiration, at the very least I need to move a lot of stuff out of the living room so I can gaze upon the empty canvas so to speak, and hope for an Aha! moment where it all comes together.

In the spirit of this search for my sparkle, I think I might go a-looking for inspiration out in blogland and share what I find for a wee DIY Friday!

So, how about you? Are you bedecked and sparkling, or are you still imagining your masterpiece?

P.S. I got so many comments on the fabric from my last post, I thought I would tell you what it is. It is a gorgeous voile from the Heirloom collection by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit. The color is "Amber" I believe. I picked it up earlier this year, but I have seen it still available online if you do a search.

Thankful

2011-11-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely holiday with friends and family, it was such a gift to spend precious time together. I am incredibly thankful for this, and for so many things.

While this life of mine may have not been entirely enchanted, so much of it is so very good. I do believe that I am able to better appreciate the good things having gone through the bad. I am blessed with the love of family and friends, with kindness and sweetness of grand proportion, I am indeed a lucky woman. I am full of gratitude for all the abundance I have received.

I am also especially thankful for you, yes you! Those of you who come to visit my shiny place here, you make my heart sing!

Thank you.

Her head has no room

2011-11-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

It is a dark and stormy day, it's raining hammers, it's raining nails, we might soon get washed away. I was sitting at my table printing red twigs on a beautiful sand beach of linen, thinking of holidays.

It has been a busy time, my head is so full of things to do. Are you busy too? Tomorrow the folks are on their way to visit for Thanksgiving Holiday. I have pumpkins to roast for pie, cranberry sauce to simmer with orange and ginger, rolls to bake and something else I can't remember just now. Family time will be good and we will eat lots of food. I don't know why I am rhyming.

For those of you in the States, I wish you a beautiful, happy, and safe holiday. For those of you abroad, I still wish you beautiful, happy and safe.

I'll be taking this week off from my shiny place here and I will see you next week. Take care my friends!

Winners!

2011-11-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

My goodness! I am overwhelmed by the response to my little wallet give away! It was so much fun to read what you all had to say about winter. Thank you for sharing with me.

Now, I was trying to come up with a clever way to pick a winner, but to be honest, I was up a little late last night with The Engineer playing a benefit concert and my brain is not at it's most clever today. So, I put in a call for help to The Engineer at work. Fortunately, he and his partner were very clever indeed and even offered to take care of the whole business and to provide photos! What luck!

Many Thanks to The Engineer and The Mad Drafter!

Each entry was given a number.

Here is the Engineer, what is he going to do?

Ooh, a rubber band pencil shooter!

Oh my, he's blindfolded too! I suggest standing a safe distance away. And he shoots!

#39 is a winner!

He shoots again!

#24 is a winner!

# 39 is Jamboree of Whitley Bay who said : "Winter, for all it brings the cold and dark nights, love to think something magical is waiting to happen. The first snowfall, the hope of an adventure with James and the Snowman. Christmas, a time with family and reminiscing about childhood, reading a good book all snuggly inside and sipping hot chocy."

and #24 is Andrea Creates who said: "i looove these wallets :)
i also love the holidays~ my favorite part of winter"

Please send your mailing info to me at lolanovainfo@gmail.com and I will pop those in the post first thing next week.

A big thank you to everyone for playing along it was a blast!

Also, I wonder how much actual work is getting done at the Engineer's office today...

Have a fantastic weekend all!

Winter Wren

2011-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived. It is cold and wet, blustery winds are stripping the trees of their gold and flame colored leaves. Rain boots and warm coats, hats and gloves have come out of hiding. I am eyeing that new tin of cocoa brought to us from Switzerland. Did we stack enough firewood? Next week preparing for a family visit, time spent together talking, laughing, cooking and playing. Time for yarn and hook and bed time books and a feather duvet on the bed.

Winter is not my favorite, but there are things about this season that I love.

This is the last day to enter my giveaway HERE! Winners will be announced tomorrow after I come up with a clever way of choosing!

Have a lovely day.

The WhipUp Calendar is Here!

2011-11-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

That's right, the 2012 Whip Up calendar is now available! Full of lovely, crafty photos as always and ready to hang in your creative space. I am very honored and excited that Kathreen has chosen one of my photos to be included in the calendar. Hooray!

If you have never been over to visit WhipUp , go now, you are in for a treat! That place is full of inspiration and happy!

The Whip Up Calendar is available as a downloadable file you can print for only $5!
You can get all the info HERE!

While I am on the subject, Kathreen also puts out an incredible kids magazine called Action Pack. I love this magazine, seriously! The latest issue "Sticks and Stones" just came out.

The mag is full of great projects and ideas for kids for only $5! You can buy issue 7 and back issues by going HERE!

Thank you Kathreen for putting out such amazing stuff!

Oh, and Happy Monday!

Happy Friday Giveaway!

2011-11-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday! I am having a hard time believing it is well into November now, what happened there? I am not ready for the end of the year just yet, what is a gal to do?

I am however, looking forward to the New Year, when the massive project I've been working on will be mostly over but for the clean up, and I can get back to a more normal routine.

To cheer myself up a bit I thought I would have a tiny give away today!
I'm giving away the two Flirty Fabric Wallets I made for Issue 5 of Mollie Makes Magazine. Think of it as an early holiday present.

There's this Deco one.

And this Rosy one.

That means there will be two winners! I will ship anywhere. All you need to do to have a chance to win is to leave me comment here on this post telling me what you love most about winter. Also, let me know your wallet preference. Easy Peasy!

The giveaway will be open until Thurs. November 17th midnight, and the winner will be announced next Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend all!

Thank you all for your wonderful comments, I so enjoyed reading them! The winners have been announced HERE!

Wordless Wednesday - It's all in your head

2011-11-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Blue Monday

2011-11-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

The Little Green Cottage and the inhabitants therein, are experiencing a bit of the blues this Monday morning. The Sickness II, the sequel, in which everyone gets really, really sick and the laundry has revolted and formed its own sovereignty, has made its blockbuster debut! It isn't pretty folks.

Pony Girl is on her 4th day home from school, which in the entire Pony Girl history is absolutely unheard of. I am considering buying stock in Kleenex brand tissues, as my environmentally friendly hankies are just not up to the task. Oh dear, I'm afraid I am painting a rather too graphic picture for you folks.

So what does one do on the 6th or 7th day of cruddy illness induced malaise, when all of the herbal tea we can drink has been poured down our gullets, all the movies have been watched, all the puzzles put together, and the fidget starts to set in? Considering couch activities are all we can muster, it seems a dandy time to put my pretty blue vintage vanity case to some higher purpose.

What a perfectly perfect place to store all of my embroidery bits and bobs, floss and whatnots! With its top tray of just the right size compartments, not to mention a handy little mirror for checking my embroidery day up-do. Alas, I wont be looking into that little mirror today for I most certainly will not like what I see.

Then there is the bottom portion of the case which is roomy enough to accommodate a few small hoops, the floss that awaits winding, and some works in progress. How lovely!

I do hope that your Monday is healthy and happy. I'm thinking it might be time for a little giveaway later this week to bring some cheer, what do you think?

In The Kitchen with Lola

2011-11-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

What's for breakfast?

'Tis the season for muffins and these little beauties make a lovely breakfast treat. Wholesome and chock full of goodness; with options, I love options. Not too sweet, but definitely tasty!

Applesauce Apricot and Berry Muffins

Makes 12-15 muffins

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped nuts
3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper cases or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt,cinnamon, nutmeg, apricots, nuts and berries. In a medium bowl combine applesauce, buttermilk, sugar, oil, egg and vanilla. Make a well in dry ingredients and add applesauce mixture. Stir until just moist. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.

Bake for 16-18 minutes.

And now for those options I mentioned:

You can use all whole wheat flour if you desire.
Try substituting the apricots and berries for any of the following:
Dried Cranberries, Walnuts, and Orange Zest
Dried Dates and Almonds
Chopped Apples, Raisins and extra Cinnamon
Any other yummy dried fruit and nuts you have on hand!

Enjoy!

The Tale of a Long Lost Lumberjack - The Final Chapter

2011-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and that means it's story time! The final installment of The Lumberjack's tale is here!

Last time we left off with the Lumberjack spending some time on a commune, you can read about it here. As his memory returned and he stopped drinking the tea, he knew it was time to move on. He said his goodbyes to the plant lovers and walked off in the early morning haze. He walked down the road a piece and formed a plan in his mind. He decided his best bet was to get to the coast. He hitched a ride with a big-rig truck driver and found himself in a small sea side town at the edge of the Pacific. Having worked a commercial fishing vessel a few years ago in Alaska, he looked for work as a deck hand down at the docks. He found work on a ship named The Dizzy Dame that was headed North, getting him closer to home.

The second day at sea near dusk, a terrible storm hit. Lightening struck, waves crashed and the ship was tossed about like a toy. LJ's foot was caught in some rigging and he fell on the slippery deck...all went dark.

He awoke just as the sun was rising, only to find himself barely hanging on to a bit of wreckage from the ship, adrift in an endless ocean. But wait! Was that land on the horizon? With his last bit of strength he paddled towards the tiny speck of an island. By sunset he crawled ashore and collapsed in exhaustion.

Moments later, he was surrounded by indigenous islanders who carried him off into the jungle.

The tribesmen hauled him up into the trees and imprisoned him in the branches above the jungle floor. All efforts to communicate with the tribe were ignored. After a while The Lumberjack found himself alone in the night. He fell asleep for a few hours, waking up with a start at the cry of some exotic jungle bird in the distance. He dug in his pocket, yes it was still there, his bit of string! LJ carefully worked at the knots of the trap until he could slip out. Using his string as a lasso, he made a crude zip-line and was able to slide down to the ground.

As his boots hit the earth a loud din of shouting broke out, and he saw that the tribesmen had been camouflaged in the brush. He wondered if there was any way he could out run them. It was too late, they had grabbed hold of him and were raising him above their heads. LJ was confused, were they smiling and laughing, what could this mean, what would come next?

They brought him to the village, placed a crown of feathers on his head and began singing and dancing near the fire. They smiled and cheered the Lumberjack, giving him a place of honor among the festivities. LJ wasn't sure what had happened, but he decided the best thing was to go along with it. Someone handed him a goblet of fermented drink that tasted like nothing he had ever had before.

The party kept on, LJ felt fantastic, things were getting a little weird, but that was ok. He began to tell his story to one of the tribe, how he desperately wanted to get home. The man just smiled and nodded and laughed. And then...

LJ remembers very little after this point. He recalls trekking through the jungle, climbing an ancient ruin, and paddling out to sea in a canoe.

He also says he has a vivid picture in his mind of riding a Unicorn, but he is fairly certain that was some kind of hallucination brought on by the fermented drink.

Two days later, his canoe was spotted by a passing yacht. He was brought aboard and given safe passage to a port on the Northern Oregon coast, where he was able to catch a ride from a friendly hippie all the way to our front door!

Phew! Amazing isn't it? We are so glad he's back home. He has no plans for further adventures at the moment. LJ says he is just gonna take it easy for a bit, settle in for the winter and maybe write a book about his journey.

And the moral of this story is, always carry string!

This Morning

2011-10-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

This morning a fairy princess is home sick. She was in terrible shape and thought she might die, going to school was simply out of the question! However, now that we have called in to inform the school of her dire state and she is safely ensconced in the flannel jammies and a nest of pillows and blankets, she seems quite a lot better...hmmmm.

This morning I have 1998 emails in my inbox. This is ridiculous! This is because I am crazy. By crazy, I mean I do the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. Many of these emails are actually comments from my blog that I read early in the day, thinking to myself, 'Oh what a nice comment, I will have to reply to that lovely person later on when I have a minute.' So, I save the email to remind myself and when later finally comes, it's well past my bed time and I feel badly and think to myself, 'Right, first thing in the morning I'll send off some nice notes.' And then the cycle starts all over again. Beneath my calm, well organized surface, there lies a seething pit of chaos.

This morning I have to start a project that needs to be completed by this afternoon and I haven't the foggiest notion of what I am doing.

This morning it is cold and gray; I am contemplating a second cup of coffee and wondering if we have the ingredients for making scones, but knowing full well we do not have cream. There is no sense in making scones without cream, trust me.

This morning I am hoping that you are all well and happy.

Be Bold

2011-10-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

After finally coming out from under the covers, I discovered that I am terribly behind. Much to do my friends! Many thanks are owed to the Engineer for laundry doing and dish washing, you are a gem my dear! And thanks to you all for your get well wishes, they helped a lot.

I've decided that today I am brushing away the cobwebs that collected in the corners of my mind last week, and shooing away the drab and drear. I am contemplating brights, going bold!

I have this little bit of trepidation, wondering if it will all work out. Can I pull this off, this loud experiment? Still, I am remaining steadfast and determined, I will go forward into this bright and bold new world.

Wish me luck!

Undercover

2011-10-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have gone missing, but I'm working undercover at the moment. Actually, I have just been under the covers with a bit of sick. Regular programming will continue once I shake free of the grip this thing has on me.

Until then, be well.

Sweet Mollie Chickens Can Fly!

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine gave me a little scolding this morning, saying I had been quite remiss in not mentioning my pages in Issue 5 of Mollie Makes. It is still available on the shelves in the USA, but not for too much longer!

I have a little wallet how-to in this juicy issue!

There is also a gorgeous looking bag I might have to make one or 5 of!

This issue can still be found at Barnes and Noble!

Thank you to the very sweet Mollie Makes Mag for all the love!

In completely unrelated news, we have discovered that some chickens can fly! Cookie is a flying Houdini that one is! She is worrying me and my neighbors to no end. Time for yet another trip to the hardware store to secure the perimeter!

Have a lovely day and watch out for flying chickens!

Tale of the Long Lost Lumberjack Part 3

2011-10-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

Hello Monday! Yes, it's time for another installment of the Lumberjack's amazing adventure. A long way from home, many trials and tribulations befell him, yet he keeps on keepin' on. That Lumberjack has got a lot of pluck!

If you need to catch up, or need a little reminder you can click here for the full scoop.

As you may recall, LJ was working a farm tending to the horses whilst being tended to by the lovely Farrah. Though it was a goodish life and he had no complaints, LJ still felt an itching to get back on the road to try and find his way home.

So the Lumberjack said a tender farewell to Farrah and walked on down the road. Since he was working for his keep, he didn't have too much money in his pockets; he decided his best bet was to hobo on a west bound train. He hopped a freight under the cover of night and made a pallet on the floor of a box car. He was soon lulled to sleep by the clickety clack of the train going down the line.

Somewhere close to dawn he was startled awake by a commotion. Just then he felt a hard kick to his soft underbelly taking the air right out of him. As he was gasping for breath the beefy arms of a railroad Bull lifted him up and tossed him out of the moving train! He landed most unfortunately with a knock to the head and everything went dim.

Most fortunately, the tracks bordered the property belonging to a commune of plant spiritualists, a group of which were out for a sun rise wild-crafting walk. They stumbled upon the Lumberjack and gently roused him from his unconscious state. They took him back to the main house, plied him with medicinal teas and discovered that the poor man was quite dazed and suffering from a bit of amnesia.

The group decided to give him the name of 'Nightshade' for the time being and told him he was welcome to stay as long as he liked.

Understandably, the whole situation was rather unsettling to the Lumberjack, but his nature was one of rolling with whatever life threw his way. He settled into the daily routines of the commune. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about the commune's whole ethos, but they certainly did have a way with the garden.

Perhaps there was something in those teas, LJ or 'Nightshade' as the case may be, found himself spending time communicating with the plants.

One day during morning meditation in the healing garden, he began to get a few flashes of memory. Every morning after that more pieces of the puzzle began to emerge from the depths of his mind. It wasn't all there yet, but he could wait.

Meanwhile, he found peace tending to the gardens and having long pleasant conversations with the flora.

Until next time...

Treasures

2011-10-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

When last I spoke of my adventure to Seattle, I mentioned a little thrifty shopping I think. I thought I might show off my treasures from that trip along with some other treasures that have recently come into the little green cottage.

That beautiful old mirror in the photo was from my trip to Seattle. It runs the width of my mantle and is quite heavy. It was a crazy steal for $4 and a special treat from my friend Tif. The blue bottle is from the Engineer as a thoughtful replacement to a similar bottle that was broken some time ago. Good man!

Also from Seattle, a couple of vintage crochet lacy bits. All freshly laundered and looking so pretty.

From another thrifty outing a little bit of 'vintage spring' in the form of sheets. The yellow ones keep whispering "curtains" to me.

This next treasure was a sweet gift from the very kind and also amazingly talented Jess of Teddy Bear's Wednesday.

An amazing red work blanket. My photo does not come close to doing it justice. It is so gorgeous! Her stitching is beautifully done and I can't believe I am now the owner of this heirloom piece. Thank you Jess!

The last treasure I will share with you is neither vintage, thrifted, nor handmade... though it will assist me in hand making. It is something I have wanted for a long while and finally screwed up the courage to purchase. Ta Da!

Aww Snap! That's right folks, I bought myself a professional snap setter HOORAY! Many thanks are owed to the kind Sara of Willow and Moo for giving me some sound advice on this purchase, thank you! And yes, I suddenly have the urge to 'besnap' (besnapping is much like bedazzling only with snaps) everything!

Right, well thank you for letting me share my treasures with you. Do you have any new treasures?

Have a grand weekend all!

A little adventure of my own

2011-10-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Looking down the hallway of The Moore Hotel in Seattle, my room key jangling in my hand, and all on my own...I felt rather adventurous. Perhaps it had something to do with the leopard print carpet. Having just driven three hours through thunder and lightening then arriving to a sunny Seattle, my spirits were high and so were my hopes.

In a very short time I was going to meet up with my friend Tif à la Dottie Angel before the launch of her book later in the evening. A most auspicious occasion indeed!

The launch was held at Assemble Gallery and Studio, a perfect place for a happy gathering. Andie and Emily (proprietors) were so very kind. If you happen to be in Seattle, I recommend stopping in for a look-see.

Dottie's display was gorgeous, no surprise there. It was a fine affair all around, with so many nice folks coming in and staying for a chat and to have their books signed of course.

I met some people of note as well. The wonderful Marjan of CowRoad and I spent some time chatting with Tif's very lovely adopted Auntie! I was also so pleased to meet Janine of UPPERCASE and her family. I am completely in awe of what she accomplishes and the beautiful products she creates.

And of course, the woman of the hour herself was stunning, charming, and altogether the very picture of an authoress of an amazingly unique book!

After a successful night I headed back to my hotel and fell asleep to the hustle and bustle of a Friday night on the streets. The next morning I met up with Tif for a bit of thrifty shopping. I'll have to share my treasures with you next time. Then it was time to drive home.

All in all it was a grand adventure and I feel quite fortunate that I was able to go. Now it's back to work...busy bee you know!

The Harrowing Tale of a Lost Lumberjack - Part 2

2011-10-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Monday! Today is a gray and soppy wet one so it seems the perfect sort of morning to continue on with the story of our dear Lumberjack. If you recall our last installation, we left the poor LJ trudging through the bush looking for a peopled town and breakfast. If you would like to settle in and get comfy, I shall go on.
...
After wandering for what seemed a very long time indeed, The Lumberjack finally came to a very small town, the name of which has slipped his memory. He tells me that he followed a narrow lane that led into town and there spied a gathering of sturdy towns folk having their afternoon chat in front of the general store. He was quite a sight, dirtied and scraped from head to toe. The towns folk heard his story and offered him a steaming mug of coffee and a cheese sandwich.

As he had no money on him, just a bit of canvas and string, he was offered a job at the local rock quarry so that he might earn enough to purchase a bus ticket in the general direction of home.

He was hired on as a dump truck driver, he was a hard worker and gained the respect of the locals. He was given a place to bed down in the back of the feed store in exchange for custodial duties. Since the towns folk were mostly a stoic bunch not prone to gossip, they never asked much about The Lumberjack's life before stumbling into their little township. The Lumberjack found this quite agreeable as he had no desire to make himself too comfortable since he was just passing through.

After earning enough to pay for a bus ticket down the road, he packed up his canvas and string, said his goodbyes to the kind folks of Anytown USA and boarded the Greyhound West.

It is at this point in the story that things take a bit of a hazy turn; something about a rest stop break, a gang of thugs in the parking lot of a 7-11, a scuffle that resulted in a sound pounding, and a bruised and confused Lumberjack helplessly watching as the bus pulled away leaving him behind.

Now you might think that this was just the limit for poor LJ, but as the cosmic wheels turned, another opportunity would avail itself to him. A pretty young farm forewoman happened to witness the events as she was purchasing a packet of red licorice from the convenience store. She bolted from the shop and ran to his aid. That was how he landed a job as a farm hand. He worked with the horses mostly; mucking out stalls, grooming the fine animals, tidying the tack, and fixing fences. His bruises faded and his wounds healed quickly under the attentive care of the young forewoman. Though I pressed, LJ was not forthcoming about the extent of his relationship with the lovely lady who looked after him. He did finally tell me her name after a bit of cajoling. Her name was Farrah.

...

By this time you may be understanding that this is a tale that must be told in serial, bits at a time - epic as it is and long. Remember though, The Lumberjack was lost for the better part of a year, certainly you can understand that to tell it quickly, to be chincy with the details would be most unfair. So, I am thinking that the remainder of this story should be told in weekly installments. Monday mornings seem just right, a tale of adventure to start out the week! Oh yes, I do like that don't you? It's settled then, Part 3 will begin in a week's time, wherein LJ takes leave of the farm, moves on down the road and falls in with a commune!

Lola in the City

2011-09-30T07:44:00.001-07:00

I am all a-flutter with excitement this morning! I am packing my weekend bag and driving up the road to Seattle to attend my dear friend Tif Fussel's, Dottie Angel Book Launch! I'll be going solo, staying at a hotel and certainly having a lovely time.

If you happen to be around those parts, please stop in and say hello! It is being held at Assemble at 6 p.m.

I will be back next week and I promise to finally get back to The Lumberjack's harrowing tale!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Grateful

2011-09-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

That little curly headed baby is my grandpa, Douglas. I called him Papa.

He was born in 1909.

He was a good man, a very good man.Last week he passed away at the age of 101. He lived a long and happy life. I am incredibly grateful that he was my grandfather, that I had him in my life for so long. He was so very dear to me.
D.D. Moore
1909 - 2011
Gone Fishin'

xo

pause

2011-09-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

My apologies to those of you waiting anxiously for the continued saga of our dear Lumberjack, the telling has been postponed.

I am going to be taking a couple of personal days. I will see you soon and return to our epic tale.

Until then be safe, be well.

Welcome Home! The Harrowing Tale of a lost Lumberjack - Part 1

2011-09-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you are somewhat new to my shiny place here, you may be wondering what in the world is this all about. Well, this is about a long lost lumberjack who was missing for quite some time. Oh yes, missing indeed! If you would like to get all caught up on The Lumberjack's history you can do so HERE.

For those of you familiar with The Lumberjack, you may have wondered from time to time just what he was up too. You may have even asked, "Where O where has that lumberjack been?" Well friends, perhaps it was wrong of me not to mention anything when he first went missing, but I didn't want needlessly worry you. I mean we all know how he's a wanderer, often gone on his journeys for months at a time. Still, he usually says goodbye and at the very least packs a knapsack. As time went on, we began to worry, more time passed without a word and we feared the worst.

Then the other day, I heard the faintest knock on the front door of the little green cottage. When I opened the door there he was, out of the blue, returned to us The Lumberjack! It has taken some time to pry the details of his harrowing tale and I don't think we will ever truly know the whole story. I will share with you what I have learned.

It all began on blustery fall Sunday last year. The Lumberjack was in the back yard raking leaves and letting his thoughts drift when suddenly, a giant beast attacked out of nowhere! The giant beast had slobbery jaws and horrible sharp teeth, LJ particularly remembers the terrible stench of his breath! The beast lunged, the beast chomped and that is the last thing The Lumberjack recalls until he woke up in a daze - nearly falling into the black abyss of an unknown storm drain.

Not knowing where he was nor how he got there, LJ leaned on his lumberjack skills climbing the nearest tallest tree (which happened to be a telephone pole) to get a birds-eye view and perhaps spot a familiar landmark.

Though he climbed ever higher and looked out over the land, he did not recognize anything at all. There was not even a single soul in sight to ask!

He began walking. He walked for an entire day not knowing what direction he was traveling, just hoping to find some people who might be able to shed some light on this most perplexing situation. As darkness started to fall, he found an old piece of canvas in a ditch, he searched his pockets for the length of string he always carried with him and made a makeshift camp in a dirt field where he spent a cold and fitful night.

In the small moments of sleep he was able to manage, he dreamed of terrifying beasts and a table full of flapjacks with real maple syrup. He was startled awake by a ferocious growling, but realized it was only his empty stomach.

Hungry, dejected and damp, he set out at first light eventually coming to an overgrown and long disused logging road, he followed the road hacking at the underbrush with a heavy stick. It was slow going and many miles later he wondered if he would ever make it to civilization, or breakfast. He sustained himself by drinking the dew from leaves and eating the last of the bramble-berries on the bushes. He kept on.

This is where I must leave off for today. I promise to continue The Lumberjack's compelling story in Part 2 on Wednesday. Stay tuned, you really don't want to miss it!

Pretty Patchy Paper Lanterns

2011-09-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Oh hooray, it's a happy how-to! Today I will be showing you how to make some very simple Pretty Patchy Paper Lanterns, my that is a mouthful isn't it? These are just the thing to brighten up a drab corner, to add a festive air to a dull day, to use as decoration for a party, or to make just because they are so darn sweet! As is often the case with my tutorials, this is a project that works wonderfully using up your odds and ends, bits and bobs, and scraps of many sizes.

I shall begin with an ingredient list:

* Aforementioned odds and ends of pretty fabrics. For my examples I have used mostly vintage cut offs from my scrap pile.

* Bits and bobs of lace, ribbon, trim, old hankies, what-nots and etcetera

* 2 pieces of standard A4 card stock

* Embroidery Floss and large embroidery needle

* Lengths of yarn

* Scissors, thread, glue, tape

Alright then, the first lantern I'll be showing you is the plump roundy one with all the patches. Let's get started then shall we?

Start by gathering up a bunch of scraps that you think might play nicely together. Grab your 2 pieces of card stock and begin arranging your scraps on the papers. You might like to do this over a cup of tea or coffee. Just keep at it until the space is filled and you are pleased with the results.

Now you may want to use just a spot of glue to keep everything in place. If you do use glue, please only use a small amount and wait for it to dry because we are about to take this over to the sewing machine and we don't want any goopy glue to muck up the works, that would be a bummer!

Take your fabric festooned card stock over to your trusty sewing machine and just begin stitching your fabric to the paper. Use a straight stitch around the edges of your scraps, or use a fancy stitch across one part and another across a different part...do what you like just as long as all of the fabric is secured to the card stock.

Ok, that was fun. Now take your 2 pieces and put them end to end with about a 1/2 inch of overlap and it's back to the sewing machine to stitch the 2 pieces together to make one long piece.

Next, we turn our patchy card stock into a tube, overlap the ends by a half inch and tape in place on the inside.

When you stand it up, it's gonna look a little wonky, but don't worry we're gonna fix it. Get out your embroidery floss and your big needle, starting from the inside of the tube, poke your threaded needle through both layers of the paper and fabric and begin stitching that flap down.

Ack! excuse the blurry photo wont you!
You can simply stitch all the way down using a giant running stitch, cross hatches, etc...whatever you have the patience for really. I myself did not have a great deal of patience, so it came out a little crazy. For example...

All that is left now is to add something so you can hang it up. I used some yarn, whatever length suits your particular needs. Poke a hole about a half an inch from the top of the lantern at any spot you choose. Now poke another hole directly across from the first hole and thread your yarn through the holes and tie off. Like so...

Find a spot that needs a little happy and hang up your lantern!

For the other lanterns, you start by placing your 2 pieces of card stock side by side with a half inch overlap and sew them together.

For this example I chose a piece of fabric and cut it just slightly larger than the paper. I then used some spray adhesive (you could use regular glue as well) and smoothed the fabric over the card stock.

I then used a glue stick to fold over the edges of the fabric and stick them to the back.

I added a wee doily to the lantern and stitched it in place.

Your lantern is now ready to be finished in the same way as the first example!
Go ahead, make a few...you know you want to!

As always, if you are inspired to try your hand at these Pretty Patchy Paper Lanterns, I would be most pleased if you would share your creations on the Lola Nova Flickr group!

Edited to add: These lanterns are meant to be decorative and not for use with lights or bulbs.

Have a truly wonderful weekend my friends!

Harvest

2011-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today I had intended to share a story about a long lost wandering soul who has recently returned to the bosom of the the family here in the little green cottage. It seems though, that I am still ferreting out the details of this epic tale and will have to save it for another time.

So today you get tomatoes. A great big heaping helping of tomatoes!

Did I say BIG?

2011 turned out to be a pretty good year for the tomatoes, the best we've had in about 3 - 4 years. That last little burst of hot weather kicked it into full gear. Of course even with sharing some with neighbors and eating plenty ourselves, we still had a small mountain of them.

So...on one of the hottest days of the year, in a very steamy and also very tiny kitchen, I began to blanch and peel and prep.

Normally I would can the whole toms, or turn them into a basic sauce, but this year I decided on Salsa!
In the pot went: onions, garlic, sweet peppers from the garden, jalapeños, cilantro, cumin, pickling salt, sugar (just a pinch), and a combo of red wine vinegar and cider vinegar.
It cooked down just gorgeous! Now we are set with salsa for many months to come. I love putting up food (ok I didn't love how hot it was, or how my fingers were made raw with all the prep, but it's totally satisfying and worth it!)

I'll be back on Friday with a happy how-to! See you then.

A Perfectly Peachy Book

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

The other day as I was returning home from my run-arounds, I saw that our rakishly handsome postman was just leaving our front porch. I waved a hi-ho to him and he in return waved a hi-ho with a double take sideways glance at my mop. I mean my hair, which had suddenly, since the day before become a bright Dark Cherry Red. I gathered up my bundles from the car and made may way to my door. Mr. Postman said in passing, "You have a package today." Ooh, indeedy I did! There is nothing like a nice looking package in the post to make one's heart do a little happy skip. I put away my things and went through the everyday mail first, saving my package for last. After pouring myself an icy tea, I sat down to see what treasure was waiting for me.

Lo and behold! It was the new dottie angel book! From UPPERCASE, the Suitcase Series Vol. II by Tif Fussell. Oh what a thing of beauty! As I opened up it's pages and looked, I welled up with joy and pride, what a magical book by a friend of the utmost kind!

Tif was nice enough to sign my book personally and I couldn't be happier. It truly is the loveliest book I have had in my hands in quite a long while.

If you are familiar with the ramblings of dottie angel, and certainly most of you are, you will find within these pages more of her wonderful words and stories. Hows about I just give you a little peek at the pretty stuff inside.

I am also deeply honored that she asked me to contribute a little page for her 'nice folks' section.

The attention to detail, the stunning images and Tif Fussell's engaging humor and insights make this a book that I will return to many times over the coming years. Surely it will bring a smile to your dial as well. You can get your own copy HERE. If you are in or around the area of Seattle on Sept. 30th, there will be a book launch for the book with the author.

Well, I think this wraps up my book report. Next time I'll have to tell you all about the tomatoes! Take care.

Ghost in the Machine

2011-09-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well isn't it just the way? Now that I'm back on track and ready to make my weaving way with posts of note and rambles of goodness, there seems to be a hitch in my get-along. Or rather perhaps a ghost in the machine. Hello technology, box of circuits that I have become so very dependent on, interwebs vast and mysterious, hello....hello?

There has been an uneasy amount of troubles 'round these parts concerning such things. I am unable to access my flickr account, so my photos are out of reach. All of my bookmarks have gone up in ether. I have been blocked from important sites... and then there's the spam.

Mayhaps the merry pranksters of cyberspace are playing a bit of a trick on me at the moment. Certainly the spurious "Perceval, Humphry, Dennis, Quintin, Jeffrey and Randolph" have been at me with more spam than 'Spamalot' ever could imagine. One side effect of this Spamathon has been that some honest to goodness comments from real life lovely readers have gone astray. Especially from some of the new folks, so if you have been nice enough to leave a word and thought me rude for not acknowledging you, I am so sorry. Let me say Welcome! now and thank you for stopping by.

This particular annoyance has lead to me making some changes in protocol. Comments will now be moderated. I hated to do it, but it must be done. I will also be making more of an appearance in the comments as well so that I can be sure to take note of every kind soul who drops in for a visit.

I really do have some nice things planned so I'm hoping I can get these ghosties and goblins sorted and sent packing! In the meantime, thank you for your understanding and patience.

Up and coming for next week: A happy how-to, a book report, and the titillating tale of a 'long lost' returning to the fold.

Happy weekending all!

8 is Great!

2011-09-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Perhaps you have been wondering why it's been so quiet over here, or perhaps you have not given it a thought in the slightest. Either way let me explain...life has been busy, really busy! Now that school is back in swing, I'm hoping to get back to a solid routine and once again ramble away on my shiny little spot here in blogland.

I am happy to tell you that today, I can be found having a little ramble over on Whip Up. Many thanks to the lovely Kathreen for inviting me to guest post whilst she and her sweet family are camping under the stars!

But before you go over there, I have something of note to say, it's rather important so please stay with me for a moment.

Today is the anniversary of the day that I said "Hell Yes!" to spending the rest of my days with my best friend, The Engineer. Eight years today! It has been the greatest adventure of my life. I love you truly, madly, deeply. Happy Anniversary Darlin'!

PS. The above photo was taken 9 years ago, goodness we were cute and young!

Thank you for your attention, you may now proceed on over to Whip Up!

Tomato Jam

2011-08-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, ripe tomatoes from the garden, hooray!

So, I decided to make a small batch of tomato jam, a very small batch.

I adapted a recipe from The New York Times

Tomato Jam
1 1/2 pounds good ripe tomatoes (Roma are best), cored and coarsely chopped

2/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon salt

1 jalapeño or other peppers, stemmed, seeded and minced, or red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste.

1 Tbs. Red wine vinegar

1. Combine all ingredients except vinegar in a heavy medium saucepan, Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.

2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour 15 minutes, add vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use; this will keep at least a week.

Yield: About 1 pint.

Use in place of ketchup on burgers, fantastic on breakfast sandwiches with eggs and caramelized onions!
Yum!

Another Fine Mess

2011-08-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Because there is so much "No."

So many "Don'ts"

A lot of "Stop!"

A bunch of "Wait!"

And many a refrain of "No! Don't! Stop! Wait!"

Sometimes...

Just sometimes...

A great big "Yes! Go For It!"

is truly the finest thing ever!

Happy Monday!

Still Kicking

2011-08-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well, a little unintentional blog break kinda sneaked up on me. Life is all a busy blur at the moment. You know how it goes, everything seems to be happening at once. Every time I sit down at my desk some sort of urgent business needs my attention. There is a hungry child loudly moaning that starvation is about to end her, a Mr. with a button that needs sewing right this minute, a zombie fish that needs examination, a chicken in the bathtub...all the routine regular family maintenance issues.

For example, just as I finished that last sentence, a loud thud was heard followed by "Maaammaa!" Upon investigation, I discovered 3 pounds of watermelon guts covering the kitchen floor. So yeah...

I'm also having a hard time reconciling that Summer is coming to an end, it's a bit of a shock really. Apparently I do not need to throw my clock out of the window to see time fly. I am finding myself daydreaming about a trip like Kate's family adventure.

Well, I'm off to corral some runaway chooks, I can't make any promises but I will try to keep on keepin' on!

Apologies to the 2 artists who created the pieces pictured here, they are unsigned and I have forgotten your names.

The minutiae of now

2011-08-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

My new lip balm tastes of Creamcicles, every time I apply it, I am pleasantly surprised.

Sparky the seal is my new constant companion. He is quiet and attentive and he seems to like my singing. The perfect friend. Made by the beautiful Jess of Teddy Bear's Wednesday, isn't he gorgeous.

Hot iron to lace doilies, what patience it must have took to make these delicate things.

Attempting the perfect marriage of vintage fabrics. Changing my mind, then changing it back.

Crossing supplies off the list, sharpening pencils, school is starting soon and we'll have a 1st grader in the house!

What small details are you attending to?

In Other News

2011-08-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

So it turns out that I am in the latest issue of Mollie Makes! Funny, I had to find out from a friend in London. My crochet flower frames tutorial is in there, hooray! I'm not sure when this comes out in the US. I think we are a month behind the UK on distribution. All of Mollie's covers are so gorgeous and inviting.

In other news, I am working feverishly on a deadline. My festival weekend has left me a bit behind and so it may be a bit quiet 'round here until next week. I have so much I've been wanting to share, so many comments I have wanted to leave but, I must soldier on. I promise good things when I am back on track.

Have a gorgeous weekend all!

Festive

2011-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

It takes a day or so to re-enter the real world after 4 days of festival going. Cut off from the regular routines and the daily news; it is an environment removed though only 25 minutes from our home. Another great year with friends and music...so much music.

Traversing 80 acres, 5 stages, 87 visits to see Lucky the horse, 4 hula hooping adventures (just to see if I still could), 6 time-outs in the beer garden, and 1 hour of trying not to panic when Pony Girl disappeared into the woods quick as a jack rabbit - search parties (friends) were sent out in all directions all of us saying, "Surely she hasn't gone that far," only to have her turn up at the exact location she had vanished from cool as a cucumber saying, "I just went for a walk."

We dubbed our camp "Li'l Holler" - a cozy compound where respite and comfort could be found along with amazing meals and and great company. Saturday night I laughed so hard for so long, I'm still sore.

Pony Girl fell in love with a little red haired boy camping across from us. Those wiley gingers are a charming lot, I know.

I also discovered, much to my dismay, that my old camera was giving up the ghost while we were there. So, I didn't manage all the photos I would have liked to take. There really is so much visual inspiration at Pickathon.

This year's event was by far the most sustainable festival I have ever been to. I could wax on about it but, you should let the people of Pickathon tell you all about it HERE! Truly remarkable.

As for the music...so much. It all seems a bit of a blur, I caught much of it on the run, chasing after kidlets, on my way here and there, and I enjoyed it all. For a preview of many of the bands, here is a little playlist if you are so inclined.

All in all, another awesome family festival experience!

Now it's back to the real world.

Upon our return, we heard some of the news we had missed while away. I am wishing all of my friends in London and surrounding areas safety, you are in our thoughts.

It's that time again!

2011-08-03T13:49:00.001-07:00

We are just about to head out to the 2011 Pickathon music festival! Lots to do, much preparation, the weather is looking good and I can't wait.
You can click here to see past Pickathon pics if you like.
It is a long standing family tradition for us, shared by some really wonderful friends and a whole lot of amazing music. I'm off to pack and cross things off of my list.

Have a wonderful weekend all. See you on the flip side!

I got nothin'

2011-08-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

In the throws of a bout of insomnia, whilst looking at the red glowy (mocking) numbers on my ancient Westclox digital for the umpteenth time, I started writing a new blog post titled, "Old and In the way." In which I discussed a certain doe-eyed shop girl with a bad attitude, a tragic cliche about becoming matronly, the perils of elastic waist trousers, and the fact that The Beastie Boys are now being played on the OLDIES station!

As I was rambling tangential, it occurred to me that my lack of sleep was making me sound at least 'a half a bubble off plumb,' so I thought it best to stop with the crazy and think of something else to write about.

So I thought...
...and thought...
Until I woke up in a panic at 7 am.

Now it's the next day, time has gotten away from me, and there's still a little bit of crazy lurking in the shadows under my eyes. I've left Pony Girl to devour an entire watermelon on her own while I attempt to get some work done and I realize I got nothin' in the way of a post.

I'll just leave you with a little "thanks for coming" new friends and old, and apologies for not getting 'round much these days by way of emails and comments. You are all so ace, really! I am wishing you all a week of good sleeps and happy dreams!

The Tooth-fairy does not bring you cupcakes

2011-07-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

She will however, leave you a note explaining why a cupcake might not be the wisest item to leave under your pillow, and enough coin to pick out any cupcake you want at the store. Now that's thinkin'!

When asked, "but what does the tooth-fairy do with all the teeth?" I could not come up with an answer that did not somehow conjure ghastly visions of fairy villages built with thousands of little teeth, or jewelry made of them hanging around the necks of...
I clearly didn't think this whole tooth-fairy business through. I did as any good parent would, who doesn't know the answer to a question from their child; I answered her question with a question, "So, what kind of cupcake are you gonna get?"

Getting Aquainted

2011-07-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

So I've done it. I have a new camera! We are still getting acquainted. Though I do think I may need to start lifting weights, as this one is a bit more hefty than my last. A Nikon D7000 with a 18 - 105mm all around lens, and a 85mm micro/macro.

I have loads of work I need to get to but the lure of the lens is powerful stuff! All I want to do is play and shoot. I have mostly been messing about with the 85mm f/3.5G.
See...

Having never shot with this type of lens before it takes some getting used to, much practice is needed...and yes, there's more!

Well, I'm off to find some more bugs to take pictures of! Seriously friends, I am completely distracted by my new toy...if you don't hear from me in a few days, it's likely that I am hiding in a bush, dressed in camo and waiting for a dragonfly to land on a nearby leaf!

Have a lovely day!

I Want A New Toy (oh ay oh)

2011-07-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

... to keep my head expanding.

So looky what came in the mail! There really is nothing like getting a package in the mail - especially when it is being delivered by a rather attractive postman. Of course the scenario would have been much better had I not been wearing the Engineer's grubby college t-shirt, paint covered 'comfy pants,' hair sticking out all over a la crazy cat lady, and covered in dirt from the garden at the time...I digress.

I ordered a load of new fabric paint. I am trying out some new products plus replenishing my regular supply, and I'm pretty excited about it. "I'm painting, I'm painting again."

I ordered from Dharma Trading Company, they have a vast selection of paints, inks, dyes, roving, and an astonishing amount of dye-able scarves and clothing. I wanted to make sure and give them a mention. This is only the second time I have ordered from the company though they have been around for ages. My first order was very smooth and arrived quickly. This time, about an hour after I made my order on-line, my phone rang. "Hi, this is Michelle* from Dharma Trading Company and we are just processing you order and packing it up. I noticed you chose 3 day shipping but, regular priority mail will get there just as quickly and you will save $5.00 on your bill." I don't think I have ever received a call like that from a company, for the staff to take the time to call me personally to save me $5.00 is a pretty big plus in my book. The paints arrived within 3 days and the items were packed so carefully, I am quite pleased. Often people seem to be chomping at the bit to say something negative about a company and it's service but, too few take the time to report really positive feedback. So, I highly recommend them. Their prices are quite fair and their service outstanding. I don't know if they ship absolutely everywhere but, you should go have a look.

Today I am also headed to the camera shop. "I take pictures, photographic pictures. Bright light, dark room." I am going to have a gander at some new equipment and hopefully receive some sound professional advice. I will try my absolute darndest not to become overly-excited and sweep up the first handsome camera that catches my eye. I will attempt to be discerning and wise and more patient than usual. I am hoping that my lesson has been learned from my last impulsive foray into new camera ownership. Not too long ago I found myself seduced by consumer reviews and promises of glory. The affair lasted only 2 days before I saw the error of my ways and took him back to where I found him.

So that's it for now. Happy Monday!
And kudos to you if you spotted the obscure 80's song lyrics dotted throughout this post!

*not her real name.

From the Pantry

2011-07-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

I recently was the lucky winner of this interesting book, Urban Pantry by Amy Pennington, from Sherri at Little House In Paradise! This morning I plan to finally sit down and take a good look see. Heaven knows I love a well stocked pantry. I would love to some day have a kitchen with an actual pantry, until then this book seems to appeal to those of us with a less than grand sized kitchen. I am hoping to get some useful tips. There are also a good number of recipes as well. I'm looking forward to spending some time with the book, to see if it's a winner.

For now I'm just gonna throw out some photos of recent kitchen experiments from my own Urban Pantry that came off pretty well, a little 'food porn' if you will.

Pasta with asparagus and pistachio. So delicious - however, as I could not find shelled pistachios, there was a bit of heavy labor in preparing the nuts. Well worth it in the end!

Blackberry peach cobbler! Pretty much the taste of summer. Served warm with vanilla ice cream (it's the only way).

Well, I'm off to my coffee and my book. Have you been cooking up anything good lately?

Oh there you are!

2011-07-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

It feels like I have been away for a long time yet, I did not actually go anywhere. In fact my mom came here. The thing about out of town visitors is, you often see things, go places, do stuff, in your own town that you don't normally see, go, or do. This is a good thing. It's a bit like playing out of town guest in your own back yard.

Unfortunately, my declaration to my family last week that it was "Finally, officially summer!" was a bit premature. You would think a visitor in the middle of July would enjoy some serious sunshine, and while there was a decent day or so, the rain came tumbling down. This morning, it continues to pour upon our city. Ah well.

We still managed to enjoy ourselves. Good food, some shopping therapy, and the simple act of spending time with family that is the important thing. The best bit is that Pony Girl got to get some grandma loving time!

I hope that you all had a good weekend with your loved ones.

Seeing Red

2011-07-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Image sources:
1. june 5, 2011 - at wiksunds garden and apple factory, 2. 018, 3. vintage red leather childs clogs

Finding some red to energize me! Lots to do!

My mother arrives tomorrow and the little green cottage needs a proper tidy. I will be off for a few days while she is in town and see you all on the flip side!

Wishing you all a happy weekend!

This is how it all starts

2011-07-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

First, you build a hen house in your back yard. Not just any hen house mind you, but a fancy chook palace. Then you get yourself a few fuzzy little chicks that really are the sweetest and you make a great big fuss about it.

You name them, raise them, the chicks turn into 3 lovely lady chickens, and you fancy yourself a sort of glamorous yet earthy urban flock tender. You do your best mother hen taking good care of your feathered family; often whilst wearing a vintage apron, and you make a great big fuss about it.

When one of your chooks lays the very first egg, you do a little song and dance number, you take lots of photos, tell all your friends, and generally make a Great Big Fuss about it.

Inspired by your back yard farm, you whip up some happy chicken themed projects, you make slightly less of a fuss about it but you do show it off a little.

You know, I have often wondered how people with large collections of a particular animal say, got started on their collections. I once had a neighbor who's house was filled with pigs; piggy banks, piggy towels, piggy salt and pepper shakers, paintings of pigs, softie pigs, and so on. I never asked her how she came to own so many pig items. Did she set out with a passion for pigs, collecting every pig she came across? Or did the collection find her? Perhaps one day she mentioned to a friend that she thought pigs were cute, and that friend bought her a little porcelain pig for her birthday, then because she liked pigs and it was a present from a friend, she went on to make a great big fuss about it...then all her other friends thought, 'Ooh, I know what I'll get her for Christmas!' and it just grew from there.

I do see how that could happen; it does appear that a few friends and family members have noted my making a Great Big Fuss over chickens and have thought to themselves, 'Ooh, that Lola really likes those chooks!' So, over the last couple of years a wee flock of vintage chickens have arrived at the little green cottage.

It is a sweet little collection, just manageable without seeming like too much an obsession. But before it gets out of hand, maybe, just maybe I should start making a Great Big Fuss over something else... like chocolate.
my favorite is the little vintage hen and chick bank from my mom

Old Blue

2011-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Progress has been made. Six old shirts and a lot of long seams. The blanket top is done...I think.

A whole field of blue. Thank goodness the elbows went out on the stripy number at the last minute, the stripy bits really pulled it all together.

Still deciding if I should add sashing to the sides and ends. Or a pop of color somewhere. It'll make a fine picnic blanket in the end. I'm calling it a blanket and not a quilt, for I imagine I broke far too many quilting rules along the way to make it a proper quilt.

Is anyone interested in just how I put "Old Blue" together? let me know and I will work up a little 'how to' when it's all done.

Have a happy day!

The long weekend: a post of random goodness

2011-07-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

It was a long weekend, a holiday weekend, it was busy, raucous, sweet, colorful, fun, and did I mention long? I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

Random goodness #1
The photo above is of our first potatoes of the year. They were the most amazing color of magenta! They were also delicious for breakfast; potatoes from our garden with eggs from our hens, and toast with homemade strawberry jam. The spoils of our labor are truly enjoyed and appreciated.

Random goodness #2

My beautiful (and very colorful) sister was in town for a couple of days. It was so nice to have time with her. We spent most of it sitting on the back yard swing relishing the gorgeous summer weather. She is such a unique and precious woman, I love her madly!

Random goodness #3
I have finally figured out what to make with all of The Engineer's old work shirts that I have been squirreling away. You know, it's really amazing what all can be made from men's shirts. A picnic blanket in blue will be just the thing.

Random goodness #4

Meet Hazel!
(and yes, her feathers are naturally that color of green!)

I hope you have enjoyed my snippets of Random Goodness. I will return after the fuzz has cleared from my brain, the mountain of laundry whittled down to a mere hill, and the pieces put back together.

Have a sweet day

Strawberry Huller

2011-06-30T13:07:00.001-07:00

A lot of you commented on or asked about the little tool from my jam post. It's called a strawberry Huller. We bought ours at a local market but, I happened to find it on line in case anyone else is interested. You can find it at cheftools.com for a mere $2.50.

Ciao!

Do you know the story of

2011-06-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

No?
Well, neither do I. Not the whole story anyway.

There's Fleeto the Rabbit of course.

And a school bus...possibly a magic school bus...an unusual sort of school bus at the very least.

Though I don't know the whole story yet, the bits and pieces are starting to come together. The story of Fleeto the Rabbit. Hmmmm...

For the love of toast!

2011-06-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! The brief window of local strawberry goodness has arrived and of course, we made jam.

We have become a seasoned, well oiled machine when it comes to our annual jam making. At 10 am on Sunday I brought home the berries, by noon we had 33 jars of ruby red deliciousness to take us through to next year.

This morning I sat at the window with my coffee, a thick slice of bread slathered with strawberry jam, and thought how the best things in life are made by hand. Oh how I love toast!

As if that were not enough goodness for one weekend, I also received a special parcel in the post from across the big pond. Pomona of Little Cottage Comforts, had a giveaway recently and I was the lucky winner.

Honestly, with all that's been going on 'round here I had completely forgotten about it until it arrived. What a gorgeous surprise! A lovely book on button jewelry and the very generous Pomona included the prettiest pieces of fabric and some sweet buttons too!

There really is nothing like getting happy packages in the mail to cheer one's day. Thank you Pomona! Oh, I just popped over to her blog and she is having another fabulous giveaway, go see!

What a good way to start a new week.
Happy Monday!

This, that, and a little bit of the other

2011-06-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Woke up this Saturday morning to find that the Engineer had hatched a plan to take Pony Girl fishing! So, with some quiet time on my hands, I made myself a large cup of delicious coffee and took a little tour of the garden. Just to see what I could see.

The lavenders are in full bloom with their heady scent luring the honey bees.

Peas! They were planted so late I wasn't sure but, here they are coming along nicely, sharing space with tiny spiders.

A riot of potatoes!

Introducing the newest member of the flock, Cookie! She's a Barred Rock pullet, very sweet. Unfortunately, our other 2 ladies have not been ladies at all, instead they have been quite rude to the new girl. It is to be expected, pecking order is very real. Still, each day they seem to grow a little more used to her presence and soon the novelty will wear off. I hope.

Well, I'm off to pull weeds, mow lawns, and maybe stop for cake.

Lovely weekend to you all.

Feltycuffs: A Tutorial

2011-06-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Due to my recent aquatic adventures, my 'makers mojo' and I have not been getting on too well. Something about me being unbalanced (go ahead, make your jokes now) and the concentration and constant looking down of stitching, made me a bit queasy, dizzy and blurry. Now that I am finally coming 'round a bit, I felt the need to make something - anything. I thought that I should start off small and simple. Then fortuitously, I received an email from a friend asking me to recommend some sewing projects that might be suitable for 10 year old girls. I sent her some links and then later, she asked if I had any ideas that could be accomplished by 3 girls during a crafty sleepover with beginning sewing machine skills. I thought about it for a while, and finally resorted to Feltycuffs. Do you see what I did there? Instead of 'Fistycuffs' I said...yes, well.

Felt is awesome, it's a no fuss, no muss material that makes up some seriously cool projects. It also ticks all the right boxes for a kid craft. However, once I started playing around with the felt, I started to imagine all the cool grown up stuff I could make using the same ideas.

The first thing I came up with was a woven felt wrist cuff/bracelet. I will be showing you in a brief, step by step tutorial how to make your own. So, here we go!

Gather up some felt scraps.
You will need 2 pieces for the main cuff part. You can measure your wrist with a tape measure, making sure it is not too tight but, a comfortable length on your wrist. Once you have that measurement, add 2 - 2.5 inches (5.5 - 6.4 cm) for overlap. I cut my pieces 8.25 inches (21 cm) long by 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide. Then cut some skinny strips of felt slightly longer than your main pieces. I cut 4 strips.
Using a rotary cutter and mat make this quick work, you can also use scissors.

Now, working with the top piece of your main cuff (I used gray), use a craft knife* or small embroidery scissors, and a ruler to make 4 rows of small slits in the felt. To make this more even, you can place markings on the wrong side of the felt with a fabric marker. Make your slits just big enough for your skinny strips to fit through. I made my cuts every 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) along the length and in 4 rows across the width. I did not mark mine so they came out a bit wonky.

* If you are doing this project with kids, you will want to supervise use of the sharp craft knife.

Now start weaving in your skinny strips. It's up to you if you want to alternate the pattern. Try to be fairly gentle, as you don't want to stretch out the felt too much.

Once you have woven in all the strips, trim off any excess length.

I gave my finished piece a quick press with the iron before I continued.
Next, Match the edges of your 2 cuff pieces, wrong sides together.

Using a simple straight stitch on your machine, sew around the outer edge, using 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) seam allowance.

In one end of your cuff, make a slit with a craft knife or scissors just big enough for your chosen button.

On the opposite end, sew on your button. Wrap the cuff around your wrist to help find the proper placement of the button.

Ta Da! A super cool, super easy woven felt wrist cuff!

After I made this one, I couldn't stop. So, I made 2 Super Star cuffs for Pony Girl. I used the exact same technique for the cuffs but, without the woven element. I simply cut out 2 simple star shapes out of contrasting felt and appliqued them to the cuffs with a straight stitch.

Here is Pony Girl rockin' her cuffs!

(click the pic for 10 times the awesome!)
And I still couldn't stop!

What about a simple and elegant napkin ring? Does anyone use those anymore? I used to love looking at my mother's small collection of vintage napkin rings when I was a kid. I thought it would look so nice for a special dinner.

Wait, there's more!

What about place holders? These would be so pretty at a wedding, special party, or just because.

So yes, endless possibilities! I made one wrist cuff with a crochet flower sewn on that turned out lovely. It was too dark to photograph by that point. I keep thinking of other ways to use this very simple idea. How about you, can you think of some?

As always with my tutorials, please feel free to ask questions. And, if you make this project, or one inspired by this project, I would love it if you uploaded a photo to the "Lola By You" flickr group!

Have a super star day!

Oh, I almost forgot. Lola has a new Facebook page come check it out!

Thank you

2011-06-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

I am slowly surfacing, feeling a little better and hope that I am truly on the mend. I have been humbled yet again by what an amazing group of people you all are. I can not thank you enough for all the beautiful comments and emails you have left for me and my family lately. You have made me feel so cared for and encouraged, and I can tell you that it has meant the world to me. You are all extraordinary!

I am thinking that things will be getting back to normal (well, as normal as it gets around here anyway). And if all goes well, I might even have a little tutorial for you tomorrow, fingers crossed.

Have a wonderful day and again, Thank You!

Undertow

2011-06-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

I have been under the water
Under the weather
Undone
I have been under the water for 2 weeks.
I have been muddled, murky, blurred, befuddled, and also slightly deaf.

So, if you've noticed that I haven't been coming 'round well...I'm not quite myself.

The old medicine didn't work, there are high hopes for the new medicine. It's bigger, stronger, faster, but it's undertow makes me even more deep divery.

Another side effect seems to be self portraiture. Perhaps there will be a renaissance of the 'Experiment'. But for now, I think I will take a little break and hope to see you soon on dry land.

Be well.

So Long Good Buddy

2011-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our ongoing battle with the neighborhood raccoons has sadly taken a casualty. Our dear little red hen Fran, is no longer with us. She was a lovely lady chicken, queen of the roost, our best egg layer, and she will be sorely missed.

a young Fran in 2009

So long good buddy.

Fishing for Winners!

2011-06-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Today I announce the winners of the Mollie Makes Magazine Issue #1. I was positively overwhelmed by the responses, and you all had such lovely things to say about what lifts your spirits on a dreary day!
Now, I had to come up with a way to pick the winners. I assigned each official comment entry with a number. I just couldn't bring myself to use the random number generator thinger, what's the fun in that? So, I decided instead to go fishing. First, I needed a pretty blue bowl full of paper numbers.

Then of course I needed a fishing pole. Pony Girl's Barbie pole is nice and festive looking. For "bait" a little dolly with loads of sticky tape stuck to her head.
Next, I perched myself and cast my line.

There she goes, diving in!

Oh, I think I've got a bite!

The first catch of the day is #68! Michelle - The Royal Sisters said, "I like nothing better than sipping on a cup of tea, a very cozy crochet blanket on my knees, a couple of chocolate biscuits and happy kids who find time to play "nicely"...
and of course some spare time to catch up on some blogs, magazines and patterns..."

Second catch of the day is #9! Sherri B. - Little House in Paradise said, "Usually on dreary days I head to the cookbooks to find something yummy to cook up, it makes me happy just thinking about it."

Congratulations ladies! Now, just send me your addresses to lolanovainfo@gmail.com and I will send out your magazines in a jiffy!

Thank you so much to all who entered, I do so wish that I could send you all a copy. Thank you for sharing your happy comments with me. Issue #1 of Mollie Makes comes out in the US tomorrow at Barnes and Noble and Joanne's, so if you are in the states and did not win one of my copies, you can pick one up then! Issue #2 comes out tomorrow in the UK!

I am hanging up my "Gone Fishing" sign for the next few days. I will be back next week, hopefully with some crafty bits to show you. Have a wonderful weekend!

A reminder

2011-06-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to enter the Mollie Makes issue #1 giveaway HERE! I will be announcing the winners tomorrow. See you then!

Weekend Summary: In which the weather turns, long losts are found, confessions are made, we come over all neighborly, and the weather turns...again.

2011-06-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

You may have surmised from my post title that I am feeling a bit rambly. So settle in if you've a yen for a good ramble. Here we go...

The weather turns -
Beginning Friday, a heatwave broke out (relatively speaking that is). The sun was a star and sweaters were considered but, ultimately found unnecessary. It was a weekend where I pondered how people are like plants; after winter's interminable dormancy, we stretch our necks out to the sun, unfurl our tendrils - leaf and bud and bloom...and begin to brush up against each other. Suddenly, a whole social scene comes to life. You got your birds, your bees; your flora and your fauna. It occurs to me that I may be taking this a bit too far. All I am saying is, everyone is out and about interacting and smiling at one another because the sun is shining.

Even yours truly, through some deviance of nature, was transformed from 'House Mouse' into social butterfly.

Which leads me to Confession #1 -
I confess, when it comes to social networks such as Facebook, I have a love-hate relationship. Wait, let's call it a fascination-trepidation kind of thing. Whilst I sometimes feel a bit silly about the whole thing, I have also had the opportunity to re-connect with old friends that otherwise would have been out of reach.

Which in turn leads me to long losts being found -
Through the slippery slope of Facebook, yes you guessed it, one of those long lost friends showed up. Plans were made, a meeting took place, and 13 years (give or take) is a lot to catch up on. We did our best and as I was driving home I felt so glad to have the chance to know him again.

When I got home from my meeting up, I found the Engineer on the front stoop sitting with 'The Quiet Bachelor', our across the street neighbor. Yes, the season has started. This is where we come over all neighborly - for the next night was spent with our neighbors to the side, in front of a fire pit, summer drinks in hand, and the lazy feeling of a backyard get-together settling in.

Sunday was Family Dinner alfresco. There was a gorgeous feast, a wild rumpus commenced, and of course frozen pops. Amidst all these goings on, in all of this summertime feeling...the days jovially skipped along. Which is what us leads to Confession #2 -

I am a terrible mother. I got so caught up in our 'Sunshine Family' weekend, that I completely forgot about the very big important end of the year school project that Pony Girl needed by Monday morning. As I write this, it is late Sunday night, the girl all tucked in and sleeping. So, if I'm up early and small miracles happen, she will wind up at school with a presentation of the basic facts and a doubtlessly shoddy diorama.

As we were cleaning up from our family dinner, the weather turned again, with thunder and lightening and of course, drops of rain.

Edited to add: It is now Monday afternoon and I can happily report that small miracles do indeed happen. Pony Girl went off to school with her project tucked under her arm, a trial run of the presentation under her belt, and a pair of pink feathered curly antennae atop her mop for good luck.

I am wishing you all your very own small miracles this week.

Today I am

2011-06-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Sorting through beautiful ribbons in happy colors.

Collecting a pile of pitching rocks at the back door to defend our ladies from rascally (not the word I wanted to say) raccoons. Two of the critters got a hold of our dear Fran and nearly tore her to bits! Fortunately I was quick on the draw and ran them off. Poor dear, she has a rather bunged up wing but seems to be otherwise alright.

Savoring going through a 'Big Box of Happy' from my mother (who is famous for her big boxes of happy); full of things that belonged to my Nanan. I love the primitive granite ware and crockery.

Gorgeous tea towels and pill box!

Today I am so glad to have my family all together in the little green cottage, with the sun beginning to break through the clouds!

How about you?

Hooray for a giveaway!

2011-06-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ooh, it's finally arrived! Issue #1 of Mollie Makes magazine arrived on my doorstep and I got to see it up close and personal at last! I must say, it looks wonderful and I am pleased as punch to have 2 tutorials in the first issue. Let me tell you, I am in amazing company, the mag is full of gorgeous photos and talented people. It even comes with a goody pouch, a free felt kit for making your very own groovy smart phone cover, how sweet!

The lovely folks at Mollie Makes sent along 2 extra copies for me to share with you, hooray! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to leave me a comment on this post telling me what lifts your spirits on a dreary day. The giveaway will be open until Tuesday June 7th and the winners will be announced Wednesday June 8th. I will ship anywhere! Make sure you leave me a way to contact you in case you are a lucky winner.

I'm off to get some things done for my little family returns this evening! Oh I am so looking forward to seeing them and giving them massive hugs!
Have a lovely day.

Hello Monday

2011-05-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

It's funny, as a busy mom I often wish I had a few quiet days to myself to get all my stuff done. Here I am with a few days alone and I have not accomplished one thing on my list. Instead I have gone to bed very early, watched a bunch of movies, and generally faffed about with little to show for it. That's ok though, apparently it is what I need. I am missing my little family but from what I hear, they are having a grand time.

I'm just popping in to tell you that I am being interrogated over here today. Janee of Yellow Bird Yellow Beard has invited me as a guest and I am so honored.

Oh, and I will be back on Wednesday with a very special giveaway! See you soon!

Empty Nest

2011-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

{Image source}
Late last night I took The Engineer and Pony Girl to the airport for their red-eye flight to the Midwest. This is the first time they have gone off without me and the house is very quiet indeed. They will be gone for 5 whole days. It was a bit of a last minute thing really. You see a little over a year ago, the Engineer had a rather bad accident with his hand. After all this time, it still has not healed correctly. I am not convinced that the doctors did the job as they should and I have been nagging him a bit to have it properly looked after.

Fortunately for us, The Engineer's father is an Orthopedic Surgeon, and a darn good one. So, He has gone "home" for a surgery and taken Pony Girl along to spend time with Grandparents, cousins, Uncles and Aunts. That leaves me here in the little green cottage to look after things.

I had a real proper sleep-in this morning, followed by a very leisurely coffee. Now, what to do with myself. The only real plan I have, is to give the cottage a good scrubbing today. Whilst this may not sound like a 'not a care in the world gal on her own' sort of activity, there is method to my madness. You see, if I do a good tidy now, I will be able to bask in the cleanliness for 5 whole days! Yes, perhaps I am a nutter, ah well.

I'm off now to take care of business. Have a lovely weekend all!

Cushion Love and Beautiful Bloggers

2011-05-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Look at this magical cushion that came in the post yesterday! It's from Jennie at A Little Vintage. As part of Vic's amazing cushion swap, I didn't know who was sending me my cushion cover. When it arrived I was just gobsmacked by the amount of work and detail that went into this gorgeous work of art. Bits of vintage fabric, lovely stitching, oh my! A truly magical cushion if ever there was one! I wish there were better light to photograph it's beauty. I am imagining it adorning a vintage wicker chair on a summer porch, wouldn't that be pretty? As I have no vintage wicker chair, nor a porch of any season, it now adorns my couch. Though I have had to retrieve it from Pony Girl's bed twice since it's arrival.

That is not where the story ends though, in fact this is the part that brought actual tears to my eyes and filled my heart with amazement at the beauty of bloggers in general, and the overwhelming kindness of Jennie in particular. In her note that accompanied the cushion, she mentioned that after reading my blog, she had to send something along for Pony Girl. And would you look at this!

I mean drop dead gorgeous AND there are horses on her dress!!! With special details just for Pony Girl, I really was completely overwhelmed by Jennie's generosity.

Thank you, thank you Jennie! You are an amazing talent and a lovely soul. Please pop by her shops and take a look at her creations!

Oh yes...
If that's not love, I don't know what is!

In The Garden

2011-05-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Living in the Pacific Northwest presents certain gardening challenges. It seems especially the last couple of years, or that could just be me getting old. In any case, we tend to grab moments as we can; when the sun shows up enough to turn our mud into workable soil. For us, there has always been "The Weekend" every year. The weekend when the weather is just right and we roll up our sleeves and accomplish great works in the yard.

Last weekend was it! The Engineer and I make a formidable team at times like this. As long as we have good, wholesome, (and might I say delicious) sustenance during the day, and ice cold home brewed beer at days end, we are a force to be reckoned with.

There was a fair amount of weeding, sprucing, mowing, and general tidying up. Then there was planting, this bit always makes me happy. Lettuce (our first batch got ate up by the chooks), tomatoes, peppers, lemon cucumber, arugula, eggplant, herbs and such.

We also completed planting our finally finished front rock wall bed. Looking forward to the filling out so our gas meter doesn't make such a bold statement. Why they put it there to begin with has me completely stumped.

We also managed a new chicken fence! I've been wanting this for ages. It isn't fancy but, it gives the girls a bit of open space to run, whilst keeping them from eating the neighbor's cat food, or our lettuce.

We started sod removal to make way for a new mixed bed. We picked up some reclaimed lumber for the back yard fence we hope to finish this summer. I also got to get a close look at what is growing in other parts of the garden. The cotton candy rhododendron has reached it's blooming zenith. The back yard border is in wild abandon, and I'm kind of enjoying that particular riot of foliage right now.

Yes indeed, much was accomplished and much left to do. It will have to wait, as the rain is back and the rumor is it's going to stay awhile.

Well, a little bird is chirping outside my window and it sounds very much like he is singing, "Thrifting, thrifting." I think a shall take his advice, a-thrifting I will go. Have a lovely day my friends!

Weekending

2011-05-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Guess where we went this weekend. No, it wasn't the deep green woods...

It was the beautiful downtown Portland Farmer's Market!

Oh how I love Ranunculus!

Asparagus of wonder!

Pretty peas.

Ruby red Rhubarb.

Cavorting Kohlrabi.

Colorful Clematis.

And of course, a rocking horse balloon hat!

It was lovely! Fortunately the rain held off until Sunday evening, so we were able to fit in a lot of gardening as well. I'll tell you more about that next time. I'm off to attack my Monday.

I hope you had a sweet weekend as well.

Thank you Mr. Sunshine

2011-05-20T10:49:00.001-07:00

The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and I can not bear to be inside at the computer. I have plants to plant, chickens to chase, a bicycle to ride...So until next week, I wish you all sunshine and flowers!

Unearthing

2011-05-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling that some of you, like me, have a pile, a drawer, a cupboard, a corner, or a box of unfinished projects hidden somewhere amongst your crafty things. Perhaps you have bits of knitting, crochet with undone ends, scraps of quilts, little soft creatures missing ears and eyes, shirts that have needed mending since 2005, some ambitious embroidery that has gone untended maybe?

I was down in my spidery lair in the basement (otherwise known as my "studio"), shifting things about, when I came across one such pile. Long forgotten stitching in various stages of completion, and I do mean forgotten, like completely. I found there, this sweet little toddler deer dress. It's only missing button holes and a hem, why on earth was it never finished? Is there a 4 year old out there that never received her 1st birthday gift from me? Well, the only thing for it is to finish it off and add it to the drawer of future gifts to give, or pop it in the shop.

I wonder what else I might find...

What might you have in your "Undone" pile?

Call Me

2011-05-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

It seems 'blogger' was having a few hiccups the last couple of days, let's hope it's all sorted out and we can get back to business!
And speaking of...I got down to the business of finishing up my cushion for Vic's - Punky and Me swap. I have to tell you, I was completely stuck for ideas for a while there. I was a wee bit worried until I just got over myself and decided to have fun with it. I had fun for sure with the theme of 'communication'!

and graphic prints, bold color play, and stitchery.

Hopefully, the recipient will enjoy it too.

If you want to see some more cushion goodness, check out the links at the end of this post.

I wish you a joyful weekend my friends!

In the works

2011-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick hello today, I'm busy with the work! Diligently applying myself to the details for Vic's cushion swap and the days are ticking by faster than I am comfortable with. I'll be sure to show you the end result after it's been popped in the post to it's new owner.

Since I'm here, I thought I might just give a little reminder that issue #1 of Mollie Makes Magazine is officially on sale in the UK tomorrow! I'm still waiting for my copies to get here! A little bird told me that I might have an extra copy coming my way that I can giveaway to one of you lovely folks at my shiny place here, so keep an eye out for that! And here is a peek at the official cover of issue #1!

If you are outside of the UK and would like to order a subscription, THIS LINK should help you do just that. Oh, and the latest info I have for the US news stand date is June 9th. The date for Australia arrival seems to be in July sometime, available at independent book stores and news sellers. Well, that should just about wrap it up for today.

See you soon!

Hello Monday

2011-05-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful weekend, how about you? I was rather spoiled with crepes for breakfast and a beautiful dinner for Mother's Day courtesy of the Engineer. We spent the day pottering about the garden, I was taken to the plant nursery and told to pick out some new plants, hooray! All in all a gorgeous day with the family.

Now it's Monday and I will admit that Mondays are hard. There's the weekly occupational therapy appointment for Pony Girl, then racing to school to make it there before lunch. Then racing home to clean up the shambles of our weekend frolicking. Then the mad dash for school pick up and grocery shopping and dinner making and homework and, and...then trying to fit in a blog post as well (which always ends up a bit iffy). Still, I can't complain, I have a sweet life and after yesterday's lovely time, it's all worth it!

Unfortunately for Barbie, yesterday's Spa Day did not turn out quite as she had imagined.

May your week be filled with smiles!

New Work

2011-05-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

A great big smooshy thank you to all you beautiful muses out there! All of your ideas and thoughts were wonderful. I now have a a whole big gorgeous list of makes for the future. I really loved Flaming Nora's idea for stitching me up some album cover art, that is so gonna happen! Colette told me to try my hand at something I've been wanting to for ages, and that is exactly what I did/am doing.

When you try something new you:
Make mistakes -
Learn a lot -
Possibly let some not-so-nice words escape your lips -
Have the satisfaction of being a bit brave to try something new -
Find out if it is something you want to do again...
...and yes, I do! In fact I'm just a-tizzy with the possibilities!

Thank you my friends, for helping to loose the cogs!

Care to try something new yourself? Have a wonderful weekend!

Calling all Muses

2011-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

I've made a lot of stuff in the last couple of years. Yet, I have been away from my making for over a month and it seems to have me flummoxed. I feel a bit stuck and need your help. What should I make? What do you want, what do you need, what would you like to see? Please be my muses and help inspire me. I'd appreciate it most greatly. Thank you.

Oh, and a correction: Monday's posted quote (turns out) can not be attributed to MLK Jr. I don't know the exact source but, I do still think the quote said what I wanted to say. Sorry for any confusion.

...

2011-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

‎"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The 'little sisters' and a big secret sneak peek revealed!

2011-04-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

I just happened to be about in the outer limits of my city when I recalled a certain thrifty spot I had long ago discovered. I thought that since I was not often in this neck of the woods, I ought to take advantage and have a wee perusal. As I sidled up and down aisles my hopes were slipping for there was nothing of note in sight, not a pillow case, not the red enamel pot I had imagined, nor any handbag of interest...I was just about to throw in the towel and call it a wash. Then, as I shuffled past the shelves of wooden misfits, I spied a flash of red coming from under a heavily lacquered burl-wood clock. "What's this?" thought I.

"OH, Hello little one I like you a lot, what's that you say, your sister?" Oh goodness me oh my - at the opposite end of the aisle there she lay, a bit befuddled behind a rather ugly breakfast tray. "Yes, you two will be coming home with me for certain! Now what was that you said about some babies, or was it pets? Can you speak above a whisper? No matter, I will see what I can do. By jove, I think I've spotted them!" And we all walked purposefully up to the register and paid the little money required, then all of the 'little sisters' and I went straight away home for a bit of clean up and a tea party!

Over tea I told them of my super secret, super exciting news. It was such a treat to able to tell somebody! We discussed it and decided that it was time to share it with you all and to give a sneak peek!

Mollie Makes is a new craft magazine coming out of the UK and Lola (yours truly) is in it! I am a bit beside myself with excitement! I have also come to find out that my dear friend Tif, Dottie Angel, will have a spread of her own in the magazine, so you know I am in good company. There is no doubt a gaggle of gifted folks sure to show up on the pages of this very pretty publication.

The magazine is due out in the UK May 12th and in the US June 9th. Mollie Makes will be available at Barnes and Noble and Joannes here in the states. If you go over to the Mollie Makes blog, you can order 3 issues for £5 for you in the UK. If you want to find out the latest, checkout their Facebook Page. Goodness, I'm so glad I am able to share the news, I was ready to burst! I am anxiously awaiting my very own copy.

I am wishing you all a very sweet weekend!

Start the Bidding!

2011-04-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I recently found myself part of 'The Project Committee for The Night of Magic School Auction for Room 4.' Yes, a rather long-winded title for a Kindergarten Committee but, there you have it. It fell to a few of us Mums to come up with a project that involved creations from the kiddos that would be a biddable item in the school fundraising auction. There were meetings for brainstorming, ideas discussed, planning for work times, canvassing for donations, and then the actual making of the thing. It was fun, it was hard, I learned a lot.

As it was the first time on such a committee for all of us moms, we were sort of flying by the seat of our pants and crossing our fingers that this would all come out in the end.

We started off with the kids painting tiles with images of flowers. One of the moms took the tiles to be fired in a kiln. What happy bright tiles we ended up with! Next came a vintage door - onto which the tiles were set and grouted. Some of us pilfered our leftovers from home improvement projects for extra tiles to fill in (there's a bit of our shower tile in there!). The door was then given a fresh coat of paint and a vintage door knob for fun.

Then, the planter box was designed and beautifully made by The Engineer (well done dear!) It turned out so great, I am quite pleased for there were a few 'iffy' moments along the way.

But for the kid's tiles, the project was made with all reclaimed materials. Now it is off to the auction for Friday night!

I must thank all the moms who put in the time and hard work to help create this unique piece of art. And of course, many thanks to the very crafty Engineer who was volunteered by me without his knowledge!

I would also like to give a little mention to the wonderful businesses who donated materials - without them this would not have come together. So thank you...
The Rebuilding Center
Salvage Works
Miller Paint
Pistils Nursery

Now, I am off for a cuppa and a sigh of relief that this is one project ticked off the list. Have a lovely day!

Aftermath

2011-04-25T10:36:00.001-07:00

The carnage was epic.

The bounty was huge.

All of us bunnies are recovering.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Things I can't do

2011-04-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was catching up with a friend on the phone the other day, we were trading our current goings-on and I told her of my latest projects, school mum what-nots, my diabolical plan for home made energy bars. That is when she jokingly asked me, "Is there anything you can't do?" I've been asked this before and it makes me feel awkward. I'm never quite sure how the question is intended. Are you asking me this sincerely, is it a compliment of sorts, or is it an obtusely veiled snarky comment? How does one answer such a question, is an answer needed, it is rhetorical yes? One thing I do know, it is blatantly clear that I over think things. I also know my friend was just chatting along as we do, with no ill thought whatsoever, still...

It got me to thinking...

Well, of course there are lots of things I can not do.
I also imagine, there are lots of things that I can do.
Let's make a little game of it, let's name a few of the things I can't do. Also, let's name some of the things I can - do.

For example:

I can't - fly a 747 airplane. Although, I don't know if that is strictly true as I have never tried. It is entirely possible that I can fly a plane if only given the chance.

I can - can. I have been making my own jams, preserves, canned veg and fruit etc. for years. I have taught the engineer to can, we are teaching Pony girl to can, so we all can - can.

Well, you get the idea.

Things I can do but would rather not:
I can change a flat tire on my car, on a blind curve, in the pouring rain, in a party dress and heels.

I can make meatloaf. And it's really good, if you like meatloaf, which I do not.

I can hem your trousers.

Things I can't do but feel no pressing need to do:
I can not do advanced calculus.

I can not climb Mt. Everest. ok, this one is a bit tricky because I do have that "You can do anything you set your mind to" belief but the truth is, I have set my mind to no such thing besides, in my current physical condition, it would mean certain shame if not certain death.

I can not name all the US presidents in chronological order.

Things I can do that are quirky and that I am strangely proud of:
I can make a decent meal out of a practically nothing. Why just last night I turned an old potato, and a bit of stale cheese into a fine dinner. It's a gift.

I can talk to anyone. I can commiserate with old timers, I can curse with sailors, I can make friends with farmers, I can pontificate with philosophy majors, I can harmonize with hippies, I can space out with UFO abductees, I can discourse with delinquents, I can gossip with gilded Lilies, I can converse with cowboys and criminals. Yup! And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Whilst I am strangely proud of this quirky can-do, it can feel like a curse, as I am far less talented at extricating myself from these conversations.

I can fish. In fact, I am a rather decent fisher-woman.

Things I can not do but wish that I could:
I can't Speak a second language. While I do have very limited recall of my 8th grade Spanish class and my High School French, none of it seems particularly useful. I don't know when "I am a cat, I don't like to work." would be appropriate conversation in Mexico. However, if I were in France, I could ask everyone I see, "Do you have a red sweater?"

I can't Surf. My brother has been a surfer since we were small, he never taught me. I would love to know how to surf, how cool would that be?

I definitely can ramble on and on about things I can and can't do but, I'm done for now.

How about you?

Little Wing

2011-04-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

The sun has graced us these last couple of days, sprouts are shooting up out of the ground, flowers are blooming, and butterflies are arriving! I have been capturing them in bell jars, framing them in old wood, and meditating on their transformational nature. I am ready for a change.

We have been host to a sudden pilgrimage of old friends from far flung ports, all arriving at the same time as the butterflies. There has been feasting, conversation, outdoor games and all manner of goings on.

Pony Girl has been chasing winged creatures from the seat of her pink streamer bedecked bicycle, practicing the difficult brake + steering maneuvers, only one training wheel whispering along the ground while the rest of her seems to take flight.

Oh, and there have been plantings, both of the edible and the decorative. Such a good feeling to get that gritty soil under my fingernails, so much promise in the act of putting something growing into the ground. Peas, potatoes, lettuces, greens, herbs, grasses, lavenders, and what will be legendary gargantuan Sunflowers! Oh happy sun, wont you make yourself at home for a while?

Would you like to capture some butterflies of your own? Here's how:
Simply look with your best butterfly spotting spectacles, you can often find them flitting about "google images". Once you have spied your most favorite 'little wings' you can print them onto card stock. You may, as I did, take colored pencils and markers to their wings for a bit of a gussy. For the framed lovelies, I stuck on a bit of tape to the backside and attached them to some tacks. For butterflies under glass, tape a thread to the critter and then to the lid of the jar to create a suspended beauty.

Happy day to you!

Comfort Food

2011-04-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ah, the rediscovery of an old favorite! Perfect for a rainy day; comfort food that is healthful and satisfying.

Baked Tofu Pesto Sandwich with a salad of mixed greens, pears and walnuts. Delicious!

Want to make it? The recipe is Vegan but I can assure you that meat eaters like it too.

*Baked Tofu Recipe:
1 block (package) firm tofu
1/3 cup vegetable stock
3 Tablespoons Soy sauce
1 Tablespoon dark sesame oil
2 teaspoons brown sugar, or honey, or brown rice syrup
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Drain and rinse the tofu. Cut into 6 equal slabs. Place the tofu on a clean folded tea towel on a flat surface. Cover with another folded tea towel and place a cutting board or other flat object (cookie sheet) on top. Place a moderate weight on the board (a heavy pot or canned food items) and leave to drain for 30 minutes.

In a baking dish just large enough to hold the tofu, stir together the remaining ingredients. When the tofu has drained, place the slabs in the baking dish with the marinade in a single layer. Place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Turn the tofu pieces over half way through the marinating time.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn the tofu over and cook for an additional 30 minutes. The liquid should be completely absorbed and the tofu should have a nice dark "crust."
You can eat this immediately or it keeps in the fridge for a few days.
*Recipe adapted from The Complete Vegan Cookbook by Hadler & Toomay.

To make the sandwich I use a sprouted grain english muffin that is hearty and delicious but, you can use a roll or bread of your choice.
I toast my bread, spread with pesto (I am not including a recipe for pesto since there are thousands available, easy to find if you don't already have your own recipe). Add the baked tofu, a thick slice of a good tomato, some avocado and ta da!
Other additions that are tasty: Sweet bell pepper, sprouts, grated carrot, lettuce, etc.

I paired this with a nice salad of mixed baby greens, sliced pear, and walnuts with a simple vinaigrette.

Yum!

This Week

2011-04-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

This week I'm borrowing from this lovely lady. Though I am late on the uptake, I still think I can make it work.

This week I am going with light duty on the blog. I am in need of a good catch up with chores and such. I've been a bit under the weather, I am frightfully behind. So, if I haven't come visiting, or I owe you an email...have patience wont you?

This week I am going to get my calendar out, make some lists, set some goals and look ahead.

This week I am going to choose the last three songs for the album.

This week I am going to make Pony Girl a journal to put her stories and songs in (a clever way to get her to work on handwriting and words).

I had better get started as we are already 2 days in to this week!
What are you getting up to this week?

Scrapped

2011-04-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my weekend project, part of it anyhow. There is more, in bags, on shelves, strewn on the tables and floor of my studio, and coming out of my ears. Scraps, loads of scraps, mountains of scraps. They are taking over...what to do? Organize, purge, make the craziest quilt ever? Hmmmm...

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is, I wish you all the best!

Edit: There was an issue with comments not being available earlier. Thanks to Sherri, this has been fixed!

The Reveal

2011-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Whist I lack a certain finesse in the haircutting department, she has refused my attempts to make it come over all even. She has also scoffed at my suggestion of calling in a professional to "do a little clean up". She claims it is perfect, that I am indeed a great hair cutter, in fact, as she looked in the mirror at her new 'Do', she turned and pointed at me me saying, "You The Mama!"
I think she was just a little light headed.

Engineer's got a brand new bag

2011-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

I first heard of Wood & Faulk when I spied a piece on Matt, the man behind Wood & Faulk, over on the sfgirlbybay Blog. You can read the piece HERE. It just so happens that Wood & Faulk is located here in Portland, actually just up the street from me.

When I saw the Wood & Faulk Carpenter's Bags, I knew I had to get one for the Engineer. Matt was very helpful when I contacted him, reassuring me his bags were definitely made for the craftsman, for the heavy duty carrying of tools. So, I ordered one as a late birthday present.

It's a thing of beauty this bag. Made wonderfully and just the right thing for transporting all of the Engineer's special hand tools. There is one tiny problem, I wanted to keep it for myself.

It's a great feeling to buy a well crafted piece from a local artist.

Wood & Faulk also has a cool blog to check out, with the tag line, "Documentation of experiments, style and craft." Go have a look see.

The Mother - Daughter Paradigm

2011-04-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

I was very, very brave.

She was fearless.

Thrifted Thursday

2011-03-31T09:53:00.001-07:00

It's been a rather barren couple of months in the thrifty treasure department around here. I haven't been going to my local haunts much, and when I have given in to the impulse, there hasn't been anything to get excited about. I have walked out empty-handed more often than not. Still, there are a few little things I have collected that I am quite pleased with.

These lovely blue glass canning jars, complete with lids that have the unbroken glass inside...very rare to find that these days. And this super cool old industrial looking hand-held lamp, quite "Steampunk" if you ask me. The curved handle is made from wood and it has a great feel to it.

I had been wanting a food dehydrator for some time. This one in "mint" condition came home with me for a mere $5! The dried apples came out perfect! We used 'Honey Crisp' apples and they have a wonderful flavor when dried.

Then I came across a pile of these! I started collecting 'The Family Creative Workshop' Series last year. They are these awesome craft/art/self-reliant type books from the 70's and they rock! The information and how-tos they contain are varied and fascinating really. I now have over half of the series, hooray!

If ever the rain stops falling...it should be close to yard sale season soon. I wonder what treasures may await. Until then, what has been your favorite find of late?

Spanish monks can not keep a secret

2011-03-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

And for that, I thank them.

Of course we must thank the Aztecs for chocolate, also acknowledge Columbus, and er...while I don't particularly feel like thanking Cortez for anything, he certainly realized that chocolate was the next big thing.

The Spanish aristocracy was smitten. Spain wisely and quietly began planting cacao in its overseas colonies, which gave birth to a very profitable business. Remarkably enough, the Spanish succeeded in keeping the art of the cocoa industry a secret from the rest of Europe for nearly a hundred years. Cheeky tarts!

So there were these Spanish monks see, who had been consigned to process the cacao beans for the mucky-mucks profiteering. After a night of feasting on chocolate and partaking of aged spirits - I can't say this is exactly how it happened but, it's how I like to imagine it - they got a little chatty with some fellows from the nearby village and spilled the beans. Once the secret was out, chocolate was on everyone's lips.

When The Engineer's folks were here last, my mother in-law spent an afternoon with me showing me how to make chocolates. It was so much fun, and now I have a rather fantastic (possibly dangerous) skill to add to my repertoire.

We made hand rolled truffles with different coatings. The toasted almond were my personal favorite. I don't know that I will ever become a master at the rolling of the truffles, apparently I have hot hands. These 'hot hands' of mine melt the chocolate too rapidly and it all becomes a rather slippery, misshapen mess. Perhaps if I could find me some temperature controlled gloves...anyway they may have looked a little funny but they tasted lovely.

Nancy brought along some chocolate molds and we set about making chocolate cherries, how fancy is that?

At the end there was some chocolate left, and there were strawberries. I'm certain you would have come to the same conclusion we did.

Thank you so much Nancy! What a sweet and messy happy afternoon. You can also be sure that I have been dreaming up new flavors and experiments in my mind for days now.
I have a feeling a few of you who have managed it to the end of this post, are now quietly making your way to the pantry just to check, you know, in case you might need a bit of chocolate for later.

Think good thoughts

2011-03-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Monday, I am so pleased to begin a new week. A week of thinking good thoughts, healing thoughts, grateful thoughts.
Speaking of...I deeply appreciated all the kind comments you left me. They truly made my family and I feel cared for. Thank you.

Now that it is a new week, I can share with you a moment of sweetness from a certain 6 year old's party. She had such a grand time! We crammed our itty bitty cottage full of kids and grown ups. I think everyone had a nice time. There was mask making with feathers and glue (a very big hit). The sun came out long enough for the wigglies to run and chase chooks as well as each other. And of course there was cake.

I used the recipe from this blog post with yellow tinted whipped cream as frosting and topped with fresh strawberries. It was lovely and light and gone in record time.

And there was that yellow dress...well, it's mostly yellow.

Made from a sweet vintage seersucker with wee raspberries on it. The fabric was from my mother; it had apparently been biding it's time patiently in my cabinet for a few years for just this moment; the moment that Pony Girl declared her yen for yellow!

When asked how it felt to be 6, Pony Girl replied in a surprisingly world weary tone, "Old."

I will be back with more good thoughts, good stuff, healing stuff, grateful stuff...
That's right, it's all about chocolate!