Saturday, June 07, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Yup, I still remember how to b*tch
I don't know why but the past few days I've been really agitated. I had a glass of wine and a bubble bath the other night to think about it. I do my best thinking with a glass of wine in hand. All I really came up with was a slight feeling of rejection from someone. Not a big deal, probably unjustified and something that I will get over soon. It wasn't enough to justify the snappy, crabby, pessimistic bitty I had become. Its not even close to Demon Week, so that's not it. It could be that Day Out has been closed for it's two week Spring Vacation, but Gryffin and I have had fun together so I doubt it. I can't figure it out so I will just chalk it up to a chemical imbalance and maybe this hot, muggy weather. Or I could blame it on the old egg-donor for old time's sake.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Lets see if I still remember how to do this.
I know, I know, I've neglected all of my three faithful readers. Sorry, I've either been too busy or too tired. Things have settled down to a more tolerable speed so I'm back.
Gypsy Caravan went well. Other than the morning weather. Nothing brings three women closer than a 10x10 tent chocked full of crafty wares and a thunderstorm. A couple hours in and the rain cleared, the people came and my wallet filled. I actually made enough to cover two weeks worth of bills and expenses! Yippee!
This past Saturday night we decided to have a party. It was a lot of fun, a rousing game of Yahtzee and our neighbor breaking two (yes, two) of our dining room chairs. Unintentionally, of course. I wasn't heart broken, I hate the set and its only rarely used. But it does make me lament not buying the set at Gypsy Caravan I fell in love with. Cafeteria chairs from the sixties in metal and yellow melamine. Oh well.
We closed on the house next door without any issues. The current owners stopped by Saturday for a little bit and left after not making the best impression. Some were a little taken aback when the new owner made a comment comparing the color I used to have her new/my old living room painted and a brothel. She's young and seems to think she's from 'The Big City' of St Louis. Maybe it was only nervousness, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and not hold it against her. Can't say the same for the other neighbors that were aghast at her comment though.
Gypsy Caravan went well. Other than the morning weather. Nothing brings three women closer than a 10x10 tent chocked full of crafty wares and a thunderstorm. A couple hours in and the rain cleared, the people came and my wallet filled. I actually made enough to cover two weeks worth of bills and expenses! Yippee!
This past Saturday night we decided to have a party. It was a lot of fun, a rousing game of Yahtzee and our neighbor breaking two (yes, two) of our dining room chairs. Unintentionally, of course. I wasn't heart broken, I hate the set and its only rarely used. But it does make me lament not buying the set at Gypsy Caravan I fell in love with. Cafeteria chairs from the sixties in metal and yellow melamine. Oh well.
We closed on the house next door without any issues. The current owners stopped by Saturday for a little bit and left after not making the best impression. Some were a little taken aback when the new owner made a comment comparing the color I used to have her new/my old living room painted and a brothel. She's young and seems to think she's from 'The Big City' of St Louis. Maybe it was only nervousness, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and not hold it against her. Can't say the same for the other neighbors that were aghast at her comment though.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Day before the storm
Today is my last day to sew. I still have to figure prices for everything, pack it and load it up. Needless to say, I'm nervous and stressed and ready to burst. Oh and I have to figure out a way to get a lot of ones and fives from twenties when all the banks are closed. I'm brilliant.
Wish me luck and pray the weather isn't whats predicted.
Wish me luck and pray the weather isn't whats predicted.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Rock On, Gryffin!
Last night was Gryffin's Spring Concert at Day Out. I was a little disappointed that there were no superhero punches or web shooting at the audience. Only occasional singing and yelling, "Grandma, Grandma!". He was on the end of the risers, right next to his teacher (coincidence? I think not). Later talking with her, she said all he kept doing through the concert was telling her that he saw his Grandma, Mom and Dad in the crowd and kept pointing us out to her. Nice to know the kid still likes to be associated with us. We better enjoy that while it lasts.
We tried to get pictures but couldn't get a seat close enough thanks to people saving entire rows of chairs. The entire row! Good for their family being proud of the kid but really folks, its rude and it makes me want to throw Swedish meatballs at you. Then there was the lady that I wanted to shoot spit wads at because although she sat right in the middle of the gym she insisted on standing up a bazillion times.
Those people couldn't ruin the pride and joy I took in knowing my kid is/was/and always will be the most awesome kid ever. He was really well behaved, happy and all smiles all night. I love that little pickle weasel.
We tried to get pictures but couldn't get a seat close enough thanks to people saving entire rows of chairs. The entire row! Good for their family being proud of the kid but really folks, its rude and it makes me want to throw Swedish meatballs at you. Then there was the lady that I wanted to shoot spit wads at because although she sat right in the middle of the gym she insisted on standing up a bazillion times.
Those people couldn't ruin the pride and joy I took in knowing my kid is/was/and always will be the most awesome kid ever. He was really well behaved, happy and all smiles all night. I love that little pickle weasel.
Monday, May 19, 2008
T minus seven days
One week from today is not only Memorial Day but Gypsy Caravan. The event that I've been working up to for two months now. All my bitching and mindless banter will be over then. Ok, not really but at least the subject might change.
This week is dedicated to sewing, sewing and oh yes- sewing. I had planned to get some done over the weekend but it was just too nice outside.
Oh and did I mention, the closing for the spare house is Friday! I'm so excited to get it over with. I still miss our little house next door but I've had enough time to mourn. I've moved on- literally & figuratively. I look forward to being able to put our taste and touches into our current house. We are truly blessed.
This week is dedicated to sewing, sewing and oh yes- sewing. I had planned to get some done over the weekend but it was just too nice outside.
Oh and did I mention, the closing for the spare house is Friday! I'm so excited to get it over with. I still miss our little house next door but I've had enough time to mourn. I've moved on- literally & figuratively. I look forward to being able to put our taste and touches into our current house. We are truly blessed.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Anxiety and Thanks-A-Go-Go
Mike convinced me to buy a new sewing machine. I love him for it (and many other reasons too). As Pop would say, I got a 'smokin' deal'. An almost $600 Brother for $140! This baby has more features than I will probably ever use but hey, they are there if the wild hair tickles.
It runs so much smoother and quieter than my little Mini does. I'll miss my little smurf of a sewing machine as it will be relegated to a backup.
Thank you's: Mike for encouraging me, Beqi for mentoring me, Granny for my first sewing machine and Gryffin for being comedic relief.
My first craft show is next weekend and I am nervous. Nervous about all the work I still have left to do, about hocking my wares, pricing them right, the weather, etc. Yeah, I know I'm over reacting. That's just me, I'll get over it.
It runs so much smoother and quieter than my little Mini does. I'll miss my little smurf of a sewing machine as it will be relegated to a backup.
Thank you's: Mike for encouraging me, Beqi for mentoring me, Granny for my first sewing machine and Gryffin for being comedic relief.
My first craft show is next weekend and I am nervous. Nervous about all the work I still have left to do, about hocking my wares, pricing them right, the weather, etc. Yeah, I know I'm over reacting. That's just me, I'll get over it.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Not exactly Sleeping Beauty
Ok, you know its a bad night when you finally fall asleep you have dreams about not being able to go to sleep. Then when you wake up you wonder if you were ever asleep in the first place. It is my own fault though. I have gone two days without my night time meds.
All my life I've had sleep problems. My mind races as soon as I go horizontal. I can fall asleep but can't stay that way for more than 20-30 minutes. In college my room mates used to tease me because I was the only college student ever that spent 10 hours in bed every day. 10 hours in bed would get me about 6 or 7 hours of sleep. I would try everything from going to bed exhausted to warm milk, nothing.
Today I'm getting my Rx refilled so that I can have a good nights sleep tonight.
All my life I've had sleep problems. My mind races as soon as I go horizontal. I can fall asleep but can't stay that way for more than 20-30 minutes. In college my room mates used to tease me because I was the only college student ever that spent 10 hours in bed every day. 10 hours in bed would get me about 6 or 7 hours of sleep. I would try everything from going to bed exhausted to warm milk, nothing.
Today I'm getting my Rx refilled so that I can have a good nights sleep tonight.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Dancin' that Bag-A-Go-Go (again)
Nothing says summer like hot pink and lime green argyle. The fabric really isn't wonky and uneven. I was just in a hurry to take pictures.
This drawstring ditty is covered in a music theme print. I had to buy it because the drummer has a Mohawk. The inside is lined with a flying heart tattoo print.
Same style as the argyle but a little less wild.
This is another Big Ass Market Bag.
This drawstring ditty is covered in a music theme print. I had to buy it because the drummer has a Mohawk. The inside is lined with a flying heart tattoo print.
Same style as the argyle but a little less wild.
This is another Big Ass Market Bag.Behind it is my ever expanding rack. Yeah, yeah, I know that can be taken out of context.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
DL on doop rug and other assorted crap
Update on the doop rug, because I know you all are wondering, Mike took the power washer to it and it looks good as new.
I've been sewing and sewing and swearing and sewing. Since yesterday I've finished ten bags. My brain is fried, my fingers hurt and my poor little sewing machine is starting to throw temper tantrums. I've packed it up for today, he deserves a break and so do I.
For some reason I just can't seem to concentrate today. There has been an aura of anxiety over my head and I know what its caused by but really can't do much about it, except pray. So that is what I've been doing. On and off, God is probably really getting sick of me bugging him that's what He gets for being an all-powerful power.
I've been sewing and sewing and swearing and sewing. Since yesterday I've finished ten bags. My brain is fried, my fingers hurt and my poor little sewing machine is starting to throw temper tantrums. I've packed it up for today, he deserves a break and so do I.
For some reason I just can't seem to concentrate today. There has been an aura of anxiety over my head and I know what its caused by but really can't do much about it, except pray. So that is what I've been doing. On and off, God is probably really getting sick of me bugging him that's what He gets for being an all-powerful power.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Hurt with no regrets
I should have written this post yesterday when events were fresh in my mind and I could describe every moment but alas, I opted for a nap instead.
Saturday night Mike and I had the rare opportunity to go out like adults and party like kids. Our friend Beqi's band was playing at a biker bar, along with several other bands. I don't know what was better the music or the people watching. Ok, it was the music; although, the people watching was immensely entertaining.
First up was Beqi's band, Devil Baby Freakshow, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=149237244. I hope I do it justice but I can only describe it as the bastard child of punk, rockabilly and blues, with tapdancing. They are quite a show for eyes and ears. Next on was Bitch Slap Barbie, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGh5gha-0Qg&mode=related&search=a punk band. It was the first time I'd seen them but since our table was infront of a stack of speakers I'm still hearing them. Federation of Horsepower, http://www.myspace.com/federationofhorsepower came next. They were a rock band from KC and although the lead singer looked a little like Jabba the Hut meats Metallica, a guitarist that looked like one of the Allman brothers, a drummer with a Foo Man Choo and another guitarist that Beqi and I thought looked like a monkey, they played some damn fine music. Last but certainly not least was The Trip Daddys, http://www.tripdaddys.com/, a rockabilly band. They were awesome.
Beqi and I danced until our feet and legs could no longer hold us up. I learned that no matter how cute the new shoes are, don't wear them dancing. But come on, peep toe platforms in a black and bronze satin brocade with an ankle strap? The pain was worth it, I looked good.
It was an awesome time, much needed, much deserved by all of us.
Saturday night Mike and I had the rare opportunity to go out like adults and party like kids. Our friend Beqi's band was playing at a biker bar, along with several other bands. I don't know what was better the music or the people watching. Ok, it was the music; although, the people watching was immensely entertaining.
First up was Beqi's band, Devil Baby Freakshow, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=149237244. I hope I do it justice but I can only describe it as the bastard child of punk, rockabilly and blues, with tapdancing. They are quite a show for eyes and ears. Next on was Bitch Slap Barbie, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGh5gha-0Qg&mode=related&search=a punk band. It was the first time I'd seen them but since our table was infront of a stack of speakers I'm still hearing them. Federation of Horsepower, http://www.myspace.com/federationofhorsepower came next. They were a rock band from KC and although the lead singer looked a little like Jabba the Hut meats Metallica, a guitarist that looked like one of the Allman brothers, a drummer with a Foo Man Choo and another guitarist that Beqi and I thought looked like a monkey, they played some damn fine music. Last but certainly not least was The Trip Daddys, http://www.tripdaddys.com/, a rockabilly band. They were awesome.
Beqi and I danced until our feet and legs could no longer hold us up. I learned that no matter how cute the new shoes are, don't wear them dancing. But come on, peep toe platforms in a black and bronze satin brocade with an ankle strap? The pain was worth it, I looked good.
It was an awesome time, much needed, much deserved by all of us.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A Day Off
Thats what I've got whether I like it or not. Thanks to the wonky weather 'round these parts my arthritis has decided not to let me sew. Its mainly in my left hand so if you see any typos its because I'm typing with one hand.
Today is Fair Shares day, as is every Wednesday. Its nice to have a food co-op every week instead of every month like the last one I was involved in. Also unlike the last Fair Shares food doesn't seem to have fallen off the back of a truck. Can you imagine having locally grown meat, locally roasted coffee, locally made jams, jellies, peanut butter and syrup? Not mention locally grown veggies? This is only the second week and I am hooked. Plus its fun to be a little surprised, kind of like getting a goody bag of food every week. Many of the ingredients I've never cooked with because I could never justify paying the full price in a supermarket. This way, I pay less and I pay the farmer- not the processor.
Today is Fair Shares day, as is every Wednesday. Its nice to have a food co-op every week instead of every month like the last one I was involved in. Also unlike the last Fair Shares food doesn't seem to have fallen off the back of a truck. Can you imagine having locally grown meat, locally roasted coffee, locally made jams, jellies, peanut butter and syrup? Not mention locally grown veggies? This is only the second week and I am hooked. Plus its fun to be a little surprised, kind of like getting a goody bag of food every week. Many of the ingredients I've never cooked with because I could never justify paying the full price in a supermarket. This way, I pay less and I pay the farmer- not the processor.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sneek a peek!
These are bangle bags. The bracelets hang the bag from your wrist. They're the perfect size for a night out. The 'tattoos' are appliqued.
This is a wristlet. Another bag perfect for a night out on the town.
This bag will be a one of a kind because 1. the heavy interfacing is expensive
2. I'm bad at button hole stitches
3. it was a bitch to do
This is my Big Ass Market Bag. Designed for those who don't believe in plastic grocery/shopping bags but do believe in being stylish.
This is the bag opened up all the way. This thing could hold a small village!I've made many, many more recently, not to mention the headbands I'm doing- 3 so far completed and close to 20 cut out. Yup, I'm pooped.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Bippety, boppety, bags!
Yesterday I finished two and made three. That's five altogether! Two were even original designs. Sounds fancy but it ain't.
One I made to take to a birthday party we are attending this evening at a bowling alley. It has a vintage inspired bowling print. I thought it would make for a good conversation starter and look totally awesome with the dress I plan on wearing. I think I may even try to take pics of all my bags and make a quick little catalogue to bring too. Just in case.
Hmmm, sounds like I might have some work to do today. Better get cracking!
One I made to take to a birthday party we are attending this evening at a bowling alley. It has a vintage inspired bowling print. I thought it would make for a good conversation starter and look totally awesome with the dress I plan on wearing. I think I may even try to take pics of all my bags and make a quick little catalogue to bring too. Just in case.
Hmmm, sounds like I might have some work to do today. Better get cracking!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Holy underpants, Batman!
There is so much I could blog about, Gryffin's birthday, open house on the spare house this weekend, all the many, many bags I've completed the past couple days, our first food co-op pickup yesterday, etc. I get tired just thinking about all the coals we have in the burner right now.
So, I will blog about underwear. Yes, underwear. As in the pair of big-boy Spiderman under pants my son is wearing at the moment. The Farmer's Almanac gave today (and this week) as the best time to start potty training. We have already started but haven't been sticklers, but I figured if hundred's of years of tracking, planning, star charts and prophesy can guide the farmer's, it can guide us too. And this way if things don't work out it's not mine or Gryffin's fault, its theirs.
So, I will blog about underwear. Yes, underwear. As in the pair of big-boy Spiderman under pants my son is wearing at the moment. The Farmer's Almanac gave today (and this week) as the best time to start potty training. We have already started but haven't been sticklers, but I figured if hundred's of years of tracking, planning, star charts and prophesy can guide the farmer's, it can guide us too. And this way if things don't work out it's not mine or Gryffin's fault, its theirs.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Semi-sober cooking with Sandra Lush
What happens when you start to make the icing for your son's birthday cupcakes at 9pm the night before? Let's just say, it ain't pretty.
I made butter cream frosting. It looked at tasted like butter, but not good butter.
Now I'm on to cream cheese frosting. I really hope I don't screw it up too.
I went and checked Food TV online for quick frosting recipes and was aghast at the results. Almost all of them that came up were from Sandra Lee. SANDRA LEE people! If all it takes is to open a box, can or jar to get your own show- sign me up! I can easily fake cook, decorate a table and make drinks even a desperate alcoholic wouldn't touch because they were too froo-froo. I was looking for icing recipes and they listed canned icing as an INGREDIENT!
Now maybe its just because its past my bedtime, I'm PMS-ing and didn't get a nap but when making icing, canned icing should be nowhere in the recipe. Enough bitching, I'm pouring a glass of wine and diving into making the cream cheese frosting. Then its on to royal icing for the decorating which I've so wisely chosen to do in the morning (after coffee).
I made butter cream frosting. It looked at tasted like butter, but not good butter.
Now I'm on to cream cheese frosting. I really hope I don't screw it up too.
I went and checked Food TV online for quick frosting recipes and was aghast at the results. Almost all of them that came up were from Sandra Lee. SANDRA LEE people! If all it takes is to open a box, can or jar to get your own show- sign me up! I can easily fake cook, decorate a table and make drinks even a desperate alcoholic wouldn't touch because they were too froo-froo. I was looking for icing recipes and they listed canned icing as an INGREDIENT!
Now maybe its just because its past my bedtime, I'm PMS-ing and didn't get a nap but when making icing, canned icing should be nowhere in the recipe. Enough bitching, I'm pouring a glass of wine and diving into making the cream cheese frosting. Then its on to royal icing for the decorating which I've so wisely chosen to do in the morning (after coffee).
Friday, April 18, 2008
Latest & Greatest
OK, maybe that is an exaggeration, but here are the two bags I finished today!
This one is an embroidered denim with a hot pink lining.
This one is my favorite. Its huge, the geisha print looks awesome with the bamboo handles. Its lined with black. This one would be perfect for knitters, it can hold lots of yarn, needles, projects and even a book or two!
The rack they are hanging from I got today. Its a double rack, industrial strength with chunky wheels that I picked up for cheap. I'm having Mike cut a piece of wood for the bottom so that I can put my plastic bins full of bags, headbands and aprons and not have to carry a damn thing!
Shake, rattle and roll
Which is exactly what I did last night. We were hit with a 5.4 earthquake. I don't see any real damage, but at 8 am my eyes aren't trustworthy. My consciousness doesn't start until 9, after I've finished my coffee.
I was laying on the couch around 4:30 this morning when things started to move. I thought that either Granny's ghost was pulling funny pranks or we were having an earthquake. I'm very familiar with earthquake like activity. As a kid we lived very close to a rock quarry that would set off explosions every day around noon. It would shake the house, occasionally knock pictures off the wall ad always make me wonder if the house was going to fall apart. It was close to it even without the shaking.
Last night after things settled down I tried to go back to sleep but wondering whether it was Granny or an earthquake kept me awake. You joke, but I'm serious. I fell back to sleep just in time for Mike to kiss me goodbye and tell me that Gryffin had (yet again) crept into our bed and was still in there. I'm definitely going to need a nap today as I was also up late last night working on purses.
I was laying on the couch around 4:30 this morning when things started to move. I thought that either Granny's ghost was pulling funny pranks or we were having an earthquake. I'm very familiar with earthquake like activity. As a kid we lived very close to a rock quarry that would set off explosions every day around noon. It would shake the house, occasionally knock pictures off the wall ad always make me wonder if the house was going to fall apart. It was close to it even without the shaking.
Last night after things settled down I tried to go back to sleep but wondering whether it was Granny or an earthquake kept me awake. You joke, but I'm serious. I fell back to sleep just in time for Mike to kiss me goodbye and tell me that Gryffin had (yet again) crept into our bed and was still in there. I'm definitely going to need a nap today as I was also up late last night working on purses.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sew much to do!
Memorial Day is a month away and I've got more work to do than a one armed paper hanger. I have about 10 bags made and one apron. That does not an inventory make. Plus I need to figure out something to use for display.
But this is not on the forefront of my mind. Sunday is Gryffin's birthday! Holy crap, my baby ain't no baby anymore. Did I mention than he has pre-kindergarten screening in a couple weeks? I am hell-bent on not reliving the store bought cake disaster from last year. Plastic icing tastes almost as good as it sounds. I have decided to do cupcakes: easy, simple, yummy. I'm going with (duh) a Super Hero theme. I picked up some small Superman figures to place atop the kids cupcakes. Gryffin will have a Superman candle and the cupcake wrappers are also imprinted with the big S guy. Spiderman is Gryffin's favorite but I couldn't find any of this stuff with his likeness so I'm thinking of just decorating some of the cupcakes with spider webs.
Luckily, Mike is taking a 1/2 day tomorrow to help get ready. Between baking and decorating the cupcakes there is cleaning and Gryffin occupying to be done. I figure if I bake Friday, decorate cupcakes and clean Saturday, Sunday will be just a quick dust and straighten before party time.
But this is not on the forefront of my mind. Sunday is Gryffin's birthday! Holy crap, my baby ain't no baby anymore. Did I mention than he has pre-kindergarten screening in a couple weeks? I am hell-bent on not reliving the store bought cake disaster from last year. Plastic icing tastes almost as good as it sounds. I have decided to do cupcakes: easy, simple, yummy. I'm going with (duh) a Super Hero theme. I picked up some small Superman figures to place atop the kids cupcakes. Gryffin will have a Superman candle and the cupcake wrappers are also imprinted with the big S guy. Spiderman is Gryffin's favorite but I couldn't find any of this stuff with his likeness so I'm thinking of just decorating some of the cupcakes with spider webs.
Luckily, Mike is taking a 1/2 day tomorrow to help get ready. Between baking and decorating the cupcakes there is cleaning and Gryffin occupying to be done. I figure if I bake Friday, decorate cupcakes and clean Saturday, Sunday will be just a quick dust and straighten before party time.
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