tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27294311352002748802024-03-12T20:15:08.899-05:00Twigs and TulleWhen I'm away from the workplace, creativity calls to me from the crafty nook...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-89608780012976998922024-02-13T00:00:00.001-06:002024-02-13T00:00:00.257-06:00Valentine Swap 2024<p>Thanks to Sarah at Makin Projiks and other swap participants, I have a few more Valentine ornaments to add to my tinsel tree in the crafty nook! This being my third year as our school's librarian, can you guess which ornament is my favorite?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzNUC4aAS8s4b8EqFBLNB8HI3pUTMyEd-p8n1se19_YVCwMjfppLEabziTUqUHUhWFs2iU1mvrHhJTEmyPyqin4oVaEiIeI286K_ntI5b2eXBysJDq2R-chRYvP-7zw7GG--ZVOOYiAOrQj3Sck81y1oNHl2YJGGsixga9W5LrwJeQOhlJYoAuQhigW28" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzNUC4aAS8s4b8EqFBLNB8HI3pUTMyEd-p8n1se19_YVCwMjfppLEabziTUqUHUhWFs2iU1mvrHhJTEmyPyqin4oVaEiIeI286K_ntI5b2eXBysJDq2R-chRYvP-7zw7GG--ZVOOYiAOrQj3Sck81y1oNHl2YJGGsixga9W5LrwJeQOhlJYoAuQhigW28=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizt228o3AuDxrssnDrCVkTR79y55CiZuEg8zE-yfzB9pMAC8dtxtGofeLpZTnp0-ZO3qwyMVTMK-WfN3Xm_cdUTvezTJr-yxD8PM2Xec2WozfYAga5gE8nDqdgLFC6KgmGVeuBG0VYszmk0WHULNa5_MoXM2h8v-xDZir7Of5o-3Gr7RtzjEkmta_yNH8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizt228o3AuDxrssnDrCVkTR79y55CiZuEg8zE-yfzB9pMAC8dtxtGofeLpZTnp0-ZO3qwyMVTMK-WfN3Xm_cdUTvezTJr-yxD8PM2Xec2WozfYAga5gE8nDqdgLFC6KgmGVeuBG0VYszmk0WHULNa5_MoXM2h8v-xDZir7Of5o-3Gr7RtzjEkmta_yNH8=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, oh yes, the heart-shaped bookshelf with mini books made me squeal out loud! And holding each ornament in my hand and reading the sweet notes attached to some of them just made me feel so good inside; I love handmade, shared, gifted things.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went old school and tried my hand at embellishing a BINGO card with buttons, pinata fringe, glass glitter, tulle, holiday garland, and silk flowers. I hope the recipients enjoy them!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpAk5MHPQIoVlzeUxl1wqcm4K3vCKJVhgVcINC9FhvTHKK8peFeYGA9Fw0mcUI1V_FV-rh9WnMsZ5YPkzwsZoVgiqXCQkqFiKvapC-RqBUe_8uOSj_6Nnt4mK39byrn8Cw7pLRJMEmaavUoWGKuyF0_3SOEuGDzoznAu8MrqW5UrQf3Xp47dSKaJhewXE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpAk5MHPQIoVlzeUxl1wqcm4K3vCKJVhgVcINC9FhvTHKK8peFeYGA9Fw0mcUI1V_FV-rh9WnMsZ5YPkzwsZoVgiqXCQkqFiKvapC-RqBUe_8uOSj_6Nnt4mK39byrn8Cw7pLRJMEmaavUoWGKuyF0_3SOEuGDzoznAu8MrqW5UrQf3Xp47dSKaJhewXE=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQkUArBjFMpYLJct_uU9XF4cr5yJyZtfUkXU_ZOkmdBffzbxqx0OqHE8VhkI_ZIntdifWn3_UsFJzTvPVkgDRj5UmLCLdXTEauMzhOp7VdGMmV9UpZ2njzrd_Fm5EV2ZDscOyTT1tfjoPEXJoANNA-X-AyZ9In8U-E8LPiXajwVoFHsHD8_JuHHJkM41s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQkUArBjFMpYLJct_uU9XF4cr5yJyZtfUkXU_ZOkmdBffzbxqx0OqHE8VhkI_ZIntdifWn3_UsFJzTvPVkgDRj5UmLCLdXTEauMzhOp7VdGMmV9UpZ2njzrd_Fm5EV2ZDscOyTT1tfjoPEXJoANNA-X-AyZ9In8U-E8LPiXajwVoFHsHD8_JuHHJkM41s=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Valentine's Day!</div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-88192033251870607112023-08-06T14:30:00.004-05:002023-08-06T14:30:59.501-05:00Growing Collections<p>I was raised in a tchotchke family and have been friends with plenty of collectors in my lifetime and career. Most acquired books, some china, memorabilia from their youth and/or travels, jewelry, and many, many figurines. Plenty of us have been hoarders of textiles and other creative media, too.</p><p>My mother went through a porcelain doll-collecting phase in her thirties and forties, most purchased from the Franklin Mint, and none from Marie Osmond. I had Japanese and Thai dolls growing up thanks to her father, a diplomat, and I was given a sweet, soft Eskimo/Indigenous doll made by my Inupiat grandmother, Aaka Ruth, that I cherished until I made the mistake of taking it to school with me for show and tell. The doll was taken from my student bin while the class was out at recess, and I never saw it again. Aaka and my mother gave me more dolls, some with carved bone faces and some with embroidered hide and fur clothing. I loved the miniature parkas, mukluks, kuspuks and mittens of the dolls, and similar dolls and indigenous art have continued to catch my eye in shops and museums. </p><p>This summer wasn't filled with extra work at school, unexpected surgeries, or travel, so I crocheted a lot, read and reviewed picture books, muddled around in the greenhouse, rethought some organization at home, and enjoyed the slower pace. I visited a few thrift stores and antique shops, and unexpectedly came to the realization that I missed the Eskimo doll of my childhood. Ebay sellers had some extremely affordable dolls available in June and July, so I treated myself to a few (pictures below are of one that I did some mending on), and then, out of the blue, <i>something told me to search my Aaka's name.</i></p><p>None of her dolls appeared, but a pair of her slippers did. Well worn, their owner sold and shipped them quickly to me, and within a week, I had a piece of her back again. I sent the seller a private message explaining who I was and why I was so pleased to have her handiwork and included a photo of us both taken around the time when he likely purchased the slippers from her at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics two decades ago. He graciously replied, also with a photo, letting me know how he and his wife, both educators, had traveled to Alaska and met my Aaka at WEIO, and how the slippers he had purchased for himself had become completely worn through, so he threw their remnants away. His wife stopped wearing hers in order to keep them intact, but because they were both moving to live in elder housing they were whittling down their belongings as much as possible, which is why the slippers were listed on eBay. <i>"You were meant to have them."</i></p><p>I believe it.</p><p>Here are the slippers, with their well-rounded toes, and seal appliques:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgny1M50TgAX5GHzXD4gPbJBxBPrIwR7xAD0ZPd84iDppYC3VH6baGA6OStuiH6a2w7AsYfqaN2PTXXRn5MGPCs6VXrbubCAnn0xsQ85ha6I-wIjN7cnVCkPfsba5lcbkM16BJm339mqNFZ5rqittXjd5a7EJdKIK5Fo7QDur2xqjNoOfrkF4w4LNVaVYQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgny1M50TgAX5GHzXD4gPbJBxBPrIwR7xAD0ZPd84iDppYC3VH6baGA6OStuiH6a2w7AsYfqaN2PTXXRn5MGPCs6VXrbubCAnn0xsQ85ha6I-wIjN7cnVCkPfsba5lcbkM16BJm339mqNFZ5rqittXjd5a7EJdKIK5Fo7QDur2xqjNoOfrkF4w4LNVaVYQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtQdBeMDUgQHh3S9Ru9BAHtphyRb-mipwjM4BmO3qbTxNaGRFa9Ct4Gy7OZw2Lf-jsrYmeMvaUZGnmxaqAq3GSTmc0zHVl4h_VyQLTYiBCyeYPvlRoOHZarn5b6WtAoLBMyl9v7gJfyNK1corI2udEa0A0I4CSvjKWJPO1jQp8n4YoYqPYNjK-jOLzW1w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtQdBeMDUgQHh3S9Ru9BAHtphyRb-mipwjM4BmO3qbTxNaGRFa9Ct4Gy7OZw2Lf-jsrYmeMvaUZGnmxaqAq3GSTmc0zHVl4h_VyQLTYiBCyeYPvlRoOHZarn5b6WtAoLBMyl9v7gJfyNK1corI2udEa0A0I4CSvjKWJPO1jQp8n4YoYqPYNjK-jOLzW1w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a><p></p><p>One of the dolls I received this summer needed to have its mitten strings replaced and repaired, which I took care of this morning:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1aFp_mfp7k9qBz7OwIa534pFEnMQxQ_0bRPWn2-k9IanJwWS7xci0Tu3sckYjSo88v5s2c3kLpfS-4LsIdv_TtsKauy3hNthwTqyM-YmAB8xq9v-2ofwK_6XVgPhHQ3KELxQDjCymkqe6PGTskJDSdUPGHzHlLP_FtYofn6PzGg5PTKHEn9o30bOWleI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1aFp_mfp7k9qBz7OwIa534pFEnMQxQ_0bRPWn2-k9IanJwWS7xci0Tu3sckYjSo88v5s2c3kLpfS-4LsIdv_TtsKauy3hNthwTqyM-YmAB8xq9v-2ofwK_6XVgPhHQ3KELxQDjCymkqe6PGTskJDSdUPGHzHlLP_FtYofn6PzGg5PTKHEn9o30bOWleI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />I wasn't worried about finding matching yarn, but I was able to find embroidery floss in a color that blends in nicely with the fabric so that I could attach the mitten strings behind the hood to keep them where they belong.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmENgWMjzvYAx1OUZ9DXZ4We15jVXXxXwXO1mWQc2WeEIXPygHA-SVy8WDW0ZLI50MpqiUEdUiq1pKEDShZNCD-0K2ulvoaLt3xYL8iIefmTfU3Z1WI4uutBWo8_6pJ2s9oSFNiPlkXbizMYSBszdufvyBcqjymGkHB9KNRJep3OAF3yu_HYQx6NRQwkg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmENgWMjzvYAx1OUZ9DXZ4We15jVXXxXwXO1mWQc2WeEIXPygHA-SVy8WDW0ZLI50MpqiUEdUiq1pKEDShZNCD-0K2ulvoaLt3xYL8iIefmTfU3Z1WI4uutBWo8_6pJ2s9oSFNiPlkXbizMYSBszdufvyBcqjymGkHB9KNRJep3OAF3yu_HYQx6NRQwkg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9TpCMW0l1Z2eJO-0zTbfV8iqJZJ7HsP1911DiqZpjhve3x7YlTcEslT9yRbx3f0uaTsORqmfpI1yqUXroXiX50wkC8Pb39wf79nLA8Bm4UP6QBFLLqLoLSpNDnzQNq4NuqCNtz_--lHobSR3HP4ZPOyGwL0BhCp0IzJN7Tjtwj6YMOOfiO0A-7ayVI4I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9TpCMW0l1Z2eJO-0zTbfV8iqJZJ7HsP1911DiqZpjhve3x7YlTcEslT9yRbx3f0uaTsORqmfpI1yqUXroXiX50wkC8Pb39wf79nLA8Bm4UP6QBFLLqLoLSpNDnzQNq4NuqCNtz_--lHobSR3HP4ZPOyGwL0BhCp0IzJN7Tjtwj6YMOOfiO0A-7ayVI4I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7nA8ipDUw_YISQ_jYqtD9d3OVTzIhMGcuCe9MwS370BvY9SYVZhC43mtcnZMjq9lQi3IaZgUGhOyIysaqIcMnXvpU5OESaXpHNCqLJvTYn38sFnjr5eKMASyT8dbYelG2298L4dZ-U55j0g6o_-HoU_dHUAzo-xlwvxHps0T-s71RZGI3YUSt1_cI5Vk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7nA8ipDUw_YISQ_jYqtD9d3OVTzIhMGcuCe9MwS370BvY9SYVZhC43mtcnZMjq9lQi3IaZgUGhOyIysaqIcMnXvpU5OESaXpHNCqLJvTYn38sFnjr5eKMASyT8dbYelG2298L4dZ-U55j0g6o_-HoU_dHUAzo-xlwvxHps0T-s71RZGI3YUSt1_cI5Vk=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Take a peek under the kuspuk- there's fur clothing and beadwork beneath. The fur is shedding quite a bit, so the doll probably experienced heat at some point.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxkdMlBPJDg_RCeYQN6U_EE80eytVzwLQuV6rTCT-1dYe3kkh1C-x9uncZQDrOeIq2-HmHKaqqsLPTq4X1HQRDZRvsIFXP3oM-u0qEN5ytiOPo8K9XVUp2Hh0ttP4gmNvap72I9G8LdAQdlb0BEcCzKq47iUT4JUuDjxehjaaRxC022-LRQOvWXbJOYlY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxkdMlBPJDg_RCeYQN6U_EE80eytVzwLQuV6rTCT-1dYe3kkh1C-x9uncZQDrOeIq2-HmHKaqqsLPTq4X1HQRDZRvsIFXP3oM-u0qEN5ytiOPo8K9XVUp2Hh0ttP4gmNvap72I9G8LdAQdlb0BEcCzKq47iUT4JUuDjxehjaaRxC022-LRQOvWXbJOYlY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Though there are pin-prick holes in the fabric that I've decided to leave, she can now keep another doll I adopted over the summer company.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii1UajMGHkvGfVxeoTwHKNLSlafio1siGqJulUnkyT4becK693QDEJ7-uSvxrepP2FcQG1Jg-lZzkwoBzO2FDAJ3CsQlOEWExu7a84J6VKGUpCg6HurHdq8cyZEW8v-PZ9r8vq8p4feflC8Or4b-Iv84usCJf5WaBcYHkFoSCicEN32LeTpzir3zAMqAo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii1UajMGHkvGfVxeoTwHKNLSlafio1siGqJulUnkyT4becK693QDEJ7-uSvxrepP2FcQG1Jg-lZzkwoBzO2FDAJ3CsQlOEWExu7a84J6VKGUpCg6HurHdq8cyZEW8v-PZ9r8vq8p4feflC8Or4b-Iv84usCJf5WaBcYHkFoSCicEN32LeTpzir3zAMqAo=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIz9lrVi1aePwkvZT0jQNAVG8LCwnX5kl7D06P-_96OThY1ESqZz9pahnWticoQJVXa92bPH_m5RZMpRBQvSwyc7UvHLaI9vpZvwIqvtyG5XubwK4UZ_j4Zbzs4sAeKE5vohya5eVtJToDtYPifa3byyjbF0x7mLU31wEBHGoYl2YzQ7yUzwnFxQCcL3c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIz9lrVi1aePwkvZT0jQNAVG8LCwnX5kl7D06P-_96OThY1ESqZz9pahnWticoQJVXa92bPH_m5RZMpRBQvSwyc7UvHLaI9vpZvwIqvtyG5XubwK4UZ_j4Zbzs4sAeKE5vohya5eVtJToDtYPifa3byyjbF0x7mLU31wEBHGoYl2YzQ7yUzwnFxQCcL3c=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />I've collected nesting dolls for years, but this set has been one of my favorite finds.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRAPatHnE9qttRh0XzuRu3J5xmPTBBEnbOyFh7bYDzyJXMjAXCBTo-_iEEVjAgDDBj06hn4LV5cGmPebK6PqZt1fXZkcG3HBX5lLbpWJdDq3JyXulVdhC4DgpoMVfnBHg4hbVBnLeRIi4ilUse3wuUnUyXRa7kjcGGNlcwLEICfnhBsGR5hZ7XM8osdb0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRAPatHnE9qttRh0XzuRu3J5xmPTBBEnbOyFh7bYDzyJXMjAXCBTo-_iEEVjAgDDBj06hn4LV5cGmPebK6PqZt1fXZkcG3HBX5lLbpWJdDq3JyXulVdhC4DgpoMVfnBHg4hbVBnLeRIi4ilUse3wuUnUyXRa7kjcGGNlcwLEICfnhBsGR5hZ7XM8osdb0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />*****<p></p><p>Do you collect?<br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-76990311394786967442023-06-24T15:05:00.001-05:002023-06-24T15:05:30.452-05:00Craft Time: Earring Repair and ModificationsUnwinding over summer break, I've been crocheting, doing chores, creating print-on-demand items, binge-watching streaming series (I just finished <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Great</a></i>), and working in the greenhouse. So far, we have basil, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini in production, with small apples dotting our trees in the front and back yards. It feels good to grow our own food, even if it is only for a few months out of the year. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht8C5DkFNH3O7g8v43YZgI5FG3XQ7TtFe3S7loM9dq2wl14jgIVx1NKW99O93ZGDVikJ9-Clpmw9JQiKiRhvUj-D9g4Uhpee0iAg_Uv6rUYKvR0orPYN8rMMhm33QIv3beGNfzEnIYkdrb3MST_-t-zWxcsjskcZpnWCY8hcaflz5p0oHgCw2DEmc0zE8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht8C5DkFNH3O7g8v43YZgI5FG3XQ7TtFe3S7loM9dq2wl14jgIVx1NKW99O93ZGDVikJ9-Clpmw9JQiKiRhvUj-D9g4Uhpee0iAg_Uv6rUYKvR0orPYN8rMMhm33QIv3beGNfzEnIYkdrb3MST_-t-zWxcsjskcZpnWCY8hcaflz5p0oHgCw2DEmc0zE8=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKedJIcB-qfDbdQd-vsBzl1Pv6ENH5HWuDdD8i8RbIakRbdvXPatffiBkbRbXKJTQGWjxFWvqazmdf6TIkI6w_bOwwlkC5e5Hhfzb38caLi2_omVYEpZqPPxalvbA1-HoJ95VpK_T38moa_5uVUuCFwIQDjrphJ6nXMNfpX5LifHwH6PUp8Wm9_zfPROk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKedJIcB-qfDbdQd-vsBzl1Pv6ENH5HWuDdD8i8RbIakRbdvXPatffiBkbRbXKJTQGWjxFWvqazmdf6TIkI6w_bOwwlkC5e5Hhfzb38caLi2_omVYEpZqPPxalvbA1-HoJ95VpK_T38moa_5uVUuCFwIQDjrphJ6nXMNfpX5LifHwH6PUp8Wm9_zfPROk=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUKj5-04OvvFcbE17uzvQMerA7-0REimn9t_5I2IpBtL5X6X-3Y36c676P2u8ZMBuCeJIJBMIkz7L_iod7oUyC-rWvCkcpTFfhMbLj7EtwVkOKPC8XwcQE3Jytyz8A4aebtakXlE-pK2_rtFK1J1N6OwKnxO9gXY1rKE0qm_2ovl3LE2mBenGczdn9Xs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUKj5-04OvvFcbE17uzvQMerA7-0REimn9t_5I2IpBtL5X6X-3Y36c676P2u8ZMBuCeJIJBMIkz7L_iod7oUyC-rWvCkcpTFfhMbLj7EtwVkOKPC8XwcQE3Jytyz8A4aebtakXlE-pK2_rtFK1J1N6OwKnxO9gXY1rKE0qm_2ovl3LE2mBenGczdn9Xs=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-P8USZ_Ud_rabMkdVIXzEEPmGDhGjxI_lRJshav6mYXABbRyjfe8pfnekT3VWU8HXCE6Hv2ZV22WOGBfuj917PHtDbaonc0G9bXIVyRd1PBO_C8exu6aLdWXn5Qv1eqYk8KZ_e6xDccEysmMfmRdGABziv-qlau9AE17moal6rMAMeugZF5wocpwuIM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-P8USZ_Ud_rabMkdVIXzEEPmGDhGjxI_lRJshav6mYXABbRyjfe8pfnekT3VWU8HXCE6Hv2ZV22WOGBfuj917PHtDbaonc0G9bXIVyRd1PBO_C8exu6aLdWXn5Qv1eqYk8KZ_e6xDccEysmMfmRdGABziv-qlau9AE17moal6rMAMeugZF5wocpwuIM=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I set some summertime goals for myself at the end of the school year: catch up on reading and reviewing picture books that publishers have sent for Kansas Reading Circle; crochet some wearables other than scarves and cowls; create <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/michaelesommerville?section_id=40541480" target="_blank">teacher tees for all fifty states and list them on Etsy</a>; find some pretty picture frames for photos that I've decided I'd like to have within easy sight and put all of the others in albums in chronological order as best I can; read some more intermediate chapter books so I can continue to recommend interesting titles to older students (twenty-five years as a kindergarten teacher has me swimming in picture book familiarity); declutter here and there; and work on more assemblage jewelry items. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I dabbled in some repair and modification of some earrings that I'd like to wear during the upcoming school year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtyBb4hJRJXnbdlwc4Z1iDVpaWtnb1KrAW0MxdTLLb41WZZQYRvjqdU0a74nyRw6LMGyCfV9oBN4Dl115xEkGXgbaofgLaojSmwVwHD4McNqRX50RQF8JgKTvxxvU-AofD_-US9E1wTTZ1bbfa-U28FDQCkTzUcdMN1MflGzEa7-5I7e2MxPv7En9tSzA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtyBb4hJRJXnbdlwc4Z1iDVpaWtnb1KrAW0MxdTLLb41WZZQYRvjqdU0a74nyRw6LMGyCfV9oBN4Dl115xEkGXgbaofgLaojSmwVwHD4McNqRX50RQF8JgKTvxxvU-AofD_-US9E1wTTZ1bbfa-U28FDQCkTzUcdMN1MflGzEa7-5I7e2MxPv7En9tSzA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />Setting newly-framed photos aside, I took out my pliers so I could remove jump rings and button-backs from some "librarian" earrings. Students always commented on Dogman, the Pigeon, and other book characters, but the glittery buttons just didn't feel great when I wore them.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN5dvMqUdJrAFzmSSxpvDI0zGcJrvoklPVoCUF6zpI6BBZDzWmgsvek_51wFFU2dzt_5JYMknx-8UFXLVDiPJSrNUjem_OMuzAdqUKCXnIBLdjb4FM6t-NEKT2RnPCRio_WktauhxAXD_xlYx3uca85q9HG8djG3JobXzXuPDr84FJNYEACCYjSCu7Vsg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN5dvMqUdJrAFzmSSxpvDI0zGcJrvoklPVoCUF6zpI6BBZDzWmgsvek_51wFFU2dzt_5JYMknx-8UFXLVDiPJSrNUjem_OMuzAdqUKCXnIBLdjb4FM6t-NEKT2RnPCRio_WktauhxAXD_xlYx3uca85q9HG8djG3JobXzXuPDr84FJNYEACCYjSCu7Vsg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6C-3Ug9BVtviXn6Z26sy_PKf2mIxoOcLfZwfG2j7tVKLI53EnmXWNH2LJft84V9p9_myYxxVvcZb5pdH3cFCiIyp2ehnMeLR4Jflg3ZybpQW3GL7TNrx6wNpI2V2Lbcs3rErLO4-em0ycz0g5gXdw57ANV4koWI3uWyoSVZK3WrQH1IXc6XnWuGEB43o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6C-3Ug9BVtviXn6Z26sy_PKf2mIxoOcLfZwfG2j7tVKLI53EnmXWNH2LJft84V9p9_myYxxVvcZb5pdH3cFCiIyp2ehnMeLR4Jflg3ZybpQW3GL7TNrx6wNpI2V2Lbcs3rErLO4-em0ycz0g5gXdw57ANV4koWI3uWyoSVZK3WrQH1IXc6XnWuGEB43o=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFFfXHRxDc9wNnQd1N0MMvDk5CLJHlr1YRGxisFFTY2pZyaKhI6YUUMA7eF5ET43I8pzgnkdN6pt-25rlqZiEE0Rz1Q5kgsmpg1lHq2q1_TN6h0cdNwWoqJM-V5yu9mqXD8X1A2w34wcZ7epJjvZwgu1ftMq5cv2N7rgLJL42iBrl-GyZ9tJMH-Hhcqis" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFFfXHRxDc9wNnQd1N0MMvDk5CLJHlr1YRGxisFFTY2pZyaKhI6YUUMA7eF5ET43I8pzgnkdN6pt-25rlqZiEE0Rz1Q5kgsmpg1lHq2q1_TN6h0cdNwWoqJM-V5yu9mqXD8X1A2w34wcZ7epJjvZwgu1ftMq5cv2N7rgLJL42iBrl-GyZ9tJMH-Hhcqis=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOozwdAMVRq_UQ1EoE7H3x5y457zv_q6XwVifWc28_OL0XQxpX5TM3kxk0VDTAbTZ9p29v6IQPavxZ-5HpJigeX7tjUJ_JjWLuOxIaIFP1Jh7ENRMIan6t6XV-1acLQzi_JeUwPAoIyrzx4ZYqt_OIERhIUDc7U82OOXVo2b0l4dgkNYASq3hsmspyZaI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOozwdAMVRq_UQ1EoE7H3x5y457zv_q6XwVifWc28_OL0XQxpX5TM3kxk0VDTAbTZ9p29v6IQPavxZ-5HpJigeX7tjUJ_JjWLuOxIaIFP1Jh7ENRMIan6t6XV-1acLQzi_JeUwPAoIyrzx4ZYqt_OIERhIUDc7U82OOXVo2b0l4dgkNYASq3hsmspyZaI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Beads, pearls, headpins, cutters, earring wire, jump rings... my creativity is messy.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2dPACDixEk-41-QT-WUWGKmNaMqeaCk23QlzDHtbHvldFVPp6cc-Hj7CuYVtSgyJRtSMGicyjnFHNoUgZSI_Ybc0XAzTmIYCjiuRBoPhUY45QKdA3tYp14aJ2MOvk49MOlesGVQH0yzraDaQoVr8m_8zgKAp-JH7W8YimiDOljYz0Uc0PnVVBB-3dM10" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2dPACDixEk-41-QT-WUWGKmNaMqeaCk23QlzDHtbHvldFVPp6cc-Hj7CuYVtSgyJRtSMGicyjnFHNoUgZSI_Ybc0XAzTmIYCjiuRBoPhUY45QKdA3tYp14aJ2MOvk49MOlesGVQH0yzraDaQoVr8m_8zgKAp-JH7W8YimiDOljYz0Uc0PnVVBB-3dM10=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />I tried figuring out some complimentary bead combos, and after checking in the mirror, figured out how long I'd like each earring to hang. Some of my Alaskan beaded earrings needed new earwires, while others worked with leverbacks. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil9fkOC7CwalYneAqdunx-nUtdggVBqJzKHuD4Cohn2ZS8rAbgiLcEpOZQwE6AN5ShOHWrNhTLpnClVFhaIZF9UEEx8kN9G5DATNPjiCAxBcrDQj3YHSTZxraXmCs1KNTB298fAnLhxbsmLq4d_laidptKPmWI_ofuOziEK1P5s18AQi-aBYrBBTor0Xo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil9fkOC7CwalYneAqdunx-nUtdggVBqJzKHuD4Cohn2ZS8rAbgiLcEpOZQwE6AN5ShOHWrNhTLpnClVFhaIZF9UEEx8kN9G5DATNPjiCAxBcrDQj3YHSTZxraXmCs1KNTB298fAnLhxbsmLq4d_laidptKPmWI_ofuOziEK1P5s18AQi-aBYrBBTor0Xo=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYXk_xtI2p3UKpwjO9nb9yXsbjHdZIWc2_71ndNJgOfw-wnXcrHJ0JPbdoAiJXyfui1b5HlGxPmcZOfojHhjm323_s9KGjXxkdnbI12oRbqVX6IoDpoeoVm4hdrdBIaus0-valzdJOtneQyztMXFmV0Gw90Kl1yL2arGlkX4XyPxRNtEZYE08E509fEm8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYXk_xtI2p3UKpwjO9nb9yXsbjHdZIWc2_71ndNJgOfw-wnXcrHJ0JPbdoAiJXyfui1b5HlGxPmcZOfojHhjm323_s9KGjXxkdnbI12oRbqVX6IoDpoeoVm4hdrdBIaus0-valzdJOtneQyztMXFmV0Gw90Kl1yL2arGlkX4XyPxRNtEZYE08E509fEm8=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCTu0e_b6Edv680gsK0fSDtyrbofQBZfmPt_kzeO9ZjjS1dTXIDnkzK6vu558U10DKO85NviS1VzkULTDDR86HIwcRdRBW2mliQ1GervEm8RoWB9vOc2fMeRz9gdxXvJ0C-sB3DJ9ivbcpPS-QtWQlVVpCFvaAPgn2gv4XkNzqoWV9RzYcReWsTgb07D4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCTu0e_b6Edv680gsK0fSDtyrbofQBZfmPt_kzeO9ZjjS1dTXIDnkzK6vu558U10DKO85NviS1VzkULTDDR86HIwcRdRBW2mliQ1GervEm8RoWB9vOc2fMeRz9gdxXvJ0C-sB3DJ9ivbcpPS-QtWQlVVpCFvaAPgn2gv4XkNzqoWV9RzYcReWsTgb07D4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRfQp7oxIt3Jv6YUhZS7ik-e4tHWBM0GUG8WY4Xj2fs1-Lr09V9brhFL93veXcHrbZqe79B8OGUoaeOALyLT_SgZGU9sTliUTJAC-ynP9xkxEovpfTpBcvpDtFx_2PRwlzdp-NlY8u6ZtQo2iXhpHBmrpIJHkZFqrIrzXblSTE90wivHseOEVKJLQ4lJU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRfQp7oxIt3Jv6YUhZS7ik-e4tHWBM0GUG8WY4Xj2fs1-Lr09V9brhFL93veXcHrbZqe79B8OGUoaeOALyLT_SgZGU9sTliUTJAC-ynP9xkxEovpfTpBcvpDtFx_2PRwlzdp-NlY8u6ZtQo2iXhpHBmrpIJHkZFqrIrzXblSTE90wivHseOEVKJLQ4lJU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB_9mK9jDTcP25emr1JIIWZ4gOf5tpP3ZXI7awsQOthLg09Oc0O5ZKbcY8uu5qG20sGUAhA4AkGx59gPX64aOjNZ_5pcjboJ3SpLBoYx9N97pQFI25XzQVQCd_XsRGGGhkZ65pSoMB0K2Vyi5Vluyew9CEHEyppc6SN1FK0STvJ-fxmiX8tFZB1oivKzM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB_9mK9jDTcP25emr1JIIWZ4gOf5tpP3ZXI7awsQOthLg09Oc0O5ZKbcY8uu5qG20sGUAhA4AkGx59gPX64aOjNZ_5pcjboJ3SpLBoYx9N97pQFI25XzQVQCd_XsRGGGhkZ65pSoMB0K2Vyi5Vluyew9CEHEyppc6SN1FK0STvJ-fxmiX8tFZB1oivKzM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So much better! And one more thing checked off of my summer to-do list.<br /><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-9029272734585840152023-02-19T16:46:00.003-06:002023-02-19T16:46:51.994-06:00Assemblage Jewelry: Bits of This and That<p>I have been a jewelry lover for most of my life. Accompanying my mother to jewelry stores in the malls, and looking over antique jewelry in the store my grandmother used to manage decades ago in Washington, D.C., I came to love all sorts of pieces, their histories, their weight and colors, their textures and purposes. Brooches, chatelaines, parures (sets of jewels that are to be worn together), rings, charms, fobs, tiaras, I found so many of them appealing.</p><p>Though the storyline was (still is) dated, as a child and teen I used to love watching <i>Gigi </i>starring Leslie Caron. Aunt Alicia and her jewelry box full of exquisite items that she received from many, many lovers as a courtesan was a favorite scene. My mother and I exclaimed "A TOPAZ?!?!? Amongst MY jewels?!?!?! Are you MAD?!?!?" at the appropriate moment every time we watched the movie together, or whenever someone, anyone in passing or in conversation would for whatever reason say the word "topaz." Shortly after she passed, I purchased a sixty-nine carat oval mystic topaz ring, just to keep the memory alive. It's huge, almost to the point of being obscene. It's heavy on the finger and I love it.</p><p>While my mother and grandmother had lovely pieces of "real" jewelry that they wore, they both also enjoyed good costume or fashion jewelry. Ethnic pieces, too much sparkle, earthier textures and some clunky stuff filled corners of their jewelry cases and dresser drawers. Accessories and bling are GOOD, according to my genetic code. My father's brother John, who recently passed, also made jewelry, using walrus ivory, baleen, and jade, so I had a collection started as a child that has only grown over time. Dad recently sent me and my daughter matching ivory snowflake earrings carved by an artisan in Shishmaref, Alaska. </p><p>I've bought plenty of jewelry myself over the years, mostly earrings in my twenties and thirties, and then necklaces in my late thirties and forties. If Dear Daughter wanted or needed jewelry we could easily raid my stash for prom, homecoming, dates and interviews. Whenever I've stopped wearing certain pieces, they've remained within easy reach in my bedroom. If, after a few years I don't feel inclined to have them in my way, they migrate to the craft room and are tucked into boxes, crystal candy dishes, drawers, etc. I have broken necklaces, lone earrings, charms both given and made (I used to solder glass charms every weekend almost ten years ago), pin backs, key fobs, and bracelets and it's all been sitting untouched until this weekend. </p><p>With chores done and a three-day weekend ahead of me, I thought it would be nice to figure out how to make a spring necklace for myself utilizing some of the bits and bobs that I have been squirreling away for years. So out it all came, along with pliers and jump rings. Lots and lots of jump rings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nHZbXx2YRbJM4ftiZUA47y32SQWyX4377Hlauy18Ohc8JYn1oFXjt1lAUhbpCi4rmasKkQiEJovKw4SclLPxdWZB7l-POomGmwOrrzq1Ka1AaGjYNp7mo_Hv2gIUWgUgs7lomrToUO7UZJ6Y4Y-3MH6BYfvMfqLilv606JxwRs65glVVrVso3Y6z/s4032/20230218_110354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nHZbXx2YRbJM4ftiZUA47y32SQWyX4377Hlauy18Ohc8JYn1oFXjt1lAUhbpCi4rmasKkQiEJovKw4SclLPxdWZB7l-POomGmwOrrzq1Ka1AaGjYNp7mo_Hv2gIUWgUgs7lomrToUO7UZJ6Y4Y-3MH6BYfvMfqLilv606JxwRs65glVVrVso3Y6z/w480-h640/20230218_110354.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(I still have my valentine tree up in the craft room- I love all of those swapped ornaments!)</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GwCFVQlSCbRhw3RBZdW__OQWb15kz5IPwEVBfG5H1R41g5Zasfh9ILwe6GYsUHECXZ0ij4ycicWv_BcSGu5CD3DCdmegNZIgWHGQny51_7siARztwX-XSapvfpmngh5G5OZb0dSJGvEUbXkjNUyDGeAcTQb0dBrM7r-dXifN7HsEbkG7v6-zhKU0/s4032/20230218_104435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GwCFVQlSCbRhw3RBZdW__OQWb15kz5IPwEVBfG5H1R41g5Zasfh9ILwe6GYsUHECXZ0ij4ycicWv_BcSGu5CD3DCdmegNZIgWHGQny51_7siARztwX-XSapvfpmngh5G5OZb0dSJGvEUbXkjNUyDGeAcTQb0dBrM7r-dXifN7HsEbkG7v6-zhKU0/w640-h480/20230218_104435.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>I'm one of those people who often needs to make a mess before I can make a masterpiece...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAOqkzr_IN21ijBaPvqhm5nDEpPbQ4P9sFN8HR6gvTZ0Z32ZOJ0KbAjX0gO61iUNuS6Tle85fIiDMbey182ZoreLJL2z894GO1abhbUBfYYHRg0471e9b3W1_fA_MQCpi3FjyIuAprt79y7Agum6wfLSNf8T8hhkbbsLb6QihY8VJGnLqon-l70NT/s4032/20230218_110408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAOqkzr_IN21ijBaPvqhm5nDEpPbQ4P9sFN8HR6gvTZ0Z32ZOJ0KbAjX0gO61iUNuS6Tle85fIiDMbey182ZoreLJL2z894GO1abhbUBfYYHRg0471e9b3W1_fA_MQCpi3FjyIuAprt79y7Agum6wfLSNf8T8hhkbbsLb6QihY8VJGnLqon-l70NT/w640-h480/20230218_110408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Dump it out. Sift through it. Pick a piece from here and there. Push everything aside once creative inspiration hits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOaXASe6AuxEkDwGi6xO5w0CqB5dSP6IUowT2fTSg0XbvuMDHfdUOhtnH7P_djBONDU0VSkrnMBBDrL7M92M-phEcd5H-JV-P97gSsuTMoNBFC71NSDcEpemMeeBtyqk-fMXqcUeXTepKMplvliaF1K-yP-__iNufN9V0BqUkOrJqWWNZib3uozJ5/s4032/20230218_111429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOaXASe6AuxEkDwGi6xO5w0CqB5dSP6IUowT2fTSg0XbvuMDHfdUOhtnH7P_djBONDU0VSkrnMBBDrL7M92M-phEcd5H-JV-P97gSsuTMoNBFC71NSDcEpemMeeBtyqk-fMXqcUeXTepKMplvliaF1K-yP-__iNufN9V0BqUkOrJqWWNZib3uozJ5/w480-h640/20230218_111429.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I found myself working big to small, choosing large necklaces, charms and dangles, before realizing that DISASSEMBLING was going to be required first before I could Frankenstein different elements together. Shortening chains, separating beads and links, oh, it was FUN! With smaller pieces, more possibilities began to present themselves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn8VMVAPq2icaRrEq6kL78-yqYtP8fSF_SZZ_k9Kkp8e8ZdT80asvrl7rap8wicSXxbOUIOJHE2vMaijuZXKUAlutTVqQFsfa7EnY1CVijAipdD3Lbt_Zzwz-eZfAiPf1Hk12lL6JnHJAe-0lLVUlwyMCVhfLCeNWOVNoisUy3Lh4vHzo__WMvuyq/s4032/20230218_120844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn8VMVAPq2icaRrEq6kL78-yqYtP8fSF_SZZ_k9Kkp8e8ZdT80asvrl7rap8wicSXxbOUIOJHE2vMaijuZXKUAlutTVqQFsfa7EnY1CVijAipdD3Lbt_Zzwz-eZfAiPf1Hk12lL6JnHJAe-0lLVUlwyMCVhfLCeNWOVNoisUy3Lh4vHzo__WMvuyq/w480-h640/20230218_120844.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirez6M9OgzgciD9Tf5msQD6dzk6b-MNdFPFo_yEBc_Jugl9uwvbHRTKSeQT0ZHT5IZpJAw1m2ZnHC9jHCEZbbCrAJiuAm-PNGW3dY31Cx-5SBa1rQ0OP36R-l6XJO1npuDVoP9VKtEmPIwz7wMgD5JVIuqqxCYvnXG4g0wCERB2ky4xuSPWs9h9TVK/s4032/20230218_130036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirez6M9OgzgciD9Tf5msQD6dzk6b-MNdFPFo_yEBc_Jugl9uwvbHRTKSeQT0ZHT5IZpJAw1m2ZnHC9jHCEZbbCrAJiuAm-PNGW3dY31Cx-5SBa1rQ0OP36R-l6XJO1npuDVoP9VKtEmPIwz7wMgD5JVIuqqxCYvnXG4g0wCERB2ky4xuSPWs9h9TVK/w480-h640/20230218_130036.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYdeElCV-k8UNR6z7abDeWC4jywCyYqOIrYA9GQElHbA_tZ36o5TKa6b2htxEHj3OmLTbPCQJKJGBeKt-mZRVw7VGtBhw8pvxvAwHXdx1AjP09LX5q6Ka38WyJxY9Vq52c9HW3ba8HF3ASJDyDEhV4-kHXXhGlwXqoClWs0egWfrSSIfYxNsV8aWu/s4032/20230218_142207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYdeElCV-k8UNR6z7abDeWC4jywCyYqOIrYA9GQElHbA_tZ36o5TKa6b2htxEHj3OmLTbPCQJKJGBeKt-mZRVw7VGtBhw8pvxvAwHXdx1AjP09LX5q6Ka38WyJxY9Vq52c9HW3ba8HF3ASJDyDEhV4-kHXXhGlwXqoClWs0egWfrSSIfYxNsV8aWu/w480-h640/20230218_142207.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN3D0vJzeBxZup46Hh4ib7nOBCyMj31mrPbFsNlQfcBuxTSPK7riFQoxBOoBKEnSKw2D6akOeDtclk-wdfBga244AvPs5mnAqSi6LSiBkFopH9IariKjhbPnnatFI_ZVGalmmV531_fqiVSnwgtIJaRmC8ZAJnziYYgWRJQ4Nt2U6AI2XuydDI6q_/s4032/20230218_145013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN3D0vJzeBxZup46Hh4ib7nOBCyMj31mrPbFsNlQfcBuxTSPK7riFQoxBOoBKEnSKw2D6akOeDtclk-wdfBga244AvPs5mnAqSi6LSiBkFopH9IariKjhbPnnatFI_ZVGalmmV531_fqiVSnwgtIJaRmC8ZAJnziYYgWRJQ4Nt2U6AI2XuydDI6q_/w480-h640/20230218_145013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>My goal was to make a single spring necklace for myself. I made thirteen. You could say I found my groove.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35yhisH4-jXAcLJMvajN0jt1ZGicar8D6Cix-DHegcaUncwfbxANQi8SLkPV9B-JHaSQyRy2I0EpQM3J3r27x_zkZLGFUkq3z1UGEXvRROa7OhRcCLZyUpAVzhy3t5fF4EP4XbLU0Nwa6UWQPoIZk9KWagTUCLQq2Tv2g0IOc4xrZAEW45aN_4ByA/s1440/IMG_20230218_160216_489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35yhisH4-jXAcLJMvajN0jt1ZGicar8D6Cix-DHegcaUncwfbxANQi8SLkPV9B-JHaSQyRy2I0EpQM3J3r27x_zkZLGFUkq3z1UGEXvRROa7OhRcCLZyUpAVzhy3t5fF4EP4XbLU0Nwa6UWQPoIZk9KWagTUCLQq2Tv2g0IOc4xrZAEW45aN_4ByA/w640-h640/IMG_20230218_160216_489.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I'm keeping two of them- the first, the spring piece that incorporates a fun Easter Bunny charm I made almost a decade ago alongside earthy browns and a little sparkle:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkzpcOJ1h8zIEJA1ENXgw3FmN8SGNPvpFqk2AfZVklfQq44sk9vGaNK9yVxpneG-Axk9Ro6kk-Yl-9gmF6TzB3GeUywKV6YyNNgOv77LwyPsPzzWwsVo9vPZOcaWqMABzN1SUDf0wKJ3WwsL3G-tL5nNFJ2qX0oYZZ7y3oPlcWlTDhz_V11Q-wTM5/s4032/20230219_161930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkzpcOJ1h8zIEJA1ENXgw3FmN8SGNPvpFqk2AfZVklfQq44sk9vGaNK9yVxpneG-Axk9Ro6kk-Yl-9gmF6TzB3GeUywKV6YyNNgOv77LwyPsPzzWwsVo9vPZOcaWqMABzN1SUDf0wKJ3WwsL3G-tL5nNFJ2qX0oYZZ7y3oPlcWlTDhz_V11Q-wTM5/w480-h640/20230219_161930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlt1wgREu3fK6010insdFrRyCz9aRWXw49tq8Mbc8DbdyyGsUEagk1EBkfBjr1c-LRVPxXuPhW7pJUWJ718cVcxYzCCEdN6ATvFn2ZpbFr9E1ixu_ixlirhMYz3Jm4Ye_4qMPBOhW7uy_REtwFz3_QKCmvFuCanCoRR0nJ8uGYAmcP6Bf87PI3o-Q/s3410/20230219_161918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3410" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlt1wgREu3fK6010insdFrRyCz9aRWXw49tq8Mbc8DbdyyGsUEagk1EBkfBjr1c-LRVPxXuPhW7pJUWJ718cVcxYzCCEdN6ATvFn2ZpbFr9E1ixu_ixlirhMYz3Jm4Ye_4qMPBOhW7uy_REtwFz3_QKCmvFuCanCoRR0nJ8uGYAmcP6Bf87PI3o-Q/w640-h568/20230219_161918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7SCUu3YzooYzdcVqBM-zfN56LtpqXdGGjUxR3Htcnpfg-9MuxiZ1HUC0fmCSdZ-Jd5H-2CgVGXJDrNIVbC8MqsgWFYYHSyUUfadAQH6RJ0I1xWPmmZnP8EWGJW0lmMfpIElpLUxK9bFpPjuLZv6HqfkxVhUYl8WPk8Qn1JyufXJYAoLsA-UClupK/s4032/20230219_161926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7SCUu3YzooYzdcVqBM-zfN56LtpqXdGGjUxR3Htcnpfg-9MuxiZ1HUC0fmCSdZ-Jd5H-2CgVGXJDrNIVbC8MqsgWFYYHSyUUfadAQH6RJ0I1xWPmmZnP8EWGJW0lmMfpIElpLUxK9bFpPjuLZv6HqfkxVhUYl8WPk8Qn1JyufXJYAoLsA-UClupK/w480-h640/20230219_161926.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>The second features a bluish green stone heart pendant that my grandmother gave me years ago as a Christmas gift. It hung on a leather strap, and was flanked by two brown beads, which I never liked. Imagine my surprise when I realized that a chain with mini faux pearls could slide right on through the opening!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-22VkNnoSNZu_KHROdDw1yU1S2eVQHm6oskMJMlxO2hjNzWxdvhVKxQUgDjUa30A4fVC9RusF14qZ-QNyTqoJ7NC9JGbEUgt0CO8gpbdD3lbL3aAYk6fetniaNZQttAcpTIuxYndyP9_v4fyrLt_-zJQXBYNlXtxZPb_KV5d7VafZNqDL4V9VCCj/s4032/20230219_162541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-22VkNnoSNZu_KHROdDw1yU1S2eVQHm6oskMJMlxO2hjNzWxdvhVKxQUgDjUa30A4fVC9RusF14qZ-QNyTqoJ7NC9JGbEUgt0CO8gpbdD3lbL3aAYk6fetniaNZQttAcpTIuxYndyP9_v4fyrLt_-zJQXBYNlXtxZPb_KV5d7VafZNqDL4V9VCCj/w480-h640/20230219_162541.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgcmzevfYNuEj-wlI6L44pKL7tsUiqNHqR5roX1GzNVH4d-8vUilHGVfmo2mE2LBxVtU62ndQfdnuJc7KjUtW46m8c7v9mnqAQSBzOmrGILd2yds_cfAHKG3f4RNnB_PRfNF9IrkKaOfhNXPLKMmKVci9mGQnqI7sqGrySsCSvTvWUAPvKnSoGkQF/s3216/20230219_162503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="1808" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgcmzevfYNuEj-wlI6L44pKL7tsUiqNHqR5roX1GzNVH4d-8vUilHGVfmo2mE2LBxVtU62ndQfdnuJc7KjUtW46m8c7v9mnqAQSBzOmrGILd2yds_cfAHKG3f4RNnB_PRfNF9IrkKaOfhNXPLKMmKVci9mGQnqI7sqGrySsCSvTvWUAPvKnSoGkQF/w360-h640/20230219_162503.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Remaking jewelry- whoulda thunk it? Well, obviously LOTS of people, but whoulda thunk I'd find it such a fun thing to do? I appreciate how these happy surprises happen, and I'm so glad I've been able to give bits of this and that a whole new life.</p><p>These necklaces are considered "assemblage" jewelry, because they were made with components not intended to be put together for the original finished piece. And because I won't be wearing all of these necklaces, I've listed them in my Etsy shop! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBDhRxrNgYw8ri-bFrwGny7YCLJSOOdaXxWD5g-7YZHOvJgKdZS2EydGfsYrhDz9SMOXETr1EdMpfNmLvVsip2NXpVSgZtvtdmsxPh0fkL4GXyM_yzO06Do2F2Z32Hf4YDPdFcpYuaRtsswU7hdBqalglV5oe0nluus0rXq3W2OdxjKpltpbLQaNE_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBDhRxrNgYw8ri-bFrwGny7YCLJSOOdaXxWD5g-7YZHOvJgKdZS2EydGfsYrhDz9SMOXETr1EdMpfNmLvVsip2NXpVSgZtvtdmsxPh0fkL4GXyM_yzO06Do2F2Z32Hf4YDPdFcpYuaRtsswU7hdBqalglV5oe0nluus0rXq3W2OdxjKpltpbLQaNE_=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><br />They're keeping my librarian, book lover and educator t-shirts, home decor, and crocheted afghans company, but they are ready to be enjoyed now that spring is just around the corner! Hippity hop over for a visit <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/michaelesommerville" target="_blank">by clicking here.</a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>*****</p><p>Michaele</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-23157425751779221502022-08-28T12:22:00.000-05:002022-08-28T12:22:47.600-05:00Greenhouse Harvest<p>Despite Dear Daughter's annual contribution of seeds, this summer's greenhouse harvest has been next to piddly-nuttin', partly because I think I didn't work enough fertilizer into the soil, and partly because of grasshoppers, grasshoppers, grasshoppers... grasshoppers e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. But our apple trees produced enough that I may be able to make some filling for mini pies and still contribute some not-so-rosy ones to the deer. The cucumber plants which are usually fading away at this point in August are just now producing, and the same goes with the bell peppers. As for the pumpkins, it appears I may only get some minis for the fall. The beetles (or whatever they are) returned and nothing worked on them. I don't know if I need to set up a system of nets combined with SEVIN spray next year, but I need to do something if I hope to have some cheerful orange for the porch and Halloween. </p><p>The cherry tomatoes are leggy, and I'm thinking grasshoppers love their little yellow blooms because wow... I have fewer than ten red mini-globes for today's salad. I did manage to produce zucchini this year which was shredded and used in a zucchini/onion/parmesan quick bread that even The Teenager scarfed down, but it looks like only two melons might have a chance of ripening before the end of September, while the canteloupe vines will offer only lovely greenery and blooms. Pesto and other recipes requiring basil are all set for this fall, but I'll be reading up this winter for purposeful rather than accidental success for next year. </p><p>It does feel good to grow your own food.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCAZguAvJ-I3q7nhNKfGDBtDOM9fFEkqixHf8XTX9JQL_jcUjpK56F4KGTjpz8AreLvRGSViMd8jxbigZIkpyCcHl5i8BmxaVNIEmvrLt1W2puOnvQevDEH92T13yoUF_fNZdNMN5KH9fWPQ1HVwNHIsz7BS5PKKRW8dtHqLJBLqGn1yBor2DppDeV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCAZguAvJ-I3q7nhNKfGDBtDOM9fFEkqixHf8XTX9JQL_jcUjpK56F4KGTjpz8AreLvRGSViMd8jxbigZIkpyCcHl5i8BmxaVNIEmvrLt1W2puOnvQevDEH92T13yoUF_fNZdNMN5KH9fWPQ1HVwNHIsz7BS5PKKRW8dtHqLJBLqGn1yBor2DppDeV=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiezkhgMUbGcuGjnDBc_CWJrPpO8z_7MS3tdBazX29F3qzP3fq8uJgr6tTIEWbquDIBp7BLVq1XU9nY-TtCvvt0WpJqbF61hpGwu5eVx7GetVm6cuo1m1JdWt2g0HOoBHI3-IiFuyxHPjIJr4SDUWKVzLyhHB7BRupbyrAHw5vy-mWYVZuh4R110dEM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiezkhgMUbGcuGjnDBc_CWJrPpO8z_7MS3tdBazX29F3qzP3fq8uJgr6tTIEWbquDIBp7BLVq1XU9nY-TtCvvt0WpJqbF61hpGwu5eVx7GetVm6cuo1m1JdWt2g0HOoBHI3-IiFuyxHPjIJr4SDUWKVzLyhHB7BRupbyrAHw5vy-mWYVZuh4R110dEM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_m5Ysz7yzzzTBuIiko9WX7m2tAJdXpf7t4GI8joRAh7XpqbYQ7fyzH1t_ItXotGsXRvD-7xGN1cTDqGBAA6fh9HiYbp59kMCbb671XTQer89V7qHhnougDGLsGeyfFA1cWCcpp9I1Ahs6lVe3DETTs2NjCAYqTt1aXWtq9uiLznDYmSXDo4MhJMQT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_m5Ysz7yzzzTBuIiko9WX7m2tAJdXpf7t4GI8joRAh7XpqbYQ7fyzH1t_ItXotGsXRvD-7xGN1cTDqGBAA6fh9HiYbp59kMCbb671XTQer89V7qHhnougDGLsGeyfFA1cWCcpp9I1Ahs6lVe3DETTs2NjCAYqTt1aXWtq9uiLznDYmSXDo4MhJMQT=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWn6kFmfJtTAWlA9we-BzUj4cfUZi36GbtSo-uiNtg6AKPyqsTeXmun_AJKbtmqdaJYoW8Oc4D1-ImHkZBURmpKJoCUjzJq3uqSaUEkRb08rfWQx3dVJRqYHIqER9RzTuW2HKLbtOG3MOP2bcTQniQmZNd6dfA4-5TiSQj2dzyQn_nlIXdnRPsLzfS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWn6kFmfJtTAWlA9we-BzUj4cfUZi36GbtSo-uiNtg6AKPyqsTeXmun_AJKbtmqdaJYoW8Oc4D1-ImHkZBURmpKJoCUjzJq3uqSaUEkRb08rfWQx3dVJRqYHIqER9RzTuW2HKLbtOG3MOP2bcTQniQmZNd6dfA4-5TiSQj2dzyQn_nlIXdnRPsLzfS=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3KqsxuSy0poSc9nXL-adHDc8Yd2gm_kIIpLcJYzY0Y7LvaKKsxma96cJg3GqYVteaPi4g95s0QAtC-0qvbCSEYB1TZOuL1CW7wI_nSBtyd0qgyhP0f4y984uVBnBxoA5iq_9JrHqNxzy7Fz-gqTcg3SHRcX-9WcJ0nupnfbrtEY_TF-lT4UAzpUdz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3KqsxuSy0poSc9nXL-adHDc8Yd2gm_kIIpLcJYzY0Y7LvaKKsxma96cJg3GqYVteaPi4g95s0QAtC-0qvbCSEYB1TZOuL1CW7wI_nSBtyd0qgyhP0f4y984uVBnBxoA5iq_9JrHqNxzy7Fz-gqTcg3SHRcX-9WcJ0nupnfbrtEY_TF-lT4UAzpUdz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />I kept it simple for the Christmas tree this year, filling the gutters with coleus, moss roses, and dianthus:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiURwYz_yBDSL8A3ew8PtAD0X0abUA1ODQWUXaVdd5sXgaYk4_j5etyCWtssjWiDtfnuwcs1N0a_95dfntVZvF5-mZhp7JN8q0IoQ_TQYMoj4MpIGdUdREEXtyJE_fmPmVaoy4u7V2j8QnbYmZ1EjksPLHrCOyF0QZONRTfBjpuPTxGPEhWs4G4HjLj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3198" data-original-width="1480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiURwYz_yBDSL8A3ew8PtAD0X0abUA1ODQWUXaVdd5sXgaYk4_j5etyCWtssjWiDtfnuwcs1N0a_95dfntVZvF5-mZhp7JN8q0IoQ_TQYMoj4MpIGdUdREEXtyJE_fmPmVaoy4u7V2j8QnbYmZ1EjksPLHrCOyF0QZONRTfBjpuPTxGPEhWs4G4HjLj=w296-h640" width="296" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj19YJKAuM_8kIb0owyj_j9m7Wm80QjxPkMQH__pDTmt6x-M9zDWZpcJVMp_Oh86ks3JkQ0c0wt8wTBYKqLyXA4I30lAjrJsBSe6eqARNtIJw_JSSf2dBdfIuwmG_p9e2HYf5yZ2uEFY7BQV3kaCdaq6sW9wK7zWY_Kr-eiHZOEw6LY8VoBEP0guUz6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj19YJKAuM_8kIb0owyj_j9m7Wm80QjxPkMQH__pDTmt6x-M9zDWZpcJVMp_Oh86ks3JkQ0c0wt8wTBYKqLyXA4I30lAjrJsBSe6eqARNtIJw_JSSf2dBdfIuwmG_p9e2HYf5yZ2uEFY7BQV3kaCdaq6sW9wK7zWY_Kr-eiHZOEw6LY8VoBEP0guUz6=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOVsb-yOf0SZawBzGJVQkfSBrioeQhsWnNJ65-1AJufNR9b3XJXDQkPomACzTwd-S2wDfn2Z0o5THx-o65iytWP3jDSy6jnuDSjH8WbVwlqCg0c9W5967vARNCeOC9gLx5tbJ3jXapM8foi29e-muCXPZvapZBmjzr93onK28maYcKwJVXYwgfvGn_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOVsb-yOf0SZawBzGJVQkfSBrioeQhsWnNJ65-1AJufNR9b3XJXDQkPomACzTwd-S2wDfn2Z0o5THx-o65iytWP3jDSy6jnuDSjH8WbVwlqCg0c9W5967vARNCeOC9gLx5tbJ3jXapM8foi29e-muCXPZvapZBmjzr93onK28maYcKwJVXYwgfvGn_=w632-h640" width="632" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-74323613226659141722022-08-14T09:39:00.002-05:002022-08-14T09:39:46.559-05:00Caught My Eye, Tugged at My HeartLike many of you, specific textures, finishes, and objects regularly catch my eye. Marcrest stoneware (the ever-elusive cream or off-white daisy dot pattern), lace and eyelet fabric, Russian lacquer and high-gloss folk art, vintage Christmas ornaments and holiday paper products, yarn, crafting bits and bobs, and vintage picture books from my youth eventually find their way to me after I wander through antique malls, peruse social media, or are gifted treasures from other magpie-minded friends. <div><br /></div><div>Spending much of this summer with family, and reflecting upon resurfaced memories of my childhood, I made time to explore some antique malls a bit further out of my way to see what I might find. A collector of gold, black, red, sage green, orange, and tan Russian folk art platters, bowls, spoons, and other serving vessels, these small, young-child or doll chairs made me gasp as I turned a corner in a shop in Olathe:</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv4D85ybbWOmLqTqy7lHga5jYIuj36J6P_rRyQKs1UN29RsYPEnv5l7Xvv6-FTa3CT1d2WU4MRoQXlFMLh8wrc1Djpjm2jKjC8NT_R2BfGh-alV0t4KUEO9UTdwJrv0Sctj2MBPQiTwg-6PEvKEurBaPnHFHL45DtjH4PBuXc3wXjxHm-YMAAF2kIf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv4D85ybbWOmLqTqy7lHga5jYIuj36J6P_rRyQKs1UN29RsYPEnv5l7Xvv6-FTa3CT1d2WU4MRoQXlFMLh8wrc1Djpjm2jKjC8NT_R2BfGh-alV0t4KUEO9UTdwJrv0Sctj2MBPQiTwg-6PEvKEurBaPnHFHL45DtjH4PBuXc3wXjxHm-YMAAF2kIf=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFhF4UQIh1Dt_Y1JN7V9csEM1zwAcrq8yrS6fu8Dge4HEpoKP3x4n-I8wdrgK6iBMtIf4I7SvTB0nWNN22q5v80JbLmVqOX7aQMveg4C7F6KMYThY9g0H_Wz5XTmNyjbLP9xL9lQ5FvYAfKaE-mtoIRnvWK44rpY7M0MdR-Nguvbxx9igjrUW5ERFm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFhF4UQIh1Dt_Y1JN7V9csEM1zwAcrq8yrS6fu8Dge4HEpoKP3x4n-I8wdrgK6iBMtIf4I7SvTB0nWNN22q5v80JbLmVqOX7aQMveg4C7F6KMYThY9g0H_Wz5XTmNyjbLP9xL9lQ5FvYAfKaE-mtoIRnvWK44rpY7M0MdR-Nguvbxx9igjrUW5ERFm=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh70PvbHsM9y7Pkn1ofPeAJJVTBvYHNkjlQWHdmajUDlPQUUxlx8S16-79N_VRhFwhlnqF8TNzg36SgPnBg4O8ipMzG7p76Ew0fXXZn_XhlKwtkwbyZtUWigW0QPUHfl1Qc3o11hG0vs3YxK47GXQjHVqNm3XCkrJXzU_KUmUUksXdRzDfK9bA3FAO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh70PvbHsM9y7Pkn1ofPeAJJVTBvYHNkjlQWHdmajUDlPQUUxlx8S16-79N_VRhFwhlnqF8TNzg36SgPnBg4O8ipMzG7p76Ew0fXXZn_XhlKwtkwbyZtUWigW0QPUHfl1Qc3o11hG0vs3YxK47GXQjHVqNm3XCkrJXzU_KUmUUksXdRzDfK9bA3FAO=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY15agX_cIgw3Qxd5okoIFp4ExT2Y9t3iG2E_3RQCam6IiTZtLWUQBul2OQvYpsCnCo0SWIOzSeACBmdHY8J8gU5UidbmHNlR-haFVd_hOAAKF_lVw1BpXuAW6HZoJRgSTnMCC7U5XOCOlfGXSG9H3Nw0VatdfNOaj275dlXAD4nWPFNe2K3LPhS8V" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY15agX_cIgw3Qxd5okoIFp4ExT2Y9t3iG2E_3RQCam6IiTZtLWUQBul2OQvYpsCnCo0SWIOzSeACBmdHY8J8gU5UidbmHNlR-haFVd_hOAAKF_lVw1BpXuAW6HZoJRgSTnMCC7U5XOCOlfGXSG9H3Nw0VatdfNOaj275dlXAD4nWPFNe2K3LPhS8V=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div>I have yet to decide how I'll use them, but they're certainly NOT for sitting upon. Perhaps as stands for some houseplants or books, near my bedside to hold a crochet project up off of the floor, or next to the Christmas tree for some added elevation for small gifts... I already love them without having an official use for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>A mixed media artist who has inspired me for years has started to part with collections of items she's used in the past, and I jumped at the chance to bid upon a selection of eyelet and lace in white and cream:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4L4GC0N4Lg6oAztFvDOWhkjDLjR84AepIZITS3F4lyFk-sFnEzUbsVPYMuvXFK44SPQkKATb2HHIvbvNp0YzYvAxmzB3Oucj7sVJ9ZuM88MfSO-hI9996YYeJCJQPHu0JKzipTl8bfmSx2hNJePBjSP_4AqPD90qpkZ_KQLDioZK0DFPaJaMkc3P_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4L4GC0N4Lg6oAztFvDOWhkjDLjR84AepIZITS3F4lyFk-sFnEzUbsVPYMuvXFK44SPQkKATb2HHIvbvNp0YzYvAxmzB3Oucj7sVJ9ZuM88MfSO-hI9996YYeJCJQPHu0JKzipTl8bfmSx2hNJePBjSP_4AqPD90qpkZ_KQLDioZK0DFPaJaMkc3P_=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div>The trims scream <i>summertime</i> to me at the moment, but once cooler weather arrives I know they'll likely inspire me to sew up some warm pillowcases in cotton or fleece, work up some felt or crochet items and then select the perfect eyelet for finishing the edges. Passing along items to a good home where they'll be used, and adopting materials such as these with the intent of using them beautifully are some of my favorite expressions of kindness and manifestations of purpose. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are you a collector? What catches your eye and tugs at your heart?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-84472539154924637142022-07-31T17:58:00.003-05:002022-07-31T17:58:59.618-05:00Expanding My Early Childhood Ornament Collection<p>I had several ornaments that were hard to place and even more difficult to name as I expanded my search for Christmas decor that I dream-remembered from my childhood during my bout with COVID earlier this summer. After using keywords such as "fragile," "diorama," "shaved wood" and "open arch wooden ornament" across Ebay, Etsy and Google in general, I finally found examples of and the correct keywords for the ornaments in question.</p><p>Erzgebirge </p><p>Seiffen, Germany </p><p>Richard Glaesser woodshops </p><p>... and let's not forget "vintage."</p><p>These have now joined my Christmas in July Childhood Ornament Collection (one dated 1975):</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDwyMe0jH4deVNLaWm7uDyojokFgehScEqz8yhzqj056F9XFsxWmbjo-aHs0zl0PU2FHrdD2o9vFeypf2dMcDkfjj6Er4yjp9wvMe84ZD92JRiZd__hGGjxqDax-P3_SL7vI19HZ8KtqnBrDy952IvsG1TurkAeZIYQXa3q_ln6Nyu2WCSWK7krFtd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDwyMe0jH4deVNLaWm7uDyojokFgehScEqz8yhzqj056F9XFsxWmbjo-aHs0zl0PU2FHrdD2o9vFeypf2dMcDkfjj6Er4yjp9wvMe84ZD92JRiZd__hGGjxqDax-P3_SL7vI19HZ8KtqnBrDy952IvsG1TurkAeZIYQXa3q_ln6Nyu2WCSWK7krFtd=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaHM3D2NwuP4nAf05ay8dFkyXuePJE-5jE-mxeJR-wELvfczYp_7KWTvz_Dz0QRokfsPTANRxwgxQuuhRG5azJ6t55Gbj8eQx4K0RwNb6h_-1bywUn5HxS26L7hgujuVsKBUgbXqWz-12467Shg6xND4BRcKQu8wxLN_OkqGFFYaHcg06tC1xtpfhU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaHM3D2NwuP4nAf05ay8dFkyXuePJE-5jE-mxeJR-wELvfczYp_7KWTvz_Dz0QRokfsPTANRxwgxQuuhRG5azJ6t55Gbj8eQx4K0RwNb6h_-1bywUn5HxS26L7hgujuVsKBUgbXqWz-12467Shg6xND4BRcKQu8wxLN_OkqGFFYaHcg06tC1xtpfhU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a view from the other side of the ornament:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiysufiN_ra53UN3uVAvEuBxSxPDLOp6vMQB1zCLKAmpkl9YmdlIjCVTPh3KJHRS0O0jLPAhrclAfRiqbKL5CwkrhqD5-WsY7oOzJWqXLA5DVvqOUvTF0hYF1xct7FCjLSDUEzNtJ_fgQFjMlw6fpQmZKsTmgl249hR5Cf5CzhA0bFgDsz1tS1O43XA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiysufiN_ra53UN3uVAvEuBxSxPDLOp6vMQB1zCLKAmpkl9YmdlIjCVTPh3KJHRS0O0jLPAhrclAfRiqbKL5CwkrhqD5-WsY7oOzJWqXLA5DVvqOUvTF0hYF1xct7FCjLSDUEzNtJ_fgQFjMlw6fpQmZKsTmgl249hR5Cf5CzhA0bFgDsz1tS1O43XA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkZI4KxviH1ZdcyvqEp0F_DkRuUKlmax5skX6q5aCh6B26g8hlLiA9-EPE5dOfJqkikljgo__iiLxsHhwhdZQMF4dvwJdCwQcze4ICyTYgHJk8HEO9hIJY7oBeTYs15h_siN-RuXkoRHl-Is0v4Yh8RDCl7T_fDC51a3H_0bc47QiURuD_PsYn2M0f" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkZI4KxviH1ZdcyvqEp0F_DkRuUKlmax5skX6q5aCh6B26g8hlLiA9-EPE5dOfJqkikljgo__iiLxsHhwhdZQMF4dvwJdCwQcze4ICyTYgHJk8HEO9hIJY7oBeTYs15h_siN-RuXkoRHl-Is0v4Yh8RDCl7T_fDC51a3H_0bc47QiURuD_PsYn2M0f=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9GXQ6tPuFCjFuQ-HhLqJ4c9NH4iM13cAIHOvLmySt5h6pIc7AZzRcwATI-LaNPeMzFwt9sd4O5ib7cHiKdbAmfoWS7bW5vOt6yeGeautDF6ACwu1POdOf90SXsrY7vdcigeYAlfiy9MmnPNmVDf8abTEUp75v-hL77ON700GUGkkcoK4SNkRAJMRw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9GXQ6tPuFCjFuQ-HhLqJ4c9NH4iM13cAIHOvLmySt5h6pIc7AZzRcwATI-LaNPeMzFwt9sd4O5ib7cHiKdbAmfoWS7bW5vOt6yeGeautDF6ACwu1POdOf90SXsrY7vdcigeYAlfiy9MmnPNmVDf8abTEUp75v-hL77ON700GUGkkcoK4SNkRAJMRw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>The wooden arches feature a simple geometric design like this one, and the thinnest of gold thread was used for the hangars at the top, though the nativity ornament arrived without it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaETm8J0f0tzBcM-N7TfeytwOxC8d0p74e-pYC61iw8W9Zn6t0D7x2-sFjwk-Odmrs3tu0y5C3dpcEcDSKn-uJ6clCiiD2IMLGjeTl20qCI6MDbcvD-kP1c9DrHIWdwCbI-KbNkb4nIJxRQg4erUes5rs1DgcPsoZCkbns_kaN233_nuaGur3bsRyw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaETm8J0f0tzBcM-N7TfeytwOxC8d0p74e-pYC61iw8W9Zn6t0D7x2-sFjwk-Odmrs3tu0y5C3dpcEcDSKn-uJ6clCiiD2IMLGjeTl20qCI6MDbcvD-kP1c9DrHIWdwCbI-KbNkb4nIJxRQg4erUes5rs1DgcPsoZCkbns_kaN233_nuaGur3bsRyw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are German, which makes me believe that the lost or abandoned ornaments of my childhood had been given to me by my German godmother, Annie Rooney. I love these and look forward to collecting more that were created in the "Erzgebirge Mountain Village of Seiffen, Germany by the craftsmen at the Richard Glaesser woodshops" during the 1970s. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've enjoyed creating this new vintage collection this summer, but it's almost time to put the ornaments away until December, so I can start getting ready for Halloween!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-83351925632588458372022-07-21T11:20:00.001-05:002022-07-21T11:20:25.105-05:00Childhood Christmas in July<p> After two years of successfully avoiding COVID, I started feeling a bit off and subsequently tested positive the day after the school year ended in May. I used up box after box of Kleenex and needed a bottle of decongestant spray within reach to help me breathe during the fourteen-day quarantine, but I thought it was a good sign that I didn't experience a fever. I could smell and taste food for all but three days, and I was able to sneak out to my greenhouse on multiple afternoons in order to enjoy some mask-free time. I slept a LOT and used Lysol spray on everything. I crocheted, read, binge-watched several series, and slept some more.</p><p>For some reason, I dreamt of childhood Christmases from almost fifty years ago and remembered clearly ornaments on the trees that had either been lost, taken, or left behind when Mom decided to hastily move our family from Texas to Alaska in 1980. The ornaments don't appear in any of my holiday pictures, which, by the way, are all in black and white except for holiday portraits taken with Santa at the mall, all still considered "vintage," and I have only one ornament from those early memories that she gave me when I first married, so obviously some decor made the trip north.</p><p>Mom had me when she was in college. Holiday magic was provided annually by my grandparents, uncle, and the family of my mother's best friend, Tommie Sue. Grandpa would have my birthday meal and our Christmas dinner sent to mom's college apartment, complete with a gingerbread house (he lived overseas), and G.G. would always bring presents and plenty of sparkle. I remember Mom painting pieces of wood to hang on the tree one year, joining strands of lights where the bulbs were surrounded by mini-reflectors in the shape of clear flower petals, strands of metal beads she used as garlands, some pushpin and sequin ornaments that had been received as gifts, and some styrofoam Santa elves, one wearing red, the other white. Small white rocking horses, mice, teddy bears, elephants, and trains trimmed in red and white gingham would join the tree a few years later. Wooden diorama-type ornaments were also on our tree, but the curved, shaved arch above them was terribly fragile. She stopped using silver tinsel on trees after moving to Alaska and our adopted cat ate and later casually excreted it along the living room floor. Mom's wooden nativity would come out of its box, and the plastic popcorn snowman and Christmas tree wallhangings were taped and tacked to furniture and doors. We always reused the same beautiful paper advent calendar, and Beistle honeycomb decor and a Gurley Santa candle were some of my favorite items. But those painted wooden ornaments... I had forgotten all about them until I started sleeping extra hours at the start of summer. </p><p>I haven't searched eBay regularly in years, but the hunt was on. Three, almost four weeks later, after having completely forgotten what must have been a marathon of online searching, two boxes arrived. One with an opened but never used set of Paint by Number Christmas Ornaments and the other containing a baggie of gingham-clad animals and trains. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVwUGaglgdx1yVY02beDMvtrSvEjJfZAjMTRKwv1Uef8YONJzNNRWo5Il2SuNeOUBDLXfsV5Nj5PQr-ajoS8gbAEqyq7PgeAMrlQdo6hU4IazbnAwKdQuQv0ZS6AjpU1e4Jr1aNPtd2MuIH8RNzoYFHdGboDeqa6n0PCJSWoAT-suyDe4LJ-eQwAj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoVwUGaglgdx1yVY02beDMvtrSvEjJfZAjMTRKwv1Uef8YONJzNNRWo5Il2SuNeOUBDLXfsV5Nj5PQr-ajoS8gbAEqyq7PgeAMrlQdo6hU4IazbnAwKdQuQv0ZS6AjpU1e4Jr1aNPtd2MuIH8RNzoYFHdGboDeqa6n0PCJSWoAT-suyDe4LJ-eQwAj=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8p2-f36hYs2cSXESIPlHs4eZA3MXRiO9sCiu3KYcDJqpdXujTx177DVydvtUWCktPvSG4fbvJX2tfSyaXaIPmOloxMem7Dy5C9BTWgO6r4UosQNT8bB_JMIdlkeGCiPzEsbBXQ-J6osi7QxVfE_Dx0Bdzf6Pe-iNt4w_utiXgHsjbqeN8pkBrqe22" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8p2-f36hYs2cSXESIPlHs4eZA3MXRiO9sCiu3KYcDJqpdXujTx177DVydvtUWCktPvSG4fbvJX2tfSyaXaIPmOloxMem7Dy5C9BTWgO6r4UosQNT8bB_JMIdlkeGCiPzEsbBXQ-J6osi7QxVfE_Dx0Bdzf6Pe-iNt4w_utiXgHsjbqeN8pkBrqe22=w528-h640" width="528" /></a></div>These ornaments would have been considered very affordable in the early 1970s, which would have helped a single mother just starting her teaching career provide some Christmas magic each December. Mom likely would have had a heart attack if she saw that replacing them didn't qualify as a Sears and Roebuck special in 2022, but perhaps if she's peeked back in on me from the ether, they've put a smile on her face. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcxqwBNvnN2H_gVi7cOY_d4rHfbMbtKG4S37gbw8W5kD_avowPY-6oQRW4ISbxPIXOUSA0JPAJ1uOoUfC6gIJHOObPdsRpK3dY-JeCF5VUUzrL1vWwuqtnascnsRpwNcZVoPS3vMVlUgjIWwbKn1B9w8Ja-UujL3kQnl5EUf909GuPZCCQXQZgEsC2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcxqwBNvnN2H_gVi7cOY_d4rHfbMbtKG4S37gbw8W5kD_avowPY-6oQRW4ISbxPIXOUSA0JPAJ1uOoUfC6gIJHOObPdsRpK3dY-JeCF5VUUzrL1vWwuqtnascnsRpwNcZVoPS3vMVlUgjIWwbKn1B9w8Ja-UujL3kQnl5EUf909GuPZCCQXQZgEsC2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7AykZafTU9Ya6ByiW4JlQ5EW0gLyKx21J_kW-N3QTTna2848zzXAKkPSgVtaWVfccIqf_uHyLbq6J-topeVBlRoQAlfyvFalSNjhP_m8ny1ryC62h7vaXS4Su7kfo-4SNnNpCw-ttTMRSn1mw5kBAl5k65j7nqDw6oMsDmk9LsV98kjRwDs0fXXti" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7AykZafTU9Ya6ByiW4JlQ5EW0gLyKx21J_kW-N3QTTna2848zzXAKkPSgVtaWVfccIqf_uHyLbq6J-topeVBlRoQAlfyvFalSNjhP_m8ny1ryC62h7vaXS4Su7kfo-4SNnNpCw-ttTMRSn1mw5kBAl5k65j7nqDw6oMsDmk9LsV98kjRwDs0fXXti=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTMxjm3TAAwnXSbCUaJgRgs4WFq5XMelQZJVUtRR6HfdsorMCP5HOix4GspbJkWZF_RYmEO7wGvyHboc7CWQXYqu6_VjKdH9uoKKRGfSx9HuQctak_2plGcDL6QHMM_c5hdtA1winqKw-uIN5Cjegb5jjluenEscZutt0F9IWxv4Vk9NM6nisJpOr-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTMxjm3TAAwnXSbCUaJgRgs4WFq5XMelQZJVUtRR6HfdsorMCP5HOix4GspbJkWZF_RYmEO7wGvyHboc7CWQXYqu6_VjKdH9uoKKRGfSx9HuQctak_2plGcDL6QHMM_c5hdtA1winqKw-uIN5Cjegb5jjluenEscZutt0F9IWxv4Vk9NM6nisJpOr-=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZg_H8oNjDR6MlEAp4_A4rC72KwtN-zbrQqOOBp6BxrxXmW9OYwvazfBOl-P6EdT4lUxXuh2Axa-XPDjZS8Pq8QhqatTiRUl8fUzBva0e9nZFRGsV8buVLstMGkWAXutcC37jL_B0FSkgqT_W1hQ27kq9vVSss_8ouS3pAEQ_yNi_gTgkAtfaiRKT3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZg_H8oNjDR6MlEAp4_A4rC72KwtN-zbrQqOOBp6BxrxXmW9OYwvazfBOl-P6EdT4lUxXuh2Axa-XPDjZS8Pq8QhqatTiRUl8fUzBva0e9nZFRGsV8buVLstMGkWAXutcC37jL_B0FSkgqT_W1hQ27kq9vVSss_8ouS3pAEQ_yNi_gTgkAtfaiRKT3=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGIlWdQUDgHkC6DbhafRsGLCo1zDH4JbSFpS2AG5zmGAq8uwI7HZLAFAG6ac1BM3iTxmSM2pmKcpDaHuxQfDGpOdiL9DzmbzQTI4lCxTeXMu6kQ_lGTokjdFbMOopM6bjJoRuZRVlVCSOqTZHUwT5e0gsdw3tKSDZRrGnRBKYlGthPF0o6b8rCvNcJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGIlWdQUDgHkC6DbhafRsGLCo1zDH4JbSFpS2AG5zmGAq8uwI7HZLAFAG6ac1BM3iTxmSM2pmKcpDaHuxQfDGpOdiL9DzmbzQTI4lCxTeXMu6kQ_lGTokjdFbMOopM6bjJoRuZRVlVCSOqTZHUwT5e0gsdw3tKSDZRrGnRBKYlGthPF0o6b8rCvNcJ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I'm no painter, and the flimsy brush provided in the wooden ornament kit could NOT have been what any artist, amateur or experienced, would have wanted to use while working on each character. The paint was dried solid in each of the glass containers, so my tub of acrylic craft paints was put to good use. I painted outside of the lines. I used colors different from what the instructions mentioned. I made plenty of smears, and I committed to adding glitter once the paint was dry.</p><p>Another COVID-brain purchase was a black wrought iron ornament tree that arrived a week and a half later. It will work wonderfully for October, but for now, it's providing a spot in my craft room for my childhood Christmas in July.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDNzeaNXA1BQF21LrsUqWc3vNzaQvPJrpdHfg5FZEM-r4iiEHjMO-qPuuFbs1lGkqGwyHI4WsRPzHA6CgNs98prGODPq9gWcUKyKZZnZgKpvCIEsJ4qsjY02I6Y2F2GPmdoDCDuiANP9_1JdelokByuqd5RHtckXt5MTu-mL0lIH32Jji_1lmV60qN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDNzeaNXA1BQF21LrsUqWc3vNzaQvPJrpdHfg5FZEM-r4iiEHjMO-qPuuFbs1lGkqGwyHI4WsRPzHA6CgNs98prGODPq9gWcUKyKZZnZgKpvCIEsJ4qsjY02I6Y2F2GPmdoDCDuiANP9_1JdelokByuqd5RHtckXt5MTu-mL0lIH32Jji_1lmV60qN=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />All of the ladies except for one angel in the kit were supposed to have their hair painted yellow. Oh, no-no-no-no-no. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1LbZREyGv-iRN8cN0QyA3fYuRZvTnnVPjBZl3NOvzzja6YW87SFlV7AnT5UiYbUQc1iP5LOw5PzZj2bA4PZ1LP-khGitrRkPL-tqQA8P2vkKLFCIACllSHsBg4Q6L_eaAG0y7m-57szOHIwYN4a6JWvu_-jJkpCVilXXZdqDQOMGWFHONtmf1JBKI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1LbZREyGv-iRN8cN0QyA3fYuRZvTnnVPjBZl3NOvzzja6YW87SFlV7AnT5UiYbUQc1iP5LOw5PzZj2bA4PZ1LP-khGitrRkPL-tqQA8P2vkKLFCIACllSHsBg4Q6L_eaAG0y7m-57szOHIwYN4a6JWvu_-jJkpCVilXXZdqDQOMGWFHONtmf1JBKI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzBSIHuVJeuV0LaL7-8D6KUsXlkS9aIJ0BTGc427aeGMipi5yfBsP_Kq4Gj2o6ZWWIVIgLSjFZCljjpKkdz1G0B9A8Hh89IXlcbXKEH5FubRMuINRci5Zrc8xTA4rYNk9xR2w4RyXs5GlyEAx-qzUcnI_KyjCY_2DHO8ocBaqPq_VnzrrrG_zcr_fV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzBSIHuVJeuV0LaL7-8D6KUsXlkS9aIJ0BTGc427aeGMipi5yfBsP_Kq4Gj2o6ZWWIVIgLSjFZCljjpKkdz1G0B9A8Hh89IXlcbXKEH5FubRMuINRci5Zrc8xTA4rYNk9xR2w4RyXs5GlyEAx-qzUcnI_KyjCY_2DHO8ocBaqPq_VnzrrrG_zcr_fV=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div>In true 70s fashion, Raggedy Ann and Andy are included in the set:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4zJONXIWgT03AiSgD6-_klWdTiGMmZ4dvD73l5fNP6jP24uEJbF2ubQRs1X9_OT4uMn5fsHozYaD0ypN1Df4Fg_ztB5KEmxkGD16lArxVe4UsBOjOkbcuRf7OjcfoQbMpHb9_tTKIU36Zw67v6TwsAvUNrjMBo4fxWlxBAof7IGKu3eEIoXjbKBrQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4zJONXIWgT03AiSgD6-_klWdTiGMmZ4dvD73l5fNP6jP24uEJbF2ubQRs1X9_OT4uMn5fsHozYaD0ypN1Df4Fg_ztB5KEmxkGD16lArxVe4UsBOjOkbcuRf7OjcfoQbMpHb9_tTKIU36Zw67v6TwsAvUNrjMBo4fxWlxBAof7IGKu3eEIoXjbKBrQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJCSrcBOOHGng7TUEGTbKw1vDhFmEZ5ujtcEIf-VgJj2motEagLLvN3blKeSiezad8UN5njgR9ISi-U_epStzQnC3q69kRH3al7X_srLCfnWNG3jP533K7mGCXlCKYFG3Amo-asbe2Aasph2vttzk-MBiR7XrEaJfwZe8vli7VTrjdm47-PoTfJKby" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJCSrcBOOHGng7TUEGTbKw1vDhFmEZ5ujtcEIf-VgJj2motEagLLvN3blKeSiezad8UN5njgR9ISi-U_epStzQnC3q69kRH3al7X_srLCfnWNG3jP533K7mGCXlCKYFG3Amo-asbe2Aasph2vttzk-MBiR7XrEaJfwZe8vli7VTrjdm47-PoTfJKby=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />... and there's just a bit of cheekiness featured on one ornament in particular:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4WEjqEbY8JeZj0Qg5TaFXdpZ8D0O2TyLBYSFgRKb6wzZIVyLFCdbtQCqqQJKz8tmRfigQZO9o5kXAQ_FOPEAwNvgYog-KNh92gZLHWQNtKtGCVCRe7SMc-IoS1QBLItEp2TrxtCEdzVlLomAFNd6kX15Q18Spya92LGdmmUj-LNvUeA_EFwP33iiw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4WEjqEbY8JeZj0Qg5TaFXdpZ8D0O2TyLBYSFgRKb6wzZIVyLFCdbtQCqqQJKz8tmRfigQZO9o5kXAQ_FOPEAwNvgYog-KNh92gZLHWQNtKtGCVCRe7SMc-IoS1QBLItEp2TrxtCEdzVlLomAFNd6kX15Q18Spya92LGdmmUj-LNvUeA_EFwP33iiw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, no, not there... here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxRogbfX-cCfEaXFoeKBOsBgND9GRh8apIE6PIBZ9uz3vy5mtUcUvNtt9-xEQGtTi9O_ifHx6LCwLl2i0rm2Gw9g9ZJ79g0Id90bh0AXX98FTISIh-Ivw6QeAj84pCCm_cQZrrpnB_DH5q0hi2BmtT3Hr1n0gX0Uy1fvXl48BbbREonkN43DmU7M5t" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxRogbfX-cCfEaXFoeKBOsBgND9GRh8apIE6PIBZ9uz3vy5mtUcUvNtt9-xEQGtTi9O_ifHx6LCwLl2i0rm2Gw9g9ZJ79g0Id90bh0AXX98FTISIh-Ivw6QeAj84pCCm_cQZrrpnB_DH5q0hi2BmtT3Hr1n0gX0Uy1fvXl48BbbREonkN43DmU7M5t=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPpqgbM006FDESA5gXUSSguYxqHhvMetpl6GrYi1sZtlOzLq1jmf9iDj2fRHwYbnHcc-v-BOeDDiY0pS_avv5FHLGtVFHNm0ohnhXS-vVeEDB3xqIeNHAStmWkipHrA8I6lQKn0HucS5fDx5Og9xTrWpAQ89HzK4EbOWEDjSk4imLo9NrJZNl_JCUi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPpqgbM006FDESA5gXUSSguYxqHhvMetpl6GrYi1sZtlOzLq1jmf9iDj2fRHwYbnHcc-v-BOeDDiY0pS_avv5FHLGtVFHNm0ohnhXS-vVeEDB3xqIeNHAStmWkipHrA8I6lQKn0HucS5fDx5Og9xTrWpAQ89HzK4EbOWEDjSk4imLo9NrJZNl_JCUi=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDPgO9FEeMVZT5qlrhu2nFVw7d9pdauW3XD6TeIyb56UFvI7xYzYBnKdt8um4uhf9xMuyK1ay8bVXbDrto3H8s8dk_RCd4M1GzZiPWm7jIKOmXgVohdlh3DPsR8ldxlqAk80KImlKcP5PPrFgaVoJGcKHmcMbcWMtyp-HYbpTToV80pbN4pbfkx6Qp=w480-h640" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDPgO9FEeMVZT5qlrhu2nFVw7d9pdauW3XD6TeIyb56UFvI7xYzYBnKdt8um4uhf9xMuyK1ay8bVXbDrto3H8s8dk_RCd4M1GzZiPWm7jIKOmXgVohdlh3DPsR8ldxlqAk80KImlKcP5PPrFgaVoJGcKHmcMbcWMtyp-HYbpTToV80pbN4pbfkx6Qp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDPgO9FEeMVZT5qlrhu2nFVw7d9pdauW3XD6TeIyb56UFvI7xYzYBnKdt8um4uhf9xMuyK1ay8bVXbDrto3H8s8dk_RCd4M1GzZiPWm7jIKOmXgVohdlh3DPsR8ldxlqAk80KImlKcP5PPrFgaVoJGcKHmcMbcWMtyp-HYbpTToV80pbN4pbfkx6Qp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBTEdzWr4AL4GtKh0vBV02gamT3xEd1H9TLzLxk0BUBw4tm10QHUiBcEcnbIKWs_ijJs6jOtEAgPIBz41jbdJ0EtWm9rZL5mYOfPXuaLfsLFVYTp-8Si7BVOyBceWP5FLJTbESKpq0TgyQj66WaApY_pA-bZe3-sBRcRdT2bVZrUQ0HqNRBQEXAV97" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBTEdzWr4AL4GtKh0vBV02gamT3xEd1H9TLzLxk0BUBw4tm10QHUiBcEcnbIKWs_ijJs6jOtEAgPIBz41jbdJ0EtWm9rZL5mYOfPXuaLfsLFVYTp-8Si7BVOyBceWP5FLJTbESKpq0TgyQj66WaApY_pA-bZe3-sBRcRdT2bVZrUQ0HqNRBQEXAV97=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>It's interesting where the wiring in our brain that controls memories can take us when we're sick, moving through loss, and experiencing our fifties. Yes, I've found some examples of the diorama ornaments on eBay, but have only ordered one... for now. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrPLlW-e1f7htw-yB2FWcGxAOcjsnuFL4krHAH04BWJFNA7JkXnrt1jcrkzHeYW-o-tRSQz-e-hWZ5xYsdGpXL2c72lrWOOTYiYXaB-VFesPtOBz8CiourYcNcBW0Xf9JHzSuq4qEaB4uSPfjM170i_u5KdiuJVTGr66cVEFOzKcO8lamFjnihTT7p" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1080" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrPLlW-e1f7htw-yB2FWcGxAOcjsnuFL4krHAH04BWJFNA7JkXnrt1jcrkzHeYW-o-tRSQz-e-hWZ5xYsdGpXL2c72lrWOOTYiYXaB-VFesPtOBz8CiourYcNcBW0Xf9JHzSuq4qEaB4uSPfjM170i_u5KdiuJVTGr66cVEFOzKcO8lamFjnihTT7p=w640-h589" width="640" /></a></div><br />I spent four or five days painting, glittering, and stifling leftover coughs before assembling the tree to display the results. The ornaments aren't precious to me, but the process, while messy, was enjoyable and such a nice way to travel down Memory Lane. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPUgRqZ9YdH0CfXIg3nZIiriPSqosujxWTIA9ZPAa4x1Wvm_cmq22jr-fW1vpqF_2x5BjhD0_1sQPi1tYbPufpzv75RrMwpFH1k0TnGFLbuD2Aq0XIX23EgKaC5Xb8y1KEhklfvTYk7-pLmBYWd1PQLzQ0uQI4poLyGNis4O57eUAhwBd4jdI3RN-j" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPUgRqZ9YdH0CfXIg3nZIiriPSqosujxWTIA9ZPAa4x1Wvm_cmq22jr-fW1vpqF_2x5BjhD0_1sQPi1tYbPufpzv75RrMwpFH1k0TnGFLbuD2Aq0XIX23EgKaC5Xb8y1KEhklfvTYk7-pLmBYWd1PQLzQ0uQI4poLyGNis4O57eUAhwBd4jdI3RN-j=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ4WGZwjtyBoYRNJuvvqNbs7btdrbgBvZN4lYv1rRh_qK-PmlpsC0FmvKoXI7TZSQBRDNDmVAhijUgSQp6YEkGCr8ixTwbNtlCZUqG9kta-txIu8RlRUcuu3pw-Ek8aw0GAinmelgvd_Z3-Etwds1y1ljpIoNRAjxuySWebYZaoXImnxHKctHkgFFz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ4WGZwjtyBoYRNJuvvqNbs7btdrbgBvZN4lYv1rRh_qK-PmlpsC0FmvKoXI7TZSQBRDNDmVAhijUgSQp6YEkGCr8ixTwbNtlCZUqG9kta-txIu8RlRUcuu3pw-Ek8aw0GAinmelgvd_Z3-Etwds1y1ljpIoNRAjxuySWebYZaoXImnxHKctHkgFFz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG9-tlHN1YhO_03AOsS-IeNV4u2yQHZa-E2oBETMCojLXaGS1nHH4yObYKx8V4Xa3B4lpHMYT5WOkKORTAvQMQsY4Y3Sdrmo_IFhgWIBZAB4mScCzpD-zfg1P5WTmAQ5mWO_M_jJjce_rxXM-OCGMYIFGKS9lPjgCwDy3Z1xJivoieblciCxPCCMaa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG9-tlHN1YhO_03AOsS-IeNV4u2yQHZa-E2oBETMCojLXaGS1nHH4yObYKx8V4Xa3B4lpHMYT5WOkKORTAvQMQsY4Y3Sdrmo_IFhgWIBZAB4mScCzpD-zfg1P5WTmAQ5mWO_M_jJjce_rxXM-OCGMYIFGKS9lPjgCwDy3Z1xJivoieblciCxPCCMaa=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-68998602525151953482022-07-06T17:19:00.000-05:002022-07-06T17:19:18.349-05:00Magpie Más<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIDrfCe2mqIady0yndLHVTVnEEVjn_0dts7KQxcLy2UQy-nasuwWQPu9hs3JcQvZipxbVkG6QyRu2ZYKSTPsBNOc93ZGZCD6HufXgMwN9Xov7uz0Z5TT9MCloU8J8NAmGEokRk7597ea_kNKM43Sng-pC1IibM0_Hi1aUMjCHlEcN6HUFqdNQNlBUp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIDrfCe2mqIady0yndLHVTVnEEVjn_0dts7KQxcLy2UQy-nasuwWQPu9hs3JcQvZipxbVkG6QyRu2ZYKSTPsBNOc93ZGZCD6HufXgMwN9Xov7uz0Z5TT9MCloU8J8NAmGEokRk7597ea_kNKM43Sng-pC1IibM0_Hi1aUMjCHlEcN6HUFqdNQNlBUp=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Look at what was waiting for me at home after a quick road trip to St. Louis with The Teenager to see The Eldest! Magical millinery, lace, ribbons, ephemera, picks, buttons, cards, beadwork and more, all from my creative, thoughtful and spirit-affirming friend, Sheila. It's obvious she ~gets~ my magpie-más tendencies.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9m-qUsT5_zGyAIn3BqPV_XAgR8Zz5U-HxdSRdOGicbNmW5SDLUo3DvVvIYNUUZ1Pa3pYxG8ewvEoYbPEvbavoJA-zCSRwoYiSZ-JcSS2hclNHFxXusG1qDca4Jz0-1HB7B3xaNWVP7fozVMJAsUFcIakNn_os08vhae8c-ZqnnEBD4n3Tz0Dg0bAp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9m-qUsT5_zGyAIn3BqPV_XAgR8Zz5U-HxdSRdOGicbNmW5SDLUo3DvVvIYNUUZ1Pa3pYxG8ewvEoYbPEvbavoJA-zCSRwoYiSZ-JcSS2hclNHFxXusG1qDca4Jz0-1HB7B3xaNWVP7fozVMJAsUFcIakNn_os08vhae8c-ZqnnEBD4n3Tz0Dg0bAp=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMjblHQV8qTc-M1GiFIkg6EMA-bIbFOZ-71M9mVEr7xbEBsWJYFrNbQIaNAJbuPbboutNAAF54z6Gj4jC5vQLuu-xabj9Ld92NXKmFGrKJSChJX4BhiHl96SMejCKy8DsXi6SublfQLBZtTNovMcqCsWJ72vy1Isd6R_pEaO-BOjnVnCgS2kjMPsFD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMjblHQV8qTc-M1GiFIkg6EMA-bIbFOZ-71M9mVEr7xbEBsWJYFrNbQIaNAJbuPbboutNAAF54z6Gj4jC5vQLuu-xabj9Ld92NXKmFGrKJSChJX4BhiHl96SMejCKy8DsXi6SublfQLBZtTNovMcqCsWJ72vy1Isd6R_pEaO-BOjnVnCgS2kjMPsFD=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look! My initials in sparkly, spangly glory!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix8i8J_TXus4XiqNhNrGGac6JRK5uWKG6boY0lhupV8JSLSa8nKxjy-76ByIkkwrRniG1GCW9SLieCaGIweYXYTzqjPiC8a1YqPNbZEp_GJvui7oKS9TcK34cPJPkDi_3owKyTK2S3ohkruMDka1IEq8ZrjE9pxiGbC37j-sK73Ltn_stJc7tsOZha" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix8i8J_TXus4XiqNhNrGGac6JRK5uWKG6boY0lhupV8JSLSa8nKxjy-76ByIkkwrRniG1GCW9SLieCaGIweYXYTzqjPiC8a1YqPNbZEp_GJvui7oKS9TcK34cPJPkDi_3owKyTK2S3ohkruMDka1IEq8ZrjE9pxiGbC37j-sK73Ltn_stJc7tsOZha=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />The clothing labels, beadwork on lace, and millinery flowers and leaves will be arranged, displayed, sorted through, and thoroughly enjoyed as I select the perfect touches for whatever creations my imagination dreams up. I love the look, feel, and age of every piece. Beauty endures as does friendship, even during stressful and chaotic times.<p></p><p>Thank goodness.</p><p>Thank you, Sheila.</p><p><br /></p><p>Love,</p><p>Magpie Michaele</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-74466981567624791812022-02-08T10:44:00.003-06:002022-02-08T21:17:41.691-06:00My Mother's Lessons<div>When you're mad at someone don't hit walls (me in my teens), rather, crochet (or knit, or embroider, or do cross-stitch, or bake bread and punch the living hell out of it) and turn your anger and frustration into something useful. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you earned something, stand your ground and keep it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Private snark and inside jokes are healthy. Cruelty to others is not. </div><div><br /></div><div>Children don't need stage mothers when they're pursuing their own interests and dreams. </div><div><br /></div><div>Music is essential. Pavarotti, Gordon Lightfoot, the soundtrack from Camelot, ABBA, Charles Aznavour, beautiful arrangements of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Seals and Crofts, Simon and Garfunkel, and Paul Simon solo, especially this song which she would play on repeat during drives to Fairbanks from Delta Junction figured prominently in my youth:</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uq-gYOrU8bA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Recipes are important and so is sharing them. Sour cream chicken enchiladas, "fabulous franks," homemade white bread and sugar cookies were staples of my childhood. The enchiladas and cookies have traveled with me as a wife, teacher and mother and I've shared their recipes far and wide.</div><div><br /></div><div>Name your vehicle because you're going to talk to it a lot. The first car I remember my mother owning when I was a very young child was named Piglet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Collect what you like even if your tastes don't match others. She started me on porcelain thimbles and small lidded boxes, while I eventually became drawn to Noritake Occupied Japan platters and Russian lacquer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a hobby, even a simple one like reading so you'll never be bored or scared when the lights go out. They went out a LOT in Alaska, which made owning candles and oil lamps essential, too. She had more of those than flashlights and batteries, saving the latter to give to grandchildren for reading under the covers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be ready to fight, and it's okay if you cry during it. You don't have to win, but you do have to leave a big enough mark so that everyone else knows to leave you alone, which was made easier after she started buying me steel-toed hiking boots. The advice and footwear came in handy during my years in Alaska, except in regard to the crazy girls who tried to run me down with their three-wheelers and vans. Villages (and teenage girls) can be intense. </div><div><br /></div><div>Support colleagues when they need and deserve it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Short hair works on women (she resembled Liza Minelli in my youth).</div><div><br /></div><div>When someone bans a book, it's time to buy it, read it, and pass it on. If you really find it meaningful, buy another copy for your bookshelf. Our last conversation included Maus, society's painful responsibilities and obligations, and the idiocy of some people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Students have power. Kids need and can handle (in many cases) the truth, and should know that there are trusted adults that aren't necessarily their parents to whom they can go and ask.</div><div><br /></div><div>Creativity is key. Short on toys and a dollhouse that I wanted, Mom took out all of the gameboards from their boxes and gave me her scarves and small knickknacks so I could build my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>Make Christmas magical for your children. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cats are wonderful companions. </div><div><br /></div><div>Learn to swear in other languages. Learn to speak other vocabularies, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Red is a power color, and big jewelry is armor. </div><div><br /></div><div>Always say "thank you," but don't be afraid to go all Faye-Dunaway-as-Joan-Crawford if need be. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3V8GB-NKY48cg_QTt6_Qx9GMB0kj5lcwD76LcSjortvkqFfP9DdH6vpOgiLbt_UQ3H_YRbHjBwH2hBp9ams0YqD8M1a6vzqahrha7Zr12XkDs1nQmBv4S2_OWltERYWxkZrdg0aMhafdRk5i-IfigWt4alTqC5ekgKOef8MallfWDlkjj9YwoX5fw/s400/mommie-dearest.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="400" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk3V8GB-NKY48cg_QTt6_Qx9GMB0kj5lcwD76LcSjortvkqFfP9DdH6vpOgiLbt_UQ3H_YRbHjBwH2hBp9ams0YqD8M1a6vzqahrha7Zr12XkDs1nQmBv4S2_OWltERYWxkZrdg0aMhafdRk5i-IfigWt4alTqC5ekgKOef8MallfWDlkjj9YwoX5fw/s320/mommie-dearest.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>You don't ~need~ a man (but it's okay to want one). </div><div><br /></div><div>*****</div><div><br /></div><div>There were also plenty of life lessons that I learned from my mother that steered me into making radically different decisions than she did, and I know she felt a sting every time she witnessed them. She passed away in her bed, perhaps in her sleep, this past weekend. Naturally, I'm reflecting on the evolution of our relationship and admittedly, the absence of her anchoring presence is both jarring and a relief. Her advice, be it sage or adopted from others, would have been doubly beneficial if she had applied it to herself, which was maddening. Knowing better was rarely followed up by doing better, which would have to be my biggest criticism of her, in a nutshell. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've missed her raucous laughter for decades now, as depression, a reluctance to seek therapy, a deeply ingrained desire to keep up appearances, and finally, a diagnosis of dementia perpetually delayed timely help. She was no saint and she certainly sinned, but she gave me life, and ultimately decided against placing me with the Catholic orphanage in Texas that she had us visit when I was age three or four. I remember the orphanage's vast doll collection in glass cases along one wall of the building's main entry, and I remember her asking me if I'd like to "live with all of the beautiful dolls." She raised me after all, a single mother in the 70s, 80s and beyond, just one example of her Mouseketeer generation. Memories can be a burden, and I have often wondered if dementia was going to be helpful in lightening that load for her. She was human, and with her recent passing, my examination of her in retrospect is raw. </div><div><br /></div><div>I anticipate that the smell of Shalimar (or the exceptionally rare Jungle Gardenia), the taste of date and marmalade pastry cookies, and of course, certain music playing in malls and elevators will trigger her memory at odd times for the remainder of my life. Using the items that she gave to me during moments of clarity that shortly later, in her fog, she accused me of stealing from her will be bittersweet, at least for a while. Perhaps, one day, I'll meet more of her not-so-secrets that I will continue to have no choice but to accept and possibly forgive. This week, however, begins my lesson on how to refer to her as "Mom" and "Grammy" in the past tense. Acknowledging that I will continue to love her because of and in spite of herself and sharing the best lessons that she imparted to me as my mother are simply life's newest dance steps, added to a continuing choreography for which I am grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6obmaQlCy84Z7Xej18XYPJXapjMBiqCNybG1v3paNT05JC2BnCgv5aw9ZLOuvwxRTS2Reosc1gUEjUk1x3dS45ZK-7TIBBD863dL0R1yH_IehhmHN1MEbCn1rj6_m89fcYLSop7JzMpvBXQF0uvo3n6odOKcDwje9JaC0Eshb7bKr12gYPz-OeXvz=s1283" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6obmaQlCy84Z7Xej18XYPJXapjMBiqCNybG1v3paNT05JC2BnCgv5aw9ZLOuvwxRTS2Reosc1gUEjUk1x3dS45ZK-7TIBBD863dL0R1yH_IehhmHN1MEbCn1rj6_m89fcYLSop7JzMpvBXQF0uvo3n6odOKcDwje9JaC0Eshb7bKr12gYPz-OeXvz=w320-h640" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Rest, Mom.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-12726028831048911552021-02-13T09:27:00.002-06:002021-11-11T15:53:18.119-06:00Heart to Heart Swap 2021: Woven Heart Ornaments<p> After a two-year-long stretch of crochet-crochet-crochet, I was overjoyed to discover that <a href="http://mamanjackjack.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah </a>was reviving her Heart to Heart Swap in mini-form for 2021. Here are the goodies (photos lifted from her blog) I've made in years past:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5m-UMCSv5Vs/YCfdY57olcI/AAAAAAABF1g/riqqO4hBr4kP0CWGf1vYBArfNVQ8yvf2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s634/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.01.55%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="634" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5m-UMCSv5Vs/YCfdY57olcI/AAAAAAABF1g/riqqO4hBr4kP0CWGf1vYBArfNVQ8yvf2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h289/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.01.55%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Part2RPtM/YCfdY3KSVRI/AAAAAAABF1Y/G41XBLrMaQEw5RqMDtCjBiGViL5EtJKygCLcBGAsYHQ/s638/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.02.28%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="638" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u6Part2RPtM/YCfdY3KSVRI/AAAAAAABF1Y/G41XBLrMaQEw5RqMDtCjBiGViL5EtJKygCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h153/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.02.28%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WI5SnIcGjtI/YCfdY-A-GiI/AAAAAAABF1c/Axh_oGkFFAA629vwMKYDJrMRz4u74NvPACLcBGAsYHQ/s562/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.03.51%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WI5SnIcGjtI/YCfdY-A-GiI/AAAAAAABF1c/Axh_oGkFFAA629vwMKYDJrMRz4u74NvPACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.03.51%2BAM.png" width="328" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HT3xz2cwmBE/YCfdZsx-_1I/AAAAAAABF1k/e3EYQ5MkCwA6jFUl5CN8xDjAHpHFhOrBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s528/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.04.37%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="396" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HT3xz2cwmBE/YCfdZsx-_1I/AAAAAAABF1k/e3EYQ5MkCwA6jFUl5CN8xDjAHpHFhOrBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.04.37%2BAM.png" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2_oeH0loE/YCfdZ0Xp8uI/AAAAAAABF1o/rg5FMHrPPbEZ_clj1xVZd9zzqrdyxsM4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s578/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.05.17%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2_oeH0loE/YCfdZ0Xp8uI/AAAAAAABF1o/rg5FMHrPPbEZ_clj1xVZd9zzqrdyxsM4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w318-h400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.05.17%2BAM.png" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn38OURTf3I/YCfdaHG8wrI/AAAAAAABF1s/FY95Fb1ckBctjPTT1zxhDtrsn0yhkx9lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s632/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.05.50%2BAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="632" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn38OURTf3I/YCfdaHG8wrI/AAAAAAABF1s/FY95Fb1ckBctjPTT1zxhDtrsn0yhkx9lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h211/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-02-13%2Bat%2B8.05.50%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>For this year's swap ornaments, I wanted to move away from both yarn and paper, but couldn't shake the idea of Swedish woven hearts (<a href="https://www.auntannie.com/Valentines/HeartBasket/" target="_blank">Aunt Annie has a great tutorial</a>), probably because I remembered making them as an elementary student a loooooooooooooooooong time ago. This year I am teaching kindergarten students remotely: I'm at school, they're at home. I've been experiencing serious kid-craft withdrawals this year, so partnered with nostalgia, I just couldn't resist. Instead of weaving paper, I pulled out a few fat quarters and some vintage hankies:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeTn8QJo30Q/YCflGb7kGcI/AAAAAAABF5s/Mu89Y2tvbYE9wecyNmPRgDstmnLfZH6lgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_141408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="709" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeTn8QJo30Q/YCflGb7kGcI/AAAAAAABF5s/Mu89Y2tvbYE9wecyNmPRgDstmnLfZH6lgCPcBGAsYHg/w447-h709/20210109_141408.jpg" width="447" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNhH_1Ij0JQ/YCflSzhV4MI/AAAAAAABF6U/u1U9VICEJLs02dupzOnKjgAkOHsAYWF8QCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_143031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="686" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNhH_1Ij0JQ/YCflSzhV4MI/AAAAAAABF6U/u1U9VICEJLs02dupzOnKjgAkOHsAYWF8QCPcBGAsYHg/w406-h686/20210109_143031.jpg" width="406" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Tish-Tish helped to sort the hankies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLD9K8kY55s/YCffd8OcETI/AAAAAAABF2k/N_nokYMbCYErW9B3SAP9dRrE6nyc1L75wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_135357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="696" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLD9K8kY55s/YCffd8OcETI/AAAAAAABF2k/N_nokYMbCYErW9B3SAP9dRrE6nyc1L75wCPcBGAsYHg/w460-h696/20210109_135357.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The fabric was easy to pin and cut...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JtLJpp-Fuo/YCflxLwp4HI/AAAAAAABF74/IGck5N0mvX0vbY6U6EoPqeNl9AUgg4mcACPcBGAsYHg/s3441/20210109_113808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3441" data-original-width="1908" height="685" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JtLJpp-Fuo/YCflxLwp4HI/AAAAAAABF74/IGck5N0mvX0vbY6U6EoPqeNl9AUgg4mcACPcBGAsYHg/w450-h685/20210109_113808.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">... but the weaving part was a little more difficult than it would have been with paper. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pins, pins and more pins were needed to keep everything in place.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvaEoL-4ECo/YCffd8IKvxI/AAAAAAABF2k/3gbz4dmWWTwJ3N5ChwtnZYWHdB86WgXXACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_152339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="674" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvaEoL-4ECo/YCffd8IKvxI/AAAAAAABF2k/3gbz4dmWWTwJ3N5ChwtnZYWHdB86WgXXACPcBGAsYHg/w431-h674/20210109_152339.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sewed the sides of each heart closed, leaving the tops open, and left all of the edges frayed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpteU6ckucc/YCffd5NCNFI/AAAAAAABF2k/1hlijq5FTVgTYjtqi-wEs9iqGG3cVL8rwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_153834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpteU6ckucc/YCffd5NCNFI/AAAAAAABF2k/1hlijq5FTVgTYjtqi-wEs9iqGG3cVL8rwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h302/20210109_153834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the hearts were sewn it was time to figure out the bits and bobs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X17uNd_sfPQ/YCffdwfB5jI/AAAAAAABF2k/FYeXgtFP0XMj8Vj_uVtvi6-b1X4zpWg-wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_155357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X17uNd_sfPQ/YCffdwfB5jI/AAAAAAABF2k/FYeXgtFP0XMj8Vj_uVtvi6-b1X4zpWg-wCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h302/20210109_155357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vintage sampler ribbon, <a href="https://www.joann.com/tim-holtz-idea-ology-pack-of-14-adornment-keys/15396559.html" target="_blank">Tim Holtz keys</a>, lace medallions and glitter hearts all worked, thanks to the mixed fabrics.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw_32BPYJIo/YCffd0JAYcI/AAAAAAABF2k/Rxkiai8r7s03n07fCnzJHOzjUFHYMEtXwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_155409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="717" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw_32BPYJIo/YCffd0JAYcI/AAAAAAABF2k/Rxkiai8r7s03n07fCnzJHOzjUFHYMEtXwCPcBGAsYHg/w456-h717/20210109_155409.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Burgundy t-shirt strips became hanging loops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueN6hwQ5zBk/YCffd0IcrhI/AAAAAAABF2k/JWOpWt_ePjkD6pYajZm2_1iivyAZ04OHQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_165723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ueN6hwQ5zBk/YCffd0IcrhI/AAAAAAABF2k/JWOpWt_ePjkD6pYajZm2_1iivyAZ04OHQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h302/20210109_165723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Iwe61g2JA/YCffd79Z5aI/AAAAAAABF2k/m1qB88EN96cp7H3GTrt9UBT-GsVTdBzQQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_165736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Iwe61g2JA/YCffd79Z5aI/AAAAAAABF2k/m1qB88EN96cp7H3GTrt9UBT-GsVTdBzQQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h302/20210109_165736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIfUgFC2RQ/YCffd3tWN5I/AAAAAAABF2k/OVNqUDxpSdEPYLQayNJBoEwPR-tUBuAiQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_165743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="755" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIfUgFC2RQ/YCffd3tWN5I/AAAAAAABF2k/OVNqUDxpSdEPYLQayNJBoEwPR-tUBuAiQCPcBGAsYHg/w471-h755/20210109_165743.jpg" width="471" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmuF2J76_a4/YCffd1_PZFI/AAAAAAABF2k/0hoU2QVQ5EIGnExS_YpFtsz0J2MAp_AxQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_165749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="791" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmuF2J76_a4/YCffd1_PZFI/AAAAAAABF2k/0hoU2QVQ5EIGnExS_YpFtsz0J2MAp_AxQCPcBGAsYHg/w486-h791/20210109_165749.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPjL5WExQ78/YCffd1iFaqI/AAAAAAABF2k/D6pKT2eSr84Soh_VWPw1SipIs9I0dgzGwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210109_165801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="778" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPjL5WExQ78/YCffd1iFaqI/AAAAAAABF2k/D6pKT2eSr84Soh_VWPw1SipIs9I0dgzGwCPcBGAsYHg/w469-h778/20210109_165801.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00c-oQsVJb0/YCffd84E7bI/AAAAAAABF2k/pc55um-nZKExt0MBSeL1GhKFjIkmWWlVwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210110_081055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="752" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00c-oQsVJb0/YCffd84E7bI/AAAAAAABF2k/pc55um-nZKExt0MBSeL1GhKFjIkmWWlVwCPcBGAsYHg/w457-h752/20210110_081055.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Party streamers and red sparkle garland lined the treat bags, while Dove chocolate filled each heart.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqasf6E16e8/YCffd4RlpdI/AAAAAAABF2k/z-FPVm27zCcS55XVHnURIIcQM5i2OJTmACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210110_081234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="719" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqasf6E16e8/YCffd4RlpdI/AAAAAAABF2k/z-FPVm27zCcS55XVHnURIIcQM5i2OJTmACPcBGAsYHg/w457-h719/20210110_081234.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used mini clothespins to clip the hearts closed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLKafw9D49k/YCfqR9pF_dI/AAAAAAABGCM/Sl32x3jF6fkQ87qZhnHX2pYwnjssHwh-wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210110_081221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="689" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLKafw9D49k/YCfqR9pF_dI/AAAAAAABGCM/Sl32x3jF6fkQ87qZhnHX2pYwnjssHwh-wCPcBGAsYHg/w459-h689/20210110_081221.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The larger woven heart in the center was my prototype.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3g0-Htw7K0/YCffd6bWecI/AAAAAAABF2k/jCyLhRNL9OAZdNZEX6_jJ25FxMed4TUTwCPcBGAsYHg/s3780/20210110_080644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1764" data-original-width="3780" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3g0-Htw7K0/YCffd6bWecI/AAAAAAABF2k/jCyLhRNL9OAZdNZEX6_jJ25FxMed4TUTwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h298/20210110_080644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84A8z0_N4oA/YCfmmimf0tI/AAAAAAABF9I/FB7QC-FwBeA_MY47prShmFJM_X92uJDzACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210202_105701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84A8z0_N4oA/YCfmmimf0tI/AAAAAAABF9I/FB7QC-FwBeA_MY47prShmFJM_X92uJDzACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h302/20210202_105701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... and appreciating the kindness of Sarah and all of the other swap participants, it was easy to come up with a theme for my ornaments:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jybmnD3FXwc/YCfmtmNYMzI/AAAAAAABF9Q/vN2v6FQ9QNQeIdgB5UmQ2EpcwzoRQJNxQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210202_105707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jybmnD3FXwc/YCfmtmNYMzI/AAAAAAABF9Q/vN2v6FQ9QNQeIdgB5UmQ2EpcwzoRQJNxQCPcBGAsYHg/w302-h640/20210202_105707.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHMKsitJtgY/YCfm0D-5EBI/AAAAAAABF9U/hHn9hEpf0nUzPXOa07q3vNo9x4qXdbLcQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20210202_105821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHMKsitJtgY/YCfm0D-5EBI/AAAAAAABF9U/hHn9hEpf0nUzPXOa07q3vNo9x4qXdbLcQCPcBGAsYHg/w302-h640/20210202_105821.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A short time after sending the box of my woven hearts to Sarah, I received these in return (with an extra of my own ornament):</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3IUHWeGIk/YCfm8G-ljbI/AAAAAAABF9Y/c8QhoZmZ7qEVME0AJFI-nhN5-kAXLwZogCPcBGAsYHg/s3143/20210202_111645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="3143" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2H3IUHWeGIk/YCfm8G-ljbI/AAAAAAABF9Y/c8QhoZmZ7qEVME0AJFI-nhN5-kAXLwZogCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h320/20210202_111645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">I LOVE them, and so appreciate the creative talents and sharing nature of Sarah and all of this year's swap participants.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9616902343197002"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-31947891519064675552020-12-31T11:14:00.006-06:002020-12-31T11:16:20.910-06:00One Afghan Per Month, 2020 EditionIt’s been such a long time, hasn’t it? A year or so, or more, perhaps. But here we are, ready to leave 2020 in the past and brace ourselves for 2021 while keeping a weathered eye on a horizon filled with hope. How did the second year of my #OneAfghanPerMonth resolution turn out? Very well, in fact, with the help of Buck and Tish-Tish:<div><br /></div><div> January </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EsK67fUdg1w/X-4DXd5YKMI/AAAAAAABFZk/ibkoLLUAOfQkdTWqBn744jpdyO2JerEKgCLcBGAsYHQ/January%2Bafghan%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EsK67fUdg1w/X-4DXd5YKMI/AAAAAAABFZk/ibkoLLUAOfQkdTWqBn744jpdyO2JerEKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/January%2Bafghan%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGVLNsKeC2I/X-4DW5-40AI/AAAAAAABFZg/V-t2w5TE3dYFKfJBupPKg1OHGcdMa37owCLcBGAsYHQ/January%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xGVLNsKeC2I/X-4DW5-40AI/AAAAAAABFZg/V-t2w5TE3dYFKfJBupPKg1OHGcdMa37owCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/January%2Bafghan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQjhmyfgt8w/X-4DSZBHK9I/AAAAAAABFZU/SIHfsq1yjGA3n0GWsvwPyhly_B5jRUVXwCLcBGAsYHQ/January%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQjhmyfgt8w/X-4DSZBHK9I/AAAAAAABFZU/SIHfsq1yjGA3n0GWsvwPyhly_B5jRUVXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/January%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div> February </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDif1jiV6os/X-4DU3x77MI/AAAAAAABFZY/_HVbM-LA1TA_IazxmGNJ0QzheNxvvN52ACLcBGAsYHQ/February%2Bafghan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="790" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDif1jiV6os/X-4DU3x77MI/AAAAAAABFZY/_HVbM-LA1TA_IazxmGNJ0QzheNxvvN52ACLcBGAsYHQ/w429-h640/February%2Bafghan.png" width="429" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made this afghan in these colors twice this year. The first was given as a gift to a friend of Dear Daughter's, but I loved it so much I made another for myself in July.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Qv_NLR3mJM/X-4DWltbqXI/AAAAAAABFZc/dxQjRN2g4kghMJtBPol3hF5azQBvT1I4QCLcBGAsYHQ/February%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Qv_NLR3mJM/X-4DWltbqXI/AAAAAAABFZc/dxQjRN2g4kghMJtBPol3hF5azQBvT1I4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/February%2Bafghan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div> March </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-coSn2zKLve0/X-4DyeRhxwI/AAAAAAABFaM/tFIkSeGauCsPFLqZ60SDKvX7Jbwhli6_ACLcBGAsYHQ/March%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-coSn2zKLve0/X-4DyeRhxwI/AAAAAAABFaM/tFIkSeGauCsPFLqZ60SDKvX7Jbwhli6_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/March%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehQitAXU4w0/X-4Dr95OXCI/AAAAAAABFZ8/xdx7IKlgKxcPeORQTVowqMrFVZPY7Fr7QCLcBGAsYHQ/March%2Bafghan%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ehQitAXU4w0/X-4Dr95OXCI/AAAAAAABFZ8/xdx7IKlgKxcPeORQTVowqMrFVZPY7Fr7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/March%2Bafghan%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zwd9cm7EmN0/X-4D1WUSc0I/AAAAAAABFaQ/2woMH1lyL4Qtf2RA_XExRyNzr0OUzjdBgCLcBGAsYHQ/March%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1863" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zwd9cm7EmN0/X-4D1WUSc0I/AAAAAAABFaQ/2woMH1lyL4Qtf2RA_XExRyNzr0OUzjdBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w581-h640/March%2Bafghan.jpg" width="581" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div> April </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyiNpVGPuE8/X-4DtgrbajI/AAAAAAABFaE/-yILy7uSTDIXQm_aMn4cUTHm0Op6OvekwCLcBGAsYHQ/April%2Bafghan%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MyiNpVGPuE8/X-4DtgrbajI/AAAAAAABFaE/-yILy7uSTDIXQm_aMn4cUTHm0Op6OvekwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/April%2Bafghan%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div> May </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xjEDNjNoZ1U/X-4DvwcSO-I/AAAAAAABFaI/NE3aSTkrqL4Al8o2eXTB9pebH3Mxbkk9gCLcBGAsYHQ/May%2Bafghan%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xjEDNjNoZ1U/X-4DvwcSO-I/AAAAAAABFaI/NE3aSTkrqL4Al8o2eXTB9pebH3Mxbkk9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/May%2Bafghan%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div> June </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wne9KmbDtCI/X-4DjhxQblI/AAAAAAABFZs/Q65P5ZSn1Xo4arBj5BN7SrwrickXiMP0QCLcBGAsYHQ/June%2Bafghan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="918" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wne9KmbDtCI/X-4DjhxQblI/AAAAAAABFZs/Q65P5ZSn1Xo4arBj5BN7SrwrickXiMP0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w501-h640/June%2Bafghan.png" width="501" /></a></div><br /></div><div> July </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSxfQB8bSmI/X-4Ds4_9UoI/AAAAAAABFaA/g-_LBYy143QfAkx1uGawpwIfNrikrAQaACLcBGAsYHQ/July%2Bafghan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSxfQB8bSmI/X-4Ds4_9UoI/AAAAAAABFaA/g-_LBYy143QfAkx1uGawpwIfNrikrAQaACLcBGAsYHQ/w528-h640/July%2Bafghan.png" width="528" /></a></div><br /></div><div> August </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wMAXpYKspY/X-4ECmbG54I/AAAAAAABFao/l-bJ99_tLb070IvfyTN8CFo6yZuhLWG6gCLcBGAsYHQ/August%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7wMAXpYKspY/X-4ECmbG54I/AAAAAAABFao/l-bJ99_tLb070IvfyTN8CFo6yZuhLWG6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/August%2Bafghan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div> September </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lE0beVkV52s/X-4EHzQEFMI/AAAAAAABFas/FM692ESQXPAujrSac0yGX1IFOD77VT5GgCLcBGAsYHQ/September%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lE0beVkV52s/X-4EHzQEFMI/AAAAAAABFas/FM692ESQXPAujrSac0yGX1IFOD77VT5GgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/September%2Bafghan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div> October </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q1ywal4nZ-0/X-4EJULbE2I/AAAAAAABFaw/yMm8z9TEMp89HEYxedmPxFLCWpoUBHKXQCLcBGAsYHQ/October%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q1ywal4nZ-0/X-4EJULbE2I/AAAAAAABFaw/yMm8z9TEMp89HEYxedmPxFLCWpoUBHKXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/October%2Bafghan.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div> November </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KI-AEUrKUfQ/X-4EAJPKTBI/AAAAAAABFag/VgZjLOS0jZ4NjDSgVNY61rpq48TfpzicwCLcBGAsYHQ/november%2Bafghan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KI-AEUrKUfQ/X-4EAJPKTBI/AAAAAAABFag/VgZjLOS0jZ4NjDSgVNY61rpq48TfpzicwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/november%2Bafghan.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HSKPkjNgRj8/X-4ELluaJ6I/AAAAAAABFa4/12T7Yd5BEicpeoAmM9SaAYin3RkD7Lq0wCLcBGAsYHQ/November%2Bafghan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2578" data-original-width="1220" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HSKPkjNgRj8/X-4ELluaJ6I/AAAAAAABFa4/12T7Yd5BEicpeoAmM9SaAYin3RkD7Lq0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w304-h640/November%2Bafghan.jpg" width="304" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div> December
</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0i7RpDITxuM/X-4EBdZdVlI/AAAAAAABFak/ktAvHAbaEb47V9SAjWOWyakhcjyGcsTGgCLcBGAsYHQ/December%2Bafghan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0i7RpDITxuM/X-4EBdZdVlI/AAAAAAABFak/ktAvHAbaEb47V9SAjWOWyakhcjyGcsTGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w595-h640/December%2Bafghan.png" width="595" /></a></div><br />This afghan has a few more rows to go, so perhaps it will be finished by this evening... but I'm not terribly worried about it because 1) I've obviously met my quota of one-afghan-per-month for this year and 2) it's 2020, at least for a few more hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank goodness for #crochet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year, fellow "hookers!"</div><div><br /></div><div>*****</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see <a href="https://twigsandtulle.blogspot.com/2020/01/last-years-resolution-afghan-review.html">last year's #OneAfghanPerMonth blankets here.</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-77506064909405740902020-06-05T13:16:00.001-05:002020-06-05T13:16:41.643-05:00Twinkle Lights PerspectiveMost of the little chores on my to-do list were wrapped up yesterday, and my summer education workshop begins next Monday. I've been learning a lot about shared and unshared histories and present-days like many of you this week, which has been emotionally draining and oh-so-necessary. I decided to take a break this morning to do a little something for myself in my crafty nook.<br />
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I thought I'd just be putting up twinkle lights in the window and across the cubbies of yarn, and doing a little dusting. I know... twinkle lights? I've loved them for so long, but cannot bring myself to go all out Christmas-in-June-Instead-of-July because... I just can't. There's a glimmer of hope in the back of my mind that December will be a happier, healthier time, and more peaceful to boot, so I want to keep holiday magic off in the distance and something to which I can look forward. Also, nothing feels terribly celebratory at the moment. I just need some... softness.<br />
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I ended up shifting my craft table, card catalog, green chairs and side table too, nothing difficult or strenuous. This weekend when I work with some jewelry assemblage pieces, I'll be able to see out of the window instead of looking directly at the same desk and wall that I sat at for hours on end, March through May, for "continuous learning."<br />
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I needed a change, nothing drastic, just a slightly different view. I made sure to tuck my classroom materials away, all except for my rainbow pointer because it just looks at home in my tool carousel. I put up the twinkle lights and pulled out some small drawers full of jewelry bits and bobs. I found my copy of <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jewelry-Recipe-Book-Transforming-Distinctive/dp/1579656188/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+jewelry+recipe+book&qid=1591380602&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Jewelry Recipe Book</a></u> and I listened to Bon Iver's RABi on repeat.<br />
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It was a good morning.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69nEPqZjefo/XtqI-rsxaGI/AAAAAAAA-aU/lqykrJvcYeUzwXXfW9IEizXW2RtqvAJXwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqz-ci85tjg1egWHoK2ZU-6X7sswJb1ItQWoBITAxCP-AIyNN3vAu8iBp8f9T8Dhd9YjVYNNVsPD8QPxFtSN9n4MjQnlYPih1mZVMWy_wQ5XyV8wzNPKG1APMQxRp2BgDO5XrtkU-X0trA5ItgD3_FTTNoHrJ-prF5v5rN0XPEp02jr-8RgFOveaPQGISL-uunp3WReAMIk8f70UX3wkGWmE9xZfsvn7PTz5v8a-IuBO7Zmvh-qIWbh4lOr9MjlFPaL7wFjRlYzljD8G6HF78Uni8KSqiwnPXMGhCSIf-W3AKvm8dZGsc2wsuHXyo2JLjRB4O29UX1qHEVWsDM-AVJ05P_c2hJMNjKw7xKoaHj0uB47I-SIEV9TrXR3JvYvptsW9JxZGk5kMOiQO9pgpFtMtwio-hBaDk-vlthfsuHz6aGfqf6Yps2Ru2yTnMftdrNyu7y6xqPRQ27NKZeJsoj9Rs2_blTzsFz9NBG61uXUysGKCEUILsCOJaseRaLZQCoDf_SeqrhztEA47EFfS9q_Y-CMYrNz8N-JXeNu8CWV9H0vkBFIe-ErTaSHcoCLQ5KtHMMocANX9lVOczJP7JCoJWpbmMTn2EO4w4pfq9gU/s1600/20200605_124435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69nEPqZjefo/XtqI-rsxaGI/AAAAAAAA-aU/lqykrJvcYeUzwXXfW9IEizXW2RtqvAJXwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqz-ci85tjg1egWHoK2ZU-6X7sswJb1ItQWoBITAxCP-AIyNN3vAu8iBp8f9T8Dhd9YjVYNNVsPD8QPxFtSN9n4MjQnlYPih1mZVMWy_wQ5XyV8wzNPKG1APMQxRp2BgDO5XrtkU-X0trA5ItgD3_FTTNoHrJ-prF5v5rN0XPEp02jr-8RgFOveaPQGISL-uunp3WReAMIk8f70UX3wkGWmE9xZfsvn7PTz5v8a-IuBO7Zmvh-qIWbh4lOr9MjlFPaL7wFjRlYzljD8G6HF78Uni8KSqiwnPXMGhCSIf-W3AKvm8dZGsc2wsuHXyo2JLjRB4O29UX1qHEVWsDM-AVJ05P_c2hJMNjKw7xKoaHj0uB47I-SIEV9TrXR3JvYvptsW9JxZGk5kMOiQO9pgpFtMtwio-hBaDk-vlthfsuHz6aGfqf6Yps2Ru2yTnMftdrNyu7y6xqPRQ27NKZeJsoj9Rs2_blTzsFz9NBG61uXUysGKCEUILsCOJaseRaLZQCoDf_SeqrhztEA47EFfS9q_Y-CMYrNz8N-JXeNu8CWV9H0vkBFIe-ErTaSHcoCLQ5KtHMMocANX9lVOczJP7JCoJWpbmMTn2EO4w4pfq9gU/s640/20200605_124435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know, I know, I need to make a throw rug for those fun mystery spots on the floor. They're not wet, they don't smell, and I haven't got a clue.<br />
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But I've got yarn... and twinkle lights... and a fresh perspective. I can remedy this problem.<br />
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*****<br />
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<i>We</i> can remedy this one:<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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“I'd rather be a hypocrite than the same person forever.” -Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> <a href="https://t.co/KLJkiOuaPA">pic.twitter.com/KLJkiOuaPA</a></div>
— Tom (@scarecrowbar) <a href="https://twitter.com/scarecrowbar/status/1268622278109155329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-30034692918596179472020-06-03T14:16:00.000-05:002020-06-03T14:22:48.892-05:00Cookie Baking Tutorial for JanayOh Janay, I didn't forget about your request for a cookie baking tutorial! Here's a slideshow, with the recipe and directions following below:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="749" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRMZQe4r-y-98fsXAy0VQUNUBmLiQSTQn-NqaxjngjBqUWZBOe7HDB9hi89xg-Tzgic1XKF5A41emd3/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=5000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="960"></iframe>
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The cookie recipe I like to use is a version of the "famous department store" recipe published years ago. It's got a great base for different add-ins: you can make chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, or cinnamon raisin spice oatmeal cookies, or oatmeal with macadamia nuts and craisins... with oatmeal being a constant.<br />
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper (NOT foil).<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 sticks of butter, salted or un; room temperature<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup of granulated sugar<br />
1 cup of pressed brown sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp to 1 tsp salt<br />
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Mix the above together until it begins to resemble the texture of frosting.<br />
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Add and mix:<br />
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2 cups quick oats<br />
1 cup chocolate chips (or a bit more)<br />
1 cup pecan pieces<br />
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OR<br />
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2 cups quick oats<br />
1 cup chocolate chips<br />
1 cup M&M baking minis<br />
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OR<br />
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2 cups quick oats<br />
1 cup chocolate chips (or a bit more)<br />
1 cup shredded coconut (which will make the cookies VERY sweet)<br />
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Mix until the cookie dough sticks to the mixer paddle, cleaning much of the sides of the bowl. The dough will still feel sticky to the touch (especially if it's a humid day) but should NOT be wet. I use a cookie scoop (like a mini ice-cream scoop) to measure out similarly sized blobs of dough.<br />
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I have large cookie sheets that easily hold fifteen cookie balls (or more, depending upon the recipe) each, so after I smooth each blob out (I don't try to compress or hard-pack the dough) I place it on the sheet and gently press it down. I don't want it flat like a pancake, just flat enough to keep it from rolling.<br />
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I bake the dough for 11-13 minutes (depends on how hot my oven is running, or if it reheats mid-bake) and remove the pan from the oven to cool for five minutes on a rack. The cookies are still puffed up or inflated looking at this point: they flatten out and firm up as they cool. After five or more minutes, I remove each cookie from the sheet and put them on the lower levels of the cooling rack to finish hardening.<br />
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Then it's time to INHALE, er, "taste-test" a cookie.<br />
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(These were oatmeal/chocolate chip/M&M baking minis cookies.)</div>
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*****<br />
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I hope this helps! Happy cookie-baking!<br />
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~Michaele~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-90291429394510476102020-01-01T15:32:00.003-06:002020-01-01T15:32:41.333-06:00Last Year's Resolution: Afghan ReviewLast New Year's Eve I made my first-in-a-long-time resolution, <i>to crochet one afghan per month</i>. <br />
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How did I do?<br />
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January:<br />
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February:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grs1vbD__Xs/Xg0GBfIj47I/AAAAAAAA3-Y/-jsmxUwttesUmQl7Wq8xwoMP2xO63HHbwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Feb%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grs1vbD__Xs/Xg0GBfIj47I/AAAAAAAA3-Y/-jsmxUwttesUmQl7Wq8xwoMP2xO63HHbwCEwYBhgL/s640/Feb%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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March:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSrZktL79DI/Xg0GUk236TI/AAAAAAAA3-0/mrAhJ0zvKC0RIYzffcv7BXlVikUOpNT_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSrZktL79DI/Xg0GUk236TI/AAAAAAAA3-0/mrAhJ0zvKC0RIYzffcv7BXlVikUOpNT_wCEwYBhgL/s640/March%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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April:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToHzA24mo-w/Xg0FobCh_xI/AAAAAAAA3-U/U2zAbRZmPxM-RKsJ12oWgA1fseAv3riFgCEwYBhgL/s1600/April%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToHzA24mo-w/Xg0FobCh_xI/AAAAAAAA3-U/U2zAbRZmPxM-RKsJ12oWgA1fseAv3riFgCEwYBhgL/s640/April%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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May:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxiOfDkJsQ4/Xg0G8EAtJjI/AAAAAAAA3_c/Gnbl-jxiLBYfCsoy5PokD-nSHcnIyPa1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Rainbow%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxiOfDkJsQ4/Xg0G8EAtJjI/AAAAAAAA3_c/Gnbl-jxiLBYfCsoy5PokD-nSHcnIyPa1ACEwYBhgL/s640/Rainbow%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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June:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIcvvj2HauU/Xg0GXS53OOI/AAAAAAAA3-0/JMJl2ImEsecewIwTS6KL-NHeFZXAW5aOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Multi%2Bcolor%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIcvvj2HauU/Xg0GXS53OOI/AAAAAAAA3-0/JMJl2ImEsecewIwTS6KL-NHeFZXAW5aOwCEwYBhgL/s640/Multi%2Bcolor%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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July:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvVOQQpQSus/Xg0FdKV4CvI/AAAAAAAA398/0g8BvjxiaC0UNqy0zdL58jCoZOkyGDxVACEwYBhgL/s1600/Blue%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvVOQQpQSus/Xg0FdKV4CvI/AAAAAAAA398/0g8BvjxiaC0UNqy0zdL58jCoZOkyGDxVACEwYBhgL/s640/Blue%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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August:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q802OyYcd8s/Xg0HIdgdKNI/AAAAAAAA3_o/fgxiTPeFR-MrYwgytIU_L8qds6wV2DQ0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Waffle%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q802OyYcd8s/Xg0HIdgdKNI/AAAAAAAA3_o/fgxiTPeFR-MrYwgytIU_L8qds6wV2DQ0wCEwYBhgL/s640/Waffle%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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September:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHgE0TckVC8/Xg0HTOQCDOI/AAAAAAAA3_8/DP8UFKHaEpoeWvJQ7qH-hFKzdpLYWbzhACEwYBhgL/s1600/cream%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHgE0TckVC8/Xg0HTOQCDOI/AAAAAAAA3_8/DP8UFKHaEpoeWvJQ7qH-hFKzdpLYWbzhACEwYBhgL/s640/cream%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRcPAwBrycs/Xg0HX0tF98I/AAAAAAAA4AI/Y_Wa04mlk2c84L5KvvvBZkXXiwABbB_QwCEwYBhgL/s1600/cream%2Bvirus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRcPAwBrycs/Xg0HX0tF98I/AAAAAAAA4AI/Y_Wa04mlk2c84L5KvvvBZkXXiwABbB_QwCEwYBhgL/s640/cream%2Bvirus2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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October:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKBTuMfSwUc/Xg0Gngn5JCI/AAAAAAAA3-8/PxXlDWIP_-wzyg61vFEF-C5vo9goiF4fQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Oct%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKBTuMfSwUc/Xg0Gngn5JCI/AAAAAAAA3-8/PxXlDWIP_-wzyg61vFEF-C5vo9goiF4fQCEwYBhgL/s640/Oct%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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November:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxKvLS7RBt0/Xg0GqzrlYGI/AAAAAAAA3_A/yf6WeC-sxxcnGxI_mJQT_qmPjpnSVPp3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Nov%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxKvLS7RBt0/Xg0GqzrlYGI/AAAAAAAA3_A/yf6WeC-sxxcnGxI_mJQT_qmPjpnSVPp3ACEwYBhgL/s640/Nov%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5pcmHl5M7w/Xg0GciW4ReI/AAAAAAAA3-8/teJwq044r7sjvzXzGdl6Fip6aM5eWqvuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Nov%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5pcmHl5M7w/Xg0GciW4ReI/AAAAAAAA3-8/teJwq044r7sjvzXzGdl6Fip6aM5eWqvuQCEwYBhgL/s640/Nov%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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... and December:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznXSeP-HQU/Xg0MghGg1TI/AAAAAAAA4AU/qjCBHuiUrzYP6AS5ihlAilXRRYXryHQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Dec%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eznXSeP-HQU/Xg0MghGg1TI/AAAAAAAA4AU/qjCBHuiUrzYP6AS5ihlAilXRRYXryHQDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Dec%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQVgHKreSw/Xg0FnSAUuyI/AAAAAAAA3-E/fm3ScIDnBJQq4XQ2fC-hipE-aRXev9DQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Dec%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUQVgHKreSw/Xg0FnSAUuyI/AAAAAAAA3-E/fm3ScIDnBJQq4XQ2fC-hipE-aRXev9DQgCEwYBhgL/s640/Dec%2Bafghan%2B2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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There were also these:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlvU-Cehn2Y/Xg0F7a0EwAI/AAAAAAAA3-U/7DqbRmnZNkA4ZCcsP02teoy7RoiaVMN3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Green%2Bgray%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlvU-Cehn2Y/Xg0F7a0EwAI/AAAAAAAA3-U/7DqbRmnZNkA4ZCcsP02teoy7RoiaVMN3QCEwYBhgL/s640/Green%2Bgray%2Bstar%2Bafghan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbuyMLuD5-M/Xg0GY8lgT7I/AAAAAAAA3-0/0EX1tSUms_4FrPFL1cADD_mQ_xs2_NRZACEwYBhgL/s1600/LHeureux%2BVirus%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbuyMLuD5-M/Xg0GY8lgT7I/AAAAAAAA3-0/0EX1tSUms_4FrPFL1cADD_mQ_xs2_NRZACEwYBhgL/s640/LHeureux%2BVirus%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ1M0efLrLQ/Xg0G7r7gjgI/AAAAAAAA3_s/VDZM1jClYlEM7kMWTzptCMSD2vXpO64HQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pastel%2Bbaby%2Bvirus%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ1M0efLrLQ/Xg0G7r7gjgI/AAAAAAAA3_s/VDZM1jClYlEM7kMWTzptCMSD2vXpO64HQCEwYBhgL/s640/Pastel%2Bbaby%2Bvirus%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkQb0oHO4dU/Xg0Hh2Ke0II/AAAAAAAA4AE/VmnZuRWTYxwKXbgTspa-q9aivefhUZd_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/pastel%2Bvirus%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkQb0oHO4dU/Xg0Hh2Ke0II/AAAAAAAA4AE/VmnZuRWTYxwKXbgTspa-q9aivefhUZd_wCEwYBhgL/s640/pastel%2Bvirus%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-t716bNviU/Xg0HlObo4KI/AAAAAAAA4AM/nLK6vDY7PKA6ucvDsmVKNuSxyeO13irkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/pink%2Bcolor%2Bblock%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-t716bNviU/Xg0HlObo4KI/AAAAAAAA4AM/nLK6vDY7PKA6ucvDsmVKNuSxyeO13irkwCEwYBhgL/s640/pink%2Bcolor%2Bblock%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I even made a little beagle blankie:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qRNEg2qvRc/Xg0FayZSnmI/AAAAAAAA3-E/vUyplHEvwFIUCQLGY-ydNc9zMluDDRzZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Beagle%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qRNEg2qvRc/Xg0FayZSnmI/AAAAAAAA3-E/vUyplHEvwFIUCQLGY-ydNc9zMluDDRzZQCEwYBhgL/s640/Beagle%2Bafghan.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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None of the afghans would have been possible without the aid of my two helpers, Tish-Tish and Buck who regularly offered their supervisory talents throughout the year:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvkuUPMzjTU/Xg0HcNHlhYI/AAAAAAAA4AI/MQw4YZsWRUIZvX4vLnGgFEVo76KwzsqIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/kitty%2Bafghans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gvkuUPMzjTU/Xg0HcNHlhYI/AAAAAAAA4AI/MQw4YZsWRUIZvX4vLnGgFEVo76KwzsqIwCEwYBhgL/s640/kitty%2Bafghans.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9XM6w8znbw/Xg0G7UG2N6I/AAAAAAAA3_o/9gdW02zyhGUVm2vGRuJBBp3tFOwnmbwpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Tish%2Bafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9XM6w8znbw/Xg0G7UG2N6I/AAAAAAAA3_o/9gdW02zyhGUVm2vGRuJBBp3tFOwnmbwpgCEwYBhgL/s640/Tish%2Bafghan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's another afghan in progress on the couch that I started in December, so I've already got a head start on this year's crochetpalooza as I'm still feeling very inclined to keep up production. My favorite patterns so far have been the log cabin (February, April and the pink/red/gray/white color block) and virus (all those pretty scallop-ey blankets), but I'm also looking forward to working another waffle stitch (August) and more stars in the months to come.</div>
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2019's resolution was a productive one, making it possible to give a bit of myself to special friends and family, which has meant ever so much after last year's health adventures and my recent fiftieth birthday. </div>
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Who else has made a resolution to focus on creative pursuits?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-38062852179528988302019-10-28T07:00:00.000-05:002019-10-28T07:00:06.814-05:00It's the Little ThingsI forgot to mention in my last blogpost that I found the sweetest addition to my papercrafting tool collection at Junkstock...<br />
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A paper cutter! Isn't it cute?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx9WNP2DPkw/XbXYiV9kaFI/AAAAAAAA1ng/Zh8qiSReyc4-yv-pJ6snCjowfno8Odx0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191027_113309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx9WNP2DPkw/XbXYiV9kaFI/AAAAAAAA1ng/Zh8qiSReyc4-yv-pJ6snCjowfno8Odx0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191027_113309.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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What do you mean, you "don't get it?"</div>
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How about now?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1TLHDxeLdw/XbXYiP9LHbI/AAAAAAAA1nc/XYNPPkGeJvE64fFOUEZbtUugIXBJUbV5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191027_113344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1TLHDxeLdw/XbXYiP9LHbI/AAAAAAAA1nc/XYNPPkGeJvE64fFOUEZbtUugIXBJUbV5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191027_113344.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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No? How about ~now~:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUb7ka2rjR8/XbXYwNo1EUI/AAAAAAAA1nk/2GjrN86iXvII2l3Tx4dIbrzYSqQTRIpXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20191027_113354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUb7ka2rjR8/XbXYwNo1EUI/AAAAAAAA1nk/2GjrN86iXvII2l3Tx4dIbrzYSqQTRIpXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20191027_113354.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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It's so small! It's a MINI paper cutter! And oh yes, it REALLY does cut, just as well as my standard-sized one:</div>
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It really can be the little things that make a person happy.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-48791867940948964182019-10-27T12:35:00.004-05:002019-10-27T12:35:59.795-05:00Junkstock with Jodi, 2019Somehow between rounds of a tummy bug and a six-day-flu battle, I managed to score enough healthy days to spend a weekend with my lifelong friend, Jodi, at Junkstock 2019. Catching up, enjoying some laughter and discovering new-to-us treasures, we couldn't help but revel in the hours where we could escape our responsibilities, chores, and worries.<br />
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Adulting can be hard, right? This is where pumpkin houses, Volkswagons decorated with mums and lots of creative vendors come to the rescue:<br />
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We found some nods to our shared Alaska history:</div>
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Our musical demographic was well-represented too (name that song!):</div>
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And seasonal goodies could be found 'round every corner:</div>
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I treated myself to a wood and leather watch (don't worry, I eventually took the protective plastic cover off of the face):</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjtKHlj7oYw/XbXPwYATK7I/AAAAAAAA1mk/ljb5bMnGxf44095VS9V62WipbKFcziBeACEwYBhgL/s1600/20191004_121712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjtKHlj7oYw/XbXPwYATK7I/AAAAAAAA1mk/ljb5bMnGxf44095VS9V62WipbKFcziBeACEwYBhgL/s640/20191004_121712.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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... and Jodi and I bought ourselves some sweet and even sassy treasures for home (our "Ew, People" and "Suck it up, Buttercup" shirts ROCK, despite me somehow missing taking photos of them):</div>
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Here's to the next thirty-five years of our friendship, Jodums. I love you.</div>
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Thank you, <a href="https://www.junkstock.com/" target="_blank">Junkstock</a>!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-27908388485390435062019-08-25T16:26:00.000-05:002019-08-25T16:26:28.106-05:00At Last: The Return of the Crafty NookFor two years, my crafty nook has served double-duty as my grad school homework hub and unfortunately, a storage room for the materials I used to regularly create with. Books and notebooks here, syllabi and portfolio standards there, and yarn everywhere else. My Bunnies by the Bay collection collected dust. My soldering wand was rarely used. No new paper banners or bunting were made.<br />
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Mid-summer, and oh-so-near the end of my master's project (a week before, to be exact), I ended up having a hysterectomy (hallelujah!), which postponed my craft room reset for over a month. Not even allowed back to work until last Friday, I decided that <i>this</i> was the weekend to reclaim my space.<br />
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I cleaned off my desktop computer, updated its OS... vacuumed... selected which textbook essentials to keep within reach and which to put away... brought two small plants downstairs... discovered my teacher's bag hadn't been cleaned out and washed since spring... and found a whole stack of magazines and a few books that I had acquired during my master's program still waiting to be read.<br />
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Though I still have some school stuff on my desk (school-school, not grad school), the space is looking and feeling so much more like what I originally intended it to be and what it had been prior to my return to college: my crafty retreat. My space, where I don't compromise or try to please anyone else including professors, administrators, colleagues, students, friends, children or my spouse is a must-have for me. I can see my yarn. My bunnies are clean, small artwork is displayed, and I can come down whenever I want to and enjoy every bit of the space without avoiding or neglecting all of the projects I very much want to undertake.<br />
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Take a look (it's rainy and gloomy outside, cozy inside):<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q72BxDH10HI/XWL7AIz82gI/AAAAAAAAy-A/5G1f_TGqrEEJt6Nu-mU5jS-Zc7PIsDOfwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190825_114158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q72BxDH10HI/XWL7AIz82gI/AAAAAAAAy-A/5G1f_TGqrEEJt6Nu-mU5jS-Zc7PIsDOfwCLcBGAs/s640/20190825_114158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even Tish-Tish approves.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--P79MAO3FPo/XWL8I-7zutI/AAAAAAAAy-s/3Z9XZQQEozABgM3V-IlXhrb18CD8JoW6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190825_114810_671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--P79MAO3FPo/XWL8I-7zutI/AAAAAAAAy-s/3Z9XZQQEozABgM3V-IlXhrb18CD8JoW6ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20190825_114810_671.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-7395496903739327322019-06-01T15:45:00.001-05:002019-06-01T15:47:53.574-05:00So, It Turns Out... I Have Some YarnI've finished five afghans in five months: yay, me!<br />
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In need of June crochet inspiration, I meandered downstairs to the crafty nook to look through my yarn.<br />
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Some was here, some was there...<br />
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Oh, and some was over in that corner. Oh, oh, don't forget the basket, too! Skeins, cakes, balls.<br />
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And then I began pulling furniture away from the wall, because, well, <i>why not</i>:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54RQoAMy5EU/XPLeqgx4GJI/AAAAAAAAwek/BIuGVAJo8T8gGqDgWK6xy-0yhjGg7aq4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20190601_132317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54RQoAMy5EU/XPLeqgx4GJI/AAAAAAAAwek/BIuGVAJo8T8gGqDgWK6xy-0yhjGg7aq4wCLcBGAs/s640/20190601_132317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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... emptying all of my cubby shelves (the floor is a disaster) and stacking them upright:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm3NGy3f9I4/XPLeoCYUY6I/AAAAAAAAwew/iu4LkAD2ku0qjobSVjoUH0gjqPk5RrDWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190601_141402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm3NGy3f9I4/XPLeoCYUY6I/AAAAAAAAwew/iu4LkAD2ku0qjobSVjoUH0gjqPk5RrDWgCEwYBhgL/s640/20190601_141402.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Then filling in each cubby so I could see exactly what I have, and realizing:</span></div>
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**Goodness** </div>
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<i>I need more cubbies.</i></div>
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~Cough~</div>
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~COUGH-COUGH-COUGH~</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIo71pCOPps/XPLez9_izzI/AAAAAAAAwe8/G7bFKrAGJa8v01YGGWTT7Pz7VVBVvWr_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20190601_150927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIo71pCOPps/XPLez9_izzI/AAAAAAAAwe8/G7bFKrAGJa8v01YGGWTT7Pz7VVBVvWr_ACEwYBhgL/s640/20190601_150927.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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No, no, I'm not going to show you the floor, because I actually need to rethink the layout of my entire craft room now. That's right: while trying to figure out what yarn to use for my June afghan, I ended up in ye olde <i><b>redecorate </b>mode</i>. </div>
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~Sigh~</div>
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With only a day left before my last semester of graduate school starts (<i>the end is nigh, the end is nigh!</i>) I won't be crocheting tomorrow. I'll be redecorating. </div>
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No, I still haven't figured out which yarn to use for June. </div>
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Yes, I need to go get more cubbies and do a whole lot of rearranging.</div>
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And I need to find my floor, because... wow. </div>
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Just... wow.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-75612073950236962752019-01-20T09:43:00.001-06:002019-01-20T09:43:52.420-06:00January Afghan and Hello, Tish-TishMaybe it was the pace of the holidays or my need for lots and lots of sleep or the joy that resulted after visiting the local humane society with Dear Daughter, but I neglected... <i>forgot</i>... to make new year resolutions.<div>
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While looking through my yarn stash I thought of one: crochet one blanket per month. My husband had just added the perfect mountain of yarn to my collection, fourteen cakes of <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/wool-ease-cakes-yarn.html" target="_blank">Mandala Wool-Ease in "Hades,"</a> so the opportunity and motivation were there to start on January 1.</div>
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Oh, and <i>she's</i> been here every step of the way. Readers, meet Tish-Tish (short for Morticia), Tish-Tish, Readers:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxsFmZV9u18/XESPw-Z0V8I/AAAAAAAArIs/KQnf47uViqwPAAR7l2GTKQX4Pkj7RDdDwCLcBGAs/s1600/20190105_075854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxsFmZV9u18/XESPw-Z0V8I/AAAAAAAArIs/KQnf47uViqwPAAR7l2GTKQX4Pkj7RDdDwCLcBGAs/s640/20190105_075854.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A few months ago I followed along with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlf7em4OhZc&t=1534s" target="_blank">BellaCoco'sYouTube tutorial teaching viewers how to crochet a virus blanket,</a> and the pattern has become my new favorite. For this afghan, I double-stranded the Mandala trying to make sure I wasn't holding two matching runs of color together (I pulled from two cakes at a time) and used a 5.25 mm (I) hook. The afghan worked up relatively quickly, and after close to fourteen full cakes, almost covers the top of my king-sized bed. </div>
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I'm not planning on making every monthly blanket as large, and I'm allowing myself some simple ripple/chevron baby blankets to contribute to the mix so I can build up my supply of baby shower gifts and keep my sanity during this semester of teaching AND graduate school. My idle hands need projects during t.v. time with my family and blankets are cuddle time essentials, right? </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1TzOmCS3-Y/XESVU5dW86I/AAAAAAAArJ0/BjcTf541qF8e8FMVuwA8GAAA24hUS1-8QCLcBGAs/s1600/20190118_214710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1TzOmCS3-Y/XESVU5dW86I/AAAAAAAArJ0/BjcTf541qF8e8FMVuwA8GAAA24hUS1-8QCLcBGAs/s640/20190118_214710.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I'm also not certain Tish-Tish will fully accommodate my resolution as she's turning out to be an I-want-to-cuddle-on-your-chest-UNDER-a-blankie kitty. Every... single... night.</div>
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Did you make any crafty-crochet-hobby resolutions for 2019?</div>
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*****</div>
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You can see more of Tish-Tish on Instagram! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/iamtishtish/" target="_blank">#IAmTishTish </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-29322697287940519802018-12-02T12:01:00.001-06:002018-12-02T12:01:49.326-06:00Christmas in the Craft RoomWhile it's going to be a very <i>crochet Christmas</i> this year, the new-to-me project of making my daughter's t-shirt quilt has made me realize I need as few distractions as possible in my line of sight in my craft room.<br />
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The shirts were washed, dried and ironed, and then the stabilizer was applied. A lot of careful cutting later, and I have a stack of logos that she's thankfully arranged in the order she'd like... so all I need to do is start sewing. But the yarn spread hither and yon, the grad school articles, books and notes covering almost every surface, and the unvacuumed carpet have been driving me crazy and making it difficult to get into the Christmas mood. </div>
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Coffee, Christmas music streaming on Amazon (I love John Legend's new holiday album), and a few hours of cleaning, straightening and decorating later and the crafty nook is ready, which means *I* will be as soon as my final project for the semester is finished and I can concentrate on the quilt.</div>
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I got out the ornaments:<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2729431135200274880" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I love older ornaments, "vintage" baubles that glitter and reflect the twinkle lights on a tree. The styrofoam and papier-mâché Santas are like a pair (one red, one white) that my mother used to hang on our tree every year. I snatch them up every time I encounter them, which isn't often. This is the first year I'm putting a traditional topper on the little silver tree that fills my window.</div>
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Sometimes it's the little vignettes that make me smile the most when decorating. This three-tiered stand has held balls of yarn, crochet hooks, yarn needles, magnifying glasses, scissors, pens and printed patterns alongside a stash of SMARTIES candy. You know, <i>the essentials</i>. After dusting it and finding my box of bottle brush trees, here's how it turned out (the mini-ornaments are the cutest just as they are- I found them at Target), with some seasonal sweetness for me to sneak during sewing breaks:</div>
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I still have some crochet projects in the works, but they're easy-peasy and don't require an entire table of space. I'll sit here and listen to some movies (I rarely watch them when I'm counting stitches), and enjoy the newly cleaned craft room that now has the right touch of holiday spirit. It'll certainly help me when I get underway on Dear Daughter's blanket. </div>
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I haven't put up any other holiday decor in the house yet and suspect I won't be in the mood to do so until this semester of grad school is done next week. My craft room will be a cheerful respite in the meantime, and I'll be able to concentrate on the t-shirt quilt assembly once I start. </div>
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Wish me luck.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-53182490619101927462018-07-12T10:58:00.000-05:002018-07-12T10:58:04.789-05:00Repurposing Grandpa's Ice BucketHaving a home bar has been and is a thing for many people, though not quite us yet. My wine glasses are used rarely, but often enough to keep the stemware within semi-easy reach, and were recently joined by my grandmother's pilsners after a visit to my mother's. She also gave me my grandfather's silver ice bucket, which has a bit of added character thanks to a dent in the front. After polishing it up I couldn't quite decide where to put it to use, as of course, I don't have an established bar area or "entertainment" cabinet.<br />
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The crafty nook?<br />
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Tucked away in the china hutch somewhere?<br />
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I've had it on the dining room table just sitting, waiting for inspiration for weeks now.<br />
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While straightening up the table, watering plants and switching out the patriotic placemats, I plopped a smaller plant into the bucket to get it out of my way, and, wouldn't you know it, that's where it's going to stay for the rest of the summer.<br />
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<i>(I know, I know, I should iron the table runner, but you know what? It's not going to happen right now.)</i><br />
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Perhaps Grandpa would approve of the repurposing considering we have quite enough ice in the freezer's dispenser.<br />
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<i>No, I told you, I'm not ironing it.</i></div>
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The wrinkles go with the dent.</div>
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So there.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-1741227746024340112018-07-09T09:49:00.000-05:002018-07-09T09:54:38.498-05:00Summer Greenhouse Growth... FINALLYThanks to my late start and scaled-back plans for the greenhouse, I'm just now beginning to see the start of some productive growth.<br />
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FINALLY.<br />
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As it turns out, being forced into a restful summer (<a href="http://twigsandtulle.blogspot.com/2018/06/unanticipated-start-to-summer.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>) does nothing to curb one's tendency towards impatience.<br />
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Fine. It does nothing to curb MY tendency. There. I blogged it.<br />
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Blooms appearing on bell pepper plants. A single bloom on the lemon tree (some sort of pest attacked it when it overwintered indoors, so I had to treat and clean it like crazy to salvage it). One bright jewel on the tomatoes. Cucumber vines taking over the place, attaching their tendrils to the tomato cage, with more climbing up toward the roof (seriously, where are you going?). Perky, happy, bright flowers within and cheerful, tall wallflowers growing like weeds (and with them) surrounding the whole thing.<br />
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Not bad. Not what I had envisioned during the spring, but pleasing nonetheless.<br />
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How does your garden grow this summer?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-1430909153078310202018-06-20T16:07:00.000-05:002018-12-25T23:43:37.329-06:00Unanticipated Start to SummerIt's been a while, and I'm in the mood to dive right on into this blog post and get everything off my chest. <i>I know, I know, those are ~legs~.</i><br />
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With the school year coming to a close (I'm a kindergarten teacher for those new readers who may have somehow stumbled across this, my crafting blog) in May, I found myself diagnosed with a blood clot in my left leg, a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557" target="_blank">DVT</a>, three days before the last day of school. See the swelling? A week and a half or so later, three pulmonary embolisms, er, <i>emboli</i>, were found in my lungs and it was discovered that I was severely anemic. So anemic, and with such a low hemoglobin count that I was *this close* (.6 on whatever scale is used) to requiring a blood transfusion. </div>
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Nothing like being an overachiever.</div>
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I'm on blood thinner therapy, have refrained from juggling knives and chainsaws, take three iron supplements daily, have modified my diet and have been sleeping, sleeping, and more sleeping. This unanticipated start to summer has been filled with a lot of this:</div>
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... and not much of what I had originally planned. Thankfully, every day gets a bit better. Buck has become my napping companion:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAB4X_703XY/Wyq6coCXIcI/AAAAAAAAj-k/n7HvhQdenxQaJGz4hQG1OVh3r_30cOFFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_164509_995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAB4X_703XY/Wyq6coCXIcI/AAAAAAAAj-k/n7HvhQdenxQaJGz4hQG1OVh3r_30cOFFgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180614_164509_995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I get to eat iron-rich meals like this:</div>
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And every day I have a bit more energy and motivation, a very, v-e-r-y gradual return of my mojo.</div>
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Plans for the greenhouse were scaled back significantly. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, forsythia, basil and flowers are the only things planted this year.</div>
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Small jobs such as sorting my yarn used up all of the energy I could muster a week and a half ago:</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjCu_Lx8VxE/Wyq_Z5RU_-I/AAAAAAAAkAI/pZnThLwQQso43KGCH4x3lvwUUEmf4AFlwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180610_132136_185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjCu_Lx8VxE/Wyq_Z5RU_-I/AAAAAAAAkAI/pZnThLwQQso43KGCH4x3lvwUUEmf4AFlwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180610_132136_185.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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... while today I was able to clear all of the kitchen countertops so I could give them the thorough cleaning that they desperately needed. It's only fair that the person who deep-cleaned the kitchen be the one to mess it up to make cookies, right?</div>
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Yes, I thought so too.</div>
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So that's where I've been. That's what's been going on. That's this summer's adventure (so far). My only other plans are to keep following the doctor's orders, remembering my meds, and taking all the time necessary to heal, though I'm hoping that I'll be able to indulge in some crafty, creative who-knows-what sooner rather than later.</div>
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Keep your fingers crossed for me.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2729431135200274880.post-27030206537678986722018-03-31T05:30:00.000-05:002018-03-31T05:30:49.222-05:00Setting the Table with a Spring CenterpieceGalvanized three-tier... doohickey?<br />
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Top tier filled with silk flowers and greenery, decorative eggs and a bunny figurine plopped in for good measure.<br />
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Plain white paper napkins.<br />
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Pioneer Woman placemats (they're red with white polka dots on the backside).<br />
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And now the table is set for Easter brunch. Lunch. Dinner.<br />
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Whatever it turns out to be.<br />
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Happy Easter! Happy Spring! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0