Oye, this weekend is Valentines Day. Now this is traditionally not too big of a deal,could include flowers, a movie, cards and dinner usually at home. But this year we were going to watch my daughter perform with the dance company Stone Dance Collective. We will not be going but I will. My husband has been called out of town to emergency work- Seriously what the hell is so 911 about software? There's a whole company to work on it, but they can't seem to get along with out importing him. So I will go with my auntie who's coming into town tonight for a week. She hasn't been here for 5 years, so its nice for her to come see my daughter who is indeed all grown up and holding her own these days.
So quickly I must think of some creative cute thing I can tuck in the suitcase for his weekend. He's used to traveling, but tired of it for business over the years. He's missed many events including, Thanksgiving, birthdays, and various events over the years for his JOB.
So I came up with a candy card. On hot pink poster board. Its not romantic on the surface obviously being candy of various inexpensive varieties but this is what it ended up saying.
"To my wonderful lovable Big Hunk. Please don't Snicker(s) when you read this I love it when you leave
mo-Mentos around the house or when you Rolo-over to make me Chuckles and I have to catch my breath . You truly go the EXTRA mile on my behalf even when I'm and Airhead. Your love sends me into Orbit and I would go to the MIlkway & back for you. From Zero to 100Grand your definitely my Payday in life. You're my Bit of Honey. Thanks for being my Lifesaver & my Hot Tamale Train. I just wanted to Take 5 to tell you how Special you are and I love you to Pieces.
PS when you return you may Skor and it will be M&m good.
so can you figure out the candy and gum? There are so many choices you can go nuts with this, but 20 dollars of junk food is good for anyone... LOL
Big Hunk, Snickers, chuckles, Mentos, Extra gum, Airhead taffy, Orbit gum, Milkyway, 100 Grand, Payday, Bit of Honey, Lifesavers, Hot tamales, Take 5, Hersheys Special Dark, Reeses Pieces, Skor Bar, M&M's.
but you could also use Sugar Daddy(couldn't find one of those dang!) Blow Pops, Mounds, hershey Kisses, Laffy Taffy, Mars Bar, etc.
This was fun, and I was trying to put it together while he was working on something else and kept coming around- he couldnt figure out why i was so grumpy--- uh yeah, walking in on my surprises in action is one of his habits I swear!
11 February 2010
10 February 2010
good reads
Do you go to the public library or do you purchase your books?
I decided this year that I was going to quit buying books if at all possible. I still purchase books for professional references, but I'm definitely cutting back on the other reading materials. I love paperbacks, and keeping two or three around waiting to be read is my usual habit. But it seems as the price of books go up, and magazines cost the same as paperbacks these days, I've just got to much invested into what I call disposable reading.
So in comes the library. Heading to the library is much different than Costco, Barnes & Noble or my favorite Borders. I usually check the what's new shelf, to see if anything sitting there grabs me. Occasionally I'm lucky but not always. Than I head to the isles where a few of my favorite authors are. I look for anything new by those authors and then start hunting around. Gabaldon is one of my absolute faves and she has a new book out, but I'm too lazy to reserve it. Patricia Cornwall, along with Kathy Reich's were once on my list of must reads. Recently I started to read Janet Evanovich. She is a popular author here but I had not really delved into her works. But now, I'm starting down her shelf.
After finding a handful of books, which may include a few good novels and book from the crochet area, and a cook or gardening book, I will sit down in a big chair by the magazines and peruse those for awhile before checking out. It has cut down on some of the clutter. And if I can make myself get rid of several of the paperbacks in my bookshelves, I will definitely be happier.
I read the "Widow's Season " by Laura Brodie while in San Francisco. This is one of the novels you pick up and wonder about, but give it a chance anyways. It's a little bit about supernatural, but its also about the grieving process you go thru when a loved one dies. I would highly recommend this book.
I then was desperate for something to read, so had to break down and purchase a book..The winner: Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. I would much rather read one of his books than see the film. And if I'm going to see the film, I really want to read the book first. I don't always desire to read a novel made into a movie, but I find that very often the books are much better as the time limit on a movie restricts the story telling.
One thing I have found over time is that I go thru moods- or types of books that I find enthralling. When I was younger a newlywed- I loved romance novels. My best friend at the time also was into this genre- so we shared books. Kathleen Woodiwiss, Nora Roberts, etc. Later I took a fancy to Stephen King- actually he has visited my reading several different times over the years. I'm not a constant fan, but can get wrapped into some of his stories. Following that I had to go to the Robin Cook books and any other medical thriller I could find. Hence my love for Patricia Cornwall, and Kathy Reichs and Tess Gueritson falls into this genre. Then I went into the ABC series mystery.
With the book club I joined I have read some items that I would not normally have picked up, but often find these books somewhat tedious. Live Eat Pray all though a favorite of many is one of the books I've disliked the most in my life. I grew up with classic literature, mystery, fiction, non fiction, religious books, biographies, and what ever else entered our house. By the time I was a teenager I ready whatever my mother brought home. She was and avid library fan, as was my grandmother. My mother could read a book a day, despite working full time and raising a family of three children. It was her favorite past time.
The great thing about reading is that its entertainment at your own pace. Whether you read fast or slow, it doesn't really matter. You can pick the style of read you like, and imagine your own version of characters.
I hope you find a good read to entertain yourself this week.
I decided this year that I was going to quit buying books if at all possible. I still purchase books for professional references, but I'm definitely cutting back on the other reading materials. I love paperbacks, and keeping two or three around waiting to be read is my usual habit. But it seems as the price of books go up, and magazines cost the same as paperbacks these days, I've just got to much invested into what I call disposable reading.
So in comes the library. Heading to the library is much different than Costco, Barnes & Noble or my favorite Borders. I usually check the what's new shelf, to see if anything sitting there grabs me. Occasionally I'm lucky but not always. Than I head to the isles where a few of my favorite authors are. I look for anything new by those authors and then start hunting around. Gabaldon is one of my absolute faves and she has a new book out, but I'm too lazy to reserve it. Patricia Cornwall, along with Kathy Reich's were once on my list of must reads. Recently I started to read Janet Evanovich. She is a popular author here but I had not really delved into her works. But now, I'm starting down her shelf.
After finding a handful of books, which may include a few good novels and book from the crochet area, and a cook or gardening book, I will sit down in a big chair by the magazines and peruse those for awhile before checking out. It has cut down on some of the clutter. And if I can make myself get rid of several of the paperbacks in my bookshelves, I will definitely be happier.
I read the "Widow's Season " by Laura Brodie while in San Francisco. This is one of the novels you pick up and wonder about, but give it a chance anyways. It's a little bit about supernatural, but its also about the grieving process you go thru when a loved one dies. I would highly recommend this book.
I then was desperate for something to read, so had to break down and purchase a book..The winner: Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. I would much rather read one of his books than see the film. And if I'm going to see the film, I really want to read the book first. I don't always desire to read a novel made into a movie, but I find that very often the books are much better as the time limit on a movie restricts the story telling.
One thing I have found over time is that I go thru moods- or types of books that I find enthralling. When I was younger a newlywed- I loved romance novels. My best friend at the time also was into this genre- so we shared books. Kathleen Woodiwiss, Nora Roberts, etc. Later I took a fancy to Stephen King- actually he has visited my reading several different times over the years. I'm not a constant fan, but can get wrapped into some of his stories. Following that I had to go to the Robin Cook books and any other medical thriller I could find. Hence my love for Patricia Cornwall, and Kathy Reichs and Tess Gueritson falls into this genre. Then I went into the ABC series mystery.
With the book club I joined I have read some items that I would not normally have picked up, but often find these books somewhat tedious. Live Eat Pray all though a favorite of many is one of the books I've disliked the most in my life. I grew up with classic literature, mystery, fiction, non fiction, religious books, biographies, and what ever else entered our house. By the time I was a teenager I ready whatever my mother brought home. She was and avid library fan, as was my grandmother. My mother could read a book a day, despite working full time and raising a family of three children. It was her favorite past time.
The great thing about reading is that its entertainment at your own pace. Whether you read fast or slow, it doesn't really matter. You can pick the style of read you like, and imagine your own version of characters.
I hope you find a good read to entertain yourself this week.
09 February 2010
Hashbury
Haight Ashbury, but I call it Hashbury as a joke. Daughter and I headed to Haight after she took a class at the conservatory. It turned out to be a very interesting afternoon. Although there are many things far from normal on this street its always amazing what can occur anyways.
As we are walking down the street, I see someone out of the corner of my eye with a camera. What I realize is he's taking pictures of my daughter. Not discreetly mind you but quite blatantly. So I look over at him, and he gives me what my mother would have called a "shit eating grin", the one you know your not doing something right- exactly but prove its wrong- grin. So we continue to the corner. while we are waiting for the light several times he keeps trying to get photos, so I have to almost stare at him to keep him at bay.
I ask my daughter about this guy and if she noticed, and she says yeah, but usually they aren't so blatant. I'm startled at this comment, What? "During the summer when we come here on Saturdays, they do that, but they are more discreet, I've learned to ignore it," she says.
Well OK, this isn't new to her, but it is to me, and what the heck is happening with those photos?
So then we head down to the street to Mendel's' Far out fabrics and art supplies. I love this store, its full of all kinds of things in a rather small space. There is so much tucked in there, you have to wonder if they even know everything that is there. But we did find some Bamboo & silk blend yarn that has a phenomenal hand to it. So I picked up three different balls to play with. We proceeded up and down the block, hitting most of the stores with recycled clothing, shoes, and other goods. We hit the Goodwill store, and I find the perfect small table that I've been looking for at home, and there is no way this will go into my carry on luggage. So perfect find left behind....But it was a rather fun afternoon with my daughter.
As we are walking down the street, I see someone out of the corner of my eye with a camera. What I realize is he's taking pictures of my daughter. Not discreetly mind you but quite blatantly. So I look over at him, and he gives me what my mother would have called a "shit eating grin", the one you know your not doing something right- exactly but prove its wrong- grin. So we continue to the corner. while we are waiting for the light several times he keeps trying to get photos, so I have to almost stare at him to keep him at bay.
I ask my daughter about this guy and if she noticed, and she says yeah, but usually they aren't so blatant. I'm startled at this comment, What? "During the summer when we come here on Saturdays, they do that, but they are more discreet, I've learned to ignore it," she says.
Well OK, this isn't new to her, but it is to me, and what the heck is happening with those photos?
So then we head down to the street to Mendel's' Far out fabrics and art supplies. I love this store, its full of all kinds of things in a rather small space. There is so much tucked in there, you have to wonder if they even know everything that is there. But we did find some Bamboo & silk blend yarn that has a phenomenal hand to it. So I picked up three different balls to play with. We proceeded up and down the block, hitting most of the stores with recycled clothing, shoes, and other goods. We hit the Goodwill store, and I find the perfect small table that I've been looking for at home, and there is no way this will go into my carry on luggage. So perfect find left behind....But it was a rather fun afternoon with my daughter.
Weekend of walking
The weekend we lost the car! Laughing amazingly still. We stayed in Marin 2 days to check out a campus. It was lovely and mostly sunny. So with time to burn we drove into San Francisco. Hit Union street and shopped, and shopped. Found a cute little store called Meggie's where my daughter was ready to buy out the hole thing. She found the most darling hot pink cotton dress and then a white top with ruffled front, and last from the discount rack at 70% off found another little dress for about 14 dollars (this needs to be shortened at the neck band about a 15 minute job- which will make it totally wearable for her).
Then we of course we walked down the street to have Linner-( lunch and dinner because it's so late in the afternoon for lunch but too early for dinner). Strolled thru a bunch more shops and finally headed down to Union Square. Normally when in San Fran, we park the car and do bus and walk. But because we came over from Marin, we had our rental car. So we parked at the underground parking where the Jewish museum, and Four Seasons hotel, and Westin hotel kind of converge with Yerba Buena gardens across the street. It was daylight. After several stops we finally headed to Union Square. Went and watched a movie-
"Up in the Air" with George Clooney. Very cute movie actually. Strolled the mall a little bit.
Well upon time to leave the mall its about 10:30 pm and we are pretty turned around. So we try to find directions. Which we get but in the dark nothing looks the same. We must have easily walked 4 miles in a figure 8 trying to find that car park! After and hour of searching, and the crowd getting a little more sketchy as time went on, it came to me, i might have the ticket for parking. Ah yes, but the street is one of the little alley streets and doesn't show on most maps. So next idea? Ah try and call the car park. There were two numbers and Thankfully one of them was working.. OH MY that was and adventure.
All i wanted to do when i got in that car was tear off my shoes, my feet hurt and were protesting. Finding our way back to Marin was easy, its just those darn car parks, they secretly move around when your inside.
LOL
Then we of course we walked down the street to have Linner-( lunch and dinner because it's so late in the afternoon for lunch but too early for dinner). Strolled thru a bunch more shops and finally headed down to Union Square. Normally when in San Fran, we park the car and do bus and walk. But because we came over from Marin, we had our rental car. So we parked at the underground parking where the Jewish museum, and Four Seasons hotel, and Westin hotel kind of converge with Yerba Buena gardens across the street. It was daylight. After several stops we finally headed to Union Square. Went and watched a movie-
"Up in the Air" with George Clooney. Very cute movie actually. Strolled the mall a little bit.
Well upon time to leave the mall its about 10:30 pm and we are pretty turned around. So we try to find directions. Which we get but in the dark nothing looks the same. We must have easily walked 4 miles in a figure 8 trying to find that car park! After and hour of searching, and the crowd getting a little more sketchy as time went on, it came to me, i might have the ticket for parking. Ah yes, but the street is one of the little alley streets and doesn't show on most maps. So next idea? Ah try and call the car park. There were two numbers and Thankfully one of them was working.. OH MY that was and adventure.
All i wanted to do when i got in that car was tear off my shoes, my feet hurt and were protesting. Finding our way back to Marin was easy, its just those darn car parks, they secretly move around when your inside.
LOL
03 February 2010
San Francisco and success!
Success! I was able to over dye the shorts and come out with kind of a burnished dark Khaki that complements the skirts and is darker doesn't scream look at me look at me. All the the items have been labled and washed, ironed and delivered.
Now with a big sigh, I have to quickly clean my house, and pack for a weekend trip in San Francisco. I have one whole day, to shop. Hoping to hit a few fabric shops and I don't know maybe a couple neighborhood areas to shop- like Haight Ashbury- My daughters favorite place to hang, Fillmore, and Chestnut street, Cow Hollow- we usually stay around the Presido for lodging but going more down town this time. So where do you San Francisco girls like to shop best, and where would you reccomend best for fabrics and yarns?
We always go to Union square and Fishermans wharf, but would love to find some new places. In between auditions and a few drop in classes that my daughter wants to take. I may be checking in while gone, but not a 100% sure.
Now with a big sigh, I have to quickly clean my house, and pack for a weekend trip in San Francisco. I have one whole day, to shop. Hoping to hit a few fabric shops and I don't know maybe a couple neighborhood areas to shop- like Haight Ashbury- My daughters favorite place to hang, Fillmore, and Chestnut street, Cow Hollow- we usually stay around the Presido for lodging but going more down town this time. So where do you San Francisco girls like to shop best, and where would you reccomend best for fabrics and yarns?
We always go to Union square and Fishermans wharf, but would love to find some new places. In between auditions and a few drop in classes that my daughter wants to take. I may be checking in while gone, but not a 100% sure.
Finished! well almost..
(Note photo is just a quick one taken with cell phone- they had 3 hours of rehearsal, and the its not the best looke with sloppy shirt hanging out etc. )
I love to dye, but not when its matching colors- it gets too tricky. This will be the third dye bath these shorts have seen. First I made them a light tan- almost skin toned- but my dancer daughter informed me it would look like they had forgotten to wear underwear. This kind of made me giggle, the skirt is designed off of the princess seem style but has been modified to have a large slit going up to the hip joint to increase ease of movement, and it meets the directors desires. So we sat down on the computer and browsed the rit dye site to try and find a more compatible recipe- I'm thinking Khaki but it has too much green, and she said Caramel looked right. Ehm - Caramel is a lovely shade but has too much yellow, and kind of does look just like Kraft's caramels. But it also has the sheen from the nylon Lycra fabric which makes it look like a burnished gold. Stands out way to much for tan/khaki skirts. So now it looks like I'm going to try and do a grey and cocoa brown combo- hoping to get enough brown but not overwhelming, and just enough gray to not look green...Trying to keep these shorts less noticeable, but certainly not to look like they forgot to wear panties. My goodness.
And then half the skirts had to have some more alterations done on them. Fitting dancers can be extremely trying. When you ask they take off all their excess wear- for some reason some of them think still wearing 3 pairs of shorts- various lengths of a tights and leotard is necessary. or the one who wears basketball shorts with the crotch down to the knees- yeah that's helpful when trying to measure..see my eyes roll here. Although dance requires a free movement- amazingly the bodies must be scene as well. The fit is always different from our street clothes. so often your pattern says it has 1 1/2 inches or more of ease- my dancers want only about 1/2 inch (if that) Garments must not shift out of place. it can be quite challenging. I figure 4 out of 7 were perfect- touch up on three isn't too bad.
Hopefully - not just hopefully- it must be a reality, this project will be turned over on Wednesday, with complete billing and finished.
Then I can leave on my trip to San Francisco, Thursday with my daughter.
25 January 2010
Once upon a time
Once upon a time I used to be a demonstrator for a stamp & scrapbook company.
I quit about 5 years ago, we were moving to a new area, and i had decided to go back to school and knew I wouldn't have time to put into the business. I had been doing it for several years- about 8. I have a garage full of this stuff- not being able to part with it, but I keep telling my husband I will. Every now and then I put together a small album usually a 6 x 6 for a gift, but I can't justify the 5000 stamps i own. It really is time to move these to new homes where they can be appreciated.But alas, today I was able to go to my friends home and do a workshop making these darling mini albums with products that weren't even available when I was demonstrating.
Sticker sets, and 4x6 photo flip flap holders. I can't tell you how much fun I had doing this and getting the juices flowing to be creative with paper again.
This is the cover with the flap closed on left and open on the right.
It was just fun, to be able to put my own little twist on the project she designed. When I got home and showed my daughter- who just returned from first set of auditions for college- she was oh that is so cute! I said I know! And then we started thinking they would be fun to make for her dance friends who are graduating from high school this year. So of course the quest is what to put on the front of each as they are very different personalities. Fortunately we have a few months, but already there's excitement building.
The supplies for these are from CTMH who have high quality papers and scrapbook supplies. Cornflower blue, barn red, sticker set called sweet home, and a print paper, that I'm not sure what set its from, but it has the cornflower blue and buttercup yellow- its reversable.
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