Singing the Blues

Between health issues, the myriad of new medications, my daughter moving to Japan AND my extremely stressful job - I haven't felt like doing much of anything.  I finally decided to suck it up and finish a doll that has been languishing in my sewing room for over a year.
Meet Blu.

Front View

Close Up

Back View

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This was from a class with Allison Marano over a year and a half ago!!  I figured since I was blue - she should be too.

Hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Summer Romance

My hubby and I had a getaway weekend in the mountains of North Carolina.  I have (in the past) been accused of being a cat magnet.
Meet Charley - my love for the weekend.  Charley joined us for dinner most evenings, and even hung out with us in front of the outdoor fireplace.  He listened to my troubles and showed that he really cared.  It killed me to leave him behind, but I know he loves his mountain home.
I miss you, Charley!  Thanks for the wonderful weekend!

Ode to Bread

Bread - the staff of life!  Yet to some of us - it's a death sentence.
Last August, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease.  The endless trips to the bathroom, the pain, the bloating - it explains it all.  EXCEPT how to deal with bread withdrawal.
There are mixes and frozen breads - but unless you like eating a brick covered in butter, there's just no comparison.
The gluten free cookies and pretzels and cakes are all tasty enough.  But there is nothing that can compare to real bread.
Crusty French bread, chewy Italian bread, real New York bagels and my favorite from Bread with Appeal in Chicago - the Kalamata Olive bread are all on my permanently-given-up-for-Lent list.  But that doesn't stop me from missing them.
If ANYONE knows of any real bread out there - PLEASE let me know.  I've tried Udi's, Katz's, and every other gluten free brand out there BUT it's NOT real bread.
God, I sure miss bread...

Fall has Fell...

Living in the woods has its advantages - fall color is one of them!  Behold:

Note the fish hospital in the front of the pond.  Yes, Kamen is still not well, but holding on.

Now for a close up of the leaves:

And Danielle - remember those goofy pink flamingoes from Naperville?  Well, guess who flew south for the winter?

And a couple of more pix - this time of the feline variety:

Sootz in her usual spot.  You know I cannot sew without her.

And last (but not least), this picture tells the IQ of the subject:

What has this cat so entranced is the leaves falling outside.  Yes, there is absolutely NOTHING between those ears (but we love her anyway).

These pictures were by popular request from Japan.  Danielle - we MISS YOU!

Happy (?) Birthday

Yes, it is the day of my natal feast. You would have thought that your special day would be a good one.
WRONG!
First of all, 2:30 AM there is this tree frog singing right outside our window. Didn't matter what I did, he kept it up. Couple that with the hubby's snoring and there was no hope for sleep. YES - 2:30 AM!!!!
Next, I go up to my sewing room to find one of the cats decided to pee on one of my tote bags. So, I decided to try and organize the sewing room and ended up sitting on the floor in tears. I can't find anything, don't have a clue how to organize it and it's a mess.

This is the main reason why:


I R in yur room shedding on yur fabrik!

Anyway, I wanted to share a story - a love story.
We do have a gorgeous backyard complete with large koi pond. About 2 years ago, we had an attack of "Ich" a fish disease. We lost many of our fish, but 3 survived including our large koi, Kamen (Kamen means "mask" in Japanese - he looks like he's wearing a mask). Kamen kept stopping and going belly up, but our little koi Sakaki kept pushing him along. Whenever he wanted to give up, she nudged him and kept him going. Eventually, he recovered and they became quite an item (they have the children to prove it).
Yesterday, we saw the telltale signs of Ich again. David ran out to get the salt and fungicide, but Kamen is really stricken with it (its strange - none of the other fish have it). Sure enough, there is Sakaki pushing him along. Whoever believes that fish don't have feelings haven't see these two.

Sakaki is the large butterfly koi and Kamen is the gold one.

Get well soon, Kamen! We cannot imagine our garden without you.

Has it been that long?!

It seems like the older I get, the faster time goes by. I cannot believe it's been 9 months since I posted (why didn't 9 months go by that quickly when I was pregnant?).
Anyway, this picture is for my daughter who is literally on the other side of the world in Nagoya, Japan (hence the clock).

Danielle - some things never change!



Now on to new business...
I've just come back from MM&M in Richmond, KY where one of the most talented and sweet doll artists was teaching - Pam Grose. (More on the other 2 AWESOMELY fabulous teachers later). I found out during this trip that this was Pam's final teaching trip to America. WAH!

However, a dear friend of mine (who also happens to own the most fabulous fabric shop in all of America and it's nearby in Shelbyville, KY) is going to host Pam one more time before she heads back down under. I'm posting photos in case anyone wants to venture into horse country and enjoy the hospitality of Leslie's shop (along with her business partner, Wanda and manager Amy who will spoil all of you ROTTEN). This is the doll Pam is teaching:


And a close up:


Leslie's shop is Making Ends Meet and the shop phone is 502-633-9382.
The information for the class can be found at http://www.makingendsmeetky.com/index.php3?pageid=75

Won't you come join us?

We Got Da Power!!

After THREE days without power and temperatures in the teens, we were more than happy to sing this song when the lights came back on. We have gas logs in our fireplace and a gas cooktop. After the first day, we were able to snag a small generator which operated a space heater. By the third day, I couldn't feel the end of my nose or my toes.
I did take two pictures for posterity.
The front view:



The backyard:



After the visit by Hurricane Ike in September, we couldn't believe that we were hit by bad weather. We also had an earthquake in our area last year. All we need is a tsunami and a volcanic eruption and we've run the gamut of natural disasters!

Back to playing - stay warm and safe!

Yes, Another Quiz...

Bear with me - this one was FUN. And I really loved the outcome. Enjoy!

You Are a Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything. You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas. You are also drawn to the written word. Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world. You get along well with: The Pinky Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

Gimme a Break!

Our house still is not put back together - between an imcompetent and sloppy contractor and the insurance company from hell, our poor house (and checkbook) is taking a beating. I am VERY sorry that a hurricane came through and decided to trash our home BUT that's why we have insurance. Why these insurance companies feel like they shouldn't have to pay for things like roofs and gutters is beyond me.
To add insult to injury - I FELL! And yes, I did some damage. Like breaking my left elbow and shoulder! I am wrapped up like a mummy, cannot create and I'm sick and tired of doing things with one hand!! Which is why I haven't posted - I can't operate my camera and it takes forever to type a post.

I did find this fun little quiz, which I thought I would share.

Hope to be back soon!

Dark Purple

To others, you seem a bit dark, mysterious, and moody. In truth, you are just a very unique person who doesn't care what others think. And you really enjoy your offbeat interests and friends. You've decided that life is about living for yourself - simple as that.

What Color Purple Are You?

Ike Blows...

A Hurricane?? In southern Indiana??
Allow me to whine a bit...
We are without power, I have two new skylights complements of the massive trees in my front yard and the water company is threatening to shut off the water to our area. WAH!
I know there are folks down south who not only have the wind damage, but the water damage as well. As a "survivor" of Hurricane Alicia in 1983, I know the devastation it causes. Please everyone, stay safe. I hope we can all get back to normal as soon as possible.

First to go was the top of the chimney thanks to the neighbor's tree:



Then came the hole in my studio! This is breaking my heart:



Then the "Piece d'resistance", the tree through the master bedroom roof/wall and the garage:



The Full Monty:



The garage is structurally damaged - you can see the cracks in the brickwork and the bowing of the door frame. We have a tree service that is coming tomorrow to remove the trees and a contractor to tarp up the holes - but goodness only knows when the adjustor will get out to us. Our insurance company has said "Pay the bills and we'll reimburse you". Yeah, right - who has that kind of money lying around. Is it always this frustrating to get your life back?

I'm off my pity pot now. Hope everyone who has had a visit from this most unwelcome traveler gets their life back soon.

Elementary, My Dear Watson!

OK, Sherlock Holmes has nothing to do with this blogpost. However, I spent last weekend with a fantastic group of kindred spirits at a workshop with Pearl Red Moon! Pearl was teaching her "Ancient Icons" class, and this doll was being VERY bossy about what she was. I've decided that my series will be "The Elements" and this first one is the Water Icon.

Front view:



Back view:



Close up of the face:



Close up of her torso and those wonderful beaded hands:



Did you notice those shoes?? Aren't they AWESOME!?!?
I've never done peyote stitch before and this was done with size 15 Delicas. Pearl got me started, and I finished the first one and I did the second one ALL BY MYSELF! I think I held my breath the whole time. I had to get cheater glasses one size up from what I normally use, but the end result was SO worth it.

If you ever get the chance to take a class from Pearl - grab it. She is the QUEEN of embellishment. Annie Hesse was a very gracious hostess and treated us all like family. That reminds me - Magic, Mischief and Mayhem is coming up in September! You should sign up and come play with us!

Bad, Bad Blogger

Yes, I have not visited my blog to post more in a LONG time. But I found something fun today. Being married to a chef and having been an Import and Specialty Food Buyer in my past life, our life revolves around the delicious indulges of eatables.
I found this quiz - and this is my result.
Enjoy!

You Are Japanese Food

Strange yet delicious. Contrary to popular belief, you're not always eaten raw.

What Kind of Food Are You?

A Journaling we go...

I have a friend named Leslie that has the most amazing store! It's a home dec fabric store in Shelbyville, KY. BUT before you go and say "OH, I'm not into that", you need to know that her fabrics and her trims are second to none - even for a dollmaker.
In the back of the shop is an old bathtub where all the scraps are kept. She also has a bin with the littlest pieces in there. You can walk out with literally an armload of fabric for $10.00.

Having amassed this great collection of upholstery bits n bobs, I often wondered what to do with them. I'm wondering no more. I'm making journals!

At first, I was afraid that the fabric would be too thick - it's not!

Let me share with you my journal!

The cover:



The inside pocket:



And the back:



Isn't this awesome?

I think they will make great gifts - especially with photos and memories tucked inside.

OH - and the name of the shop in Shelbyville, KY is "Making Ends Meet". If you're ever in the area, please stop by. I can guarantee your first stop will not be your last.

Finally!

I can now share my pictures with you!

Here is the cover of the journal:


And here is a shot of the inside:


I'm also working on a sketchbook cover and a memory book cover.

This is such a cool class. Check it out at suebleiweiss.typepad.com.

Capture the Moments

I've come to realize the past few days that I don't do a very good job of journaling. My kids have pestered me to write down what little I know of our family history (I'm only second generation American, and we know very little of our ancestors past my grandparents) and there is SO much I want to capture - not only for my kids, but for myself.

I signed up to take a journal making class from Sue Bleiweiss. It's been fantastic with easy to follow instructions and Sue is very accessible and very patient with all our questions.

I wanted to share my very first journal with you! I actually made it for my daughter who is studying Japanese at Indiana University and will be headed to Nagoyo, Japan for her senior year.

Here's the cover:

OK - Blogger is being an idiot again and will not let me upload any pix. Hold that thought - I'll be back later.

In Memory...

It is so amazing the love and fun a dog can bring into your life. It is also amazing the pain that losing that dog can bring to your heart...

My daughter fell in love with Beagles when we were watching Westminster Kennel Club dog show. We've been watching since 1993. When the opportunity to get a Beagle puppy came up, I took it.

Taffy was born on December 30 1995. She was one of 3 girls and 1 boy in her litter. When we went to visit and choose our pup, we were taken with the male. However, Taffy decided that she wanted to come home with us. We listened to her.

She was immediately drawn to my daughter. She followed her everywhere. I even credit Taffy with saving her life. One cold winter day, Taffy was stood in front of Danielle's closed bedroom door. It was 10:00 at night and 7 year old Danielle had been asleep for 2 hours. I told Taffy to get in her bed, but she didn't budge. I said it even more sternly - she still didn't budge. As I started down the hall to bring Taffy to bed - I heard Danielle struggling to breathe. Her severe asthma had kicked in and she couldn't yell for help. If Taffy hadn't been so stubborn...

Taffy developed arthritis as she aged. Who doesn't? Rimadyl and glucosamine helped her to feel like a pup again. In true Beagle fashion, she loved chasing birds and squirrels, running down the yard AROOOOOing at the top of her lungs. But her favorite time of day was dinner time. She never met a food she didn't like.

This past weekend, she began to stumble then did nothing but walk in circles. When we managed to get her to the vet, xrays revealed a damaged spinal cord. Was it degenerative disease? Was it an injury? We will never know. All we know is that she was in extreme pain and drugs did not help.

The vet's words were harsh - even with surgery, there was no chance for a pain free existence. The nerve damage would be permanent. The pain in her eyes was obvious - and heartbreaking. We did the only thing we could do...

Taffy - you brought joy and laughter into our lives. You were a clown in a fur coat and a beloved member of the family. You have left a hole in our lives and our hearts that will not be filled. I hope you are able to run and howl without pain now.

We love you!

Down but not Out...

I know it's been a LOOOONG time since I've posted, but I've been down and out with a bad back. It's very painful to sit for very long, which is why I haven't been in front of the computer. I'm slowly mending and hope I will be back to normal soon.
I did manage to get in a class with my fellow dollmakers, the Circle City Cloth Dollmakers in Indianapolis. I know I don't live in Indy, but this awesome and talented group of ladies have adopted me. We had a two day workshop with Jean Bernard the last weekend of March. If you ever have a chance to take a class from Jean - DO IT! Not only is she an incredibly talented individual, but she's the nicest person you would ever want to meet! I learned SO much and had a great time doing it.

The workshop was Jean's chair - I will leave you with the following eye candy - some of the chairs from the workshop.

Enjoy!

This is my chair:



This is Sandy's chair:



This is Julie's chair:



And this is Jean showing us the fine points of chair making!



See you soon - in better shape (I hope).

Here We Go Again...

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

A DEVELOPING LATE WINTER STORM WILL IMPACT THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY. A MIXTURE OF SLEET AND SNOW WILL DEVELOP LATE TONIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA MOST OF THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE IN THE FORM OF SNOW WHILE CLOSER TO THE OHIO RIVER IN NORTH CENTRAL KENTUCKY A MIXTURE OF SLEET AND SNOW WILL CHANGE TO ALL SNOW LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON. TOTAL SLEET AND SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM 4 TO 5 INCHES BEFORE TAPERING OFF SATURDAY MORNING.

THE TRACK OF THE LOW IS STILL UNCERTAIN AND ANY CHANGE WILL AFFECT TO AREA OF HEAVY SNOW AND SLEET.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good grief! This is ENOUGH!
I'm supposed to get my daughter on Friday afternoon. Indiana University is a 2 hour drive one way - on 2 lane country roads. My little Honda doesn't do well in the snow.
My poor daughter has been aching to come home for weeks.
Please say a little blessing that this winter storm diverts itself and heads over to the part of the south where they so desperately need rain.
Wishing everyone spring flowers VERY soon!

Eureka!

I think I figured out why I couldn't upload pix - they were WAAAAY too big. I'm a new iMac user and a kind soul on a chat group told me how to resize.

Here's my Sashay:



Love, love, love the colors. She definitely needs more on the top and a much fuller skirt. But at least she isn't standing there butt naked anymore.

Be back soon now that I've figured this out.

Whazzup?

I don't know about all of you, but I have SO many projects going - I don't know which end is up!
Should I blend my merino and silk dyed fibers?

Or should I finally finish my Sashay doll from Pearl Red Moon's class at MM&M?
DRAT!
Blogger is being its usual asinine self and will not upload any more pictures. Someone needs to drop kick them into next week.
So much for sharing more with you.
I cannot believe that the weekend is gone already. Didn't it just start?
Try to have a good week, all. I know I won't - I'll be at work.