Hey you!

Where have you been? Whatcha been doin? This is what I've been doing.

Little of this, little of that, still trying that ATC thing I like this one best.
I still can't take a photo to save my life - but she looks very sweet. The body is ripped pieces of tissue paper, I outlined with a bit too much glitter - but I like her all the same. I had a fabulous time with the felted roses and that little pincushion was sweet too. I recommend the felt roses to everyone as a fun project. But for those who don't want to have that kind of fun, drop me a line, I'll be happy to sell a few. I think they're just the right kind of quirky, very librariany I think.

I've Been doing a lot of tarot listening (that sounds awkward doesn't it? but for the moment, I like that better than "reading.") I like leaving the cards on my alter although in the past I have resisted anything which divides the deck. For now, I'm loving the whispers each night as I turn to the night.

And...well...

I've been feeling a bit under the weather. Actually, A LOT under the weather. I've had some strange symptoms (unbelievable itching for one thing, is that weird or what?) and a sudden increase in my pain levels. I am accustomed to living with a score of about 14 on a 1-10 pain scale and this week, the score shot up to about 19. It was not pleasant. The doctor checked to see if I'd had a stroke which was what was in the back of my mind as I debated whether or not to make an appointment. Fortunately, no stroke. Yeah! It's always so nice when something on the worry agenda is removed without doubt. But, there's no real explanation otherwise either. So, having sent my daughters (both of the Seattle crew, Fran and Saoirse)off on a cross country trek to Indiana along with grandsons Cash and Chase, I have several days to relax, listen, sort out and just be. You know, you have to laugh don't you? I get some down time from grandma duty and I spend it itching and wincing. There's something profoundly funny about that and probably very meaningful.

For the weekend I'm re-reading my favorite book of all time, Kristen Lavrensdatter, working on a little bibliography and knitting 6 inch squares when I'm not doing what one does with itches. I hope you're having a full and peaceful weekend. I'll be back!
~Lee

Pouches, Potholders and Pincushions

Oh! I like the way that sounds. And, I like the way that these turned out. I think I'll make several more for my friends at work. I found the pattern here, courtesy of Heather Bailey. I really love her website, you should visit!

More on potholders and pouches very soon. Very soon. I promise.

Cheers!
~Lee

It really is Monday in a few hours

I did finish these little swap gifts this weekend. My stitching is soooooooooooo far from perfect. They are pretty and useful nonetheless and I em enjoying watching my stitches improve.

One of the BIG thoughts, that hasn't quite come together as a whole yet, has to do with being gentle with myself. I'm learning to enjoy the process and not feel determined to "produce", much less to produce perfection. I so love working with the wool felt; it feels so strong and, hmm what's the word? Something close to solid, and sure...somehow I feel very safe when I have the felt in my hands. I love to spin, and it's so meditative, but somehow, as centered as I can be while spinning, or even sewing or knitting, it feels fleeting. The wool felt says, " This is here to stay." And yet, it is forgiving too. I'm letting these things into my heart - here to stay, and forgiving. A far more profound feeling than you might imagine.

And here is Gloria. Gloria isn't quite finished; she's to be a flower girl. So, she needs some flowers I think. My partner saw her and immediately exclaimed, "That's All in the Family, Gloria!" And, I had to agree.
A productive weekend all in all; I did finish the laundry. Clean socks are important; what if you get in a car wreck? I even did some dishes. I'm looking forward to a peaceful, gentle week ahead; I have the apron to finish and the Dana dotee. Then, I think tis time for me to focus on indexing- so I'm putting myself on a swapping fast. Wishing all of you a lovely, gentle week as well.

Blatantly Avoiding Big Thoughts

And, cleaning my disgusting house! So, I stopped to read a few blogs, some new and fun ones and then I thought about reviewing my To-Do list...sometimes I think I like making lists more than I like doing lists. Here's the update (I live such an exciting life!)

Finish embroidering the apron - Almost...just a few more buds to do - right after this post!

Do the applique on the apron - Yes!

Sew the apron together - Not a prayer - Ha!

Finish two dotee dolls - Later this evening...I'm stewing about them now

One pincushion So close that I can cross off without guilt...she just lacks a little rose on top.

• Clean the bathroom - I did the hardest part (and you know what that is!) Now, everything else doesn't look so bad.
• Laundry - I might just skip this week...who needs clean socks?
• Finish Obama's Audacity - Close, way close, but since he kissed my grandson, maybe I'm exempt from truly having to understand (Note: There's something very important hidden in this concept somewhere...it worries me)
• ook for a dresser to refinish - okay, I came to my senses for the moment, besides, there was nothing appealing at Goodwill

Now, if that wasn't just the silliest waste of a blog post, I'm not sure what else it was. Hanging my head. I've had a lovely morning, I'm having a chicken breast and some sort of purple cauliflour for dinner and the big thoughts are still jellin...back to stitching now. Hope your weekend is equally pleasant.