Calamity Kim

want some candy?

want some candy?, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!
Treats or Tricks????
Sadie the Hound from Hell is looking for treats.....

Yoyo's and Pom Pom's on My Mind

Yoyo's and Pom Pom's on My Mind, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Please say hi and leave a comment with your guess as to just how many pom pom's and yoyo's fill my mind. This is for the Blog A Versary Giveaway. I will give it a few days to get some good guesses. More than 100 but less than 500....think about it...teeheee...........I am just so BUSY right now!!!!! I will be back with Halloween goodies......

happy haunting

happy haunting, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

eek!

mwwhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

mwwhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Boo!

Calamity in the Craftroom

What you talkin about?!!, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

teehee....Fred is always so funny- or thinks he is...he shoulda been a comedian! Its lucky for him he can run fast!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

What a nice day we had today- I have been working on projects and am happy at how they are coming together! Then we went to see 30 Days of Night!!!!! Yikes!!! I was scared! Those are some Vampires!!!! Wow! They were fast and vicious and it was pretty edge of your seat suspense- No romantic sexy vampires like Moonlight (one of the new shows on Friday Night that I am currently in love with) but killer almost zombie flesh eating wicked nasty vampires. Josh Hartnett was awesome and really did a great job.
I still want to see Nightmare Before Christmas too- its in 3D!!!! Yee haw!
We ended up going to Chili's for a late lunch - early dinner and are probably going out to Carraba's tomorrow night. The never ending anniversary, right? It has been 4 fast years. If I added up all my marriages it would be over 20 years but I guess they aren't cumulative, are they? Hee, ahem. Sorry.
Fred had to work all day yesterday so that was a bust but I had fun driving down to Englewood to The Craft Depot and was thrilled to get some of Martha Stewart's Halloween decorations- like the skelly silhouette and black paper rats that had disappeared from Michael's a few weeks ago. It's pouring rain but as soon as it stops I'll snap a picture in the dark...spooky....hahaha! Well- the weekend is almost over- maybe I'll get time to do the Blog-a-versary this week- I sure hope so! I can't believe how quickly the month has flown by....almost November....anyway...more pictures soon. Happy Haunting!

what do you think about that?

what do you think about that?, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

Getting my room back together. Hung the doll quilts back on the wall and am trying to decide where everything will be now that the room is painted and moved around. Hope everyone is ok and having a nice weekend. Be back soon with a longer, post with games and prizes!! It was our anniversary yesterday and maybe we will get to eat out to celebrate. Super Fred got called in to work so my plans for this morning were dashed! Now its cloudy and going to rain....I am going to JoAnn's to use my 50% off coupon....I'll visit with some of you guys soon and we'll catch up! xoxoxox hugs and smoochies..... calamity kim

apron on fire

Reaching as far back as I can remember, I have loved to read. The library was a sweet sanctuary of wondrous adventures waiting for me to enjoy. As a young girl I would borrow books from my Grandmother's bookcase and nurture that love with Daphne du Maurier, Edgar Rice Burroughs and  Agatha Christie. Nowadays,  I read as many magazines as I do books.
I love Quilting Arts because I always learn something. I just recently purchased some materials to try a new technique in their most recent issue. I will show you as soon as I get finished with it. 
Reading opens doors for me in my mind and my life would not be the same without it.
Or so I thought as I waited to see the eye Dr on Tuesday. After a battery of tests which always leave me feeling blinder than a bat,  I headed over to Barnes & Noble for an immediate reward and respite before going to the grocery store and home to make dinner. That's me. That's how I roll. I lose 12 lbs- I bake a pie.  Feel humiliated by my blindness at the Dr's office- I go read books.
After drooling all over Amy Butler's newest book and looking at several Bloggers newest books I found myself being seduced by the cookbooks.
I know that this book by Nigella came out several years ago and yet here it is.
As I pull it down from the shelf above me I am immediately impressed with the feel of it. Heavy with a smooth matte finish on the paper.
I am in love already and I haven't even opened it.
I flip through and see a lot of my favorites waiting to whisper in my ear. New York Cheesecake. Yummmm.
Forget the diet, take me home with you she says. Knowing that I could whip up something delectable and delicious from this book. The desire to be a Goddess suddenly attainable, if only I say yes. I look at the price.
$35 for recipes for food that I shouldn't be eating.
Dialing my inner will power, I place the book back and wander over to the mystery section. Maybe I will get the second Dexter book. As I search, another book catches my eye. Lye In Wait by Cricket McRae.

It's been on my bedside table for over a month. I struggle to keep my eyes open and read a bit each night. I want to solve the mystery of the handyman who drank some lye and died in the soap maker's work room. But I can't. I fail each night to read more than a handful of pages. It is a good book and I  like the story. I like the characters. I just can't seem to stay awake. The book isn't putting me to sleep- my life is! Too busy with work, sewing, walking the dog, cooking, cleaning...blah, blah, blah. No wonder I day dream about being a kid on summer afternoons, curled up on the sofa with a book! My husband doesn't read books and I don't understand that at all. I love to read. Oh, am I repeating myself?  Why do I feel guilty when I am "doing nothing" but reading? I feel as though I should only listen to books on tape so that I can keep on moving. Get that laundry folded. Make the bed.  Bathe the dog. Sew an apron. Make yoyo's. Whatever.
I certainly am not as productive as I was before the job.
But I am still plugging along.
Walking the treadmill.
Like a wheel in a rat's cage.
Round and round.
Can I just have permission to do nothing?
Can I declare a DO NOTHING DAY???
Wouldn't that be sweet?
Cleopatra on her barge.
Marie Antoinette on her sofa.
Laid back.
Unwound.
The calliope music plays as the plates spin on the sticks in my hand. Faster and faster. Like Wonka's Factory...outta control...I am always saying that you should make time for things that are important.
Phone calls.
Mailing cards.
a hug. a kiss.
a walk on the beach.
How long does it take?
When my life is over will I look back and wish I had taken more time to read?
Yes, probably.
More time.
If you heard you only had a short time left what would you do?
Who would you call?
Who would you write?
What would you make? 
I would finish some baby quilts for Grandchildren.
I would  write a journal to my Son; tell him how much Joy he has given me.
I would go through my things and give them away.
I would end the Blog.
I would hold my dog and pray a lot.
I would buy Nigella's book and bake everyday.
I would be that Goddess in an apron.
I would email Martha Stewart and say Thank you for all the  projects and  good things .
I would ride my bike and let my hair fly in the breeze.
I would get tickets to finally see Dave Matthews or maybe Bruce Springsteen again.
I would  do so many things that I wouldn't have a moment left to worry about how much time I had left. I would LIVE.
So, maybe this helps me get it worked out. Maybe I need to chill and relax and unwind. Maybe I need to make a list and cross off the items one by one so that I feel some sense of accomplishment.
Instead of behind.
Late.
Burdened.
After the news yesterday I asked Fred, what would you take if you had to leave suddenly?
Forrest fire.
I can't imagine losing everything.
I am sad.
Sorry people.
That's the reality of this rant.
What if the world was on fire and you could only carry a few things?
What would you take?
What would you leave to burn?
Sometimes when I write it starts as one thing and ends up another.
My journey.
Thanks for coming along with me.
I think I need some cupcakes.

***Let me also add that I didn't watch the news this weekend because I was painting and then we did the floor. I hardly ever watch the news and didn't find out about the fires until yesterday. My prayers are with my friend Natalie and her family and everyone affected by this horrible disaster. One more calamity to contend with. I am not sure that cupcakes would help.

This is Halloween....

This is the trailer for the New Sweeney Todd movie directed by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Don't watch it if the sight of blood bothers you....I am too busy today to be Bloggin so this is a quick one to say hi and share another site that Amanda shared with me: Pushin Daisies.com
I just ordered the skull cupcake pan, skeleton beads, skeleton jello mold and can hardly wait!I didn't order the skelly flamingo lawn ornaments...but aren't they cleaver, I mean, clever? I love their stuff- I must admit that I have a wide morbid streak...in case you didn't know....its almost Halloween...have you seen Jack or Sally lately?
Gotta go- my lovely sewing sanctuary is calling...and somebody needs a bath...can you smell Sadie from here?
hahaha!
No, really, she missed her bath last week and loves them so much- plus its like 90 degrees outside!
I really wish we'd get a cold front!
anyway- happy Tuesday!!!

ahhh, sanctuary!

ahhh, sanctuary!, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

You can click on the picture to get to my "remodel" set on Flickr. I painted the walls Jamaican Aqua and did the trim white and then helped Fred with the floor. We were both exhausted by Dexter time last night ( 9pm!) and could barely stay awake long enough to watch it!!! Today- another work day and then tomorrow I have Dr's appointment. Its also my Blog-a-versary and I am just not ready! This month is flying by! Well, they all are! What a fast year!!! Anyway, I am so happy with my "new" sewing room- I don't want to work- I just want to bang on the drum all day!!!!! I am hanging the doll quilt wall when I get home today! Yeehaw! Then I have something special in mind for the Blog- a- versary! So, meet me back here later...happy Monday!!!

hoop sign

hoop sign, originally uploaded by Frizz.

Y'all wanna meet me at The Hoop and Holler so we can get our embroideries on?

Lattice crust Granny Smith Apples with Grated Gruyère on top

Lattice crust Granny Smith Apples with Grated Gruyere on top, originally uploaded by calamity kim.

fill your pie hole!

Here is the recipe:
Ingredients Makes one 9-inch pie    
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling    
* Deep-Dish Pate Brisee Or two pillsbury dough boy pre-made crusts     
* 5 1/2 pounds firm tart apples (about 14), such as Empire or Granny Smith    
* Juice of 2 lemons    
* 1 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon    
* 3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 large egg yolk
Directions    1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the smaller piece of pate brisee into a 15-inch round about 1/8-inch thick, dusting surface with flour to prevent sticking, as needed. ( Or open up package of round Pillsbury Dough Boy Pie Crust)
Brush off excess flour. Roll dough around rolling pin, and place over a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate.
Line plate with dough, pressing it into the corners.
Trim dough to within 1 inch of the pie plate.
Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
2. Roll out remaining piece of dough into an 18-inch round.
Transfer round to a baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.    
3. Peel and core apples, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Place slices in a large bowl; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon; toss with apple slices.    
4. Remove remaining dough from refrigerator; place apple mixture into prepared pie plate, mounding it in a tall pile.
Dot filling with butter.
Place dough round over the apples.
Tuck edge of top dough between edge of bottom dough and rim of pan.
Using your fingers, gently press both layers of dough along the edge to seal, and crimp as desired.    
5. Using a paring knife, cut several vents in top of dough to allow steam to escape.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water to make a glaze. Brush surface with egg glaze; sprinkle with sugar.
Place on a baking sheet, this will catch any juices that may overflow during baking. Bake until crust is golden, about 15 minutes.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking until crust is golden brown and juices are bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes.
Remove from oven, and let cool completely before serving.
This made a very good pie- the apples were tart and the sugar and cinnamon gave it a nice flavor.
It wasn't very juicy- which for my taste is good!
I am going to add several red delicious to the Granny Smiths next time for a liitle juice. I cut one of the pre-made pie dough circles in strips and wove them for a lattice crust.
I did use egg yolk and water brushed on the top and then I grated about a cup of Gruyère Cheese on top of that.
It gave it a nice flavor and this may have been the best apple pie I have ever made.
So good that we were sure the Meteor would strike our house and kill us immediately- sort of a Murphy's Law Joke we share- if something is too fabulous - death surely must be imminent!!
It comes together easily when you use an apple cutter too- the kind that slides down over top of the apple and you push till it cuts the apple into sections and cores it in the center. Then you just cut the sections into thin slices. Try it tonight and let me know how you like it! mmmmmm, pie!!!

Lattice crust with Gruyere

Hey Blog Peeps! I was so inspired by Pushing Daisies on Wed that I bought a bunch of Granny Smith's and I'm making a mile high apple pie!!!!!I wove the top and put some grated Gruyere on top! YUM!!!  Painted all day and the room is coming along nicely! I am going to get pictures tomorrow...really...I am !

Bob, the painter...

Good Day everyone!
I am painting my sewing room today and tomorrow! I am so excited!
I have had the paint color ( Jamaican Aqua by Benjamin Moore) picked out for what seems like several years now and  I am off on Friday- so IT'S TIME!!!!!!
I still have pictures to take of swaps and my new hair-do! I love it! It's so light and cool! (you can call me Bob!) I was feeling like old Black Witch and now feel kinda glam like Louise Brooks! Anywho- I gotta get busy!  I'll be back.... Click here to read more about the Husband & Wife team who created Old Black Witch.

Fred Got A Raise

I thought it was a pay increase...not a climb up a tower! This in no way compares to my job as housewife and quilter. I am buying him a parachute for Christmas. Or maybe a kite. When he said he got high at work yesterday this isn't what I thought at first! hahaha...yes, we have insurance on him. Enough to pay off the house and get me a nice sewing machine. I will miss him when he's gone. Oh, stop! He had two harness's attached to him and the tower. Besides, he made new friends, with some sea gulls flying by.**** added this on Wed am: He was up there replacing a microwave transceiver. If the fall won't kill him the radiation from the antenna will! heehee. Geez...I am totally afraid of heights and I had no choice but to see this video several times- to tell him how proud I am of him. To congratulate him on surviving.  To kneel and worship the ground he walks. Geez. I am nothing. Too bad he doesn't have a Hero power and could just fly up there. No. Really. He doesn't have to do this very often, thank goodness. My heart couldn't take it.
(Hopefully I will be back later today to show off my new haircut! You can call me Bob!)   

Doll House, DeLorean, and Martha Dishes!

I have been buying tiny cupcakes, donuts, cakes and pieces of cake from Grace and will have a fine display in my Doll house, once it's finished. This is  the newest order from Grace- tiny pink cupcakes under a dome. This is how I diet- only fake food in the house!

She also gave me a tiny Halloween pumpkin and picture to hang! I love it! I am almost finished with my Doll House and then you may see it! I am trying to decide about the floor. I was going to paint it in black & white checks, but I am not sure...

Here is a link to Vicki's Blog- Turkey feathers and her Etsy shop. If you like embroidery she also sells vintage patterns here.

I have several things to Blog about, but need to take the pictures. I had a busy weekend. Cleaning all day Saturday- the Casa Chaos was put to order and sparkles and shines. (I over heard the husband muttering under his breath if he was in the right house?) He sold some stuff on eBay and the guy who picked it up came by (with his artist wife) in their DeLorean. She spoke of her past life as a window and display dresser for several large stores- including Macy's. That would have been my dream job!
He graciously let Fred take pictures of his car and here it is!!!
He said a cop pulled him over one time and wanted to know if he'd take him back to 1987. teehee!

Anyway- I have several wonderful swaps to show and more Halloween spooktacular stuff...I went to Macy's and saw the New Martha Stewart line. I bought some cake top stencils for dusting powdered sugar in designs of spider webs and black cats. I fell for the dishtowels too with silhouettes of witches and owls and spooky trees. She has everything from pots & pans, to linen to dinnerware.

The white porcelain is lovely and I will be going back for the cake stands.

  The set of 3 square cake pans would be perfect on the square pedestal too.

I might have to get a second or third job to afford it all though! I think its a good thing I'm on a diet and not baking or else I'd have spent my entire paycheck there!

So, Happy Monday!

Another busy week ahead!

I'll be back soon...ya'll behave!

You're So Sweet!

Thank you all for saying hello and filling my comment section!
That was lovely and a nice reminder that there is someone out there.
Sometimes I think that everyone has either fallen asleep or gone for more popcorn...
I am cleaning up the sewing room today!
After every few projects it gets messy.
I try to stay organized and then there is that point of creative madness that I must let go and abandon myself to it and just make a mess!
Then I have to stop everything and get it back together.
Pick up the fabric from the floor, place pencils back in their place, find buttons that were lost.
I love to get it cleaned up because I find so many things that I forgot where I put.
Like those black safety pins.
I was thinking mummy's  and the manufacturer must have been think Goth.
I cruised around Target after work yesterday and looked at their Halloween selection. I wanted some white pumpkins like Kim found. Rats!
  I didn't find them.
I may have to go to the other Target- The SUPER DUPER UBER  TARGET!!!! 
They did have a lot of skeleton things and glittery things and their usual cool stuff. I tried on some Libertine clothes that were on the clearance rack but no luck. I love that look- vintage, silk, linen, bold yet careless. There was a skirt that was pleated with skulls, ravens, vulchers, spiders  and rats  stamped along the edge. It had cool buttons with machine embroidered words like: sleep tight and good night.
I wanted it so bad but when I tried it on it was too short and too tight on my basketball but and I had to forfeit.
Then I thought- just buy it to have when you lose more weight.
Then I pictured a closet full of clothes that will fit me someday and I hung it back on the rack. I always try to live in the moment.
What if I get hit by a bus?

Then I thought Maybe I should just start stamping my own clothes. I have so many linen dresses just waiting to be embellished with appliqué and buttons and crap swept up off the floor. Teehee sorry, just reminding myself that I have to get going. That room won't clean itself. (how I wish)

Anyway...I am working on a Halloween Treat for everyone.
A PDF Pattern for you to download and make.
I am still painting my prototype so I can't share that, yet.
I also have a few other things to share- like recent swaps and doll house treats but need to get pictures taken.
Instead I am cleaning and then I will be able to blog and take pictures with a clear conscience. What a good girl, huh?
Yeah, right! I gotta million things to do and I just want to read my book!
Enjoy your day!
Thanks for stopping by!
Any tips on staying organized?
How do you keep your fabric straight?
Do you fold it right after you finish with it?
Do you save your scraps?
What do you keep them in?
What do I do about the thread caught in the wheels of my wonderful rolly chair?
I am pulling them out with tweezers!!!  I keep a trash can on both sides of me while I am sewing....why is it still on the floor? hahaha! oh, well...

Lurking In The Shadows

Earlier in the year there was a National De-Lurker Week. It involved putting up invitations to you readers who visit but fail to comment. In a kind and loving way, I would like to revisit that invitation and let you know that it is ok to leave a comment on my Blog. Any time. Even if you don't like what I am rattling on about. If you are new to Blogs and are scared or afraid, then let me assure you that it is a wonderful thing for us to know that there is someone out there who shares commonalities. I have a penchant for: doll houses, quilts, coffee, dogs, babies, the beach and  cupcakes. and aprons...
 

So welcome to Calamity Kim if this is your first visit.
I made this little kitty from Hillary's pattern.
Everyone else who has been visiting or are my Blogging Buddies- I thank you for all your kindness and participation. On the 22nd  my Blog will be a year old and I am thinking about doing another giveaway. (I still have one thing left to make for my 6 month blog a versary party that I never finished and sent. I don't know what's wrong with me, some kind of CRS Disease.) Other projects pop up and take presidence and I clean up my sewing room and find random things started, half finished, buried under fabric and glitter and tulle....oh, my...anyway...

Stop lurking.
Introduce yourself.
Leave a comment and a blog or email address.
Next week The 22nd is my Blog 1 Year Anniversary so come back and see what's going on. Spread the word and Pass the cupcakes! I jumped the gun, as usual! Here's a link to my first post. I have progressed fairly well in my computer skills. I wasn't sure I could even do this. I think its fun to go back and look at the early stuff. Anyway- Mark your calenders. There will be prizes and festivities! Oct 22.

Magical Mutant Timothy T Tangelo

Florida is a magical place. We have Orlando with its theme parks and Tampa with Ybor City and Pirates! Key West is a colorful, hedonistic wonderland of Conchs & Queens, or make that Queen Conchs. In Sarasota we have the most beautiful beaches, Art Galleries, Ringling Museum and lots of condos where orange groves used to thrive.I have recently discovered a unique and strange new life form. They are Mutant Veggie People!!!!! Oh, my Sweet Lord!!! I found this little fellow out in the back yard under the ficus tree, fending off an attack by Sammy the Squirrel. He was trying to talk to Sammy and get him to understand that he was no threat to his stash of fresh acorns, that he could survive on sunshine and rain and didn't need to eat acorns for survival! I shooed Sammy away and asked this fashionista fruit if he had a name and he politely bowed and with a sweeping gesture said "How do you do!? I am  Timothy T Tangelo,Esq. Thank you for saving me from that vile creature! This whole area seems to be populated by nothing but ruffian squirrels, lazy lizards and snappy turtles! What I wouldn't give for a nice beach cottage of my own to get away from these beasts!"

So I offered to bring him inside and gave him a glass of water and listened while he told his magical tale of how he came to life one day and found himself running about the garden with no clothes. He said that he happened to sneak into my house one day when I was getting in groceries and he cleverly snuck into the sewing room and had a delightful time finding bits and pieces to stitch together a jazzy little outfit. I had thought his attire seemed somehow familiar, but didn't want to appear rude by inquiring about it's origin.He seemed quite proud of his shoes, which had once been wedding favors and were now painted a happy aqua with black polka dots and bows. He turned about to show me all the little details- buttons, beads, yen, soda caps, labels, fringe, flowers and patchwork. I must say his taste was smashing and fabulously campy.
After a long talk, in which he shared his desire to see the world- or at least the United States, he has asked me to place him up for sale in my Etsy Shop. He would stay here with me, but is concerned that Sadie might make a meal out of him before I could save him. He doesn't want me to have to deal with the stress of chasing squirrels and dog and what if he were killed or eaten alive .....you see the position I'm in? I must list him and let him go and travel. Perhaps he'll find love among your fruit.

Sadie gets a new bed

Sadie loves to get her bath, and will bring me a towel to let me know that she is ready for one. She pulls them out of the hall closet- it has open shelves.She will sit with the towel on her head forever until I come with the brush and hair dryer. Not moving a muscle.Good Dog, Sadie MaeI tried to get a picture with her in her "house" but iot was too dark- the flash bleeds the color- I need to read the manual so that I know how to set the flash. Maybe I should take a class at the Vo-Tech....I made the "matress cover-pillow case" from a thrifted sheet.I bought the yellow floral ticking fabric from Jo Ann's by the other pillow ticking and muslin section. It is sturdy and thick.
Her old one was about 4o bucks at Sam's Club and was that memory foam, which was kinda hot.
This was easy and fast and I can throw it in the wash.
I pulled the plastic tray out from the bottom of the cage to use as a pattern.
Easy Peasy! and she likes it.
She was crate trained when we got her at 9 weeks, so she likes to sleep in there.
Its all cosy and the top is covered with one of my Rachel Ashwell tablecloths. Functional, yet pretty, too!

Japanese Craft Books in My Etsy Shop

I am listing a few of my extra craft books in Etsy if anyone is interested. This book has 155 pages of some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. The Japanese are masters at quilting and sewing and these quilts are evidence of what can be achieved after a few centuries of practice.

This book has embroidery patterns- cute stuff!

Audrey's first Halloween Costume

Audrey's first Halloween Costume, originally uploaded by Audrey Elizabeth.

How about this ragdoll?

Pushing Daisies

Just hanging with my Sadie Mae- I will try to take some pictures of her new dog bed, if I remember. I am cleaning up the sewing room too- Its housework/post office/dog bath  day.
Anybody get to watch Pushing Daisies last night? It was great! It might be in my top 3 shows! Reaper, Life, Bionic Woman, Chuck..I'm digging them all. But PD was simply my style. Quirky and surreal. Love it. Its from the director of MIB.  Ned has a Pie Shop called The Pie Hole and it has giant cherry lights inside. I love it! Pie and Murder. Excellent!

and then Sadie is in love with Digby... Click on the links above to download the player and watch it if you missed it or just see the trailer and catch it next week. Its a hoot!

sometimes ya feel like a nut

IMG_4540.jpg, originally uploaded by huberific.

how was your day?
Fun?
Nutty?
I am off to watch some Bionic Woman...

whatever lola wants

whatever lola wants, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

care for a surreal fashion show?

life as art 3

life as art 3, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

wow

john galliano runway show

john galliano runway show, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

This would be great for Halloween...Lobster, anyone?

she loved to twirl when no one was looking

she loved to twirl when no one was looking, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

do you?

waiting for my dreams

waiting for my dreams, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

sometimes I get lost among the beautiful images on Flickr...so surreal...so imaginative....so lovely and haunting...

my house

my house, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

ever have one of those days?
Maybe escaping somehow would be best....

in the nest

in the nest, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

Or maybe you feel like curling up and reading a good book....

life as art 2

life as art 2, originally uploaded by silvernightingale.

ever have one of those days where you just want to wear something light as a feather and fly?

Mushroom Morning

There is a certain spot in my front yard that has begun to grow mushrooms due to all the wet weather lately. I would love to cut this up and  see if it tastes like a portabella. I am too afraid. Imagine, "oh, this salad is killing me!" I gotta git! Work today! What's on your table?

Yoyo's at the Opera and Lunch with Cricket

I love to make yoyo's. I love to embroider and embellish with perle cotton and shell buttons and glass beads. Making a silk purse from a sow's ear.I saw a bag like this in a Japanese Craft book and thought it would be wonderful to make my own version.
I can never just let something be simple.
It has to be covered with embellishments like "Barnacles Being Born on the Bottom of Benjamin's Boat!"
This was started last Monday night as I watched the Season Premiere of Heroes.I am listing it in Etsy. If you love it you better jump on it fast! (its sold!)I wanted to make this so bad and now... The thrill is over. I had a deep burning desire to make it and now, poof! It's gone. On to the next project! Or maybe back, to finish WIP's (works in progress) or mail some stuff. It takes me forever to get stuff wrapped and weighed and mailed. The phone rings, the dog needs, the laundry buzzes, the days fly by and still my list of WIP's are unfinished. Whatever, blah, blah, blah. right? If you had this bag, you would surely attract some attention. Maybe even from a guy like Gerard...ya never know...
Let me see pictures, you say.

You can click on the picture and view them large in Flickr (see all sizes). It looks pretty cool, if I do say so myself.  Woke up this morning to a very soggy day. It must have rained all night. We need it, but I sure would like to get in some bike riding. I have been reading this wonderful book called Lye In Wait written by Cricket McRae. It is so fun! It's about a woman who makes soap and finds her handyman dead on the studio floor and then she tries to solve the mystery.
Do you ever read a book and then realize that you have made new friends and you don't want to finish it because you will miss them?
Maybe that's just another sign of my impending insanity.
I love the Author's name.
Cricket McRae.
She sounds like someone who might be cute, smart and funny. At lunch with her,  you'd chuckle over your shrimp cocktails and snort your sweet tea till the waiter rolled his eyes and cleared his throat.
I can only imagine.
I'll give you a complete review once I have finished it, but for now, let's just say that I recommend it as a great: "get away some place quiet and curl up with this wonderful mystery full of crafting and vintage collecting stuff book."

Cricket will thank you!

still life with coffee

Some mornings don't begin as I would like.
The birds on the lake started their strange calls at 4:30 this morning and as I realized I was awake, wide awake and not happy about that, I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. The harder I tried the more impossible it became.
I hate it when that happens. It is worse if I do go back to sleep then, because I have some sort of jet-lagged feeling when I finally wake up again. Dragging myself in to start the coffee I felt a moment of pride that I was up first. Until I went back to bed, "while the coffee brewed". Then I woke Fred up (again) and he got up with me when the buzzer signaled the java was ready.
To our horror, the coffee was all over the counter, floor, dish towel and clean glasses and cups that had been drying on the counter the night before.
"I guess I forgot to put the pot underneath the spout" was all I could manage to say, as the final spurts of steamy coffee blew out everywhere.
I was so shocked and freaked that I didn't move.
Fred had to stick the pot under there and grab for the paper towels.
All I could think was....Calamity!
Happy October 1st.
Thank heavens no black cats crossed my path or umbrellas were opened. I checked the calendar for Fri the 13th....it's on a Sat. whew.
My moon must be in retrograde or something.
Maybe I should open my eyes when I make the coffee or put on my glasses.
On a happier note, I did sell the Arsenic & Old Lace Quilt and Doll. It is such a positive affirmation of my work to have it fly out of the shop so quickly and I will give little Hazel a few more hugs and kisses before I wrap her in her quilt and get her mailed to her new Mama. I have a few Halloween Inspired aprons afoot and more cupcakes...But right this minute I am heading for the kitchen to make a nice cup of tea. I am not even going to look at the coffee maker.