27 days....

I am sure you did not read it here first, as all that has been on TV lately is awards show, and I have so say, I watch, not always do I listen, but oh do I critique...yes the wardrobe choice, not whether or not the winner deserved to to win or the other deserved to be nominated. Actually I am really not qualified for any sort of critique, but my personality leads me to have an opinion nonetheless. One thing my friends know, if I don't like your outfit, and you asked my opinion, I will tell you...if you don't want the truth don't ask. But more importantly, it is 27 days until Oscar Night, and well for me that means walking the Red Carpet, no! in Hollywood, in little old SJ and to be more precise my dining room.


A few years back, I decided that my friends needed an excuse to wear clothes that they had no place to wear them, clothes that made them feel special, if not glamorous...well to my surprise everyone was on board, and the event has grown...why someone has not created a fundraiser based on this who knows, so much better than "Wine Tasting" and much more classy. So now, the issue, WHAT to wear.... Last year was SIMPLE

I wore this amazing dress crocheted by my dear friend Sharon from a Vintage McCall's Magazine...the dress was Oscar Red Carpet, She was my Nora Walker and I was her Catherine, minus the $10,000, but a friendship weighed in gold.


So this year, I am at a loss....I have lots of bling....

But, not sure what to wear with it....another reason not to purge those dresses a talked about a few blogs back...never know when you may have to dig deep. Also, I am not a seamstress, so I am hoping something fits...oh and did I mention that I have been saving my dryer sheets...yeah I have....I might not be a seamstress, but I am crafty....oh and I do have an amazing Sari, I have yet to wear. What I do know is that I will not be wearing a strapless number with wings or fans (not sure what the technical style word would be) coming up from my boobs, they have enough issues without trying to make them fly or creating an opportunity for them to catch all the crumbs from the yummy food we will be eating. All I know for certain is that I am going to have blast, and I can't wait to see what everyone is wearing...it truly is the best part....oh and sharing the night with great FRIENDS!

Sunday Supper....lost tradition

Sunday suppers were somewhat of a tradition, it was the day when Mom made a big meal. Not that she did not make a meal every night from scratch she did, but they were quicker and did not have dessert. Sundays were different, she wasn’t as busy and could have the stove on all day...she would make Chicken, Roast or something along those lines, or spend her time making potato pancakes, imagine she even made long before she had a food processor, can you say “all day event and look out for knuckle skin”. But she was dedicated, unfortunately, I fall very far from the tree in this respect, I could live on Popcorn and Coke, neither I of these I might add would she be caught eating or drinking EVER!

It’ s not that I can’t cook, she taught me well, not too much water in the potatoes, but don’t boil them dry, always have another side, always have bread, always have something of substance, somewhere along the way, I lost the importance of the meal....when Kelton was little mixed veggies and tomato soup, was a MEAL more than once...poor guy no wonder he likes nothing....well that was until tonight’s supper...yup...he went outside his food comfort box...um no he still did not eat rice or potato dressing, but oh my he ate the other items and even tried the sweet and sour sauce, no complaints, but still not going vegetarian. I am so pleased; make my three hours and the use of some 15 spices and 10 ingredients at least later worth it. Oh, and more importantly perhaps is that Jeevan loved my Tofu meatballs, well that means not more packaged ones...still need to tweak the recipe a little, but they were devoured by all including the meat eaters!

Although I still miss the atmosphere created by mom, and I will in no way be able to create it myself, as it she who makes it was it is, I think I created my own today!

Menu:
Rice
Potato Dressing
Veggie Gravy
Corn
Zucchini Patties
Turnip Puff
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Tofu Meatballs
Crispy Crunchy Squares

Creative Saturdays

Today was gallery day...I love Saturdays at the Fundy Gallery of Art.

I probably should have been more productive, but I did get two dolls turned and 2 monsters created. I just love Orangy...one eyed with a flair of an eyebrow and the most awesome shade of green pants...who would not want this guy, I think! The plaid dude is just all mustache and spectacles....A bit of a strong man/geek.

My production was slowed from paying too much attention to the art class that Alma was listening to on the Internet....didn't think the guy would ever stop critiquing and actually teach the class, not that even Alma was painting today...but we both came away with more insight into was wrong with paintings, as the guy really only liked one completely, and I had to agree with him. Also learned a little about powder pastels and their application and about what can be left off a colour palette, very educational day.

Also, I now have in my stash Sharon's discarded project....yup she has started anew....even had to make a trip to Michael's...she is just so funny...but look out Oscars, because she is going to look great....so the piece to the right in the picture is the piece that didn't work, I told her what a great skirt....it might just be a new skirt for one of crazy dolls...who knows! But it truly was a rewarding, creative and educational day.....

Best of Couture

Once again my friend Sharon has outdone herself on my Christmas gift. Some may remember my Oscar dress that she made me last year; well this year I received the most adorable and practical granny square vintage inspired skirt. I cannot contain my excitement....nor my desire to wear it....we all know what I am wearing to the Fundy Gallery of Art tomorrow , this piece of art....

I love the triangle hemline, is that not the coolest...it was suppose to be fringed to make it even, but I could not have that, it was it was suppose to be a little longer, but knee length is more my style. Oh and I mention that there is orange in it...this is better than any Pj’s people leave the house in, I can now go out wear the “lap” blanket and I know it is going to be oh “wow” not the disgust people give at wearing Pj’s, but I will have the same comfort....now to find the right shirt or sweater ....I am so spoiled, but really there is more to the story....

Originally, she gave me another granny square skirt that I fell in love with in a magazine earlier this past Fall and I knew I had to have it, so I bought and passed it over and said “I need this, I love this” and from there the saga begun....my Christmas gift in the making, the colours were perfect, purple, grey and black...she worked tirelessly, it was a lot of work....it got bumped by some other projects, including those awesome Angry Bird hats she made my boys, and the head warmers that she made both Mary and I, and those snowflakes for her daughter to give to her co-workers, and the breads, and paintings she made, but alas she presented me with my skirt just after New Years, I was so excited....and then I put it on and ...it was too big, I wanted to cry...this was not like a material skirt where you could just put it under the needle of the machine and zip up the side, no these were individual squares that were put together, these modern patterns did not compensate for a decreased waist size....people are suppose to be built straight or pop out, and even a ribbon or tie would not work...just too much bulk. I hated to break the news to her, but she took it like a grain of salt and found another pattern within hours it felt, and here we have the do over....and a magnificent piece of couture...once again the story of the Friday Night Knitter Club rings true....I am privileged to have such a wonderfully talented and loving friend.

Renforth Winter Village

Every morning when I drive Jeevan to school I look at the New Winter Village that has developed at the Renforth Wharf. It had grown over the past couple of weeks, more “shacks” being added, adding more colour and texture to the icy landscape; the essence of winter culture in the Maritimes. What a community that is built, close knit, cozy but freezing at the same time, all with a common goal in mind...Smelts.

For those who are new to this winter phenomenon, Smelts are little fish and not ones to be eaten one at a time; no you need a “feed” of them. I never liked them as a child, although my dad couldn’t wait to get a feed, and my mom dreaded their presence. These little things, that you gut using your scissors (cut off the head and slit down the belly) really aren’t worth the effort, gutting them is a pain and eating them is worse given how boney their backbone truly is...for a small fish way too many bones. I am wondering why my Dad loves them so much; all I can say is Yuck! It must have to do with the purity of the fish, given that they are small, it is not about freezing his butt off, as he doesn’t go to the shack, he get delivery...it can’t be the light coating of flour Mom puts on them....but it is something, but be about the culture, the season, the thrill of how many will be in that pound, as you will not just eat a few of these fish, they are way too small.

To those in those fishing shacks, I wish you great daily yarns; new friendships and a prosperous season and I will miss you all once the thaw of Spring arrives.

My Knits!

Mommy, I need my Knits....A couple of months ago while shopping at The Hospice Shop, Jeevan spotted knitting needle in a basket. Mommy, I need these knits, I said are you sure. Yes, I need to knit...I am thinking this will not last. So after lots of shopping and checking everything out, and a lady who worked there telling me, that needles were dangerous, I confirmed with him that he needed them, Yes, I need. Would you rather have a toy, no, I need these knits...home ward bound we go....

Today, he discovered, my purchase from this past weekend's adventure. Red, Briggs and Little yarn, hoping it will work for a project, not that it is what I had in mind at all...but what's a girl to do after all it took to get to the wool event in Florenceville. Jeevan proceeds to tell me that he will knit this yarn, Red is his favourite. Without a doubt he did his best!

He claims he needs lessons, so look out Auntie Sharon, you can't knit and crochet in front of me on Thursday nights for the past 3 yrs and not expect me to want you to teach me how to knit, as it does not come naturally, and Mommy can't help!

Rainy Day Suprise!

Today the rain made me think that it was time to surprise Jeevan at pick-up with the bear he is has been asking me to make for almost 3 weeks. Well today was the day. I stuck him in my pocket and off to school we went....and Jeevan was elated...and of course commented on its bow tie, as that was a very important part of the creation. He fit in his coat pocket too...and I was met by a wonderful note at his cubby....

It was just a perfect day and glad Jeevan had the best day at school and that little bear met his expectations.

When the time comes to let go...

20 years ago I was getting ready to head off to University for the first time...getting bedding ready, my mom offered me some white pillow cases that she had, so I thought, perfect, but I bet everyone will have the same so I embroidered my name, or I should say my dad's "name" for me....at that point in my life he was the only person who called me DAR. Recently, when cleaning my linen closet, I realized that I still had them, imagine, I have been across the country and back

and STILL had them...well I can't remember the last time I used them....but oh they were just the perfect feel and texture for yes my favourite thing, tea-dying...they turned out great....now they are on their way to becoming a "Darla Girl", which Darla Creations will be launching in the near future...what better way to use them...who knew that BA in Art would lead to the "Darla Girl" doll ....oh and I left with another very inspirational piece on the first day of the rest of my life too....you'll hear about that soon too...stay tuned....and thank you mom for believing I could be anything and giving me some pieces of home to make sure that I did!

When 6ft is short...

For those who know me, my kids are tall. My oldest is 6'3 and my 3 yr old is 3'6.5 so he too will be over the 6ft mark... But as we discovered yesterday at the MillRats basketball game,being 6ft is short. You had to feel bad for number 10, despite is good looks and in the the real world, above average, but in his world he is short....especially when a fellow player is 6'7, 7 inches is a lot...I have many friends who about that much shorter than me and there are times when it is awkward. Well, he looked like a runt...but ran like fire and played like a pro...leading the team to victory....so being 6ft truly is not all that bad! I strongly recommend taking in a game...great time to be had by families.

Another Road Trip...and

Today I set out on an adventure with my sidekicks Sharon and Mary to visit Stickney and Florenceville, NB. First place was new for me and it had been at least 8 yrs since I had been to Florenceville. But it was important, Mary's Mom is turning 90 tomorrow and there was a Wool Event in Florenceville...how could we girls resist the temptation.


Some may recall the story about Pandora's box, well that is what today ended up feeling like....it had some glitches...but the cake was well worth it. As you can see from the photo, my car has no window, yup, it fell into the door when we stopped in Welsford for gas. It all started at Tim's when my window was frozen....I followed procedure, and made it Welsford....lets just say driving back to Saint John, at highway speed with no window and -16 degrees cold, I am lucky I still have friends and that we do not have frostbite....not sure I can explain how cold my hands were....thank goodness for the wool turtleneck sweater I decided to wear. So out of sheer determination.....

We prepared Sharon's car for the trip and 1.5hrs later from our first departure we were back on the highway...oh and did we ever need that washer fluid....the roads were a mess in places...my I am a driving queen and even in the boonies of NB I got us through....and it was well worth the cake....but not the wool event....will leave that for another post.....it was just a little disappointing....

Spot of Tea anyone

I am so not a Tea person, in fact, have drank a cup in my life, just can't bring myself to do it...always felt I was too young for tea and now I figure if I made it through almost a decade of University why would I start now. But according to my husband I make a great cup....but I am even better at using it for dying cloth. This re purpose cloth from vintage pillow case is just perfect for my next creative endeavor...stay tuned for come results....but be patient, I am not very fast!

Savouring the Christmas Gift....

In my family room, I have a little workspace, that truly allows me to be productive while my little guy plays and I can enjoy some sun and TV. I bought this old treadle machine years ago more for its Antique appeal than to actually use it, but it does work, my mom used it one day. I just love it and it is a splendid place for the perfect gift from my lovingly supportive husband. Yes, he bought me a new sewing machine!

I have been waiting since Christmas day to have some quiet time to use it, as I needed to thread it etc., and I didn't want any interruptions. It is so smooth and threading was so easy, a little sad I waited so long...so then I needed to test it....

So I did a little test run with some scraps I had stored in my studio room. It's not finished, but it was a great test. Sewing without a peddle is a whole new concept....but I think I like it. Now that I remembered that you can slow the stitching down, I thought that it was already on the slowest...glad it wasn't....now to try sewing curves without a peddle....oh the excitement and challenge....I can't wait to put myself to the test....look out new products...here I CREATE!

My little Artist!

There is nothing more amazing than watching my little man express his creativity, which today meant giving Woody a new outfit! He needed is favourite PJ's on to do his best work...one paint brush to give Woody a makeover and one to paint a picture. I just love creative afternoons...will post my creative afternoon results soon...something NEW for Darla Creations customers!

It's been a year...but I can still hear her voice...

When I was a pig-tailed little girl my parents brought me and my 2 flowered suitcases home, my only doll in hand, but they bought me a grey music dog that day. I am their daughter, but I always knew that I was daughter to someone else too; this was scary, cool and way too interesting for my mind. When I hit my teens it was in the forefront of my mind, and my mom told me as much as she knew, even let me read all the documentation she had and things remembered. Fast forwarding, I am doing an internship for grad school, and I meet a guy who knows my birth family, how could this be. He found my parents; they now knew I was fine, happy and asking about them. At the end of that year, I sent a card, pictures and my address, and the letters started...starting with a my first ever birthday card from her....but now there are no more birthday cards, parcels at Christmas, letters in the mail, telling me about her painting her house, baking, pickling, the car breaking down, what is going on with the locals, her sister, her brother, my brother..nothing.....I know that I am luckier than most, I have lost a Mother, but still have my mom and dad....but I can help but be sad as I re-read these letters that I just happened to save....I miss not having something friendly in my mailbox. The scroll of her writing, the misspellings of words, but always asking how my kids are doing, commenting on how they are growing and her awaiting of pictures in the mail....a year of an empty mailbox, but lucky to have had the 14 years that I had.

Ways to reduce your laundry....

One of Jeevan's favourite things to do is to help me with laundry. Unfortunately, most of the time this means more work as he unfolds laundry or jumps in the basket. But he is also pretty funny as he loves to get into the dryer as he pulls out the last pieces...ALL CLEAN! Certainly if we could wash them and their clothes all at the same time it would reduce so much work and laundry....but it is not happening and I love him and his messes very much....so bring on the laundry!

It is always the coldest of days

Today Sharon and braved the bitter cold to visit with our dear friend Karen. Although unbearably cold, as least we did not have to shovel a path like last year, but I had brought my shovel just in case. Sharon and Karen have been friends for more than 20 yrs, much longer than I have known her, but oh how we miss her at Thursday night crafts. Always getting us to test out her new low fat, no sugar baking....usually they weren't all that bad. Tomorrow marks 2 years since her passing and interestingly enough it was unexpected and not because it was an accident or that she was in perfect health, but rather because she had always beat odds, turned around 360 when the last rights were given, no last rights this time, and no time for us to say good-bye expect for that freezing day, that was too much snow and wind so strong you thought we would be the grave with her, he saw as a sign of her shouting out an everlasting friendship.

We noticed she has new neighbours this year, and like last year, no one had been by at her birthday or Christmas to visit, flowers where there, when her neighbours flourished with evidence of visitors, made me want to cry even more tears...but I laid my bouquet, my birthday bouquet from My dear friend Fabiola no less as I knew that she wouldn't mind that I shared her lovely gift to me, with another lovely friend. Til next year Karen.

Survial Food....keeps me ....

Some people love cream sauces, not me, coffee, not me, toast and butter, not me, meat, chicken, fish ...not a part of my diet....but POPCORN, a staple in my diet, almost my daily diet. Those who know me well, know that I will pass up any meal for popcorn. What's for lunch...popcorn, supper popcorn...why? It's easy and I love to snack and hate to eat meals. Popcorn goes with anything and any event....not really messy, can popped in a pot, air popper or microwave. I eat the least amount of microwave, but I supported the recent Scout popcorn campaign, so I have been eating microwave, but my 1lb bag of kernels are paitently waiting for me....I can't wait. Nothing goes better with popcorn than cold coke... my other survial food! I know, I should not be promoting this survial diet, but for me it works.

Teddy Bear....

All week he has been asking if I have made his Teddy Bear yet, well know I have not. He has been under the weather for 2 days so that has not helped. Today Daddy was suppose to buy chap stick, instead he bought lip smackers and well, you guessed they came with press-on nails.

Guess he got his Teddy Bear...10 of them. The thought the nails were great....can't help to have a brighter day seeing these lovely hands.

The things we save...

Do you ever wonder why you keep certain things? Well as you know I have been on a cleaning/organizing frenzy and the other day I came across a bag in my linen closet, and though "What is in that", opening it I realized it was something that I had been keeping for quite a while...but why? I am still not sure why, but this bag pictures here is the same bag and it is filled with my hair. Today marks 7 years since I began chemo for Breast Cancer, and in my attempt to get ready, I travelled from Saint John to my home town to get ready. First, to tell my mom in person that I had 'Cancer', needing her help to tell my Dad and my 12 yr old son. Furthermore, I went to my hometown salon "Hair Hut" to get my hair cut off, I did not shave it, I just had a short pixie cut. I really liked it and I knew it would be so much less mess when falling out than my long locks and I had been given the advice not to shave it, as your scalp becomes very tender and having hair to fall out is softer than stubble. The things you learn. I had them scoop up the hair into a bag, because at the time I had all intentions of using it for crafting....real hair on a doll. Well, I have yet to put that real hair on a doll yet, but I still have time for a new project! Life is good, and there are always reasons for keeping weird things!

Breaking the rules of closet purging...

Today I decided to tackle my closet, after moving some stuff, I was able to get the doors open.

I do not share this closet and it actually not a bad size consider out house is from the late 1880-1890s. Well designed and full! It is my understanding that you are to purge anything you have not worn for 1 full year, well, there in lies the problem. More than 90% has not been worn in more than a year, in fact, some has yet to be worn and many others may never be worn again. So why keep them..well...did you see 27 Dresses?... this closet is similar and packed filled with stories and memories...oh and I am quite sure has more than 27 dresses and at least 1 in every colour, even colours I do not like...and at least 5 black ones.
For example, this beautiful piece, never worn, tags on, waiting for a date with a tailor. Picture does not do it justice, but I love it. My mother-in-law bought it for me and it is stunning...hence not purge material.
Then we have this green Indian pant suit, love the colour, detail, wore it a few times unlike many of Indian clothes that I have only worn once. Although it is dated in style, it is one of the suits given to me...and I am not ready to part with it.

These beauties have similar stories. The pink one was purchased for my Friend Kelly's wedding that I planned to attend and be a bridesmaid to bout, is this not bridesmaid material....what a thrift store find. Furthermore, I never made to the wedding, never wore the dress, but packed and brought all the way from BC with me when I moved. It is a travelling dress with enough cultural history to fill a small book. The elegant cream dress was purchased from a thrift shop in Fredericton with the intention to wear to my dear friend Leisa's wedding 7 years ago...she initially had mentioned she wanted her guests to be in black and white and I would never wear black to a wedding, ideas changed, no dress code was asked so I wore a very summer dress in orange in its place. Still in the dry cleaner bag, as i was ready to go, oh and I mention that when I bought it had a price tag of $235, I paid about $3. Such awesome memories and who knows I may wear it yet.

Then you have that item along with the black dress that should be in every closet, the black suit, well for me this is one of the few items that I have worn too much in the last year...now deemed "The Funeral" suit, I wore this twice this past year, first when my birth mother died last January and then just a few months ago in October when my best friend Deanna passed. Also in January of 2010 when my friend Karen passed. This is one outfit, that I truly hope will be added to the list of "not been worn for a year"!

Hence, my creative production is at a snail's pace:

This is my studio, how can anyone work in here? Answer, they can't. How one might ask can a creative space get to this level of disarray...simple put .... end of the selling season, getting ready for the holidays and making my family room presentable for a change. Yes, normally my trunk is full with product, props and everything else required for 1 to 3 days worth the selling....when the season is over it comes inside. Then you have all of the stuff people drop off at my doorstep that I do not deal with right away, my stops for the perfect display items at yard sales, notice the crib. Then my addiction to re purposing and a love for fabric, not to mention that I have been a paper crafter for more than 8 years....oh and did I mention that this room is only 9x13 and on the 3rd floor so it has eaves on both sides. It is my goal, to get it back to normal....I have put 8 hours into since this picture...progress is slow, but I gave away 100 magazines today and cut all those shirts yesterday.

Oh, did I forget to mention, that the supplies, etc., starts before you even get to the doorway... Stay tuned for updates on my progress to getting my studio in order.....many more hours left to work.....I can dedicate all my free time, as I still love to be creative, meet for coffee (Coke), read a magazine, drive to school, cook meals and clean the other 12+ rooms/spaces in my house. All in the day of the average creator.

1st Day of 2nd Semester

Today Jeevan went back to school, second semester of Preschool and could not have wanted to be there anymore than he did. He woke up, before my alarm, to inform to get up, it's school today. Continued to rush me while asking me "need clothes for my cubbies, need boots and jacket, need snack bag", as if I did not know all of this. Followed by, "Me done, me ready, I need help, lets go" Luckily he slowed down enough for a picture. Arrive at school, "Let me out", huge smile and high-five for Mr. Jeff. Then a change! The cubbies have been moved, who knew this would garnish so much conversation for 3 and 4 yr olds....big thing in their little worlds and the excitement of finding their cubbies again! He rushed to put things in and then off to wash his hands....interesting how for 2+ weeks he needed me for everything, but now he was leading....then off to the classroom, no bye Mommy, not even a backwards glance to see if I was still there. What to do with my time...the idea was to work more on reorganizing my craft studio....
Well, I worked and worked and then realized that one of the shelves was just being used effectively to this is what I really did, I cut the arms and collars off of dress shirts and cut the rest into panels. The collars are for my friend Sylvia, the panels will be monsters and maybe a skirt or two, and the arms will be bags. I make the bags, but although people always comment favourably, they don't sell well so I think I will make these 40 into bags for my own product, wouldn't you love a cloth recycled bag for your Doll or Monster. Oh and when I picked up Jeevan, first thing he asked "my teddy bear done", um, I replied, I was busy...very long face....but then went on to tell me all about how much fun he had with his friends.... really need to make the Teddy Bear, he spotted it in a magazine Friday night at craft night and again last night when we were camping out and spotted the magazine...I put it off...he knows his Mommy is Crafty!

I am so not a GPS

Some people can find there way anywhere, unfortunately I am not one of them. I love to hop in the car and drive anywhere, but more often then not I get lost, even when I have directions or think I know where I am going. I always get there in the end, but not without a detour, and some stress. Winter driving is so NOT a time to get lost! I blame many of my problems on poor signage in this Province....they are certainly not thinking of tourists, let alone poor little me. No wonder tourism is down in places or people don't make it to some shops, you truly must be a die hard to get to some places. However, despite being lost today on not so good roads, I found this gem of the house. I can just envision the memories had in this house and it is so cool how the porch is ready to split in half....funny how time makes things SAG!

Saturday's at the Gallery

There is nothing better than to spend a Saturday crafting at the Fundy Gallery of Art. In the Winter that is where I can be found most Saturdays.

Sharon, Mary and I meet there to work and chart as Alma and often Helen sit for the gallery. Working surrounded by such lovely works of art is so peaceful and inspiring, Alma is always trying to get me to paint, today I said my monsters are my canvas, however I will consider entering a mixed media piece in their Spring show. I haven't truly painted since my Acadia days and my confidence just isn't there, not sure I could even mix my colours properly, but the challenge to produce something is all inspiring, and I am all about challenges in 2012. In the meantime, I will focus on my Monsters, as I think this guy pictured here is pretty awesome and he is inspired by some I saw in Molly Makes.

Your Friends Know you too well when:

What a friend filled day I had today... I am truly blessed to have so many awesome people in my life. I met with the girls from my Book Sorority this morning and it was just great, we are focused, determined and above all, organized, or trying. Above all, to watch our children play together and laugh was heartwarming! Then it was on to my Craft Party, and to my amazing friends who came, armed with gifts no less, certainly not a requirement, but so appreciated, I cannot say enough about how special each one of them made me feel. Didn't actually open the gifts as my little helper could not help himself, and he even modelled the sweet scarf from Mary. Johanne gave me an awesome scarf that she made from a t-shirt and a beautiful flower on it...she must sell these as it is so nice! Faby gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, bright yellows and peachy orange...such a me bouquet. Flowers are so nice to get as you don't buy them yourself and I am married to a man who has never bought them. But perhaps the most adored gift and surprising was the gift pictured in this entry from my friend Sharon. So accepting of my need and continuous crafting in bed, she bought me this bed tray to help me work even better and to be more organized...I LOVE IT! It is already out of the box, and has tonight's project setting in it ready to be finished and more stuff to keep me busy....Now, if the man I am married to showed up with breakfast for it, which will only happen if I am dying, well maybe even not then, but I would have to refuse, as this is a CRAFT table!

A Great Birthday!

Today was my Birthday....and it was a wonderful day. Slept in a little, cleaned my house, so many warm birthday wishes sent through Facebook, a call from my Best Friend Christine in Toronto and an email from her too. Out to Pizza Delight for supper with Sharon since I can eat for free and she was hungry! Then we went to Indigo and I bought the most amazing magazine
Mollie Makes

I am so excited to sit down and read this....Plus my oldest son gave me the latest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. But above all I had the opportunity to tea-dye today... and the results are great...love how the the different fibres of the cloth make the final product look so different, yet they were all dyed together. Party tomorrow night, crafty girl night in oh with a Toy Story theme, that's what happens when you have a 3yr old.

Crafty Gifts from Crafty Friends

Yes, my life is all about the craft world and my kids are often dumped right in the middle of the mix. However, despite their age gap, there are some crafty things that are just meant for the both of them, and my friends know just how to make it happen. First, the angry bird hats made just of them....my friend Sharon is very talented and she treated my boys to matching hats for Christmas this year, just priceless. You doesn't want their boys to be dressed the same...doesn't happened often when one is little and one is so big. They both loved the hats too!Secondly, Jeevan received a basket full of homemade play dough packets all ready for me to make from my friend Sylvia. This was such a wonderful gesture and really takes work out of my day and adds so much for Jeevan. Actually, both boys enjoyed some quality time with this gift....made my heart smile. Never too old or too young for play dough and I am so lucky to have these crafty ladies in my life....and who said crafts are a waste of time....clearly this picture illustrates that they are truly not a waste at all.

On the 9th day of Christmas....

My true love gave me a big HO HO HO.... A little someone found my Santa Coat and Hat and had a fun time being Santa this afternoon. He is still very much into the holidays and takes time to wrap his toys and pretend they are presents. It is days like these when we really get to stop savour the little things in life. These moments make us smile, forget our frustrations and if just for a moment truly participate in the day...making sure we are just not wading through life, but living it. I am very grateful for the opportunity and the little Santa who made it all possible.

Crafty Girls Day Out!

There's nothing better than having a day out with my crafty girls....no better way to use their and Narinder's last holiday day off. We made our way around to our regular haunts in hopes of catching an awesome deal....we found some! Yarn was on sale, so guess who is getting a new skirt?...yup ME! So excited, it's a redo, this time in a wonderful vintage pattern, they fit me way better...it's to replace the one that was made for me for Christmas, that is just too BIG! I feel awful about it and I love it, but with the amazing friend I have....I get a redo! Then it was off to VV where I snagged 2 vintage pillow cases to help me deal with my new obsession of tea dying...so excited about these....can't wait to see the results. Then Fabricville, where all three of us, found a great deal, mine is pictured here. 5 - 1/2 metres and 2 - 1/4 metres, I am about about variety not quantity, as I use the new materials primarily for my dolls...the possibilities are endless...however I really did not need the fabric, but I am still excited. It was a great day!

Ringing in 2012 - The Begining of New Adventures

Recently, I proposed a challenge to the girls that I have been in a bookclub with for the past year. Together we read Simply Abundance, met a monthly basis to discuss it with a facilitator from the Family Resource Centre that we all attended with our childern. The bond that developed been us mothers was more than chatting about this book, but rather a path we found ourseleves on, one of :self-discovery, simplying our lives, being greatful for the little things, developing a "Sisterhood" of sorts and so much more. This all empowering year, left us with a sense of need to continue, even if it meant that we had to find a new way! Hence the purpose of this post...I proposed that we set out on a 30 day challenge that I read about on another blog. For me it was intriguing despite it being a challenge of "taking a picture everyday and writing a paragragh about it" for me I felt it could be so much more. Perhaps looking at a snapshot of your daily life daily, could lead to seriously needed changes, new adventures, more self discovery, more friends, fullifilment, awareness, accomplishment or just being greatful for the day! We won't know until the end...30 days from now!

So I have posted my first picture, taken on my camera, but not by me...hence why I am actually in it! This picture is not just of 3 girls, but three girlfriends, who not only have 5 boys ages 7-2, but we represent a tolerence of diferences and different cultures. This picture shows the essence of friendship and my passion for entertaining, yes, I was hostess and loved it. Ringing in 2012 with our closest friends and our families makes us have a home away from home which we all need. More importantly, well depending on who you ask, we are 3 stay-at-home moms, raising our boys while trying to respect their cultures and persuing our artistic passions. As you can see by these smiles, life is great and we can't wait to take on 2012 and what it brings our way! First on the way for me is hosting another event this week....and tackling my artistic space....I am sure the pictures will be worth more than a 1000 words.

Happy 2012 and may this challenge keep us "seeing clearly now".