Lunch bags

Today I had a couple ladies out here. We have been trying to get together for lunch when we can. I have been affectionately calling them my lunch bags. They are beautiful, generous, funny ladies that make me happy to be around. One of my special ladies brought us each gifts of mustard beans. Mmmmmm and as an added bonus she sewed these lunch bagsas gift bags. Now there's a lady with a great sense of humor.

My secret trail

When you take a down a secret path, through the enchanted forest, you come across a cat washing station. No wait... That was planned to be a rock table painted with a checkerboard design. You know .. Just in case you get board on the way to the garden

Fly away home.

Just popped a scarf in the mail today.

Light as a feather

The scarf I painted using the Itajime technique needed a little something else. So I added another dimension another experiment. I love the feel of silk. I love the movement of silk. I love the way a thin floaty layer can warm me so wonderfully. I love the way the colour swims into the silk. Oh gosh, I am in trouble.

Mother of invention.

Here is a silk scarf clamped and dyed Itajime style. Usually a piece of silk is folded and clamped between two pieces of wood. Then immersed in dye. I didn't have any wood handy. I used two ceramic tiles and a few lightweight clamps that I use for hanging heavier items on the clothesline. Also I used heat set paint instead of dye. I can barely wait for the sun to do its job so I can see the result.

My colourful weekend

This last weekend was spent at a art retreat in the mountains. I stayed overnight at a simple B&B in a quiet, remote community. The hostess a warm and friendly artist, and her home was filled with her vibrant silk art. After starting out the morning with an amazing breakfast we had a little time to ourselves and then we started to create. Two days of playing with silk and colour! We came away with three lovely pieces that were a combination of shibori and direct painting techniques. I was fascinated by the way the silk feels. I just couldn't help rubbing it against my skin. I think I may have fallen in love ... Again!

Feeling a little Makey

Yes indeed summer has me feeling like adorning myself with pretty baubles. I was needing the colors of the water and so I set about making these bracelets. The only problem is all the ties and hooks. So I have decided to work on a multi strand bracelets with some of my favorite elements rolled into one bracelet, with one easy closure. I will post a photo when it's done.

Testing 123

Took my new duvet for a restrun yesterday afternoon. Ended up having a three hour nap. It seems like a keeper. Methinks I had better try it out again this afternoon ... Just to be sure.

Midnight sun

It's midnight on the longest day of the year. I am out on my deck. It's still, eerily still. Not a leaf is trembling on the trees that hang over my deck. I listen to the noises usually masked by the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze or chattering of birds. The bullfrogs down at the creek croak relentlessly. A killdeer peeps. I can hear the neighbours dog barking a mile away. I can hear the catapillers or maybe those green worms munching in the trees. A lone mosquito buzzes around my head and a cow sighs. One coyote in the east, joined by another in the north and one in the south. They howl out their locations to one another then fall quiet again. Kitty lets out a squeak as he jumps in my lap for a late night cuddle. I review the day touching on and savoring all the high points. My life may not be perfect but right now, at this moment, it is grand and i am grateful. I say a little prayer for those troubled and in need. The breeze picks up again and the lone mosquito has summoned his friends. It's time to end the longest day of the year. Goodnight my loves.

Going pro

We wanted to have out big hairy farm dogs shaved so we could take them with us on a trip. They need grooming badly and I can't imagine traveling with all that hair and smell. It seems this time of the year is a busy time for groomers. Sooo we decided to take matters into out own hands. Today my hubby went to town and brought back a pair of professional groomer's clippers. I'm not sure the huge price tag is going to make us any better at grooming. I cannot tell a lie. I'm a little concerned for the dogs.

Houdini

We may have to start electrifying the gate. We have had bulls out lately. And they are no fun to chase back in. Three days in a row I have watched this bovine bad boy try to work the gate. I am so on to you, Mister!

DIY darling

I woke up with a clear head and some energy sooo... I thought I would tackle a job that looked pretty daunting at midnight last night. Looks pretty good in the light of day. Now I just have to figure out how to shorten them.

Lessons

This guy reminded me of something today.
I was feeling very frustrated, hurt, angry and let down.
I was trying hard to process it all when he jumped in my lap. He is not prissy and regal like Oinker. He is more the teddy bear lover type.
Since his shave he loves to be touched. I started to Stroke his now velvety hair, tenderly as he has some spots that were damaged from the matted mess. He seems so grateful and relieved. He literally rolled and rolled in my arms trying to get as much contact as possible. I laughed as he head bunted me in the forehead. He purred like a chainsaw and with eyes closed his head relaxed backward I saw a look of pure rapture and thought. Wow cat you sure know how to enjoy the moment. In that instant I knew that I was going to make more of an effort to enjoy my moment and stop giving in to stuff that I have no control over.
The whole world could probably use a kitty cuddle.

Nuff said

New do

Mick: OMG- What have they done to you?!?

Sad cat

We have had a stray cat around since last winter. I think it may have been a case of a country drop off. He is friendly with dogs and ppl. And he will approach you and likes to be petted, but only on the head. If I attempt to touch his body, he leaves. Yesterday he crawled into my lap... Yay. But then I realized why he does not like being touched. His whole body is a massive mat. The most concentrated one being the one that covers his back. Then i noticed the the skin around this large mat is tearing. After this sickening discovery I made a call to our vet. Yes! They can help! They sedate poor kitty and shave him. He has been in a car carrier since 9 because he is not to have food noe drink. He is not a happy dude.
I like having a cat around and I miss my Oinker terribly but judging from the way he pees everywhere, I just can't take a chance to bring him in.
I see my husband softening on the no cat on the deck rule... I hope we don't have trouble with this.
So hopefully after today's trip to the vet kitty will be in less pain. And mat free.

Stray cats need love too.

Someone is in for a big surprise tomorrow when he goes to the vet.

Gardening DIY

Face it who is more of a Do-it-yourselfer than a gardener. After all they grow there own food. And fill their spaces with pretty flora. This is a little project that I decided to do when I went crawling through my garden shed in search of a pretty something to plant some pansies in. The wagon normally reserved for pansies is filled with dirt and nasturtium seed. Everything I used in this project I had on hand. Basket was one destined for the dumpster and leftover paint. Bit of glue and a garbage bag cut in half. The hardest part was waiting for the glue to dry on the home made garbage bag liner.

Fly away home

Ive always had a soft spot for Ladybugs. The proof that this has been going in my whole life came this week. My Aunt is downsizing and sending treasures back to their original gifters. I gave her these cute critters when I was 7 or 8. You know it is special to have them back. And it's even more so when I found out that after they began to fade at 20 or so years, she took them to my granny to be repainted.
Xox Aunty M.

More noms

Tomato, avocado, cottage cheese, sprinkled with black pepper.
My body must know I need this as it tastes as gratifying as cake ever did.

Nom nom

We are a little over halfway done calving. These mamas that have babies already are out on grass. They love it. Now if only the rest would hurry up.

Art days

Yesterday I had a great visit with on of my dearest friends. She has moved away, so I seldom get to see her. She is in the area visiting her family and catching up with old friends. She is a talented artist and was begging to learn the gelatin printmaking technique. We spent a few hours laughing, playing and just enjoying each others company. I have decided that I need more friends who get excited when I mention that I got a few sheets of 40 x 60 inch paper.

Playhouse furniture

Four boxes- assembly required. Thank goodness it's a beautiful evening to work on it.

Nutritionally speaking.

A close look at the label will tell you that these corn/quinoa/flax cakes don't do anything for me, except hold my peanut butter. And that my friends is a noble profession.

Deck angel

The snow is leaving the deck is my summer home. I spend a lot of time out there. I found this angel last year and the melting of the snow revealed her once more. May she watch over and protect all who spend time on my deck.

Blessing

This weekend I went to an introduction to henna workshop. It was a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon with creative ladies, trying something I've always wanted to do. Our instructor explained that henna is considered a blessing. That to me seemed like a wonderful idea. I am using my first ever henna to remind me of all the blessings I currently enjoy in my life. And I really can't wait to share this body art with my near and dear. - after some practice of course.

Happy unhibernation

Squirrel is going to be so happy when he wakes up from his long winter nap. He is going to need a coffee and some fresh whiteys. Thanks Sewell family for thinking of us while you are on vacation. Xox

Hop away

Last time the girls were here I gave then a cute little miniature bunny and a bear. Today I was tidying up the toys and I found this. Is just me or is this a tad gruesome?

Shoe Patrol

We attended a birthday party tonight for my sister inlaw. I was a little amused by these bunnies standing guard over all the shoes.

All work and no play makes me cranky

Sometime while in the middle of painting a bathroom you get an idea. A whisper of inspiration that just won't be silenced until you try it. So with my bathroom in its gutted state and paint trays all around me I start a scramble for the things I need. A department store vase and some of the paint I used on my kitchen accent wall. Watered down, I think it would have been lovely if I had made sure the paint was clump free first. This is attempt one of swirling the paint in the vase. I think it needs a second coat. I did love the way the paint poured down inside leaving a graduated colour. I think I will lose that effect with a second coat. Ok playtime over, back to the bathroom.

Spring

It might be snowy and cold outside, but we know how to warm it up inside. Reesaroni and Monkeybean made this beautiful bouquet while on a sleep over.

Easter crafts

This Easter I had a craft planned. Not everyone made one, but those that did had fun. And the result were these beautiful egg canvases.

Easter prep

I'm getting ready for Easter company tomorrow. That involves some cooking, some cleaning, and getting some crafts ready to go.

Bling

Last night when we went on our date we did a little shopping. Nope not Costco this time. Papa brought me a little bling. Mama loves my pretty new light fixture in the bedroom.

I miss you so

Split level cathouse

Spa getaway

This doll is much loved by my granddaughter Emily just as she was loved by her sister before. She is around thirteen. After a weekend at grandmas she has her arm sewed back on, her nasty hair shampooed and styled, her skin has been rejuvenated ( detailed with q tips and mineral oil) and fresh batteries. She is ready for another 13 years of lovin.

Spring in a seed

They don't look like much yet but trust me when I say those tiny sprouts make my heart happy.

Relatives

This gal is Mick and Bear's daughter. She looks like them except for the colour ing.

Old Fashioned Caramel popcorn

Mmmm

Plant flowers

Yesterday I brought some seeds... Lots of seeds. Expensive seeds. More than 50 cents a seed. But hopefully my petunias will grow lush and beautiful saving me $$ at the local greenhouse.
I'm starting to get excited for spring.

Spring

Today Marley spent the day with me. We did a couple of crafts. We discussed flowers and spring while we made this floral box from a recycled seed catalog and a dollar store box. Messy but fun and good practice with scissors. Shown here resting on a tall jar to keep it from sticking to the paper as it dries . I can't show you the finished box as she had to go when the box was barely dry. We did have some fun doing it. I wish I would remember to take more photos when we are in the process instead of just having fun.

Rekindled

This morning I spent some quiet time in my room. I sat in lotus position at the end of my unmade bed. The sun bounced of the rumpled white bedding and danced around me. I flipped through a well worn copy of a photo book by one of my favorite photographers. I hadnt seen the book for ages and as I flipped through the glossy images I remembered...
I thought how these beautiful images had ignited a passion in me. I recalled how his poetic photos had given me a look into his soul and how by doing so I peered into my own.
And I found myself inspired to return to the love I had found waning. I spent some time this morning looking at the world through the lens of my heart as well as the camera. The photo above is the result.
Lesson learned : Like a long time relationship you need to remember what it is that made you fall in love in the beginning if you are to keep the romance alive.

Running on fumes

This is how much fuel my truck took today. At 108 a ltr it's a punch in the pocketbook. I love my truck but at times like this I miss old blue.

Physio

At physio... My therapist has very cold hands.