happy birthday, katherine and jordan

Katherine and Jordan have wanted a dog for a long, long time. As a family we felt when the time was right we would get a dog. As the mom that stays at home, I didn't think it would EVER be the right time. But somewhere along the way, I came around and we applied to rescue an airedale terrier. It just so happened that we got a call to visit a dog in need on Katherine and Jordan's birthday, and we came home with Dixie. She is sweet, and the girls are elated to have a new companion in the house.

what was i thinking?

how could i go wrong with such awesome instruction on a website of another do-it-your-selfer? http://slipcover.vrya.net/ never mind that this woman probably sews often. anyway, the above photo is my attempt to make a pattern for my old sofa that is creaky, but much loved. too loved to let go, not to mention that we need the seating. stay in touch, perhaps i will post the finished product next week? next month? i'm really hoping for next week...

scott's

we went to scott antique market this morning. it was so nice to be among old things. i noticed there were a lot of horns and mounted heads of animals, i suppose this is something that is popular in the design world these days. also, i found some gorgeous lacy coral, but could not buy any, not without my conscience bothering me greatly. also i saw an interesting book, with the portraits printed on stamp like papers. that book was especially intriguing to me. do you see the calligraphy doodles?

eating

for about 7 years now i have struggled with being the primary cook at home. i feel a strong desire to make sure our family eats well, but it always feels so burdensome, why? did my mother set the bar too high in what she modeled for me? (a home-cooked meal every evening with fresh dessert and iced tea). with so many considerations of eating homemade, eating organic, eating local... it feels daunting to me at times. recently i have been reading this book called "The Art of Simple Food" by Alice Waters. reading about her process in how she plans, shops and cooks, her perspective of cooking is enjoyable. somehow this book has really helped me to redirect my negative thoughts about dinner night after night. one tasty dish is a butternut squash soup i've made twice now, the entire family likes it. we serve it with some nice dark bread and some shallow-fried chicken breasts and a romaine salad, YUM! and i think, short of the frying, it's pretty healthy too.

Coral Necklace

I love the look of a bold red necklace inside a crisp, white blouse. This necklace and earring set was one of four teacher gifts made this year for Christmas.

Pocket Folder

I made this practical ringed pocket folder for my father-in-law. He loved it, except he suggested that perhaps there should be 12 folders, one for every month of the year, instead of the 10. The truth is, I was kind of tired of stitching pockets by the time I got to 10, so I thought that would be enough. Apparently not, ;-). He is still deciding how to use his gift.

The Not-So-Naughty-cal Photo Album (for sportweasel)

I made this photo album in class last fall. The book has an accordian spine, there is a pocket in the back filled with photo corners.