little lady

On friday night we celebrated the life of one of my good friend's mothers. She passed away suddenly last week. There was a small gathering at a local beach where she loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. It was sad and beautiful.

We really appreciated the rest of our long weekend. The baby and I spent time together on saturday while my husband got together with friends. I went to my LSS and got a few things...a bit of paper, adhesive, nothing too major. The baby can only tolerate so long of me looking around at things she can't grab! That night I did a layout using some Authentique papers and stickers I bought a few months ago. I love them! The photos are from last 4th of July....

I included some journaling written to baby girl. I had some thoughts in my head I wanted to write down for her...

I will post some other layouts I worked on recently later this week. Hoping to catch up on blogs while the baby is sleeping. I have class tonight...first class of summer session two. This will be the last class (hopefully) I need for my counseling license. Ugh. This has been a long hall. Not really excited about going but I plan on making the most of my day at home before class!

Happy Monday!

today

Ellie playing with sand dollars she found at the beach

My sweetpea brightens my mood. Things have been difficult lately in many ways. I was hoping things were looking up but we've had several household issues that are stressing me out. Waiting for the AC guy to come by and finish fixing the center air. It's been two weeks and hot and humid. The problem is a little more complicated than we originally thought. Then today I noticed a larger spot on the rug in our closet and a shadow of a spot starting on the babies carpet. I am concerned we are growing 2 spots of mildew. Ugh. We have a basement level condo with a cement basefloor. Never had a problem before but it appears to be starting? Don't even know where to start with that one. Hopefully the AC will be fixed in a day or two and we can get the humidity out of this house. Then I can tackle cleaning the spots. On top of all that for the past 6 months+ my car has had a reoccurring issue with stalling and it is happening again. We thought the problem was finally fixed after 2 mechanics having trouble diagnosing the issue. So that is going in the shop again tonight. I just want a week/day without a major issue. We are frugal with money and all this will be adding up and is concerning. So in an attempt to de-stress...here are some photos from my little green "space"and a layout or two....

First the layouts from the past month or so....

Easter: I did this one over the weekend. Just need to add journaling...

you & the budgies: Last summer/fall we went to the local zoo and they had these parakeets they call "budgies." The baby LOVED them! It was so cute to see her so fascinated. I just need to add the date and the journaling on this one. I really like how it turned out. I don't usually use super bold backgrounds but I loved this paper.

the fabulous lady in the big hat: I love this picture from last summer! I found this funny sunhat in the Gap on sale for her. She looked so funny and cute in it! This layout is very simple and finished.

And now some pictures from our little yard...

Thank you for looking and "listening!"

Happy Monday and Happy 1st of July!

keeping my hand on the wheel

Fishermen's Memorial: Gloucester, MA

Wow. Life has been hectic these past weeks. I'm trying desperately to stay afloat at my new job. Intakes. Intakes. Paperwork. Intakes. More hours than I counted on. Trying to learn the ropes. It is challenging. I'm hoping that once I finish this pile of intakes, schedule appointments, and start seeing the kids I will fall into a routine. It's just that I have to build up my caseload all at once it is overwhelming.

My goal is to fall into a routine and take out some time for me. I had a little bit of time today when I got home before my husband and baby girl did. I had a wicked sinus headache though. I've been battling a cold and cough for the past week. Definately making things more challenging. After some tylenol though I got some motivation to do some weeding and cleaning up in our little patch of earth in front of our condo. I have been looking forward to that so much.

I have a pile of half finished layouts on my desk. I would like to say I'll get to do some work on them this weekend but I'm not certain. It is also the end of the semester and I have a stack of papers to grade for my college job. Ugh. Students think they have it rough this time of year! They. have. no. idea.

Hope everyone has a Happy Friday!

long time no see

'
This little monkey has been keeping me busy. That's why I haven't updated since AUGUST! Yikes! I used to be so good about blogging almost everyday. Sharing projects, photos, ideas. Reading other blogs and commenting. She is 11 months old now and I finally feel like I'm getting a better balance. Working 2 jobs, taking care of her, spending time with my husband, housework, there aren't enough hours in the day. But I've been committing myself to going to a knitting group on sundays, taking some time to do a project of some sort after she goes to bed. Though truthfully, I often crash on the couch at 7pm and watch bad tv.

And for the past 4 days my little sweetpea has had a stomach bug. I'm forcefeeding her formula, water, anything and she is. not. having. it. Today she might be turning a corner I hope. I'm on Day 2 of using sick time from work and Day 4 of being stuck in this house.

We'll make it.

Now...while she's napping I'm hoping to make the most of this sick day and check out other long-lost sites I've been missing. Maybe later or tomorrow I'll post some of the few projects I have been able to do lately!

Happy Wednesday!

life

Miss Ellie wearing the sweater I knit for her

I haven't written in so long. Being a Momma is hard work! I enjoy it but it is hard to find a minute for yourself. I wouldn't trade it though. I have one more week before I go back to my second job. I've been back teaching at the college 1 1/2 days a week for a few weeks. The semester wraps up next week and then I'm back to my art therapy job. I'm dreading it. It's only 3 days/week but I don't want to:(

We have been looking into the idea of buying a condo. We rent right now and will have to move to a 2 bedroom by this fall. But the rents in our area are ridiculous. There are a few condos in our apartment complex in forclosure and the mortgage would be cheaper than rent on a 2BR. We are also looking at some other options. Our goal is to own a house with a yard...but that's a way off. The county we live in, that I grew up, was at the top of the list (among the whole country) in terms of housing costs several years ago. It's sad. Not being able to afford a home in the town your father, grandfather and great grandfather grew up in. But the idea of being able to afford something that would be ours is exciting and it will help us reach our ultimate goal.

One a side note, the little Miss has a rash on one side of her face that I can't get her to stop rubbing! A few weeks ago at her 2 month appt the Dr. felt it was dry, sensitive skin and suggested petroleum or unscented moisturizer. I've been doing that but yesterday it got dry and then she started rubbing it and making it worse. Now it's on her cheek instead of just the side of her face. Poor baby...

Well...off to play with the baby!

Happy Thursday!

engaged!

I have been so out of the loop on my blog. Exciting things are happening! I got engaged on June 3rd. The 5th anniversary of the day we met. We are getting married this summer...August 14th! Loving wedding planning, my parents are so excited, I can't wait!

Happy Monday!

Shoot & Edit: Spring (SOOC)



Sony DSC-HX1: 1/25 f4 ISO400 SOOC

 So for this weeks Point & Shoot challenge the focus was spring (I linked up my SOOC here.) Well...here in New England the only sign of spring is that it is raining instead of snowing. We have had a rough winter. So the only sign of Spring is in my apartment. Some Daffodils from Trader Joes! That and my Honeysuckle candle from Yankee Candle.

Another sign of spring in my world. My guy is starting the drive back home to me from his Army Officer school in 8 days. 8 days! He left in the middle of October! Yeah! Fortunately we were able to see each other twice during these months. That made it more bearable. And his having given in and buying a cell phone certainly helped too. But it has still been hard and neither of us can wait to return to a state of normalcy....whatever that is!

I have fallen out of the habit of doing my weekly Monday Gratitudes. So here they are....

Today I am grateful for:

1. medication for my dad
2. the Army
3. my apartment
4. Trader Joes
5. a chance to host my girlfriends for Girl's Night next weekend
6. my Irish heritage from my mom
7. a day off
8. Netflix on my Wii
9. life events and milestones to look forward to
10. income
11. coffee on lazy morning
12. clean laundry
13. trip to Ikea with my sister
14. joy in decorating our place
15. knitting
16. my friends
17. sunday dinner with my family yesterday

Well I am off to be lazy on this day. I have Spring Break from the college this week so a few extra days off. I will be at my other job tomorrow and wednesday but have another long weekend coming up. Much needed relaxation and artwork I hope.

Happy Monday!

catching up



new throw pillows from ikea. playing around with pattern.

 Life has been so busy. I have fallen behind in writing here, reading my favorite blogs, participating in the Point & Shoot Challenge, artwork,...pretty much everything I really enjoy. I need to get back. This week I have a few extra days off for Spring Break and so far so good.

Yesterday I went to Ikea with my sister. What fun! I was good and didn't spend to much. Got some boxes to organize my linen closet, new throw pillows for the bed, rug in the kitchen and a very exciting...salad spinner for $3! I saw a few things I want to get on my next visit. Especially an outdoor umbrella that clips on to a side table. Perfect for my very hot, sunny balcony that doesn't have enough space for a traditional umbrella.

Here are the goodies I picked up (minus the kind-of-boring-storage boxes in my closet):

closeup of the throws. i love patterns but almost never buy them or wear them. went outside my comfort zone! love them!

6 wine glasses for about $5! Perfect to try out glass painting.

throw rug for my kitchen. funny story: saw a young couple there and the guy pointed out and suggested this rug out to his wife and she said "no...not that one." Well...I liked it!

Two hand towels to match the flower I bought at Pier One months ago for my bathroom. I love that dark purple that seemed to be popular this fall/winter.

I am hoping to participate in the "Spring" Point & Shoot challenge this week. I also have a few projects I want to work on. Get some photos developed, try out the glass painting kit I got for Christmas, paint a "welcome" sign for my parent's friends, etc. I am also attending a local "Yarn Crawl" where you can check out the areas yarn shops, find sales and fun stuff. That is later this week.

And....only 9 more days until my guy graduates from his Basic Officer Course and starts the journey back to me! That is such good news and much needed....

i need art

atc's in a jar

Cary came home unexpectedly this weeked to attend a funeral. Sad circumstances but I was so glad to see him. We now have less than a month until he's home for good. He left this morning. I always feel so down the first day he leaves. I'm trying to improve my mood. I have not been doing any artwork except for knitting...and even that I'm not doing much. I need to do some. I had been in the habit of doing a lot of ATC's because they were quick and fun and challenged me. This website has a forum where people list themed swaps. I love these. They give me a focus and a deadline. I might enter a few today. I also need to see what I can photograph for this week's Shoot & Edit challenge. This week it is "pink." I skipped last week's because of all the chaos around his visit.

Well...off to try and improve my mood!

Happy Monday!

knitting sneak preview

A sneak preview of my sister's Birthday present I'm working on....my first time doing Fair Isle! My mom taught me...it is so much fun!

Had a really nice weekend. Took my dad out for a walk on Friday, shopping with my brother and sister Friday night and a somewhat extravagent fondue dinner out with my cousin and friends on Saturday night. Today I spent more time with my family for Sunday dinner and gave my sister a ride home. Now it's laundry and a quiet night. I am probably the only New Englander not glued to the Pats game tonight. Hoping to do some more work on my sister's birthday present.

I have not scrapped in months. I really want to. I need to get some photos printed out soon and sit down to work. Maybe in a few weeks I'll have some girlfriends over to scrap...that will help me get back into a groove. I have been spending most of my free time with my dad and family since Christmas. I may still be doing that for awhile. So knitting has been an artistic outlet for me. But I need a little more art of some sort. It is my therapy.

Happy Sunday!

live the questions

snowy tunnel road

So much going on that I wish would not be. I am trying hard to keep things in perspective. Not worry until I have to. But really? I need a break. It is nice to be with my dad today. He is doing a bit better. I got some work done on my syllabii for the start of the semester next Friday.Tonight I am picking up my sister and we are going to the mall for awhile. Tomorrow I'm meeting my cousin and some of her friends for dinner. Good things.

This is as poem that helps me when I am feeling uncertaintly and worry...

...I would like to beg you dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.



Rainer Maria Rilke, 1903
in Letters to a Young Poet


Here's to a Happy Friday...

life

Life has been a roller coaster. That is why I haven't blogged since before the holidays. I had a peaceful Christmas with my family. However my parent's were waiting two days to tell my brother, sister and I some upsetting medical news about my dad. They told us the day after Christmas. By Tuesday he was having surgury. That was the day I was orignally scheduled to leave for Missouri to visit Cary. I delayed my trip until Wednesday. Fortunately the blizzard made it easier to do this. I couldn't not be with my family through this. My dad had setbacks over the week. Meanwhile I experienced my first tornado while on the base. Yikes.

Fast forward a week.

My dad is home. He is getting a little stronger each day. We have a few weeks before we find out what his next steps will be. I am spending my days off from the school with him. My family is pulling together. I so wish Cary were home.

Thinking positive. Hoping for all good things.

Yesterday I passed my state counseling licensure exam. That is a major milestone for me. I have been working for 10 years to jump through hoops to get in a position to take that test and apply for licensure. I should have the hours to apply by mid-February.

So there is good in the dark.

I hope to post some pictures of the holiday and my visit with Cary this week. He gave me a new camera for Christmas and I love it. So fun to practice.

Happy Sunday!

knitted gift completed

Traveling Woman Shawl

Finished one knitting Christmas gift this past weekend. This one is for my mom...now I want to finish my sister's socks. This weekend will hopefully be a chance to relax. It is much needed. There have been some stressful things in my world this week that have caused a great deal of worry. There are still some worries until more answers come next week. But I am focusing on staying positive. I have the apartment to myself this weekend so I'm hoping to get some knitting done, cleaning, maybe some baking. And then going to the movies with my family tomorrow. I will be seeing The Town for the second time. Loved that movie filmed in Boston. Nice to see some authentic Boston accents in a movie!

Happy Saturday!

i love...

...getting my Cocoa Daisy kit's in the mail! It is like a little box of suprises. I am like a little kid! I have been subscribing since my birthday last September and love them. But sadly I haven't used last months yet...so now I must play with that kit and my newest that I got today. Things have been busy. But I am hoping to break out my supplies tonight or tomorrow...

...and in the kit they had these from K&Co...

 I really love them! Thinking they would be very cute on some cards too...

Went to see Date Night with my mom and sister this morning before we went food shopping. Very funny movie. My guy has his drill weekend so I'm on my own and having fun. I have a netflix for tonight. The Notebook. I could never get away with making my guy sit through what I am sure is very much a chick flick! So I will enjoy it myself. It is approaching the busiest three weeks for me with the Spring semester winding down, graduation, reading theses papers and my little brother's upcoming college graduation. Bring it on!

That's it for now...

monday gratitudes

Presque Isle, ME ~ Memorial Day Weekend 2009

Today I am grateful for...

• a beautiful day off from work.
• money in the bank to pay the unexpected amt of taxes I owe.
• extra days off this week.
• my education.
• time to make cards yesterday.
• my stamp & paper collection.
• my board certification as an art therapist.
• knitting to relax my busy, over-thinking mind.
• yellow. a color I never appreciated before.
• spring being on its way in New England.
• an apartment with nice morning sun.
• lavendar.
• scented candles...current favorite is "Dune Grass" from Yankee Candles.
• country.
• use of my arms and legs.
• feeling better.
• future milestones to look forward to.
• upbeat music.
• Netflix DVD's to look forward to (thanks to my sister!)

Decided to post an old picture to remind me that (a) Spring will get here, and (b) I need to focus on simple pleasures.Yesterday I tried to relax and eventually did...but in the a.m. did my taxes and had an unfortunate suprise...doesn't pay in many ways to have to work two part-time jobs. I need to make some quick adjustments before too much more of 2010 goes by so I'm not in this position next year. But I was able to calm my thoughts with a little knitting and then sat and played with my new scrapping supplies and made a few cards. I'll post them later. More collage-y in style I think. Fun. Needed some of my own art therapy. Today I need to take my car to the dealer to have them look at my windshield. The rubber liner that holds it down at the roof line is very loose! Yikes. Then a quick trip to Trader Joes. I want to pick up a few things for dinner and some tulips. Maybe I'll splurge on 2 bunches this week.

Happy Monday!

catching up

The Bella's Mittens I knit: you can find pattern on Ravelry.com fashioned after the Twilight movie.

What I have been up to lately:

• Falling asleep so early at night (7:30pm last night)...like an old woman. Haven't been feeling well physically for a few months...no clear reason. Not terrible...just contributing to a feeling of been unmotivated.


• A guest at a N. Maine Halloween Wedding which was fun and unique...elegant and eery at the same time. Candles. Jack-o-Lanterns. Dark red roses. Black. A Nightmare Before Christmas cake.


• Work...work...work. Somewhat stressful waiting to see how the Governor's budget cuts may/will impact my clinical job.


• Knitting. Finished my mittens... which I love! Can't wait for snow...


• Ali McBeal on DVD. Hours and hours of laughter to go...


• Attempting to get back to my exercise routine that I let slide when I got sick. Slowly...walked a few miles several times this week. Feels good to be back.

What I want to be up to this weekend:

• A day with my sister tomorrow. Lunch and shopping. Overdue.


• Knitting circle. I haven't been going lately....need some help with checking the guage on a hat I started last weekend. Knitting with beads...a whole new thing for me.


• Vacuuming. Dusting. Cleaning up my apartment. Wierd but I like taking care of my home and I haven't been good with it lately. It makes me feel great to have a clean, organized house. Nesting comes out for me especially at this time of year.


• Cupcakes to be baked.


• Scrapping with my October Cocoa Daisy kit I haven't used yet.


• Reading before bed.


• Burning my Pumpkin candle.


• Taking a walk in unseasonably warm weather we ar due to have on Sunday.


• A quick trip to the apple orchard for some cortland apples and cider.

Happy Friday!

1st layout in 5 months

Materials: Cosmo Cricket patterned paper, DCWV cardstock & patterned papers from thier stacks, Fancy Pants chipboard shapes, Creative Cafe journaling tag, Collage Press journal card (cut to fit the circle and bracket chipboard shapes), Heidi Swapp chipboard alphas, Carolee's Creations dimensional "laugh" flower sticker, Colorbox Chalk in Dark Peony, Fuschia Sharpie, Black pen, Rhinestones, unknown source black rub-on letters.

Here it is! I don't love it, but I do love that I got to make it! I used a lot of my new goodies and some old favorites like rhinestones. Last night was actually another Girl's Night. We had our fundraiser. I forgot how fun glazing pottery can be! When I was in high school I took a clay class and my first job as an Art Therapist I worked in a studio that focused on clay. I love the sculpture aspect. But glazing a peice and working on a design is so fun. I have decided it. My dream business.

Handmade by You: it will be a place where people can come and glaze a peice of pottery and make a handmade card to go with it. Make your own gift if you will.

-or-

Creativity Studio: a place for all ages where they can come and create. Cards, collage, canvases, glazed pottery...keep it simple. Girl's Nights Out, Birthday Party. It could be a studio based art therapy program crossed with a Paint-Your-Own Pottery feel. Similar to my other idea - just expand on the materials while still keeping it simple. Maybe have little designated areas for 4-5 types of creations. Canvas, pottery glazing (Instead of the clay sculpture part I would just do the glazing aspect), cardmaking, and maybe a fourth...hmmm....

Well...back to my real world...

Today I am going to spend some time in the morning trying to get the 2nd sleeve started of the baby sweater. I now have a deadline. May 30th is the shower. Uh Oh! I still need to block it and piece it together and knit the edging and sew on buttons. All of which I have never done. And I am going to Maine with Cary next weekend to visit his friends/family and will probably have no time for knitting!

So tonight at my LYS's knitting circle I will be doing more knitting -less talking :)

Happy Sunday!

Easter

tulips on my kitchen table

Sending everyone wishes for a Happy Easter. Spent some nice time with Cary and my family today. After Cary went off to work and my Dad was driving my brother back to college - I spent time with my mom and sister and watched Slumdog Millionare. Makes you feel grateful for what you have watching that movie.

Thinking of what is important.

I'm feeling nostalgic today.

Memories of childhood, Easter dresses, playing outside, first warm days of Spring. I think I have been feeling so crummy about situations lately and trying desparately to feel grateful...then guilty when the junk consumes me.

But today I feel grateful.

Grateful for the nice childhood I had and the place I can still go back to. Home. Here's my random memories of this time of year as a kid...

• Easter dresses and white patent leather shoes...that most importantly had to make noise when I walked...a nice grown-up clicking sound on the wood floor.
• Making mudpies for dad in my playhouse...pine-needles, water from the brook and sawdust from Dad's work made the best recipes.
• Walks to the mill.
• Marathon Monday at Aunt Esta's House on Windemere Road. Every year. Every year of Mom's childhood too. Patriot's Day just isnt' the same without that long ride to Newton to watch the runners and see the Aunts.
• Raking leaves.
• One day I remember it wasn't warm enough yet. Mom and Dad were raking leaves outside and I found the shopping bag with some new Spring/Summer clothes for me and I put them on and went outside. I wasn't supposed too...and it really wasn't warm enough. But they were so pretty and new! I'm still like that...
• Bike rides with Rachel (my cousin and childhood best friend), playing in the brook, running around the house, picking daisies.
• Lilacs.
• Taking a long bike ride with Rachel from Grammy's to the local farmstand to buy a plant...rode all the way back and planted our single Impatient in the shade garden near Grammy's window. Our attempt at competing with Grandfather's amazing garden!

Wow. Time flies. What are your favorite childhood memories of this time of year?

Happy Easter and Happy Sunday!

monday gratitudes

Monday Gratitudes...

1. getting to sleep in today even though it's a later night at the college later


2. the Irish Freckle Bread I made...hmmm...


3. the sun is out


4. a new knitting magazine to look at..and a few scrapbooking ones I haven't looked at yet.


5. it is almost Spring


6. a beautiful weekend


7. my mom's St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage to look forward to tomorrow.


8. coffee


9. funny television


10. a place to live


11. money to pay bills


12. only a little over 1 month of classes left for the year


13. my health


14. internet....
    

Here's what I've been up to...

Another Premie Hat for charity...casted on last night.

The first glove of another pair of Fetching. This time I will make them the size I intended with the yarn I just used to make a "mini" pair accidentally :)

I MISS SCRAPBOOKING! I love knitting and doing the ATC's....but I want to take out all my scrapbooking papers...have all my embellishments organized on my desk...look through my photos. I miss it. I really wish we can get past this apt extermination crap because I NEED TO SCRAPBOOK! This isn't very full of gratitude I know. But a few of my gratitudes were in an attempt to feel better about this situation...it works most of the time. But sometimes I get fed up with it.

Well...back to doing whatever I can do to distract and get ready to head out to work. I hope to catch up with blogs tonight and tomorrow!

home alone

Trader Joe's tulips and one of my colorful Target dish towels as a mini table runner.

Cary left for guard this a.m so to avoid loneliness and spend some time with my brother we went out for the day. We went to Target, he went to the video game store, had lunch, etc. Had a really nice day. And I didn't spend much. Which was my goal. Aside from the flowers I got some soap, and kitchen stuff I needed in Target and a set of fun, colored dishtowels. Then I went to the grocery store and only went $7 over my grocery budget (between the grocery store and Trader Joe's). It is still a lot for groceries though. I really need to do a little better. I still get things at the store and then realize they are tucked in the back of my pantry. Grr. I hate that. I bought Canola Oil and realized we have two other containers of it I didn't know we had! Grr. These sorts of things are what put me over my budget.

Earlier today I also emailed out my group of friends to see if anyone was up for scrapping tonight. They are all relatively new to scrapping and I usually scrap alone. But I'm lonely and thought, Hey? Why not? But, because it is last minute, no-one can make it. Two may be able to stop by tomorrow afternoon though.

So tonight, I'm by myself. This usually doesn't bother me. I usually look forward to time to myself to do whatever. But not this time for some reason I'm lonely. I feel like I did when Cary and I lived 400 miles apart. When he or I would go home after a visit I felt empty-like. Not because I can't be alone (I was alone for many, many long years) but because I missed him. But since he's lived here I have had an easier time when he leaves for guard. So I don't know what is different this time. I don't even want to analyze myself and try to figure out why. It is what it is. But it has been a fun, long day and I'm tired so I might scrap the scrapping idea for the night and watch some tv or read instead.

Tomorrow a.m. I think I'm going to the movies to see a "chick flick" with my mom and sister. Can't wait! Also need to find my dad a birthday present. Still no luck.