creative little daisy

I have two new hobbies

Taking pictures of small dogs and cute granddaughters and Picnik. 

Luckily I have agreeable subjects. 

 

OK, so she's not always agreeable. 

The four-legged guys, they're easy.  

I just lay on the grass with my camera and snap away. 

Good grief, is he funny or what?

After, I don't know, like 784 shots, give or take a few, I spend hours playing around with them in Picnik.

HI-LAR-IOUS!

What he lacks in legs, he more than makes up for in ears, tongue and personality.

That girl loves her silly little dog and he loves her too. 

Almost as much as he loves running.

Have you tried Picnik? I don't know didly about photo editing, but I sure do have fun playing around and Picnik makes it easy. 

So, what's new with you?

I'm still wreaking havoc in the kitchen. I got all the walls and trim painted white. I took the doors off one of the upper cabinets and started putting vinyl in the back. Then I ran out of vinyl. Drats. Here's what I've got so far.

I also managed to sweet talk Mitch into painting the doors in the kitchen black.

Why did I photograph the door from this angle?

I was trying to photograph this guy.

Meet Willie, my new grand-pup. Alyssa got a new baby, the four legged variety. Isn't he a sweetie? 

OK, did you enjoy that bit of sweetness? Back to the kitchen insanity. Why not do some closet demo while were at it?

I have a pantry that I really hadn't been using as a pantry for some time. It had really become the closet equivalent of a junk drawer.

So, I pulled everything out, and piled it on every flat surface in my kitchen. Nice.

That blue box up there has the topper from my wedding cake. I've been married 23 years. Do I really need to keep the topper from my cake?

Pretty, huh? Just wait till you see the inside of the closet.

Those big holes are from removing the wire shelving. It's outta here. The dirt, well I have no explanation for that, other than the fact with all that junk, who could see the dirty wall?

I'm happy to say it has been cleaned and painted and will be getting newly painted wood shelving.

Soon, I hope.

I'll be back later this week with a few more projects I've been working on.

I'm very excited to be contributing to pillow month at Sew Mama Sew.

 

 

Saying goodbye is never easy

In the past year, we've said goodbye to three four-legged members of our family. Gracie died last May, very unexpectedly. She was ten years old.  She died in my arms and took a little piece of my heart with her. 

Last month we made the very difficult decision that life was just too hard for our Angel. She was nearly sixteen, blind, nearly deaf and very, very feeble. Arthritis made it difficult to walk. I hoped she would peacefully go in her sleep, but I came to the realization that keeping her alive was more for my well-being than hers. Life had no joy for her anymore. I  tearfully had to face the truth.

 

Then a couple of nights ago, our little Lucky man was hit by a car. He was only three years old. I'm just heartbroken that he died such a violent death. Alone. I miss the little guy so much. Every time I sit in this chair I still expect to hear his little paws running my way to snuggle up next to me. When I lay down at night I wait to hear him jumping on the side of the bed, ready to be helped up. I know the hurt will lessen and seeing his little face in pictures will bring about a smile instead of tears. I'm just not there yet. 

 

That's a quart sized can of paint- he was such a tiny baby.

 

Each of these creatures came into our lives and made themselves at home in our hearts. They had distinct personalities and quirky little qualities that made them special and lovable. I miss them so, and am so glad to have shared my home and heart with them if only for a short time.

In the span of a year, we've gone from a four dog family to just one. I loved each of them as if they were a child and my heart is surely a lot fuller because of the love and joy they brought to my life. Toby will certainly be overprotected, but he doesn't mind the extra doting and attention, one bit.

 

Man, this was a hard post to write! Looking at all those old pictures was heartbreaking. I really, really miss my sweet wet nosed babies. Sniff, sniff...

Good thing they're not Labs

I'd have to get a bigger lap!

This is our morning routine. I check my mail and a few blogs with my coffee. They nap on my lap.

Sewing with paint on my mind

Sometimes I worry that I sound like a broken record. Hmmm... is that phrase antiquated? Should I say like a scratched cd? Anyway I feel like all I've posted lately is purses and today is more of the same. At least I'm consistent. I'm so happy to have purses waiting to be made and I feel like I'm working at a good pace. It's been a variety of styles this week. More Machine Made Patchworks inspired bags. I used a leather strap on a couple of these. One of my favorite fellow purse makers Craft Apple posted about using saddle straps for handles. I had to do a little searching since I don't live where the West begins, but I did find saddle ties that worked wonderfully as handles. Who knew? Well, Linda knew, that's who. Thanks Miss Apple. The wonderful thing about commissioned purses is many times I end up with something I never would have designed myself. This black patchy-patchwork bag for instance. My personal taste is more neutral and understated, boring maybe. This bag is bright and cheerful and will suit its new owner perfectly. She asked for a black bag with patchwork in jewel tones. This is my interpretation. Hope she likes it. So that's what I've been up to, but what's been on my mind? As the title says, paint. Not spray paint. I'm itching for some change and not my typical quick change that involves a little fabric and some spray paint. No, my mind has been drifting to thoughts of hardwood and new wall colors, painted kitchen cabinets, slip-covered sofas. Do I have time for this? More importantly, do I have money for this? NO!  That's a big fat No to both questions. The hardwood lust has been going on for quite a while. In fact 11 years ago when we were building this house I wanted hardwood throughout. The builder all but laughed at me, knowing our budget. So I had to settle for hardwood in the dining room and carpet in the other rooms. Carpet is supposed to be really bad for those with respiratory problems (me). It harbors dust mites and all sorts of other things I'd rather not think about, add to that training a new puppy. Try as I may to stay on top of things and keep an eye on him at all times, there has been the occasional accident. So hardwood has been on my mind. Now if only my mind could come up with a way to pay for hardwood. A less expensive project that's also been dancing in that head of mine involves paint (I can't be blamed for this one). How can you look at this kitchen and not want to paint? I've never been crazy about my dark wood cabinets. I know, I know... it's a sin to paint oak...bla, bla, bla... I'm just not a wood kinda girl (except when it comes to floors of course). I really want to paint them, but it's kind of like getting a tattoo. I know that I better love the color I choose because I'm going to be stuck with it for a long time. I'll paint most things on a whim, my philosophy is it's only paint, but this particular project is going to be no small undertaking involving lots of sanding and removing of doors and hardware and taping off and, and, oh my... You see now why I haven't done it yet.  Oh the dreams of a crazy purse maker. I didn't even tell you about the walls I want to paint or the slipcovers I want to make. It's an exciting life I lead isn't it?

I'll leave you with this picture. Toby, guardian of the food bowl. No matter who is eating, Toby is standing by. Watching. I'm not sure if he just likes watching them eat or he's making sure they don't eat it all. I'm guessing the latter. How'd you like to eat every meal with an audience?

That floor is laminate by the way, not hardwood.

Do I really need a new hobby?

No, and I'm not sure it will matter anyway because I don't think I'm very good at knitting. I had a knitting lesson yesterday. It was basically one on one, just shaky handed me and the very patient instructor. The lesson lasted 2 1/2 hours and I am ashamed of what I accomplished in that amount of time.

Oh well, at least the yarn is pretty and I love the feel of the bamboo needles. I'm going to stick with it and hope I improve. At the rate I'm going I should have a scarf knitted by next winter... for Toby.

Speaking of Toby, I haven't posted a picture of Mr. Cutestpupintheworld in a while.

He's laying in the middle of a pile of fabric scraps. I have a large canvas bin full of scraps. When I say full I mean it is crammed so tight with little scraps of fabric it is about to bust. This morning I was searching for.... I don't even remember what for, but I pulled about half the fabric out and dumped it on the floor. Toby immediately jumped in the pile and started running off with fabric. He played and played with that pile and when he was tired he got on top and went to sleep. Here's a view from above.

No tutus to share yet but I did finish the wallets for Wendy.

I also made matching key chains and travel tissue pouches. Barring any kinks in my plans, tutus will be debuting tomorrow. See ya then. 

Over the legal limit

**Warning** This post is sure to be over the legal limits for sweetness.

Look at that face, those great big black eyes. Toby is settling in and getting comfortable in his new home. He's a little timid and skittish. The home he came from had a toddler and more than once I saw her pick either he or his brother up by their head. You know, toddlers don't know how to show love gently. I'd be a little nervous too. Madden came in and took charge, like he was the only pup in town. Toby isn't quite as confident. He loves to snuggle but he's also content to take a nap in his little pet kennel. He's eating and playing and doing an excellent job of just being too darn cute. He is a welcome ray of sunshine.

Can you stand it? It's a good thing he doesn't mind kisses.

And when you thought things couldn't be any sweeter,

This little card was attached to a patchwork teacup that came in the mail today from Me'Lisa.

She also sent a bowl in the pattern I (along with lots of other bloggers) have fallen in love with and a bracelet she made.

Isn't it beautiful? Me'Lisa is wondering if she should open an etsy shop. I say YES!!! This was a box full of goodies to cheer me up. It certainly put a great big smile on my face. I will definitely have a cup of tea this afternoon wearing my bracelet and think of Me'Lisa. Thank you!!! I have said it many times before and I will continue to say it, I am so blown away by the kindness of bloggers. We are essentially strangers but also like family. My husband is always so amazed at the kindness shown to me by people I've never met.

I'd love to have pictures of sewing progress, but the progress I've made this week will have to be reflected in my words and not in photographs. It has certainly been a tough week and I am so glad to say it is ending much better than it began. Sometimes life can throw a great big curve ball out of left field and knock you right off your feet. I'm brushing my knees off, taking a deep breath and enjoying the sweet memories of a special little soul.

Baby Steps

You know, for someone who claims to be a private person, I sure do open myself up for the world to see sometimes don't I? In my real life there are no more than 3 people I could have shared those thoughts and feelings with but in sharing them with you, my wonderful internet friends you have wrapped your arms around me and listened as I cried. For that I am so thankful. Your comments were full of kindness, understanding, and genuine concern. If you ever wonder if your comments really matter, please know that they do. They matter so much. Today was better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today.

I have a tiny... and when I say tiny I'm not joking...a tiny bit of work in progress to show. I sewed a few stitches. Pressed a few seams. Did a little cutting and made some progress on a project I am excited about and eager to complete. On a normal day I would have zipped through this and started on something else that's been waiting for my attention, but today I am satisfied with even the small amount of progress made. Baby steps toward getting back into things. 

I'm a little bit reluctant to share this, just because I'm being fearful and neurotic, but I would also like to share something happy since I haven't done that in a while. Meet Toby.

In a moment of emotional spontaneity, Alyssa and I went to see this little guy. You know I had to bring him home. He will not replace Madden, but he's already finding his own unique place in our family.

Gratitude Friday, the end of a tough week

I am grateful for all the heartfelt comments and well wishes for Madden. It has been a tough week having a sick little creature in my care. Alyssa said, "Mom, you're not going to post another picture of Madden today are you? They are going to think you are obsessed or insane." So I'm in the interest of keeping up the illusion that I am a sane person, I won't post another pup picture, but because some of you seem genuinely concerned I will update. We went back to the vet today. For those of you counting that's six visits since last Friday. Dr. Henry decided to keep him to try to aggressively get to the bottom of what's going on since it is clear it isn't a passing bug. He did an x-ray to rule out the possibility of foreign body ingestion. Nothing foreign showed up but there was a great deal of gas in his intestines. He was going to get an enema this afternoon and when I called to check on things he had not thrown up any. (sorry if this is TMI) I appreciate the comments from so many of you who can understand what it is like to have a sick pet. It in no way compares to having a sick child in the grand scheme of things but the concern and worry I feel is very real. The ache that my heart feels knowing that this helpless little creature is hurting is real. Some may feel that it is irrational to make so much of a sick dog, but for me he is a member of our family and my mothering instinct has taken over. It has meant a lot to me to read your words of understanding. Thank You!!

At this point I am just about to collapse in a heap of emotional and physical exhaustion. After I post my gratitude list I'm going to get a glass of wine and my spa washcloths and spend some time here.

First I want to say a great big thank you to Lindsey. Last week she emailed me to say she was a regular blog reader and had recently found something in an antique store she thought I would like. This was my first interaction with Lindsey. A perfect stranger wanted to send me something she thought I would like. Wow. This blog world is full of such kindness.

She saw these lonely saucers hanging out in the antique store and remembered my bottomless cups from Angela the thrifting queen. The sweet Miss Lindsey sent me 5 saucers and this bread and butter plate and the little butterfly sitting on the plate. (The covered bowl was an ebay find also delivered today.) I am so glad Lindsey decided to delurk not only because of her unbelievable kindness but because otherwise I may not have found her online shop of handmade jewelry Yankee Girl Designs. I wanted one of everything but my absolute favorite, could not resist, must have item was the Home Sweet Home necklace. Pictures do not do this necklace justice. I must have taken 20 pictures to try to capture the delicate detail. Lindsey, I'm sorry the picture isn't that great. I. Love. This. Necklace!!!!

It's a silver bird's nest with three blue eggs. Lovely, yes? Thank you Lindsey!!!

Have you noticed a running theme to this week's posts? A sad pup story and a happy gift story. Today was no different. How lucky am I to have so many kind people out there who have found their way to my blog and weren't too appalled by my butchering of the English language, my atrocious spelling that even spell check can't help sometimes, my occasional whining and my babbling on about my love of sewing? I don't know what makes you all continue to come back but I am so glad you do. At the top of my gratitude list this week is:

• My ever increasing circle of friends this blog has made possible.
• Dr. Henry, a patient, gentle, caring vet.
• Hope for a better week ahead.
• Paper towels. I've used lots this week.
• A break in the heat and humidity
• The anticipation of all that the changing of seasons brings.

Off to soak in a hot tub until I look like a raisin. Have a great weekend.

Oh, wait... one last picture. Ugly? Potential? What do you think?

$60.00 thrift store Jetsons/grandma/funeral parlor sofa. Was it a steal or did I get ripped off?

Dito for yesterday's title

The handmade goodies today are from the talented hands of LLA. She is a fellow southern girl who I'm so glad to have gotten to know through our blogs and email. We arranged a swap and she was extremely prompt in getting her half of the swap completed and delivered. Me, not so much. The package was a welcome bit of happiness this morning, even if I did get busted by the mail lady, still wearing my night gown at 10:30. I can't tell you how luxurious these hand-knit spa washcloths and dishcloths are (six of each!!!) It seems a crime to wash dirty dishes with something so pretty. It feels like I am spoiling myself and I like it. They are super soft and I'm sure I will never be going back to using my old worn out terry cloth rags. LLA you need to get that etsy shop going because I think you've got a customer for life. Folks, you need to go now and urge Miss Cookie to get that shop going so you can get your orders in for Christmas gifts. Good stuff! Oh, I almost forgot, see that cute little box with the flower? It's full of beads since I recently discovered how much fun beading is. Thank you LLA!!

The blue, green, and white crocheted piece in the photograph under my fabulous swap items is a sweater I picked up at the thrift store. That and a couch. Pictures of the Gold Jetsons couch ( name courtesy of Mitch) soon. Alyssa says it's probably been in some old lady's formal living room, either that or a funeral home. Nice, Alyssa.

Puppy update. I wish I could say he's all better and running around good as new. Nope.

I'm officially going steady with Dr. Henry, the vet. Today's visit makes 5. The poor pup is skin and bones. He's too weak to do anything but sleep. He drinks little sips, sleeps for a couple of hours then throws up. He doesn't have a fever so the vet has ruled out several possible causes. No parasites either. It is just a very mean, very slow to leave bug. Today he got a shot of Reglan to try to settle his stomach, an antibiotic injection, some IV fluid and some Karo syrup. The plan: continue the antibiotics and pepto, small sips of fluid and Karo syrup. Back tomorrow for more of the same as today if he's not much better. I'm grateful he's letting me care for him at home. I hate the thought of leaving the poor scared little guy alone at the vet. He offered to keep him if it would make me feel better but assured me that I could  probably give him the care he needs at home. He didn't charge today and I think he's more worried about me than the puppy. He has twice told me "You seem stressed. Don't worry. We're going to get him through this." Which of course made me cry. Great. Thanks again for the well puppy vibes you've been sending. Keep 'em coming. I'll keep you updated.