{this moment}

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

Do SomeTHING: Day 29

 I read some of my book last night while Big Boy was taking his shower.  It's a book that hits home. I've always wanted a farm.  Not necessarily a poodle, but neither does the author.  This book reminds me of the Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell that bought the Beekman farm in Sharon Springs, NY and try to figure out how to switch from city folk, to country folk.

This one, I'm reading with Little Man.  We thought it was going to be a scary book, but as it turns out, I laugh more than Little Man gets a bit frightened.  We left off at the dust bunnies under the bed and he was so scared, until I showed him (yes, I was able to find one) what they are.  He laughed and laughed that adorable, honest, giggle of my five year old.  I hope that never dies.

Last night I rested with Big Boy on his bed.  And I fell asleep.  Woke up at 11 pm, totally missing my shows and all the "work" I was planning on.  I tried to go downstairs and do something, but it just didn't happen.

While laying with Big Boy, I was amazed at the comfort I brought him.  Just being there, not talking.  I love that boy.  He's discovering himself, learning about friendships, listening in class, remembering his homework (most of the time), and being a good kid.  He still has issues with some things that we are working on, but ever since we instituted positive only reinforcement, our lives have changed dramatically.  He is no longer punished for things he doesn't or can't do, his is rewarded when he does things efficiently.  Our home is privilege only TV/Screen time.  If he does his work, chores, and is kind, he gets rewarded with television or Wii time.  Such a simple concept, yet so extremely effective.  I wish I had gotten my head out of the sand a year ago and instituted this concept then.  I guess we all learn.  Raising kids, raising boys, and raising an ADHD boy is tough work and it is a learning process.  Trial and error.  I hope this trial works error free for the length of the school year.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 28

I worked.

A lot.  Till about 9:50 and then thought I could do a little abstracting while watching Parenthood.  But that didn't happen.  I was toast.

This photo is from a while back when I took some of the chocolate almond ice cream I made and created a smoothie shake type thing.  It was delicious.  The ice cream alone, not so much.  Maybe it was the cute straw from my McDonald's collection that made it great.

We have had a shift here due to the 'gang' or 'gaggle' of boys.  All Sam wants to do is find the boys and play. Even at 8 pm.  Homework is getting done much quicker and with less complaints.  We are allowing him to ride his bike around the block.  It makes my stomach churn.  My little guy, alone.  The kid needs to be free.
I need to let go.

Hopefully, I'll have something sell-able to show you tomorrow.  This month was supposed to prepare the shop for Christmas.  So, in that respect, this month is an epic fail.  That said, I am enjoying the daily posting and the routine it has put me in.

Did you have a night on the couch like me?

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.Hoping to have something to show you tomorrow.

Do SomeTHING: Day 27

Library!

My boys enjoy the library.  I hope that lasts a lifetime.  Each time they go, they discover new books, series or a better shelf of books.    Little Man chose Spork because the cover looked nice and it was propped up on the shelf.  I love how there are books open like that.

I got some for me, too.  The ice cream book (I made strawberry-watermelon sorbet last night), I Love Dirt, Primal Body and the Dalai Lama books.  We all need some enlightenment, right?

If anyone is still playing along, what did you do today?

 Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 26

B. Done.

I know it isn't much, but we've been busy playing with the neighborhood "gang'.  They just showed up one day.

All seven of them.

Then last night, three new ones showed up on my patio.

I love it.  I adore all these boys playing with my boys. 

Love it.

Do SomeTHING: Day 25

As I said, my boys like stuff.

Homemade stuff.  I can't blame them, though.

I've been busy making needle felted fish.  Four for the boys, and one you saw yesterday.  They really are pretty cute.

Spending the evening with my husband of 12 years tonight.  Looking forward to a nice anniversary dinner.

 Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 24

I made a fish!

It was so fun to get back to needle felting.

The boys watched.  Now they each want two fish (one American flag colors, another just like this, one blue with purple stripes and the other red).  Oh, and Sam would like a snake tongue.  Well, one per day until he has enough.  I have no idea how much is enough, but I do love that boy's creativity.  I think it was to make me a softy and actually make these items for him, but he told me he loved me.  Twice.  That never happens.

Yes, Sam, tell me you love me and I'll make you anything these hands can produce.

Back to this fish.  I need to create a couple more anemone fronds (what are the individual things called?) to make the fish more protected.  Trim it up and insert a zipper.  I really like this one.  Fish on Coral. 

 Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

Do SomeTHING: Day 22

This may be a bit of a cop out on a DoSomething.  Been a rough couple days with Sam and school, so much of my time is spent researching ways to help him from the Internet at night, checking in on my on-line support groups and exploring new food restrictions to increase positive behavior.

One thing that has helped me through those late mornings thinking about what is happening TODAY with him, I've enjoyed a GuzzBagel.  After I re-discovered eggs, I have been enjoying a scrambled egg here and there.  My usual breakfast is Rice Chex or a gluten free Udi's Multigrain bagel.  So I introduced my bagel to some eggs, and cheese.  And Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle from Penzeys.

Heaven, even if just for 15 minutes.

 Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 21

 Crewel!

My Great Grandmother Ghee used to do crewel. I never really understood the difference between embroidery and crewel.  Easy, the thread.  Crewel uses wool and Embroidery uses cotton floss.

I enjoy how the wool fills in the spaces more softly than the cotton.  The wool, however, has a tendency to thin and break.  I'm just getting used to that part.

But I love this.  I purchased this sampler with the yarn from Alicia Paulson (unfortunately, the kit is no longer available, but you can still get the pdf of the pattern) at PosieGetsCozy. 

I've made a lot of things for gifts.  This time, this is for me.

In honor of Ghee.
 
 Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 20

 It's felted.

What is it?  A purse, yes.

The detail?

Any guesses?  I still need to trim it up and add one integral part.

I also began working on a new crewel sampler.  So smitten with it.  I'm keeping this one.  Keeping it to pass it on to my grandchildren (hopefully).  I'll show you tomorrow.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 19

Apple Picking!

Yesterday, we drove out to our brother-in-law's house to meet up with his family and went apple picking.  They are lucky to live near a great farm, Stonehill Farms in North Collins, that has a ton of apples.  Not a bare tree in the place.

I left my camera in the car, which was fine, since we all split up and I never saw my eldest.  He became adopted by his cousin for the afternoon.

I have fallen in love with a Spartamac.  Oh...it is delicious.  Sweet, but hard, crispy, but not break your teeth hard.  The skin is thin and it is so packed with flavor.  I used to be a Gala or Jonamac girl.  But this Spartamac owns my heart.  Little Man and I were together and decided to try a Jonathan and a MacIntosh to figure out the birth of the Jonamac.  Eh, after the Spartamac, Jonamac doesn't do it for me.  We also tried Elstar.  Little Man liked that one, I thought it was just okay.

So...now to find some recipes for apples!  Big Boy declared that he would eat 3 or 4 per day.  Maybe I won't have any left to bake with.

Oh, and I FINISHED IT!!!!  Finally a UFO that is FO (Un Finished Object)!
 
Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 18

We went for an outdoor picnic and walk on the boardwalk in our neighborhood.

It's a beautiful pocket of nature just around the corner.  The swamp is drying up, but it's still filled with wonder.

I'm happy to say that I finished something last night...you'll see tomorrow.

Have a great Sunday!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

Late...and doubled. I couldn't choose.  

And I'm writing.  

So, it's a little bit this moment, a little bit Do SomeTHING.

Today we drove down to Jamestown to celebrate my Dad's Art Opening at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.  What a beautiful building.  Arts and Craft styling, with beautiful things to look at, including my Dad's artwork (Dan Meyer), and his buddy Len Rusin.

My mother-in-law joined my little men and I for a day of driving and exploring.  We walked around the campus on a couple trails, saw lots of fungus, and some birds.  We saw more wildlife as we were hanging out in the library.  It was the most relaxing, enjoyable afternoon I've had in a while.

Sam told Papa that he really, really, really would love a pair of powerful binoculars like the ones he used this afternoon.

Perfect person to ask, Sam.  Perfect.

Do SomeTHING: Day 16

I cooked a real live dinner.

One that isn't thrown together at 4:55 pm and eaten at 5:05 pm.

I wanted corn on the cob for lunch yesterday.  I cooked up 5 ears to perfection.  Actually, I totally forgot about them while I was at my desk working, until I smelled the smell.  Thankfully, they were perfect.

I had my corn. 

Then I remembered the bacon.  The bacon I bought for dinner, but only needed 3 slices out of the pack of 10 or so.  Hmmm.  BLT!  Yum.

Cooked up the bacon, looked at the recipe for dinner tonight.  It said to cook the meat in the bacon grease.  Yes!  That is what you see above.  Ground turkey in bacon grease with onion and Forward! seasoning from Penzey's.

Suppose I should back up.  Yesterday, a friend and I took a lunch road trip to Penzey's Spice store on Elmwood Avenue.  Who knew I needed $30 worth of spices?  When I started smelling these jars of spices, I realized that my Dollar Store $1 jars just don't cut it.  No wonder I used 1/2 cup of cumin in my taco meat.  It is so old and processed that there is no flavor left.  I went to buy this Forward! spice.  Actually, I had a free coupon for it, with a purchase.

I needed this spice to make Cowboy Beans.  Tom saw it on the cover of the fall catalogue and wouldn't stop talking about it.  You can download a pdf of the Fall 2011 catalogue that has the recipe on page 63.

It looked delicious.

And tasted even better.  I skipped the BLT and ate the beans.  There may not be any left by the time he comes home!


Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 15

 The Pea!  The Pea!

I pulled out this UFO from last summer to work on it a bit.  I realized...I was on the pea part!  Hallelujah. 

I was going to start the next part, the bed skirt, but the directions kept moving around and letters were jumping all over.  It was also midnight, so perhaps the paper was magically moving...

Here is the before picture of where I started from.  I know it doesn't seem like much progress, but I tell you, filling in satin stitch is quite laborious.

The one fun thing about this project...it's intended recipient has changed so many times.  Each time I think I can finish it to gift it, that girl turns 18.  Maybe not 18, but I think you know what I mean.

I have a couple more embroidery projects in the works, but I think it's time to get to shop work, mama needs a new pair of shoes!

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 14

 Wooden Pants.

That's what these are called, per my oldest child.

Sam is tall.  And 'small waisted'. 

The dude is super skinny. 

He is also extremely sensitive as to clothing.  It must be soft.

Soft I can deal with, but guess what?  I can't find a soft, slim or skinny pant with drawstrings.  All the workout pants or sweatpants have elastic that is still much to big for this waist, or has fake drawstrings.  That one really chaps my hide.  I can add elastic.  I can put a drawstring on.  I can add belt loops.  This time around, I set the inside elastic for his waist, he tried them on.  Then last night, I sewed the elastic in place, removed the excess elastic strip and removed the button.  On three pairs of pants, that he previously tried on and liked.

I washed them again, in fabric softener.

He went to put them on today and called them wooden pants.  In tears. 

Then he came down in huge sweatpants that he couldn't tie the string (because, mind you the waist could fit two of him in).  More tears of frustration.  He found another pair that is identical to the ones he wore the first and second days of school.

He wore all black today.

I ate an ice cream cone at 8:55 AM.

Kahula and coffee is next.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 13

My boys and I got some fresh air.
My boys got some exercise.
My hands got some exercise.

I finished the base of the clutch.  I did my research on the anemone and am still processing it in my head.  Trying to come up with the best way to execute so that it looks like an anemone and not a knot.

Tomorrow, I think it's time for a touch of embroidery.  Who's with me?

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 12

There is nothing better than a comfy, down filled-flannel covered comforter.  Sam has graduated from the Power Rangers comforter that was a hand-me-down from a friend.

We had a white down comforter that was okay, it just didn't look finished, and it was WHITE.  Sam is an 8 yr old boy with a white comforter?  I think not.

We went to (I forced him to) Joann's to pick out a fabric for a duvet cover.  You know what he picked? 

Yellow.

Plain yellow.  I coaxed him into a blotchy yellow flannel just for a little something something.  I only bought the amount that was left on the bolt, so was a little short for the bottom.  And since I am a fabric hoarder, I had this to piece together and cover the bottom. 

Maybe someday he'll switch it up and go green.

I will say that it felt good to be back at the machine, doing something other than taking in the waist of a gaggle of pants for this 8 year old boy.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 11

We did it.

Sam and I worked on the puzzle last night and I left the very top for him to complete this morning.  As interesting as this was, I still like the plain old flat puzzle.

Today, Tom is running a 5K in Delaware Park.  I had every intention of going, then started to think about parking and walking and waiting with two boys in and around Delaware Park.  Tom...we are rooting for you!  Run Tom, Run!

As I type this, the services for the 9/11 Tribute are being shown on every channel.  I want to remember and support, but I wonder if getting all sad again and reliving the tragedy by hearing every name is the best thing for me today.  After all the names are read, I'm moving on.  Those young children reading the names is just tearing me up.  They are so strong and eloquent, much unlike me at this moment.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 10

The hook is moving.

I had one ball left of this rusty orange color, so I just started going square.  It's going to be a clutch.  I'm thinking anemone. 

I've been watching Tanked, the show about the guys that build these cool custom fish tanks in cars and as boats and as reception desks, pretty cool stuff.  Anyway, I was thinking this is the same color as some of the coral they were using.

More research to come.

An update on that chart I made...working like gangbusters.  At least in day one.  Sam even brought his homework home on Friday.  Nothing like a contest to motivate these boys.

That, and money.

I'm not ashamed to bribe with money.  If it makes my life easier, I'm down with it.

Don't judge.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

 

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

P.S. Back to Do SomeTHING tomorrow

Do SomeTHING: Day 8

Yesterday was a bad day.

I talked and yelled so much, I was totally sick of my own voice.

I have been (trying to) getting the boys ready for school in the morning.  They have been unruly. 

The boys and I had a family meeting after school, when they still weren't behaving appropriately.  It was as if they were being constantly prodded with a poker to make them jump and scream and run.

We decided that we are going with no television on school nights...unless they behave during the day and do the things that are asked of them.

Which got me thinking, as I was drinking my Red Bridge Gluten Free Beer that I serendipitously bought that day on my lunch hour, why must I ask?

Why do I have to ask them to get dressed?  When does the reminding end?  What can I do to make MY life easier.  We have all heard the adage "Happy Mom, Happy Family".  It's time.

So I created this chart that we will start on Monday.  Since my boys love competition and rewards, I'm going to allow them a treat.  Every week that they complete this chart, they will get one dollar.  That dollar, added to their allowance, will get them a fat wallet.

So, aside from helping me, this will hopefully push them toward independence and a little lesson on the value of money and saving.

Now, I'm really hoping to do something creative tonight.  Been a lot of "mothering" this week on Do SomeTHING.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 7

I live a glamorous life.

No really, I do.

Seriously, how many of us fortunate peeps get the privilege to spend all day traipsing up and down the basement stairs switching loads and adding to the enormous heap of clothes waiting to be folded? 

Glamour.

Pure glamour.

Yes.  I did laundry yesterday.  Almost all of it.   Until I got to the lip of the basket and started smelling the faint, yet often potent smells of sweaty clothes.  Somehow, I managed to bring up a dirty basket from the basement.

Fortunately, this glamour nose smells all.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 6

I finished Kevin yesterday.

Although his glasses are testing my patience while exploring glue types, I really do love the specs!  I bought a pair of doll glasses at the craft shop and disassembled them.  I had to make them much wider across the nose and shorter to the ears, or in this case, embedded in the side of the eyeball!

He will be in the shop today!


Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 5

As we approach the ten year anniversary of the horrible events of 9/11, I find myself attempting a 3D puzzle of the Capitol Building.

These puzzles are HARD!  It looks small in this picture, but trust me, it has substantial size.  I've gotten the base complete and have started on the first floor.  I'm thinking about taking off the walls and working on them flat, then adding them to the structure.  So many windows, and no help pages or guides.  My only saving grace?  I bought this at a rummage sale for $2 and it was still in the plastic shrink wrap - all the pieces are there.

Hopefully I'll have a final photo for you in a couple weeks.


Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 4

I made a new dinner.

I came up with this one on my own:  Tacosanga.  Gluten Free and delicioso!  Well, if you like soft corn tortillas.  Tom's not a big fan of the soft corn shell.  If you are not gluten free, the flour shell would work well, too!

And watching your brand spanking new milestone birthday present while making dinner makes is so much more fun!

The only other problem is if you don't live near a Wegmans, you will have to improvise on the meat.  I used over 2 pounds of chicken tender pieces.  Cooked them in Wegmans Brand Fajita marinade with some added water to keep them soft.

I chopped the chicken into big chunks and added half can of black beans ('cause that's all I had in the fridge) and a bag of frozen corn. Mix 'er up!  See the can of Old El Paso enchilada sauce?  You could use that, but after smelling the sweet gold of the Fajita sauce, I tossed the whole can of enchilada sauce down the drain.  Just wasn't right.

Then the layering began.  I put a bit of salsa on the bottom so the shells wouldn't burn/stick.  Layer with shells, add meat, top with cheese and salsa, repeat.  The top layer I cut the shells into strips and made a messy pile.  Messy piles on top, mean crispy spots.  Then poured cheese all over that because that's how we roll.  If there isn't enough cheese, it isn't worth it.

 I had it in the fridge since the day before, heated it at 375 for 40 minutes or so.  Add a dollop of sour cream.  I enjoyed it.  I think it was a hit for others, as well.  Sorry, no final picture.  We were too hungry and it was so dang hot that in order to hold the camera to my head, I would have produced a litre of sweat.

I know you are thinking...but you just had the oven on for 40 minutes!  I know...I was a hot kitchen!  Luckily, we spent most our time outside in the sprinkler.


Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

Do SomeTHING: Day 3

Vintage Wooden Village from 'Soviet Zone - Germany'

I took pictures.  I've been sitting on a pile of vintage goods that had poor looking photos.  I've meant to take the photos two weeks ago.  You know, things happen.  

Sometimes, it's REALLY hard to walk to the basement, grab the light box, and climb back up all those stairs.  Okay, that's not really it.  I was just waiting to finish the monster purse to take all the pictures at once.  

I suppose that would fall into the lazy.  I never finished the purse.  So, now instead of walking to the basement, getting the light box, and climbing back up all those stairs, I'll have to do it TWICE.

Vintage Twin 8 Galvanized Bucket

 Pathetic, I know.

But the photos today turned out pretty well.  I just love this Twin 8 Bucket from Wheeling.  Not sure I can really part with it.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.

{this moment}

No words, just a single photo that I want to savor and remember.

P.S. Back to Do SomeTHING tomorrow

Do SomeTHING: Day 1

I wrote letters.

Thank you letters.  Thank you for gifts.  Thank you for thoughtfulness.  Thank you for love.

But the hardest one to write was the Thank you for life.  A dear friend, whom I haven't talked to in many years, is dying in the hospital.  I wrote all the things I wish I would have said to her while she was healthy.  I guess I didn't realize how much she has affected my life until I learned that she may be gone soon.

We all call her "Momma T" and that is just what she was.  Our Momma.  She took care of us, she made me laugh, she helped me realize how fortunate I was, and she gave my son the greatest expression.  I'll never forget that day.  I brought my son to visit the office.  He was just about a year old.  We went up to the office and since Sam was the first baby in the office, there was a bit of a huddle around him.  He was sitting on the floor and Momma T came up and he just looked at her.  He had never seen anyone with skin as chocolaty as hers.  His already big eyes grew larger and his mouth hung open.  He was mesmerized by Momma.

We all were.

She didn't have it easy, but she always made us feel like life was for living loudly.  You just get out there and do it.  Even if your foot hurts.  Or you walk with a cane.  Or you've been down on your luck. Or the cancer is back.  Or you fought the cancer in one place and now it appears somewhere else.

I know she will fight.  I will fight for her.  I love Momma T.

I'm glad I wrote this letter today.

Even if it is too late.

Do SomeTHING is a month long of creativity, project finishing, exploration, and imagination.  What was your THING for today?  Leave your link in the comments for us all to see.