I hate my photo being taken so despite Matt being a photographer I tend to hide from the camera more often than not. I'm short, I'm fat and I'm filled with the credited amount of self loathing and low self esteem that entails. I snapped this photo of myself on the day before my Birthday (the last day of April) and that is the most recent photographic evidence that I am indeed a real person. Oh and my little camera broke a few weeks ago and we only bought a replacement last night (that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
*blatantly ignores all 20 zillion of Matt's cameras and the fact that I already blogged this photo awhile ago *
Forget-Me-Not is a little antique/gift/junk shop in Coeur D Alene, Idaho that had a lovely collection of bits and bobs and I bought some lovely buttons from. I don't tend to take many photos myself as I have Matt to take them for me, but this one I snapped before we hopped back in the car to head home to my parents house. I love the scraps of fabric tied to some chicken wire and suspended from the porch ceiling.
I really couldn't think of a photo that makes me sad, unless its a picture of one of the dogs that has passed on. So I sat and thought about it and looked through some photos on the family web album and chose this picture of Harrison sitting on a pumpkin in October 2007. Why does it make me sad? Because it was taken in October when he was 4 before school started and we stopped visiting the States so often because of school restrictions on taking kids out during term time. It makes me so sad because October is my favourite time of year, Halloween is my favourite holiday. I love the atmosphere of the states in Autumn, going to pick your pumpkin and everything is so autumnal and it just makes me happy to be there. I miss October days in the states most of all, because a grey miserable Autumn here just isn't the same.
A bit of camera geekery that I found on the interwebs.... and Matt ordered for himself of course. But how could he not order a Canon Lens coffee flask? coffee + cameras = a very happy camper. The flask, plus a smaller cup arrived at the studio this morning and Matt says he will bring it home so it can be christened with proper coffee. If you search ebay "canon lens coffee tumbler' there will be a bunch that pop up if you NEED to have this bit of camera geekery for yourself!
Charity Book Sale Saturday 29th of May 7am till 12pm The Red Lion Ripley
My good friend Marina is hosting a charity book sale in Ripley, Derbyshire on Saturday the 29th of May. Hundreds of book and comics have been donated for the sale and I have been helping to sort them into some semblance of order. So please if you are a local blogger/crafter please pop by the Book Sale and buy a book or two. I'll be there lending Marina a hand and probably buying a few books myself.
All proceeds for the sale will be donated to CLIC Sargent
On July 16th 1945 Kenneth Bainbridge, to Robert Oppenheimer immediately after the first atom bomb test explosion at Alamogordo, New Mexico’s Trinity Site.
I probably read as much as I watch tv... more when I get into bookworm mode. I read mainly fantasy, sci-fi, horror, craft books and various paranormal/urban/fantasy/romance/horror/watchamacallit books. I love to get lost in a book and be somewhere far away from the mundane of everyday. I have so many favourite books and authors that I think I will pick something at random.
Illusion by Paula Volsky, I have read the book twice and would happily read it again if I hadn't inadvertently traded it in sometime in California or Idaho. I may need to order the book again so that I have it and can read it again. Its set in an alternative Earth of the French Revolution where magic exists. I really enjoyed the book it is beautifully descriptive and utterly fascinating.
Ok I admit it I'm a total tv junkie, there I said it you happy? I don't watch soaps, sports, game shows, or dramas but give me a a team of lab geeks, anti heroes, vampires, dolls, misfits, or just plain run of the mill geeks and I'm a happy bunny. I don't know what to choose a lot of my favourite shows have been cancelled Dollhouse, Veronica Mars, and Firefly to name a few. I adore Glee (its a total guilty pleasure, except for when a few cringe worthy songs are played and I have to hide behind a cushion (you know which ones I mean if you watch the show). I watch all three CSIs, Criminal Minds, and Bones for the gory murder mystery (and the stellar acting *ahem*). Fringe fills the gap that the X-Files left, and I laugh at every episode of the Big Bang Theory. I could probably go on for days.
I think that this question needs a special show though, so I choose Supernatural not for the pretty, or the awesome tunes, northe monster of the week, or the car, or the pie, or the epic cheeseyness but for the friendship that show has brought me. Supernatural lead to a friendship with Flame and Serenity, who are fabulous and I have met them not just on my computer but have met them in the real world too. Supernatural is that awesome it brings friends together.
I love so many movies but The Lost Boys has been my favourite since forever, even more than the Goonies, Legend, Labyrinth, and other classic 80's movies. When vampires were vampires, they didn't sparkle, and they had some kick ass music too. I had the album on cassette tape and cd and still listen to it every few months. Recently Seasons After did a pretty good cover of Cry Little Sister that was playing on the radio when we were driving round north Idaho in April.
30 days of blogging meme found via Rowan's Blog. I thought it was a lovely idea to get blogging more often.
Day 01 — A favourite song Day 02 — A favourite movie Day 03 — A favourite television program Day 04 — A favourite book Day 05 — A favourite quote Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad Day 09 — A photo you took Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently Day 12 — Whatever tickles your fancy Day 13 — A fictional book Day 14 — A non-fictional book Day 15 — A fanfic Day 16 — A song that makes you cry (or nearly) Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.) Day 18 — Whatever tickles your fancy Day 19 — A talent of yours Day 20 — A hobby of yours Day 21 — A recipe Day 22 — A website Day 23 — A YouTube video Day 24 — Whatever tickles your fancy Day 25 — Your day, in great detail Day 26 — Your week, in great detail Day 27 — This month, in great detail Day 28 — This year, in great detail Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days Day 30 — Whatever tickles your fancy
so Day 1 a favourite song....
I have alot of favourite songs/albums, and each one means something difrent. I sometimes get obsessed with one and need to listen to it over and over so i can day dream/imagine stories/ think things through while I'm listening to it.... the last song I was obsessed with was....
Her Name is Alice by Shinedown (I also was obsessed with the cover of Simple Man they did)
4.I hate parties and social situations with more than a few people.
5.I’m a terrible housewife.
6.I love to cook.
7.I never follow recipes to the letter, I prefer to make things my own way and document the success or failure of the dish.
8.I hate blackcurrant.
9.I’m very often homesick for the States and would move back in a heartbeat if Matt would agree to it.
10.I live in my head more than I should.
11.I like to make other people happy, more than myself.
12.I can knit but I have difficulty understanding knitting patterns.
13.I am trying to learn to crochet...
14.It isn’t going very well.
15.I have a package of Reece’s Pieces in the cupboard calling my name.
16.I’m not nearly as witty and funny as i wish I was.
17.I write stories but not many people get to read the despite having a writing blog.
18.I always dreamed of writing a book, but have always talked myself out of it once I start writing.
19.I have been working on a fairy tale for 2 years and keep avoiding finishing it.
20.I don’t believe in myself.
21.I am not comfortable in my own skin.
22.I think I am a pretty good mother.
23.I doubt that I am a good mother.
24.I’m allergic to broccoli, sage, and bananas.
25.I love watching bad movies.
26.Book shops are my happy place I could spend days in a bookshop.
27.I’m currently obsessed with reading about bento boxes, I bought H one a while ago but have only used it once, so I’m researching. For the record they are amazing.
28.I love to listen to music when I’m walking, cooking, gardening, crafting.
29.I never believe my crafts are any good.
30.I still craft anyway.
31.I love estate sales and yard sales, but am not bothered about English Car Boot Sales.
32.I have never broken any bones.
33.I’m not a girly girl.
34.I rarely ever leave the house without makeup on.
35.My hair never does what I want it to do.
36.I hate British weather. winter lasts for 3 seasons and sometimes 4.
37.I love cheese.
38.I can’t abide fruity chocolate.
39.I hate shopping for clothes.
40.I love coffee, but I’m very fussy, it must be proper espresso, and won’t drink a coffee if they have scalded the milk.
41.I have very bad eyes, the world is a blur when I take my glasses off.
42.I can’t type for beans.
43.I dream of owning a Kitchen Aid standing mixer.
44.I can’t drive.
45.I cook most things from scratch, aside from the occasional take away or frozen pizza.
46.When I was little I wanted to be a girly Indian Jones...till I realized he was really a crap archaeologist.
47.I don’t drink, (more than a sip or two) though I cook with wine and cider.
48.I like to neaten things, and organize them. I hate clutter on kitchen counters.
49.I would love to have a dog, but Matt says no and it probably wouldn’t be fair to a dog when we go away to visit my parents for weeks at a time.
50.I hate mice, their tales freak me out.
51.I vaguely aspire to a rock-a-billy style, but am really to laze to be bothered about fashion much, I just love the hair ( Bettie Page style)
52.I love gothic things, and have always worn a lot of black, watched movies/read books in a gothic way but never could be assed to go goth.
53.I once temped at a stamp company in Santa Rosa, but never owned any stamps till recently.
54.I love fabric with text on it.
55.I take crap photographs, but that’s ok, because I married a photographer.
56.If it wasn’t for the show X- Files I may never have met Matt.
57.i‘m listening to Velvet Revolver while I write this.
58.I watch too much tv. House, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, CSI: Wherever, Bones, Fringe, True Blood, the one about the Geeks, Glee, Legend of the Seeker
59.I’m a Browncoat... for those of you as geeky as I.
61.I am very reserved and hide my emotions until I crack, start crying and can’t stop.
62.I suffer from depression.
63.I get very homesick for the States.
64.I love jelly belly jelly beans.
65.I’m a pretty decent cook, and love to potter about the kitchen.
66.I hate my photo being taken...so I married a photographer.
67.If I ever manage to finish this list I will make some sugar scrub.
68.The last movie I watched was Carriers, apocalyptic virus type movie.
69.Last night I watched thee episodes of The Big Bang Theory.
70.I have never broken a bone.
71.I started sewing some quilt blocks but only got as far as making 6 before abandoning the project. ( I will go back to it when I have learned to use my sewing machine a bit more)
72.I love cookbooks
73.But I rarely cook recipes exactly as they are printed.
74.I’ve never been drunk. (I’m too much of a control freak for that)
75.I drink full fat coca-cola none of that diet sh*t.
76.I should be sorting out the laundry now.
77.I really wish it was warm out so I could sit in the garden with my notebook/sketch book.
78.I hate cracking the spines on books, and will go out of my way not to.
79.I love pens and notebooks.
80.I’m a good navigator.
81.I have difficulty buying things for myself but love buying for others.
82.I am fiercely protective of H and his friends, and will not hesitate to tell off other kids that are being little shits to them.
83.I can’t stand when people talk with their mouths full of food, it winds me up terribly.
84.The last book I read was Too Many Curses by A Lee Martinez.
85.I’m so grateful for the blogging craft community for being such a happy and inspiring place.
86.I have dyed my hair, red, strawberry blonde, purple, and black.
87.My hair is naturally brown, like my eyes.
88.I never do my nails.
89.I live in my jeans.
90.I don’t draw as much as I used to, though I have never been that great an artist.
91.I’m an average 5’5”
92.You probably wouldn’t notice me.
93.My birthday was the last day of April.
94.I’m 33. *counts on fingers* yeah that’s right...I think
95.I still can’t put on mascara properly.
96.At night I like to lay still and imagine stories that I rarely ever write down.
97.I worry too much.
98.I like to walk on my own listening to my music lost in my own little world.
99.My ears aren’t pierced.
100.I’m not sure anyone will take the time to read all of this.
Matt uploaded some photos of our holiday in California and Idaho to our family album... so I'm working on a big post.. I didn't forget its just been a very busy few weeks. So expect a post filled with photos and rambling narrative soon.
Ignore the mess look at my birthday present! a new Brother sewing machine! It hasn't got a name yet, and I'm pretty sure it will have to be a boy name as its a Brother sewing machine and that just doesn't lend well to being called a girl's name. Anyway I think I may be rambling here, too much coca-cola and twizzlers, but I had some awesome presents for my birthday but I'm happiest about having a new sewing machine that isn't a tinker toy.
the very first project I sewed with the machine was this super simple tshirt bag (tutorial here) made from one of H's too small shirts. He stole it not long after I finished sewing it and said we would use it for a picnic (despite the weather being uniformly grim over the last few days)
I just finished sewing this little needle book with some scraps of Cath Kidston fabric and red felt but the light is so terrible that I gave up trying to get a picture of the inside of the needle book. As I already have 3 needle books I don't really need another one but its really too wonky to sell (and re opening my etsy shop for one item seems like a bit of a pain in the ass). I really enjoyed sewing the needle book, the new machine works beautifully and I cant wait to dream up the next project to sew on it.
vintage buttons.
I'm off to walk to the store now to get some tortilla chips and sour cream, its Cinco de Mayo today so dinner will have a Mexican theme, shredded chicken Enchilades, refried beans, cinamon crisps etc.
Strawberry and Lime Mini Cheesecakes a Cinco De Mayo inspired recipe
Ingredients:
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened 1 pkg. mascarpone cheese 1/2 cup caster/white sugar 1 tsp. grated lemon zest (2 limes) juice of 2 limes 1 cup sliced and hulled strawberries 1-2 tablespoons of caster/white sugar
for the base: 12 biscuits (makes roughly 1½ cups crumbs) 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon caster/white sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
6 glass ramekin dishes.
Crush the biscuits and add the melted butter and cinnamon (optional). Mix well and press firmly into the ramekin dishes (alternatively for a larger cheesecake us an 8-inch pie pan). Pat down using the back of a tablespoon. Place in fridge for 30mins to set.
While base is setting. Mix together cream cheese, mascarpone, lime zest, lime juice (I normally put the lime juice in to taste roughly about 2 limes worth but if you would prefer a zestier cheesecake add 1 more) sugar, using a wooden spoon or electric mixer. Pour the cheese mixture over the base and spread evenly. Put cheesecakes in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set, (if making a large cheesecake it will need at least 4 hours to set, preferably overnight).
While the cheesecakes are setting, slice the strawberries and sprinkle with a generous amount of sugar (1 to 2 tablespoons). Just before serving spoon the sliced strawberries and juice over the mini cheesecakes.
cook's notes: I have made these cheesecakes many times and they are always dissapear quickly... I will be making them again next week for Cinco De Mayo to go along with burritos, nachos, and possibly some cinnamon tortilla crisps too.
Simple little project with very little sewing, a small book bag or knitting/crocheting project bag made from one of H's old t-shirts.
the project is really as easy as one, two, three...
t-shirt project bag ingredients: -1 old tshirt (I used a toddler sized shirt age 3-4) -needle and thread (or a sewing machine because my had sewing is horrific) -scissors
1. pick out a loved t-shirt that is worse for wear. Turn it inside out, pin along the bottom seem.
2. sew along the bottom of the shirt.
3. turn the shirt right side out.. cut off the sleeves and then cut off the neck of the shirt. Tug the t-shirt material along the arm and neck holes so that the fabric curls over and fill with whatever you want.
The before picture of H's t-shirt, I have no idea where it came from the size is age 3-4 and there was very little wear on the shirt (meaning his head grew too fat for it and he had to go the the next size up).
Its a super simple project and can be done with any size shirt, use a large shirt as a shopping carrier bag (you could probably sew a small pouch out of a large sleeve to fold the shirt bag into to store in your handbag when needed). I think using kids t-shirts would make great lunch/snack bags and also a great way for kids to collect treasures when you go on walks or to the beach, as they can be easily folded up to store them and can be made from those favourite shirts that they can no longer wear.
I have seen similar t-shirt material bags in shops and if you google it you will probably find two dozen or more tutorials (I watched a youtube clip of a woman duck taping the inside of a t-shirt and using staples instead of sewing, whatever floats your boat really).
My sewing machine hates me so I need to re-sew the bottom of my bag though I carried a book and my phone around all day yesterday and it held up very well anyway. I desperately need a bigger sewing machine, nothing horribly fancy but something that will sew a few layers together without having a hissy fit at me. M machine is practically a tinker toy, and though it has been a great learning tool I could do with the next step up so I can continue learning to sew and make the things I wish to make (like more patchwork squares so I can make Katy help me make a quilt).
If I can get my sewing machine to behave I think I will make some shopping carrier bags with a few of my favourite shirts that have died a death (holes and stains) and add some doilies and buttons!
Say hello to little Frank the Owl, short for Frankenstin for his wonky stitching (actually delibratly wonky), I started Frank months ago and had a complete crisis of crafting ability so he sat half stuffed in a tin on my desk. I had originally intended to make him for Jodie who sent me some lovely font-y fabric scraps (such as the scrap on Frank's bottom). The owl didn't go so well and i abandoned him because I doubted my ability and was afraid if I sent him he just wouldn't be good enough (especially as Jodie is so fantastically talented and deserved something equally fantastic in return for the card and scraps she sent me.)
Jodie I promise I will sent something soon...
Now that I actually feel like I can craft again, it was a very long winter and I finally feel like being creative again. Now if only the sewing machine fairy would come and turn my tinker toy into a real sewing machine. *looks pointedly at the calender and Matt humming Happy Birthday*
I have no idea why the photos are off to the left, they were for the previous post but I clicked on center and they are not remotely in the center of the blog post. I have burgers to make, and pasta salad too, so I best get going and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts!
p.s. Frank is in the little Magnolia tree in the garden next to the summer/play house.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs Blurb at the back of the book: 'I didn't realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn't at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil ...' Mercedes Thompson runs a garage in the Tri-Cities. She's a mechanic, and a damn good one, who spends her spare time karate training and tinkering with a VW bus that happens to belong to a vampire. Her next-door neighbour is an alpha werewolf - literally, the leader of the pack. And Mercy herself is a shapeshifter, sister to coyotes. As such, she's tolerated by the 'wolves but definitely down the pecking order. As long as she keeps her eyes down and remembers her place, the pack will leave her in peace. Hardly a normal situation, but then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself...and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.
Last Book Read before going on holiday I have a weakness for Urban Fantasy, and this was a great book. My friend Marina loaned it to me and the next two after it as well.
Book taken on holiday: Neil Gaiman's Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders. I started reading in the car on the way to our hotel near Heathrow (obviously Matt was driving if you are worried about such things) I finished the book at my parents' house in Idaho. I enjoyed reading some of the stories, a few real gems that made you stop and think about the possibilities of things and the magic in the everyday. A few were a bit clunky but it was still an interesting walk around Gaiman's mind and I enjoyed reading the introduction and the brief blurbs about where the stories began.
Monster by A. Lee Martinez cover blurb: Meet Monster. Meet Judy. Two humans who don't like each other much, but together must fight dragons, fire-breathing felines, trolls, Inuit walrus dogs, and a crazy cat lady - for the future of the universe.
Monster runs a pest control agency. He's overworked and has domestic troubles - like having the girlfriend from hell.
Judy works the night shift at the local Food Plus Mart. Not the most glamorous life, but Judy is happy. No one bothers her and if she has to spell things out for the night-manager every now and again, so be it.
But when Judy finds a Yeti in the freezer aisle eating all the Rocky Road, her life collides with Monster's in a rather alarming fashion. Because Monster doesn't catch raccoons; he catches the things that go bump in the night. Things like ogres, trolls, and dragons.
Oh, and his girlfriend from Hell? She actually is from Hell.
Read while in Idaho, at my parents, in coffee shops, on the way to yard sales and misnomered Estate Sales. I loved the book, just the right mix of humor, fantasy, a fast paced, light read. I left the book for my dad to read as we alread had a ton of goodies to bring back with us.
blurb: A magical castle, an utterly wicked wizard named Margle, and Nessy, a kobold who tends the castle, lead the way in this diabolical story of good triumphing over evil. The many residents, all of whom have been cursed by Margle, include a hanged man in the library, Decapitated Dan, unmanned armor, chatty gargoyles, a loyal fruit bat, a silver-polishing gnome, and the very important Door at the End of the Hall. Soon after the wizard dies when one of his curses goes awry, Nessy realizes that the castle is falling apart, and it is her job to bring about order.
Read at the airport while waiting to see how much longer our return flight would be delayed (6 hours) but we did get home on the day we were meant to. Finished the book a few days ago, it was a fast paced, geekily enjoyable book.
next book on the pile on my nightstand.. technically I started reading it before we went on holiday but as Marina lent it to me I didn't want to take it for fear of damaging it or forgetting it in Idaho.
the next next book on my stack of books to read is Pride Prejudice and Zombies, which was my Christmas present from Matt but I just haven't gotten around to starting it just yet.
other books bought while awayWreck this Journal (bought from the Barns and Noble in Santa Rosa, my old stomping ground while hanging out with Meg my best friend from my school day).. I had wanted this journal a year ago but put it back on the shelf as I bought a bunch of sci-fi/fantasy/urban fantasy/horror type books already and was getting too short on space. Matt has flicked through it and shook his head at me, I think it will be a fun exercise in creativity and doing things I would not normally do with a book.. like cracking the spine *winces*.
Flea Market Style Magazine- yes I know it's a magazine not a book but I found it very inspirational and have flicked through it twice (once at Spokane Airport and once as SFO )
I love Patchwork: 25 Irrestistable Zakka Projects to sew by Rashida Coleman-Hale --I haven't read through it properly but I bought the book at the The Kinokuniya Bookstore in Japan Town Mall in San Francisco. I was going to buy a Japanese book but decided on this one as it would be a good read instead of just something to look at.
what are you reading?
p.s. I will update with some holiday photos and babble on about what we did on our three weeks away in California and Idaho but Matt is still messing about editing the pictures and we are still a bit jetlagged... and in dire need of vast quantities of coffee and sugar to keep functioning at a semi-normal level.
Also I have no idea why this is italicized it just is and I cant change it and am too rusty at html to even try. *glares at blogger*
So Flamesparrow tagged me with this photo meme so here goes...
Open the first photo folder and pick the tenth picture...
OK I can do that but there aren't that many photos on my laptop yet.. everything is on Matt's computer or the web album. The tenth photo in the first folder isn't a photo I took its of the album cover of REPO the Genetic Opera original soundtrack. It is an awesome movie and soundtrack, *waits for people to run screaming from my blog*
And now, for the 1st pic in the 10th folder...
The Boy at age 3, having a big sulk in a Starbuck's in Seattle because we had to go to the airport next to fly back home and no more visiting Pappy and Grammy. It is one of my favourite photos, though its not from the tenth file because I don't have a tenth file yet!
I don't think I get very many readers now but if you have read this and haven't done it consider yourself tagged and leave me a comment so I can see your pictures!
I hate my photo being taken so despite Matt being a photographer I tend to hide from the camera more often than not. I'm short, I'm fat and I'm filled with the credited amount of self loathing and low self esteem that entails. I snapped this photo of myself on the day before my Birthday (the last day of April) and that is the most recent photographic evidence that I am indeed a real person. Oh and my little camera broke a few weeks ago and we only bought a replacement last night (that's my story and I'm sticking to it.)
