repurpose

Last Day of Vaca

2012-01-02T21:54:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, today was our last day of winter break. We did get lots done, including a trip to Sam's Club and JoAnn's to pick up some essentials.

Two things I grabbed at Sam's were baking soda and vinegar. I find the two of them to be great for lots of cleaning projects. I was totally out of baking soda and needed it for toilets and pans. I throw the baking soda in the toilet, squirt in some vinegar and let it sit. Then a good brush and it is all good.

I use it to clean my oven pans (the things that go under the burners, I suppose they are burner pans?) that are all caked on and grotty. It is like a miracle. You sprinkle on the baking soda and they mist or lightly spray with water. Let them sit overnight and Bam! They are gorgeous!

Thank goodness for baking soda!

I also am taking part in the 14 Day Challenge over at Ask Anna. Check it out!

Fourteen Days Challenge!

2011-12-30T19:22:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be taking part in Ask Anna's 14 Days to Get Clean and Organized Challenge! Can't wait to see what sorts of things we'll be tackling!

http://

A New Year, A Fresh Start

2011-12-30T18:57:00.002-06:00

Looking forward to a new year and a fresh start, here on my blog and in life. I am ready for change: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Things I am doing to prepare for the fresh start:

1. Making an inspiration board of things that inspire me.
2. Making a workout plan for the month of January.
3. Making a trip to Target to get everything we typically need in a month to free up all those unexpected trips. (DONE)
4. Organize craft space for kids and myself.
5. Go through clothes and donate. (DONE)
6. By "One Thousand Gifts" and start reading. (DONE)

Now tell me the truth...do you ever put things on your list that you've already done, just so that you can check them off?

Or is it just me?

:}

Carla

Goodies Coming Soon

2010-07-19T21:42:00.000-06:00

I will be posting goodies soon. Lots of trips to Savers and garage sales and there is lots to share!

Working...

2010-03-15T13:12:00.000-06:00

I have conferences for the next three days. So I teach all day, talk all evening and then sleep for six hours and do it all again.

Spring break follows, so I will hopefully be wrangling the mess that is my craft room at some point. Pictures to follow soon.

We are also gathering ideas for our kitchen redo. Will post photos of the sad state it is in now and would love any feedback/tips/inspiration links you can point me to. I am thinking it will be mid-century/organic/vintage mix. Colors I am leaning towards are a buttery yellow, minty green (thanks to my Kitchen Aid mixer) and true red.

Send some ideas my way, please! The husband is making a trip to Ikea this weekend and I'd love to give him a list!

2010-03-13T21:49:00.001-06:00

At bon jovi. free tickets. jon is sweaty. all ages...crazy.

Spring?

2010-03-08T10:22:00.002-06:00

It is drippy and gray today. Muddy sky and muddy snow are the picture I see outside of the humongous window in my classroom. Thankfully, the crocus on my desk is wanting to bloom soon.

Starting to sort out the "craft" room. Matilda and I spent an hour digging through boxes and ultimately making more of a mess than what we had started with. She loved bouncing in her activity gym and I kept getting sidetracked. You know how you find this pattern or that catalog or the yarn you bought for this and then suddenly you aren't really getting anything done? That was what happened yesterday.

Did pull out some embroidery stuff. I have a funky book on embroidery for kids that I got from the school library when they were doing discards. All sorts of groovy things like owls and folk art type patterns. Working on a snail to start and then I'm hoping to tackle a large scale freeform piece.

Hope your day is productive (and sunny!)

Too busy...

2009-07-26T10:28:00.001-06:00

This blog has been much neglected. My apologies. We are going to be moving this week and I will be posting many projects as we set up in a new home.

Enjoy your summer!

What to read something really good...

2009-01-09T16:02:00.001-06:00

...then go over to The Great Fitness Experiment.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by how much stuff I want to read. There is the book that another teacher recommend, the list of classics to work through, the article on alternative pay for teachers, the new Runner's World. I don't have enough time to read it all. I just keep plugging away.

But one thing I read every day is what Charlotte has to say. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry, sometimes I throw up a little in my mouth.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Check back for my book picks of 2008!

Holiday Goodies and More

2008-11-10T12:58:00.003-06:00

I've added some fun holiday goodies over at my etsy shop. It had been a long, long time since I'd visited any of the local thrift stores and I had such a relaxing time digging around and finding treasures.

It seems that the holidays have arrived. One of my thrifty stops even had a holiday section! Oscar is so excited for Christmas...mostly the decorating aspect of it. Macys has huge evergreen garlands hanging from their ceiling with gigantic red and gold balls. Oscar took one look and decided that we should hang our tree upside down. Of course, hanging the tree upside down might not be a possibility, but we are going to go all out with decorations this year.

Hope you are finding some excitement for the fast approaching holidays.

How have you been?

2008-11-03T19:45:00.003-06:00

I'm back and excited to be creating and sharing ideas. The last year was a tough one and it really took the wind out of my sails, creativity-wise. A summer of relaxation and a wonderful batch of students who are settled in and I am ready to return to this space to talk, share and get inspired by others.

One project that I very proud to have been part of is this. I wrote one of the forwards and I am so pleased to be part of this important conversation.

Hope you are all well!
More soon,
c

To You and Yours

2007-12-20T22:05:00.001-06:00

Repurposed Art People

2007-07-09T19:06:00.000-06:00

Check out this cool article over at Collectors' Quest. There are some amazing artists and crafters featured (including me!?) and some really awesome pieces. Personally, I'm in love with the bowling ball/carafe lady. She may need to come and live at my house.

summer school, green living and bubbles

2007-06-16T14:12:00.000-06:00

It is summer school time and I've spent the last week with a group of 24 thirteen-year-olds. They are the kids who struggle to get with it during the school year and just don't quite make it. They've been working diligently on creating a documentary-style biography of a person of their choice. It has been amazing to see this group of so-called misfits turn out work that is beyond my wildest expectations. Sure, there are kids who still don't care and who simply can't care because of circumstances beyond their control. But there are always those kids who shine and who are like little beacons of light, showing me that the rocky coastline of teaching is worth traveling.

I still have six weeks of summer school left though, so check back in with me at the end of July and see if I've crashed in the rocks or the crew has organized a mutiny.

This week has also been a big week for my husband who launched his new business, live green. He has been working hard, mixing up green cleaning products, researching ways to make people's living spaces cleaner and greener, and getting in gear to save the planet, one home at a time. I'm super proud of him and I highly recommend his services. I can safely say that our bathrooms are cleaner than they've been in years.

A good majority of the last month has been spent blowing bubbles. Oscar is a master bubble blower, be we are struggling with bubble solution. Any good tips or ideas for bubble solution that works but is also non-toxic? We also want to try out new bubble making techniques, but all we've seen are bubble guns which we aren't so excited about. Any suggestions or ideas would be much appreciated!

The Best Kind

2007-06-08T21:48:00.001-06:00

So many times in my life, I allow an agenda to focus me. I do this because of this. I complete this because then it will lead to this. I make this so that I can do this with it. I've been realizing more and more that lately, doing something for some predetermined outcome takes a big chunk of the joy out of the actual creating for me.

Today, while Oscar napped, I sat down and made a little stuffed for someone whose birthday it is today. It was such a pleasure to just sit and create and think of her enjoying what I had created just for her. I wasn't thinking about anything but the simplicity of creating and doing beautiful work and knowing it will belong to someone who is special to me. It was just about transferring a little piece of me into someone else's life. To me, that is the best kind of crafting/creating/art.

At least I'm not putting on mascara while I chat on the phone...

2007-06-04T20:41:00.000-06:00

My newest and most favorite thing that I've been busily creating is the Beatrice Agenda.

I was always standing in line at the market, sitting waiting for a film to start, driving to and from, and some inspiration, some creative tidbit would pop into my mind. I'd be at the local bookshop and want to scribble down the address of some must-visit website, but alas, all I had with me was gum wrappers and receipts. I was forever scrambling for bits and pieces to jot down ideas, creative concepts and the random thought floating around in my head. I looked around for something that I could easily carry with me that actually had enough room to write, could also hold a pen or pencil or two and would close even after I'd stuffed it full of assorted papers, receipts and other miscellanous objects.

I found nothing. So I started playing around with creating one of my own design. After much tinkering and lots of trial and error, the final product emerged: the Beatrice Agenda. Practical, pretty, and unique. There are several available in the shop.

Perhaps now I won't always be scrambling for a piece of paper, but rather scribbling down some important item while I drive. Makes you feel safe on the road, doesn't it?

Shop Update

2007-06-03T19:50:00.000-06:00

There are a bevy of new items in my shop (see sidebar to link there.) This is what I have been busy, busy, busy doing. I've also been busy ending the school year, planning for summer session and hanging with the coolest guy in town.

Spring is Sprung

2007-04-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

Spring is here and we have been enjoying ourselves outside. The zoo, the new tricycle and Oscar's new Vans have been getting a ton of use.

I've also been busy editing my young adult novel, which I hope to send out by the end of the month, and attempting to become a runner. I'm going slowly with the running as I have a previous knee injury thanks to one crazy night at a disco and a history of shin splints, not to mention plantars fascitis and orthotics. It's going well so far and I hope to do a 5k in the near future.

On the making and creating front, I've been playing around with several new ideas. Once my novel is edited and out the door, I plan to share.

As for repurposing, check out this very cool, very green new blog: Sew Green

Happy Birthday!

2007-04-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

We had the biggest, bestest birthday party yesterday. Family gathered, food galore and one happy, happy two-year old. I can scarcely believe he is actually two. I am just so very happy that he is here and he is mine and I get to know him and all of his silly, sweet ways.

Long time, no post

2007-03-16T12:22:00.000-06:00

Things have been crazy here. To top of our busy lives, I've been sick twice since the new year. This time I even scored some amoxicillin! Yeah for drugs!

This is what our weekend is going to be like...jammies, reading and eating. Hope your weekend is cozy!

Busy, sick, busy and not necessarily in that order...

2007-02-07T20:46:00.000-06:00

As I poke my head out of the pile of Kleenex and see that the calendar says "February 7" I can hardly believe it. Has this year been flying by or what? I've gotten some things done, like a little ebaying (selling) and a little reading (see recommendation below) and even a weekend away at a fabulous Electric Arc Radio show. If you have the chance, check out one their very funny podcasts or stop by for a show if they are in your city or a city near you.

But there is still much, much more on my to do list.

While I sniffle, I thought I'd share the best book I've read this year with you. Of course, it is really only the second adult novel I've read this year (I think so far I've logged 14 young adult novels, but that is partly research, so it isn't entirely for pleasure.) The book is "Man Walks Into a Room" by Nicole Krauss. It is unnerving, emotionally raw, and eloquently speaks of the solitude that we all live in. Read it. And then read her other book "The History of Love" which was one of my favorite books from last year. I suggest reading both in bed, with a hot cup of tea and a handmade quilt to keep you warm.

And make sure to drink lots of orange juice, wash your hands often and if you must sneeze, please do so into the crook of your arm.

New Treats Listed on Etsy

2007-01-24T22:09:00.000-06:00

Check out my etsy shop (click on the link at right) to see a few of the goodies I have up for Valentine's Day. More to follow...

Pre-spring cleaning

2007-01-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

I am longing for a clean and organized house. I feel like throwing things out. I feel like sweep out the cobwebs, dusting all the corners and sorting through all the piles. I know it isn't spring, but I feel like spring cleaning.

So the last week and probably the next couple of weeks (months?) will be spent sorting, organizing, ebay listing and labeling. I have a big to-do list started and I plan to add more to it today.

I can't seem to tackle certain projects until certain other things are in order. For instance, when I was in grad school, I couldn't do research or write until I'd cleaned our apartment. I suppose it is really just a form of procrastination. But at least I'm using my time-wasting time to actually accomplish something.

I'm not sure what it is I am avoiding right now, but once everything is in its place and dust-free, whatever it is must be something big.

To Keep You Warm

2007-01-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

So, I did accomplish a few things this weekend. The first was a try at homemade macaroni and cheese. It looks great, but was a little lumpy and clumpy. It tasted o.k. but wasn't as creamy and delicious as I hoped. I checked one of my favorite cookbooks, "The Best Recipe" by the editors of Cooks Illustrated, which is where I should have started originally. Turns out condensed milk is the key my friends.

I also made a trip to fabric heaven, aka Mill End Textiles. I had a 1/3 off coupon in my hand and let's just say that I was one of those people that makes other shoppers who are in line behind me groan when they see how many bolts I have in my cart. This collection will make a quilt for Oscar's big boy bed.

Tomorrow is Monday. Already? When is our next vacation day? Even though I love teaching, sometimes I long for a wide open schedule that was just filled with things like time with Oscar and crafting and reading and perhaps even an afternoon matinee or two. I guess that is what summer is for!

Scattered

2007-01-06T14:13:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel discombobulated? I do. I feel especially scattered lately. I feel like I am searching for some sort of answer, some sort of focus in my life. Perhaps it is because this is the beginning of a new year. I have millions of ideas floating around in my brain and in my heart, so many things I want to do, see, read, taste, create, enjoy. The new year makes me think of all that I want to become, all the experiences I want to experience.

I feel like I have the energy and the passion to do something amazing with this gift of a new year. And yet, I can't quite wrap myself around what that thing is. So I'm going to just let things keep swirling around inside and hopefully the paths of this year will reveal themselves to me.

In the meantime, check out some of the beautiful people and sites that have added to the creative chaos in my mind:

Shim + sons
Africankelli
6.5st

I Keep Meaning to Post, I Really Do!

2007-01-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

I mean to post. I really do. But then, I start reading all the other magically delicious blogs out there and I get sidetracked. I find a link in a blog I love to a new blog that I must then read from start to finish. Within that blog, I find a link to their Etsy shop and then, well, I am just a complete loss to civilization at that point.

What did I do over break? I spent it with this guy. Now you might think he is doing a reverse snow angel. But no, he isn't. He is swimming.

More soon about must-read blogs, crafty endeavors and macaroni and cheese recipes.

This is It!

2006-12-22T07:27:00.000-06:00

Today is my last day of teaching until next year! I know that by the time January 3rd rolls around, I will be grateful to be back with my students, but today, I am counting the hours down!

Happy Holidays to you! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Things I Want to Do Over Winter Break

2006-12-16T12:16:00.000-06:00

1. Go thrifting
2. Spend time crafting
3. Catch up on all of my blog reading
4. Read a novel that was written for adults
5. Go on a date with my husband
6. Eat lots of delicious food
7. See friends and family
8. Sleep

Only five more school days until break! Yippee!

Artist at Work

2006-12-11T21:52:00.000-06:00

We've been busy. Please excuse my lack of posting. It is not that I don't want to post, it is that the Internet doesn't want me to post.

In the meantime, we've been coloring.

29,836 + 30= One Crazy November

2006-11-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

Wow. I can't believe it is Day 30 of NaBloPoMo. Thirty posts in thirty days. The time just flew by! Well, except for the few days I was too tired to post anything interesting or engaging. For you, those days were probably a drag.

I'd like to give a shout out to all the readers this month. Many days, the only little boost I get is seeing the dots on the map thanks to the tracking services of Sitemeter. That's right people. I'm watching you! I know I've got lots of lurkers and I hope eventually you will feel comfortable enough to post a comment. Even if it is just to correct a spelling error or point out my incorrect use of helping verbs.

And to some of the new visitors who have made their way here from the NaBloPoMo pink elephant search: Welcome! Hope you will continue to come back for more. I'm glad you're here.

And finally, a big thank you to Fussy. Without Fussy, I wouldn't have made it a daily habit to write. And without her and NaBloPoMo, I wouldn't have been reminded about that other Na thing that people do in November, National Novel Writing Month. And I wouldn't have completed a 29,836-word young adult manuscript without that reminder.

So thanks, readers! And thanks, Fussy! I'll make sure to mention all of you on the credits page of my novel!

Trimming the Tree

2006-11-29T20:28:00.000-06:00

I spent two hours during senior citizen day at the mall and found ornaments for the tree. I went with simple silver organic shapes and some meaningful ornaments including a panda, an owl, a fish and a peacock, all which are favorites of Oscar.

I unwrapped and the boys decorated. As you can see, they did an excellent job.

When Two Means Five

2006-11-28T19:24:00.000-06:00

There are few cases in the world when two inches really means five inches. I know you are thinking perhaps of the example of some men's measuring abilities in regards to certain parts of their bodies.

What I am referring to is the two inches I asked to have cut off the bottom of my hair today. The stylist, or should I say, the hair cutter, must have been using the same "measurement" guidelines that some men use.

Aren't bad haircuts a bummer? Like today, I went in, all excited, ready to embark on the next phase of my life. The new haircut phase. The swinging, shiny haircut phase. The "Gee, My Hair Not Only Smells Terrific, It Also Looks Terrific" phase.

Instead I am in the "Crap, I Can't Even Pull This Into a Decent Ponytail" phase. The "I Guess I'll Just Use a Lot of Product" phase. The "Maybe I Should Just Go and Get It All Chopped Off" phase.

Why can't my trips to the salon be like it is for the people on "What Not To Wear" when the guy with the beard cuts their hair? Where the magic of face shape and hair texture and product mixed with the perfect cut and color yield dazzling and breath-intaking awe?

I had a haircut like that once. Her name was Brigette. She was my husband's before she was mine. She took a simple look from the Garnet Hill catalog and her shiny silver scissors and transformed me. Sigh.

That's what I want for the holidays. That slow-motion, hair-swinging high that comes from an incredible cut.

Because that is definitely not what I got today.

Yes, It's Real

2006-11-27T20:15:00.000-06:00

Obviously, we went for the real thing.

I'm Gonna Unschool You!

2006-11-26T15:49:00.000-06:00

Check out this interesting article on homeschooling or unschooling, as some call it, over at the New York Times.

As a trained educator who is constantly thinking about how I can reach and teach all of my students, I find some of the ideas held by homeschoolers to be downright brilliant. Let kids learn about what they want? Fantastic idea! Let kids dictate what time of day and what environment they want to learn in? Excellent, sign me up! Teach kids about everyday applicable skills that are necessary for living a full life? I'm so there!

I was first exposed to homeschoolers when I was living out in Seattle. Homeschooling was very prevalent there and since I was in the educational toy industry, I got lots of chances to talk and interact with families who had chosen that route for their kids. Some of the people were great and some of them were a little cuckoo...just like the rest of us. The main thing I noticed was that all the parents who were homeschooling were definitely involved in their child's education. Which is a lot more than I can say for many of the families in the general population.

But the jury is out for me about other things in regards to homeschooling. I already am afraid I've scarred Oscar in some way due to the lack of play dates in his young life. Will he be unsocialized? I know that most homeschoolers work hard to assure their kids get exposed to other young learners. But would I be able to do it? Can every parent who homeschools manage to do it all? Being a parent is hard enough without throwing in that huge chunk of responsibility.

I think that homeschooling parents do need to show some sort of expertise or willingness to learn about pedagogy before they embark on such a huge task. Wanting to do it should not equal being able to do it. I want to be a doctor, but so far, they aren't just letting me scrub in. Some of you may say, "Well, it's not like education is brain surgery." To that, my response is this: Come and spend a day with me people. And then you can tell me what you think.

Overall, I think it is a great alternative for some families.

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?

To Tree or Not to Tree, That is the Question

2006-11-25T20:06:00.000-06:00

This year, we can't decide if we should have a tree or not. We aren't huge on the holidays, but this year, I feel a certain pull towards the idea of going all out.

Last year, we had a simple tabletop artifical tree and that was plenty. This year, besides the dilemma of whether to have the tree, we also have to decide if we want to go fake or real or really fake like the one below.

I know you have opinions on this, so help me out.

Holiday Must See Movies

2006-11-24T19:19:00.000-06:00

Fussy made a list of her top DVD's of the season. In homage to her list, here are a few of my favorites:

Home for the Holidays : One of the few holiday movies that focuses on Turkey Day, this is a fun romp through a disastrous and totally believable holiday at home. Makes me laugh and cry everytime I see it.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer : Watch this for the gay elf who missed his true calling as an orthodontist and the Abominable Snowman.

Love Actually: Always funny, always cheesy and the soundtrack rocks!

About A Boy: It may seem like I am huge Hugh Grant fan, but it is Nick Hornby's perfectly written characters and Toni Collette's acting that put this one on my list.

Stuffing

2006-11-23T20:55:00.001-06:00

What a day. The theme was stuffing. Stuffing ourselves with food of course, but also stuffing as much visiting and family into the day as possible. Poor Oscar made it through the entire holiday with no naps. Thankfully, he enjoyed himself, despite the lack of sleep.

I, on the other hand, didn't get a nap either and I'm feeling a little cranky. As much as I love and enjoy my family (and extended family) sometimes it is the days full of people and food and driving that remind me just how much I adore my little family and the quiet times when it is just us.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Or as Oscar says, "Gobble, gobble!"

Lacy, fingerless gloves and miniskirts with cut-off tights*

2006-11-22T19:49:00.000-06:00

Many hours, days, weeks, perhaps even months of my life have been spent dancing, lipsyncing and dressing like Madonna.

And therefore, I have no time to post today as I pay homage to my mentor.

*What really disturbed me as I typed this, is that this look is back in style. {Shudder.}

Vacation, baby!

2006-11-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

That's right. I am officially on vacation. Except I suppose it's not really a vacation as much as it is a break. Teachers don't really get a vacation. They just get breaks. Of course, I'm not complaining. Call it what you will, it still means sleeping in past 6 a.m. and not having to remind anyone which drawer the extra pencils and paper are in or to walk in the hallways.*

So besides the regular turkey eating that will take place, what should I do with the five (FIVE!) glorious days of freedom in front of me?

Any ideas?

*This is what I do all day. Or at least it feels like that some days.

This is not a food blog...

2006-11-20T18:59:00.000-06:00

And yet this will be my second post on food in as many days.

I had this delicious soup for lunch at a little potluck we had at school. And I liked it so much that I had to try to replicate it at home post haste.

Yummy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

1 box Uncle Ben's long grain and wild rice, prepared according to package instructions
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
2 cans vegetable broth
1 or 2 cans of mushroom pieces, depending on your tastes
1 tbsp of black pepper

That's the vegetarian version.

For the bacon-loving version, add the following

1 lb bacon, cooked and broken into pieces or if you are lazy, like me, a bag of precooked and shredded bacon pieces
2 cans chicken broth instead of the vegetable broth
2 tbsp of bacon grease (if you've got it, why not use it?)

Throw it all in a big soup kettle or your crockpot, heat it up and enjoy! It is especially delicious with some crusty bread to dip in it.

Jesus is on my lawn and it's not even Thanksgiving!

2006-11-19T16:19:00.000-06:00

Now, I think everyone should be able to celebrate and share their religion freely and peaceably in our little world. But I am not sure that anyone should do that by putting up a life-sized, one-dimensional, light-bulb-enhanced scene of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

And that is what I have on my lawn right now. I guess that is what you get when you belong to a condo association.

Once it is dark and the baby Jesus is lit up, I will sneak over to my neighbor's patio area and photograph the aforementioned manger scene.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

2006-11-18T22:10:00.000-06:00

We had this at cooking club last week and I will be serving it up at Thanksgiving. That is, if I don't decide to keep all three pies for myself.

CHOCOLATE BOURBON PECAN PIES

Light brown sugar
3 oz. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. cornstarch
3 c. corn syrup
2 tbsp. vanilla
2 c. heavy cream
8 eggs
1 c. chocolate chips
4 c. pecans
1/2 c. bourbon
3 premade refridgerated pie shells

Blend all ingredients together except chocolate chips and pecans. Divide chocolate chips and pecans into 3 unbaked pie shells. Then pour in the filling and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until firm.

Crayon Love

2006-11-17T20:07:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else love crayons like I do? The cracking open of a new box, the points all so neatly and evenly aligned, the rainbow of possibility just sitting there, waiting to be used?

I can't draw for shit, but I do love me some crayons.

Thankfully, Oscar is a fantastic artist and will at times spend hours with his crayons, drawing circles and other abstract shapes.

He gets his love of crayons from me.

What the H*ll is a Helping Verb?

2006-11-16T18:12:00.000-06:00

There is something I've been wondering about and maybe you could help me out.

How many of you can name all the helping verbs? What about actually defining what the helping verb does in a sentence? And can you tell me if a helping verb ever be anything else?

I try to believe every day that what I am teaching my students is applicable to their lives in the "real" world*.

And yet at times, I think, gosh, will they really ever have to know or even understand what a helping verb is?

Do you use helping verbs in your daily life? I mean, with actual conscious thought and purpose? Maybe if you are an editor or a writer** or a language arts teacher. But for everyone else in this world, is it really all that important that you are able to recite the helping verbs to the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down?"

Seriously. Is it?

*I refer to the world we all live in here, not the MTV reality show "Real World."

**I asked a writer I know and they weren't quite sure what they are either.

Excuses, Excuses

2006-11-15T16:37:00.000-06:00

I tell my students first thing that I don't want to hear any excuses. I want to hear solutions, people! If you forgot your homework on the kitchen counter, I want to hear that you called your grandma and she is bringing it to you. If you don't have a pencil, I want to see you borrowing one from my magical drawer of pencils. If your dog ate your narrative essay, I want you write a new essay about what happened and I want you to turn it in on time.

And yet today, I have neither excuse or solution for my problem of not being able to come up with some sort of interesting/unique/dynamic/life changing and/or affirming post.

Except this one.

My excuse: I. Am. Tired.

That's it.

My solution: See you tomorrow!

Mmmm...books

2006-11-14T19:13:00.000-06:00

We read a ton around here. Some of our favorites right now are...

This is New York by Miroslav Sasek

Olivia Forms A Band by Ian Falconer

If You Give a Pig a Pancake by by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond

Tomorrow I'll post what Oscar is reading.

I've Bitten Off More Than I Can Chew

2006-11-13T15:33:00.000-06:00

I have big plans for this week. Here are just a few things on my to do list:

1. Host fundraiser at local pizza place (expected turn out of two to three hundred people)
2. Make a bunch of stuff for the craft sale at school
3. Blog every day for NaBloPoMo
4. Get in another 10,000 words for NaNoWriMo
5. Edit the 22,000 words I've written so far
6. Give a presentation at work
7. Clean up the pile (and I mean, PILE) of stuff that has gathered on the floor of our bedroom
8. Get a haircut
9. Cooking Club Wednesday night

But I think I have bitten off more than I can possibly chew. I may have to lower my expectations. For instance, the PILE will remain a pile until next week when the blessed Thanksgiving holiday break begins. And the presentation, well, it's not gonna be great. I'm still giving the rest of the list a fighting chance. Thankfully, my recipe for cooking club is beyond easy...or I would have had to ask my mom to do the cooking part of cooking club for me. And this little post takes care of #3...at least for today.

So, what's on your list this week?

Oh, Baby

2006-11-12T18:47:00.000-06:00

My new little nephew and the crop of pregnant ladies at school have me thinking about the days when my wee one was itty, bitty and tiny. This is one of my favorite pics of us when he was newly arrived. It is a rare glimpse of me sent out to blogland. And I just love how he is looking at me.

Man, they do grow up fast, don't they?

Go There Now!

2006-11-11T13:57:00.000-06:00

Here are some sites/blogs that I am loving right now...

Free Spirit This fantastic site belongs to Free Spirit Fine Quilting Fabric. Not only do they have a fabric gallery for perusing and a nifty way to make a list of your favorite fabrics to print and take to the fabric store, they also have a bounty of incredible quilt patterns...for free!

Hello My Name is Heather Everytime I visit Miss Heather's blog, my mind is blown. Beautiful colors, beautiful photos...and now, a beautiful line of fabric which will be available at a shop near you soon! Her fabric is distributed through Free Spirit (see above.)

Vincent Shoes Everyone needs shoes, right? If your little ones need something for their little feet, this is the place to go for the sweetest, smartest and most fashionable shoes.

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone has time for a nap!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2006-11-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it is not snowing yet, but someone I know is ready for it.

I am aware that some of you are dreading the snow. And some of you won't see a flake this winter (unless it is the person you are dating or a bad case of dandruff) and you are wishing for a white non-secular holiday. I am ready for some snow because if it has to be cold, it could, at the very least, look a little more like a winter wonderland outside. I am sick of the brown grass and the leafless trees and the orange snow fences patiently waiting to be covered by the glistening flaky stuff.

Bring it on, I say. Bring it on!

17,107

2006-11-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

The first person who correctly guesses what the above number is will win a prize.

Happy guessing!

Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific!

2006-11-08T21:25:00.000-06:00

Have you ever sniffed yourself repeatedly because you just smelled so darn good? If you have, I'd love to know more. Because that was the theme of my day...self-sniffing.

The title of my post is the thought that kept running through my head today. I was at an out-of-town conference. It was my first overnight trip away from Oscar ever. While the conference itself was interesting, I would have much rather have spent my time writing or crafting or simply staring blankly into space.

The one truly bright spot of my day came in the form of a shampoo bottle. Or rather its vehicle was a shampoo bottle.

If you stay at a Hilton (which I did) and if you shower at a Hilton (at, not with, and I did) then you too can smell as glorious as I do right now. You see, they stock their lovely marble, yes MARBLE! bathrooms with La Source products.

And so as I was sitting in my chair at the conference, I found myself again and again twisting my hair up and then taking a sniff. I'm fairly sure people think I am a bit odd to begin with. The hair sniffing may have cemented this thought permanently into their minds.

But, gee, my hair really does smell terrific!

Words I Love to Hate

2006-11-07T13:13:00.000-06:00

(in no particular order)

davenport
moist
slick
slacks
moist
flesh

What words do you hate?

Four

2006-11-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1) Jailer
2) Pizza Delivery Personnel
3) Chanel make up artist
4) Scrapbook instructor

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1) Drop Dead Fred
2) The one where Joaquin Phoenix is busted for drugs in Thailand and Vince Vaughn takes a bath with Anne Heche
3) Amelie
4) Sleepless in Seattle (corny, I know)

Four places I have lived:
1) Wadena, MN
2) Seattle, WA
3) St. Paul, MN
4) Fargo, ND

Four TV Shows I love to watch:
1) Brothers and Sisters (love it!)
2) The Bachelor
3) Any cooking show on PBS
4) ER

Four places I have been on vacation
1) Florida
2) New York City
3) Italy
4) Amsterdam

Four of my favorite foods
1) guacamole and salty chips
2) dark chocolate
3) Triscuits and Laughing Cow cheese
4) tomato, mozzarella and basil on fresh crusty bread

Four places I would rather be right now.
1) In bed, sleeping.
2) Playing with Oscar and Brady.
3) Sewing or creating something with my hands.
4) On a beach somewhere warm with a book and a drink.

It's 54 degrees outside! In November! In North Dakota!

2006-11-05T14:18:00.000-06:00

That's really all I've got to say.

Enjoy the weather!

Update: It's 64 degrees outside!

Give Us a Kiss Bye-Bye

2006-11-04T16:46:00.000-06:00

Today we made what will probably be our final visit to the zoo until springtime. We said goodbye to the goats, the cow, the big horse, the little horse, the llamas, the camels, the pig (who has no manners at all,) the red pandas, the Russian red-headed squirrels, the takins, the ducks, the porcupines, and the prairie dogs. The zoo has given us a great amount of pleasure this last year. It is the perfect size for us and we can visit for half an hour or half a day and enjoy ourselves.

So until next spring, zoo! Stay warm! And here's a big kiss from the cow.

What I Learned in School This Week

2006-11-03T20:51:00.000-06:00

1. Most 7th graders believe that homeless people are dirty old men who are boozers that love free Taco Bell meals and making cardboard signs.
2. Technology isn't really here to help us. It is here to make us insane.
3. Kids don't care how many times and how nicely you ask them to take their hats off in school. They are still going to forget (read: ignore) this rule every single day until they see you and hear you politely ask them to take it off. Then they will take it off until they think you can't see them. Students will even act as though you are invisible and that they are deaf to avoid removing their hats.
4. Exclamation points are cool!!!!!!!!!
5. Candy wrappers can magically materialize out of thin air, without any assistance from a human being.
6. Math facts are fun. I know this because it is Multiplication Month.

And yet, I will return on Monday, ready to teach, ready to make them laugh and learn and think about their worlds.

Enjoy your weekend!

What I Ate for Lunch

2006-11-02T20:48:00.000-06:00

Ok, so the cardinal sin of blogging is to talk about what one has consumed for lunch. But I just have to share what my classic hot lunch line meal was today.

For a starter, there were rubbery slices of cucumber, served in a cup that you might also use to dispense medications in a hospital. That was followed by a main course of reconstituted mashed potato flakes covered in a turkey-flavored gravy. The chefs take great care in counting out the cubes of pressed turkey so that each diner has the same gastrointestinal experience. The meal was finished with a Styrofoam cup of strawberry ice cream. All served on the finest Styrofoam tray and eaten with white plastic dinnerware.

Fine dining, people. Fine dining. I invite you all to come and have lunch with me.

National Blog Posting Month Kick Off

2006-11-01T11:16:00.000-06:00

So, Fussy got me all fired up to get on the NaBloPoMo bandwagon and so here is my first post! Check out the link on the right to find out more about who is participating and how to get involved.

Today's journal topic for my seventh graders was "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?" Since I made them write about this topic, I thought I might chime in myself.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I wouldn't choose anywhere exotic. Sure, I want to travel to places like India and France and Belize and Portugal. But where I'd really like to go, right now, is Seattle. Lately I am nostalgic for my West Coast home. I miss the weight of the air, the ocean just blocks from my back door, the parks, the people. I miss the temperate climate, the lack of bugs and wind and the cool mist on my face in the morning. I miss fresh seafood in the food court at the mall and that big beautiful mountain in my rearview mirror.

I'd love to take Brady and Oscar there for a visit. Our finances make it impossible to do right now, but sometime, and I hope sometime soon, I want to show them why I love Seattle.

If a seventh grader can do it, so can you...where would you go and why?

Tagged

2006-10-28T12:15:00.000-06:00

I was tagged by Jennifer over at Languishing ...so here goes!

9 Lasts --
9.] last place you were: Qdoba with Oscar for lunch. Or as he says, "Doba, unch."
8.] last banana split: A month or two. Next one...tonight!
7.] last beverage: Diet Coke and water (I've always got to have two drinks going.)
6.] last movie watched: "The Devil Wears Prada."
5.] last phone call: Brady
4.] last song played: Something off of The Weepies CD which is in the player in the car right now.
3.] last BUBBLE bath: Too long ago.
2.] last time you cried: I choked up a bit yesterday when Oscar was sick. I hate to see my baby suffer any kind of discomfort.
1.] last TV show watched: 1 or 100

8 have you evers --
8.] have you ever dated someone twice: Yes.
7.] have you ever been cheated on: Yes. I just take comfort in the fact that karma is gonna kick their ass.
6.] have you ever kissed someone: Yes.
5.] have you ever kissed someone you regret: Yes.
4.] have you ever fallen in love: Yes.
3.] have you ever lost someone: Yes.
2.] have you ever been depressed: Yes.
1.] have you ever been drunk and thrown up: Yes.

That batch of questions made me feel like I was playing truth or dare at an 8th grade slumber party.

7 famous people you'd like to hang out with --
7.] David Letterman
6.] Conan O'Brien
5.] Neko Case
4.] Audrey Hepburn (when she was alive)
3.] Fiona Apple
2.] Sarah Jessica Parker
1.] Bill Clinton

6 things you've done today --
6.] Danced with Oscar.
5.] Bought my sister a breast pump at Target.
4.] Doba, unch.
3.] Played with Oscar and his new baby doll named Oscar.
2.] Procrastinated in regards to the 75 narrative essays I need to grade.
1.] Kissed my nephew.

5 people you can tell pretty much anything to --
5.] Brady
4.] Heidi
3.] Tina
2.] Sunshine
1.] My sister

4 favorite colors --
4.] red
3.] gray
2.] turquoise
1.] chocolate brown

3 things you want to do before you die --
3.] Travel to many foreign lands with Brady and Oscar.
2.] Add another person to our little family.
1.] Publish a novel.

2 favorite ice cream flavors --
2.] chocolate
1.] chocolate

1 job you wanted as a kid --
1.] Singer or trial lawyer

I tag everyone!

Oh Baby!

2006-10-22T17:04:00.000-06:00

My new nephew has arrived. His stats are: 9 lbs 3.5 oz, 20.5 inches long and a mop of black hair. He was born on Tuesday night at 5:42 pm after a day of long labor and finally, a c-section. My sister was a trooper and is doing fine as are baby and daddy!

Of course, my baby needed to remind everyone that he is still funny and adorable. We found him in his new cousin's room,sitting in the baby's papasan chair. What a nut!

In crafty news, I am preparing for a slew of goodies to go up in my Etsy shop in the next couple of days. Expect to see some vintage trim, some cool vintage crewel kits, some soft new little buddies and other goodies for you and for the holidays!

Full Moon Crazy

2006-10-14T20:19:00.000-06:00

The last ten days of my life have consisted of:
Writing and memorizing a ten-minute monologue
Dressing up and doing a performance as a woman from the 1890's
Driving four hours, doing said performance, turning around and driving four hours in a snowstorm
Lecturing on the six traits of writing four times a day for five days
Attending a retreat with 100 very active 13-year-olds
Shopping for and buying two winter coats, one that will have to be returned
Experiencing the first biting cold and snowfall of the season (see above)
And many other things too numerous and mundane to mention here...

But most of all, I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for my sister and her husband to officially make me the auntie to their little wee pumpkin. There have been contractions and dilation and effacing and yet, no baby. I can't wait to meet the little tiny miracle that will be my newest relation.

And so we wait...

Lean, Green Cleaning Machine

2006-10-02T18:54:00.000-06:00

Oscar loves doing chores around the house...especially cleaning. And we hate to get in the way of such a thing. But we don't want him cleaning and scrubbing and mopping with just any old mix of chemicals and yuck. We've found some great "green" cleaning options that don't pollute our rivers and streams and yet do lather and get things squeaky clean.

Some of our favorite green options include method and goodnest which can be be purchased at most Target stores. My favorites are probably the method tub+tile spray (yummy minty fresh scent that lingers in the air) and the goodnest dish shop in plum grapefruit (if you have to dishes, it might as well smell like a fruit smoothie!)

A few other green options for cleaning supplies include Caldrea, Mrs. Meyers and Seventh Generation.

So if your little ones (or you for that matter) like to clean as much as my little clean and green thumb, at least you can feel good knowing no one is licking up Comet and Ajax residue.

P.S. Don't forget to recycle your empty bottles!

The Spatulettes

2006-09-28T13:32:00.000-06:00

Once a month, I get together with a lovely group of ladies and we share recipes, eat great food and chat. Topics covered range from diaper rash to first dates to crafting. We are a fun mix with a few teachers, a few stay-at-home moms, a pediatrician and an optometrist and some marketing gurus. We call ourselves "The Spatulettes."

The "theme" this month was Mexican food and it was all delicious! One thing I brought was guacamole. Here is my fail-safe recipe. It is fast, easy and a great way to repurpose all those tomatoes you have from the garden that won't be made into salsa or spaghetti sauce.

Guacamole

6 ripe avocados, skinned and pit removed, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
1 bunch of cilantro, stems removed and chopped
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons of salt
2 limes or lemons

Place the avocados, tomatoes, onion and cilantro into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with half of the salt and all of the black pepper. Stir well. Squeeze the lime or lemon over the mixture and then sprinkle with the remainder of the salt. If you are going to serve immediately, mix well and place in the serving dish. If you are going to refrigerate it, wait to stir until serving. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh veggies or pita bread triangles.

You can also spice the recipe up by adding a tablespoon or two of garlic or stirring in a can of diced jalapenos.

Enjoy!

Repurposed Germs

2006-09-26T11:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the germy middle-schoolers I spend my days with, I have been the proud owner of a lovely sickness for the last week. Now I've had students with stuffy noses, runny noses, sore throats, aches and pains, fevers, and chest-ripping coughs. I've taken all of their symptoms and repurposed them into my own brand of sick. I've got a scratchy throat, watery eyes, and the sneezes. Being under the weather is yucky. I'm sick (literally and figuratively) of blowing my nose, clearing my throat and the constant ringing in my left ear.

This is one case where I don't condone or recommend recycling, reusing or repurposing.

Ahhh-chooo!

Excuse me.

Red and Aqua Swap

2006-09-22T13:07:00.000-06:00

So, I participated in yet another swap this month. Red and aqua were the theme colors and I had such an enjoyable time rounding things up and making goodies to send to my swap partner. A list of the things I sent include:
1. pouch using Kaffe Fasset fabric and vintage broadcloth
2. jewelry roll with vintage broadcloth and wool felt
3. earrings, pin and extremely cool bracelet made from vintage turquoise and new beads
4. assorted papers
5. some cool little poppy embellishments
6. assorted trims in red and aqua
7. some darling little note cards
8. three of my favorite fabrics in reds and aquas
9. other assorted goodies

I just have so much fun doing swaps. I take great pleasure in knowing that the people I am sending stuff to are getting majorly spoiled. If anyone is up for a swap, let me know. I'd love to spoil you too!

Repurposed People

2006-09-18T20:13:00.000-06:00

Today I was driving home in the rain and I saw some people pulled over on the side of the freeway. It was a wet, cold rain and they were bundled up against the elements. And did I mention, they were on motorcycles? Now, do people just start out their lives as people who ride motorcycles around in the rain in North Dakota? Or does one have to repurpose oneself into a wet motorcycle riding someone?

I have repurposed myself. Many times. In big ways and in little ways. Divorce, haircuts, major moves and minor moves and back again. I have repurposed who I am into something new and different again and again. I've worn a Yamaha snowmobiling jacket and taught yoga (not at the same time, mind you!) My two favorite foods are fried cheese curds and sushi. My wardrobe includes Neil Diamond and Tori Amos concert t-shirts.

I've had the opportunity (and blessing) to be and know the many different forms of me that there are in the world.

I love reading blogs about people who are repurposing their lives. Whether it be a little metamorphosis like growing out their hair or big changes like the trials and triumphs of the whole reproductive process, I am enthralled and amazed and astounded by the repurposing that people do with their own lovely lives.

So for all of you who have moved from one country to another for love or changed your sexual orientation to match the person rather than the contents of someone's pants or parted your hair on the other side or danced like no one was watching when really everyone was...here's to you. And to those of you who take the time to blog about it, to let me into your world, thank you. Thank you.

Afloat on a Sea of Frosting

2006-09-08T20:23:00.000-06:00

Cupcakes. I've been making them for two days. And frosting them for two days. Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower for my sissy-poo and our dessert is looking a little sad. Who knew that frosting cupcakes was so hard? Is there some secret that I just don't know? Did I miss that day in junior high home ec and am I now rendered useless as a froster of cupcakes? Seriously, can anyone let me in on any technique or wrist-flick or magic voodoo that will make my frosting job look less smoosh and more whoosh?

In other news, Oscar loves dressing up like a girl. Earlier this summer, I put him in a dress I'd made from vintage sheets. Lately, he's been tying one on. An apron that is. He loves to put it on and do chores around the house. The kid loves vacuuming, sweeping, wiping up spills, and washing anything that will stay still long enough to be swiped at with a wet dishcloth. Here he is in his great grandmother's apron.

If only he could frost cupcakes...

The Perfect Project

2006-09-04T19:53:00.000-06:00

Quick, simple, fulfilling and of course, useful...the ingredients of a perfect project. Pincushions always fit the bill for me. Here is one that I made from some Kaffe Fassett fabric, some felt I found at the thrift store, and a button from my Great Aunt Myrtle's stash. For a simple and classic pincushion, see here and for a simply amazing and inspirational craft room see here.

Busy, Busy Beaver

2006-08-30T11:27:00.000-06:00

It is workshop time, my little beaver friends. And I am looking forward to having a class full of students and getting down the business of reading and writing.

So for now, repurpose is on a short hiatus. No time for sewing or crafting this week. I will however try to wrangle up some photos of repurposed projects that I haven't shared with you yet. In the meantime, enjoy this. Oh, and you'll definitely want to check out this. I highly recommend it. (Check out the podcasts now and wear your new outfit from Anthropologie to the first show of Season Three at the Ritz on Saturday, September 2.)

Done and Done

2006-08-25T12:18:00.000-06:00

I love making lists. Actually, I love crossing things off of lists. It runs in the family. My mother has been known to write down things after she has done them, just so she can cross them off of her list.

I had several things on my list to do before school officially starts next Tuesday.

Make a new fall purse
Sew a couple of new back-to-school skirts
Work on present for my soon-to-arrive neice or nephew

I can now cross each of these items off of my list. I actually made two bags...the outside is some cool barkcloth I got at Mill End and the lining is a repurposed vintage pillowcase with butterflies.
And this one with a mix of four different fabrics: three vintage reproductions and some of the vintage pillowcase from the first bag.
They are both soft and swingy and I plan to fill them up with knitting needles and yarn to knit scarves to keep everyone toasty this winter.

And I still had time to make another needlebook. It's made with vintage reproduction fabric, wool felt and a vintage button. This one will go in the Etsy shop soon.

Here's to having a productive day!

Goodies (and Ashlee Simpson)

2006-08-23T20:37:00.000-06:00

Stop by and see what is new in my Etsy Shop...

Non Compos Mentis for Tablecloths

2006-08-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

So I love tablecloths. Vintage tablecloths to be exact. So much so that I planned my wedding around them. Seriously. I knew that I wanted to use my collection (and having a reason to shop for more didn't hurt either,) so I went through my stash, found a predominant color theme, and here we are, two years later. As our anniversary was yesterday, indulge me by looking at some of my favorite wedding tablecloth shots. (More shots here.)

Here is a shot of all the tablecloths at the reception beside our house on Grand in St. Paul.

Mmmm....cupcakes and tablecloths. Delicious!
Notice how the food matches the tablecloths.
So what does one do with all of those tablecloths, you ask? Well, one thing I've done is make dishtowels. This works especially well with ones that have pesky stains on them from your wedding guests. I just trim out a dishtowel-sized, stain-free section, hem the sides, add a cute little ribbon hanger and viola! A lovely new dishtowel!

It's a Wristlet World Swap

2006-08-18T20:21:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty sure that my partner has received their wristlet, so I thought I'd post my first try at making one. I was inspired by the swap that African Kelli organized and decided to use some of my favorite fabrics to represent the seasons here in Fargo, North Dakota. The green is for spring, the pink for summer and the brown for fall. The wristlet is lined with soft white batting to represent the snow that covers us for a large chunk of our year. I also used a vintage button (had to repurpose somehow!)

I've made a couple more of these and will be posting them in my etsy shop sometime this weekend.

It's been raining here and it makes me feel like cocoa and cozy sweaters and actually wearing socks. I know fall is around the corner when I choose to put socks on my feet during the day. Just mentioning this longing for autumn will of course bring on a heatwave, so I won't retire my flipflops just yet.

Finding Your Way to Simplicity

2006-08-14T20:47:00.000-06:00

Check out this incredible post on voluntary simplicity over at Worsted Witch.

We can all make a change in our own lives that will ripple out into the world around us. Things like using a handmade tote for your shopping or recycling your yogurt containers in creative ways or buying local make big differences in our lives. And along the way, they change the world, too. Fewer grocery bags clog our landfills, creativity goes out into the universe and local farmers are able to prosper as part of the food chain.

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? But it can also feel like a lot of work or like giving something up. Even as I try to move towards simplicity in my life, I struggle. There are times that I have to have a certain book or CD or pair of shoes. Sometimes I want sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in January. I'm not perfect and I'm never going to be. So, I eat my insalata caprese and I do what I can.

And so can you. You don't have to stop eating seafood because it isn't local and cancel your electricity and stop wearing cute shoes. Pick a few little things and incorporate them into your life. It can be as simple as taking something you already own and repurposing it in a new and creative way. There is great enjoyment to be found in using what you have. And I am getting better at it all the time.

So, I encourage you to give it a try. And let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear about your repurposing adventures as you find your way to simplicity.

History Chicks

2006-08-13T14:28:00.000-06:00

I spent last week being a history geek. As part of a conference on History Day, I got to see the basement of the Minnesota History Center, look through their archives, talk to other history geeks and best of all, I got to go on a field trip that didn't include 140 middle school students.

We went to the Oliver Kelley Farm which is near Elk River, MN. It is the site of the first grange meeting in the United States. Some of you are saying "Grange? What is a grange?" Don't worry, I said the same thing. A grange is a farmers cooperative of sorts. Back in the early pioneer days of Minnesota, farmers banded together to buy equipment, ship their crops, learn farming techniques and build community. They were involved in the women's suffrage movement, and fought for civil rights and fair labor laws. And granges are all about repurposing: sharing resources, using things in new ways, combining efforts to create something new.

While on the farm, I got to wash cucumbers for pickling, harvest gherkins, eat fresh tomatoes and cucumbers off the vine, and thresh oats. On the way out, I saw this sweet lady and her little ones. It reminded me that soon I will be her, with my new flock of students as I start the school year. Hopefully, I can turn some of my kids into history geeks, too!

Friday WIP

2006-08-10T05:56:00.000-06:00

Two things I am currently working on include: An embroidery project that exemplifies the Red River Valley and setting up and organizing my new sewing space (which also happens to be the closet in the master bedroom.) I had been sewing in the garage, but the heat and the crickets finally got to me. I found this great desk and chair at a furniture store in Fargo called "Restyled." I can't wait to get home from our little retreat and start organizing.

From Beatlemania to Business Man

2006-08-08T19:48:00.000-06:00

My baby's curls are gone. This is what happens when you let Daddy have the baby while you go shopping with your nieces. Daddy takes baby to the zoo and baby gets his first major "ouch" (as he calls it) when he falls and scrapes half of his knee off. Daddy then takes baby to the hair place and has all of baby's hair cut off. Daddy then surprises Mommy with all this news, making her cry at the mall.

He does look pretty cute with his business man haircut though, doesn't he?

One Year Ago Today

2006-08-05T20:35:00.000-06:00

One year ago today, we closed on our house. The year has gone by so quickly and things have changed so completely. Oscar is no longer a little baby who stays in one spot and mainly sleeps and eats. He is now a very busy and very inquisitive 16-month-old who I love more and more every day (who knew my heart could stretch this much?)

Our house has also changed dramatically. Much of that is due to my husband's discerning eye and to my family's ladders, babysitting services and labor. Without our families, we would still have that horrendous light fixture and beige walls. So thanks for all the hours spent painting, wiring, answering questions and occupying Oscar. And when would be a convenient time for you to help us install the tile and the hardwood floors?

Notice the light fixture over the dining area? Sold at a recent garage sale for $10. So you can forget about asking for it. Sorry to crush your dreams. Everything was beige or a sort of sandstone color when we moved in. Nothing is now. Even the inside of the coat closet has been painted a gorgeous bright red.

This is a bit of an off-center shot, but it showcases Oscar's love of ceiling fans and shows many of the changes we've made. It truly has become our home sweet home.

In My Ears and On My Nightstand

2006-08-03T20:58:00.000-06:00

What you need to be reading now is "The New Crewel: Exquisite Designs in Contemporary Embroidery" by Katherine Shaughnessy. I love, love, love this book. It is cool, modern, funky and so, so easy to understand. I've got at least six projects started using Katherine's incredible designs. Don't be surprised if you receive something lovely from this book (or the book itself) from me for the holidays.

"Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" by Neko Case. Oh, Neko. How you make me long for a lonely night and an unrequited love. If you love songs about rusty knives and John the Baptist, this CD is for you.

Modern Patchwork

2006-08-01T20:31:00.000-06:00

Looking for the latest in patchwork fashion? Look no further. Found recently at the local thrift store, this gem of a book is full of bright, fun and "modern" patchwork. Strangely enough, the color scheme is the same as a quilt I am working on for Oscar. Perhaps I should use the fabric to make myself a new back to school skirt.

Instead, I think I'll make a cool new t-shirt like the brilliant one here from the lovely Wise Craft to add to my stash of back to school clothes. And one for Oscar, too. I think everyone needs back to school clothes. And this is a fun way to create something unique. I'm going to do it with an image from one of O's favorite books. Just trace the outline, cut it out of a cute fabric, fusible web it to the garment and stitch around. Blair at WC also makes the most perfect handbags on the planet and I am hoping we see some in her etsy shop soon. I think I may need one for my back to school pile.

Speaking of stitching around, tomorrow is another d-day for me. Or should I say e(embroidery)-day. Those crafty folks over at Wee Wonderfuls will be putting the adorable Stitchettes into the shop at twelve noon, Chicago time. I've got three alarms set and a stern warning into B that he'd better remind me or else. I just have to have them. I've got a long car trip coming up and nothing would make me happier than having these ladies along for the ride. So cross your fingers for me. And get one for yourself while you are at it!

Simon's Pals: Veronica and Samson

2006-07-28T20:15:00.000-06:00

Simon asked if he could invite some guests for the weekend. I couldn't say no, what with all the begging and pleading that went on. They arrived late last night and thankfully are a bit more polite than our dear Simon. They even made their own bed this morning.

No more pencils, no more books, no more student's dirty looks!

2006-07-26T06:49:00.000-06:00

Summer school is officially over! So now our summer vacation actually starts! I can play with Oscar, make stuff, do swaps and generally lounge around. Until the 6th when I go to a conference. But until then, it is gonna be one big lazy party at my house. Feel free to stop by!

If you are looking for me, I'll be floating in a chair attached to the other end of this.

Simon Says

2006-07-23T20:05:00.000-06:00

Simon moved in over the weekend and Simon says that he NEEDS the big bedroom and he NEEDS a bath drawn for him each night and he MUST have Laughing Cow cheese wedges or he WILL JUST DIE. He's bossy and a bit dramatic, but he's also pretty darn cute. So we are letting him stay...for now.

(This is adapted from an original drawing of mine. She/he can be a bear or a bunny, depending on the end you have up. I hope to post a free pattern of her/him soon for all to use and enjoy. If I can fiqure out how to make it happen, that is. Until then, if you MUST have a Simon* pattern, just drop me a note with your name and mailing address to repurpose(at)gmail(dot)com and I'd be happy to send one on the way to you, pronto.)

*Let it be noted that I cannot guarantee that your Simon will not take over your life and home. Nor can I guarantee that your Simon will enjoy Laughing Cow cheese wedges.)

Everybody Needs These

2006-07-21T13:50:00.000-06:00

Here is something that everybody needs. These ultra-cool, easy-to-clean, fun-to-look-at recycling bags are available over at dwr.com. They have velcro on the sides that keeps them stuck together and they have little pockets on the front that tell you what goes inside (or you can have your little people do custom drawings for each recycling category.)

Seriously people. Get these. Save the Earth and be stylish too. And all for only $22 plus shipping.

Meet me at the Hobby Hollow

2006-07-19T19:36:00.000-06:00

I found this super cool macrame' book that is geared towards kids at the new ARC Thrift Store in town. The projects are totally 70's and the little girl in the book is very excited to be doing macrame'. It also has little "bead guys" that help teach you how to macrame'.

Seeing this book and the groovy photo of the craft shop inside made me think back to the days when I had a entire craft store just three doors down from my house. Growing up, the Hobby Hollow was run out of a basement on my block. It was a full-fledged craft store, with thousands of skeins of yarn, fabric, every color of pom-pom and plastic bead imaginable and a bell on the door that made that tinkling sound as you entered to go down the long steep stairs to craft paradise. Sure, there was a big Ben Franklin downtown with a whole lot more fabric and a whole lot more room, but there was just something magical about that basement filled with possibilities.

Is the Hobby Hollow still in business? Sadly, I do not know. I know that it thrived back in the 70's and 80's when my mother and I shopped there. The bell would be tinkling away as I searched for the perfect color of yarn for my latest latchhook project.

That is sort of what all this Internet-world-crafting stuff is like. All the online shops are all little "Hobby Hollow" shops, trying to get their bells tinkling. And sure, people can go to the local Ben Franklin or wherever and get what they need. But are they really satisfied? Are we (and can we be) as inspired by the big box stuff as we are when we buy something from an actual someone? I'm not sure.

I know I can find what I need at the local craft giant. But does the atmosphere make me feel the way the "Hobby Hollow" did? No. No matter how great the selection is or the price, it still will never hold the same charm. And is there a tinkling bell on the door? I don't think so.

the weekend ends and my etsy shop is up

2006-07-16T19:49:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday night everyone! I am trying to be positive about the end of my weekend...tomorrow it is back to teaching summer school. Ugh.
I did have a very productive weekend though. Lots of works in progress has been finished and some of them have made their way into my etsy shop. Here is a sneak peak at a few things I listed this weekend. vintage button on a bag
something for the kitchen
vintage wooden button

Lovey-doveys

2006-07-14T19:38:00.000-06:00

These lovey-doveys found their way into a bush in the front of our house via an old pair of flannel pants and some vintage buttons. Let me know if you'd like one of them to migrate to your house in exchange for some little birdie goodie from you.

Brought to you by the letter "b"

2006-07-12T06:44:00.000-06:00

Here are some things I am loving that start with the letter "b":
1. my husband, B
2. Boggler
3. babies
4. beluga whales
5. blue cheese
6. Bliss
7. bookworms
8. The Black Apple

and things I could do without:

1. bats (the scary-flying kind)
2. banana-flavored candies
3. beards (both the kind you wear on your face* and the Katie Holmes kind)
4. botulism
5. bigots and bullies
6. blisters

Feel free to add your own likes and dislikes in regards to the letter "b" in the comments section!

*This excludes S.G.'s lovely chin tresses.

Meet Penelope!

2006-07-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

As promised in an earlier post, here is Penelope, Beatrice's younger sister. Penelope loves cooking (her specialties are homemade pizza and bran muffins) and following fashion. While Beatrice gardens, Penelope likes to read the latest issue of Lucky.
Penelope enjoys Starbucks Skinny Mocha Frappacinos, reading in bed, and going to matinees. She despises gaucho pants, white shoes and rude people.

The Best Thing I've Ever Made

2006-07-06T20:33:00.000-06:00

Some photos of my favorite (and best) creation.

Sitting in a hole. Cause that is what you do with a hole in the ground...you sit in it. Duh.

This is the zoo. They have hand sanitizer at the zoo. Who cares about the goats? Let's play with the hand sanitizer.

Seriously, this better be important. Cause I was hammering.

Meet Beatrice!

2006-07-03T20:27:00.000-06:00

Here is the newest member of our family, Beatrice. She comes to us via WeeWonderfuls, and was lovingly made from their Kitty, Bunny and Bear Put-Together Book. It was easy and fun to create, and made me feel magically delicious and smart all at once!

Beatrice loves playing piano, gardening and bedtime stories. She especially enjoys cuddling up with Oscar for a nice afternoon nap and that is why she is wearing only her pajamas, rather than the fancy outfits available to her via the pattern book. Look for Beatrice's well-dressed sister, Penelope, to hit this blog soon!

The Things We Keep

2006-07-02T19:33:00.000-06:00

I've been helping my sister and my brother-in-law get settled into their new place and in the process, I've been thinking about the things we collect in life. Why do we hold onto some things long past their prime and what makes us have such strong feelings about objects?

As I put away my sister's collection of Cabbage Patch Kids (circa 1985,) I started thinking about what we keep and why. Do we hold onto things because it reminds us of our youth? Are we squirreling things away to enjoy in our old age? Do we really need that prom dress or the homemade tree ornaments or the napkin from our cousin's wedding? Seriously, do we need them? In many ways, what we keep is a snapshot of who we are...if I didn't know my sister, I would have a pretty good picture of who she is, just from looking at her belongings. Maybe we keep things as a way of keeping former selves?

So what do you have lurking in your closets or cupboards or storage units that say something about who you are? Here are three things you would find at my house that may not get pulled out on a daily basis, but that I keep because they are meaningful to me.

The first thing you would find if you went into my kitchen cupboards is my collection of old glassware. It all started when my grandmother passed away. As we cleaned out her house, I found an incredible assortment of beautiful pieces. I have no fond memories of using them as a child, but I do enjoy imagining that once my dad sat at the breakfast table drinking juice from some of them. I've used them as centerpieces and most often, as vases. Very seldom have they ever held a drink. Here is a photo of a few of my favorites. What does this say about me? That I like glassware? That I yearn for a simpler time when people drank reasonably-sized portions of beverages?

Next is a cookbook that I have hijacked from my mother. (Please don't tell her I have it, as it is one of my favorite things and I don't want to give it back.) It is The Victory Garden Cookbook by Marian Morash and it is not only lovely to look at, with its overflowing baskets of produce and shots of the author working in her garden, it is chock full of recipes for every kind of fruit, vegetable and herb under the sun. Need an idea of what to do with the six hundred pounds of zucchini, look in this book. Want to know how to make Lacy Jerusalem Artichoke Pancakes? Look in this book. Now, I would love to say that I use this book every day to make healthy and delicious meals for my family. But the truth is, I mainly just like to browse through it with good intentions. If someone found this amongst my cookbooks, what would they think? Does this make me a hippie-earth mother (because deep down, I sort of am?) Did I actually make the Lacy Jerusalem Artichoke Pancakes?

Finally, here is a shot of my grandmother's Hawaiian dress from a vacation she took there (I think it must have been in the 70's.) Would someone find this amongst my things and think I'd been to Hawaii? Would they wonder why I decided to go with such a bright mix of colors? I've never even tried this dress on and it stays hanging in the back of my closet. But I don't want to let it go. It reminds me the everyone has a story.

My grandmother, who I did not know well, loved to travel. She went to several interesting places in her life and always brought back something beautiful to remember those places. Sometimes it was fabric or a some piece of local art. I found this dress amongst her things when we cleaned out her house. Surely she kept it as a reminder of a special time in her life. Perhaps what makes it even more memorable is the photo that I found of her wearing the dress. She is smiling as she is greeted by a hunky Hawaiian man wearing little more than a loincloth. Everyone has moments and memories that are precious to them and sometimes a person's things can tell us what those memories are.

So, I'm not sure what all my stuff says about me, but I do know that what we keep says something about who we are. What do your things say about you?

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Sponsored by the Letter A)

2006-06-29T08:04:00.001-06:00

Some things I love that begin with the letter A:
1. asparagus
2. antiques
3. authors: Aimee Bender, Amy Tan and Amy Bloom
4. aardvarks
5. acorns
6. Aimee Mann and AC/DC
7. Abominable Snowman (or Abomy as he is called at my house)
8. acrylic paint
9. adoption

And a few things I dislike that start with the letter A:

1. adult acne
2. adultery
3. acrylic fabric
4. algebra

I'd love it if you would share your letter A lists with me.

Fabulous Find

2006-06-26T21:56:00.000-06:00

A quick note on the lovely fabric in my header. It was a find at the Shady Hollow Flea Market on Sunday (isn't that a great name?!) There were lots of interesting folks to see, lots of junk to sort through and this incredible deal. Ten dollars for a finished quilt top. The pattern is called "drinking glass" (or so I was told by the vendor.) I like it so much that I may not be able to actually cut it and use it for anything repurposed. It may end up being an actual quilt.

Getting the fabric to my page was an adventure unto itself. Thanks to my mom for the use of her scanner and her patience. Thanks to B for the design work.

I've been repurposing like crazy and gathering goodies to set up shop at Etsy. I hope you'll stop back soon!

New digs

2006-06-25T17:07:00.000-06:00

First off, thanks to my sweetie for the new site design. His original photography, keen eye for color and html talent have really spiffed things up around here.

So since we have new digs here at repurpose, I got to thinking about our actual dwelling place. We moved in just under a year ago and have been remodeling, painting, and rearranging ever since. It seems like an endless process and if I am at all like my mother, it will be. She is constantly updating and changing her home. That is what keeps it fresh and new. Some people buy a new seasonal wardrobe, but in my family you buy paint and tile.

One of the best things we've done is on one of our living room walls. B saw a similar idea in a magazine and we adapted it for our needs. It is actually quite simple, but makes a major impact on our huge walls, which are 17 feet high.

It is thrifted frames (most cost between $2- $5) and fabric from Kaffe Fasset, who is one of my favorite designers.

Thrifted Towels: Icky or chic?

2006-06-12T20:40:00.000-06:00

I have a penchant for thrifted towels. For some reason, I gravitate towards linens when it comes to thrifting and garage-saleing. The sheets that have been washed a million times, the towels in bright colors that have softened over the years of wiping off other peoples' bodies. Ok, this is the gross part. For some reason, I can't get past the fact (no matter how many hot wash cycles in my machine) that people have wiped their parts with my new fabulous find. So I have stacks of lovely towels and sheets and nothing to do with them, except of course, stare longingly.

Until now. I've been mulling over what to do with all the household linens I've rummaged over the years. And my idea is practical, useful and a true repurposing. Feast your eyes on my latest creation: The Towel Bag!

Now, I know that others have gone before me. But I must say that I took great satisfaction in sitting down to my sewing machine and whipping out a new bag in under an hour. The sewing is simple, the design is simple and the outcome is...well, you decide.

If you want to try and make one of these bags for yourself, here are some directions.

Take any old towel. Pull one out of your closet, stop by the local thrift store or buy one off of the lady down the street during her yard sale. Wash the towel. Fold the towel in half with the side that you want facing out when you are finished together (right sides together.) Sew a seam down each side. While the bag is still inside out, take each corner of the bottom and pull it out so it is a point. Sew about three inches in, making what now looks like a triangle. (Here's a photo...sorry about the quality...my photographer had to go to Barnes and Noble.)

Turn the bag right side out. Measure across the top of your bag from seam to seam. Divide by three. Measure in that amount and put in an extra-large eyelet. (I used the Dritz brand of extra-large eyelets from JoAnn Fabrics. You can buy a set that has instructions and the tool you need to set your eyelet.) Now measure in the same amount from the other side and put in another eyelet. Repeat on the other side of the bag. Cut two strips of a medium- to heavy-weight grossgrain ribbon to the desired length. I used 38" of ribbon for each strap. Thread one end through an eyelet from the outside of the bag. Make a knot. Thread through the other eyelet and knot.

You can put a piece of something sturdy on the bottom of your bag if you want. I used a piece of heavy plastic that I cut out of an old notebook cover.

Fill with summer goodies, slip over your arm and enjoy!

P.S. Olivia by Ian Falconer as a wonderful beach read.

Organic Gardening with Thirteen-Year Olds

2006-05-24T12:13:00.000-06:00

On Monday, I had the pleasure of going to a local organic farm and planting a garden with a group of 7th graders. We planted potatoes, corn, squash, beans and some trees to protect the shoreline of the river. We ate organic popcorn, saw a NASA weather station and learned organic techniques for pest control and weed control. We also took home armloads of lilacs which are my favorite!

One of the coolest things we did was plant "three sisters" plantings. You take corn, beans and squash and plant them all in the same hole. This traditional Cherokee planting method allows the corn to grow high, the beans to use the corn as a climbing wall and the squash provides ground cover. I plan to use this method when I plant a garden with my parents this weekend.

Gardening is such a wonderful way to get in touch with nature. My hands were dirty, the sun was hot and all of my muscles were getting worked. The kids had a great time, although I think for some of them, it was their first time doing any physical labor.

Being at the organic farm made me think about all the ways we use and abuse our environment. We spray our lawns with chemicals, we eat pretty food that is shiny and colorful because of the pesticides that have been pumped into them, we worry about how big our car is or how to keep our homes at a temperature at odds with the world outside. Organic is uncomfortable at times. Taking care of the Earth for future generations is not easy or simple. But it is worth it.

Lovely pussywillows

2006-05-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

This is a shot of some pussywillows from my mother's yard in a vintage glass that belonged to my grandmother. I love the blue, etchy feeling of the glass and the softness of the pussywillows. I have tons of these juice glasses and rarely find a way to use them. This seems to be a keeper, as even my design-minded husband approves.

Repurpose: adapt for use in a different purpose

2006-04-12T18:26:00.000-06:00

Inspired by all the wonderful creating going on at various sites around the blog world, I brainstormed (with the help of my smart and wordy husband) and decided it was time to enter the blogging world as a repurposer of sorts. I will share goodies I've created staying true to the idea of repurposing. I will share links to other cool repurposing people. I will share ideas/thoughts/brainstorms about how to use what we have rather than simply wanting more and more.

As I think about my young son, I also think about a world for him that is full of joy. And clean drinking water. I saw Jane Elliott of the famous blue eyes/brown eyes lesson and she kept saying she was angry and she was going to do something about it. Here was this pint-sized, 65+ year old woman who was doing something to change the world. What was I doing? I have good intentions about so many things and yet back it up with little action. Here is my calling, here is my chance. I must embrace this opportunity.

Let the repurposing begin!