It's Back!!!

My oxygen generator is back where it belongs!!! Yeeah! That's the good news. I won't be able to put it to use until we get back from the ocean. That's the bad news.

Summer is coming to a close soon and you can feel it in the air. Just a bit of a nip. Band camp is this week and registration for the high school will be the week after we get back. All the boys are feeling a bit nervous about going back but they are always glad after that initial first day is over. So am I, for that matter.

I'm taking some clay (and yarn) with me to the ocean. We'll see how far I get with creating. We spend A LOT of time at the beach, the river, the pool and the play ground (depending on the weather) and I try to get a bit of reading in too, while I'm there. I read a lot at home but it's more of a self educational purpose, except for the books I hide in the bathroom. Those are the ones I read at the beach.......Nora Roberts, Dean Koontz and a few others.

Also on the home front we are working on a serious diet change. Less red meat and meat in general and more veggies, fruit, whole grains and fish. I have been trying to stay along this track for awhile and can easily cross the line into complete vegan but the boys (all of them) are another story. However Jimmy hasn't been feeling all that great these days and has decided it's time to change his diet a bit. I have been gently suggesting this for years but, of course, he has to see some show on Discovery or the Science channel to finally convince him that it might be a good idea...Oy! Anyway a week at the beach is a good time to start and since Dakota has also been thinking about nutrition (he wants to run track this year) he said that if I change "all" the food in the house, that they really won't have a choice one way or the other. Damn smart thinking for a 14 year old! So here we go and we'll see how much resistance I meet after a week or so : -D

The $5 Bouquet & A Spinning Wheel

The local Farmer's Market has a wonderful assortment of bouquets for $5 and up from several farms. As you can see they are well worth the $5. The hardest part is picking one.

After a couple of adjustments the spinning wheel is done. Yeah! Now I just have to learn how to use it. The yarn that's on it now is actually a regular store bought skein that I'm using to get the feel of things. Then I can actually move onto fleece.

My Oxygen generator should be back sometime next week. Double YEAH! I wasn't missing it too much last week when we were in the triple digit temperatures but now we've dipped back down into below normal temps hovering in the upper 60's and low 70's. I'm NOT complaining! I can hardly wait to get back to melting some glass!

My desk is almost done and looks MUCH better than it has in a couple of years. The trick is to keep it somewhat mess free. We'll see how that goes since I'm changing/improving my organizational skills. I've also moved my metal working tools down to the shop to free up space for "other" activities.

On a last note......this is a picture of a cool green moth hanging outside our front door today. Pretty cool, huh.

Re-Arranging My Desk

It's hindering everything else I need to do so it was finally time to bite the bullet and get it done. I know I've posted a couple of times over the last year that I was cleaning my desk. This time I have a specific "idea" in mind. I want to make it more productive space for when the boys are back in school and I need to get things done more effectively. Do you think I can do it? At the same time I'm trying to get my brain in order to function more effectively too. That's harder than the desk, aack!!! So I'm organizing my desk while I try to "train my brain".

On a totally different note.......Jimmy is building me a spinning wheel. I posted about it in my CrochetChar blog but decided I need to make note of it here too. It's too cool and almost finished! Do I know how to use a spinning wheel......no.......but I'm going to be learning.

This is a bit of the progress from the book to the almost finished product......I can hardly wait!!




This is a basic "mock up" of the instructions from the book. Learning the process and taking what he can from the directions. Keep in mind that Jimmy is a skilled wood worker. I was going to work with him on it the first time around but we decided that it would be best if he worked through it once on his own, since he had to figure out the dynamics of it first. I need to get another picture of it now that he's to the point of making bobbins, unfortunately he injured himself yesterday working on it. I wasn't in the shop at the time but something about "bouncing" a piece of wood off his hip and that he can barely walk this morning makes me want to post "Be Careful!" signs around the shop. Now I will have to wait a little longer to try it out....Darn!!!

Triple Digit Weather???

Maybe? That's what is predicted for today so I'm gonna make this quick since my computer's fan is working triple time and I don't know that it will be able to keep it up much longer. Since we don't have air-conditioning I'll just have to give it a break.

My naughty kitty will keep you company until I get back.

Enjoy!

Heat Advisory....

So we may hit the 100's by Wednesday! Wooo hooo! Actually the bummer is that the heat saps your motivation/energy. Although I sat out the afternoon finishing up watching Torchwood: Children Of Earth. All I have to say about it, was that it was a mind blowing mini-series. Catch it on BBC America.

I'm finally dragging out my polymer after a few down days of car troubles and heat. I know I've been promising "things" for awhile but I'm finally working up to them and the ideas are starting to click in my little brain. In the meantime........

A $5 bouquet from the local farmers market.
Some candy cane and golden beets cooked up with some potatoes. The cool beets are from the market too.

A visitor that hung out on our deck for a day and hasn't been seen since. It was really cute and seemed to make itself at home. The boys were bummed, and so was I that he/she never came back.

And what boys do with my camera when they have far toooo much time on their hands. Speaking of hands...look closely......those are fingers.......NOT a hairy but!!!

Enjoy what's left of your Sunday!

Summer Is Off To A Great Start!

Aside from a bumpy beginning, Summer is truly off to a great start! The family re-union camp out was a blast! Here are the boys hangin with our pup.

The day before he was deathly afraid of crawdads, but he awoke the next morning ready too, not just touch one, but pick it up! Very cool!

There was a ton of wildlife. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the rattlesnake Jimmy and I spooked. If rolled into the river and then slowly made it's way back out again. The picture above was on a morning walk we took and happened to catch some vultures sunning themselves.

We have been back for about a week and diligently working on the yard and house. All the broken down cars are gone (yeah!), and we've made several trips to the dump. This is in preparation for a new house next year.

This morning I noticed a new little friend hanging around the deck. I'll get pictures and post them tomorrow. I left some food out and am hoping he/she will get a little braver. The dog is chained up out there but it doesn't seem to bother this little guy.

My oxygen generator shipped out yesterday for repairs. Don't know how long it will take but lately it has been too hot to even consider sitting in front of a torch.

I didn't get a chance to work on anything creative while we were camping and it's taking a bit to get back into he groove since getting back, however I am working on a new clay "idea". Should have some results at the end of next week.

Time to get on with the day!

Not Melting Glass

Looks like it's going to be shipped back for a once over. I was hoping to be back up and running with a new set of filters but it turns out that it's not the problem. Dang!

The last couple of weeks are ones I would prefer to forget. Too many surprises and none of them good. Yesterday was a nice break from everything up at Camano Island for a wonderful 4th of July celebration. Good people, good times!!

We are now preparing for a family reunion, next weekend, in Oregon. I'm really looking forward to it but also looking forward to settling back down for the rest of Summer and to get a jump start on my art. I don't expect that I'll see my generator before the end of July but hopefully sooner.

My clay has been sitting on one of my work tables "waiting" for me to create with it. I am way past due and have been doing more yarn yoga than anything else right now. I think it's helping to keep me centered. It's also my only "portable" art. To read more about my yarn yoga click on this link crochetchar.

I'll try to touch base again before we head out.

Have a great week!

The Ax Finally Fell......

Jimmy was laid off yesterday. We are looking at it in a positive light as a new opportunity for him to find that "perfect" job! He had actually started looking about a week ago for something new. I know that better things are to come from this, so watch and see : )

I talked to the company that I bought my oxy generator from and they want me to ship it back but Jimmy and I took a good look at it and I'm going to call them back today and see about replacing all filters. I have a feeling that with both the cat and dog hanging around my filters are hopelessly clogged, and it has filters on it that you just can't take out and wash.

The kids are settling into being out of school nicely, and spend most of their days outside playing with the their friends in the neighborhood, although the weather has kind of gone kind downhill, but it's supposed to get sunny again soon.

I do have a few more glass items left to list. I think I'm going to spread them over Etsy, JustBeads and ArtFire (my latest venue) and get some polymer clay things made while I wait for my generator to get going again. Keep a watch over the next week for things to start appearing!

TGIF!!! Enjoy your day!

Damn!

My oxygen generator is on the fritz. I've contacted the company to see what I need to do the get it running again. It took me 30 minutes to find the receipt but it looks like it's still covered under the 5yr warranty. Well see........

In the meantime here is some of my most recent lampwork. I think it's going to be awhile before I get to do anymore.
Funny I didn't intentionally pick all blue, hmmm. Actually I seem to be in the mood for lavender and pink. Probably cause I want something soothing.

As for the oxygen generator.......well my subconscious has been working hard to get me back to claying so it looks this is the push to take it up again for awhile. Does my jumping from one thing to another make you crazy?? It does me! There are days when I wish I could just focus on ONE! The worst part is that I LoVe all of the things that I do, I just don't seem to be able to pick a favorite. I've oftened wondered if I need medication........seriously.........but I've decided to take a pass on it. Almost one whole side of my gene pool in on anti-depressants and I find the thought of taking something like that, a LOT scarry!! I don't know why but I do. I know some people need to take that stuff but, (at this point anyway) I'm not one of them.......men, kids, peri-menopause, whatever the stress.......nothing a good bottle of Pinot Noir (or Merlot in a pinch) and some dark chocolate cant cure, Right!! Besides all of those things that I love lampwork, clay, fiber, wire......whatever, are all stress re-leavers too, except when I'm stressing over which one I want to do..........Oh well.......I'm a work in progress myself!

Time to go play (with clay)!!!

4 Days.......

Until the boys are out of school for the Summer. This time of year is hectic to say the least. Being without a car doesn't help. The stress level of our house has been at an all time high with my daughter (having been laid off from Starbucks, awhile back) diligently job hunting and Jimmy working on and off (he's still employed, but looking for something new).

I got back to the torch a couple of days last week and am watching my oxygen generator closely to see how she is doing. So far, so good! It seems to do better when I use it more.

On that note, JustBeads is back up and running, YEAH! I have missed listing with them since December when their site had a major crash. They never gave up and worked hard to get it back up and running. I have a few auctions up, all starting at .99, in celebration of them being back. Click on the link and it will take you to my auctions.
This is me lampworking. My daughter took the picture (Nice work Brandy!). We're not able to get a good front view one because there is a window/wall in front of my work bench.


This is the mess on my desk before I started listing things. Note the mouse pad. A gift from my Mom for my last birthday. It says "You say I'm a Bitch Like It's a Bad Thing". It also came with a matching mug and dishtowel. A little insight into another side of my personality?? Probably worse since Peri-menopause hit.

So I'm back at it! Hopefully you'll see a bit more of me hangin around here. In the meantime you can check out my other Blog for my fiber adventures, CrochetChar (click here).

Happy Monday!

The Flu......

The flu worked it's way through our house. Everyone but me (knock on wood) got sick. Is seemed to be a quick one. Not lasting more than a couple of days. Jim seems to think that I may not be human being the only one in the house to not get it. With his imagination, he referred to me as Data from one of the old Star Trek series.

Speaking of Star Trek, we went and saw the new movie. I have to say that it was excellent!! But to get the whole effect of it you REALLY need to be familiar with the original Star Trek series with Kirk, Spock and the rest, otherwise you will miss a lot of the humor. A few times Jim and I found we were the only ones laughing, or should I say "getting it". Since it's kind of a prequel to that series.

Instead of creating right now I've been taking care of sick kids and working in the garden. Plus I got a Wii Fit for Mother's Day and that occupies as least an hour of each day for the workouts that I have been long past due in needing. I'm now on my 10th day but am moving them earlier in the day so that I can get them out of the way and get on with my day. I've already lost a couple of pounds but hope to drop many more before the Summer is over.

I'm finishing up a couple of things today and should have some pictures up tomorrow. Hope all is well and it's not raining where you are, like it is here.

Wow....

The week flew by! Only two posts......so I have to tell you about my Mother's Day. It was great! The boys all fixed me breakfast in bed and then I got to play my new Wii Fit! Talk about fun! That's the one thing I did manage to squeeze in all week. A 1 hour work out every day, so far. I don't know if I'll be able to do one today since we have a couple extra kids over this weekend but I'm going to try........and just so you know, this is something I've been wanting since Christmas! Yes, it's to get in shape and drop some weight! So far so good! I'll keep you posted on if it keeps me interested but so far anything that lasts more that a couple of days is, excellent!!

Two of my 3 boys were sick for a couple of days. Funny that is ended up being the oldest and youngest. I was pround of Duncan for getting up and going to school without a single complaint, but he said it's because he's got a great teacher. Two Thumbs up to Mr. Movius for keeping my son motivated!!!

I'm working on another stamp. This time I'm using the rubber that they sell. Feels like an eraser but it cuts like butter with the cool carving tools they have for it. I can see another hobby coming on. Dang!!!

Can you guess what the flowers are? No they are not stamps of any kind......

I also want to link you to another blog I just started watching called, Two Frog Home. I've joined they're "Doing, Not Thinking" Challenge. Yes, I do think I spend far too much time thinking about things instead of acting, so now's the time!!! Here are my goals:

1. to be working full time as an artist by September (when my youngest starts 1st grade). 2. to finish de-cluttering my house by the end of Summer. 3. to start completing at least one small project 5 days a week, by the end of June.

What do you think?? Click on the link if your interested. Her blog is geared towards natural living. Things like canning, composting and the like. Check it out!

The weekend is going to be beautiful so I'll be heading outside to get some gardening in. Maybe I'll pick some dandelions greens and give them a try. Lord knows, I've got plenty handing around the yard!

Later Gator!!

The Weekend's Here!!!

I've been missing in action the last few days. Between sick kids and school functions, things have been a little hectic. Tomorrow I'll have a little more time but for tonight I'm going to catch some ZZZZZZZ's.

Good Night!

Sick Boys

I've got 2 boys home sick today. See ya tomorrow.....

Happy Mother's Day!!!

A pretty pink peony for all of the wonderful Mom's out there, but especially for MINE!!! And to my Auntie Dana too!!! My other "Mom". Enjoy your art walk on Camano today! Love you both!!!

I'm Planning On Some Flowers.....

and maybe herbs for my front walkway. Sorry no pictures today. Jimmy came home early and the boys always have an early release on Fridays so the rest of that day just ends up being........well, busy! (more on the front walk later).

I'm starting another blog for my crochet and fiber venues. www.crochetchar.blogspot.com......I only have one post and, of course it's on knitting. I must apologize to all the crochet fans out there but I was seduced by Cable knitting. It just happens to be something that I wanted to learn that happen to coincide with the start of my blog. I figured that since it involved fiber and a couple of sticks.....well.....what the hell!!!! No worries!

Anyway today ended up being one of those get out and multitask days where I should have gotten everything I wanted to get done (grocery shopping, etc) done. Only to come home and find that I (of course) forgot a couple of things. I'm hoping to get through the weekend without having to leave the house again, but it's looking bleak........

I Feel Another Stamp Coming On......

I like this stamp so much that I think I'm going to do a couple more. These are great for doodles and for passing time when I'm waiting for the computer or internet to do what it's supposed to. You can see that I have some rubber to carve on and a few tools which I bought awhile back. The first stamp I made was on a lino block. I think I'll enjoy carving the rubber more. We'll see!

This is my shoulder cat. He jumps up when I my attention isn't focused on him and rubs his face against the side of mine. He'll stay up there until the mouse pointer on the screen catches his attention and then I have to put him down to keep him off my desk.
It's another cold and rainy day. Supposedly the sun will be back for the weekend. I can only hope!!

A Note Of Caution & My First Stamp

So you know I have a little wine experiment going on.......well one of the bottles broke under the pressure. Jimmy told me that I never should have tightened the lids but it says to in the directions.......this is the result. There were a couple of big cracks down the side of the jar and that piece was laying a few inches away. Of course the cupboard has a slight yeast scent to it now. All the other bottles are intact and at this point I'm just going to leave everything as is and see what happens. Hopefully I won't have anymore blow outs :o





My first stamp is complete and I'm really happy with the results. Now I just need a decent ink pad. Looking back I probably should have done something a little simpler but I learned a lot, so the next one will go much quicker. I'll get another picture of her after my next trip to the local Ben Franklin. They have an excellent selection of pads.

I'm still working to get my oxy generator up and running. I hope to give it another go sometime towards the end of the week. We'll see how it goes.

Blooming Tea & Dandelion Wine

Blooming Tea doesn't look all that good or pretty to begin with.....

It's actually prettier than this picture looks and very yummy too!!!

Dandelions picked for the wine experiment. Ready to be rinsed!

Cooking them down.....

Bottled up and ready to ferment!

Honestly, I don't really have high hopes but who knows. You can see that it's not clear so I don't know if that's good or bad. My kitchen smelled like yeast all day yesterday and I finally had to light incense to get rid of the smell. It did fizz when I stirred it up before the final jarring so I take that as a good sign, but we'll see what happens in a month or two.

I did some lampworking Friday but only got through about a half dozen items before my oxygen generator just stopped working : ( I'm looking it over, cleaning filters and the like to see if I can get it up and running again. If not I'll have to track down a company that services them and see what they can do. I don't really want to ship it back to the one I got it from but if I have to I will. I'm sure it just needs a general "servicing" to get it back to good.

Last night it stormed like crazy, wind, rain, the whole nine yards. Today is turning into a beautiful day. The kids are really gearing up for Summer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they don't end up closing the schools for a week due to swine flu. I don't know if that kind of thing extends the school year or, not but to be honest I think the whole thing is being over blown. The press is doing a wonderful job of spreading the paranoia.......get on with your lives people, it's just another flu!

Anyway, I'm still working with fiber but am going to drag my clay back out to and work on some.............well I'll let that be a surprise. "I think" the idea is a cool one but I have to see if it works first (kind of like wine), I should have something to show you next week.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

TGIF

Off to melt some glass! Back in a bit!!