You know how you put something off so long, not because you dread it but just because, but it's so long overdue that you begin to dread it, which makes you put it off more and dread it more? That's what this post is like. I miss you all so much though that I've decided to face the dread and do it. Here's a glimpse of what the past 2 weeks have held ( Read more... )

I had a post all planned on how I was going to thank you all for your lovely bits of encouragement, whine talk about my lonely-hearts Valentine's Day, and share some links of courageous creativity.


( Read more... )

"But courage and creativity are linked, for all serious creation requires intellectual courage. It is frightening to enter your workroom early in the morning and face an empty canvas, a blank sheet of paper, or a score sheet, knowing that must inscribe the marks of a completely original work. The fact that you have done it before helps, if only in ( Read more... )

Thanks everyone for your sweet words on the Lady Susan dress! And thanks especially for all the advice on cleaning the machine - I'll definitely be trying your ideas!

It feels somewhat ridiculous starting a new year playing catch-up, but heh - story of my life. Here's a glimpse of what I've been up to:


( Read more... )

A few of the many, many things I am grateful for this year:

• an agile mind, a creative eye and able hands
• a family that loves and encourages me
• dear friends, spread around the world, but a delight to the heart
• new friends, willing to work past the kinks of first acquaintances
• realized goals

Thanks everyone for your comments, emails, and phone calls of encouragement! My first day of substitute teaching went well, with very little to report. Each of the two teachers I subbed for had scheduled tests or quizzes for the day. So it was essentially like babysitting, just bigger kids and less to do. Highlights of the day: the student who said ( Read more... )

Well, I went in to apply for subbing at the local high school yesterday, and today, they called me! (Random reason #152 that I'm glad I didn't go to the public high school: They don't even ask for references from their subs! I mean, they fingerprint you, yes, but still . . . not a single one.) Anywho, I go in tomorrow for my first full day of ( Read more... )

( Read more... )

Although I've been AWOL for some time, it isn't entirely my fault. For the past week, I've been playing mommy to a beautiful 14-month-old little girl. The family for which I babysit went to DisneyWorld and, understandably, left the baby behind.


( Read more... )

one rainy weekend + purusing Fitted Knits + Real Simple's fall fashion preview = I'm completely ready for fall

It amazes me sometimes how much the change of the seasons affects our moods and inspirations. For me this is true never more so than in spring and fall. I suppose it's those transitional periods that get me so excited, the anticipation of ( Read more... )