Counting my blessings at the end of 2010

It has been a quick year. And this past week I have had time to sit back and think about all the blessings and lessons 2010 has brought me. Christmas day I went into the hospital with the worst pain ever, childbirth is more pleasurable. Two days in the hospital with no distractions other then pain and nurses, let me think some.

This has been one of those years that I am happy to put behind me. Nothing that I could not handle, but nothing worth gloating about either.

Our circle of friends is smaller and so is family. We no longer can take the mindless crap of others that drag down. Some people will be missed and others will not. Some will be forgotten and some, we wish we could. But we still have us. Pete and I have an evergrowing relationship. Thick and thin we manage to work it out and push thru. Do away with toxic relationships, ie. friendships and family members and focus on us, that is our goal from here out.

I am saddened that family is some of the toxic throw out. I am disgusted that I had to think the things and say the things I have. That is not the person I am nor want to be. But I don't have to keep taking the crap I have taken. I finally grew that backbone I have always needed and it sucks. I am have always known to never say anything you cannot take back, and I let the anger inside get the best of me. I am over that situation and wish it had not ended that way. But it is, what it is.

Cutting loose of the apron strings is much harder then I though. That is another battle that has begun. Ugg, and sigh...?!

It is just over a year ago that we have moved and thinking back I wish we had done it sooner. property values on rentals and apartments have drastically increased and we find that the house is much more affordable then the rent. But counting blessings, we are very blessed to be able to live in a 3 generation, 3 family household and keep saine. It is so much fun to spend weekends at home fiddling here and there. I have big garden plans for Spring and Hunny do's galore!

Next up...purging out junk. I have been doing this all year and still find it everywhere. I would love to learn how to stop collecting stuff or holding onto things because there is some value to be seen...craft or what have you. I have been doing good, but would really like to speed up the process some. (giggle)

Dad is doing very well after his surgery, but now I think it is time to focus on my health. So I promise that I will take this serious and I will do what the doc says to get better. I will do more to tone up. I quit soda pop 2 years ago this week, So I have the will power.

We have the project Jeep and found this great group where we can trade off parts. The $100 junk Jeep we bought for parts have been a treasure trove for trading. (say that 5 times fast). Pete's one junk Jeep has perked up a tad with the new(er) parts. I am totally trying to get Pete to let me make some finders and bumpers for the Jeep. I think he will really like them if he will just have faith in me. So, Project Jeep is in full bloom and should keep us busy in the year to come.

And last but not least, Pete and I have done very well this year with bartering. A little work and man power here and a little fun there. We may not be able to afford the great things in life, but we do know how to work for them. I don't mind cleaning, painting and grunting around if I can kick back on the boat for awhile. =) Gonna take my little fishing pole and little tackle box to the lake this year and paddle out to the middle of the cove to catch me some crappie! Hollar back to the dock to have one of the kids snap my picture and wave to my husband and family that I love so much.

Yes, We are blessed. We have each other and we have love. Here is to another year. On with a better year, one that we make better.

Happy New Year.

Star Project

I was given a task to find an ornament to do as a craft this weekend. Well it is not a clear glass ball, but even better, a recycled craft.

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/11/woven-star-ornament/

This is the star in the drying process. I'll post a picture of the final star soon.

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday! No, I am not shopping online. I did plenty of shopping over the weekend on gifts. I did not get up early to brave the crowds. I got out in the drift about 9am and almost completed my shopping in a few shops. This will be a small Christmas this year, but we don't really need anything. Really all I have left to do is make the gifts I am giving and some stocking stuffers shopping in a couple of weeks.

My tree is up and decor all over the house. Just a few bushes to drape lights over and hang the wreaths. I even have some gifts wrapped. I am on a ball.

Now off to work on Christmas cards.

Soon to be Thanksgiving

The excitement is rising! The holiday's are approaching...The commercials are calling me...the ads are floating around the Internet early with the Black Friday ads...I won't shop this year, but I might venture out to feel the rush of the crowds. I have been thinking up dishes for over a week now and I cannot wait to shop for the ingredients...the turkey arrived today and is thawing in the front seat of the car...the recycle bags are in the back seat ready to be filled... The countdown for Thanksgiving has started. 16 more work hours till my holiday begins...I plan on cooking a small spread that will last a couple of days. Turkey and Swiss sandwiches...YUM I am already dreaming of the leftovers. The family is small now so there more then likely will not be guests, but I will be dragging out my holiday tubs and adorning the house with Christmas decor.

I am Thankful that Dad had his surgery and has his health, Thankful that we have the beautiful home and vehicles that take us to and fro. The lake house that the Robert's boys are able to escape to, and the projects that keep them together as a family. I am thankful for each one of us having a job, they are far and few between for some families. I am thankful for my beautiful daughter and her silly boyfriend that helps us whenever he can. I am thankful for my animals that love me unconditionally and are great bed-hog-cuddlers. I am thankful to my best friend that will be the first to read this. Tamara and I were cut from the same fine linen. And I am thankful to all of my other friends that laugh, love, cry and craft with me. I am blessed and hope to spread blessings.

Dirty Pool

Some weeks are just chitty from the start. Normal Monday cascades into the "work week from hell", but is not just limited to work. Personal life and activities spiral down also. Well, this has been one of those weeks and it is only Thursday. Pray tell, what will the weekend bring?

I have the Holiday Blues, missing my mom dearly, aunts and good ole' time family functions. Things just are not the same. Large family turned tiny and lonely. Money can always be an issue if I let it bother me, but holidays are approaching and that is bothersome. And last but not least, work blues. Firing a coworker almost weekly, computers that refuse to cooperate and the daily grind. My father keeps his chit up and my aunt tells me to drop him.

I have been living in a false light lately, trying to streamline and simplify to gain happiness...and free time. So far, is it working? Not only no, but hell no. I actually thought, until today, that things in life were great and I was on the upside of the hill. I have been through so much, that I could not be surprised by things at this point. That is a stupid, stupid thing to think.

Since 1994 it has been a long journey for Pete and I. It sure was bumpy in the first couple of years. I came to terms with our relationship and how I would tuck that sorrow away. He was a stupid boy and did stupid things, so did I. I forgave, did not forget. That kind of past needs to be my reminder to be that better person in life. It has been my fuel. Little reminders here and there put me in prospective that life cannot and will not be perfect.

I could not let one person keep me upset, so I did what I had to do and it was awful. I was nasty, rude, said horrible things that I knew would sting, just so she would leave me alone. I do not have to be friends with everyone. If I am nice they take advantage of me. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...bull chit. My plan was to finally be gross and then that will be it. Or so I hope.

But a huge chunk of my ass was taken out last night! Holy crap did it hit the fan. Another secret surfaced out of the clear freakin' blue. My head is still spinning from that chit bomb. I do not know how to process that information. Do I tuck it away and use it a Diesel fuel? Or did water just put my fire out?

I feel so damaged. Just when the hurt doesn't feel quite that bad, I now feel that old wound. Thanks for throwing Salt in it Pete.

I don't want to go home. But I do want to crawl into my bed. 5 hours of sleep is not helping this situation. So here is my plan. I will go home and sleep and take tomorrow as another day. Ugg

Pouting

What a bummer of a day?! So much stress at work with the technology...Will they ever fix the computers? The tension is so thick with co-workers. If only people would listen.

The phone stalking from my very own dad is so upsetting and the call to Aunt Sharon was almost worse. Egged on to give up. That is all I have done lately is give up on people. My friends are distant. My extended family is gone. I am lonely. Grandparents are sick in age.

Daughter and boyfriend broke up and grandson is sad. Shilo...poor Shilo...we will see if momma and dad can work it out. I am backing down, but hard to be distant and present all in one. Can it be fixed? Why is it harder on me then her?

And last but not least...DAMN back. Tylenol is eating up my stomach so I am working on breathing techniques. Ya, ummm...several showers a day are better.

Looking at photos tonight actually helped. I will come to terms with myself very soon. Past is the past. Long ago, needs to be lost. Friends today have their own issues and not time to vent. But still I am pretty lonely. Who wants to listen or read this crap?

Maybe the thing that was visiting Saturday night. Let's call it, HE. HE was loud and messing with the microwave again. In the rafters and in the living room, it sounded. Quite annoying, but only woke me. The dogs were fast asleep. I know I was not asleep cause I got up to go to the bath room. HE stopped when I said enough, time for bed.

Not sad, not happy, just pouting.

Rellik to the 80's

http://breakingnews.michaeljackson.com/

I was a child of the 80's and a person could say I am stuck there. My daughter even loves the 80's...music, movies and some fashions.

As a preteen, I idol ed Michael...wanted the red jacket. My mom worked her magic and took me to Arrowhead Stadium to see him. I remember every detail.

I was actually saddened to hear he passed away. I got the call at Day Camp just after I heard the words roll out of Susan Hockers mouth, I was sitting at the picnic table eating lunch. I actually thought it was a rumor but it was true.

So, I love that they have released some of his work. And from what I hear from this song is that This will be a HUGE LABEL. Young and Old miss him. Even his weirdness...off to listen to the song again.

The boys

Other then the really messy hair...I think my husband is handsome. I totally think he is hot when he cuddles with the pups. Rellik and Pete have this really interesting habit. While Pete is watching tv, Rellik will hop up in his lap and sit straigh up in the crook of his arm to watch tv. Rellik really thinks he is human. Some days I agree.

These are two of my boys. I love my boys.

Halloween Traditions

Savannah, Jeff and Race car driver Jacob popped in on Halloween. Halloween, and any holiday I should admit, has changed for me. My girl is growing up so fast and I am loosing my grip on my holiday traditions. This year, we kept one tradition for Halloween and that was Chipotle. For many years we have gone to Chipotle at 5:30, stood in line with foil ears, or accessories, and ordered our BooRito. Up until this year, they were free. But I did not mind paying $2 this year. Good filling dinner before treats. And then we would go off to hit the streets for goodies. But not this year.

I was ready to let her go on her own. The "Boyfriend" and her had matching bee costumes to match the puppy. And then went around together. My neighbors had the garage door up, candy dishes out, a grill and an adult party going on. So, why not? I did the same. We pulled the fire pit to the front of the house, got out some chairs, candy, camera and had our very own Halloween gathering. Savannah brought over Jacob and they were some of the very few trick or treaters we had. Maybe a Search light in the sky next year will bring in more kids...lol.

With better planning for next year, I think we have a new tradition. My husband was very handsome in the glow of the campfire. I can eaisly get used to this.

Transcending the Material

From the web site:

These photos document “Transcending the Material”, a mixed media piece that I created and installed while in residence at the Wassaic Project (an arts collective and residency program located in New York state). The piece was exhibited at the Wassaic Project Summer Music and Arts Festival...

Read more and see more pics by clicking the attached link. I am awestruck!

http://bencuevas.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/transcending-the-material/?ref=nf

Crochet with Paper

Self Taught

by

Viviana Santamarina

Check out her site at http://vivianasantamarina.blogspot.com/search/label/Paper%20Crochet

Baby Shilo

Meet my Grand~puppy

Shilo.

He is 6 weeks old and 2.5 lbs. (we weighed him at the pet store...lol)

He is a Tree Climber Coon Hound and Pointer mix.

He had 10 siblings-poor momma.

Chelsie and Marko got him in Grain Valley Mo. on

September 12, 2010.

Hamburger Dress

http://www.buzzfeed.com/scott/crochet-hamburger-dress

Wow...If I only had freetime...I too could...

Nope. Don't think I would.

*this is not my work. I just thought it was worth the mention.

Income Tax Kitty

199?- August 23, 2010

Rest in Peace, Mink Mink.

You were a loyal and Bitchy kitty.

We were lucky to have you in our life.

You will be missed, Mink Mink in the sink.

Potholders!

(NOT MY WORK)

I totally want to just stay home and crochet for a living...
"if Only!".

http://delights-gems.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-06-10T13%3A34%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=7

I love her blog and she is inspiring.

I love cotton and I like making potholders. Not the ones you use, the ones you "Display".

Her site gives me ideas!

Christmas is coming up...

Chillin' Like a Villin'

It was 90 degrees at 8:30 this morning on my way into work. The heat index, whatever that is, is going to be 115-120 degrees today. This is the time of the year I hate. I melt in the car, my yard dies from the heat and sun, and it is miserable to be outside. My dogs look at me like it is my fault, I truly think they believe that I control the temps outside like I do inside...lol.

I can picture myself sitting in this chair, barefoot, listening to Stevie Nicks with a glass of Zin crocheting Christmas gifts. But only if it is above 85 degrees! If it is cooler...

I am totally outside, in the sun, listening to the wind and birds, crocheting!

Happy Hooking!

P.s. My chair would be rainbow colors with black trim!

(this is not my chair...I found this pic on someones blog. She writes in Spanish, so I am not sure where she got this pic.)

I LOVE THIS YARN!

My head is full of projects and ideas...there is just not enough time to do them in.

To do? or Not to do? That is the question!

I have a Fall inspired baby blanket to finish that is the corner start diagonal. I am on the decreasing side of the blanket, which goes much faster. I am working it in I LOVE THIS YARN. And I do, I truely love this yarn. I would trade my Red Heart in a Heart Beat for I LOVE THIS YARN.

I do have to admit that I crossed the line and stepped back into xxxx how dare I say it xxxx "Red Heart" last weekend. I was shopping at my local Wally World (Wal-Mart for those who have not heard of it before) and just Happened UPON the Yarn section. WOOPS!

It has been reworked in my town for the new lines of yarns. Red Heart has a self-striping yarn out. It was teal, orange, hot pink, brown and white...lime greens too. But anyway, was pretty exciting and eyecatching. I grabbed a skein, which is always in budget regardless to the quantity at home and the dollar amount in the checkbook.

Once home, I made up a set of hand warmers while watching the movie SIGNS for the millionth time. Yep, I can crochet and watch tv. "Nerd"? Yes. I pushed the envelope and added decor. Pretty much impressed myself with the extras. So with that, they have been in my project bag waiting to meet the next set. I have a list of people in my head that "NEED" a set to warm them for Christmas...that upcoming, holiday that is pressing on my brain!

Projects rolling around in my head. Hats, Scarves, Dish cloths, Baby bags (sleep sacks, if you will)... My Wine Inspired blanket for UFO nights.

And this Lime Green I LOVE THIS YARN now becons me. Thanks Linda, who shipped me a Birthday Exchange box with two skeins of it, a great bag pattern, apron for gardening, a lovely wood fan, and a handtowel with a humming bird on it. The green is meant for the bag pattern, but I just want to pair it with my softer lime green I LOVE THIS YARN for a Ripple!!! Now that I can make the RIPPLE... I Must MAKE the RIPPLE!

But, first, I must make up her belated birthday box and ship it to her!

Totally Groovy

Yep. I have plans! =)

I cannot decide if I want mine painted up like this or a solid color like blue?!

http://web420.com/blog/blog5.php/tag/vw+cars:

VW

I can picture myself and my husband cruising down the highway in our Blue VW. I am taking the landscape in while he is driving. The inside is adorned in my crochet handiwork.

I believe I will work this into my 5 year plan.
2015 is not that far away.

Great site with videos on Knots

http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/

I think I will be visiting this site a lot to learn knots.
This is my new summer obsession, thanks to Mary!

How to braid a survival bracelet

This is not my photo...go to this link to see how to do it!

http://www.paracordbraiding.com/survival.htm

Yep,

My new addiction!

""

Crocheted Rugs

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/12/garden/20100513-rugs-slideshow-13.html

$1500 Rugs

Verticle Gardening-Yummy

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/05/garden/20100506-wall-slideshow-4.html

The article
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/garden/06vertical.html

Summer Bucket List

This is not my work. I am cyber stalking the Flicker Crochet Pool today. I am just in a mood and this photo stream makes me feel happy. I must admit that this summer I am going to start a rainbow blanket. I am in love with all of the wonderful colors. So, my bucket summer list is:

1. Finish the Red Wine Blanket
2. Start a Rainbow blanket
3. Finish the Orange muck blanket for Donna
4. Crochet, crochet, crochet.

That about does it for now!

Garden is tilled!

This week we tilled and planted:

Snow Peas
Green Beans
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Lettuce
Swiss Chard

We found 4 dead snakes that Rellik Killed, Set up our compost bins made out of old pallets, and picked up a load of free landscape rock from a Freecycler.

Lucet's

http://www.duchyofalhambra.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/lucet-patterns.pdf
Pattern to make the lucet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BPO98fO3ns&feature=related
Tutorial to learn to weave on the lucet.

Easter Fun on the Farm~Crochet

You can never say that I dress my pets funny. Not after seeing this adorable picture.


http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/2010/02/shes-gone-crazy-too-many-lambs-and-too.html


Not my Farm, Not my lamb, not my crochet.

Nobody comes here just to crochet

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/19/1322910/nobody-comes-here-just-to-crochet.html

It all started with one woman sitting in the corner with her crochet.

Crochet Stair Risers on the web

Once Again...not my work. I was surfing the web and through my emails and ran across a post on one of my crochet groups sending me to this link.

http://ragingwool.blogspot.com/2010/03/life-in-old-house.html

Who would think to crochet stair risers?

I could be dangerous if I had free time.

Planning stages of my rain barrel

I am so excited. Tamara and I have made plans to work on our rain barrels this weekend. So of course I am doing my research. I ran across this web link. http://www.squidoo.com/rain-barrel

Did you know A 55 gallon rain barrel will only hold 1/2 inch of rain water from a 160 square foot roof?

Why Use A Rain Barrel And Collect Rain Water?

1. A rain barrel will lower your water bills and save you money.

2. A rain barrel will help reduce the demand on the local water supply.

3. During the peak summer months a rain barrel can collect about 1,300 gallons of water, depending on where you live.

4. Rain barrels capture and keep water that can be used later. It is an efficient way to use a free resource.

5. Rain barrels help reduce erosion, storm water flow, pollution and flooding.

6. Rain water is naturally soft and oxygenated with more acidic than tap water. It doesn't have any chlorine, calcium or lime.

7. Watering plants, washing cars and doing household chores is an ideal way to use rain water.

8. Rain barrels aren't expensive.

9. They are easy to make and install.

Now, I am ready to sketch out some art for my barrel.

Cardboard Deer...

http://www.perpetualkid.com/animal-friendly-cardboard-deer-bust.aspx

SHAUNA RICHARDSON / CROCHETDERMY

http://www.shaunarichardson.com/words.php

Blog stalking again...

and I found this site.

Crochet-dermy.

Damn Adorable little creatures

Not my work

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5739070256537435716

Words can not explain...

See for yourself... http://www.flickr.com/photos/8595870@N04/3497329415/

Anniversary

Today I celebrate 16 year of marriage to my husband Pete. I find it hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. 17 years ago, we met in a basement pool hall in Raytown, Missouri. The first time I met him he made this comment "I am going to marry that gal".

Pete, you are my best friend...and the longest job I have ever held. Our marriage has been work from the begining and we work well together. We have a wonderful and comfortable life together and have beautiful daughers to show for it.

My Crochet History

(Annie's Attic Pattern) I would be dangerous if I had a little girl right now...I have come so far in my crochet abilities since Chelsie has been born.

I learned how to crochet about 15 years ago and started with one huge granny square blanket for my first project. My mother in law, Mary, finally taught me the patience to sit still and go for it.

Once upon a time, I only knew about granny squares, "H" hooks, and acrylic yarns. And reading patterns was out the window. Now I own at least 3 of each size hooks, I make up designs on my own, and I fart around with patterns. I can read basic stuff, but learning more and more each day thanks to my good friend Tamara the Crochet Queen.

Happy Birthday to my Mother in Law, Mary, tomorrow.
I love you.

What not to Crochet...

Things that make you go hummm...

An email from my friend Mary

My good friend Mary sent this email to me today... "It's Raining Cats and Dogs".

Dear Dana,
I want you to check out "Raining Cats and Dogs (...and lots of pix!)" on Craftster Community. To view it, please click this link: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=337362.0 A comment has also been added regarding this topic: it's raining cast and dogs!

My wants~ for today

First, I want to find purple bottles for my collection. I don't think I have one single purple glass... how YUMMY!

Second, I would like to find this pattern. I have been toying with the notion to start a colorful Granny Blanket...De'lish, Tasty!

My Kind of Camping...

Blog surfing again today...thinking warm and happy thoughts on this very bitter and cold day. 9 degrees with a minus windchill.

Well wrap yourself in this. I would love to get my hands on a VW so I could have my very own camper. This is so fun looking. It brings me back to childhood also. My bedroom was the windshield area of one of these vw's. It rested on top of the school bus with an opening and a ladder to our sleeping quarters. A loosely strung curtain separated me from my parents in our VW loft atop the blue school bus.

Wonder if I could get hubby to buy in on this idea. One day we will get one and renovate it to be our very own little camper and we can take weekend trips. He will drive while I crochet. We will stop at funky little shops and park at beautiful rests. I will photograph our excursions and he will rest.

That will all happen, One Day.

(the pictures in this blog post were copied from this blog) enjoy!

http://casapinka.typepad.com/casapinka/2010/01/i-hope-everyone-has-a-lovely-weekend-im-going-to-be-working-on-a-few-projects-here-at-casapinka-for-starters-ill-be-croche.html

Quote for the day

Do all the good you can;
By all the means you can;
In all the ways you can;
In all the places you can;
At all the times you can;
To all the people you can;
As long as ever you can. ~ John Wesley

Granny Walls

*Not my work! But I ran across this picture in cyberland and of course had to share it. Maybe I will add a Granny Crochet room to my Bucket list. Now that sounds Warm and Snuggly!

Eye Candy for Dana

I Cyber stalk others blogs and photo's most days. I love to see other's work and lovely's.
I ran across this Flicker Photo Stream today and I could look at these photo's all day long.

*These are not mine. It is just eye candy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabethcat/