Avoiding the Laundry

Spying on the Neighbors

2012-02-15T07:44:00.000-06:00

This pair of Red Tails lives in the farm yard, but we seldom see them together. The last several mornings, however, they have been camped out in the tree over the swing set. The question remains: who was doing the spying and who was the object?

Cat Butt Cake

2012-02-01T20:18:00.001-06:00

Because "Cat with Less than Nine Lives Cake" is too much of a mouthful.

I guess when you are being "The Cat Who Walked By Himself", all places really are alike to you--including the middle of my toasty warm apple spice cake.

In a Whirl

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Spinning Wheel glass mat is finally complete. I got distracted by baby bunnies for a few days (we have 7 new ones!), but managed to finish last night. This pattern was just rings and chains, nothing fancy, but there was nothing simple about it. Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns has proven an invaluable source beyond the patterns it contains. Her "Know How 2" instructions (especially the tip for opening a closed ring) are wonderful.

As mentioned before, I used the sample spool of thread from Handy Hands, "Jewels" (Lizbeth #113) in size 20 to create this piece. The last round was a little interesting to finish, but I really appreciated the straightforward joins, instead of having to do the flippy, avoiding-a-twisted-picot joins that so many patterns require. I used my larger Lacis shuttle, but had to renew the thread on the last round, which is even less fun when using the Continuous Thread Method. Next time, I'm going to over load the shuttle just a bit and should have enough to complete the piece without needing to add thread. It measures 4 1/4" in diameter and will be Motif #3 for the challenge.
Even though the colors are not quite American flag colors, it seems patriotic to me. And I know exactly what I'm going to do with it.

Backwards Day

2012-01-04T08:44:00.001-06:00

In spite of being carried forward with the rest of the world into a new year, I feel like we are moving backward today. Back to work, back to school, back to cooking and cleaning and avoiding laundry and all the myriad other things that are exactly like they were last year. How is that progress?
There is no point in committing to diets that I have no intention of keeping, or making grand resolutions that only incite my nature to rebellion. So, the plan for 2012 is the same as it has always been.

Trust in my Savior's love for us and look for the print of His grace on my life.
Emulate Him to the best of my ability by the power of said grace.
Repent when I fail and receive the grace of forgiveness.
Rinse and repeat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Still with me? Back to tatting then.

The first pattern that I chose from my new books was Snowflake 2 in Festive Snowflakes & Ornaments for Needle and Shuttle Tatters, edited by Barbara Foster (hereafter to be known as the Snowflake Book). I made a mistake with the pattern, but I bet it will take you awhile to find it. ;) It measures a smidgen over 3 inches in diameter and was done with size 20 Lisbeth White (It can be assumed from this point onward that if it's white, it was done in Lizbeth size 20). This will be Motif #1 for the second go-round of the Challenge.

Strangely enough, it's January 4th here in Northern Illinois and there isn't a snowflake on the ground yet.

This is the little fragment called Anniversary Motif in Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns. I added some frosty blue seed beads that I had on hand, and love the results. It is 1 3/4 inches square.

This is the pattern "Maria" in Lene Bjørn's Tatted Bookmarks--cross-shaped. It needs a tassel still, but already measures 6"x4 1/2". I used size 10 Lizbeth in Christmas colors. This will be Motif #2 for the Challenge.

Still in progress is Spinning Wheel Glass Mat from Mary Konior's book. My in-laws purchased my Christmas present from Handy Hands, who included a sample spool of Lizbeth "Jewels" variegated thread (#113). I love the combination of colors, and this seemed the perfect way to try it. The pattern is not difficult, but apparently, my brain does not think in spirals because I'm still needing to pay close attention to the instructions even after completing 5 of the 9 repeats.

Onward. Allons-y!

Post Christmas Post

2011-12-26T16:29:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh...

The frantic-ness of Christmas is over and we finally have a day to breathe, sit around in our new PJs, watch new movies, and eat leftover cookies. Now this is what Christmas is all about! (Not really)

***********************************************************

After doing a little tatting tally, I figured out that I have completed round one of the 25 motif challenge. In fact, I've more than completed it. Since August, I have made:

13 bookmarks
3 hearts
3 dragons
14 leaves
a handful of tidbits

Several more Cross "Hope" bookmarks--this time done in Christmas colors

The idea of covering our Thanksgiving table with scattered leaves only half worked. I was able to finish 14 of them, and sprinkle them on a side table. I loved how it looked, but can't find the picture--even though I know I took one.

In spite of being done with the Challenge, I don't think it's done with me. I'm going to do it again, but this time, I'm going to tighten the parameters of what counts as a Motif. For me at least.

I received a treasure trove of tatting pattern books for Christmas from my In-Laws. Since we are just beginning the drawn-out-will-it-never-end part of winter, I'd like to tat a flurry of snowflakes. The "Snow Mobile" that the girls and I have put up for a number of years got mangled after we took it down last year. Paper snowflakes don't hold up to much abuse. I want to work on replacing them.

My challenge is going to be to complete 25 tatted pieces in the next year. However, they have to be patterns that I can't complete in one sitting. That means that each one will need to take a minimum of 4 hours. 3 hours seems to be my embroidery or tatting limit for one day.

The hardest part will be choosing which new pattern to work on first!

Hoppy Holidays

2011-12-21T08:33:00.000-06:00

Bunnies are such good sports. This is Poppy. She and her sister, Pansy, are our two new Orange babies. I had to share.

Vinca, a Blue Otter doe, has stolen our hearts with her kissing. Maybe we should name her Mistletoe instead.

We have 8 tiny reindeer, but no sleigh. Maybe next year. I have several people trying to talk me into doing a calendar. Hmmm....sounds like a lot of work to me.

If you didn't squeal when you saw the pictures, there is something wrong with you.

Tat's a Wrap

2011-12-15T07:00:00.005-06:00

Since I still haven't managed to unplug myself from the grid during the holidays, this last month has been crazy. Just like it has been for everyone else. If the Christmas season isn't crazy and stressful for you, for pity's sake, let the rest of us in on your secret, please!

Goodies are being baked, gatherings attended, and gifts made and wrapped. Yadda yadda...and humbug (not really).

In spite of being forced to take time off from tatting while my finger healed from a nasty mishap involving a sharp pointy object and a soda bottle, I have managed to finish the last few projects that I was planning as gifts. Other than being tatted, they have nothing whatsoever in common.

Cross "Hope", pattern available on In Tatters--Lizbeth thread, size 20, in white and Christmas green mix (#601, 152). I really like how the colors lined up on this one. It was an easy pattern and will probably become a staple. I added a somewhat random Josephine chain to make it a bookmark.

I really hope she doesn't read here, because this dragon is for Renee. She loved the green and gold one that I have, so I made this one for her. I think these are more her colors though, and I love how they look on Anne's Dragon. The thread is Lizbeth Black and Falling Leaves (#604, 100), both in size 20. Someday, I'm going to be brave and tat this pattern in something really tiny, like a size 80 or 100.

Renee, if you are reading, act surprised.

I couldn't make up my mind whether I wanted to make a wreath or a snowflake, so I tatted Jon Yusef's Hearts in a Snowflake pattern in Christmas colors. Again, with Lizbeth size 20, in Christmas Red and Leaf Green medium (#671, 684--I think). This pattern was not difficult, but it was the first thing that I made after my boo-boo, so I'd like to try it again (with beads) sometime when my hand is less...gimpy. My tension needs to be more consistent on this one.

I've lost count, but I think I'm somewhere near 19 or 20 motifs for the challenge now. Not far now!

North to South Pecan Pralines

2011-12-14T14:08:00.000-06:00

After spending only 10 months in the development stage, I proudly present to you, my long-suffering readers, the recipe for the most expensive candy you'll ever think about making--Pecan Pralines, done Nitrocat style.

North to South Pecan Pralines

Equipment needed:
Silicone treated parchment paper
candy thermometer (I prefer the professional type where the bulb is housed in a metal frame--cost $10)
Vehicle, fuel, overnight bag and hotel reservations

Ingredients
3/4 c butter
1/2 c white sugar
1 c. confectioners sugar
1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 c bourbon maple syrup*
1/8 t salt
3 c pecan pieces
2 t bourbon or rum

Instructions:
*Drive to the General Store in Minnetonka, MN and purchase the Bourbon Maple Syrup that they sell there. Drive home. (cost of 900 mile overnight trip plus syrup: $276.50)
Cover counter top with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, blend white sugar, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar and salt with a fork or pastry cutter until fine with no lumps. Measure other ingredients and have them ready to hand.
In a 2 quart heavy saucepan (with candy thermometer in place), melt butter over medium low heat. Add milk and syrup and stir until well combined with a heat resistant or wooden spatula (I like the ones with the flat bottom). From this point on, you must not stop stirring! Don't forget to move the thermometer occasionally and stir behind it too. Slowly add the sugars and mix well. Cook on medium low heat to 238* (soft ball stage). Cooking time should take about 10 minutes. Remove thermometer and remove from heat. Add the bourbon and stir well. Add the pecans and stir until fully incorporated. Working quickly, drop by rounded tablespoon onto parchment. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 3 dozen.

Now drive to Louisiana to share with your friend. Try not to eat all the Pralines before you get there. (cost for 1700 mile round trip...oh, nevermind. You get the idea.)

*It is also possible to mail order this syrup from Three Rivers Farm, but where's the fun in that?

Stuffing of the Month Club

2011-11-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

There are as many Stuffing recipes in existence as there were Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving. Maybe more.
I thought it would be fun to share a few here. Feel free to add your favorites to the comments below.

Oh, and if you live south of the Mason-Dixon line, Stuffing is the bread dish (plus seasonings) that you serve with a meal--stuffed inside a turkey or alongside. I believe ya'll call is Dressing.

Old World Corn Stuffing
3 c. day old bread cubes
1 can cream style corn
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t. grated onion
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. basil
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
broth, optional

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. You may need to add a little broth. The bread should be moist, but not soggy. If baking alone, pat into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350* for 30 minutes--covered or uncovered, depending on how crispy you like it.
Incidentally, this is fabulous with pork chops. Brown the chops in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Add the drippings to the stuffing if you like. Alternate the stuffing and chops vertically in a buttered casserole dish and bake at 350* for 1 hour.

Christian Family Thanksgiving Stuffing
1 c. butter, melted (Yes, they're Norwegian)
3/4 c minced onions
12 c. bread cubes
1 1/2 c chopped celery
1 t. pepper
1 t. sage
1 t. thyme
1 t marjoram
poultry seasoning to taste--about 1 t.
broth to soften

Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Stuff and bake turkey per instructions. Extra stuffing can be baked at 350* till golden, or heated in a Slow Cooker.

Willard Family Cornbread Stuffing
Make Cornbread (use yellow cornmeal and a recipe with no sugar), cool and crumble fine
Boil a chicken (a whole chicken, giblets and all--none of this boneless/skinless breast bit), remove from broth (reserve), cool and shred. Chop giblets fine.
Egg
Onion
Sage to taste (remember, sage intensifies as it cooks)
S&P to taste

This is all that there is to the recipe, so the rest is personal preference. You can saute the onion or add it raw. Add a little shredded chicken or a lot, but be sure you use at least some of the dark meat. This is a Southern dish, after all. One egg or two? Moisten the stuffing with the broth, but don't make it soggy.
Bake it in the bird, or by itself. Probably 350* until cooked through and beginning to brown on top. *Shrug* It's stuffing, not a thermonuclear reaction. It doesn't have to be precise. Or even the same every time. (Unlike the other side of the family, where it's "Heaven help you" if you try to get creative with a traditional recipe.)

A new one to try (Just so you know, I stole this one out of the current issue of Midwest Living):

Butter-Roasted Corn Bread Stuffing
3/4 c. flour
3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
4 1/2 t. sugar
1 1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. kosher salt (I'm asking myself why it needs to be Kosher since they're going to add sausage later)
1/3 c pine nuts, toasted
1/3 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 medium onion, chopped (okay, it says 1/2 inch pieces, but I'm not measuring), 1/4 c
2 ounces uncooked mild Italian sausage link, cooked and thinly sliced (efficiency isn't their strong suite, is it?)
1/2 t snipped fresh rosemary (don't cut it or chop it-make sure you snip it)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
3/4 c milk
3 T unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 1/2 t olive oil
2 T unsalted butter, melted
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Okay, all poking fun aside, this sounds ridiculously delicious and I plan to try it this weekend. However, I am not typing out the next 4 paragraphs of instructions, so here's the abbreviated version:

Preheat oven to 425*. Temper a shiny 9x9 pan in the hot oven while you mix.
Blend 1st 5 ingredients. Stir in next 7 ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk egg, yolk, milk and 3 T butter. Add all at once to flour mixture and stir until just combined. Will be lumpy.
Add olive oil to hot pan and swirl to coat. Pour in batter. Bake at 425 for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Invert bread onto rack and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch pieces.
Oven at 400* (I imagine this could even be the next day, if desired). Spread cubed bread in shallow baking pan. Drizzle with 2 T melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle with S&P and bake 10 minutes, turning a few times, until golden brown and with crisp edges.

There are so many more good stuffing recipes, for all seasons, so this will like be a repeat topic. Who needs a jelly of the month club when you can have Stuffing?

Leaving

2011-11-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

...or would it be Leafing?
Anyway, the idea to scatter tatted leaves over our Thanksgiving table has taken hold. M has been gathering leaves from the bushes and trees outside and pressing them in books. I have been tatting Marilee Rockley's small maple leaf pattern until I have it memorized. We went to our local Hobby Lobby and cleaned out all of their fall colors of Lizbeth size 20. That should keep me in thread for a long time.

I hope to have one made for every person that will be here with us that day. We're expecting 24, so I have a way to go. I did make one other leaf, with beads on it (like the one on M's must-have necklace), but I can't find it. I took it with me to match threads, and I suspect it fell out of my pocket at some point. They only take about an hour to make, and I've been rewatching episodes of Sci-Fi shows while doing it, so I won't pout too much about it. I hope that it will brighten the day of whoever happens to pick it up.

I think I have finally conquered the "sewing under caps" method of hiding thread ends, so that isn't such a frustration anymore.

In completely unrelated news, DH and I celebrate our 15th anniversary tomorrow. I can't believe that man has put up with me for this long! If that isn't a perfect example of God's grace, then I don't know what is.
It looks like they might just finish bringing the crops in by then. We are disappearing the girls and running away. We may come back.

My Ghost

2011-10-31T19:02:00.000-05:00

*This is as close to a Halloween post as you are likely to ever see on this blog.

I finally took some pictures of my new bunny, and I had to show him to you!
Even though I have a whole other blog dedicated to bunny posts.
And even though 99.9% of you will have no idea why I'm so excited about this particular rabbit...or care.

Allow me to introduce Levi:

Levi is a Ghost Chinchilla, also called an Ermine (lilac, in this case). He was bred by Laura and Ruth, a Mother/Daughter team from the north west of Wisconsin. DH says he must be special for me to drive across state lines to get him. I was able to meet Laura and Ruth on their way down to the ARBA national convention in Indy, or the drive would have been much farther. (I'm still pouting that I didn't get to go to the convention this year. Imagine--over 23,000 rabbits all in one place!)
On top of some really amazing blood lines, Levi has three things genetically that I want to work with in my herd:

He's Lilac. (Seriously? Who wouldn't want to work with a Purple bunny?)
He's Chinchilla.
He's non-extension. (all that means is that the gene causes the color not to extend to the end of each hair shaft, creating some really cool effects.)

At about this point, DH usually glazes over, so I'll stop. I'm just really excited to see what he'll bring into the nest box starting next spring.

My photo editing program does not know what to do with his eyes. They are a light blue grey, and reflect ruby in the light. The flash makes them horribly red, but the program eliminates all the red, which isn't quite right either. *shrug* I guess you'll just have to come and see him in person.

The Abundance of Things

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

For the second time in a year, I find myself coming alongside family to help sort through a loved ones possessions. In the first case, my Grandmother was gone from us, and a sense of grief and loss pervaded the process. This time, DH's 95 yo Grandmother, unable to continue living on her own, has elected to move into a care facility.
Both unique and incredible women, I count it a privilege to assist in these tasks, and cherish the opportunity to reflect on their lives.

While the circumstances behind each event are different, both have set in motion prolonged periods of introspection and evaluation for me. Not always a bad thing.

"...a man's life does not consist in the abundance of things which he possesses". However, I believe that the things that one possesses in abundance tell a great deal about you.
What do I possess in abundance? And why?
If my parents, children, in-laws, etc were to have to sort through the items in my basement and attic tomorrow, other than quickly developing a keen sense of resentment, what would they learn about me? What would the distillation of my earthly possessions tell them about my values? What would they see was important to me?
....
200+ canning jars that I haven't used in 5 years.
....
A basement full of bunnies.
....
Miles and miles of string in every conceivable color.
....
Baby teeth in my jewelry box. (Oh, why are there teeth in my jewelry box?)
....
Oh, boy. I think I'm going to go declutter something.

Tatting up a Fury

2011-10-22T07:00:00.004-05:00

Some tatting patterns, like Everest, need to be done simply because they exist. Anne Bruvold's Flying Minor Norwegian Dragon is one of them. A Lace Dragon? And Norwegian too? Seriously, how could I resist?

Having already tatted Anne's Ringtrim dragon, and Martha Ess' Paprika, when the green and gold HDT arrived from Yarnplayer, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. The body is made with Lizbeth Gold. This pattern is not hard, and I even made a few minor modifications to it--mostly by starting with two shuttles from the beginning, eliminating the need to mess with single shuttle split rings, of which I am not fond. Most of him was tatted while curled up in front of the fire (which I thought was appropriate) over these cold wet days we have had this week.

Still needing wings...

That'll do.

No idea what I'm going to do with him, but I'll think of something. He does match my office rather nicely....

He needs a family.

*You will be happy to know that we're done writing about postcards. J continues to receive them, but we got bored talking about them, so we're moving on.

More Seals

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: RU-503368
From: zabavatts
Origin: Russia
Caption: Baikal Seals
Note: "Hello! I'm Tatiana. My profession supposes reading a lot of books. I wish you healthy and sunny mood forever."

Stamp: Kremlin (I think)

Card:

This is another panoramic type card.

Not so Stumpy

2011-10-20T07:54:00.000-05:00

Remember the Supermodel bookmarks? The pattern for that bookmark was inspired by Kersti Anear's pattern, which she calls Stumpy. Over the weekend, I tatted up two of them, and they don't look stumpy to me at all. In fact, they are crying out to become cute barrettes for a certain adorable niece in far away California. Which, of course, means that we needed Beads*!
And look what we found!

As in love with Yarnplayer's hand dyed thread as I was before, I am even more taken now. We were able to find three separate colors of beads that match her "Stardate" thread perfectly. I still need to pick up the barrettes, but once I do, it will be a cinch to finish these.

*Sigh. Buying beads again. Why ever did I sell off all of my jewelry making supplies?

Chillaxin'

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: CZ-121206
From: semmelra
Origin: Czech Republic
Note: Hy, my name is Rodhe and I have two children. Adam is 8 and Nelly is 4 years old. Both loves animal too. We have at home small fish, a (male) mouse Jerry and two guinea pigs Max and Bobeh. We was satisfy that they are two boys. But today I was very surprise that we have 6 new guinea pigs. Have a nice days."

Stamps: Bramborik (Cyclamen?), Fifinka and Myspulin (cult comic characters by Jaroslav Nemecek

Card:

The picture is deceiving. This is a panoramic sized postcard.

Necklace Fail & Fix

2011-10-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

There is a danger in browsing crafting blogs with the 9yo looking over your shoulder. That danger is that she might see something like THIS and immediately begin coveting. Three minutes after we saw the stunningly gorgeous necklace on Elizabeth's blog, M came into the office with a little gold pinecone charm and a pitiful story about how she just needed some kind of chain to hang it on.

So, being the dutiful Mother and slave to my children's every whim, I worked to create a duplicate of the necklace for her. NOT.

Truth is, in previous years of homeschooling, there were periods of time when the girls worked on assignments independently, and I could move back and forth between teaching and household chores. This year is much more hands-on for me, and while there are still times when they work on their own, if I attempt to get anything done (say, load the dishwasher), then someone will have a crisis with fractions or comma splits and need me immediately. However, if I sit dutifully at my desk, pretending to do nothing at all, work flows more smoothly. But it's boring.
So, the pathetic hinting at a necklace was a perfect excuse to fiddle with string (which apparently doesn't count as accomplishing something). I've wanted to try the spiral chain with a shuttle and this was my chance.

While I never intended to make anything even remotely resembling Elizabeth's work, the results are still a little disappointing for me. Spiral chain is much easier with the needle, I have to say. I found some tips on the InTatters forum that helped and was getting better toward the end of the project though.
The medallion is a complete flop. I stitched it first and then joined the chain to it, which was a mistake. I also made a medallion with 5 petals, so the charms hangs lopsided. I have to fix it.

Never mind that this is for the child who will probably wear it with the fabric yardage with green fish scales, a purple lei, pink glitter slippers, and a crocheted daisy hat while she plays "Queen of the Dragons" (there have been lots of dragons lately).
I have to fix it because she still believes that I can do everything and fix anything.

And because I am a slave to her every whim.

Better now? I thought so too. This is Yarnplayer's Small Maple Leaf pattern, available for purchase from her Etsy shop, and completely worth it. The instructions and illustrations are so clear that this stitched up like a dream with little effort. Of course, I had to use her "Sugar Maple" HDT too. It makes me want to tat scads of these and sprinkle them all over the table at Thanksgiving. Hmmmm....

Rare

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: MO-5195
From: DiannaMacau
Origin: Macau (Yeah, that's what I said, too. Here it is.)
Note: "Hello, J. Ni Hao! Greetings from Macau! Did the Macau street cat looks about the same in your country? All the best."

Stamps: From what I can read, the first stamp is This, and the second is This. Ask yourself why there are words in Portuguese on Chinese stamps. Curiouser and curiouser.

Card:

Most of the postcards that arrive here have ID numbers that indicate that country has sent hundreds of thousands of cards. By comparison, this card from intriguing Macau is rare.

Patina

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: UA-122932
From: Fita
Origin: Ukraine
Caption: Leonid Utyosov Monument--not what I expected at all.
Stamps: This card more than makes up for the Ukraine card with the missing stamp.

Card:

In Your Face

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: NL-716665
From: gardenofeden
Origin: Netherlands
Note: "Hello, J! I'm Suzanne from the Netherlands. I hope you like this cat-card! I also love animals. We have 2 dogs and 4 cats. We've found all of our animals as strays and took them along with our family."

Stamps: The little comic stamps translates roughly to "there was not a cent more into the treasury majesty. and if he comes in handy."

Card:

Three Supermodels and a Cow

2011-10-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

Supermodel bookmarks, that is, but I bet that got your attention!
Over the weekend, I tatted up three bookmarks using Brooklynne Michelle's pattern, which is, in turn, inspired by Kersti's Stumpy bookmark pattern, which is next on my list.

On the first (left), I omitted the Josephine chain because I messed up the very first chain and I didn't think it would support it. I ended with a ring and tassel instead. I was completely torn about using the magnificent HDT from Yarnplayer (this one is Stardate in a size 20) for a tassel, because it seemed wasteful, but I didn't have any matching embroidery floss that would work.
The second (far right), I ended with a clover so that it would mirror the top. Still needs it's tassel.

The third (middle) is the Supermodel whose career is over and she has let herself go.
After months with the shuttle, I pulled out my needle and worked this pattern. I never thought I'd say it, but I prefer the shuttle. The needle is still faster, but only just. Making even picots is a little easier, as is correcting mistakes and hiding thread tails. However, the tension of shuttle tatting is significantly better for me.
Analyzing that, I think it has to do with the diameter of the needle, which is the substitute for the core thread as you are forming the stitches. Because you have to thread the needle, it will always be slightly larger than the diameter of the thread you are using. No matter how tight your stitches, the channel that you pass the core thread through when you finish the rings and chains will always be slightly too big. This gives the work a softer feel, but also leaves the stitches a little slack to wallow around a bit. Picots also tend to not stay put.
This is just the results that I have seen. Looking at the work of other needle tatters, like Totusmel, it is obviously a problem that can be overcome. I think I need a consult.

You're still wondering about the cow, aren't you?
Yesterday, our freezer beef was delivered. The faithful may remember that every year my FiL purchases a steer at the 4-H auction, has it processed, and shares it with BiL's family and us. He has done this for years. I'm not even sure what beef costs in the stores anymore. Needless to say, this is a huge blessing for which we could never be too thankful. Not to mention that it is delicious beyond words. Hand fed and pampered, it probably even had a name, but we don't want to think about that.

Guess what we had for dinner last night?

Another Beef BBQ

1# ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 t. salt
1 t. chili powder (give or take)
3/4 c BBQ sauce (I used the Dr Pepper BBQ!)
8 oz tomato sauce
1 c sweet corn
1 c. shredded cheddar

Brown beef and onion, add remaining ingredients and simmer 15 minutes. Add cheese and heat until melted.

We served this over hot buttermilk cheddar biscuits (Betty Crocker recipe with cheese added), which were heavenly, but the BBQ overwhelms the flavor of the biscuits. We're going to try it over homemade cornbread next time. I suspect it will do the same, but it's yummy anyway.

Imperial

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: CN-408533
From: zjq19761104
Origin: China
Caption: The Imperial Palace in Shen Yang

Note: "Happy Postcrossing!"

Stamp:

Card:

Leftovers

2011-10-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

What do you call scraps of tatting? Scrats?

Before starting a new project, I needed to empty a few shuttles of the leftover bits of thread. I made a few doodles with the last of "Aqua Bay" and some of "Lava", 2 of the HDTs from Yarnplayer. I'm hoping to use them on a the secret Christmas gift idea.

The two larger doo-lollies done in Lava are my first two attempts at the center of the Yes-U-Can doily challenge. Not completely happy with either, I've decided to set that aside until after the holidays. Part of my problem is that I haven't found a method of hiding my thread ends that I am satisfied using. The Magic Thread trick works well at the beginning if I'm starting with a ring. Not so much anywhere else. And I am a complete failure at "sewing under the caps". Oh, well. I'll figure it out eventually.

Merry, Merry King of the Bush, is He

2011-10-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: AU-146178
From: Sharon_2
Origin: Australia
Caption: The Kookaburra's unmistakeable call is startlingly close to human laughter, albeit slightly hysterical. These kingfishers fill the air with the sounds of their merriment.
Stamps:

Card:

Cinema and String

2011-10-06T07:28:00.000-05:00

With so much handwork to complete before the holidays, I brought home a handful of DVDs from the library this week. Now I can watch and stitch at the same time, hopefully without too many mistakes.

The project:

Two more "Heart o'Daisies" by Jon Yusef. This time, I did them without the chain around the outside, because I have an idea in mind for a gift. The chain would make them too big. More on that later.
This pattern came with instructions for making these with split rings, allowing you to continue from one daisy to the next without having to cut and start again. That's always good in my book. I haven't quite mastered hiding thread ends yet, and the less I have to do it, the better.
I used Yarnplayer's HDT "Lava" in a size 20. I continue to be impressed with this thread, both with the vibrant colors and the smoothness with which it works.

The movie: Avatar. I decided I needed to find out what all the fuss was about.
The recipe for this film: 1 part Matrix, 1 part Tron, 2 parts pixie dust and a dash of Norse mythology. Place in Cuisinart and hit Frappe. The end result is a glorified cartoon (I don't care how "visually stunning" the reviews said it was) that paints our military in a very unfavorable light. I'm so very glad I didn't pay money to see it.

Cruzin'

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1203038
From: MsHelper
Origin: California
Caption: Amusement Park on beach, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, local teen hotspot!

Note: "J, I worked with 6th graders this year. Even though each person is different, these are some of the things that the students really like: Cell phones (for texting only), those shaped rubber band bracelets, skateboarding, video games, music, Twilight, sports, and Hello Kitty is loved by both girls and boys. Does this sound like you or your classmates?"

Card:

MI (mom intrusion, in case you don't remember): What do you think? With a mom who thinks texting has brought about the death of dignity in our society, breaks out in hives at the thought of Silly Bandz and Hello Kitty and does a fair impression of Chernobyl at the mention of Twilight, does this sound like J?
"Angels and ministers of grace defend us!"

Puff Love

2011-10-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

This spring, we discovered several packets of seeds for different annual vines. With three acres to deal with, I don't normally mess with annuals. If I have to plant it more than once, forget it. But just for giggles, we threw some of them out by the fence around Kirby's yard. Most of them...eh.
But there was one that is now a favorite, and will probably stay. Hopefully it will reseed itself. Hopefully, it will not make become a nuisance. I give you:

Love-in-a-Puff Vine

Sweet little white flowers that persist all season, unique air-filled balloons, and adorable seeds with hearts on them. What's not to love?

Cardiospermum halicacabum--*if you live in warmer zones, this plant can become invasive.

Meet Meets

2011-10-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: TW-322208
From: simpleplandd
Origin: Taiwan
Caption: Meets the Cat
Note: "Hello friend, I'm Annie. 17 years old, from Taiwan. I'm so envy you, cuz to be a farmer owner is my dream! And I have four parrots and one sugar glider. I love animals. Hope you'll like it."

Stamps:

Card:

Joey's Dragon

2011-10-01T07:00:00.004-05:00

I have owed my not-really-a-nephew Joey a bookmark for a couple of months now, and I finally finished it this morning.
The first time I tried this dragon (you might remember Paprika), I used a needle, and the results were not quite what I wanted. I started this one with shuttles, got nearly finished and broke the thread. Since I wasn't pleased with how it was looking anyway, I started over. I had tried to make it without the beads, thinking they would not work well on a bookmark (and what do boys want with beads, anyway?), but it really needed the beads.

This time, I'm happy to report, it actually looks like a dragon, complete with sassy curl to the tail and all. I'm still working on my tension with shuttle tatting, but it's coming along.

He really needs a name, but I'm going to leave that up to Joey. Happy late Birthday, Joey!

Oh, PS, about the postcards. There are 9 scheduled posts left over the next three weeks, and then I promise we'll be done with them. I think J's interest is beginning to evaporate anyway. Sorry for the interminable stretch of banality.

What a Loon!

2011-09-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1194620
From: AshleyDePover
Origin: Minnesota
Caption: The common loon is Minnesota's State Bird, and is well loved as a symbol of the state's wilderness.

Note: Greetings from Minnesota. This bird is the state bird of Minnesota. I have only ever seen it in the Northern part of our state. They can be kind of hard to find."

Card:

Motif-ated

2011-09-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to dictionary.com, further research has revealed that a Motif is "a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper." ...or tatting.

One motif...

linked together with other motifs...

becomes addictive. Before you know it...

you have something really cool. Almost done. Maybe by Saturday?*

In spite of the definition, I am opting to only count this piece as one (not eleven) motif for the challenge. It wouldn't be much of a challenge if I could complete almost half of it in one afternoon. Especially since you have a whole year to mess around on this.

*Or maybe today...

The chain around the outside edge didn't take long at all. The finished piece is 2 1/2 inches wide. The pattern is Jon Yusef's Heart o'Daisies. The thread is Yarnplayer's HDT "Knitty Gritty" in a size 30.

Disappearing Act

2011-09-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

Card #: UA-110971
From: Tatiana09
Origin: Ukraine
Caption: Bukovel, Carpatians

Note: "Hello! I live in Lvor not far from mountains named Carpatians (in Ukraine). I like nice cities and nice nature, I like animals. I wish you a lot of nice postcards from all over the world!"

Stamp: No stamp. Neat trick. Maybe the stamp is with all of the missing skiers. There is a picture of a black bear on the back of the card. Maybe he ate the stamp. And the skiers.

Card:

25 Motif Challenge

2011-09-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of seeing nothing but postcards here. Time to fix that.

You may remember that several months ago, I took up the challenge to learn how to tat with a shuttle. This after needle tatting for the last year or so. Let me tell you right now, shuttle tatting is a completely different animal. So forget you know anything about tatting at all and it will go better for you. Yeah.
We're going to skip the frustration, temper tantrums, and tears of despondency (yes, all over string) and move right to when the rays of sunshine pierce the clouds and the angels sing at the moment of triumph. Ta-da!

And because enough is never enough, I had to go and join the 25 Motif Challenge. Basically, you challenge yourself to tat 25 motifs within a year. While I am still unclear as to the precise definition of "motif", I'm pretty sure that bookmarks and doilies will count. So far, I have 5. I guess to be official, I should declare that my start date was August 5th.

This first bookmark was part of a "Challenge Yourself" exchange done through the In Tatters community. The idea was to stretch your ability in tatting. My goal was simply to master shuttle tatting enough so that I didn't feel like throwing the project across the room five minutes after picking it up. After three false starts, I managed to complete Kersti's Floral Bookmark again, using a much smaller thread (breaking it twice and forgetting everything I had figured out the last time notwithstanding). I used Yarnplayer's "Sugar Maple" HDT (hand dyed thread) in a size 30.

The other four bookmarks above are:

Kersti's Floral (again), done with a crochet thread from Michael's
"Jane in South Africa" bookmark, done with DMC perle cotton #4065, variations "Morning Meadows". My repeats are slightly different than the pattern because I was tatting in the car without the instructions. This was also before I learned how to hide my ends. To cover that up, I made a tassel for each end of the bookmark. This weekend, I talked with several girls who insist that their bookmarks be long enough to hang out both ends of the book, which makes this piece perfect.
I have no idea what to call this one. It's just the result of messing with my own ideas and trying to use up the thread on a couple of shuttles.
"Jane in South Africa again, but this time done with Yarnplayer's "Sugar Maple" HDT.

Now on to the next project!

Hole in One

2011-09-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: NL-700449
From: Marlissa92
Origin: Netherlands
Caption: "Groeten van de Velnwe" or Greetings from the Veluwe (National Park)

Note: Hi, J. My name is Morlissa and I live in the Netherlands, in a region called "Veluwe". There's a lot of forest with animals around. Like deers, wildebeasts (what we'd call wild pigs, I think) and foxes, as you can see on the postcard. The tree on the card is a very famous and old one."

Stamp: repeat

Card:

The yellow circle is a cut out in the card.

Funny Business

2011-09-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: SG-44343
From: deliaisreelynice
Origin: Singapore
Caption: "Your HDB flat is your home and a long-term asset!"

Note: "Hey there, J. I'm Delia from Singapore! I'm a 13 year old girl and school life is extremely hectic. By the way, you are 12? That's really cool! I hardly meet a postcrosser my age! Would you like to be my penpal? I find it really stress relieving to write letters/postcards. Email me if you want to, okay? Then I can give you my address. This card is Singapore's cartoon style."

Stamp: Destination Singapore

Card:

More Arizona

2011-09-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Card #: US-1186392
From: teaearlgreyHARD
Origin: A card of Arizona, sent from Texas, but printed in Singapore. Hmmm.
Caption: San Carlos Lake, Arizona. Arizona hosts many lakes that are surrounded by desert landscaping. San Carlos Lake, shown here, has been formed above the Coolidge Dam located on the Gila River. Within the boundaries of the San Carlos Indian Reservation, this lake offers some of the finest fishing in Arizona.

Note: "San Carlos isn't a lake I've been to. My favorites are Canyon Lake (in Apache Junction) and Patagonia (near Nogales)."

Card:

Fabio

2011-09-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

Card #: US-1152346
From: linuxalexa
Origin: Utah
Caption: Fabio the Romney Ram
Note: "J, Meet Sadie (picture of kitten included). She is 11 weeks old. I rescued her when her mom left all the kittens. Sadie is the only survivor of 6 kittens. I now have 2 dogs, 3 cats, 11 chickens, and 2 goats. Happy postcrossing!"

Card:

Why, Yes, I do see the resemblance.

C'luck-ting postcards

2011-09-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: NL-687682
From: toonoomens
Origin: Netherlands
Note: "Hi, J! Hope you like my chicken. We have also chicken and I love eggs! Happy postcrossing!"
Stamp: repeat
Card:

Musil-licks

2011-09-14T07:00:00.003-05:00

Card #: CZ-118152
From: Valecek
Origin: Czech Republic
Caption: N/A, but the picture is a Borzoi.

Note: "hello, My name is Milos, I live in the Czech Republic. I like traveling, castle, train, nature. Sending postcard for you. Happy Postcrossing!"

Stamp: Alois Musil 1868-1944

If you've never watched Lawrence of Arabia, now might be a good time.

Card:

Tired of Titles*

2011-09-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: PL-226945
From: Demifortes
Origin: Poland
Caption: Poznanski Palace, History Museum and Contemporary gallery of Lodz.

Note: "Hey! I'm Ewa, 15 & I live in Lodz. It's in the middle of Poland. I love reading and writing. I'd like to be a writer. I love animals, too! I've got only one, blue cat called 'Gizmo', but he's really cool. Greetings, Ewa."

Stamps: Jan Matejko Manor and Sopot

*While you are reading these posts over the course of several months, they were all written in about 3 days. Today is really the 29th of June and this is postcard number 24 for the day. I'm done naming stuff.

A Letterbox!

2011-09-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: RU-449813
From: Mihanti
Origin: Russia

Note: "Hi, J! Greetings from Russia! My name is Mikhail. I live in a small town Kostroma. P.S. On a postcard typical Russian mailbox.

Stamps:

Potential meets Kinetic

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position. Jack Russell terriers, on the other hand, are the definition of Kinetic energy, or the energy of an object in motion.

Card #: FI-1098679
From: Ksanthia
Origin: Finland
Caption: None, however, the card was printed in Detroit. :)

Note: "Hi, J, What a pretty name you have! My name is Katrüna and I'm from Finland. I'm 21 years old. I love animals and I would really like to have a dog and 2 cats as well. Maybe one day... I hope you like this card! Take care and have a great day! Katrüna"

Stamp:

Here Comes the Bride

2011-09-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: NL-675876
From: eiramenna
Origin: Netherlands

Note: "Hallo, Hope you like this card made by schoolkids in my hometown, Oldenzaal. Greetings, Annemarie."

Stamps:

Signed, Sealed, Delivered*

2011-09-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

*Not sorry.

Card #: NL-664143
From: miriamk
Origin: Netherlands

Caption: None (boo)

Note: "Hello, J, I hope you like this card with a seal. I have bought it when I was on a school camp to Terschelling, an island in the Netherlands, the day before yesterday. I have two Netherland Dwarf rabbits at home (hooray!). Greetings, Miriam"

Stamps:

Saguaro Sunset

2011-08-31T07:00:00.004-05:00

Card #: US-1143868
From: bluprizm
Origin: Arizona, US
Caption: "The majestic Saguaro cactus soars against a dramatic desert sunset. The Saguaro cactus blossom is the Arizona state flower."

Note: "Hello from Chandler, AZ. I live in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by mountains. It is quite beautiful. Wishing you all the best. Stephanie"

Incidentally, Christian artist Chris Machen has a song titled "Arizona Sunset" on his album, Mercy. The song is embeded below for your enjoyment.

Whopper

2011-08-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

At some point, mail goes from postcard to poster sized. This one is up there. Shaped and a state collage, it's also a favorite.

Card #: US-1136671
From: VuMastr
Origin: Florida, US
Caption: Tropical Florida

Note: "Hello from Florida! This card had the most animals on it, so I hope you like it. We have two dogs and four rabbits, but two black racer snakes live in our back yard. If you look on the map on the front, we live in Orlando, right where the Space Shuttel is pointing. It is about 30 minutes to the beach and 20 minutes to Disney World. :) Bill"

Port-abel Lighthouse

2011-08-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

Well, that is the first thing my mind read on the back of the card.

Card #: US-1130099
From: tigger_2005
Origin: Texas, US
Caption: "Port Isabel Lighthouse South Padre Island, Texas--The Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in1852. Its light was extinguished in 1905 when the emergence of railroads decreased the amount of commercial shipping. Dedicated as a state park in 1952, this historic landmark became a popular tourist attraction."

Note: "Howdy from Texas! I hope you enjoy this card of a Texas sunset. I live about 6 hours from the coast, but we try to go in the summer. Blessed Be! Jessica"

Who You Callin' "Chick"?

2011-08-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: NL-651090
From: Inkeltje
Origin: Netherlands
Note: "Hello J, This card comes from Ruinen_Hdland. Im a mom of 2 teenagers, married and we love to travel, to make pictures, to be creative, and we love the nature. Hope you like this "chick'. Happy postcrossing. Inge"

Stamps: See? We're not the only ones with boring stamps.

Deep in the Heart

2011-08-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

In our continuing efforts to infect you with the same viral songs that we suffer from, we start you off with this:

Card #: US-1125309
From: arguendoanddixi
Origin: Texas, US
Caption: "Austin is the state capitol of Texas. In the distance, the city lights of Austin shine."

Note: "J, Greetings from Austin, TX! We are both native Texans & have lived in Austin for over 20 years. The skyline of Austin has actually changed some, but is still a beautiful place. Clayton & Stacey"

Feng Shui Diesel

2011-08-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I never knew that a locomotive could be aesthetically pleasing until J received this next card.

Card #: TW-299442
From: Kara-Lee
Origin: Taiwan
Caption: "the four seasons of Alishan"

Note: "Ni hao. It means "Hi" :) How are you? The weather in Taiwan is getting warmer and warmer. Have you ever been to or heard Taiwan before? It's a beautiful island in the Pacific. There are many kinds of food and snacks. Maybe you can visit Taiwan oneday. It'll be a lot of fun! Happy Postcrossing!"

Stamps: Calliandra emarginata (pink powderpuff) and Delonix regia

Oh, Give Me a Home...

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yet another ear worm invoking card.

Card #: US-1120814
From: Sammiegirl
Origin: South Dakota, US
Caption: "Where the Buffalo roam (♪ ♫)--From the Black Hills around Mount Rushmore, with their clear mountain lakes, to the rich prairie grasslands at the edges of the Badlands, today Bison abound in South Dakota!"

Note: "Hello from South Dakota!"

Eastern Cottontail

2011-08-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1114252
From: pookiebear
Origin: Illinois, US

Note: "Hello, J, I live in Illinois also. I live in a small town of about 1700 people. I love it here. Its near the Mississippi River. I love sending postcards. I hope you will enjoy this little rabbit. He was looking for a good home like yours. Take, friends from Illinois, Judy--I got one cat 'Annie Jo' "

No tattoo on this one.

The Maine Thing

2011-08-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1103657
From: Saturn_Dreaming
Origin: Maine, US
Caption: " Maine facts--Maine-"Pine Tree State"; Capital-Augusta-Area-33,125 sq. miles; Population-"1990" 1,227,928; Motto-"Dirigo" I direct; Flower-Pine Cone; Animal-MOOSE!; Cat-Maine Coon; insect-Honeybee; bird-Chickadee; tree-Eastern White Pine; 23rd State admitted to the Union (how funny that the postcard is printed in Italy!)

Note: "Hello, J, Greetings from Maine. It is great that you live on a farm. I live in a city are and would like to live near more farms. I would love to see all the animals. I have three cats but it would be great to have more. Happy Postcrossing!"

Stamps: US forever pinecones (of course!), but more interesting are the moose and bear holographic stickers (which don't scan well).

I love these fun collage cards (I'm sure there is an official name for this style, but I don't know it. TG?). I'm hoping that someday J will have one from every state.

Shuttle Launch

2011-08-11T12:16:00.000-05:00

We interrupt this broadcast (of postcards) to bring you the latest news from the crafting frontier....

After many, many, many,.....many attempts at learning how to tat with a shuttle, I am pleased as punch to announce that I may finally have it figured out. Thanks to Karen Cabrera and her wonderful instructional videos! The above bookmark is my first real completed piece. Not a needle stitch on it, I am happy to say.

And in keeping with M's declaration that this is "the Summer of Dragons", I have needle tatted a couple of dragons. The "pestystings" (reference to the How to Train Your Dragon audio books), is Anne Bruvold's "Ringtrim--a microdragon" pattern. Her flying Minor Norwegian Dragon is also in the works, but only after M goes to bed. Shhh! It's a secret!

Next is a rainbow version of Martha Ess' Paprika the dragon.

And finally, just because I had to:

A Netherland Dwarf doodle, complete with visual pattern. =:)

Hallo!

2011-08-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: NL-612394
From: Pinkapple
Origin: Netherlands

Note: "Hello, How are you? I'm Johanna from the Netherlands. I bought this card at Hema, typically Dutch! The spring is just started, so it's lovely weather here. Wish you all the best. Regards, Pinkapple."

I must have goofed with this card. There is no stamp or address on it, so it had to have come in an envelope, which I can't find. :( However, if you stare at the card long enough, it starts moving.

Fluffy

2011-08-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: DE-901380
From: Krimhild
Origin: Germany

Caption: No caption, but J noticed the ear tattoo on this bunny. Don't know if it's masquerading as a wild rabbit or not, but I was impressed that she caught it. In spite of pretending to ignore what goes on in our own rabbitry, she is paying attention.

Note: "Hello, J! Many greetings to you from Germany. My name is Gundula, I'm 43 years old. We have 3 children: my daughter Nele is 16, her brothers Till and Jonas are 14 and 13. I work as a teacher. My hobbies are reading and sports."

Stamps: Stone Bridge in Regensburg and Tagetes (Marigold)

Another Rescue

2011-08-06T14:53:00.000-05:00

We received another call from the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors hotline yesterday.* So we packed up the equipment and headed to Morris to pick up a downed owl. This was our second owl for this summer.

The first was a Barred Owl in a backyard in Yorkville. It was an easy capture and delivery. The bird had neurological damage and could not be released, but was going to become part of a live display at Willowbrook or another similar wildlife center. Maybe the girls and I will get to go see it soon.

Yesterday's call was for a young Great Horned Owl at a residence in the country. The yard was fantastic habitat for owls with a stream, pond and lots of huge old Oak trees. I really hope the owl can go back there when it gets all fixed up, but it didn't offer much resistance, which isn't a good sign. Hopefully we'll have news some time next week. Aren't those eyes amazing? It was a little unnerving to have it swivel it's head to watch my every move.

*Have I ever posted about this before? If I haven't, the short version is that a friend (the same one that decided we needed a snake) talked us into joining the trained responders for CBCM. If there is a downed bird in my county, people call the hotline and then I get a call to go pick it up and relay it to the Willowbrook Wildlife Center, where it can be evaluated for treatment. We are the only responders in our county, and since we are so far from Chicago, there aren't too many calls. So far, all of the calls have been for large birds of prey and geese (which we don't usually waste gas money on, unless it is putting people in danger).
We missed getting to go after a Turkey Vulture while I was in CA. Fall migration is coming though, so we'll see what happens.

Nice Kitty.

2011-08-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1046468
From: Sim1
Origin: California, US
Caption: "Mountain Lion, also known as cougars and pumas, mountain lions are large, slender cats with a muscular body, large paws and a coat that ranges in color from pale brown to light tawny, and a tail that is half the length of its head and body. They are predatory and carnivorous. Their main prey are deer, but they also survive on a variety of other prey including raccoons, small rodents, birds and fish."

Note: "I like animals too--it must be nice to have so many animals. I miss having pets at my parents house (I have an apartment, but the cats went to college with my sister :). Hope you like this big cat! Simone"
(*I wonder what the cats' GPA is?)

Shaping Up

2011-08-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

Card #: FI-1071187
From: Tan_ja2
Origin: Finland

Note: "Hi! Greetings from Finland and Turku, the oldest town in Finland. Turku is more than 800 years old. My name is Tanja. Happy Postcrossing!"

Stamp: Aurora Borealis

I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but this postcard is cut out around the kittens head. Shaped cards are cool!

A Rose by the name of William

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: DE-889217
From: Ostbeveraner
Origin: Germany

Caption: "William Morris" (which, I am assuming--okay, I googled it--is the name of this particular cultivar of English Rose)

Note: "Dear J, my name is Ansger & I write from spring Germany. I hope you like my card & my stamps on it (we do). I live in a little city where 10,000 people live & I like it. The internet is great, too, so I can surf "to all cities of the world. You know? Wish you a nice day & happy PC.

Stamps: Tulip & the Air Element

Cattitude

2011-07-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: TW-283770
From: pollyabcd
Origin: Taiwan

Caption: "Wake me when your postcard comes"

Note: "Hello, J! It comes from Taiwan. Taiwan is an island surrounded by sea, has a very rich marine resources. Hope you will like this postcard. Have a nice day! Sophie"

Stamps: Sesarmops intermedius (Taiwan Flower Crab?) and Dicrurus aeneus (Bronzed Drongo)

Mediterranean Montana

2011-07-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

As J continues to receive postcards from the world over, it astounds me how familiar "foreign" lands appear. (You will now proceed to get "It's a Small World after all" stuck in your head for the rest of the day.) I'm sure I've seen field just like this while driving out West.

Card #: IT-130169
From: squino
Origin: Italy
Caption: Toscana Val d'Orcia - Da Pienza verso l' Amiata (Tuscany--Valley of Orcia - from Pienza towards Mount Amiata)

Note: "Hello, J, people say that one of the main characteristics in Tuscany is landscape. I'm sorry that you can only imagine horses, hares, gooses, wild boars, deers, pheasants, foxes, badgers....Mount Amiata in the background is the only ski resort in Southern Tuscany. Bye, Riccardo & Billy (dog)

Stamps:

Winter Feast

2011-07-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: FL-1046242
From: Weelah
Origin: Finland

Note: "Hi, These birds are very popular in Finland. They are in latin "Pyrrhula pyrrhula". (Eurasian Bullfinch) Why do you have so many rabbits? In Finland we have a almost spring about 2-3 weeks and trees are full of small leafs. Take car: Kirsi"

Stamp: Minna Parikka

Seeing Red

2011-07-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: TW-268492
From: nayuyoo
Origin: Taiwan
Caption: The Red House, Taipei City

Note: "Hi, J ^_^ I'm from Taiwan * I'm university student :) I ♥ collect postcards & bookmarks! My fav animals are dogs:). I ♥ taking a photo ♥nature, sky-flowers ♥ :O hope u like this card (there is also a kitty doodle at the bottom.)

Stamps: Aphrodisium faldermanni (having trouble finding info on this beetle, other than it's destructive, but you can buy it online--figures), and Luscinia calliope (Siberian rubythroat)

Have your cake and Lick it too

2011-07-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Card #: PL-188241
From: elle_pl
Origin: Poland
Caption: "Frankie"

Note: "Hi, J! You wrote you like animals so I send a postcard with cat :). I hope so you like it :). You are so young :), but I'm not old too! I'm from Poland (Rodom city) and here I'm going to the last class "high school". I'm just learning English, so I'm sorry for my mistakes! Greetings for you and your family!!!...and happy postcrossing :)"

Stamps: Sieradz (a town on the Warta river in central Poland), and Ignacego Jana Paderewski

Cute Factor

2011-07-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Card #: CN-333860
From: chuhan0714
Origin: China
Caption: "May the best wishes around you."

Note: "Hi, J. Greetings from China. I am 20-year-old and major in finance in university. I can't find some real animal's card, so I chose this one, the little bear. Hope you like it. Happy postcrossing..."

Stamps:

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh, MY!

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: RU-353139
From: Julie4290
Origin: Russia
Caption: Odobenus rosmarus L. (walrus) The sender notes that the card is from a zoological museum.
Note: "Hello, my name is Julia. I found many beautiful stamps with animals for you :) (and how!) I have never been on a real farm. I think it is very interesting to live there, because I love animals too. Have a nice day, J! Best wishes, Julia"

Stamps:

We are still working on the translation for this poem. It is proving most трудный. If you have better luck, let me know.

A Familiar Face

2011-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1038006
From:Trekkie_Gal
Origin: USA
Caption: An adorably edible pear bear (these and other "play with your food" photos are by Joost Elffers--favorites from when the girls were little)
Note: "Hi, J! My name is Kristin. I go by kjnohr on postcrossing, but you (and your mom) probably know me better as Trekkie Gal :) When I requested an address and got yours, I had to laugh. This is the first time I am sending an official postcrossing card to someone I actually know. I usually send postcards showing a scene from Indiana or Chicago, but since you don't live that far away, I decided to send this fun "animal" postcard. I hope you like it. Take care! Kristin

Small world.

With a Splash of Lime

2011-07-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: IT-125338
From: quitimorena
Origin: Italy
Caption: Dolomiti-Dolomiten (see Dolomites)
Note: "Ciao J, I'm Morena. I'm 11 years old. I live in Meano in Italy. I play volleyball in the Dolasiana team. Ciao Morena"

Stamps: Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010 & Joe Petrosino

I think the flowers in the upper left are Edelweiss.

Cocoa Hot Tub

2011-07-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

This next card makes me laugh, but drives J crazy. She is so grounded in reality, she has very little tolerance for fantasy. As her sister and mother read, write and live in the Sci-Fi world, it makes for some very lively conversations.

Card #: CA-151639
From: Saffron55
Origin: Canada
Caption: "Hot Tubbing at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea"...and because I know you're going to ask: Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Urban Fairies

Note: "Hi, J, I'm Casey. I live in a small town called Creston BC. My youngest son is in Gr 7. We have lots of pets here too. I love the idea of fairies & think the fairy doors are cute. Happy postcrossing!

Stamps: Epipactis gigantea (Giant helleborine, or stream orchid) & chrysopa oculata (goldeneyed lacewing)

Mother Necessity

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

This next postcard is a perfect example of the coincidental opportunities for learning that Postcrossing provides. It's a chance to challenge what we have always believed to be true and exchange it for a fuller understanding of a subject. For J, this is almost always uncomfortable, but good for her nonetheless. (I have a feeling that someday, she'll wish she had written these posts herself. Too much Mom Intrusion--hereby to be known as MI.)

Card #: DE-855636
From: My_dog_coffee
Origin: Germany
Caption: Heinrich Göbel geboren 1818 in Springe am Deister, entwickelte als Uhrmacher die erste brauchbare Glühlampe und beleuchtete damit 1854 seine Werkstatt. Als Leuchtkörper diente ihm eine verkohlte Bambusfaser in einer luftleeren Eau-de-Cologne-Flasche. Er starb 1883 in den USA. (Oh, alright. If you insist...Heinrich Göbel born in 1818 in Springe am Deister, developed the first practical light bulb as a watchmaker and illuminated it in 1854 his workshop. He as a luminous body a charred bamboo fiber was used in a vacuum, eau de cologne bottle. He died in 1883 in the USA. Thank you, Google Translate!)

On the front, the quote (in German and English) says: "If you want to inspire others, you must first create a light of your own."~Lothar Habler

Note: "Hello J! My name is Angela and I live in the small town Springe in Germany. I am a mother and a grandmother. My granddaughter is 6 years old and her name is Emily. Heinrich Gobel makes my hometown very special. He was born here. In the year 1854 he created the first useful electric light bulb. My best wishes, Angela"

Stamps: marigold & with good wishes

Like a good teacher, I'm going to let you do the research on this one on your own, but you might start Here.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

This is one of the cards that J has been sending to others. We thought it was appropriate for today. Have a safe 4th of July!

Una tarjeta postal

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: ES-105380
From: Ignacio
Origin: Spain
Caption: none
Note: "Bilbao, 26-II-2011 [19:30] 12*C (and a little drawing of rain clouds) Hi J! Greetings from Bilbao (Spain)! Photo: long-finned pilot whales (globicephala melas) in the waters of the Gulf of Biscay. Happy postcrossing!"
Stamps:

A Favorite

2011-06-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: FI-1038044
From: Netta
Origin: Finland
Caption: Suomi-Finland, Ilves (Lynx lynx), Lodjur-Northern lynx-Luchs
Note: "Moi J, My name is Netta and I'm 19 years old. I live on the southern coast of Finland in a city named Turku. I'm studying international business in university. I also have two cats. You seem to have loads of animals! That's so cool! Northern Lynxes live in Finland (and also in Russia). I have never seen one though. Have a fantastic day! Best wishes, Netta.
Stamp:

J loves animals, but is partial to birds and cats, so this card was just right.

Poignant Timing

2011-06-27T07:00:00.002-05:00

This card was received the day after the horrendous earthquake and tsunami in March. Thankfully, we were able to email the sender and learned that she was okay. Still, it was and is a reminder that those events affected real lives and not just anonymous faces as seen on the news. We are praying for them still.

Card #JP-154575
From: hisui0705
Origin: Japan
Caption: none
Note: "(Hello in Japanese characters) My name is Rika. Greeting from Hokkaido in Japan. My town "Shintokucho" has facilities that can be seen in the wild bear (Ursus arctos) is near. Take care & Happy postcrossing!! Rika
Stamps: shaped stamps! How cool is that?!

The dotted and plaid bits are strips of tape that the sender added.

Still Life

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Card #: US-1030078
From: Zookeeper
Origin: Georgia, USA
Caption: Fernbank Museum of Natural History is the largest museum of its kind in the southeast. Visitors with a sharp eye may notice these wildlife creatures among the 275 animals displayed throughout the seven geographic regions in the Museum's signature exhibit: A Walk Through Time in Georgia.
Note: "Hello from Atlanta GA! The front of this card shows several of our native critters from the southern coast all the way to our mountains. I hope you enjoy it. And tell Mom I agree with her cards preferences! (on J's profile, I requested no pornographic cards) Have a great day! Sarah

Pastoral

2011-06-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

I promise, no puns this time.

Card #: HU-35388
From: martonkata
Origin: Hungary
Caption: Puszta
Note: "Szia! Many greetings from Hungary! I'm 8 years old. I like dogs and horses. These are the domestic animals here on the Great Plain (the Puszta). Best wishes, Kata (I have to note that this 8yo has better cursive handwriting than most adults--myself included)
Stamp: crocus (the words just mean international postage)

Czech, Please*

2011-06-20T07:00:00.003-05:00

Since her postcrossing profile tells about all of the animals that we have, and requests postcards (when possible) of animals from the senders country, a majority of the cards she receives are of animals.

Card #: CZ-99670
From: danae13
Origin: Czech Republic (first foreign card)
Caption: none
Note: "Hi, J, Lots of greetings from the Czech Republic. My name's Dana and I live with my family in the north of the country, in the mountains. I like animals too. I have a dog-Manchester terrier and a rabbit too!!! He's very nice! Have a great time and I hope you'll enjoy this postcard! Hello Dana
Stamp: Prague Astronomical Clock

*Sorry. It's all I could think of at the time.

Cool...but, eeewww!

2011-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Card #: US-1024605
From : cami21901
Origin: California
Caption: The Banana Slug, Ariolimax columbians, gets its name from its bright yellow color. Found in the damp, foggy coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest, banana slugs eat vegetation thus speeding up the decomposition and soil building process. Redwoods.
Note: "Greetings from San Francisco! These slugs can get to be 5-6 inches long. I'm not afraid of them, but they are really sticky & have an annoying habit of eating dog poop."

The day J received this card, we had pancakes for supper. As a joke, I make a pancake for her that was shaped like a banana slug, complete with eye stalks and all.

A Lick and a Promise

2011-06-15T07:00:00.005-05:00

For her birthday this year, J received everything that she would need to start Postcrossing, a hobby in which she exchanges postcards with random people around the world. Send a postcard, get a postcard. Lick a stamp and hold onto the promise that you have some really cool mail coming your way. It's that simple.

It's a great way to reach outside of her little sphere and learn about new cultures, people and places around the globe. Of course, the educator in me saw a plump opportunity for applications in geography, language arts, and a host of other topics. Not to mention the stamp collecting potential.*

Now, she has decided that we should post her cards here so that family and friends can see them too. It is, after all, yet another one of the things that we do to help us avoid domesticity. She has received 35+ to date, so it will take a little to catch up. If there is a lull, we can post some of the other postcards she has received in the last few years.

For any of you who are already postcrossers and would like to look her up, her username is DoodlePaws.

Card #:US-1018450
From: JRyanNY
Origin: New York (Yes, we are aware the postcard is of CA, but it was mailed in NY)
Caption: Another perfect Palm Desert sunset.
Note: "Hey! Hope you enjoy this post and it finds you safe and not too cold! This view is what I see each night while here in California and it is an amazing place! I like the view here and in NYC but like this one more! Hope you enjoy the postcard!"
Stamps: We'll post a photo of the foreign stamps, but everyone here knows what US stamps look like. :)

*Actually, this is all Trekkie Gal's fault. She started it. You can blame her.

Conundrum, part 2

2011-06-04T06:27:00.000-05:00

This time, it's a Barn Swallow nest--on my hammock rope. Sigh. We have no less than 3 barns and several smaller sheds on the farm here. Why can't they build there?

Barn Swallows are beautiful, and I love having them swoop around my head while I'm mowing. Their chattering and chirping is a happy, friendly sound. And they are fearless. They dive bomb the dog and cats when they're outside, and the rubber snakes I set out as a deterrent didn't even phase them. In fact, I found the biggest one had been unceremoniously dumped into the flower bed.

But Swallows are messy, so they had to go. I'm not surrendering my porch.

Before...

2011-05-19T18:53:00.000-05:00

What is your best guess as to this critter's identity?

Some clues:

Just over an inch long
found in the soil while planting flowers in Northern Illinois
3 pairs of legs
one very cool "foot" on last segment that it uses to propel itself
eats slugs and snails (so it went back into the garden)

After photo will be posted in a month or so. Stay tuned.

Conundrum

2011-04-18T17:06:00.000-05:00

"Somewhere in the world there is an epigram for every dilemma."~Hendrik Willem Van Loon

Week, the eighth

2011-02-24T09:26:00.001-06:00

Asking for "a picture of your most treasured item" is an impossible request.
The items that I treasure most in this world aren't items at all. Without hesitation, my faith and my family are what I prize above all else, and their value isn't tangible.
Besides, there is nothing on earth that I would not gladly give up, if required by my Sovereign Lord.

Still...this is an exposé, a challenge, of sorts. And so, we take a deep breath and press on.

My most treasured item is such, not because of what it is, but what it represents.
Dorothy Elizebeth Barnett Sheldon, my paternal Grandmother, wore an Opal necklace that my Grandfather had given her. When I was quite young, I made a comment about it to her and she glibly informed me that when she died it would be mine. It was a beautiful thing, so part of me was delighted at the idea. But part of me was repulsed too, and felt guilty at the delight. I was too young to understand all that an heirloom is.
When I was fourteen, Grandma Dorothy passed away, and shortly after that, my Grandfather gave me the necklace. By that time, I was truly able to treasure it for the memories that it held.
No picture can do it justice.

Although that would be enough, that isn't where the story ends.
Seven years later, in the jungle of Venezuela, I read a book by Isobel Kuhn, titled Stones of Fire. Now out of print, it is a missionary story woven throughout with a metaphor comparing the author's life to a gem being worked by a Master Lapidary. The stone is an Opal.

"Do you know that lovely fact about the opal? That in the first place, it is only made of desert dust, sand, and silica, and owes it's beauty and preciousness to a defect. It is a stone with a broken heart. It is full of minute fissures which admit air, and the air refracts the light. Hence it's lovely hues and that sweet lamp of fire that ever burns at it's heart, for the breath of the Lord God is in it.

"You are only conscious of the cracks and desert dust, but so He makes His precious opal. We must be broken in ourselves before we can give back the lovely hues of His light, and the lamp of the temple can burn in us and never go out." ~Ellice Hopkins

And so, quite apart from my doing, I do have an item that represents the two things that are most important to me, and it is treasured indeed.

Week, the seventh

2011-02-17T07:47:00.001-06:00

This week's prompt didn't require as much thought as some of the others have (or will). "A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day."

Now, if I wanted to get all altruistic and noble on you, I'd say that I'd love to trade places with my husband for the day--if only so that he could have one day in which he could live without pain. But even if that's true (and it is), it's a bit gushy and doesn't make for a fun blog post.

On the lighthearted side...I'd love to live in this person's shoes:

...but I'm not sure a day would be long enough. How 'bout a month?

Rick Steves "is an American author, historian, and television personality focusing on European travel. He is the host of the public television series Rick Steves' Europe, has a public radio travel show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored various location-specific travel guides."*

I don't know anything about his personal life, political leanings, or anything else beyond the show on PBS. So, if you find out he's part of some underworld triad dealing in human trafficking (which seems highly unlikely), I don't want to know about it.
What appeals to me about trading places with him is the opportunity to travel all over the place and see things beyond the typical tourist attractions. Carrying nothing but a backpack.**
We could skip the camera crew. They'd just slow me down.

Don't read too much into my desire to trade places with a Man. Although, being a man would probably make travel easier in certain areas of the world. Mechanically, and otherwise.

Where are we going first?

*Unashamedly ripped straight out of Wikipedia.
**I bought that backpack, and it really is everything they say it is. I'll never lug a suitcase again. That was part of the 12 Things, remember?

Week, the sixth

2011-02-15T07:00:00.004-06:00

The prompt for (eh, hem...) last week of the exposé was: "A picture of one of your favorite memories".

My first thought was "Seriously? What if I don't have a favorite memory? What if my favorite memory changes hourly? What if I haven't had my favorite memory yet? Or if I don't happen to have a pictures of it? Like hunting for the spot on the farm where the cat had her kittens....or listening to my Dad read Mrs. PiggleWiggle out loud to us when we were kids...or filling a friend's dorm room with inflatable turtles...or sitting in a boat on a tributary in Venezuela as far from civilization as is possible...or shaking hands with men who are faithful to preaching the Word of God...or holding my daughter for the very first time...or...wait...it says "one of". Never mind.

Here is my "one of":

In June of 2003, we broke ground on the one-and-only house we ever intend to build. We saved quite a bit of money by doing the general contracting ourselves, and learned a lot in the process. We caught mistakes before they cost us, and are living with a few as well. None of it would be possible without the ridiculous generosity of family on both sides.

When the first floor deck was completed, but no walls were framed, I came over to the site and laid on the floor in front of our future fireplace, and watched the sunset.

We cleaned, painted, hauled, and cleaned some more. And on January 27th, 2004, we moved in. And we're still not done. Probably never will be.

But from this house, many of our other favorite memories have been launched.

Heavy lifting on move-in day sparked some physical difficulties that Chad has been dealing with ever since. This, in turn, has brought about some fun, and some not-so-fun trips to Minnesota. And lots of Grace.
Family get togethers, holidays, field trips, and vacations all begin and end here.
This is school, work, and play for us.
The farm is here.
This is where the housework gets ignored in favor of the fun stuff.
The petting zoo is here.
This is where The Shema of Deuteronomy 6 and Mark 12 take place (hopefully).
Family is here (and next door...and just down the street...).
This is our sanctuary, our life, our home away from Home.

It even has a name.
Welcome to Leaning Tree Acres!

Headlines

2011-02-14T06:45:00.000-06:00

See? I made it into the newspaper again!

Housewife Attacked in Own Home

Golden

2011-02-12T08:53:00.001-06:00

Today we celebrate J's Golden Birthday. For those of you unfamiliar with her story, when she was born, we never expected that we would have the privilege of enjoying this moment. Some days, it still feels too good to be true, and it is by God's Grace Alone.

South Bend Chocolate Factory

2011-02-09T07:00:00.003-06:00

According to the time stamp, October of 2006 is when Grammy and I took the girls to the South Bend Chocolate factory for a fun field trip. Let the cravings commence.

Ohio 2006

2011-02-07T07:00:00.007-06:00

If they can show retromercials on TV, the I'm taking the liberty to post some retro family photos here. It's not really a priority for us to have them printed. The digital versions take up less space, cost nothing, and can be accessed from any computer.

We took a trip to the Dayton area to visit family in 2006. We did some letterboxing, visited a Children's garden that was a sensory wonderland, and hung out with family. It's such fun for me to look back and see how much the girls have grown since then!

Strange Things

2011-02-05T08:53:00.000-06:00

We've been working on getting rid of some clutter over the past few weeks and have come across some unusual items. Even more interesting, however, is the process of sorting through old files on the computer. Pictures in particular. This one seemed appropriate:

In 2006 we took a vacation to visit relatives in Ohio. I was able to squeeze in a couple letterbox hunts while there, thanks to my ever patient family. On one outing, we found this broom--inexplicably parked next to a waterfall. It is easily the strangest thing that I have ever seen while boxing. The second would be the 25 pound bag of cat chow on the trail, miles away from anything.

As I sort through old photos, it is my plan to post slideshows of various vacations, field trips, and asundries. My main purpose is to create a place to look at them (and get them off my hard drive at the same time) without spending the money to print them (at least until I can afford it). Feel free to look at them, or ignore them.

In the meantime, what is the strangest thing that you have found while out hiking?

2 More Things

2011-02-03T07:26:00.000-06:00

Remember my list of 12 Things? Well, I thought of 2 more.

Kick the Soda Addiction. I can add this one because it's already done. Along with learning to play the spoons, tatting with a shuttle, and carrying less baggage, my trip to Louisiana had the unexpected effect of curing me of my soda (pop, or coke-with a small "c" for those of you who live elsewhere) cravings. Now, you have to understand that this was unintentional, and nothing short of miraculous. I've tried unsuccessfully many times in the past. The two cans that I have opened in the last several weeks have gone unfinished. It doesn't even taste good anymore. And no headaches either. Weird, but good. Now if I could just kick the Praline addiction that I acquired in NOLA.
Declutter the house. At the end of last year, several friends found the 365 Less Things website. My whole family (aunts, etc) are now busily getting rid of stuff we didn't even realize was clutter. The unwanted task of going through the possessions that a loved one has left behind has been added incentive for the rest of us to get organized. Some favorite items that our descendants will Not have to deal with now: phone books going back to 2004, a girdle, and 19 toothbrushes kept "just in case we need to scrub something".

PS-I've also caught up on Doctor Who. :)

Real Men

2011-02-02T07:00:00.003-06:00

A very bizarre conversation with my 8 and almost 12 year old daughters took place the other day. We went from the YMCA song, to "why are they dressed like that?", to what does it mean to be a "real man". It was the kind of chat that every attentive mom hopes will happen at some point (I would have preferred later), but one that you can in no way prepare yourself for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO43p2Wqc08 (the video is for satirical illustration, not an endorsement--and perhaps not for everyone)

So, what does it mean to be a Real Man? We've heard lots of silliness on the subject:

Real Men don't eat Quiche.
Real Men don't watch Figure Skating.
Real Men don't wear Pink.
Real Men play dress up with their daughters.
Real Men drive pick up trucks.
Real Men hate cats.

The girls and I had a pretty good discussion on the subject; some of it insightful, some of it needing correction. But now it's time for you to weigh in on what a Real Man is to you. It can be positive or negative, what they do or don't do, silly or serious.

Finish the statement "Real Men..."

Week, the fifth

2011-01-31T07:00:00.001-06:00

The exposé prompt for this week is the converse of last week: "A picture of your night". The smarty pants response would have been to put up a rectangle of darkness. It wouldn't ring true, though. So here is a typical Nitrocat night:

Yep.

Lou'siana

2011-01-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

Since I've been home for over a week now, isn't it about time I posted some of my pics? Yep, that's what I thought.
Aside from camera troubles frustrating enough to make me want to chuck it in the nearest fountain, I came home with some decent amateur photos. Enjoy.

A few thoughts about the trip:

New Orleans has some beautiful things in it, and it is true that you could happily eat your way from one end of it to th'other, but it takes some purposeful obliviousness to navigate it without permanently scaring your innocence. That or buckets of Wassa's Eye Bleach.
When the threat is real, I am indeed afraid of snakes.
Live Oaks are just about the coolest thing ever.
Friends you've never met before can turn out to be just as amazing as you hoped they'd be.
So can their kids.
Pralines. Yum.
Worshiping with others "of like faith and practice" is awe inspiring no matter where it takes place.
I want to go back.

Week, the fourth

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

The prompt for week four of the exposé is to post "a picture of your day". Deceptively simple in it's challenge, you could take this as meaning any typical day in the life of you, or this specific day. Since today was a fairly typical day, I could get away with doing both. But that doesn't make it easier. How does one portray an entire day and all of it's myriad choices and activities in a single shot? I'm afraid my attempts are rather blasé. I'll probably come up with a smashing idea when I'm supposed to be sleeping tonight.

The walk through:

My day starts around 6 ish, sans alarm, when the overactive brain slams into high gear; leaving the body to catch up when it can. Hence the coffee.
Until around 7:30, the brain is on it's own, and it works on fielding email, snail mail, bills, and sundry paperwork until my body joins it and the children, who are now up, for breakfast.
Bunnies and schoolwork take up a good portion of the day, and whether I like it or not, the laundry is ever present in the background.
The brain hits a wall around 3 and nothing gets done at all for awhile, while my body walks around in circles like a zombie until it's time to make supper. (I have already pointed out to the brain that if it would let us sleep a little longer in the morning, or not keep us up all night, this would not happen. It won't listen though.)
After supper, there's more bunny chores, and last minute housework stuff to do until I fall down in front of a movie--with or without handwork.

What you cannot see in the picture (but it's there, I assure you), is the 9 phone calls that I dealt with, the 16 times that I let the dog out and in, the stolen moments reading until the girls hunted me down, the sandwiches made, the cat hair vacuumed, the drop offs at piano lessons, the gas pumped, and the 37 minutes wasted checking prices on flights to anywhere warmer than here.

What did your day hold?

Week, the third

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge is sort of a no-brainer, and if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you can probably guess what my photo will be. The prompt was: A picture of the cast from one of your favorite shows or movies.

See how easy that is?

David Tennant is, by far, my favorite incarnation of Doctor Who. And of course, Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, is his best traveling companion.

Let me tell you something about my view of actors and actresses (since this is supposed to be an exposé, after all). While some people get completely caught up in every sordid detail of an actor's private life, I do not. I enjoy them in certain roles, but don't pursue it much farther. I couldn't even tell you if David Tennant is married or not. I like him in his role as Doctor Who, but I don't know much else about him. It is rare that I ever watch or like all of the roles one person will play in their career. I find that if you dig (usually not too far) into the reality behind a character, you are likely to be very disappointed.
So, while I've made a play at David Tennant being my "heartthrob", it's just an act. The truth is, I love the fictional idea of a save-the-world-time-traveler, regardless of who plays the part.

Above is the inside of my Trading Card to End All Trading Cards.

Week, the second

2011-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Since I'm a little behind on K's photo challenge, I'm going to have to try to post several this week. This probably won't be the last time I have to play catch up.

The challenge for the second week was to post: A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.

It might sound like a sappy greeting card, but my Mom is my best friend. Really.
After being away at college, I lived at home for a year so that I could pay off my student loans quickly. I knew it was time to move out when there started to be a little friction between us. It was nothing serious--just two women with different opinions in the same house stuff--but I wanted to protect our relationship.
Over the years since, through good and bad, Mom remains my closest friend. I can talk to her about anything, and we enjoy one another's company. I look just like her too, don't ya think? I am grateful to God for a Mom that I want to spend time with. I know not everyone has a good relationship with their parents.

This photo was taken on our recent tour of the barn quilts in Kankakee County. One of Mom's sisters, my Aunt Jamie, was with us. The photo was graciously taken by the farmer who owns this lovely farm, Mr. Schwark.

A New You

2011-01-24T19:11:00.000-06:00

I have to confess that I am a little jealous of our snake.
What? That's not exactly what you were expecting to read when you came over here?
It's true. I envy our snake.
Not because he gets to stuff himself till he's fit to burst with no apparent consequences; or because he gets to sleep 99.999% of the time in a climate controlled, safe, quiet spot.
No, I'm jealous because of this:

Every month of so, Kernel sheds his skin in one complete piece, essentially emerging as a brand new snake. His colors become brighter and more iridescent, and he fairly glows.

Humans exfoliate, or shed dead skin in flakes. We even pay good money for products and services to aid us in the process in an vain attempt at maintaining our youthful appearances. Not snakes. They tie themselves in knots and turn inside out in a process called ecdysis; making a fresh start in one glorious motion every time.

Think there's a metaphor in there somewhere?
Wish you could try it?
Yeah, me too.

I Corinthians 15:53-54

Inspiration

2011-01-19T08:12:00.000-06:00

An Inspiring Idea