A stitch in time, A day at a time

In which pride goes before the fall...

2012-02-03T07:58:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've not been crafting. It's a bit hard to crochet or knit when your arms are sore, and your palms might be screaming for some TLC. It's a bit of a challenge to find time after supervising your kid's homework and packing a grown woman and two girls (and a lot of junk) so you can make it to your destination on time, and then do it all again but in the opposite direction, give the girls and hubby their dinner, have a different dinner, bathe said girls and finally have a much needed shower yourself. In spite of all this, I am really happy.

I believe I heard the collective gasp. "How can you NOT craft and be happy!?" well, I find that what I've been doing is not only a great stress reliever but it's also great for my health. Even if poor Mark Lauren gets constantly abused from a very long distance when I feel I simply cannot bring myself to follow his orders. And then gets my most heartfelt apologies after I've had a good rest and my jeans fit better.

No, dah-lings, I've not lost my mind (not much of it, anyway, and it's entirely unrelated). I've become quite the masochist thanks to this:

I got this book for my hubby's birthday, because he said he felt he was wasting time at the gym when he could be home with us (and he loves to workout), but since he doesn't read english, nor speaks it, I had to read it first to translate it to him. Mmmmh... let me tell you my interest was piqued by Mark's affirmations that his men (military) trained using only bodyweight and some items that can be found practically in every home or hotel room if it comes to that, or even a park. I could not believe that you could get THAT kind of muscle definition without pumping iron. (yeah, maybe I forgot to tell I became a weight lifting junkie lately)

Since my mom and dad (both in their sixties) got doctor's orders to excercise, I thought this would be a splendid time to test this man's theories, and I offered to help them follow the workouts. So we started with the begginers workout. Piece of cake. I would help them, show them how to do it, do it with them and then complement it with more weight lifting so I could get a "proper" workout.

Ha.

I thought I was so smart.

And then I tried it. And my arms, arms that bench pressed 90 pounds, and did standing military press with 25 pound dumbells in each hand and could help me through Romanian dead lifts with 100 pounds, did hammer curls with 25 pound dumbbells, those same arms were reduced to putty after the first "Begginers" workout.

I then remembered his opening sentence: he does not train actors, stars, celebrities, people whose livelihoods depend on their being fit. He trains those whose LIVES do.

All my poor aching muscles make sense now.

Leg/core WO today, so if come night you hear some soft complaining and maybe some not so soft groaning, that will be me.

Happy New Year!!!!

2012-01-07T19:04:00.000-06:00

´Tis a time to start afresh, and I am making only TWO resolutions:

1.- Take REALLY good care of my health
2.- Be more charitable towards others (specially others I don't like much)

I thought about it long and hard, but I simply could not list "Blog at least once a week" as a resolution. It didn't sound like it was Resolution worthy (not next to the other two, at least) So instead it's a promise.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Lovely!

2011-08-11T23:26:00.000-05:00

When food is good AND pretty, it's hard not to feel inspired.

And if you catch these freshly picked, early in the morning at the market, it's impossible to resist picking them up. I'm just sorry I didn't have the chance to snap a pic of the gorgeous girl selling them. I see her everyday, and most days she's just a regular girl with too much makeup and too "notice me" clothes.

Today? Her curly dark hair was gathered in a loose bun at the top of her head. She wore a red tee and faded jeans, no makeup and a white bandanna in her hair, tied up next to her bun.

Today you could notice her creamy dark skin, her black eyes and full lips. She smelled of the flowers she had been tying in bundles, and I wanted to tell her how nice she looked, but she was obviously mortified about her look, and she barely looked anyone in the eye.

Are we all as self conscious and insecure at 17? Yes, I think most of us are. I was the girl who wore wacky, almost costumey. I still was that girl in college.

I wish I could say I still am. I keep in touch with a friend of mine who I went to high School with and who now is a priest. We talk maybe once a month, but we are still very good friends.
He asked me when had I started becoming so normal. When had I stopped being the girl who did not care what others thought and dressed to please herself, the girl who danced to her own beat.

I don't know. I think she's in here, somewhere. Maybe she's trapped by the "love handles". Maybe she's hiding. I don't think she went anywhere.

I hope she hasn't gone.

How did I get here from eating some flowers???

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BOOK REVIEW: Something old

2011-08-01T06:14:00.003-05:00

Something old

By Diane Christner

Katie Yoder is certain about some things: Who her friends are; how things should be done. And she is happy to start living the dream of her childhood, hers and her friends’. Trouble is, life keeps getting in the way, making things happen the way they shouldn’t and setting her simple life in turmoil, making her doubt many things she was convinced of. Things are suddenly not black and white, but she begins to see the subtle shades of gray.

This is the first time I’ve read Mennonite fiction, since I usually veer towards Amish, and I was a bit disconcerted at first. I really liked getting to know a bit more about these hard working people, opening my mind to other ways of thinking that are different to my own Catholic upbringing.

Talk about opening one’s mind! Katie comes off at first as too judgmental, and a bit “holier than thou” even towards her friends, but everything that happens to her makes her start to painfully accept that there is room redemption, and that differences can divide or strengthen a friendship. The characters are nicely developed and the situations are believable, and the author succeeds in making the reader step into Katie’s mind (and shoes!)

A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for reviewing purposes. They opinions here stated are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.

Rest in peace.

2011-07-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

Today, the great Facundo Cabral was shot to death on his way to the airport. He had just finished a tour in Guatemala when he was ambushed.

His last words on his last concert were "may God's will be done. He knows what he does"

You will be missed, dearest Facundo. May God receive your soul and may your killers know repentance and find salvation.

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BOOK REVIEW: A Bride's portrait of Dodge City, Kansas

2011-07-09T06:57:00.000-05:00

A Bride’s portrait of Dodge City, Kansas

Erica Vetsch

Addie needs to make a fresh start. With her uncle dead and the weight of establishing her photography on her shoulders, plus the obligations with the bank and the dangers of being a single woman in a city like Dodge City she is still decided and optimistic about making a new life for herself. Then a face from her past turns up in Dodge City, and all at once her secrets seem to be about to catch up to her and send her hopes and dreams crashing to the mud.

Miles is trying to distance himself from his past as much as he can. He is the new appointed deputy of Dodge City, and he can’t help but feel drawn to the lovely new photographer in town.

Then tragedy starts to happen. And it might just mean their pasts will collide and destroy them.

This novel is so well written you feel you are smack in the middle of a Western town, in a time when honor was defended with a gun. The main characters are really endearing, and the plot is very pulling. I kept wondering and changing my mind about who was the perpetrator of the crimes. I enjoyed reading this novel so much that I’m looking forward to further installments!

A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for reviewing purposes. They opinions here stated are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.

BOOK REVIEW: The Nanny's Homecoming

2011-07-08T18:30:00.001-05:00

The Nanny’s Homecoming

Linda Goodnight

Brooke Clayton has a broken heart. Not only that but her grandfather’s will has a surprise that has the potential of making her face her worst memory, not to mention having to live in the same small town as her not-so-loving, not-distant-enough relatives.

Gabe Wesson is used to challenges. A shrewd businessman, he is also a loving father in serious need of a nanny for his little son, A.J. Now that his new neighbor seems to be coming back to her home for good, it seems like his prayers have been answered.

If only there was not someone looking to make trouble for both of them.

The story of Gabe and Brooke is captivating. Gabe is manly and gentlemanly, and Brooke is just frail enough to be endearing, but also spunky enough in other aspects to make her likeable. Their story develops quite believably, and the twists and turns are nicely timed. Overall, this story is a very nice way to start a series, which is what this is going to be. You have enough mystery to have you wondering and hooked, and enough information to feel like you get to know the characters and care for them. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the series!

A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for reviewing purposes. They opinions here stated are my own, and have not been influenced in any way.

Done!

2011-07-01T23:06:00.000-05:00

... And starting another one. This next one will be an image to frame...

An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. :D our family is devout of her, so I'm doubly enjoying this work. While working, I can't help but meditate on Mary's role in the education of Jesus, and wonder if she sat embroidering his little shirts and tunics when he was small.

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Border progress update

2011-06-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

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Starting on the border

2011-06-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

I'm crocheting the base for my border. And my brain is abuzz with so many things...

I worry about a friend whom I may have let down... You know who you are, and I know you will read this. Honey, I wish I had been right next to you to hold whoever made you mad so you could hit them. Seriously. Or better yet, I'd hit them. Hard. I'd put those boxing lessons from a decade ago to good use, I'd use every dirty trick I know and I'd go ballistic. If you knew me in college, you'd know I'd seriously do it. Just promise you'll pay my bail. Which brings me to the next item...

I try to plan a way to get out of debt... Ugh. Do you know anyone who is willing to donate $10 k to a third world mom so she can get out of the sinkhole? Oh, didn't think so, never mind...

At the same time, I'm considering how happy I feel about the way the choir has grown and thinking of stepping down as their director, because they need someone more capable and better prepared than yours truly. It's been a good two years. Yep. It has.

And I have the craziest feeling I'm at a major turning point in my life. Too bad these "bends in the road" - you darling Anne Shirley! - sometimes are freaking scary.

So I stop to say a prayer, then I sit down, thank my husband for reading my mood perfectly and putting the girls to bed after pouring me a beer, and in the quiet, I grab my hook and start doing something I CAN control... Sort of.

I'm winding down.

And I add everything up and you know what? My life is good. Really good. Thank God for it, and for all of you reading this, and for all the ones around me.

Life's really good. Even when it's not. Except if there's a zombie Apocalypse. Then it will suck unless Milla comes and kicks everyone's green decaying tushie and saves our hides.

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WIP progress

2011-06-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

I'm almost done with this, one more side to go and then only the crochet border to go. Can you see the light drizzle of rain out the door? My favorite kind of day

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On the hoop!

2011-06-20T12:22:00.000-05:00

How do you do? Thanks for all your kind comments! The family I made the cake for was delighted and the girl loved all the flowers.

I have several WIPs and this one had my attention this weekend. It needs two leaves and a forget-me-not blue detail and then I'll crochet a lacy border to go all around. :D

What are you up to?

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Cake, detail

2011-06-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

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Cake for a First Communion

2011-06-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

The request? Lots of flowers... I think that should be enough!

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If I could bottle this scent!

2011-06-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

I bet I'd make millions! Wish you could smell it! It's homey and warm and it reminds me so much of Christmas!

And it's a looker too! Can hardly wait to serve it tonight!

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Early Father's Day celebration

2011-06-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

Our family is getting together tonight for an early Father's day celebration. I am bringing this "cobbler" to the party: it has peach, plums, apples and cranberries, and I kind of cheated because the batter is pancake flour (aunt jemima) with extra eggs, vanilla and butter. Right now it's about to go into the oven!

Doesn't it look good? Do you take other shortcuts when making dishes like this?

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Teaser...

2011-06-13T20:50:00.001-05:00

Care to guess what will this become? I'm happy as a kid designing these motifs!

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BOOK REVIEW: The Skin Map

2011-06-12T19:34:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! I'm back for a book review... I've been reading a lot of books, and I'm about five reviews behind, so here goes the first...

The Skin Map

by Stephen R. Lawhead

Have you ever taken up a book that later you couldn’t put down? a book with a story so strong it pulled you immediately and with characters so well developed you could really believe they were real?

Well, that is The Skin Map. It tells the story of Kit Livingstone, who lives an absolutely humdrum life. Even his relationship with his girlfriend Wilhelmina is dull. Then everything around his life gives a somersault and he is immersed in an incredible alternate reality that has him gasping and doubting.

The Skin Map has a Sci-Fi /Fantasy feeling that feels like it’s tethering on steampunk but isn’t. I enjoyed all the details the author went into so much that I almost didn’t write this review, just so I did not ruin the surprises in it for you.

I almost cried out loud when it ended because I really wanted to keep on reading the story, to know what happens next (and having read it in my Kindle and paying no attention to the percentage of the book that had elapsed the ending came as quite a surprise) and it’s written as the first book of a series. I really want to read book number two! Where will the twists take our heroes – and our villains?

* A copy of this book was submited to me by Booksneeze for reviewing purposes only. The opinions here expressed are my own and not influenced in any way

Jasmine in my patio

2011-06-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

I have only potted plants, and this jasmine is one of the first we got when we got married almost 6 years ago. This year it's blooming like crazy, the little thing!

Good morning everyone! Hope your day is full of good things and love!

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Chocolate cranberry cookies

2011-06-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

From cake mix! I really love my Taste of Home Cookie Book! It has lots of ideas and wonderful recipes, and right now my house smells heavenly of these warm, gooey chocolate cookies!

Now I need a cup of coffee.

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Cake

2011-05-26T13:50:00.001-05:00

Pale green on white, for a First Communion. Mocha flavored cake ;D

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Progress in my embroidery

2011-05-25T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hello peeps!

Well, I've not only been reading. I've been crocheting a bit, beading some more, and embroidering. Here's what I've done so far. I'm about 75% done in this piece, and then I'm hemming it and doing a crochet border and framing it, because it's going to be a present!

See you around!

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BOOK REVIEW: Spring for Susanah

2011-05-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Spring for Susannah

by Catherine Richmond

Susannah Underhill has become a mail order bride shortly after both her parents passing away. As she arrives at the station where her husband is supposed to meet her, this timid woman is everything but hopeful. Enter Jesse Mason, her joyful, hardworking husband, who takes her into his home and his heart without hesitation.

This is a story of spiritual growth, of releasing doubt and trusting in the love of God and man, not to be confused by ingenuity. While the story develops, we can see the gradual and sometimes painful growth of Susannah, in her spiritual life, in her marriage, in her self-respect. The story is sad at points without being melodramatic, and is very nicely written. I enjoyed it, and was sad to see it come to an end.

Then there’s story of the families around them and their impact in each other’s lives. Several nationalities show a different approach to the common troubles, and the characters are very believable and their struggles with the basic necessities are so well portrayed you feel you are right there with them, plowing away and holding on to each other.

I recommend this book to any who is interested in the era as well as the ones who struggle to believe that He has ordained every step we take in this world. Looking forward to reading more work by Catherine Richmond.

This book was provided to me by Booksneeze for reviewing purposes, and in no way I am obliged to give a positive review. The opinions here expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

BOOK REVIEW: The Promise of an Angel

2011-05-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

hello peeps! how are you?

I'm fine, with a lot of adventures from the beach to tell but I will tell you a bit at a time. We had loads of fun!

You must have noticed I've been posting book reviews. I really like doing this, because I rarely have friends here with whom to discuss books (well, my brother reads a lot too, but sometimes we don't read the same genre - he's into politics, I'm so definitely not!) So I'm taking advantage of Booksneeze and reading books for a review. This is fun and I am very glad that I'm left to my own devices in regards to the contents of my reviews, so if I really don't like a book I don't have to write a possitive review! Anyhoyw, here's another book I got from Booksneeze

The Promise of an Angel

Following an accident at a barn raise, Judith sees and talks to whom she is convinced is an angel. Soon that visit begins to bring trouble to Judith, who sees her credibility shattered, the man she hopes to marry drift away from her and towards her younger (and not as sensible) sister, and herself all but shunned from her Amish community. Still, Judith is certain that the promise he made will be fulfilled and will not go back on what she said just for the sake of getting along with her peers. She will find support in a very unlikely source: serious, hardworking Andrew.

I have to be honest. I found the first chapter a bit jarring, with everything happening all at once even before we had a chance to get to know our heroine. Then again, what she expects her family and friends to believe is nothing short of shocking, so I guess it is a good way to really get into the feeling of the story. Andrew and Judith are very well developed, Levi and Martha are more of a caricature of sorts. The rest of the characters (save the “Englischer” and Samuel) are more in the background. I’d like to have known Andrew’s parents better, and I hope I get to in further books. Overall, a very nice story that makes you care for Judith and Andrew. I’d recommend it.

This book was provided by Booksneeze for reviewing purposes. The opinions and commentaries are my own and in no way influenced by anyone

See you around!

Cougar Crossing

2011-05-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

Isn't this sign peculiar? Well, for me it was. I'm used to the "cattle crossing" and "people crossing" signs, but it is unusual for me to be in cougar territory. Despite living in a very small town, in what constitutes the continuation of the Rockies (we call it Sierra Madre) there really is too much traffic for these magnificent -and terrifying- creatures to prowl around at ease. The road in which I saw this sign is also peppered with wild boar, armadillo, snake, coyote and badger crossing signs. It is a brand new road, not a year old yet and hunting is not permitted in the region, so there you go.

There are a lot more cougar signs than any other, and I only saw one Cattle sign. Do you suppose that's the reason they advice you against taking this road after dusk?

The beach on the other end of the road is fantastic, by the way!

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Beyond all measure

2011-05-12T12:51:00.000-05:00

BOOK REVIEW

Beyond all measure
by Dorothy Love

Sometimes, all you need in the middle of turmoil is to trust. Ada Wentworth had her whole world upended: a broken engagement, his father’s business failing and then his death force her to leave her home and seek a future first taking a position looking after an elderly lady, and with plans to establish a millinery business to support herself. Things rarely work out as we planned them.

I really liked this book. It carries the several threads evenly throughout the story, so the events happening later in the book don’t seem forced but rather a natural consequence. The pacing is even; the characters have depth and seem real – enough faults to make them believable but not so as to be caricatures. I rather liked the role of Bea, but I don’t want to give out any spoilers!

It is always nice to know more about how the major historical events affect the everyday aspects of a community. You know Dorothy Love pays attention to accuracy (even when she takes minor liberties for the sake of the story) and that is something I really appreciate when reading.

Wyatt’s and Ada’s relationship with God and with each other developed nicely. She’s sweet and afraid but you have to admire her determination. Wyatt is just the kind of hero I like, a wholesome man with lots of character!

Overall, this is one of those books that inspire and leave you with a good feeling once you finish reading them, and make you want to read more about the people and the town of Hickory Ridge.

I was provided with a copy of this book by Booksneeze.com for reviewing purposes. The opinions here expressed are my own.

Of Jules Verne and childhood memories

2011-05-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

Greetings, my esteemed friends

how fare thee?

No, peeps, I've not gone crazy. (well, some would say that is debatable but let's not listen to them, shall we?) I just had a long chat with one of my brothers about steampunk. Which led inevitably to Jules Verne.

I love all Jules Verne's books. I guess I was the only kid in fourth grade who had already read Around the world in 80 days and 20,000 leagues under the sea.

I was the only kid who read during recess too, so...

Daydreaming about being a character in the books was a favourite kind of game for me. I was always a new character, interacting and altering the scenes, and The Misterious Island was the one I liked most for play. It had it all! (spoiler alert! If you haven't read it - and why haven't you? - please ignore the next paragraph)

Isn't this cover thrilling???

Ayrton and Cyrus and the gang were wholesome men (and woman), despite their flaws, and Captain Nemo was a figure of mythical proportions in my childish eyes. The events leading to their escape and consecuent stranding in the island bore no interest to me then, but as I've grown to understand them better, it speaks volumes of the character of the men involved.

I was a fan of Jules Verne before I even read L. M. Montgomery or Jane Austen, or even my beloved JRR Tolkien , and the love of his inventive and narrative has remained with me.

Now excuse me if I go read one of his books. It's been too long.

I'm so proud!!!

2011-04-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Five schools in Mexico participated in Kid Witness News, only five in the whole country! two of them from Mexico DF (largest city in the country) two from Monterrey (third largest in the country) and one from my hometown. Little, 25,000 population. Way far behind Monterrey (3.7 million inhabitants) and not even close to DF (107 million plus inhabitants).

I'm so proud of these kids! I went to the school they study at!

Check out the video here! it has subtitles in English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l53-Dyp_PKs

It won first place in Universal Vision. :D

Oh, and the nervous woman in black who won't look at the camera? the one at the café?

That's yours truly

teee-hee!

Ask Sister Mary Martha: Via de Pope

2011-04-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

Ask Sister Mary Martha: Via de Pope

Rejoice in the Lord is what I think when I read Sister Mary Martha!

A brief note and a shop I discovered!

2011-04-03T14:48:00.001-05:00

Hello peeps! how are you?

How am I, you say? well, I'm a bundle of nerves! Many of you know I'm Catholic, and a few know I am a choir director in our local Church. (there are several choirs per church here!) But now I've had to add another title to that. As of tomorrow, I'll be a lecturer in the Lent Meditation excersices in our Church.

THAT's why I'm a bunde of nerves.

I have my meditation printed, backup-ed, revised and studied. Still, I cannot shake the anticipation and the headaches and the nerves. If you are so kind, please pray tomorrow for me and for the poor youth who will be subject of my efforts! I am praying with all I have in my so that the Holy Spirit takes over me and acts, because if I'm left to my own devices, I'm sure to panic and run! LOL!

oh and while I was researching a bit I ran across a blog and the blog owner's Etsy shop... and I loved it!!!! please go visit it! and recomend it to your catholic friends!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heavenhelpus?ref=pr_shop_more

and the shop owners blog: http://asksistermarymartha.blogspot.com/

Mexican Conchitas

2011-03-23T15:04:00.001-06:00

Behold the finished product!!! Right now they are warm from the oven and the aromas of cinnamon and almonds are mouthwatering! Tonight we will have some with coffee or hot cocoa!

Have any of you tasted this bread?

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Baking with fresh eggs

2011-03-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

Makes all the difference in the world! I'm gonna make some mexican bread called "conchitas" (seashells) with these little plump suns! Show you photos later, ok?

Oh and HI EVERYONE!!!!

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Enlisting my blog friends and readers

2010-11-30T10:26:00.001-06:00

I need to get hold of two of these, one if two were not available, and its driving me nuts cause I can't find them online! Has anyone seen them? My brother wants to give them as Christmas presents

Please please, if you find them let me know!

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Craft update!

2010-11-27T22:29:00.000-06:00

Hello peeps! How are you?Tomorrow is the first Advent Sunday, and that means a bit less than a month is left until Christmas. I'm only making a few presents this year, and here's a quick craft update:

Far left: knitted scarf for Dad. No frills, no fringe, four-ish feet long. Its meant to be worn under his jacket. Made in a gorgeous natural colored Blue Sky Alpacas bulky yarn, that I must say I loved working with! 50% wool, 50% alpaca. Progress: 99% done. Weaving in ends to do.

Center, down: crocheted scarf for mom. Yesterday she admired a scarf I had made for my SIL so I decided to add two scarves (if I manage to finish them in time!), one in melons and one in caramels (center, up) this is a pattern that I enjoy very much. 100% cotton, sport weight. Progress: about 5% of the first scarf.

Right: commissioned knitted scarf. Told you about it before ;D made in Vanna's Baby. Progress: 40%. I really like how this one looks!

How are your projects going?

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Fourth time's the charm

2010-11-23T10:46:00.000-06:00

That's how many times I've started this scarf and frogged it. Four different patterns, two different crafts but now I'm really liking it now!

Its commissioned, and the only parameters I was given was that

a) it had to be long (the recipient is TALL)
b) it had to be white

Since I know the really nice lady who will receive the scarf, I didn't want to make a plain one, so I tried two different crochet patterns (none convinced me) and a previous knit pattern (too blah) before settling for this: I think it's texture is nice, it's not too fussy or frilly (think of a Marilla-like lady and you'll see why it must be a sensible one). What do you think? Do you have a go-to pattern for when you want to make an interesting scarf that's not too fussy?

What presents are you crafting this Christmas?

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Making bows...

2010-11-17T23:03:00.001-06:00

Turns out I'm not too shabby with a needle and thread! Found out today that the girls needed ribbons in their hair for tomorrows celebrations - early for Nov. 20th, our Revolution anniversary. The girls will dance and dress like "rieleras" and "adelitas" . Not only ribbons, but their teachers wanted bows. Big ones. Christmas-present-big.

A "rielera" could be translated as "railroad woman". They followed their men and traveled in their train during the revolution. It wasn't unusual for them to follow them into battle carrying their ammunition, sometimes with a baby tightly wrapped in their rebozo (shawl). An "adelita", which comes from the name Adela, was similar, but the reference usually is for those who followed the officers - or were their sweethearts, almost always single women who traveled with the army to be safe, and that's how they ended up socializing with the officers, apart from the rest of the army.

Well, one day, when I'm feeling brave, I'll sing the songs related to these women and record them... And maybe one day, I'll post them here.

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Some progress made

2010-11-16T22:56:00.001-06:00

I love to knit and crochet, but embroidery is much nearer meditation than any other craft for me! I remember I used to embroider to wind down after exam week while in college!

Now I'm relaxed (crazy weekend and week so far) and going to bed. But first, how many of you embroider? How many of you do smock?

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Not entirely idle

2010-11-13T16:33:00.000-06:00

I'm having fun and trying to relax in the rare idle moments I have. It's been a while since I did some cross stitch, but I love it just as much as I did. I'm aiming to finish this some time next decade, as it's a tablecloth and I have but five minutes here and there to work on it. But some day, God willing, it will get done and grace our table. :D

What's your favorite embroidery technique?

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Making scones for breakfast

2010-11-13T10:02:00.000-06:00

Care to join me?

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Call me farmer CT

2010-10-29T19:30:00.001-05:00

My three hens have all started to lay, and we get three eggs a day as of today! Yay!

Now where can I get pygmy goats, shipped to Mexico? Mmmm

Lol!

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Love the weather!

2010-10-29T10:13:00.000-05:00

Moreover, love the clothes you can wear! I've been receiving compliments on my scarf all day long, and I thought I'd show it to you!

I'm not a ghost, I swear! Even if I look like one!

I got even asked to teach several people how to do the ripple stitch! Lol!

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On the knitting front...

2010-10-27T22:45:00.001-05:00

I needed a bit of mind rest and so I switched to knitting. Remember the scarf I was making? I've knit that one and FOUR others since, and have another one on the needles, plus this little beauty.

Some of you might recognize it. It's Versatility, from Knitty. It is such a fun pattern to knit, and this yarn is such a delight to work with! A half pound skein at $18 a skein, its going to be a present for my mom this Christmas. Although since my knitting is a little rusty and I have to work on it at night after the girls are asleep so I can pay attention to the pattern, that means I'm already really tired by the time I grab my needles, and I can only knit about 20 rows, tops! And that's rows with less than 50 stitches and a not very complicated mesh pattern plus some cables!

Still, I'm eager to knit a little bit every night. I love the feel of the yarn, because it's kind of... Buttery. It feels the way buttered sour cream biscuits fresh out of the oven for breakfast taste like, if you know what I mean. The pattern is the hot cup of coffee that goes with it.

It's a turkish acrylic and the color way reminded me of the Noro yarns! I think she's gonna love it, and I really like working with it.

I'm afraid I'm gonna have to start saving and buy more of this yarn in the future!

See you around, friends!

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Warm and cozy

2010-10-20T18:43:00.001-05:00

Hey friends! Just want to say hi and show you these cute balls of yarn. What are you making for your loved ones for this Christmas?
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Let me tell you something....

2010-09-18T12:59:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a brown eyed girl who wanted to know everything there was to know in the world. Well, not everything. She's a bit slow for math, so those fields that require intense use of obscure formulas would give her headaches.

She did find she was good at arts. Or at least reasonably good. Ok, passably. She was good at charades and some other useful stuff like that. She found she was terrified of close spaces and at ease in great heights, had no problem with spiders but scorpions, snakes and the such inspired terror. She met and fell in love with a black eyed boy and suddenly she found herself turned into a mommy with two little firecracker princesses.

That girl had a blog. She wrote in it with regularity and she loved it. She met loads of amazing women and became friends with some of them. She found her points of view broadened and her knowledge of the world challenged and nurtured at the same time. She learned many things, tried to unlearn many more and generally had a good time.

This girl has to aknowledge all this and thank you all before admiting that she cannot keep up properly with the blog. And she knows it's ok.

And while she will blog whenever she can, that, sadly is all she can promise. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made and this blog is the one that will not be spared. She will visit you all, and every other month she will post a bit of her life and maybe a bit of her crochet/knit/sewing. I love you all, and I mean it.

um... I might have learned my posies wrong...

2010-08-12T13:34:00.001-05:00

But aren't Forget-me-nots supposed to be blue?

Yeah, sort of like this... super blue.

Or even sweet little bunches of light blue...

Shy, sweet little blue things...

oh.... they ARE? blue??? all of them???

Can you tell me then, why did I sow some seeds of Forget-me-nots and instead of the blue little snips of heaven I got .....

PINK?

ORANGE?

and WHITE????

LOL!!!!!!

LOL! they are cute! and kind of exotic, and I don't have a clue what they are, but they are NOT forgetmenots and I am a bit -kind -of-sad-but-i -like-them-anyway. I went to the store and they said the company that makes the seed packets sometimes has commited those blunders... They offered another package, but it only would yield more pink and orange and white flowers, since it is the same batch. I thanked them and went home to my pretty little impostors instead.

Does it happen to you too????? or is it only me that manages to get into this kind of situations????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALE!!!!

2010-08-09T08:54:00.000-05:00

It is fabulous Alessandra's birthday today! so hop on to her blog, Just be Happy and show her some love

(you could also drop by her Etsy shop!! she has some GREAT stuff there, I'm telling ya!)

Many Happy Returns of the day, girl! sending you hugs!!!!!

The Stuff Dreams are made of

2010-08-08T13:22:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been daydreaming more than usual about my dream house. Over the years, my ideal home has changed. In the eighties it HAD to have a big trampouline in the middle of the living room (ok, I was under 10 years old!) and a pool and a basketball court. All glistening marble, and everything would have to be white, black or silver. And leather. Lots of leather.

Nineties? Hands down, I HAD to have Green Gables. Gilbert Blythe included. Or THE house of Dreams... Or Rainbow Valley.

I blame Jane Austen for the next decade of longing for huge mansions like the Darcy's Pemberley Manor. Grand piano, big estate, statues, paintings, heavy brocade curtains and big furniture included. Mr. Darcy was NOT optional. It was a requirement.

And then I married. And I had two kids. And there's NO WAY I'm doing all the cleaning up in a huge mansion, thank you very much! While the thought of having oodles of servants is appealing (no toilet scrubbing! yaaay!), since I have to deal with so many people on a daily basis, in my home I'm rather inclined to our privacy. I'm uncomfortable with having someone else not of my family or friends in my home. Am I weird?

Well, let me tell you about my dream home, as it is in my mind in these days.

My dream house is

SMALL

(yes, I realize I'm back to Green Gables! No need for Gilbert to apply, though. I'm keeping my hubby, thank you very much! image from dornob)

Well, not THIS small, but it is a good ilustration of what I like (by the way, check out the amazing interior! go visit the blog and see all the cute little things -and the amount of details!!!!!- that can fit into a small , small house like this one!) I want a small house that I can clean up in little time, but with enough rooms for all the things I need (ie, craft room, family room, sleeping quarters for everyone, a good size kitchen)

And I love the quaint look of these victorian houses! aren't they just adorable!?!?!?!

I mean, look at this cutie! check out that front porch! perfect for afternoon crocheting/knitting/embroidering/tea with the girls!

(via The Esparzas on the road.)

wish I had the floor plan for that little house! It is so delicious!

This one is SUPER! just the perfect little house for little old me!

(via The Esparzas on the road.)

Can you blame me for swooning? look at that front porch! I bet there's another one in the back! and that upstairs window is just screaming "craft room!" to me ( if this house was mine, though, I bet my girls would get that room as their bedroom). Actually, this just might be a tough competitor for THE house. It is almost too perfect!

That is the second requirement, as you might have imagined : a porch. I love sitting in porches. I'd put a rocking chair. Or a small swing seat. I'd dring lemonade and bring my basket of yarn to the front porch. Or my book and my cup of coffee. I'd have a bird feeder on the other end of the porch.

The third requirement... I need space

Not inside the house. I'd just be content if it had plenty closets and cupboards (I just love the name of it! cupboard!) wouldn't THIS look just right in my home!

(via Antiques-Atlas)

While we are at it, I want the wicker basket AND the plates AND the hen and rooster... well, EVERYTHING!!!

I want space... for my garden

(via Gardening Coaches)

And for my veggies

( via Home Design Decorating)

And for my hens and critters!

(via Gordon Whistance Design blog)

See, I live in a little house. And it has sort of kind of a porch. And I have some plants. And a balcony (that I love).

But my girls have no room for a closet in their tiny tiny bedroom (one bed, that's it and they share it). And I wish poor little hubby had a room where he could do all the stuff he likes to do without having to stop and put everything away because of the girls and lack of space (he LOVES puzzles... so you see why that is an inconvenient). We have nothing close to a living room, it is more of a living hallway. The kitchen could use some cupboards but since it is such an old house we cannot put them up because they would come right down. And bring the wall with them.

I love my little house and while I wish we had more storage it's the lack of space that mortifies me. The girls have no room to run and play and have fun and just be... children.

And I'm not complaining (ha!) REALLY. I am happy I have something to look forward to, something to dream about. A nice small house with a garden where our family can receive our friends and loved ones. And share a cup of tea.

Snip snip!

2010-07-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

It's fun to draw a pattern and cut the pieces! Now on to the sewing machine!
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The little director

2010-07-18T23:56:00.000-05:00

Before Mass this Sunday, getting ready to direct the choir. I love this girl of mine! She jumps in with both feet and explodes with joy every single day. The world is not big enough for this fierce little warrior woman. She's fighting since the day she was born and is decided to make an impression in this world. God Bless you and keep your, my little girl!

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Been very busy

2010-07-17T19:35:00.001-05:00

I have neglected this blog horribly. And during the girls' vacation, I will be around a computer even less! So this is about to become a "photoblog" for a while!

These are my hens. I would love if someone could tell me the names of the breeds in english! I've been researching and I think the black ones are Plymouth Rocks and the red ones are Rhode Island Reds. They are just fifteen weeks old! the one on the far left is the rooster. :D

See you around, friends!

Drowning our sorrows in bean soup

2010-06-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

Our team lost to Uruguay, 1-0. We passed to the next round, but we go against Argentina. Oy!

Better have my bean soup

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VIVA MEXICO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

Reprising our triumph over France on that May 5th,1862, Mexico wins, 2-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!

2010-06-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

That sound is so relaxing... To me at least. I didn't plan it, I didn't even dream of it! But now we have a jolly set of four roosters and three little hens. Those in the photo are the hens and the smallest of the roosters.

They are all pretty young, so maybe in three months I'll have all I need for an omelette in my patio! Eggs, bell peppers, parsley, basil, aurugula, tomatoes, onion, you name it!

Care to join me then?

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Ale is having a GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-06-13T12:08:00.000-05:00

The absolutely fabulous Ale from Just Be Happy is having a giveaway!!!!! Adorable woman that she is, she's willing to part with one of her super cute crocheted toys, for a lucky winner who fulfills the terms (quite easy, to be true) of the giveaway. If you want another shortcut to her store, check the top of my right side bar.

Here I leave you with some eye candy from Ale's creations!

Like what you see? well, head to her store and show her some love!

Too hot to sleep

2010-06-12T02:20:00.000-05:00

Its supposed to be the rainy season here and it has yet to rain. Since I woke up drenched in sweat and am having trouble going back to sleep, I'm sharing with you my latest attempt: bunny slippers for my girls. In the making!

Sleep's washing over me. I see another of it's multihued waves coming towards me. Its a pink one, wouldn't you know? Good night, sweet souls.

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I need me some blue pots!

2010-06-09T09:45:00.001-05:00

Seen on a Side Street in Bakewell, Derbyshire, originally uploaded by UGArdener.

Isn't this image lovely!? what a view!

Cattle...

2010-06-08T18:37:00.000-05:00

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I could live here

2010-06-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine sitting in this back porch and crocheting/knitting/sewing the days away? And just reaching out and plucking a granada, with it's ruby like juicy interior, and picking them from the hard purple shell one by one, until your mouth puckers and your fingers are stained deep magenta?

Or with a mango and maybe some iced tea...

Did I tell you they even have coffee growing in this place?!?!?! Oh joy!

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A shy little house

2010-06-08T18:16:00.000-05:00

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Pudgy granadas

2010-06-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

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Two tiny explorers

2010-06-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

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A cute little shamrock patch

2010-06-08T18:09:00.000-05:00

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Green avocados

2010-06-08T18:08:00.000-05:00

High in the ski
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Being a parent

2010-06-08T09:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks everyone for your kind comments... almost all of us have been there, or are there! Heather, hope your girls are better now!

Sarah at The Good life has this post that reflects exactly the way I feel about my kids and my life now. Kids really change you and them way you look at things! while you are at it, check out her awesome creations!

off to check on my girl now! love you all, friends!

From the ailing room...

2010-06-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

Judith is doing better but still is under the weather. Here we are at work, having bean soup.
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Hello!

2010-05-30T12:18:00.001-05:00

Have you missed me? I certainly have missed you! I've had a crazy couple of weeks. Remember the afghan I was crocheting? in one day I made about fifty rows and then on these two weeks? just ten. TEN. That's less than a row a day. Yeesh!

The reason? my little Tete was sick. My poor little one had chickenpox. She started on that Sunday and spent these two weeks with me, since she couldn't go to school. The first days were the worst. She had blisters on her darling little feet and she couldn't walk, so I carried her around. By now she's healed.

And this morning (notice, another Sunday) I noticed my Judy developed the same blisters. Sigh. Poor little girl! and here we go again! now it's Tete's turn to go to school while her sister stays with mommy.

Did I tell you what my hubby gave me for Mother's day? a spa certificate! so this week, when Tete was feeling better I left the girls with him and went to get a massage and color my hair.

You know I don't really like taking my photo, so this was taken with the laptop camera. Not very clear, but...

I'm a dark blonde. Went from black hair to very light highlights and a medium brown hair dye. I LOVE IT!
And I better accept the fact that in the next two weeks there will be zero to none blogging and/or crocheting for me. My little girl needs me. She's a firecracker, so her convalescence is sure to be anything BUT boring. Tete was a darling, except she felt so bad at times that she just wanted to be held... for hours on end! now it's Judith's turn to work on the "garden" in the early morning hours (not to hot, not too much sun) and late afternoons, and playing and coloring and... well, you get the drift! I hope they both consider this more a vacation than a "sick leave".

AND last but not least. The lovely Heather at Hester's Garden, my twin-separated-at-birth (if you will please ignore the fact that I believe she's WAY taller than me, and she has gorgeous big blue eyes and... well, you get the idea) gave me an award!

Hester was the first friend I made in the blogosphere. We share a love of books and gardening and our families. I am so delighted whenever she pops in my blog, and she writes the loveliest post that make you feel home! We email from time to time, and she has sent me some lovely things all the way from the other side of the world (that I'm dying to visit so I can grab a cup of tea with her and work with her in her garden while our four girls play- ok I let my imagination run away with me here!). I strongly recommend that you pop by her blog. She's a breath of fresh air, really!

So, here I am going to pass this award on 12 bloggie friends. If you already have received it, know that you are worthy of getting it a second time!

1.- Ale at Just Be Happy

2.- Libs at Krafty Kreations.

3.- Ash at Knots by Ashley

4.- Glo at The Antedotes of a Hooker

5.- Dawn at Fiddlesticks

6.- Rudee at Nursingpurls

7.- Ruth at Farm Girl in my Heart

8.- Kashoan at Krafty Kash

9.- Jane at Marigold Jam

10.- Dani at Little Fists

11.- Tammie at Irregular Tammie

12.- Last but not least, the lovely Gwen from Gwengoods

These women are so fantastic! I know you all know them, but if you don't , what are you waiting for? pop over to their blogs! most of them also have an Etsy store, and let me tell you, this list has some serious talent!

well, hugs, see you soon and please pray for my girls!

Growing lovelies

2010-05-25T12:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we spent it like I used to do when I was a child. Back then, and although I live in the same neighborhood, you could just rush out the door and play with your bicycle in the street! or maybe play ball or roller skate or play hopscotch! I was telling my husband I wish my girls could enjoy all those activities, and then I recalled another weekend thing of my childhood: gardening.

So on Saturday afternoon we went to a nursery and bought several plants: some rosebushes, herbs, dahlias and also four big sacks of planting soil, plus lots of pots from the store next door (yeah, I live smack in the belly button of a huge Walmart like store. Imagine that you cut a rectangle with it's shorter side being the front out of the facade of a super store and put a little house there. Yup, that'd be us)

Sunday we hopped in our bicycles ( the girls riding in their little seats) and went to get the tools we needed. When I was in my parent's house, I had all the tools you could think of. I've always felt like in a toy store when I enter a Truper dealer... guess it comes from being the only girl! Well, my Hubby gave me a set of garden tools (a small rake, a planting shovel, a small shovel and a fork) and threw in some pruning shears. Golly gee! can you see me skipping with glee all the way there?

The rest of the day we spent potting our plants and planting some seeds, with a second trip to the nursery to get more flowers (I decided at last that my balcony needed some love too) and we got two gorgeous strawberry plants! LOVE LOVE LOVE the little suckers!

Pansies and strawberries hanging in the corner of my "living room"

So, after much dirt and shoveling and some swearing and two little girls blissfully covered in dirt, here's what my patio looks like!

Can you imagine it without plants? this is the very back of the patio. From right to left, a rosebush, a chile plant, a dahlia in front of a "mutton tail", then some arnica, sage, a tuberose in the rectangular pot, basil, and in the back pot is my rosemary. The small black pots are where I took some Tuberosa bulbs and I'm trying to coax them to grow! hehehe! let's see if I can manage.

This is what a Tuberose is supposed to look like, and it's so fragrant!

Right at the back is another small black pot where we planted some string beans. And can you see my tools in the small shed? on top of it is an old birdcage that I plan to use as a guide for my tomato plants! Recycle!

here is my pink bouganvillea, the big one in the big pot. I just trimmed it! in the small round pot under it I planted Thyme, and next to it is a rosebush. On the wall, from right to left, oregano, carnations and mint.

This is a small agave like plant that I don't know the name. Then the one in the center is a Desert Glory, and the next plant? I don't know it's name, but it gives out a small sprig of very tiny bell like flowers!

from right to left, a pink rosebush, a white rosebush, a pot awaiting the Aloe Vera plant (we hadn't potted it when I took the photos) and jazmin!

There used to be a heavy sort of motor for a walk-in fridge from when there was a butcher shop in what now is my home (right where my strawberries are! eek!) and the frame was welded to a beam, so we got to keep it (yeah right) and this is just outside my daughters' window (you have to go through their room to get to ours, and yes, it is separated from the rest of the house so if it's raining and you have to go to the kitchen... oy!) Three rosebushes!

I will stop badgering you now! I am so proud of all the work and moving and planting and such that we did this weekend! this is my humble little patio! some other day I'll show you my balcony!

The mistery chile

2010-05-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

The one I used for yesterday's pasta dish is called Poblano.

This is a rather mild variety of chile. Choose the ones that are in deeper green, they have more flavour. Just remember, after you roast the skin, to open them and WASH them of the seeds, else they will be hot!

For lunch today...

2010-05-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

Chile spaghetti au gratin

One of my girls' favourite food is spaghetti. And Green spaghetti is top on their list. It's green hue is provided by a very mild chile, toasted until the skin is black, then it's put in a bag to sweat so you can peel the skin off. Then you seed it, chop it and throw it in the blender with a tablespoon of oregano, a bunch of parsley, one garlic clove, a cup and a half of chicken stock and half a bar of cream cheese. You pour it over the freshly cooked spaghetti, cover it with cheddar and a sprinkle of parmeggiano, a bit more of chopped parsley and off it goes under the broiler, until the cheese's fat makes the parsley crisp and you get a slightly golden cheese crust!

I love using fresh herbs in my kitchen, they give you such a delicate, wholesome flavor! I have yet to plant parsley, but I do have oregano, sage, mint, basil and even aloe vera (though I don't cook with it! Its just for medicinal purposes!) I am lacking garlic too, but I do buy it quite often. I prefer it to the "garlic salt".

Hope you have a great week!
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Yellow!

2010-05-18T19:30:00.000-05:00

I really love how this blanket is growing. And its full of love and wishes for my little niece or nephew! And that yellow is just begging me to make a duckie to go with it!!!!

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...And blue!

2010-05-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

My hands hurt! Lol!

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And enter Pink

2010-05-16T13:21:00.000-05:00

Yummy.

Don't you love how it ripples along?

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Minty mint

2010-05-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

Guess what my hook is up to?

Can you guess?

Should I give you a hint?

I think not

But its something delightful!

And sweet

And cuddly

And its for someone I've not met yet.

Heck, his/her mother hasn't had the pleasure of his/her acquaintance!

:D

One of my favourite kind of projects!

And of course it had to ripple

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Twenty done

2010-05-13T19:43:00.000-05:00

And a bunch more to go! Supposed to be 96 hexagons but I might do a bigger afghan... A blanket rather!

The hexagons are 5 and a half inches wide, 6 and a half from peak to opposite peak, made in sport weight cotton yarn. I love working with it!

My brother doesn't know it's for him, and it's nice that today he commented he liked the shapes and the combination of colors, and he looked at it longingly... He thinks I'm making it for my husband and that I'm gonna make him a vest. Hehehehe!

Love being nicely sneaky!!
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I received my swap package!!!

2010-05-11T17:53:00.000-05:00

Yay!!! I got my swap package today!!! Lovely Gwen, whom you can find at http://gwengoods.blogspot.com/ sent me these amazing yarns!!!

I love them all! The two Mini Mochi are to die for! And there's an alpaca, two merrily colourful mohair, a variegated wool that is begging me to become a neck warmer (all pinks and lovely rosie hues) and a super funky fun eye lash yarn that my girls tried to get away with!

Also some delightful tea that will be perfect for a crafty afternoon, and two pairs of earrings (oh they are so marvellous! I love them!) like the ones in her shop! Go check it out! She has made some really cool stuff!

Thank you so much, Gwen!!!! You are so cool!

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Happy Mother's day!

2010-05-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Do you like my flowers???

I love them

They are fragrant and deep red and long stemmed and mine!

And my hubby gave them to me.

:D can you see my smile all the way there?
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Dah-ling, why must you torture me so?

2010-05-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've been absent. I've been distracted by work. I've made more progress on my presents. I've also worked on my summer cardi. Sigh. Sadly, I've already frogged it thrice. Dumb mistakes.

Good thing I like working with the yarn!

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Looky here! It's done!

2010-04-30T21:40:00.000-05:00

All done and only the weaving of the ends to do, but the first of the Christmas presents is done. I didn't have enough yarn to do some fringe, but perhaps I'll add some tassels in front and in the back, right at the middle.

I'm so happy I finished it and can move on to the next one! One WIP less, about three dozen to go! Just kidding. Or not. I'm not gonna fess up!

What are YOU doing?

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I have buttons!

2010-04-29T14:52:00.000-05:00

Lovely, colorful buttons!

I had a very good experience with the seller, Little Red Cottage. She has her etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleRedCottage. I really recommend her! She also has ric rac and other embellishments! As soon as the girls saw the buttons they started asking for coats that matched them! Hehehehe!

Gone to play with my new buttons!

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I'm loving it!

2010-04-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

Do you like my hexagons? Aren't they lovely and crisp and kind of dutch? I guess it's the colors that remind me of the painted tiles, of little children, windmills and such.

It's gonna be a Christmas present. I won't keep it but I'm loving every minute of making it! I am putting a lot of prayers and a lot of loving thoughts for the recipient of it. I cannot say who is it for, it would ruin the surprise.

Thanks for all the comments on last post! I'm trying to make some progress on my presents so I can begin my quest to make a shawl like that beauty!

What are YOU making?

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Crafting

2010-04-24T14:41:00.000-05:00

I have been insanely busy these days and a small (VERY small) part of it has been crocheting. I have many WIPS, so I have not much to show you of my stuff. But I can tell you this much: I've already started working on my Christmas presents!

I wanted to show you the work of a very talented woman whose adventures in knitting you can find in her blog, The Magic Pixie Knitter. She makes wonderful things (her flickr page is a delight to browse) but what has recently blown my mind is this:

I mean, is it gorgeous or what????

Where do I start? I love the yarn, the color, the pattern, the execution!

Don't you wanna grab your needles and knit this beauty???????

I leave you with these lovely images, and hope to post some of my own soon!

happy weekend!

It's a bad idea to have scissors when bored...

2010-04-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

... Or hair dye... Or anything permanent or semi-permanent...

Reason number 48: the "it's only hair" trap

You might think you CAN cut your own hair.

That photo on glamour you thought looked so cute? The one with the model in the catwalk? Yeah... Well, you are not Vidal Sassoon. Or Patrice. You are not even Dolly Parton in Steel Magnolias. Unless you are a hairdresser with training or at least experience cutting your own kid's / brothers/ pets/neighbour's kid whose hair gave you the creeps, just don't go there. Ok? Slowly put the scissors down in the sink, next to the curler and that box of hair dye. Let's have a chat, shall we?

In the past I've cut bangs that were so crooked that to fix the cut they had to chop them to the middle of my forehead, way before that style came into fashion to be considered avant garde and look geeky instead.

I've dyed my hair black and then on a whim cherry red, and ended up with a black bob with inch long red roots. Not pretty. Mom cut it so only the red showed. Good thing I did it on a weekend, so my classmates thought I was "so rad!" because I did something completely crazy.

I've done the childish thing of cutting bangs and then to cover up the fact that a) I didn't ask my mom if I could use her scissors; b) I looked like a fright and c) I changed my mind, I proceeded to -get this - cut them up to the roots. Yes. I know. Mom couldn't stop laughing long enough to ground me, so at least something good came out of it.

Last night was a long one. After the girls were asleep, hubby wasn't home yet and wouldn't be for a long time yet, I was antsy and couldn't crochet (I can feel the collective gasp sucking me to the screen already) but I had my hook, yarn and scissors. Big J had just gotten a hair cut and I loved how her bangs looked! So I was -ahem- inspired! (Note: those bright ideas you get when you are tired and trying not to think of something? Write them down, read them once you are rested. Very few are really THAT good) I would cut my own bangs. Please notice my selective amnesia.

But I had been paying attention at Big J's cut, so this time I did things slowly, carefully, entirely contrary to other occasions. The result?

Well, you just saw my photos. The one on my profile and the one at the top of this post. I love my new bangs!

I feel pretty and grown up and chic and not at all geeky! Who'd have thought????

A bonus? Almost everyone has told me I look younger! Can you see my grin from your seat?
That means that I finally can wear red lipstick and not feel aged! Score!!!

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Trying it on for size

2010-04-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

I tried the poncho on Little J to see if I had to add more rows (I don't have to!) And she right away wanted to have her photo taken. She even posed! Lol! I know the theatrics she gets from me, but I wonder where did she get her love of posing for (ack!) photos.

Not that I complain! Lol! I love photographing them! And this little poncho seems to like to spin, climb, twirl and jump, cause that's what she took off to do with my little one as an accomplice. And Mommy had to chase both of them. I mean, the cheek of the little striped one! She hasn't even had her ends woven in yet and there she goes running off to play!

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Right after the party...

2010-04-11T00:18:00.000-05:00

Feeling a bit theatrical and entirely silly, I wanted to take a shot of both Miss Liz and the gloves. They received many compliments, and while Miss Liz had to wait at the back of my chair, the gloves danced and waved and toasted and had a great time! When it was time to go, Miss Liz perched atop my shoulders and gave a regal good by. At home I realized I'd been snapping pics right and left and had not taken a photo of my crochet work. So, here I am, at the glamorous location of my bathroom, showing them off. Pardon my pose, but since I don't like having my photo taken, I go into character!

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Party pics: flower girl

2010-04-11T00:08:00.000-05:00

Isn't she lovely?
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Party pics: flower girl, the smallest one

2010-04-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

My baby girl is big now!
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Attack of the flower girls!

2010-04-10T23:57:00.000-05:00

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Yarn swap alert!

2010-04-10T14:35:00.000-05:00

Ale at Just be Happy is hosting a yarn swap! two skeins only! I love yarn swaps, they are a good way to connect with other yarnies around the world. So hop over to her fabulous blog and say "Aye!"

While you are at it, check out her Etsy shop, she has some lovely items and patterns!

Spread a little love! tell your friends about it! let's see how many yarnies we get into the swap! the more the merrier!!!!

Feeling sexy!

2010-04-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

After I finished Miss Elizabeth I saw an ad on a magazine and Drew Barrymore was wearing some sort of spandex gloves.

Ok, here's something you don't know. I'm a sucker for Drew. I'll watch almost anything with her on it. I love her style. If I could be friends with a celebrity I would choose her. And David Boreanaz. Throw in perhaps Dakota Fanning and we have a little party! Oh, right, I'm off track.

I took my leftover yarn (less than a third of a skein maybe). And I whipped put these (there are two of them, one of which is our photographer, clever little glove) to my delight and the astonishment of the men of my family. It was so funny, cause they were a bit baffled at how could I make them just watching the photo. I guess it's the same thing that happens when they are fixing a car and talking in something that resembles spanish but sounds like chinese to me. Hehehehe!

And they really are so fast to make! And so easy! I just frogged them like five times! Really. Lol!

I think I'm gonna wait for the wedding day photos to show you Miss Liz and these little ones that I haven't named yet... Any ideas?

Thanks for your kind comments about Miss Liz!
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Introducing Miss Elizabeth

2010-04-07T23:13:00.000-05:00

She's finished and blocked and I couldn't wait till tomorrow to show it to you. I love how it looks on me and even on the hook!!! I'm thinking of pairing it with a jewel toned shirt and black trousers, high black heels for my SIL's wedding, and with a little something that I whipped out tonight after I finished Miss Liz, while chatting with my family at my parents' home.

It was so funny, cause the men were the ones that were more interested in following the development of said garment. Alas, I did not have time to weave in the ends and block the cuties, so they will have to wait.

:D

Good night! Love finishing something that I enjoyed so much making!!!!!

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AWARDS!

2010-03-28T19:56:00.003-06:00

Oh my! I've been so distracted I never saw I was granted several awards by my lovely friends! So I'm accepting them now and fulfilling the instructions:

First:
The Circle of Friends Award
from: Ale at Just be happy

Conditions to accept this award: list 5 things I love to do. :D super!!!

1.- I love to spend time playing and learning with the girls. It is awesome. I love their ingenuity and their wise way of looking at things simply. Also their imagination.

2.- I love spending couple time with my hubbie. It is nice to talk about things other than housework and the girls, as much as I love them. But chatting with him and laughing with him ... sigh!

3.- I love crocheting! and sewing! and anything that allows me to create something pretty!!!!!

4.- I love directing the choir/singing/playing music, in Church. I also love singing children's songs with my girls, cause by now they sing along too!!!!

5.- I love reading. I always have. I was a book worm when growing up and I still am, when I can

There!

I pass it on to

Heather, at Hester's garden, cause she's my psychic twin! you are an awesome woman! and she was my first friend in the blogosphere

Ale already did it, but if she hadn't, I'd pass it on to her...

Libby, cause she's so kind and generous and creative and makes me remember there is such thing as good and caring souls in this world!

Dawn, cause she always makes me feel we are chatting over a cup of tea and a nice little thing on our needles every time I read her blog or her comments.

Tammie, cause she's got spunk! and is very open, sincere and nonjudgmental !

Glo, cause she's a regular firecracker! she does so much, and helps so many and is so fun!!!

Nuria, who is another of my missing sisters, all the way to the Península Ibérica!

Tanya, who is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful crafter!

Ashley, ballerina, crafter, wife, nurse to be, whew!!!! an amazing gal!

Hold on girls, not so fast... to these same girls I'm passing on the next award, which is

The conditions for this award:
1. You can only use one word to answer each of the following questions.

2. Offer this to your fellow bloggers

3. Alert them that you have given them this award.

4. Have fun!!!

Here we go!

1. Where is your cell phone? hip

2. Your hair? ponytail

3. Your mother? Mass
4. Your father? Mass

5. Your favorite foods? Italian

6. Your dream last night? weird!

7. Your favorite drink? water
8. Your dream/goal? skinny
9. What room are you in? Caffé

10. Your hobby? crochet
11. Your fear? faithless

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? earth

13. Where were you last night? work

14. Something that you aren't? Perfect

15. Muffins? chocolate

16. Wish List Item? abundant!

17. Where did you grow up? México

18. Last thing you did? sang

19. What are you wearing? Uniform
20. Your t.v.? old

21. Your pets? Fish

22. Friends? some
23. Your life? happy
24. Your mood? good
25. Missing someone? family

26. Vehicle? Mushu!

27. Something you're not wearing? Skirt

28. Your favorite store? BOOK!

29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. Last time you laughed? morning

31. Last time you cried? unknown

32. Best friend? husband

33. One place I go to again and again? Church

34. One person who emails you regularly? Ale

35. Favorite place to eat? Home

AND

Last but not least

Got this from Ale as well, and I'm passing this on to all of you

Rules:

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to Cici's blog (or hyperlink).

3. List 10 things that make you happy.

4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know!

here goes! (in no particular order whatsoever)

1.- Sharing a cup of coffee with a loved one

2.- Singing in the car with my girls

3.- Twirling my girls!

4.- Crocheting

5.- Re- reading a loved book

6.- Finding a new author I love

7.- Figuring out a new stitch

8.- holding hands with Rodrigo while walking

9.- Finding new things in common with my dear friends

10.- Catching up with friends over a beer or a glass of wine... or two!

If any of you friends have given me an award and I have not acknowledged it, please remind me! I'm too absent minded for my own good!

Looking forward to see what you write!

Gathering inspiration

2010-03-28T13:02:00.001-06:00

I found this incredible image at Elizabeth Cat's Flickr pool, and I had to share it with you! doesn't it look so fresh? so inviting? imagine making one for your bed! just like a field of daisies, but inside your home and NEVER fading!!!! joy!!!

and then she has this block! I wanna rush out and rob a bank or something so I have money to buy yarn and make such a lovely blanket! imagine this block with...

and then...

And... get ready for gorgeousness overload....

ready?

here goes!

Does she have an eye for color or what????

And do you blame me for loving ripples? check out JoAnn's lovely pink ripple!

Or this lovely one, from ccfairie 1

look, it has granny squares AND ripples!!!!

and this one by Crossroads Knits Liz?? QUEEN SIZED!!! adorable!!!

Can you believe all the loveliness around??? go check all the other gorgeous things these talented crafters have made!!!

Revamping the blog!

2010-03-27T21:09:00.003-06:00

I thought it was high time I gave my blog a little love-love...

I think I might be too girlie, my University years notwithstanding... (hint: I dressed like Trinity one day -leather pants and halter top with high heeled boots- and the next? Leather skirt, knee high boots, black tank top and long leather coat... you get the drift... got away with it and not being labeled freak cause I was a nerd, and two labels was too much... but I'm rambling here)

Do you like it?

Oh, and just look what I saw over at Dev's, at the Snowy Fairy Glade! can you blame me for loving ripples?

Libs with her cool gesture and she and Dev with such examples, you are just encouraging me into this addictive behavior, you know?

I had to blog again...

2010-03-25T22:10:00.000-06:00

Since I got a lovely lovely LOVELY package from an even lovelier person...

Remember my new love of ripples? The one that is a bit too much? (Third rippley on the hook, fourth already planned)

Well, I must admit scrappy ripples are my faves, and my dear friend Libby (http://mykraftykreations.blogspot.com/) sent me this lovely package of scrap yarn!!!! And it is lovely!!!! The colors and variety! And she also sent candy!!!!!!! Libs, you are the "bestest"!

Hehehe! This will be a little embarrassing... When I saw the package, I blanched. The first thing I thought was "oh no... FUDGE!!! I forgot a swap?????" And then I opened it and I was embarrassed and happy and touched and floored and grateful, that I have such lovely friends, so generous and just plain amazing!

So...THANK YOU, LIBS!!!!!!!!!!! Really really really thank you!
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Done!

2010-03-25T21:32:00.000-06:00

It's crocheted, blocked, starched, be-ribboned and beaded. It is not boxed, though.

I put a blue ribbon through it, and since the wedding date is April 10th, I sewed a small flower of four beads in the center, and two rows of five beads in each end of the ribbon, to signify the date 4-10-10.

Cross your fingers! I'm making her a "tossing" garter tomorrow and we are all set! Hope she likes it!

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Yet another frothy thing...

2010-03-25T19:36:00.000-06:00

Oh I do love making sweet pretty things, and this is for a very special girl who is getting married... Yes, the same wedding I'm attending that the other pretty frothy thing I'm making is for....

I found the pattern on Ravelry and made some modifications. I didn't do it on the round and I added the bottom part that form the hearts. I hope she likes it. Its made of cotton thread and satin ribbon. What do you think? Should I add some blue beads to the little picot flowers at the very bottom? Tiny baby blue beads, one for each small blossom?

Have you made anything bridal? I didn't of making one of these for my own and I regret it cause my hubby didn't toss my garter but kept it for himself (just saw it the other day on his handkerchief box... Yes, he does use a handkerchief on a daily basis, how cool is that? I love it!)

Those of you who aren't married yet, what would you make for your own wedding?

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Progress on my project

2010-03-24T18:49:00.000-06:00

Have you guessed what it is yet?

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Hot on the hooks!

2010-03-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

Well, Madonna and friends D&G inspired me and I'm making myself something black and crocheted and cute, and I learned to make a new stitch that takes FOREVER to make some progress with, but hey! My SIL is getting married two and a half weeks from now, and I plan to wear it then!

I finished one skein of Sinfonia and I have only made three inches so far, so I guess I have a looong way to go.

On other issues... I have been light on the blogs. Perhaps too light. But I've had rough days and I felt that if I started pouring a bit then the whole thing would get out of hand and I would be sobbing hysterically to you and grabbing a big handful of dark chocolate and /or a pint of cherry and candied nuts ice cream. Ugh.

It was a good decision, if for the wrong reasons. I have a (slight) tendency to depression and I really, really try not to drag others to my personal little black hole of foreboding. So I become my own cheerleader, which might account for my being so doggone tired by noon on a bad mood day. And really, sometimes all it takes is my husband being distracted a bit at lunch and then...

Me: uh hon? What are you thinking of?

Hon: (coming out of a daze, kind of) uh?

Me: I asked what are you thinking.

My mind: oh gosh, he doesn't pay attention to me anymore? Have I become so uninteresting? Is he getting bored of our relation?

My cheerleader: AW, come ON! You are being silly and you know it! He's just thinking about..
.
MM: ... Another woman? Oh shoot! Someone thinner and taller, and prettier...

MC: shut up. You are being ridiculous!

MM:oh yeah? How are you so sure?

MC: he's reading his order sheet.

MM: (feeling really dumb) oh.

Hon: uh? Oh sorry, calculating the production for this afternoon.

MC: see, you freak?

MM: (acidly) shut up.

And that's why I am so tired! sometimes it's just petty, stupid, unimportant things that get me going down that spiral. It takes me a few hours or weeks but I usually get things in perspective, hopefully before I hurt someone or chew a head off.

THAT is the good reason to wait and not raise up a fuss and then have to sheepishly say I was wrong.. Again. And again. Aaaand again. You really wouldn't like that.

Sigh.

Oh, care to guess what I'm making?

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Swoon!

2010-03-22T15:55:00.001-06:00

And this lovely ... Capelet? Oh this is too much! Too great!!!

Hey girls! Get your hooks ready! This is hooker fashion!

Oh wait... That sounded a bit weird...
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Doth mine eyes deceive me?

2010-03-22T15:53:00.000-06:00

Or is Madonna wearing a gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana crochet dress in this ad???

I'm so happy!!! This is so cool!!!
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