Arnica?

Aine: Mama, can you put some harmonica on my bruise?




(she meant arnica)

Potatoes

I have become a couch potato again.  My battle with fitness and weight drags on.  After putting on quite a bit of weight in the last few months, I have decided to try to curb the madness.  I have begun the Couch to 5K program AGAIN.  I like calling it couch potato to 5K.  I started this week and have run/walked twice.  It isn't too bad.  I have to listen to music or the time seems to drag.  My favorite podcast is a bit of hip-hop/dance music.  I found it on this site.  The creator prompts you for the runs and lets you know what is coming up.

Let's see if I can make it through the program this time.

Cool Sewing Books

I enjoy sewing.  I like being able to create something.  I plan on making a few more dresses for Aine as they have been a big hit.  I may have to find this book as it has some neat things in it.

She Loves It

Today was a productive day.  Although I did not finish until 1am, it was worth it.  I was able to make a dress/tunic for Aine from IKEA fabric.  It is a black and white leaf print which Aine immediately put on with her new black shorts.

(she assured me that her hair was combed, but she had just come out from the bath.  She is also munching a cookie)

I also made a nightshirt(gown) for Eamon.  He has been wanting one, so I crafted it from the same pattern I have been using for Aine's nightgowns/tunics.  I used IKEA fabric in the same print as Aine's dress below.

The best result of the day was the dress I made for Aine from the IKEA dot fabric.  I used an Ottobre pattern from the 3/2008 issue.  It is the tie-back dress, and it is a huge hit.  I did not finish under the wee hours of the night, so I hung the finished result on her doorknob.  She immediately put it on and modeled for photos.  She LOVES it.  A big plus is it spins.  I am sure she will be wearing it a lot this summer.

Two and One

One nightgown/dress and two pairs of shorts completed today.  Aine has requested more of the nightgown/dresses.  She really likes this one with miniature skulls (fabric by Michael Miller).  She has worn it since it came off the machine.  I finished a pair of elastic waist linen shorts to wear with it when we leave the house as it is a bit short.  She insists it is best solo, so I may have to make another shirt for the shorts.  I have some black and white IKEA fabric in mind for the shirt.

Eamon loves his red horseshoe shorts.  He thinks they are very comfortable pj bottoms.  I made them big and long as per his request.  He wants a nightgown now, so I will see what we can find in the fabric pile for him.

Out of Practice

Inspired by the Kids Clothes Week, I decided I need to get back behind my sewing machine.  I finally was able to sew a bit today.  I traced a few patterns from old Ottobre magazines this morning as soon as I awoke.  I set the fabric aside hoping to sew a bit when Benton napped.  Then I pulled out my pajama pant pattern as we are low on summer sleep wear.

I decided to start with pjs, so I cut some Michael Miller fabric I had for Aine..  I used a pattern for her pink horseshoe pants, but I winged it for the boys.  I used existing pants as a guide while cutting whimsical camping fabric for their pants.  Big mistake. I forgot to compensate for the elasticized waist while cutting.  I didn't realize this until I had put the pants together and held them up.  I hopefully asked Eamon to try them on - no luck.  Then I turned to Aine - nope.  With enough elastic they fit Benton.  The smaller ones intended to Benton were somewhat salvaged and fit him now with no room for growing.  Not all is lost as he LOVES his new pants.  Aine is quite pleased with hers as well.

Next up is a nightgown, a dress and a skirt for Aine.  I also plan to make Eamon a pair of pj bottoms as well as a nightgown per his request.  At that point, we shall see where we stand and if anything fits :)

Blast Off

Aine and Benton love to jump on beds.  They also love jumping off beds.  Under Aine's direction, they made their own jumping arena in our bedroom.  They put all the blankets and pillows on the floor for a special landing area.  They started with a bit of trepidation, and then moved into launching themselves off the bed full force.

Sexy

Writers are sexy.  Not in the eye candy type of way, but in the ability to put words to paper.  They are sexy as they hone sentences into complex thoughts that elicit emotions and images.  The ability to write can be a gift as the ability to read the written word can transform an individual.  One is transported to another time and place with unique smells images and emotions.  Writers do this for their readers.

Recently I have been walking and listening.  Each morning I put on my headphones and venture forth by myself for a bit of time alone.  During these sojourns, I listen.  I listen to podcasts.  My favorite explores writers.  They are writers of the short story, and the podcast is from the New Yorker.

The short story is magical.  In just a few pages an entire drama unfolds.  Do you remember reading The Lottery?  If you cannot, please stop now and read it.  It is fantastic.  The author skillfully transports you and then shocks you at the end.  All within 30 minutes!  The words in a short story must matter.  There is no room for extra verbiage.  Each word gives meaning and adds to the whole.  The elements of style abound in a short story.  A good short story author skillfully weaves the tale leading the reader.  I love them.

So if you only have thirty minutes to spare, read or listen to a short story.  Hear the magic of an idea unfolding in a short space and marvel at the author's ability to create something with so few words.  I swear it is a treat.

UFO's

I have decided to clean out some knitting UFO's. It began when I needed to clean my craft area and discovered quite a few of my Grandmother's unfinished work. I began to fret that the legacy I would leave for my children would be mounds of yarn and good intentions. I don't have that many UFOs - a doll intended for my niece's 2nd birthday(she is now 5), a pair of socks, a February Lady Sweater, and another cardigan. I do have a lot of yarn though.

So far the doll is finished, and I am 60% done with the socks. I plan to finish the socks by the end of May and make some decisions about those sweaters.

The abundance of yarn is another story. I will reevaluate it based on my knitting progress this year. I think I can make a significant dent if I keep my knitting mojo.

Water Wash Only

Oh, I have stepped off the mainstream sidewalk. I am now not only no poo, but now I am not even using baking soda/ACV rinse. My youngest brother has been utilizing a water wash only system on his hair and it looks good. I even asked to feel it. So, I decided to try it. I figured what do I have to lose. So, I am now 5 weeks into it. My hair has gone through various phases - greasy, waxy, normal, greasy, etc. I am able to blow dry it and wear it down. It is still getting a bit greasy by the end of the day, but I am going to persevere. Most of what I have read online mentions a 6wk to 3 month adjustment.

We shall see. If you see me, please let me know if I look gross. So far everyone I ask tells me it looks fine.

Writing

Eamon wrote a story for the PBS GO kids writing contest. He wrote the whole story and did the illustrations to correspond. Since we were up against a deadline, I typed the story and we pasted the pictures on the pages. Here is his story:

If you are curious about the winners, check out the local PBS affiliate.

Not to be outdone, Aine also wrote a story. She is not able to enter the contest until next year.

(In case you cannot read Spanish, it is a story about a horse and foal).

Beauty School

Today Aine and I played salon.  Each of us took a turn styling and accessorizing.  She LOVED it.  Here is a photo of her handiwork.