tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87144335056903955502024-03-21T18:00:47.377-07:00Adventures in Sewing and Sanity with Little RaeSimple musings about juggling life with kids, life in a new place, and sewing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-34962790310285640962018-03-29T18:25:00.002-07:002018-03-29T18:25:11.860-07:00This One's For YouI am the worst blogger. I have great ideas for what I could post about. I have cute pictures of all of the fun things I have done related to sewing and my kids. I type fast. I have above-average spelling and editing skills. What more does it take? Oh - yeah. I might need to actually LIKE blogging. And I guess I just don't. It was fun when it had a purpose, like for that Project Run and Play competition. But now that there is no obvious reason to journal and post my thoughts, I just don't. And I'm pretty certain nobody cares. But for that ONE follower out there that is waiting on the edge of their seat to find out whatever happened to me, and my Etsy shop, and my angst and hatred in California, this one's for you.<br />
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Sewing. I actually have been doing a lot of it. In fact, a group of friends from my kids'e elementary school came up with a brilliant idea - I should teach them how to sew. A few of them had machines and barely used them. Others had never sewn before. I even had one member who had received a sewing machine as a wedding gift - over 10 years ago - and had never really used the machine. We started getting together around my dining room table, learning basic skills and practicing on different projects. We even took a few field trips in to the city to learn about fabrics and selecting patterns and all sorts of necessary sewing miscellany. My sewing improved and members of the group now regularly proudly parade around in their creations. We even mailed off a box with 15 pillowcase dresses that we created for a worthy charity that donates dresses to third-world countries. We have built a solid friendship network and though most of our field trips now end up being about the dim sum, not the fabric store, we are still sewing and creating and enjoying the journey. I am so proud of this group and what we have done together. A BIG WIN for life here in California.<br />
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Etsy. Yeah. This won't take long. I made a few dresses. I sold a few dresses. I started to slowly hate the process. It felt inauthentic to just sew something and wait for someone to come and get it. I much preferred to have a project that was assigned to me, like a specific costume or a specific outfit for an event, than to just generically sew items that sat in the closet. I gave my inventory away to friends. A few of the dresses my daughter can still wear. I'm continually in awe at the creativity and energy of the people who run successful Etsy Shops (and I'm fine not being one of them). And I am totally happy without the shop. Halloween costumes this past year were all kinds of awesome.<br />
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So was the Daddy/Daughter Dance dress that I created (without a pattern and for less than $20).<br />
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I won't offer up pictures of the dresses, curtains, reversible duvet cover, sling bags, baby gifts and more that I have been sewing but just know that sewing is still an enormous part of my existence these days.<br />
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California. It doesn't completely suck anymore. I have evolved. It must be me - California certainly hasn't changed. It is still far too expensive. The weather is so random but it is generally very pleasant. I have come to accept that San Francisco probably used to be an awesome place but that now it is suffering from too many people who can't afford to live here colliding with too many people who can afford to live here, but neither side is very fond of the other. The city is quite a mess. And while the row houses and the restaurants and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are enchanting, I won't ever find the streets of San Francisco, with its public urinating, homeless camps, trashed subway stations and dirty thoroughfares, enchanting. That's ok. I can choose not to go into the city. I often do. I am truly biased but I prefer my Washington, DC and I still miss it. But over the past now 3 years, we have found that we are connected to the people here more than we ever expected. We have built really strong bonds with neighbors and friends. If and when we leave this place, I will be a mess all over again because I will miss these folks who have become family to me.<br />
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Life. Up and down. Lots of travel. Lots of weekend adventures. Lots of California coastline has been enjoyed. A few speed bumps for me personally, like hip surgery 2 years ago and heart surgery just last December. Our family joke is that I might not leave our heart in San Francisco but I got it fixed here! A big shout out to the people at Stanford University and the Adult Congenital Heart Program. The kids and the husband are making their way in the world and somehow we all still get along.<br />
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So there you have it, oh, lonely little blogger follower. I will not promise to do better. I will promise to keep this blog in mind when I have something say, just in case I feel like putting those thoughts out there in the world. This blog is for you - for anyone who still feels like reading it once in awhile. This life I live - the sewing and the friendships in California with all of its ups and downs - is for me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-37593329290092747362016-05-17T12:55:00.004-07:002016-05-17T12:55:42.204-07:00Where Did the Time Go?It is really May. It is really just past mid-May, soon to be late-May, soon to be June, which means that 2016 is half of the way over. Before we know it, we will be dragging back from summer holidays, racing through the craziness that consumes everyone during the fall with school and sports and Halloween. And then the holidays! Yikes. Time just doesn't wait for anybody.<br />
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I feel terrible that I haven't blogged in so long. Honestly, I haven't had much to say. And as for sewing, there has been more than I can handle, but not really anything I can post or discuss at great length. Yes - you guessed it. I'm involved in a top-secret sewing circle that works exclusively on sewing bow-ties for the Mafia. Or, flannel pjs for famous white-collar criminals. Or coats for dogs. Who are homeless. Sadly, it is nothing quite that exciting, but it is an exciting new chapter in my sewing life. Actually, thanks to my sewing entries and blog traffic last year, I was contacted by a lady in a neighboring town who is launching her own custom baby carrier company. She needed a seamstress to assist with production and she hired me! What started out as just a few carriers every other week has turned into 7-10 every week. This sewing for her takes away all of the time I was using for sewing for me. I've made a ton of carriers, but dresses for my Etsy shop sit unfinished, along with the pants to hem and the buttons to fix and the trim to add. And just when I think I have the sewing under control, that darn thing called LIFE demands my every attention and here we are in May. MID-May. Soon to be LATE-May.<br />
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Life has been good, by all accounts. The kids are just delightful, until they aren't, but we'll focus on the delightful times. Benji is running full speed ahead to the end of 1st grade. He has started the countdown and seems to believe that getting to 2nd grade is entirely contingent on him doing his very best these next few weeks. He loves school and the work is a breeze, but I never told him he might not get to 2nd grade! I'm sure his teacher planted that seed in order to keep everyone focused as summer approaches. That's fine with me! He diligently checks his homework and practices his spelling words. He is smiley and social and the picture of "sun-kissed" if you needed a visual!<br />
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Rachel, too, is doing her part to make life interesting. She is finishing up her last year in preschool. I am not sure what I will do with all of the kid-free time once she is in T-K from 9-2 each day. And having both kids on the same school calendar and in the same place will make for a very content mama around here. Rachel's latest adventures include starting to play piano and learning to read.<br />
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What would a blog update be without any mention of our latest adventures? Kevin went to the Super Bowl! For a life-long sports fan, it was a dream come true and it didn't disappoint. His childhood friend from Colorado, who happens to be a HUGE Broncos fan, made the weekend trip out. They were like two kids in a candy store. </div>
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The whole family has been back to Santa Cruz a few times, at least. We went to the beach a few times, too. We made our first trip to Lake Tahoe and tried our hand at tubing. Cold and wet, we still enjoyed the beauty of it all.<br />
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We traveled to Atlanta to see the grandparents.</div>
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We have found our way into the city, both with kids and without kids, to explore new neighborhoods and enjoy great food. We are all quite fond of Delores Park. And the parents in this house are all about Good Luck Dim Sum in the Richmond neighborhood. It is not a "fine dining" establishment, but it is the best dim sum in town!<br />
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We had Auntie Joyce and Auntie Emma and Uncle Jason visit. Emma and Jason will be back for a Memorial Day weekend trip to Napa with us.<br />
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We have had dinner with friends, old and new. We went to Vegas for a kid-free weekend. We cheered for the Washington Capitals and cried when they lost in the 2nd Round of the playoffs. We went back to Aulani and enjoyed a Hawaii vacation together. We are very much looking forward to another summer on the East Coast with family and dear friends in DC and Atlanta.<br />
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Life is good. Life is busy. We have crammed a whole lot of LIFE into this first part of 2016. I regret not blogging about it, but if I had been busy blogging, who would have been out there enjoying all of that life? No promises for the coming months. I'm going to keep sewing and keep learning to enjoy San Francisco. I'm going to try and keep up with the kids. And time will go by. I guess that is just about the way it should be.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-52653587780881564772015-12-13T17:58:00.003-08:002015-12-13T17:58:37.237-08:00Reaping What I SewThis ALWAYS happens! I get so caught up in other stuff that I just don't sit down to write about it on the blog. So, months have passed and there is far too much to catch up on and the year is ending and - well - it is what it is. Nobody cares about what I'm up to anyway, so I'll summarize.<br />
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We went to the Disney Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii. Aulani is Hawaiian for "awesome". If that is not the direct translation, it is a close second. Getting to Hawaii was on my California bucket list. It is still a long journey, but only half as long from this coast, so we went for it. Enjoyed the people, the resort, the spa, Pearl Harbor, the food, the family time and more.<br />
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We came home, started school and soccer and piano and gymnastics, and then headed right back out for another holiday with that darn mouse on a Disney cruise. From Vancouver to San Diego, it was a smaller boat and a shorter itinerary, but fun was had by all. Personally, I think a cruise is a better way to enjoy the Disney magic than schlepping around the amusement park. I'm sure when the kids get older and well beyond strollers, we will go to the park but for now, the cruise is pretty wonderful. This was our 2nd Disney cruise and I can't imagine going with another cruise line. The hospitality is tremendous, the boat is impeccably maintained and clean, the kids are entertained and we have time each night for date night as the kids enjoy time at their kids club. We extended our vacation with trips to Legoland and SeaWorld (don't judge - we love the animals and support the people educating others about them).<br />
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Fall was all about soccer. Good grief do I hope Ben decides he likes art. Soccer mom is not a role I enjoy. But we survived. And my little people were adorable for Halloween, don't you think?<br />
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I went to New Orleans for Danielle's bachelorette party. I'm not 24 anymore.<br />
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Chris and Tjaarda drove across the country and visited us. That was awesome!<br />
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I went to DC for Danielle's wedding. So honored to stand by her side as she marries her prince.<br />
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And then it was birthday time!! Two kids, two November birthdays, one huge birthday bash. Can you believe we got 46 kids in our living room? Magic Dan brought down the house. Then sisters and mom came for Thanksgiving. We got booted from our beds once again since we are without a guest room. But it was cozy and dinner was yummy, thank you very much.<br />
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And now Hanukkah.<br />
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And next up - Christmas. In addition to all of that, I boot camped in the mornings, hosted my sister-in-law twice, organized the preschool book fair, organized other preschool events, and started doing some paid sewing work for a start-up baby carrier company. I told you I was busy. But all of my activities, social and otherwise, are a welcome intrusion on my life. I am busy. I am running from day to day, juggling the "need to get done" with the "would like to get done" and sort of embracing the challenge. I have social engagements that I turn down. I haven't finished a book since my last plane trip. My favorite piano songs are rusty from lack of practice. Last year, this time, I was primarily home, tidying the house or sewing, bemoaning the loss of all things in Virginia. A year later I'm on the move. I'm entertained, and entertaining. I'm still bemoaning the loss of all things Virginia when I have time but fundamentally, I just don't have the time. I am still here. I have made connections. I have traveled. I have gotten involved. I have tried to not just be IN a new place but to be a part of a new place. And it think it worked. We really do reap what we sow. Next year I will blog more, eat less, read more, cry less, dance more, drink less, sew more and fret less. And I will try my best to enjoy San Francisco more and miss DC a little less. Here's to 2016!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-16792265588136832242015-08-21T16:18:00.001-07:002015-08-21T16:18:39.847-07:00Project Run and Play - Big, Bright, Benji Beach Cover-UpThe August challenge for Project Run and Play is to take any old pattern we want and add some form of hand-embroidery or embellishment to it.<br />
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This contest is killing me. Yet again, I have to pull some idea out of space and then pull the embroidery pattern out of space and then create something. WHERE is the guidance? WHERE is the pattern to follow? Can you sense that I crave a bit more structure with my sewing (and my life)? Well, my son has desperately wanted to be the "subject" of one of my challenges so I thought this was a great opportunity to include him. He selected the soft, bright (brightest, I should say) orange batik fabric and approved of the tunic design that I modified from <i>Sewing For Boys</i>.<br />
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Sewing the tunic was the easy part. Benji loves the open front and the fact that there are no buttons or tags to itch him. And of course, he thinks the fabric is simply perfect.<br />
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As for the embroidery, I decided to try and find a design that would somehow speak to our upcoming trip to Hawaii. I found some traditional Polynesian tribal patterns and selected one for the collar that means fish.<br />
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The patterns on the sleeves are for mountains. I wanted the patterns to be very simple and absolutely look hand-made. I tried not to worry too much about lining things up or keeping it uniform....and it shows. It was sort of what I was going for...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little fish is at the hemline. Initially I thought I'd do the entire border this way....<br />and then I realized that was crazy talk.</td></tr>
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And it being for a boy, I didn't want to do too much embroidery, though in retrospect, I wish I had done more because it is very hard to see the little work that I did. And this little bit of work took a ton of time! Kudos to those who enjoy spending the time on embroidery. I have a house to clean. And suitcases to pack.</div>
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We are taking this beach tunic to Hawaii with us. I hope he enjoys wearing it in the sun.....and attracting the attention of a few planes that pass overhead. Ben proved to be a much better model than Rachel. Just two days ago he lost a front tooth and last night, he had a random allergic reaction that made his top lip look like Donald Duck. Despite that, no diva moments, no snacks or breaks required and no attitude!<br />
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Thank you, Benji! You look marvelous.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-14794936908463268192015-08-03T17:35:00.001-07:002015-08-03T17:35:35.859-07:00Finding My JoySo much time has passed since my last posting, yet it feels like - so much time has passed since my last posting! We made our journey back from the East Coast and now we are settling back in so reflections about our trip are just waiting to be shared. And as for sewing....did I tell you about the summer vacation I took with the kids?<br />
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Traveling alone with the kids was not something I was terribly excited about. I assumed the worst - delayed flights, feisty little people that I must claim as my own pulling at my ankles, lost items, missed trains, dented rental cars. You name it, I assumed it was going to happen. But it didn't. We actually had a perfectly lovely trip. I can't call it a vacation. A vacation is when you go away and relax for a few days and need not worry about your duties or life at home. A trip is when you TRY to do those things, but the kids that tagged along keep reminding you that there is never a vacation for parents! Visiting familiar things and faces in DC was far less tragic than during the holiday season, with fewer tears and happier send-offs. The kids were on their best behavior for travel, staying put in lines when asked, keeping peaceful on the plane, and going with the flow when things required a bit of patience. I was very proud of us. And there was much patience needed, as we literally bounced around from home to home, staying different nights with different people in order to see everyone and do what we wanted to do. I actually am not interested in doing that again. The next time we come all of the way across the country, we are staying put in one location and people will just have to come to us. That only seems fair. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">With Auntie Emma in NJ at the Turtle Back Zoo parakeet enclosure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">With Grandma Gloria at Dutch Wonderland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tackling Auntie Joyce...as usual</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Loving each other for the moment<br /></td></tr>
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Two weeks in the DC area, with weekend trips to Amish country and New Jersey to see more family, and I was ready for a semi-permanent home in Atlanta for three weeks. I can't believe I was looking forward to spending time with the in-laws! True confessions, I think it was easier being with them than with my own family. In Atlanta, I no longer was responsible for all of the driving, all of the meals, all of the activity-planning, all of the entertaining. More often than not, the grandparents or Uncle Jared were ready and willing to feed them breakfast first thing in the morning, watch tv shows with them, take them out for several hours of the day, or your name it. Time in Atlanta was never hectic or hurried, characterized by lots of lazy pool days, evening trips for ice cream, and late nights catching fireflies. We even "enjoyed" the power outage caused by the stunning thunderstorm one evening. I had time to read a book, take a run around the lake, go shopping, and catch up on the last season of West Wing (yes - I was just a few years behind but its just as good no matter when you watch it!!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">With Uncle Jared on top of Stone Mountain</td></tr>
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As for sewing, I bailed on the last few Project Run and Play challenges simply because I knew I wouldn't have the time or access to everything I would need for them. But I do have a sewing machine in Atlanta and I did get a chance to use it. Dear Grandpa Carl shared his office with me for the weeks I was visiting so that I would have a comfortable place to sew. I brought a few unfinished projects from home. I attempted (and failed) at sewing myself a knit dress. I hate knit, even more so now that I know I can't sew with it. I cut two sundresses for myself, and they have now become my latest "unfinished projects", destined to sit on my sewing table here at home for a minimum of 2 months. </div>
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We did get a chance to see Pixar's latest creation, Inside Out. It is the story of Riley, a little girl who moves to San Francisco and has to deal with all sorts of emotions as she confronts new challenges. We get a glimpse inside her head, getting to know Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Fear and Anger as independent "people" who pull the triggers to make Riley respond to the outside world. It was way over the heads of my little ones, but they still enjoyed it. I adored this movie. I could relate to absolutely everything that Riley was going through. And I attached myself to Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler. She was hilarious. I cried through most of it, even the funny scenes, because I felt like the people at Pixar nailed it. They captured, in one silly little movie, all that has become of me and this transition to a new place. I was stunned at the accuracy, scene after scene. And I was so thankful, because I felt like others who couldn't understand how I felt could now get a clear picture. No more "oh, she is just being dramatic" or "its not really that bad" stuff. Someone could see the movie and then say to me "wow....I had no idea what you were going through", which is really what I've wanted folks to say all along, I guess. I was a bit melancholy after the film and I grieved a bit all over again for what we lost, but I hopped on the plane and came back home to California, happy to reconnect with friends, happy to greet the morning clouds, happy to be in my new space. </div>
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I decided that I just need to embrace all of the emotions, and remember that Joy is always with me - though significantly less vocal and present than the other emotions, it seems. Well, that's not entirely fair to say. I have found much Joy, especially this summer: gossiping with my sisters at the dinner table, embracing dear friends and recounting the events since I have been gone, laughing with my son on a roller coaster, watching my daughter tackle her first Lego set, and independently creating a summer vacation full of great memories. I have Joy. And even back here in California already, I found much Joy reuniting with new friends, and watching my kids do the same. I haven't lost her. I guess I just need to remind myself that she is always with me, even during the harder times. My "Summer of Joy" will continue. We just returned from a weekend getaway to Vegas - a REAL vacation without the kids. And soon we will head off to Hawaii. If I can't find Joy there, I must not be looking hard enough!! I'm so happy (or should I say joyful) our trip went well. I'm excited about our other trips to come. And I thank you, Joy, for sticking with me through it all. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-68420576166092332672015-05-31T16:37:00.000-07:002015-05-31T16:37:03.718-07:00This is My Fight SongMy son is SO excited for Kindergarten to be over. He told me that he is completely ready for 1st grade and that it really doesn't make sense to spend so many more days on this easy stuff that he has been doing. I can't imagine him as a first grader - he's still so little!<br />
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And he is totally pumped for our summer journey back to DC, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Atlanta to see family and friends. I am - not quite as thrilled. Due to a crazy work schedule, Kevin is unable to travel with us. That leaves me as the responsible adult who has to herd the cats through the airport, onto a cross-country flight, into a rental car, around town, including a train ride as well to NJ, and back again, over the course of 5 weeks. I am certainly not heading into enemy territory - the East Coast is home - but I typically do not take on these solo journeys because they rattle me to no end. And while I so wish everyone we were visiting had a planned itinerary for our stay, the majority of our adventures will be dependent on me and my planning. Oh - but let me not forget to give a much-deserved shout-out to my sister-in-law Emma, who, as a fellow Gemini, has absolutely planned our weekend visit to include beach and shopping and park time and wine time and kid time and - whatever else she planned. Go Emma!<br />
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The poor kids. They are stuck with me as their tour guide. Even for my own honeymoon, I sat back and followed my husband around. While I had been planning the wedding (which I kind of liked, but for the planning part of it), he planned a lovely holiday in Italy. I had little input and that was just fine with me. He is able to navigate activities and destinations and pick great hotels and find awesome restaurants and keep us busy but not frantic, relaxed but not comatose. It is a very fine balance. Heading back to Washington I certainly have an advantage - I know the place. But now I have to figure what to do each day with my little beasties at my side. And it will probably be a lovely 100 degrees with 100% humidity...probably payback for bad-mouthing California weather so readily.<br />
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I think I'm afraid plans will fall through. Or I'll just be so frazzled getting us out to the zoo that by the time I get there, I won't want to stay. I don't know. I plan everything else in my life - menus, workouts for the week, clothing for the kids, parties at the house, sewing projects and the order in which they should be tackled - why is this such a trap? Either way, it is sure to be quite an adventure. And along with other challenges that have come my way, I'm assuming that while it may not be pretty, I'll get through it. I try to remind myself that if I can get through this move across the country, I can do just about anything because NOTHING could possibly be harder than what I've already done.<br />
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It had only been a few weeks into our new life in California when I was driving somewhere, probably lost, left with my thoughts and the nice navigation lady's voice to keep me company. This song caught my attention. By Rachel Platten, it is called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc" target="_blank">Fight Song</a> and the lyrics are all about being strong and rising above and doing what you need to do, even if no one else believes that you can. I kind of loved it immediately and waited for the radio to play it again and again. Then I broke down and paid the $1.29 on iTunes and added it to my library and the more I hear it, the more I identify with the message. I play it on my way to boot camp each morning and I remind myself that I can do it. Whatever it is. I think everybody needs a fight song.<br />
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I am looking forward to seeing family and friends that I have missed these past few months. I am looking forward to familiar landscapes and repeat adventures. With some hesitation, I am looking forward to seeing how I feel now that I have a new home in California and it doesn't quite hurt as much to think about the old house or the old favorites. I am looking forward to getting back on the plane at the end of 5 weeks and saying with sincerity "let's go home", with home being Burlingame, not Alexandria. I am going to have to keep planning, as ugly as it gets. I am shipping books of activities ahead. I am having my sister do a Michael's run for crafts. I am packing cards for the plane, loading up on snacks and preparing for a long, but good journey. I will try not to let a little bit of work on my part or unexpected events dampen the joy. I'll take care of myself and my kids and we will be a great little team. And I'll get back to California and keep on fighting for peace and a sense of place. Everybody needs a fight song. For the summer, this is mine.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-45200969256587596512015-05-19T16:06:00.002-07:002015-05-19T16:16:02.943-07:00Project Run and Play - "Chevron Madness" TopThis month's challenge was to re-imagine a cute little chevron shirt, compliments of <a href="http://craftycupboard.net/2013/04/summer-chevrons-shirt/" target="_blank">The Crafty Cupboard</a>. I call this my "Chevron Madness" top because it was a completely maddening experience, this challenge for May. But I set to work and ended up with this chevron top.<br />
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This month's pattern just did not work for me....and I don't know why. I attempted it twice, in different sizes, but neither fit Rachel very well at all. On the brink of throwing in the towel for this month, I decided to try and pattern it myself.....I probably should have thrown in the towel because that took a very long time. FINALLY, I had a pattern that seemed to fit properly. In re-patterning, I changed the way the back top panels meet, I killed the sleeves, I adjusted the armholes to make them pleated, and lengthened the whole thing.<br />
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Then I had to figure out the chevron. I do not love chevron, but I wanted to use it as a learning experience. Since I refuse to buy anything for these monthly challenges, I found a great striped fabric and set to work cutting it on the diagonal to build a chevron-inspired design. I then had to cut the pattern just right so the seam ended up in the middle of the garment on each side. Not easy. Not perfect. Not too bad. Very maddening indeed. And bonus - - I have TONS of extra pieces of striped fabric cut along the diagonal if anyone needs it!<br />
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The two button closure on the back escaped me. I guess I wasn't in the mood to try and figure it out. I scrapped the whole thing and just did a traditional one-button closure. The trim is a wide velvet ribbon that I cut in half and folded into the seam.<br />
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I lengthened the top and dropped the elastic band several inches in order to get the blousing effect. It can potentially be worn either fluffed up a bit or straight down. If I had Rae's little belly (which I do, since she inherited it from me), I would appreciate the figure-flattering blousing effect!!<br />
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And, for the record, while the rest of the country enjoys warmer May weather, Northern California is FREEZING COLD right now. (Now that I live here, COLD = 60 degrees). So I just couldn't let her run around sleeveless given the chilly breeze. I didn't make the top....someone at Gymboree did.<br />
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This is NOT reversible. I didn't even try. I think this month took more of my mental energy than ALL of the others entries combined, and I'm not that jazzed with the result. I ran out of fabric, I was definitely out of patience and I refused to spend any more time on it.<br />
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Once again, my model-in-residence showed much disdain for the multiple pictures I needed. But this is the first time she has not wanted to immediately pitch the garment off when I told her we were all done. She played at the park for quite a while post photo shoot. So while I may not love this outfit, Rae seemed happy and comfortable, which is really what matters, right?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-69377055991160881872015-05-06T17:07:00.000-07:002015-05-06T17:07:23.152-07:00The Complaints Box is FullI have spent an enormous amount of time and energy complaining about California. There is nothing too small that I can't find a way to blame on this place that I find myself in. Let's be clear - there are many things that are worthy of complaint around here....too many people, too many internet companies, too many pieces of real estate that are overpriced, not enough buses, not enough water, not enough food priced in the reasonable range. The list is limitless. Catch me on a bad day and see how long I can actually go on about what stinks about California. And if the weather dares to be anything less than perfect, California is a complete fraud, claiming to be full of sunshine and happiness when it really isn't. I have done my very best to deny that anything truly positive could result from a move to California. And time has passed and here we sit, still in California.<br />
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A few weekends ago I headed off to Napa for a girls weekend. We had been planning it for several months and I was really looking forward to the time with friends and wine. And it was everything I hoped it would be, with much laughter and fun, lots of wine, and a simply perfect landscape as a backdrop. Did you know Napa is in California? I was shocked, too! I can't complain about Napa. Not one thing. It is such a lovely place....and it is firmly attached to California (I guess until the next Big One. Something to complain about for sure. Earthquakes kind of top my list.) I fully expected to spend most of my time missing home but every time I tried to work myself into a homesick frenzy, I couldn't do it. And the ladies on the trip were comforting and sweet and understood my journey, as most had similar experiences, and - all was good. I love these gals. I can't wait to see them again. A WIN for California - Napa.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy, Shannon, Janet and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add Lou and Renzo to the mix for an awesome day of vineyard hopping</td></tr>
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PN, or Post Napa, I have been a bit more content. I have been less likely to hate on San Francisco, and more likely to take it in. Last week we had a perfectly lovely Friday and the kids were so excited to try the backyard pool. Yes, I somehow still find a way to complain about a backyard pool. I am embarrassed. But having not grown up going to the pool regularly, or even being that comfortable in the water, the idea of a backyard pool is tough. We almost didn't get this particular house because of it, but a sturdy fence around the perimeter has helped put me at ease. The water has been like ice - but I was willing to let the kids give it a try. And boy is that nice! A pool in the backyard is fun. I'm sure I'm not the first person to discover this but it is news to me. We had a fabulous afternoon and we will be inviting friends to join us soon. Another WIN for California - pools.<div>
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The little elves are happy again</div>
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Kevin travels way too much for work. It is getting ridiculous, the back and forths to the East Coast. He was gone for another Sunday and I was fully prepared to keep the kids in and clean the house. It is easy. A new friend here suggested we drive the kids down to San Jose and enjoy the day at the children's museum. Sounded - awful. Drive somewhere unknown and far away? Pay more money for another museum? Deal with the kids in a large space? Pack lunch? UGH! But I adore this friend and her children and I figured it would be good for us all. And it was. What a fantastic little place for a fantastic adventure. I felt so grown up - taking on the big adventure without Kevin to drive me or plan it, which is how it usually works. And all of us enjoyed the company of friends. Another WIN for California - endless adventures and great new friends.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crafting at the museum</td></tr>
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I actually have a legitimate complaint about this "wonderful" place. I have not been able to sleep. I have suffered from pretty awful insomnia. I have trouble falling asleep. When I finally fall asleep, I can't stay asleep, and I find myself awake at 2AM, reading the most boring things I can find to make me drowsy enough to crawl back into bed. It usually doesn't work and I end up reading for 2 hours, then getting dressed and heading out to an early morning workout. I'm up - I might as well do something, right? I have tried stretching and tea, lavender spray and lavender oils, drinking no water after 8pm and eating no food after 7pm. I've banished the iPhone and screens from my view a 1/2 hour before bedtime in hopes of settling my mind. I've tried - a lot. I even resorted to using ZzzQuil. It worked like a charm the first few times I took it, but then my stubborn brain won out and even if I took it, I could stay up despite the drugs. Initially, it didn't matter so much but then it started to catch up on me. I was literally stumbling through my days, snapping at my children, struggling to keep my eyes open during homework time. I was beginning to fear driving because I knew I was sleepy. And then I was fearful of bedtime, because I knew I wouldn't sleep. Sleep poorly for 3 months and life is hard no matter where you live. </div>
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One of my new friends here was witness to my struggles. She offered suggestions and much sympathy for my plight. And then she read an article about insomnia and took action. She ordered me a coloring book and ordered me to try it. It couldn't hurt. Earlier this year she successfully cured my son's pink eye without any medication so I am very amenable to anything she suggests. And it was an incredibly thoughtful gesture. I climbed into bed, after stretching and lavender spray and no screens, borrowed my son's colored pencils, and set to work. </div>
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It was fun. I liked listening to the sound of the pencil strokes and taking my time to color in the lines. And I didn't get very far before my eyes started to droop and I was ready to put it away. And then I slept. For more than 6 hours straight. I woke up, but was able to fall back asleep until my alarm had me up for my early morning workout. I had a great workout. And I had a great day. And I think it was because I had a coloring book. And I wouldn't have had that coloring book had I not met a great new friend....who happens to live in this place called California. Even if the coloring does not work in the future, I still have the great friend that gave me the book in the first place. That certainly can't hurt my life here on the West Coast. Another WIN for California - compassionate friends and restful nights. So while I <i>could</i> continue to complain about this place, it sure feels like I just <i>shouldn't</i>. The complaints box is full, its contents have been taken into consideration, and I'm feeling better about whatever comes next. But now let's keep our fingers crossed for no earthquakes. I know I will complain about that.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-67364658499276045612015-04-18T17:11:00.000-07:002015-04-18T18:32:17.645-07:00Project Run and Play - Buddy BagAfter an unintended month off from the Project Run and Play sewing challenges (my March entry was totally solid, too), I am so pleased to be submitting my April entry ON TIME! This month, we were asked to re-imagine a reversible sling bag from <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2014/09/reversible-sling-bag.html" target="_blank">Sugar Bee Crafts</a>. I made her a little bag with a buddy to keep her company.<br />
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I love corduroy. I think I made 10 different types of overalls for my son out of corduroy. And I have lots of it just waiting to be used. The pink fabric is just a simple cotton/polyester. I knew I had better do something pink so that Rae would attempt to like it.<br />
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I added a bow to hide the seams on the strap. Kinda love the bow.<br />
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I spent a ton of time trying to find a nice mocha shade for the dolly's face and body. Without getting too political, it can be difficult to find toys, dolls, books and other images depicting the unique skin tone that is my little Rachel. I knew that if I didn't find what I needed in my stash, I would go buy some appropriate fabric, which violates one of my Project Run and Play rules (always use what I already have at my fingertips). But I found some corduroy (yeah) that is just the right color. And I made the hair "curly" so it looks like Rae. The eyes and mouth are thick thread; the hair is yarn.<br />
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Rachel loves undies. She thinks they are so funny. When I fold laundry she likes to line up all of the pairs for each different family member. She giggles when she sees the undies on her little dolly!<br />
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And how excited was I to be able to make something reversible AGAIN?? And on the reverse side, her little buddy is taking a nap under an eyelet blanket. And her blanket is actually a little pocket as well.<br />
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I did not use opposing fabrics on each side as the pattern suggested but I made that center panel out of the same fabric, just turned on the diagonal.<br />
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The bag itself did not take long to put together once I had the right size for Rae. The doll took several hours since I stitched on the features and the hair. With the extra time I decided to make a simple shirt that matches her bag. She said the shirt is comfortable and looks like a big "marshmeadow" (that is marshmellow, in Rachel speak).<br />
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My son took many of the pictures for this month's entry. He basically chased Rachel around the playground, but he did capture quite a few decent shots that were also in focus. It felt good watching Rae run away from someone else for a change. She hates a photo shoot. I had to give him some recognition for his hard work. Thank you Ben!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMDRRyHGGOOy4xSV8GVcwiM3KQZ05oVpNUXvpQ7rm3bdOKkq-yqCN_vxkg_sTsFn8ZeHkTJO_VlnHqyI4s5pw4mxPvx__c4FkrUdQgFg7IhtkCye_zCGVMNE5m0ANx8ABbeaC0ww6VpE/s1600/331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMDRRyHGGOOy4xSV8GVcwiM3KQZ05oVpNUXvpQ7rm3bdOKkq-yqCN_vxkg_sTsFn8ZeHkTJO_VlnHqyI4s5pw4mxPvx__c4FkrUdQgFg7IhtkCye_zCGVMNE5m0ANx8ABbeaC0ww6VpE/s1600/331.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Get your own photo shoot, buddy..."</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-2740770886159602222015-03-28T10:38:00.001-07:002015-03-28T20:54:08.484-07:00Project Run and Play for Myself.....since I missed the deadline to enterMarch was not particularly busy. I did have a visit from my sister-in-law, and St. Patrick's Day was crazy (see previous posting), and my mother was in town for a week. In addition, there was the general craziness that is school for the kids, chores for the house, errands for the family, etc. I had it completely under control. And I proceeded to thoughtfully put together my latest entry for Project Run and Play. It was sitting 95% complete on my ironing board and I knew it would only take another 15 minutes to complete it and then a photo shoot with my little one. But I had the dates completely wrong in my head and now that my dress is finished, the deadline for entering has passed. I can only reflect on what an idiot I am for blowing the deadline. I struggled mightily with this design and the end result is not precisely what I had in my head, but it would have been fun to be included in the mix once again. Lesson learned. But since I did finish the darn thing, I still thought I could write a post and show off the work that, despite the linen, I am still proud of.<br />
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The challenge this month was to rework a knot dress with a peephole back. I tend to not like peepholes - I think they look a little messy (at least when I do it) and I find that on adult clothing, they read kinda trashy - so I skipped it entirely. I thought the knots at the shoulders were clever and cute so I kept those. I finally decided to make a simple wrap dress with ties at both sides of the waist. The fabric is probably the only designer fabric I own. I bought it when we still lived in Alexandria at a little fabric store that is run out of a house (Del Ray Fabrics). The grey and yellow patterned fabric is Charleston Farmhouse by Felicity Miller. And then I dug up a small ton of this pretty yellow linen. I loathe linen. I dislike the way you wear it for 5 minutes and by the time you either emerge from the car or stand in a lightly humid breeze, you look like a crumpled bag. I will never sew anything linen for myself so I decided to put it to use for this challenge.<br />
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The dress has basic even gathering and I included a top-stitched trim of 3" along the bottom edge just to give it a little more structure. I top-stitched the gathers down, too so it wouldn't be so fluffy, but there is probably a tad bit more fullness in this than I was anticipating. </div>
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And I guess I have a reversibility problem, because I absolutely insisted on figuring out how to make this<br />
one completely reversible, with nary an exposed seam to speak of. On the reverse side, the linen is featured and the grey makes a nice accent trim.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YEAH! Mama made it reversible!</td></tr>
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And as I suspected, it is a crumpled, rumpled mess. But it is soft and comfortable and versatile. Rae was a ridiculous little beastie during this shoot. She refused any hair or make-up. She wouldn't stand near the pretty greenery but insisted on draping herself closest to the ugly cement, mulch and playground equipment. And she wouldn't give up the bunny crackers or the pink Crocs.<br />
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I do like the end result. It stinks that no one will see it because I play an idiot in my free time. And to top it all off, Rae kinda hates it. I officially need a new model - not only must she have snacks during her photo shoots, she's just a plain old diva.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-58278264353445596682015-03-19T17:40:00.000-07:002015-04-04T12:37:19.156-07:00I Mean....Wow.So in my other life, I participated in community theater productions. On stage or backstage, dancing, singing, acting, designing, sewing (or trying to do all of those things). My experience with community theater was fantastic and I hope to get back into the game once we settle in a bit more. But years ago, I was cast in a lovely production of the musical <i>Kiss Me, Kate</i>. Lots of singing and dancing and frilly costumes - just up my alley. Putting a big show up involved several dedicated weeks of work, first learning the music, adding the large dance numbers, then layering in the staging and scene work. So much fun, but lots of work. One evening, our director asked for the gentlemen to take the stage and attempt to run through a scene which had never been pieced together before. He admitted it would probably be a mess, but to just keep going no matter what happened so he could see what needed to be fixed. I sat quietly in the dark theater and observed the chaos ensue. First of all, even the best theater boys are - not that good at remembering their choreography. They just aren't. And the music started and some were moving, some were not, some were singing, all off-key. Lines were forgotten, someone slipped. I think a shoe even went airborne. It was nothing short of a train wreck. The play is indeed a comedy but this was just a bridge too far. I didn't realize that my friend had taken a seat behind me and I heard her utter three, oh so meaningful words.....I mean....wow. Katie was stunned. I looked back and saw that she really had no other words for what she had just seen. Her mouth agape, her eyes wide, her hands at her face. For her, <i>I mean...wow</i> was saying "That was awful. That needs work. That was actually not great, and the show opens in 10 days." We began to use this phrase for anything that occurred that had no reasonable explanation. Much of the rest of our experience with <i>Kiss Me, Kate</i> necessitated the use of this phrase. The show opened, but barely, after a rare Virginia hurricane blew through, wiped out power for our tech week and forced us to hit opening night without a single complete rehearsal. We were jubilant during the opening night party because not only did that previously mentioned train wreck of a scene occur without a missing shoe, the entire show was a hit. I think we may have even won a few WATCH (Washington Area Theater Community Honors) Awards for our efforts. Katie and I did several shows together. She continues to be a very bright star in the theater community while I continue to use her now infamous utterance.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So I guess I'm a bit of a pack rat....I found this letter among my theater things. Proof that this phrase is not my own!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top picture shows us starting the dance break for "Too Darn Hot" at the top of Act II.<br />
Katie is front and center, playing the role of Hattie. I am 3rd from the left, with the very odd, very red wig. This dance number<br />
brought down the house. </td></tr>
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And that leads me to St. Patrick's Day. I'm not Irish, but I love a good green beer. So I headed out with my favorite sister-in-law and best drinking buddy Emma who is visiting for the week from Jersey. We Uber-ed (that must be a verb now, right?) to downtown Burlingame and hit the Irish pub first. Met friends, then went for dinner. Left friends and hit the only dance club in Burlingame, where even on St. Patrick's Day, there were only 12 people in the whole place. But the music was hopping and the drinks were abundant and we found our home. We danced and screamed and made new friends who danced and screamed with us. And of course we drank! And drank some more. It was absolutely entirely too much fun. We returned home at 5AM, but not before we closed down the dance club and stopped at a 24-hour diner for breakfast, though I have few words for those last few hours since I was ASLEEP AT THE TABLE. Sitting up. Emma has a photo that I won't share but - I mean, wow. And on Wednesday, which still follows Tuesday, even if you have been drinking, I had to get up and get the kids off to school and try to function. It was not my finest day, but I have lived to tell the tale. And all I am left with is - I mean, wow. I'm probably a bit too old to stay up so late or drink so much. I'm pretty sure that my muscles ache because of the 4+ hours of dancing, and it surely took me 15 hours to recover. And Emma, who is half my size/weight and matched me drink for drink - had no hangover whatsoever. We have decided that while I was snoozing, she was drinking lots of water. She also claims that because she is European, she can handle her alcohol better. I call bull pucky on that one. She took care of me on Wednesday. And my kids, too. I mean, wow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma and I with new friends (and new hats) at the dance club.</td></tr>
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Every once in a while, you just gotta let it all hang out. California has been such a turbulent journey for me. But on St. Patrick's Day, I didn't feel lost or sad or unhappy about the move. I didn't have to think about it, and then I really couldn't think about it because I was too blotto....but just the same, the pain of moving subsided, and it felt good. I am fairly certain that I will need to find a way to cope with California that doesn't involve 10 drinks, but I have no regrets about my wild and crazy St. Patty's Day. I mean - - wow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-73678286566084473472015-03-03T09:57:00.001-08:002015-03-03T09:57:14.623-08:00And Then There Was the Science FairI have been a sewing machine! I completed 4 additional dresses for my Etsy shop. I made a baby romper for a friend. I darned socks, replaced buttons and even patched holes on pants that were sitting on my sewing table for so long, my son can no longer even wear the pants. I set aside patterns and fabric for the next 5 projects in line. I started a pretty terrible looking pair of pants for myself. But who cares that they are terrible, I am SEWING! And it feels great. I have been trying to devote just one hour a day to some project in my little sewing cave. I cue up the latest show I'm watching on Amazon Prime and I shut the door and all is right with the world. Currently, I'm all caught up on <i>The Good Wife</i> so I'm attempting to get into <i>Extant</i>, the futuristic series with the very dreamy Goran Visnjic and the so gorgeous she makes the world suicidal Halle Berry. The jury is still out on whether it is decent sew-along background entertainment. But, I digress. It had been a tremendous two weeks of sewing. And, a not so bad week in dear old Burlingame. I continued to boot camp. I found a walking buddy for the weekend mornings and we have a friendly step competition with our Fitbits going. I had coffee with new friends and dinner plans with another new acquaintance. A very kind person commented that I might try looking "forward" and I think creating social engagements is a part of that. We've also had some more adventures in the city, like visiting the iconic Coit Tower and gasping at the beautiful views of the city. The hand stamp was our admission. Not my admission yet, but cute.<br />
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And then it all came to a screeching halt. My son's science fair project was due this week. Now what would that have to do with ME, you might ask? He is only six, so HIS project is really MY project. What I thought might be a fun activity quickly became a bit of a nightmare. I thought we were right on track, each day devoting just 15 minutes or so to doing something. Two weeks ago was Ski Week - another ridiculous invention that explains why California schools bite - and even though we didn't have school, or ski, for that matter, we accomplished NOTHING with regard to our lovely science project. My son was not worried at all. Happy as a lark. Skipping from here to there. I was totally freaking out. If I wanted to do it myself, I could get it done in a few hours.....but it is HIS project. I made him write out his sentences and layout the design and even type. Oh - the typing. It takes about 20 minutes for him to type one sentence. He loves it. He smiles after each letter lands on the screen. I fell asleep watching him.<br />
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The project is done and we have the medal of participation to prove it. My son Ben is one of the few people in the world who truly appreciates my OCD nature. It was his idea to put the stripes of color, and when I suggested that he use a ruler, he was ecstatic. A ruler! Cool! He had the ice cream cone idea, so I made a template for him, and he spent an hour cutting them out and adding drips of ice cream. It was evident that I had a heavy hand in making sure the final product was legible and straight, and I think folks at the fair assumed that I did the whole thing. It really wasn't all me. It was Ben. Well, he is pretty much all me!<br />
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Sewing is such a thrill. Science is....well....not that high on my list. But spending time with my son and helping him enjoy the wonder that is typing might rank higher than even sewing. This week will be an attempt to get my sewing mojo back. I have a feeling that I will look back on my sewing hiatus and wish for more of them, provided they are filled with hours with my little meticulous Ben. Wait until I teach him to sew....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-83502257935281567022015-02-16T18:37:00.003-08:002015-02-16T18:37:41.010-08:00Project Run and Play Goes to The Beach... in February!A new month brings a new Project Run and Play Challenge. February's challenge was to take the Mademoiselle Muscle Tee from Living with Punks and give it our own makeover. I wasn't convinced that I was going to participate in these challenges each month but this one seemed like a good opportunity to work with knits. I can't say that it is my favorite fabric but I muddled through. And I also had to grade this pattern down a bit to fit my 3-year-old, another activity that is not my favorite but a good skill to continue to develop. So, I present my Mademoiselle Muscle Tee, Beach Edition, shot on location in beautiful Carmel!<div>
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I found some very old knit fabric at the bottom of my stash. Not sure where it came from and I'm certain I didn't buy it, because again, I don't work with knits. It immediately made me think of the beach so I decided to make a beach cover-up. The fabric was so old that it tore in several places along the seam as I was sewing so I had to be very careful.</div>
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I lengthened the original design to fall below the knee and I added a wide bottom edge that I cut on the bias for the trim. I also made hidden pockets on each side.</div>
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I guess I have been infected by the San Francisco mindset (thankfully just a mindset, not the measles folks) and I made this a hoodie. If you haven't roamed the streets - or gone to work, or gone to dinner, or gone to a show, or worked out - in a hoodie and leggings, well you just haven't been living, have you? My daughter's hair is a little fluffy for the hoodie, but you get the idea!!</div>
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A happy accident led to the little bow in front. The fabric tore as I was pinning the neckline trim so I decided to hide that boo boo rather than start all over. I thought it dressed it up a bit and my little girl is much more likely to wear something with a bow. She still did not love this creation - she said I forgot to make it pink. Good grief, some people are never satisfied. </div>
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This cover-up is great for the beach but I can also see it layered with a long-sleeve and leggings for a park play date, or adding sandals and heading off to a fabulous toddler to-do. And now, more pics of Rae frolicking at the beach. I complain a heck of a lot about California but I have to admit that I couldn't stop smiling as we played at the beach while friends back home in DC prepared for snow. What a February!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-66688153084785405802015-02-12T17:57:00.000-08:002015-04-04T20:00:08.717-07:00Weathering the StormWe've only been in California for 4 months yet we have experienced not one, but TWO "storms of the century" with record rainfall and high winds. As much rain as the area has seen in a whole year dropping down over the span of a weekend. Apparently, a "storm" in California is a lot of rain. Everywhere else, we would just call it....a lot of rain. But such is life in a place with not enough rain, too many hills and likely the worst urban planning imaginable. Who builds a city, by a bay, on so many hills? They aren't hills. They are mountains. Ask anyone with a 5-speed who attempts a drive through San Francisco - they are mountains. People in Boston, upstate NY and the like must laugh themselves silly when they hear about our "storms", as they shovel out of 8 feet of snow, with more to come. At least I don't have to shovel rain. It is a fairly low-maintenance storm. I heed the forecasts and batten down the hatches, bringing lawn cushions inside, securing garden items and pool toys, tucking away patio toys to make sure they do not blow into the windows. I even made sure the lemon tree was stripped of any ripe fruit so that flying lemons would not be an issue. No flying lemon issue, but now I have a "what do I do with 50 lemons" issue. We can only drink so much lemonade. All of that to say that when I hear about a storm, I listen, I prepare, I survive. I need a similar strategy for the rest of my life it would seem.<br />
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The last few weeks have been - simply horrible. All of the big things that would normally be causing me such trouble - like the kids acting crazy or the house being a disaster, or the husband traveling again - that was all absolutely fine. My kids actually couldn't be sweeter. They are playing so nicely together and behaving so well. We have had lots of fun spending extra time reading together in the big bed and playing board games after school. They've been helping with dinner prep and actually eating what I serve.....crazy talk, I know. The husband has been working a lot and traveling a bit, but - not more than usual and when he has been home, he has taken special care to give me the time I need to not be on-duty, to not cook dinner, to not have to wrangle the kids out of the bath. But that has somehow not helped me feel any better about being here. It is like a big wave of homesickness washed up to my doorstep and it won't recede. I have been reading a book I found about homesickness that explores how it was viewed and handled in Colonial America. I'm not very far through it - it is a thick, textbook with very small print - but it has been rather interesting. The term homesickness was coined much more recently. Previously, such feelings of longing for home were called nostalgia, from the Greek Nosto, for return home, and Algia, for pain. As is the case now, some people are severely afflicted with it, and others not. Back then, those that suffered were considered to be weaker than those that did not. Even now, many see it as something that primarily afflicts children. But I am a grown woman and I am not weak and I can tell you that it affects adults, too. I am suffering from nostalgia. And it just won't budge.<br />
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I am trying to find new doctors that accept our insurance and have availability. I am trying to get our license plates returned to Virginia for a refund and get a status update on our home in Virginia that others are occupying right now. I am attempting to sort out our travel plans for the next few months as family prepares to visit and summer vacation is technically right around the corner (if we want to not go bankrupt with the airfare that rises in price as the date approaches). I'm trying to find a change counter so my son can empty his piggy bank, which is a ritual at our house for New Year's. Yes, we are a little behind. I'm just trying to live. And it hurts. And I have started to think that if I treated my nostalgia like a storm, one that needs attention and preparation to handle, then maybe I could survive a little better.<br />
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So how do I prepare for my storm? I need to keep taking care of myself. I attend a fantastic boot camp 4 mornings a week and even though it is at 5:30 in the morning, I love going and I feel great. When my husband travels, I can't go and I end up hating my day. So I need to make no excuses about working out and even when he is gone, get up and Tae Bo in the living room. I recently got a pedicure and it felt decadent. I don't care the cost - I should treat myself to one of those on a regular basis. I need to stop the food sabotage and eat right, even when I don't feel like it. I've decided that as much as I like wine, I am probably using it far too much these days and it is losing its value for me. I'll refrain from drinking until I go out. I need to accept social engagements with freedom and uncertainty, which I had previously been doing but then I just got so tired of trying and going and doing. Thankfully, I continue to meet really great people and I have a few people that I adore who keep me semi-grounded these days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCn1HwukRDfGNYuyeVLKcq8qUhW0Oc4qqEhG-kftFjPs9PDDPFiIYHwIaBtPRjXG0rI6xbiO2uyCeLQtmI_9dGdpcIhpPKwBBD1pe8sP5Qvh9oy78AhEARmv1nLqT10_ERDw_F9kvm5o/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCn1HwukRDfGNYuyeVLKcq8qUhW0Oc4qqEhG-kftFjPs9PDDPFiIYHwIaBtPRjXG0rI6xbiO2uyCeLQtmI_9dGdpcIhpPKwBBD1pe8sP5Qvh9oy78AhEARmv1nLqT10_ERDw_F9kvm5o/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I need to sew. And sew and sew. And create and enjoy the process. It is one of the few things I feel that I brought with me that has not changed much at all. I am finding great comfort is doing something by myself, for myself, without regard for what else I might be doing with my time. I don't have a very busy social calendar these days so sewing fills in the gaps nicely. I am not suggesting that I become a sewing hermit, only that when I'm feeling a little blue, I can use it to settle down, channel some of those stormy thoughts and get my mind back in order.<br />
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The recent rain storm we had did no damage. Lots of wind and rain but nothing tragic. I returned things to their rightful place in the yard and took a deep breath. And I decided that if our little yard and all of our little things and the people in the city and people where real storms happen can all make it through the turbulent bouts that come their way, then so can I. With a little preparation and attention to my own needs, maybe once the water recedes, I will not only return to my rightful place in the yard, but I'll find a way to enjoy being there after all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-65496097603989597522015-02-03T10:36:00.002-08:002015-02-03T10:36:43.308-08:00Being NobodyEach day that passes brings new awareness of the differences that surround me here in California versus Virginia. The weather is obviously and consistently WAY better than back home in Alexandria. Sunny days, even if they are chilly and worthy of a layer or two, are a fantastic winter surprise. I think my back is still aching from shoveling snow off of our steep driveway in Virginia last winter. There is an absence of the impatient horn honking on a daily basis. If you sit innocently at a green light you get a gentle tap - a reminder that it is time to go as opposed to a blaring horn that shouts "MOVE IT you Moron!" I guess folks are a bit more relaxed here. There is a demographic shift here that I am distinctly aware of now that I am likely the 4th Black American woman in Burlingame....in history. There just are not many people of my color, like there were in the DC area. There is tons of very welcome diversity here, just not many folks like me. I'm used to it, but I am reminded of it when I search for hair products or drive a distance to get my hair done. California has higher sales tax, higher property costs, higher EVERYTHING. I will never get accustomed to the high cost of living here. The jury is still out on whether it is worth it or not. Sadly, despite all of the expenses, the school system is bankrupt, compared to Alexandria at least. Here, there is a constant appeal for volunteers and fundraising help and donations. There is a whole organization dedicated to fundraising, above and beyond the PTA for each school. Because of the tight budget, there are no school buses, facilities are old, classrooms are overflowing and there is a lack of helping professionals in the building that I came to expect back in Virginia. Where are the school counselors, the nurses, the social workers? I'm not disappointed in the schools, but disappointed that all of the money California is collecting is not able to be distributed such that schools are top-notch, without question.<br />
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But I digress. It is with that general feeling of acknowledging the differences in each place that my latest reality check occurred. I was speaking with a fellow parent about the upcoming school auction, yet another fundraiser for the system. As she explained the many ways I could help I thought that for an auction, maybe there was something I could give - decorator pillows of the winner's choice, sewing lessons, custom drapery panels, a one-of-a-kind dress of their choice - there are endless possibilities. I have given to local auctions and sales in the past with great pride and success. She quickly and immediately said "But you are <i>nobody</i>....we can't use any of that from you." Oh. Well. Ok. I couldn't argue with that. But it sure feels like I should have. She wasn't particularly mean about it, but I don't think she thought about how it might sound. She called me "nobody".<br />
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I am profoundly aware of what a "nobody" I am out here - no one knows me and know one cares. I wish I had a better defense for myself but I just don't. What does it really mean to be "somebody"? A designer name? An athlete that garners cheers from the crowd? A recognizable musician or actress with more cash than talent? If that is the definition of "somebody" - being famous, or a perceived awesome entity - then I'll take being nobody any day. I don't need to be any of those things to feel good....but I certainly don't want to be so happily disregarded because I'm not one of those things that warrant the label "somebody".<br />
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There really isn't any such thing as a "nobody" is there? We hear it as an insult, hurled at the stranger who begs, or the person who happens to fail, but it is probably the most untrue statement we could mutter. Even the homeless person is somebody's son, or father, or brother or friend, even if his only friend is the dog by his side. The person who falters at the Olympics to earn 112th place in the race might not be a medal winner, but he or she is somebody - an athlete, a patriot, a fighter, a survivor, an Olympian just like the gold medal winner. That label "somebody" sure does reflect the worst of who we are and what we value. Butt your head into another human being and you are rewarded handsomely with a Super Bowl trophy and cash. Spend 3 weeks on a deserted island in front of a national television audience and you are regarded as a "Survivor". Pack your kids' lunches with a note and sticker on a daily basis and no one blinks an eye. Stay up all night with a sick child, clean your house, take care of the grocery shopping, take care of business that no one else wants to make time for and we are just - nobody. I don't think <i>anyone</i> deserves the nobody label (especially not parents). Everybody has a place, a stake, a value, a reason to be regarded as "somebody". Even little old me out here in big old anonymous California. I absolutely realize that when she called me a "nobody", it was strictly meant in relation to my sewing status. But be it sewing or my life otherwise, I should try my best to defy the nobody label....and just keep being the somebody that I have always been. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-51393647073731671342015-01-29T19:58:00.001-08:002015-01-29T19:58:15.206-08:00The Art of Tidying Up....Sewing Room EditionMy sister-in-law turned me on to a book about organization called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Written by Japanese professional organizer Marie Kondo, it reveals long-term strategies for dealing with the seemingly constant volume of clutter that plagues our homes, particularly our closets,drawers and storage spaces. The main thing I took away from it was that purging does not require eliminating things because they number too many, but eliminating things that do not bring us joy. I thought the book was interesting and I have already started incorporating some of the many tips found within. When I tell friends about it, they are like - "YOU? Interested in organizing? Let me put on my surprised face..." And they all pooh-poohed the notion that tidying up could be either easy or life-changing. I will always disagree. I started with my kids' rooms and after 3 days and several hours later, I collected a box worth of consignment clothing, a box for trash, and 4 boxes for sale or donation. And they haven't missed ONE thing that I removed from their space. I tackled the kitchen pantry (1 bag of trash) and the dining room (1 box for donation). We just went through a cross-country move so I would argue that our stuff has been reduced anyway, but it sure did feel good to pitch more.<br />
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Next up, the sewing room.<br />
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Well, I call it the sewing room. Others might have reason to call it the laundry room. Here in California, just like in Virginia, my sewing stuff is wedged into the smallest room in the house....and I love it! It is always a bit of a mess, full of unfinished projects, pattern notes and a variety of other items that need attention of the sewing kind, like hems, holes in jeans and buttons. I can find what I need, but I am always feeling like I could do much better. So I decided to give this space the tidying up treatment. I dumped all of my fabric on the floor in the living room and started sorting. So much fabric - so little time - is all I kept thinking. Much of what I found was scraps or very little yardage of certain fabrics. I bagged them up and set them by the door to be taken out with the trash. After all, if I haven't used them in all of these years, they must not be bringing me joy so they should go. I finished folding and straightening the other 4 tubs and felt complete. Until the next day. That bag of scraps was really haunting me. Why couldn't scraps also bring joy? I decided to set about trying to find a use for them. I can always make bias, or hair bows, or pin cushions with this stuff. But how about a whole dress? Let's try and see. I found some blues and started cutting and piecing.<br />
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And then I spent a happy Saturday afternoon sewing while my kids frolicked around town with the husband. And - I am taking a very small victory lap - I can use those scraps! The dress is peasant, shabby-chic, bohemian-cute (sort of - I'll have to work on my pattern matching). Four different fabrics, each panel gathered and sewn to the next, with straps and trim made of fabric as well. It is nothing that innovative, for sure, but it is made up of what others might deem just too small to use. I rescued the bag of scraps, organized them by color/pattern, and put them back in the sewing room, satisfied that since they now bring me joy, I should keep them.<br />
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Now I just need to make 10 more of them and post them to Etsy. My daughter loves it so if I don't sell a single one, she will have a fun wardrobe for the next year. I do enjoy tidying up, maybe even more than sewing. The fact that by tidying up I found something new to love about sewing is all the better. I haven't tackled my own closet, my bedroom or the bathroom cabinets. Frankly, the sewing room is still a hot mess. But I have far too much sewing to do now so all of that tidying up will just have to wait.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-41820567933915253442015-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:002015-02-12T17:03:22.574-08:00Project Run and PlayTalk about going off-book, my new California friend thought it might be fun for me to join an online sewing challenge called Project Run and Play. Each month, a design is presented and you are asked to rework, restyle, or remake it as you wish and post for all to see. Sounds like a total nightmare for someone as hesitant and totally inflexible as myself. So, of course, I'm in! I took Alida's adorable bubble dress design and made a few of my own changes, though I thought the original was simply perfect.<br />
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First of all, I wanted something my daughter would love and she is a girly girl who loves flowers and lace. I used a pretty blue cotton with daisies for the dress and added eyelet trim to make it even softer.<br />
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The same friend who encouraged me to participate in the monthly challenges also gave me the idea for a little jacket to add to the design. I made a bolero that is lined with eyelet that peeks down past the hem and has a one button closure. Rachel hates the jacket. She kind of hates everything I make for her so - moving on.<br />
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My very particular daughter doesn't like elastic around her body so I modified the top so that it only has a band of elastic along the back rather than all the way around. She tolerated this for the first few pictures.<br />
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I made the ties a halter, in part, because I thought the light colors warranted a more summery feel and also because it was the only way I could figure out how to make sure the straps were completely reversible....because the dress is reversible, too!<br />
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Turn it inside out and you have a white eyelet dress. By the end of the photo shoot we already had grass stains to show off so I can't imagine we will be wearing the white side very frequently, though Rachel did say she liked it better this way. She was also sure to remind me that I owed her a treat for her time and participation. </div>
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A few more pics of the dress and jacket...<br />
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I sort of liked the challenge. I can't say I'll participate each and every month but it was nice to get the creative juices flowing and to marvel at the wonderful work of others.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-26438292539048463962015-01-18T23:50:00.000-08:002015-01-18T23:50:03.434-08:00Little Rae's Design has arrived, but will it save me from myself?Well....I finally opened my Etsy shop. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleRaesDesign?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Little Rae's Design</a> has 3 little dresses for sale. I can hardly believe that after all of my sewing and all of my work, I have only THREE dresses! I probably have 15 that are sewn and sit just one button away from completion. I have pictures of 4 others that need to be thought through a bit more. I probably have enough fabric to make 50 dresses! But I can't buckle down and spend the time on it. I gave up several evenings to finally put the shop up and, frankly, I missed my other activities. I would usually be cleaning my house (which sadly, I really enjoy), working out while watching hockey (another rather strange indulgence of mine), or just reading and celebrating the freedom that surrounds me when kids are in bed and all is quiet. It is rather frustrating to just not have enough time to do what I really want to do.<br />
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Maybe it is less about time and more about confidence. I know deep down that we can always make time to do the things we really want to do. If we don't do them, we must not really want it. Like people who say they don't have time to work out. You do have time - at least - as much time as any other human on the planet who exercises. But we fill that time with other things that are more important to us, or easier for us. So the fact that it took me so many years to launch the store speaks volumes about what I really WANT to do and how I really feel about my sewing ability.<br />
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One thing I love about sewing is the opportunity to create something lovely out of nothing. I am a wonderful seamstress - I can admit that. I can follow a pattern to the letter and produce a perfect product. Once I no longer have a pattern, or a framework, I am lost....and it shows. I refused to use Etsy to sell someone else's pattern, someone else's idea. But my very own patterns and ideas just don't seem - well - good enough. I see all of these truly creative things on Etsy and I lose any sort of interest in presenting my own stuff. I read a quote the other day that has really stuck with me and seems to ring very true for my current dilemma...."Be yourself - - everyone else is already taken." I guess I can't argue with that.<br />
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My world is very upside down these days. Moving across the country has disrupted every part of me, inside and out. My physical surroundings changed but I changed inside, too. I told my husband that this move felt like I had a broken heart. A constant ache and longing for what could have, would have, should have been. I don't expect much sympathy. We moved from one lovely suburb and home to another just as lovely suburb and home. I have friends on both coasts now. We are exploring and learning and doing and smiling, each and every day. I thought sewing and launching the shop would make me feel better....give me something more to look forward to. Having sewing goals that allowed me to spend extended time with my sewing machine and supplies, who are like old friends, would heal some wounds. Unfortunately, the opposite is starting to happen. The more I sew, the less I want to sew. The more I sew, the less I want to be here and the more I long for things I had before. The more I sew, the <i>less</i> confident I feel. If I can't even produce a few cute dresses how can I possibly expect to fit in and be happy? Must sound rather silly...so I'll leave it at that. Regardless of how I feel, the shop is open and I reached one of my goals for 2015 already. That feels nice. Now if I could just lose those pesky love handles....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-33726139777314564552015-01-16T14:38:00.001-08:002015-01-16T14:38:25.228-08:00A Little Cooperation from Little RaeThat might be far too much to ask. I have always loved the idea of a little shop on Etsy. What a great little place for creative people to come together to share and sell and learn. I thought it would be <i>easy</i>....just sew a few things, take a picture or two and off you go. I crafted my own little pattern for a very simple dress. I made a few different sizes. I found a friend to help with a label and setting up the shop since I am deeply challenged when it comes to technology and anything online. And I have the perfect little model - my Rachel. She is cute and smiley and loves prancing around in dresses. But once I pull out the camera, all of the cute smiles and the prancing turns into scowling, complaining, and utter disdain for even looking in my direction. It turns out that posting on Etsy is going to be significantly more challenging than I thought. After 45 minutes of what I can only describe as pleading, I came away with a few usable pics....and maybe some that I will show at her wedding to prove that she was not the easiest kid in the world!<br />
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At least the dress fits and looks cute. Not sure what that means for the other items I want to post - I'll figure something out.<br />
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So I guess I still like the <i>idea</i> of a Etsy shop, but I'm not so sure I like the process. If I had just made socks, finding a model would be so much easier. Stay tuned - Little Rae's is opening soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-25129799207318806652015-01-13T10:47:00.000-08:002015-01-16T14:42:40.084-08:00So....who is this Little Rae?After creating this blog and writing my first post I realized that I never really explained the title. Little Rae is meaningful to me in so many ways, but I think I'll start with the most obvious, which is that Little Rae is my daughter.<br />
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Her given name is Rachel Rose, but we call her Rae, or Rae Babe, or whatever we need to in order to stop her from running into the street. She is only 3, but "little" is probably not going to apply to her for very much longer, as she is enormous on the spirit, voice and activity scale. Rachel was an easy pick for me - my grandmother was Rachel. She lived with us when I was growing up and she rocked. She could do anything....cook the best fried chicken from scratch, grow a viable garden, sew, pull out tree stumps with her bare hands. (No really - she marched into the backyard and tugged for awhile and yanked the whole thing up. She was 65 when she did it.) Grandma Rachel taught my mother everything about sewing and crafting, and I learned from both of them. I have fond memories of snow days spent crocheting squares to connect for a family quilt. I remember trips to the fabric store to help my mother select fabric and notions for her latest creations. I was always so excited to open the pattern packet and cut out the pieces and help her pin them down. I remember feeling so responsible when Mom let me stitch small pieces with her sewing machine. I remember bragging to friends about my handmade Halloween costume or Homecoming dress, one-of-a-kind, compliments of my amazingly talented mother or grandmother. And I thought being able to sew was such a fabulous activity. It wasn't just a hobby in our house. My mother sewed to save money and give us things that maybe we would not have been able to afford.<br />
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I don't know why I didn't start sewing more as a teen - I'm sure I was just too aloof to realize that sewing would outlast any boyfriend du jour. Maybe because I didn't <i>need </i>to sew to have what I wanted. I actually didn't acquire my current machine until after I was married and my in-laws gifted one to me as a Christmas gift. And then I started sewing again. I knew about patterns and fabric, but I just needed the practice. I tried patterns and worked on simple projects. Once my oldest child was born, I started sewing for him and then stumbled into helping out backstage with a community theater production and the sewing bug bit me once again. And then I found out I was having a baby girl! WELL! I wanted nothing more than to be able to sew for my daughter like my mother sewed for me. I started making clothing and curtains for others, throw pillows, baby blankets, book covers, shopping bags, pajamas. You name it, I have probably made it. My Grandmother Rachel and my own Little Rae represent my love for sewing. I launched an Etsy shop in their name (Little Rae's Design). I'll discuss more about my shop launch and my latest projects with the next post but for now at least the meaning of my blog name is more clear. And if you are wondering why sewing and sanity (or lack therof) go hand in hand, take a gander at the crazy little people in my life and you'll wonder no more.</div>
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A few years ago, my son Ben wanted to be a pirate, so I made Rachel his parrot. The parrot is nearly larger than the pirate, despite 3 years between them!!<br />
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<span id="goog_435499017"></span><span id="goog_435499018"></span>They are happy little elves, unless they are not happy little elves, and then its hard to imagine getting anything done except containing the beasts. Here - they are happy. The Golden Gate Bridge - now a fixture for any successful weekend adventure - makes the elves happy.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04710902226143452948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8714433505690395550.post-15774716621025918252015-01-11T11:44:00.000-08:002015-01-11T11:44:14.725-08:00Everything old is new againTrue confessions. I have created a blog in the past. It was several years ago when my newborn son Ben was driving me nuts and my best girlfriend suggested that I find a creative outlet. It was her way of teaching me to survive my new stay-at-home status without losing myself in the shuffle. And it worked. I told stories about life with the baby and posted pictures for family and friends to see. And I felt normal and human again. Eventually, I stopped, but it wasn't because I lost interest or anything like that....I just stopped needing it. And then my computer crashed. And then I couldn't remember my passwords for the darn thing and - that was 4 years ago. One day soon, I will attempt to dig up that old blog that is floating in cyberspace somewhere as I type.<br />
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But I digress. I did not create this new blog as a continuation of my old blog, though the purpose is similar. As yet another attempt to capture my sanity, I have turned to the almighty blog. It is for me. It is for discussing my new sewing endeavors and sharing my ideas. It is for sharing my stories about my new life. It is for all of those times when I wish I had someone who was just like me who I could commiserate with about all things unrelated to sewing.<br />
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I do have a new life. In just 3 short months, I went from being a very productive, connected, organized SAHM in a lovely suburb of Washington, DC to a crazed, homesick, unwound SAHM in a lovely suburb of San Francisco. I live here now. It's pretty. The weather is nice....every day. And the people are nice. But it is not home. Prior to my move, I was deeply involved in community theater and costume design. I was pushing hard to finally open an Etsy shop for the dresses that I have designed for my little one. And I was just excited about sewing again. And then we moved and I spent all of my time packing, then unpacking, then trying to find the right grocery store and trying to get the kids settled and I stopped sewing. And the projects piled up. And my old life all of sudden looked really easy.<br />
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Every day is a struggle....to get up and face a day with new faces and new challenges, to live in a new place with family and friends 3,000 miles away, to run a household relatively alone while my best friend and husband works to make the move worthwhile. And I thought that maybe if I focused a little more on the sewing and the things I can control, I might not have to struggle so much each day, and I might learn a few things and make a few things and enjoy a few things along the way. So, here's to my new blog. Something like the old one, but new.<br />
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