Head of the Charles Regatta

Lauren is defending her title (with her 3 other oarswomen and the cox) of Lightweight Women's Four, this weekend in Boston. She works (trains) so unbelievably hard. I am so proud of her. Good luck Lauren!

(This is a shot of Lauren and Christina rowing last year -- I don't have a good shot of her in a four)

Why we needed a new comforter

When Mr Bs 19 year old son came to live with us, I put a puffy vintage green and yellow quilt on the bed. A few months later he says "Martha, that blanket has a hole in it" I said "Okay, bring it down, I'll put a patch on it" , thinking that I'd sew a sprinkling of vintage fabric leaves on it....

Ummmm, so here's the hole:

That's not a hole, that's a crater! All of the quilting thread is missing off of the yellow part.....

So I cut out the batting (hmmm, that's WOOL batting... I'll have to save that and dye it and needle felt it into little hearts)(no, I'm still not a hoarder).


Then I cut new batting (cotton) and pinned it all in.



Then I basted the opening down.

Then I pinned and re-quilted the layers. Hey! It worked! The original was hand quilted with embroidery thread, but I machine quilted this. And now I know that I can machine quilt right to the centre of a quilt...(hmmmm .... the possibilities........).


Then I sewed on two strips of fabric... I was planning to sew on the sprinkling of leaves..but I'm going to leave it like this.


Now it will be put away and used when there are guests...

Hold the Presses!

I am rescinding that last comment that I made saying that I am a collector.
I have decided that I am instead a gatherer........
Yes, indeed... that is what I am.

Plates

On Sunday we went for another walk. We had to buy Mr. B's son a comforter (you'll see why tomorrow). Anyway, I also live a short walk from Walmart. I'm really big on "buy local" and "support Canadian" (hmmm, that tape and twine isn't Canadian, oh, just forget about that). but sometimes you just need a cheap comforter, and Walmart is just around the corner. Well, when we were there, we passed the tableware aisle and I spotted some really nice looking dishes! I really wanted the Anthropologie Fleur de Lys plates, but they're a bit too spendy (they cost lots in Canadian dollars)..... So I bought these! Luckily Mr. B was there to carry them. I do't know how they'll hold up over time, but I really like them. This plate makes my ham and cheese look really yummy, doesn't it? (16 piece place setting for $40) (They are Better Homes and Gardens "medallion")(plus some extra $s for some completer pieces like a platter, serving bowls and ice cream dishes). Let's hope that this cools that lust for the Anthro dishes..... Well, if I don't stop going to the website and looking at them, it won't :)

(no mom, I'm not a hoarder.... I'm a collector)

Today is about TAPE!

On Saturday I felt well enough to go for a little walk. We had a lovely walk through Trinity Bellwoods park and then went to The Paper Place and Type. I am so lucky to live an easy 15 minute walk from such fabulous stores!

The Paper Place now sells LOTS of decorative tape!!! It sells many kinds that I have ordered online from Korea (like I used in these collages). And now I can just shop locally. Yay! (don't worry -- I'm sure that I'll still be shopping at Pretty Tape....)


The paper Place also sells Whisker Graphic's Divine Twine if you are in need of some bakers twine (see it here on the Whisker Graphics site)(and while you're there at Whisker Graphics online , check out the printables). It was really hard not to buy an assortment..... hmmm, it's a beautiful day today... maybe I need a walk?????

Speaking of tape though -- have you seen this tutorial? Julie K in Taiwan shows how to make your own faux Japanese masking tape. I'm going to try this out!

ipad update :)

Now that I've found the Kobo app for ipad, I can read my Kobo books (haven't read any yet, so I can't tell you if there are backlit readability issues). I still can' t figure out how to read the library books....... (mr. B, the computer expert, said that I wouldn't be able to read the Kobo books. Big raspberry to Mr. B :) This is what happens when I have whole days to play on the computer.

The problem with ipads....

My ipad was an early birthday present from Mr. B. I think that I squealed and jumped up and down last week when he gave it to me. I find it incredibly annoying, however, that it doesn't support Flash. Pretty much all of the online magazines (independent ones) are done with Flash Media.

Another thing: it's really hard to touch type on the on-screen keyboard. I'll be buying a keyboard and dock really soon. And a camera connector. The ipad seems like a pretty economical alternative to a laptop. But after you buy all of those (necessary) accessories, it's not, really. I'm still jumping up and down and squealing though......

AND the worst part -- it can't read most epub books. How annoying is that? it is definitely not a replacement for the KOBO -- which will read downloaded books from the library. So now I have to carry around the ipad, the kobo and the cell phone. Yes, cell phone. Lauren bought an iphone and I got my cell phone back (after 10ish years). I'm not really into talking on the phone, but I love to text.... I feel so.... connected......

Anyway, I made myself a pretty ipad cover. I'm also making a little board with slippery fabric on one side and flannel on the other to slide into the case to protect the screen from bumps (slippery so it will slide in easily against the fabric, flannel so it doesn't scratch the screen). The little board can be used in all of my ipad covers. Good idea, non?

Resting

So there I was, on the operating table (before the surgery) and I was chatting to the orderly because he was telling me all about the super cool robot that was going to assist with my surgery (it didn't look Edward Scissorhandish at all). A woman came up beside me (I didn't have my glasses on, so I had no idea who she was -- they all had masks on) and she said "I'm just going to give you a happy needle" I said "okay" and turned back to speak to the orderly. Next thing I know I'm in a white fog and I hear "Martha, wake up, the surgery is over, you're doing well... blah blah blah" WHAT???? All I can think of is -- What a rip off. I didn't even get to count backwards from 99. That's my favourite part!

The surgical robot is really cool. Watch it make an origami crane here. You have to watch right to the end of the video. Amazing.

Off now for a nap.... maybe I'll actually have enough energy to journal on a journal page tomorrow......

View from my bed

If you follow my classroom blog you may know that I am off work for the next 6 weeks or so. I had abdominal surgery yesterday -- but am home now and well on the road to recovery. It was REALLY REALLY hard to leave the kids on Thursday. And the parents and my coworkers. I work in a pretty great school and I consider these people my family.......

Hopefully I'll be able to make some art soon, but for now, I'm reading. I have school books, art books and novels. I've just finished Continuity Girl and a very light trashy novel called Bet Me.

I stuck some cards and pictures that the children made for me on the door (please ignore the purple -- I painted the room 2 1/2 years ago but haven't painted the trim or doors yet......). The cards and the pictures make me very happy!
(if you want to see a picture of me right after surgery -- go to my classroom blog after Saturday 8am -- I don't look too bad)
(my bedroom is teeny tiny -- less than 10x10 -- and it has 2 doors and a window. The only furniture in it is the bed, bedside tables and bookshelves. What more do you need? Oh, other than some cardboard boxes to sit my fan on..... Maybe I need a small bench here....)

Sweet Paul and more!

It's time to read online magazines again!


Sweet Paul -- and don't forget the Sweet Paul blog either!

Rue is a new one!

I haven't read the whole Aug/Sept Lonny yet and its new website is fantastic!

Why you're here -- does anyone know where (if?) you can get Anthology magazine in Toronto (it's new and I want it). You can look at a preview here. From the website it looks like you have to order issues -- but has anyone seen it on a newsstand?

Omiyage

Omiyage is an online Canadian source for Japanese tape! Woo Hoo! And fabric too! And lots of other cool Japanese stuff! The rubber stamps are too cute!

sleep talking

So, Mr. B talks in his sleep. I usually wake up, reassure him quietly that the killer bunnies are all gone, and then fall back asleep. Here is a recent dreamy conversation after I returned from a middle of the night visit to the bathroom.

Mr B -- "Oh, good, it's you"
Me -- (thinking to myself, ummmm, who else would it be, it's not like there are 7 other wives involved here)
Mr. B -- "I always know it is you by your hairy legs"
Me -- "WHAT???"
Mr. B -- "It's okay, don't worry, they keep me warm"

Hey folks, my legs aren't that hairy -- just a teeny bit of stubble. I can't believe that his subconscious thinks that I have bear-like legs that are capable of enveloping him in a wooly hug. Sheesh.
Here's a picture of the offensive legs. Or cuddly bear legs.And how about one of my new super cute haircut, while I'm at it!

ATCs

I made some time at the end of the summer to make some ATCs for the "Back to School" themed exchange at Bizzie Bs last Friday.
Here are mine:

Here are the group's:
It was good to see everyone again! (and I really missed the people who were away)

Cabbagetown Festival

I've had a busy few weeks getting ready for "Back to School". This weekend I took a bit of a break and made the annual pilgrimage (by streetcar) to The Cabbagetown Festival. If you live in Toronto, and have time today -- head on over to Riverdale farm for the excitement .There was so much that I wanted to buy! And remember too that the Queen West ArtCrawl is next weekend -- with the art sale in Trinity Bellwoods Park on Saturday and Sunday.

I just loved this booth -- the tree and leaf canopy is all fabric. Isn't it great?The booth is Patouche -- Kessa Laxton makes the most adorable children's clothes. And now that my cousin has just had a baby, I'm really into children's clothes! (please click on the links and visit the artist websites). I think that Patouche will be at the One of a Kind Show too. Thanks Kessa, for letting me take photos'of your fabulous booth! (and I'm so sorry that I didn't get better pictures of the clothes -- your website photos are stunning, so please everyone, go here to look at the clothes -- and the fun pirate hat!)

My other favourites included:

Liz Kain's Jewelry (I own many of her rings -- and this time picked up a Hamlet one -- "We know what we are" (and hidden on the inside =-- "but not what we may be")

Lauren Blakey -- ceramic artist
I didn't buy one of these, but I might have to go back today -- I can't stop thinking of them! This is brick size -- and the one that I liked was pale blue green -- and looked like barnacles...... They looked very cool grouped on a wall......

gosia -- beautiful illustrations and mixed media work. I have a "thing" for birch trees...I regret not picking out one of these little elves on a stump... but she does have an etsy shop :)
lisa mclaughlin larose -- hauntingly beautiful treescapes and birds.... She'll also be at the Queen West Art Festival in Trinity Bellwoods Park next weekend

lilli et moi -- needle fabric fiberwork
The piece that I wanted was already sold.... but she has an etsy shop too! Her business card had super cute hand stitching on it -- definitely a keeper!

Peter Barelkowski --fabulous paintings! (sorry I couldn't show a pic -- but I stood in front of his both for a long time:)

Can you relate?

I found this list on Whisker Graphics blog -- but she got it from elsewhere. If anyone knows the original author, please let me know so I can give her (him?) credit.

1. I think part of a best friend’s job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font. (My husband says this would be the default font on my computer. Nice.)

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? (I’ve seen Martha Stewart do it, but it never seems to work out for me.)

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection…again.

13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. “Do not machine wash or tumble dry” means I will never wash this – ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option

21. Sometimes, I’ll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic cloth grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear get dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

29. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey – but I’ll bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

30. My check engine light has been on for three months now and nothing’s happened. I’m starting to think that my car is just an attention whore.

31. I don’t understand the purpose of the line, “I don’t need to drink to have fun.” Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they’ve invented the lighter?

32. Sometimes I pretend not to remember details about people because having a good memory apparently equates to creepiness.

33. My GPS says “Estimated Arrival Time.” I see “Time to Beat.”

34. Whenever someone says “I’m not book smart, but I’m street smart”, all I hear is “I’m not real smart, but I’m imaginary smart”.

35. My keyboard needs a removable crumb tray like my toaster.

36. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

37. I wish it were appropriate to say to a complete stranger, “Excuse me, would you like me to show you how to discipline your child?”

38. I never understood why the Lions and Cowboys always get to play on Thanksgiving. Shouldn’t the Patriots play the Redskins, and then steal their stadium afterwords?

39. Double-Stuffed Oreos should just be called Oreos, and regular Oreos should be called Diet Oreos.

What I love about Phoenix

I miss Phoenix already....
here are just a few things that I have to wait many months before experiencing again...

Maija and her family (furry family too)and friends

Art Unraveled

Scrapbooks etc -- a super cool scrapbooking experience (plan to spend many hours). But the best part??? The fabrics! I've already made 3 skirts from the fabric I bought here!

Frenzy Stamper -- Your one stop shop for rubber stamps and lots of other mixed media supplies. I bought a super fun sock monkey stamps and some great stencils.....

Frances -- Frances has great clothes, jewelry, gift items and my favourite body cream and fragrance line, Chymia.

The heat (really)(honestly)(I'd love it even more in February)

The adorable quail and pointy birds
(photo by http://artistbarbararudolph.blogspot.com/)

Stick Mountain
I always know where I am in Phoenix by looking for Stick(South) Mountain!

My Big Fat Greek Restaurant (greek fries.... yum) (and I hear that there is one opening in Santa Barbara)(not that I've ever been to Santa Barbara -- but I'm just sayin')

I have a few favourite US cities. Phoenix, New York and Chicago, of course, but also Burlington, Vermont and Ann Arbor, Michigan. What are your favourites? Why?

Mockingjay

Only 4 more days until Mockingjay!
If you have no idea what I'm talking about -- it's the third book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. I"m quite excited about this third book. I've preordered it so it should be in my hands very soon. I've never preordered a book before -- that's how much I like this series. Read about the books here! (don't read the whole plot synopsis -- there are huge spoilers). It's all about government control, power and the lack of civil rights. The Hunger games would be a great teacher lead novel study for Grade Eight (and up).

The Hunger Games introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives in a post apocalyptic world where a powerful government called the Capitol has risen up after several devastating disasters. The Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the Capitol chooses one boy and one girl from each district to a fight. The purpose of the Hunger Games is to show how no one, including children are above the Capitol's power. The last person standing wins the game. Yes, the fights are to the death. The winning district gets a year of wealth (yet still lose one child). The losing districts lose 2 children, year after year. Yes, it is appalling. It makes you angry. It makes you think. That's what good books do......

a view of public education

This brave high school valedictorian has a lot to say about public education. I hope that I'm not teaching my students to become little robots. I don't think that I am :)

I hope that they will enjoy their learning this year.... School starts in a few weeks.... I will be teaching (guiding) my students to learn. I'm going to try to support them in an enriched "emerging curriculum". Which means letting the students guide the content that I am teaching them. I will assist them with their skills but I'm going to let them drive the content. What does this mean for me? It means that I'm going to have to work even harder this year! Yikes! If you want to know more about emergent curriculum, please google it or google "reggio emilia" -- a region in Italy which is committed to providing their early learners with the best enriched and supportive emergent curriculum. This has been my focus of study for the summer. And I'm almost ready to take it on. I can't duplicate a true Reggio classroom, but I'll do my best. It's all about the children....

Phoenix Airport

Last year you may remember that I was stopped by security for a small matter about brie in the water bottle :)
This year it was the stevia (strange white powder) (it's a natural sugar substitute)(from Trader Joes).
Neither time they took it away. BUT there is a new rule (well, new to me) . You can only carry on one bag plus one personal item (like a purse). I had my (very full) Backpack, my purse and my computer bag. I had to consolidate the computer bag and the purse. Right at the check in desk. How embarrassing. I think that the carry on storage space in the airplanes is getting too full because no on likes to pay the fee to check their bags. Anyway my carry on is once again completely full -- and the computer bag is stuffed too. And I don't think that I have enough snacks. I have some dried mangoes, a handfull of trail mix and a box of Good and Plentys . I think that I'm going to have to make the trek to the other end of the terminal to have a Cinnabun. (i seem to have lost a few pounds here, so I can indulge) I was hoping for a Starbucks too but there doesn't seem to be one.
AND I can't seem to find an electrical outlet, so my computer will die soon. Sheesh, I ask a lot, don't I?????

Happy Birthday Maija!!

This year, M is for Maija! Well...this month anyway :)

We've been celebrating Maija's birthday all week -- I'm sure that she'll be celebrating all year :)
We went out for lunch (very very yummy strawberry and chicken salad with poppyseed dressing) with Maija's friends Earlene and Annette (two super nice Phoenix girls). Here's the red velvet cake that I had... (after the salad, of course). (it's a mini cake... one serving... I ate half and saved the rest for later. Of course, it turned into soup in the sweltering 110 degree weather!!!!) (no humidity though!)(it tasted just as yummy in a pool of icing)

Maija had tuxedo cake... it was delicious too........

Thank you so much, my friend, for allowing me to hang out with you for an extra week and for chauffeuring me around. I will miss you so much!