Secrets and Words

Sunday January 10th, 2021

SHhhhh! That's right....come on in and join me. I've got something to tell you.

As I begin this post I realize it's Happy Hour so go ahead and grab a drink and I'll join you. 

Let me start off by wishing you all Happy New Year! I am confident that  2021 will be a much better year. I am feeling positive about it. My SECRET?... When I woke on New Year's morning my attitude had changed drastically and I had a much better outlook and felt happy...why? I'm not sure I just know that I was much happier and it felt good for a change. I sympathize with those who suffer from depression...my heart goes out to them. Missing the people you love but can't spend time with is so difficult. I know you all understand and are going through the same...so with that said I hope you'll agree that this year things WILL be better and happier days are ahead.

About WORDS.....also on New Year's day my husband and I decided to have a game of scrabble. I think the last time we played was about 5 years ago when we lost power for about 4 days. We enjoyed it so much we play every afternoon and now it's become a fun competition. That's right I beat him by nearly 100 points ONCE and now we are tied...a fun way to spend time.

 Monday, January 11th. 

What's cooking?

Hot Honey Oatmeal bread.

After seeing what Acornhollow.blogspot.com was up to I had to take matters into my own hands. You know she is my inspiration. I found this recipe on pinterest. Happyhooligansblog.com and it turned out so good. A very easy recipe with the aid of my bread machine. There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread in your house. For sure ill be making this again.

Oh my what happiness and smiles. I received my very own Happy Mail this week. Roomie sent me a package with this enclosed and a lovely note.

An article on hand written notes or letters. Snail mail or Happy Mail. Some of you know or have received some from me and I hope it gave you as much joy as this did for me. When was the last time you wrote someone a note just to let them know how much they mean to you or that they are in your thoughts?

Kindness and thoughtfulness 

are what we could all use a little of right now.

Knitting..I finished up a couple more hats..the blue one for my son and the white for myself.

Now ill let you in on another little secret...I have a new "Grand dog"......I have not officially met her yet and oh gosh I can't wait. 

Is she not the picture of cuteness I ask. Oh my I want to nuzzle her nose. Hope to meet her soon.

Well my friends that's it for today...I hope I brought you a smile and a little inspiration. I know that someone out there would love to receive a little note from you. Add a little sticker or a cut out of flowers or a little tag...it will mean a lot.

I bid you A Bientot and thanks for joining me. 

Donna

Procrastination....

Procrastination Is the name of this post!

Welcome and thanks for joining me. Yes today is New Year's day...so if you'd enjoy a drink I will join you. Eggnog is my drink of choice today..but more about that later.  

Why Procrastination? Well because I started this post after Thanksgiving but never completed it. I was not really in the mood....I am not normally a Debbie Downer so I thought I'd let it drop and come back to it later...later is now.

 Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours like a lot of you was very quiet..."table for 2" was set. We enjoyed a nice meal together and even sat at the dining room table. That's not something we ever do unless we're having dinner guests and lord knows that's not happening anytime soon. Ugh!

Remember in a previous post " Its about Ewe and Me" I talked about Nash Island off the coast of Maine....and Nash Island yarn?  Well I was gifted a hank of this beautiful yarn.  A wonderfully giving friend passed some on to me. Miss T, she also added some lovely glitter yarn  I believe is silk and linen.  It feels heavenly. Not sure what I'll make with it but it will be "special". Thank you so much Miss LT. (I thought I took a photo but can't find it.)

 Playing with paints and paper I've been exploring different techniques.

Coffee or tea....on watercolor paper. I just love the texture it creates. The first one is watered down paper with loose tea...the second is wet paper with coffee and rice. The third one is coffee and loose fabric and strands of yarn. I am excited to start creating g with them. I have many more but won't bore you with it all. And speaking of paper...you got it...I 4houfht that making paper would be fun...and it was. One way to clean out the shredder. Yup, my husband thinks I'm nuts....but then he looked at my mold and deckle  and decided he could make it a bit sturdier. I just purchased a couple of art canvas frames and put them together and added some screening. Worked like a charm. 

I really like how they came out.  When dried completely they are much lighter in color. I will be making more. I used some on gift tags and on cards after painting on them.

Cooking and baking...oh yes...loose exercise clothes are my friend...NO not for exercising! For comfort! Just a few items from my kitchen:

In December I made my son a couple of tourtiere for his birthday. He loves pork pies.

My BFF "Roomie" posted that she had made some cinnamon rolls....well that planted the seed! I've never made them so I searched a few recipes and came up with these! A bit thick for my liking so the next time I will slice them thinner.

Next was a recipe for Eggnog bread that I believe came from Doreen Frost. (?)

That was yummy. 

Enough sweets for now.....hope you're still here and have not fallen asleep yet.

Keeping myself busy knitting up a storm...making art for "happymail" and whatever else strikes me. Who knows...you, who read my words here, may find Happy New Year happy mail in your snail box. Be sure to drop me a comment in the comment box so I know you were here.

I do wish all of you a very Happy Healthy and safe NEW YEAR 2021. Let us pray that life gets back to our old normal. I so miss hugging my family and friends.

Thank you again.

A Bientot! 

More Ewes......

Pam

A great big Hello!

Here I am. Hope you'll join me in a cup of tea. It's been a hell of a time...sit in wait..sit in wait! Just something else to add to this dreadful year! But all is good now and if I had to find a silver lining out of it  its that I've was able to complete a cable knit beanie in one day! Hooray for me.

Brrrr! It's getting mighty chilly...woke this morning to 20* temp. Good thing I was able to deliver most of the hats that I was knitting....they will get worn for sure. Also got to see my little ones...what a smile that gave me. Love them and miss them terribly. 

How flippin cute are those sheep in my top photo?! So they are now a new addition to my friend's family. She sent me this picture to introduce me to them. Now mind you she is not a knitter and in no way associated with any fiber arts of any sort. She found them in a catalogue and fell in love....and who wouldn't? They get to sit by her window and gaze out at the ocean all day and trust me when I say they have a magnificent view. Occasionally thy get to see the horses that come down and ride the beach. What a life!

Wouldn't you love to have a Ewe in your home? Well let me introduce you to Violet! 

VIOLET and her flock are waiting for you visit my friend  Pam. For you fiber enthusiasts they can be any color you choose. As you can see one was made using coiled strips of wool called "quillies" and Violet is sporting some fun yarn. How adorable....so check out Pam's site for prices and ideas...Ewe too can have a flock in your living room.

                      "Creativity takes Courage "~Henri Matisse 

In these trying times we all  need a little courage so let your creative juices flow!

As you know I've been keeping myself busy creating watercolor cards. My current ones are  Christmas greeting cards. I think I may also add tags. I'm hoping to sell some.

Here is a preview...would love some feedback. 

How are you being creative? Will you be courageous and creative for Thanksgiving? Can't wait to hear all your ideas.

Well Adieu...gotta run...sure hope you're all doing well and thanks so much for spending time with me...forever grateful!

A Bientot...

It's about ewe and me!

Hello! Are you there? Oh good I was worried I wouldn't have anyone to talk to.  Well, I mean someone other than my husband. Love him dearly but damn it would be nice to have someone else to vent to. Talk crafts, exchange knitting patterns, show the excitement of newly purchased yarn, (oh no! Can't do that! ) or share recipes,  you I now what I mean right? He pretends that he's quite interested but hum not so much!

I think this says it all.....this was posted on fb and had to share it here!

So speaking  of "Ewe", I've completed another hat. This one is for my youngest grand. She's a first grader and a bit of a spitfire to say the least. "No pink" she says "cause I'm not a girly girl"! Wow! So I came across this color and thought it perfect.

yes it really is bright lime green with a black pompom on top. Sure hope she likes it. Now on to my next one. This is a commissioned had....and should be done soon.

 A Plymouth Yarn "Homestead" i purchased at my LYS~The Yarn Sellar, York Maine. 100% wool. I  found it with the help of an employee and friend  Mizz T.

As a friend she is very generous in sharing her vast knowledge of anything textile..she posted a picture on fb of this wonderful fleece  purchased from Nash Island Yarns. Yarn from an Island off the coast of Maine. What an interesting read with rich history. Sheep are the only inhabitants on this island Nash-island-sheep-sheering I sure hope that I've added this link correctly because I know you'll enjoy it. The picture is of the fleece that she is spinning.  That's right she's a "spinner" as well as a "hooker". Spinning fleece is one thing I've not attempted though I would like to try....on a drop-spindle not a spinning wheele! Hell I have enough hobbies and equipment as it is!

 What a wonderful weekend...so nice to do a social distance with friends on the beach.

The weather was perfect and enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Couldn't want for a better November so far.

Now let me ask you....was it really warm enough to go paddleboarding? No I think not!

But here you have it.....the view in my back yard

Only for the young!

I received a wonderful little momento from my favorite neighbor. She's just so thouhhtful!

 We didn't get any snow here but that's a view of things to come.

So I guess I had a lot to say...you can wake up now!! Thanks so much for being here i am so appreciative. 

A Bientot!

No clever title ..no catch phrase header!

Bonjour! And welcome once again. No need to pour a spot of tea, a cup of Java or a drink as you won't be here long. I really don't have much to say because damned there is nothing to talk about. Its the same old complaints about Covid19 and Social distancing.....and politicians and political phone calls!  Sick of it all as I'm certain you all feel the same. Let's stay positive.

Ok....so I've  changed my mind go ahead a grab yourself a drink....its all good.

On a happy note....my Christmas cactus is jumping the gun a bit and already in bloom!

I think it's confused but that's ok because it sure puts a smile on my face and makes me a happy girl! 

Something else that makes me smile are these beautiful flowers my husband gave me for our 51st Anniversary on Saturday. Wow! That's a long time together.

I am lucky and proud to have made it this long. After all we did get married in 69! I can't imagine my life without him. Ok...enough for this "sappiness".

Something else that makes me happy is this "happy mail" that I've been making.

It sure puts a smile on my face when I gather up all these pieces of patterned papper or pieces I have painted....scrapbook papers..ribbons, threads and anything else I come across. I hope that as my recipients get them it puts a smile on their faces as well.

Here is a sneak peek of what's to hit the US Mail soon. Shhhh! Don't tell..I want them to be surprised.

As you see my time is made up of crafts....any sort of craft. My watercolors and brushes have been keeping me busy also. Making more cards. A friend has asked me to make a few sets of 6 that she can buy and give as gifts. Yeah! Sounds good to me. Here are some examples of my current cards.

I enjoyed working on these cards because these colors make me happy.

Another happiness is knitting hats to make some young folks very warm while playing outside this winter. Nice warm cabled knit hats with faux fir pompoms. When shopping around  for hats I noticed the sweet little leather tags that were attached. Hum! I can make them! And voila! 

As of now I've completed 7 hats...!

After editing this post I've decided I should have given it a different heading....

       "What makes me Happy....and puts a smile on my face!"

Thanks so much for being here you are much appreciated. I look forward to your comments....who knows you may find "happy mail" in your snail mail box!

A Bientot!

It's that time again....and my omissions.

                                                         Hello! Bonjour!

Again I welcome you to my tiny place in the world. It's early so grab a seat and a coffee or tea for some of you and relax. Let me ramble while trying to give you a few chuckles.

Yes, it is that time of the year again where I grab my knitting needles and yarn and start on some new projects. It's all about hats right now and trying to diminish my stash. It's way too full! HEHEHE! That's according to you know who...not me! If you're a knitter you know it's  never enough....or you don't have the right color or weight. Plus I'm a very tactile person so if I see yarn or fabric and it feels really soft and squishy.....its in the cart! But i am doing my best at not buying anymore till this stash is down a bit. Hum!

Starting with this purple bulky wool....and turned out quite large. It'll be great for someone with loads of hair or a big head! Oops!

As i started this i also captured a shot of my all time favorite knit soxs. I devided and combined  leftover yarn into 2 balls and these are the results." Do they match?"  you ask. Hell no! What's the sense of knitting your own socks if they're not "original"! So have fun with them. 

These next hats are also from my stash. This one is called School Colors.

and this one is called Woolie Warm. Yes I used 2 strands of wool and size 13 ndl.

It will withstand a New England Snowstorm! 

Now on to my next one...another leftover ball of wool but with only 1 strand and #7 ndl. Cable Knit Cap. I've made this hat many times before and it fits nicely and snug. I enjoy doing cables. They're a bit intimidating at first but you have to jump right in. You say " but I don't have cable needles!" Not to worry cause I came across the same situation. I found a small dowel in my craft area....cut it tithe length I wanted, in this case 4" to 5" then ran it through my electric pencil sharpener on both ends. To smooth it out I rubbed it over my washable nail file/buffer. The soft ones that have afine grit and a course grit. Worked like a charm.

Here is my progress...should have it done today. My friend in Vt is knitting up hats as well and she's ordered faux fur pompoms for the hats so I'll do the same. Just call me copycat. 

So you know me...i can't be working on just one project. I'll give you a sneak peek but shh don't breathe a word because some people (friends, acquaintances,  followers or people that read and follow) this blog may find them in their mailbox. Happy Mail!

Let me just tell you how much fun I am having with this.....tell you more later,

So about my "omission". I was reminded that in my last post there was no mention of my favorite drink.

That's the flavor of the season....and oh my it's yummy. My gal pal Miss J enjoyed a taste together. Cheers!

So with that I bid you A Bientot!

Thanks again for being here...love you guys and remember I look forward to hearing from you.....comments always welcomed. 

Wait! It's OCTOBER already!!!

Have you been waiting long??! I've been away on search party trying to find my sanity....and I'm not convinced I found it...and here it is October! The air is crisp and the landscape is vibrant in colors of reds yellow gold orange and rust. Shades of greens and browns add to their warmth. I do live on the coast, southern Maine actually, and you don't associate the beaches with Fall colors. However when we glance towards the west we have a gorgeous view of the tops of inland trees. Beautiful sight!

I do like these warm colors...and like working with them....as in the pumpkins that i appliqued and imbroidered...hooked and needle felted.

This is a pumpkin I made with some beautiful velvet.

And also my pocket that is hung on my front door filled with twigs leaves and bittersweet. 

I really enjoyed hooking this. I'm about to start on another applique pattern. 

How about these pumpkins that were hand blown by the son of a dear friend.

Just beautiful wouldn't you say?

I recently read a news letter from a dear friend who owns a hooking studio. She's about to reopen for small classes....want to wish her the best with all that is going on. It is a great read...head on over to her site.
woolen pear. Also our hooking group over at Camp Wool has started up again with a maximum of 6 people. Unfortunately it's not in me yet to chance it not with the increases of the virus. Another Hooking retreat slated for January has been canceled. Things don't seem to be improving too much in fact they're looking pretty dim.

I noticed quite a few are reading this blog and I thank you so much for that. I also enjoy and encourage your comments.

No much to say so A Bientot for now.