Where There's A Will...

...there IS a way!

I have begun a new Round Robin project, this one centering on altering a piece of clothing. This sweatshirt is the first piece I am to work on.


I had originally intended to applique geometric shapes of hand-dyed silk in a cascade down one shoulder, but some experimenting with a needle and thread left me hopelessly frustrated and in too much discomfort to continue. (Only 15 more days...!) Lumiere paint and some rubber stamps I bought on a whim to the rescue, and my left hand was up to the job.


It's a pity that the camera can't capture the complexity of the paint colors. They are much prettier in real life than they are on my monitor. It was also so much fun that I REALLY wanted to continue adding to this piece (Hey look at me - I'm being creative again!) but other artists will need room to add their touches as well, so I stopped. I just have to heat set the colors and it's ready to go in the mail. On time no less!

I'll end with a fun thing I found on FabricDollArt. This was such a quick and fun quiz, and I really LIKE my answer for a change, LOL!

Here's to an Orange 2008!!

You Need Some Orange in Your Life

Orange will make you feel open, lively, and artistic. And with a little orange, you will project an aura of friendliness. If you want bolder experiences, you've got to get a little orange in your life! For extra punch: Combine orange with red or yellow The downside of orange: It's too powerful and unusual for some people to deal with The consequences of more orange in your life: You will become more creative in almost every aspect of your life You will find humor in the most serious and dismal situations You will feel like life is exciting, even when you're doing ordinary things

What Color Do You Need?

Unexpected Blessings

My arm is healing nicely -- the doctor is impressed with how little pain I have considering how bad the break was. I feel as if I've done nothing but whine about my cast since she put it on, so it's time to QUIT that (it's only 22 more days...) and mention some of the blessings I have received instead.

*OK, so I didn't want to cut my hair, but it really is cute.

*My left hand can do a lot more than I would have thought.

*Because I can't put in my contact lenses, I have been forced to depend on my glasses. I have finally learned how to manage my bifocals.

*No underwires. I can't fasten any of my clasps, so have been wearing a "sport" style bra instead. Not very stylish, but comfy, LOL!

*The outpouring of love and concern I have received has been such a joyful comfort. They really like me!

* Company in the kitchen! I have become pretty capable with my left hand, but some tasks simply require 2. Chopping onions, or draining a big pot of pasta for example. Both of the girls have surprised me (and themselves I think) by suddenly becoming very interested in cooking. It has been a good learning experience for me too, to tell them what to do and how, and then force myself to BE QUIET and let them accomplish the task in their OWN way. They have been quick and capable students and I am so proud of them!

Lydia has done several full meals now, and Alice put out a hamburger spread the other night that would have been suitable for a great casual party.

Our biggest triumph though, was the family's Christmas Feast. Working from my new favorite cookbook, "Pure Flavor" by Kurt Beecher Dammier, we through tradition to the wind and put together a Salmon in Herb Butter with a savory blueberry sauce. Oh my! Even though the whole preparation was simple, we felt like real chefs. Yum!



I include a photo of the cover to liven up this plain little post. Also a plug, as well as my thanks to the author for sparking up my meal list... if you enjoy cooking interesting things, you will LOVE this book.

I don't recommend breaking one's arm as a life-affirming practice, but I gratefully accept the gifts given. God is good! and with a beginning like this, the rest of this New Year HAS to get better. Happy 2008!