The -ber Months

 Finally, we are into the months that end in -ber.  Which means fall or autumn if you like, is coming! My most favorite time of year even though there is much nonsense going on on this rock we call home. This has not been a good year for me but I'd really like to try to turn it around in some creative way. So... I had bought these little ornament kits from a dollar store, I think last year. I found them while clearing out some things. I left them out. For months and decided to take them out of their package because they needed painting. I mean anything- anything to get back to being creative. Right? So they sat on my cutting table for another month and last week I did it. I painted the little critters. 

Now when you have inexpensive little kits like this, the longer they are hidden the paint dries. Yep. It was like glue. Good thing I had my real paints, which also haven't fared too well. The hole for dispensing the paint was clogged. In all paint bottles. Okay then. It seems I really must get back to it so as not to waste what's left of my paint stash.

So I did it. This thing called painting. I had something in mind but things weren't going that way so this is what I ended up with. Not great (yes, I started to beat myself up over it) but I finished them. It's a start right? They are now with my other Halloween pieces and that makes me happy.

Onward September!

Now it's November

Yes sirree, it's November. Second to the last month of the year. What happened? Don't know but I'm still hanging around. Still working on getting the knee better. Back to working on a limited basis because of said knee. Had a wonderful fall this year, so there's that. Beautiful colors, walking in the neighborhood on clear mornings where the air is crisp and clean. Sometimes walking in the early morning fog, and crunching leaves underfoot. I can't remember the last time I had an actual fall that lasted more than two days. It did snow Halloween night and I did work but that's okay.

The snow didn't stay long but I guess this next season is here. The temperatures haven't been getting any higher than high 40s and in the morning it's been quite chilly. I started my 365 Days of Halloween by doing small drawings on a calendar. Not the greatest but I did it everyday. I may take some of the drawings and do more detailed ones.

There won't be a big Christmas this year. There usually isn't. My niece will get doll clothes. And there are a few things for my mom. Will be working on saving money for a big trip in the near future. But for now, I'm working on projects already started and participating in NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. 50,000 words during the month of November. I didn't finish last year but I'm planning on finishing this year. So far I have 2631 words written. That's my update. Have a great day.

October

October is zooming by and not going according to plan. I am working on dealing with it. Still getting the knee better, back to work on a limited basis, and trying to get back to creating things. Anything on the regular. It's been hard but I tell myself it's only been about two months since my surgery and to cut myself some slack. Working on it. But it has turned out to be a wonderful fall. Cool temps, gusting winds, rain, colorful leaves... it's been a true fall. Going for walks and crunching leaves; I can't remember the last time that happened.

The colors have been great. I'm enjoying everything and filing it in my head and I think I will have to get some of these pics printed off. Now if we can have a decent Halloween night. No rain or snow or freezing temps. That would be perfect.

Below are some more Frida dolls finally painted and ready for clothes. I guess I should take another pic because their faces are done. I will be painting other dolls today. I have been doing tiny sketches on a calendar all month long and will show those soon. At least I'll get 31 days of Halloween.

It' Fall Y'all!

The knee is getting better and I was able to take a longer walk this morning. Boy was it nice and brisk. The wind slightly blowing, the sun was out, there was the crunching of leaves underfoot. I even had my new gloves on. And I got some pretty pics.

My little niece in North Carolina, well, she's not that little anymore but she's way into dolls right now and I am so very happy about that. She has an 18" doll in need of a wardrobe. So I borrowed one from my mom as a model and I got her cleaned up, her hair washed and a little trim. I also repaired her backside. Now she's ready for some clothes. I think I will make an old-fashioned Halloween outfit. That's about all I have time for but there's still Christmas coming up and more clothes.

I was also able to get some Halloween stamps. Yes, I still do snail mail and I'm so excited I was able to get some. When I got there, to the Post Office, I was told I was the fourth person to ask for them. This was a little after opening. Who knew there were other loonies like me out there? I was shocked that the PO put them out so late but that's okay. Usually they are sold out by the time I get stamps.

Last week wasn't the greatest with getting a single project done. But the new week starts today. I've got my list and I'm ready. I've got to be especially since I'm back on limited time at the job. And the holidays are coming up. Until next time, take care of yourselves.

The Best Laid Plans...

Yes, indeed. The best laid plans don't always get you laid the way you planned. Love that quote. Can't remember the lady's name who said it. But that seems to be the way life goes. Anyhoo...

October, my favorite month is well underway. My creativity is inching along. Last week was spent going back and forth to my mom's. She fell again, and I went with her to her doctor. A few X-rays later and nothing is broken. Thanks goodness. I made a big pot of veggie soup for her so she wouldn't have to stand a cook. Went and picked up some breakfast things for her to eat when she gets up. Yep, she wasn't eating in the morning while she took her medication. Which made her dizzy and why she fell. Ugh! Two doctors got on her case. Thank you doctors. Did six loads of her laundry and we continued to clear out stuff in the house. Two more trash bags.

Today I'm feeling pretty good. Got my exercise in and even went for a walk. A little farther than the previous walk. It was a beautiful morning, a small wind, brisk temps, the sun shining, just great. I will have to pull out my gloves for the next walk. I got in and did a small drawing for National Octopus Day. October 8th, get it?

I also was able to finally, finally finish a doll. My first Frida Kahlo doll. I couldn't believe it. It's been so long since I completed a project.

And I started some larger hexies to mend my favorite pair of pants that I've had for 20 years. I love those pants and they don't make them like that anymore. I was going to just patch them but I don't like store bought patches, they don't always stay put. Then I saw on Facebook where they were talking about mending items of clothing. So that's what I will do. Mend my pants and stitch on lots of hexies to make my pants fancy. Maybe I'll get another couple of years wear out of them.

I'll be making some green ones today. The pants are a khaki green color. That's my update. Yes, still a little behind but I'm feeling so much better and I'm going to just ride with it.

Buh-bye!

Oh my gosh! September is outta here. Wow! One minute, it's two weeks in, and now... gone. How did that happen? Never mind, it is what it is. I got some things done, started, worked on, designed. Now I have less than a week to finish up things for the doll show this weekend. EEK!!! I'm ready. It's going to be a great show.

So much has happened in the past two weeks and I will give details starting tomorrow with my trip up north with some gal friends. A nice time off and away from the city. Lots of laughter, eating, partaking of the grape liquid, and just chilling out. Then this weekend, yesterday, I went to the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween art show. Oh wow! So much creative talent and energy that day. Saw friends again and met some new ones. The show took place in Marshall, MI where the house from the new movie 'The House With the Clock in the Walls' was shot. I didn't get a chance to see the house but that's kind of cool. Been driving around part of the state like a crazy woman. I'm tired but it's one of those good tireds. More tomorrow.

See ya September! It's been lively.

Foggy Morning

It was chilly the day before and it heated up yesterday but cooled off again overnight. I woke up to this this morning.

But then the sun decided to scream through the fog and it was amazing.

Yesterday I was able to get the skellie mermaid that I had seen at Michael's Craft Store. I had my eyes on it for the past two months almost. Of course they had moved their Halloween items because Christmas is now taking over. The sales associate had to go in the back to find her. There were two left. And this one is mine. Love her. She will get a bikini top, a ratty skirt, a dead lei, some jewelry around her neck and a crown of fish skeletons. That will happen after my doll show the first weekend in October.

Isn't she great! Have a nice day.

September Already!

Wow! That got here fast. But it is what it is. I had a nice weekend. I was able to spend Sunday with family and it wasn't for a funeral. We laughed, discussed the world, and had lots to eat. I have discovered that there are a few family members who are not the outdoorsy type. It was hilarious and a wee bit sad at the same time but I now know who not to take on wood type excursions. Screams about bees, mosquitoes, moths, dragonflies, and spiders were interesting. And then when the two black squirrels were... doing... something with a lot of noise, that just freaked out two of my relatives. One squirrel chased the other into our yard. The squirrel that came into our yard, froze when it saw us and tried to hide in the grass. He didn't move for about a minute, then hightailed it to some bushes. It was kind of scary and amusing. The screaming from the humans. Anyway, it was fun being outside enjoying company and good eats.

I also had yesterday off. I enjoyed that day too. Totally relaxed and watched some Netflix. I also started getting my bullet journal together for this new month. And I worked on my project list for the rest of the year. Daunting? Sure. But I wouldn't be me if I didn't have some kind of creative challenge. So today it's back to business and new pics of work in progress and finished pieces coming soon.

I'm so glad the seasons are gearing up for a change. I'm not really a summer person, even though I was born in a summer month. I love the fall and it's change of colors and the crispness in the air. How the sun dips down in the sky as if things are about to go to sleep. I don't know if I'll make it to a cider mill this year but I will try. There's nothing like fresh apple cider and doughnuts. Yum! So have a wonderful day folks. September is revving up.

Hey There!

Oh my goodness! My last post was some time ago. Geesh! Thanks for hanging around. It's been crazy at the other job. Assistant manager is out with a broken ankle, another co-worker had surgery on her shoulder, and another recently resigned. So I've been putting in more hours, which I guess can be a good thing. Trying to work on several things at a time and will have another update shortly. So here's a frog or toad. I'm not that up on my amphibians.

He was crawling up the glass of the living room window. He kind of looks how I feel right now. Mercury is out of Retrograde and I'm just coming out of a fog. Trying not to panic about the upcoming doll show and starting to think about shows for next year. Amazing that August is almost over. I am so ready for fall and cooler temps. Leaves changing colors. Fresh apple cider. And of course Halloween.

Hello There!

I'm really working to do more posts on my old blog but I am being challenged. The doll pins I recently finished, well, I sold seven of them so I will cut out more tonight. The next project to work on are my six mini witches. Yes, I get to a certain point and nothing gets done. Completed. I'm working on that too. I did pick out fabric for their outfits.

Not a very good pic color wise but I'll work on that too. But you can see the fall color theme I so love. I'm debating on coffee dying a few things. I know I will have to dye their bloomers because they are way too bright. I have also been sketching some new pieces too and forgot to take pics, so that should make me come back either tomorrow or Saturday. Well, time's a ticking. See ya soon.

Gonna Figure Things Out

Yep... everyday is a new day and you just don't know what you're going to get. Have to remember not to take things personally because most people I won't see again. I'm talking about the latest job. I did get a walk in this morning. Beautiful sunrise. I'm looking at it as a good way to start a new and good day. And to stop overthinking things.

I really do like the neighborhood I'm in. There are two ponds very close to each other and the past two mornings I was able to see a grey heron. The first time I think we scared each other. Yesterday while I was having lunch, I saw a hawk take a bath in one of the ponds. That was a new one. And a few days ago, a coyote pranced across the backyard. This is the part I like about living in a small town. Nature.

I'm behind on my NaNo but I have the weekend off so I will be catching up. My plan is to edit some old pieces while this new piece is percolating in a drawer somewhere. I've started clearing more things out and downsizing yet again. More things will be going to charity by the end of the year. I've got things set aside for the spring subdivision yard sale next year. Working on changing some things; not waiting until the new year. Have a good day.

Happy October!

Here we are. A brand new month. I'm finally getting over the creeping crud and feel just about human. This is my favorite month of the year and there's even a Friday the 13th this month. How creeptastic is that? The temps have finally dropped and it feels like autumn instead of summer. The leaves aren't changing as fast because it's been kind of dry but they're forecasting rain later in the week. Friends online are putting up their October decorations and I'm living vicariously through them. Some people are so talented.

Yesterday, I went with a friend to the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween art show in Chelsea, MI. It was wonderful. I couldn't take pics because of the crowd and I was too busy looking at everything. I finally was able to see the work of artists I follow online and meet them. It was really cool because they recognized me first while I recognized their work. I got lots of hugs and felt in my element. The creativity was amazing. And I am so ready to get started. There's nothing wrong with starting again. Oh, I've also secured part-time employment, so we'll see how the creative stuff goes. I have to get some type of a costume worked up because I've been invited to a Halloween party. There's a first for everything.

A Rambling No Pic Post - September

Eegads! Gazooks! Heck!

It's September y'all. A brand new month. We're in the third quarter of the year. The older I get, time just doesn't seem to like me anymore. But that's okay. I'm tough. Most of the time. I'm in a 'Never give up, never surrender' mode. I think. I did say this was rambling. So many disasters happening around the country right now. I say my prayers, send goddess vibes, and do what I can to make things a little bit brighter. Because right now, that's all I've got. Smile at a total stranger when I'm out and about. Wave greetings to people. Call a friend I haven't spoken to in years to just hear their voice because time goes on.

I am here in Michigan. I've come to the conclusion that I will be here for awhile and things will be okay. My Tribe is a good size and they believe in me. I'm ready to start believing in me... again. And I will continue to do so because life can throw some nasty things at you. Two more months until that wonderful time of the year. Halloween. Already leaves are changing colors overnight. The temps are staying south of 80, way south most days. We'll probably get and Indian summer in October. Or maybe not. But I'm ready for my first northern winter in eleven years.

So what's on the docket for the month? First I'm finishing up some doll dresses for another artist. I'm almost done with a witch doll and Raggedy Ann just needs a new dress. I will be participating in 29 Faces this month and get going on some new witches and Halloween things. I rewrote a draft to a mid-grade story that just wasn't working out. One more short story is ready for another draft. And a friend has invited up north to her dad's cabin. By a lake. Ha! That's so Halloween. I'll let you know how that goes. At first nothing was really going on in my life. Now, I'm out to change that, so expect a few more posts than usual. And I've got to make something for Halloween. I've been invited to a party. Hang in there peeps. I am.

Happy October!

It's finally here! October! I've been waiting a whole year for it to arrive again. We're still getting some warm temps here in the south and I hope that stops soon. And there is that pesky Matthew hanging out in the ocean. Let's hope he doesn't make landfall. Matthew the hurricane.

Aren't these pretty? I took this pic outside Trader Joe's. I'm going to have to get some of the smaller decorative gourds. Sketch them or paint them. I am so excited about this time of year. The adventure is in full swing. This is going to be a busy month for filling up those sketchbooks, Halloween things, dolls, paintings, another challenge, and some stitch work. I will have to do more walking too. Crunch some leaves. Scare some chipmunks.

Mug Rugs

I've gone a little crazy on my second batch of mug rugs. They don't look like much right now but I've got 27 of them. I'll cut out batting tomorrow.

I'm Still Here!

I'm still here. It's truly summer. Lots of wicked lightning and thunder storms, and rain. Lots of rain. Oh, and the humidity that makes my curls curl. Ugh! Summer in the south. I know... it happens every year but geesh! I'm so ready for autumn. I do hope we get a proper one this year because each year seems to be just about summer.

I couldn't get online because my laptop crashed on my birthday. Yeah, what a month. First my truck starter needed to be replaced and then my laptop. Was not a happy camper but I'm still here. I had a nice staycation because I couldn't afford to go anywhere. I couldn't even binge watch Netflix, which was the plan for the holiday weekend. So I read. Finished two books and started a third. Of course that whole concept of life reared its head. Why am I here? What am I supposed to do? Amazing how the lack of a laptop or computer or smart phone can make you sink several lows. After a few days, it didn't matter, except when I wanted to watch a movie. I cleared out more things in my apartment. Wrote a letter. Pulled out the paints.

I survived. I've had to reinstall several programs and I know I'm forgetting a few but my new computer guy got my mouse to working properly. I was afraid I would have to bury it.

So I'm in the process of getting back into create mode. Gotta get some more things off my list. Have a good one!

Fall Again

After two weeks of rain and weird temps, we've had late summer show up once again. Very weird. Yesterday was I think 72 degrees and today in the 50s. It was very pretty out and temps are supposed to dip the next couple of days. I really like fall, autumn. Sometimes it's a very long period of time and sometimes we get a week and then it's winter. I want fall just a little while longer. My new neighbors tried out their fireplace last Saturday and I love the smell of a wood burning fire. That's part of fall for me.

I took this pic this morning. I thought it was pretty. It prepared me for the day that was coming. Boy, did I ever need this pretty picture. Because people were crazy out today. I don't know if it was because it was pretty out, warm, both. Or because the holidays are coming up and they are upping losing their minds. Some were tailgating, not stopping at stop signs, driving 20 in a 35 at the busiest time during the day Go to a park or something. Then there was the young female who hit a mail truck. Really? Not paying attention. I mean, those things are kind of big, white, have flashing lights and she plowed right into it. And the leaf guys. Shutting down roads and not having a clue as to where to direct traffic. Yeah, I love fall.

But I made it. Got another t-shirt quilt on the frame, Ran lots of errands which included the grocery store. I'm grateful I had money to go to the grocery store. But what I needed I can't eat. You know, cleaning supplies. Gah! It's all good.

And fall is coming back.

Hello September

A brand new month and it's close to 90 degrees and humid. Gah! Summer is just hanging on and feeling a little punky. I just keep thinking about the cooler temps that are coming. I went to my Finish It challenge meeting and showed my black and white quilt top. They liked it. Now I've got to get it on the frame. The rest of the day has been a  no go. Just couldn't get my motor running but I did manage to do something for 29 Faces. Draw, sketch, paint, sculpt a face for 29 days. Usually it happens in February but there's one going on now. That's fine. I need something else to do in my day as a break. I used Derwent Watercolor Pencils. I think I'll try another with them. Maybe more blending first, then the water.

She's summer turning into autumn.

I've also started my next Sashiko piece. It's coming along quite slowly. I have a slight idea of what to do with them once I get the last design done. I think there's one more kit.

#29faces #sashiko

In Progress

It's a pain. Catching up, still working on feeling better, getting mentally back on a creative track. It's been tough. I'm working hard on not giving up because I'm so far behind. But then a part of me kicks me in the backseat to do one thing. One little thing. Because there's nothing else I want to do.

Saturday was tough. In my crazy little head, nothing seemed to be going right. Yet in between beating myself up, I managed to get something done. Too bad I can't have more days like that. I started out with this...

The core is a wet felted egg shape that I made for another project that didn't get done. Instead of tossing the egg (there are more) I decided to make something else. And I ended up with this.

He's still in progress. He will have a green cap with a brown stem and probably a red bow tie. Why him? I don't know. He spoke to me and he's determined to get done.

Block 8 of Bless This House quilt. I did change the wreath and am trying to do a little bit each day so I can stay on track.

I added some of the flowers and the heart. Now I've got to cut out bias strips to make two stems. One little bit at a time. Right?

Once again, this year will be the season of the ornaments. They're easy to do and they sell well. They make great stocking stuffers and they're cute. Here's my latest batch of angel ornaments.

I'm also involved in doll swaps and here is my doll for the Stitchin' and Switchin' USA fall swap. She will get a knitted or crocheted hat (because she wants one), a jacket and probably a scarf. Her design is based on a Penny Wooden doll. I love her curly hair but she still wants a hat. Then she'll be off to her new mom.

And wonders of wonders, I finished reading a book. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I really liked it, especially the black and white photos of the peculiar children. It is obviously a two book story and I hope he's working on the second book. It's got unusual kids in it, monsters, time travel and it's about friendship and adventure. I guess I'll have to check out his website to see what's coming up. I do recommend this book.

Las Amigas Fall Art Show & Sale

Mid last week, a friend emailed me asking if I wanted to participate in her groups art show that was coming up. They were having their last meeting and she thought of me and that I might want to go in with them. Of course I said yes even though it was at the last minute. It was at a home, that was gorgeous. I love it when people take a nothing house and turn it into something special. The weather held out, I met some really nice ladies and have been invited to their next show. I also sold some things.