Happy New Year's Eve - boy did we get some snow!

Good morning and welcome to the day before the night before 2008.

When I woke up this morning, what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a vision of snow and fields of white, candy fluff only beautiful because I'm not going to work! I had to take a few more pictures of this wonderland this morning. Yesterday there wasn't much snow left. It had rained Friday, most of the night in fact and the snow had dwindled. I got up this morning to a refill. LOL. I took the pictures about a half hour ago and it's still snowing. The flakes are fluffy and moderately sized and it would be a beautiful Christmas fantasy out there - if this was Christmas eve/day! Alas - a week late. Anyway, here are the pictures that I took of my winter wonderland, here outside Cambridge, NY. Enjoy! Have a wonderful and happy, healthy 2008!

Hi and Happy New Year's Eve of New Year's Eve!

Welcome to December 30th! What a year it's been. Can't wait to see what 2008 may bring. I hope that we find good health and great peace with in it's bounds. I have been working on a few things and am posting some pictures here. I made an elf from cloth along with a stocking to send him to Yvette Cole in. This one was made as a swap for her on Pin Doll Alley.

I also made an Ornament for Fran Parrington-Mehan as a secret santa swap on A Dolls Safe Haven. I really had a great time making this ornament and using the beautiful magenta taffeta lining fabric that I also used years ago on my daughter Becky's prom dress.

Just before Christmas I started working on a head sculpt. I was trying for a Santa but at this stage it looks more like an ogre. Who knows how it will end up. I kind of work as it comes and many change of directions may occur. I also made a face mold out of this one. Not sure how I will use them but I did make a couple of impressions. (LOL> Only time will tell...)



We spent Christmas at my daughter's house and had a wonderful time. Lots of food and fun and the kids all got more than enough for the year. Mike will be home from NYC for a couple of weeks in January and we look forward to that. He is still working in Prom at Webster Hall and having a great time.

I'm hoping that in the coming year I will be able to branch out with my work and enter a few things here and there.

These are a few pictures from our visit to Prom

The good one of Mike on the bar was taken by our son, Aaron's girlfriend, Annelise. Thanks!

I also want to add a picture of the window decorations in our sunroom and the view of the snow on the horse field from the windows. (Horse has been long dead and the fence taken down but it will forever be "the horse field". God Bless Gaucho.)

Happy December!

Wow - can't even believe how fast the time has gone. Almost Christmas and so far so good. This has been a rather laid back December (relatively) for us. We got our decorations up and have made some treats for the neighbors, shopping is mostly done and wrapped and the long distance things are mailed. My wishes for you are a safe, healthy and happy season - for me it's a Merry Christmas - for you which ever holiday you embrace should be the happiest one ever! May you have peace, hope, health and prosperity and great love in the coming year.

I have been working on some things also and will post some pictures of the completed (and not so completed) shortly. I did take a few pictures of the holiday decorations we put out and will post some of those too. Hopefully tomorrow as it will most likely be a snow day. We got pounded with snow, sleet and freezing rain for the last 24 hours and tomorrow is supposed to be windy. Since it's all heavy and wet it will take us a little while more to dig ourselves out. LOL. Home and hot chocolate all around.

So more tomorrow - have a peaceful evening. Whoops - looks like it's tomorrow already - so have a great day.

Finished two beaded art dolls and a pin doll

Hi, Just posting a couple of pictures of beaded art dolls I've finished. Both are from classes I attended at ArtFest for the soul. They were instructed by Annie Hesse. I had a great time with them. The pin doll is for a black and white swap on Pin Doll Alley. I named her Pearl and she is going to live with Carolyn in Ohio. Now to get busy and start, (yes start) all those Christmas gifts and December swaps I will be owing. LOL. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Lost a day

Happy Veteran's Day (celebrated) and Good morning! Back from NYC and Mike's show. Whew - know I'm getting older but Saturday was so hectic (and long - didn't get back home until 3:30 am) that I totally lost Sunday. Good thing that it's a long weekend for us. Today is a day to reflect on the liberties that we as Americans possess and thank the brave people who protect our freedom every day. Most of my family has served in the military in one form or another and we are very proud of our country and what it stands for both in protecting and serving.

NYC was beautiful. We walked around Times Square - Macy's windows are being unveiled next Sunday, November 18th - some stores are decorated (including Macy's inside) and the weather was gorgeous. Still too many people in one place for my comfort zone - but all were extremely nice and very helpful. NYC is not mean and crazy so if you get a chance to go and see what a big city really is - I highly recommend it - but bring a ready cash supply because there is a lot to see but most of it costs $$$. We used the subway and found more friendly, and thankfully helpful people there. Mike's show was good - loud and very interactive. We all had fun and it was a definite "experience". Really enjoyed our time out but now very glad to be home and quiet for a while. I'll post a few pictures of this when I get a chance too. Camera did not like the lighting or the "theatrical smoke" in Webster Hall so not many pictures of the show are salvagable.

Well I have things to do and should get myself moving. Until next time - hope you dance.

November - dare I say it - already!

Hi again and welcome to my what appears to be "montly" blog. LOL. Just can't keep up. Today we are going to NYC to see my son, Mike's show. He's in the "Awesome 80s PROM", as the character "Nick Fender". Can't wait. Here's the link if you want to check out the website. http://www.awesome80sprom.com/

We will take the train down and back, go to dinner with friends and family and then we'll go to Webster Hall. Won't get back until the wee hours but I love to visit the city and seeing Mike in a show will just be....wait for it....AWESOME...LOL.

I have my doll Garden Party done and ready to Photo if I ever get the time. Mersea is also almost ready, although I have come up with a few more "beading" ideas and want to change her "top/vest" piece. I did get my deposit mailed in to go to MMM in Tennesse in April. Will be anxious to see everyone again and see what kind of techniques will be learned. Here's the link to Annie Hesse's site where Magic, Mischief and Mayhem resides...maybe I'll see you there. http://anniedolls.com/

Well that's all for today - long way to go before I sleep...Stay safe and be happy.

Wow! October is almost over....

Good Day! Wow I can't believe that October is almost over and that Halloween is less than 5 days away. A lot has happened here in October. The sad event of Ted's dad passing began the month. The family got together though and lots of memories were shared. The following week my dad had chest pains and was taken to the emergency room - but thank goodness through tests it was determined he was okay. (Get that Cholesterol checked everyone and control it!) I did a craft show in Center Buskirk and met some very nice people. The next day I went to Proctor's Theater in Schenectady and Participated in the show - "Tony and Tina's wedding". This was an improve type of play/show that was very interesting. Still trying to figure out how much I liked it - or not...

Last week I attended the conference for artists - ART FEST 4 THE SOUL in Cromwell, Connecticut. It was organized by Ellen Purtill-Legare and Sallianne McClelland among many other helper souls. I took two classes on beaded art dolls from Annie Hesse. I had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I highly recommend these retreats to refresh your soul if at all possible. I'll post pictures of my dolls when I have them finished. (Promise.)

Today it's raining and gray. We are going to Saratoga to test drive (and perhaps buy) a Toyota, Prius. I've heard that these are great cars and since I commute an hour each way five days a week for work - I need all the gas savings I can find.

I will be trying to set up a website and start to be more active with my dolls and art. Life is short and we need to do the things that bring the most joy. Sappy but true.

Well, I had better end for today and get going on the day. Hope today finds you happy, healthy and doing what you enjoy most.

Purple Candy Witch 2007

http://flash.picturetrail.com/pflicks/2/zoom_and_fade.swf" quality="high" FlashVars="ql=2&src1=http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/462531/flicks/1/2055718&src2=http://widgetize.picturetrail.com/flicks/2055718" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#000000" width="250" height="195" name="zoom_and_fade" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" style="height:195px;width:250px" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">

http://www.picturetrail.com/misc/counter.fcgi?link=%2Fwebpages%2Fabout-photoflick2.shtml&cID=924"> align="left" src="http://pics.picturetrail.com/res/pflicks/pt.gif" border="0">http://www.picturetrail.com/misc/counter.fcgi?link=%2FphotoFlick%2Fsamples%2Fpflicks.shtml&cID=925"> align="left" style="margin-left:5px" src="http://pics.picturetrail.com/res/pflicks/pt2.gif" border="0">

Like I said - Lots to catch up continued....

I have been sculpting in polymer like a mad woman, working on this year's wicked witch. She is titled, "Candy my pretty?" She hangs out at dusk with her cat, Sly and tries to tempt little children and unsuspecting elders with her goodie bag. I don't think I'd follow this old crone home.... Candy is about 13 inches tall - just a perfect number for a Halloween witch - don't you think? Her base is supported by four winsome halloween pumpkin heads and the cape that she's wearing is removable and lined with a patchwork of halloween fabrics. The cape's button closure is a little "silver" witch riding on her broom. Candy's knarled old arthritic hands were a hoot to make. I can see now that I lean toward the old and crooked in sculpting. Seems my faces come out male or elderly. LOL - guess that's what my "vision" is...

Lots to catch up...

I can't believe that it's September already! Time really flies when you're having fun. LOL. I participated in an insect and lizard swop on Pin Doll Alley in August and sent Connie a Cicada bug pin and a bag. The cicada is not a pretty bug and I think I got a little carried away with similarity...LOL. Oh well, I had a great time making this pin - the black, beaded wings were a lot of fun to work on. You can't really tell but the little clear beads at the top of the wing intersection are swarofski - thought it might give an otherwise pretty dull bug a little bling. Some things I guess you can't dress up! She does have a face on the front but it was all about the bug!

Nice matters - Tagged by Connie

I have been tagged with a 'Nice Matters' award from my friend Connie McBride Johnson of http://clothmatters2.blogspot.com/ I am to nominate five people who qualify for being nice to other people. My nominees are:

Kat Lees http://designsbykat.blogspot.com/
Sherrie Nordgren http://sympletymes.blogspot.com/
Karen Mallory http://karensdollsandstuff.blogspot.com/
Heera Prabhu http://heerasdolls.blogspot.com/
Kerry Seymour http://atticrosecreations-kerry.blogspot.com/


Now if you would like to go forth and be nice - you can Copy the "Nice Matters" banner and place it on your blog and nominate five of your friends. (I was a little slow at this - had to catch up as usual!) Hope you all have a great day! (I would have nominated more people but just out of time - again - as usual!

Deer in the back yard

Yesterday while dong dishes I looked out the window and saw a beautiful young deer looking right back at me. I called Ted and he and Samantha (our 16 month old granddaughter) came out to see too. The deer was curious and didn't even run when Mike drove in. Mike joined us at the window and the deer just kept watching back. I got a few pictures of it. When it turned to walk back into the woods, Samantha just pointed and said, "Oh, oh, oh, oh!".

Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade in Cambridge was a lot of fun. I'm adding a picture of the Cambridge Fireman's band. My Sister-in-law and her daughter are carrying the banner and her husband is the band director. My husband is also marching in the band. What a beautiful day!

Two Pictures added of me, my daughter and Warwick Castle, England

It's about time I added some pictures of our trip to Alconbury, England to visit Alexandria, Scott, Chad and Zachary. We had such a great time and took so many pictures! I'll try and find time to figure out flickr and add some extra pictures.

Today is kind of gray but at least its stopped raining for now. The grass is growing as are the weeds but it's been to wet to do much about them. Will be moving furniture and refinishing the floor in the living room soon. (Hoping for today but trying not to get my hopes up...) I will be painting a little bit on the one bookcase wall and doing some trim work on the cubboards. I also bought some beautiful (at least I think beautiful) fabric for sheers and a valance. I'll do some befores and afters and post them (hopefully). Stay tuned...

Hello again

Well, three posts in one day....amazing and the dog is still waiting. I didn't re-tag people who were previously tagged - but I thought about it...

I was tagged by Kerry and now you're it....

Tag, you're it...

I have to post 7 Random facts/habits about myself and pick 7 people to tag...
1. First random fact - I don't have 7 blogs to tag....oh well...the thought is there.
2. My sense of humor is a little off - I really amuse myself mostly...
3. I love green - in all flavors
4. My dog is waiting for me to go in and sit on the couch so he can jump up next to me and go to sleep. : - )
5. I enjoy black velvet and gingerale and have also been known to like a cold Carona myself Kerry.
6. Creating is a life blood and I think I even dream about it.
7. Even though the dog is waiting - I'm really a cat person - but I'd deny that to the dog.

Here are the rules:
You have to list 7 Randon facts/habits about yourself and pick 7 people to tag. You leave a comment on their blog to tell them they have been tagged and to read about it on your blog.

Tempest Fugit!

Wow, my last post was April 1st! That was forever ago now. We went to England, saw a castle, tall clock, parliment and gardens as well as Buckingham palace and we're home. Seems like a dream. Back to work and home and all that comes with it. The weather is great now though. It was in the 80s today and wonderfully sunny. Couldn't have asked for better. Well, more later and hope to post some pictures.

April 1

Beautiful sunny day in upstate NY. We've had warm - 62 degree weather today. Haven't been working on dolls much. Trying to get ready for our trip to England. We leave Thursday evening. Bought a couple of new suitcases and making lists. Is this fun? Oh well - the trip will be great. Can't wait to see the family. Tomorrow is Zachary's 9th birthday - Happy Birthday to my Zack-man!

Happy day after the wearing of the green...

I was up early today. I hope that I can get my craft room straightened up. I'm working on a pindoll that needs to get done and I'm very happy with the way it's coming out. I'll post a picture after my partner receives it. I realize more and more that I have enough stuff in one room of my house to stock a craft and hobby store. Can't move in there and that is changing this weekend. I'm pretty happy with my progress and will hopefully be able to post a picture or two soon. Ted and I will be going to England to visit our daughter and her family in a couple of weeks and we can't wait. I've been to Germany a few times but never to any other countries. England will be interesting - but then seeing our family will be even better. Take care and have a great day.

The other doll that I've been working on lately is Flutterby. He is really not quite finished yet. I need to do more on his face and perch him on a butterfly house with some butterflies, hummingbirds and friends. He is holding butterfly seed in his hand which he pulled from his pouch. Whistling for butterflies appears to be working...

Latest dolls

I've been up since 2 am and feel a little punchy. It's seven now. I've taken a couple of pictures of dolls I've been working on. The first is Grandfather Cloud Walker. I started him in May of 2006 in a Jack Johnston workshop that was held in Albany, NY. I made the entire doll including the clothes. (People always ask...)

This is a work in progress. I'll be adding to it a little at a time. Please check back and see what's up.