Cuz ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

Cuz ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

Ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

AdRock, come and rock the sure shot

Seriously, who can resist a little Beastie Boys? Not I. One thing that I positively cannot stop doing these days is making clothes for Blythe dolls. I know most of you think I've really gone around the bend, but there is something so satisfying about finishing a project in two hours. And I don't know what it is about these damn dolls, but they are addictive. They really are. In fact, I ordered another one. Yes I did. So deal.

Here's Dulcinea modeling her new couture. Not bad, eh? I didn't use a pattern, but used the same formula in Monica Brown's C3 Crochet Crop Sweater that I made last year. It worked well, and I only had one false start before I got it right. That's really good for me.

Here's a close-up. The ribbon is glued on. No way in hell am I going to sew it own. These dresses are all made from the top down, and there is zero seaming. Yay for zero seaming.

This one is for my dad's Blythe doll, Bridget. Since he made me two spindles and a niddy noddy, the least I can do is clothe Bridget for him. Sheesh.

And last but not least, finished just this evening, is a dress for my soon-to-arrive doll, Hibou. She is a Prima Dolly Encore Ashlette, for those of you who are into that sort of thing. Hibou is the French word for owl. It is just a darn cute word, and since Blythes have big eyes, I figured it would suit her to a T.

I will get back to making practical things one day. WT is impatiently awaiting his sweater vest, and I'm really close to finishing the Sunday Market Shawl.

It got up to 70 degrees today, and boy does that make me happy. I raked and mowed the front lawn and tore out a bush and swept and Banana played in the dirt, which is really really good. I'm sick of princesses. I want my girl to play in the dirt and have fun doing it. It was good to be out in the fresh air, making my yard look nice.

WT has been doing contract work for more than a year. Yesterday he just heard that his position is going permanent as of April 16. It will be a little less money per month, but he gets paid time off, short and long term disability, life insurance, and myriad other benefits. In this day and age, I am so grateful that we are both gainfully employed, can pay our bills, have two cars that run, and a nice house to live in. I am grateful that we can afford to send our daughter to a good school. I am grateful for my husband who lets me buy Blythe dolls and go to fiber festivals. I am grateful for the hyacinths in my neighbor's yard, and the forsythias and daffodils in my yard. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for spring.

That for which I am most thankful

Photo of Banana by my father

Happy Thanksgiving!

Things for which I am grateful:

• My family
• My job
• My house
• My health
• My friends
• My crafts
• Good food
• Music
• My pets
• Nature

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

It's all good

My weekend did not start on a good note, nor did it continue on a particularly good note. Banana was sick most of the time. I hurt my finger. I didn't get to do some of the fun things I had planned on doing. I didn't really get to catch up on sleep. And so on. I always have high hopes for holiday weekends, and quite often they don't measure up.

However, there were some bright spots. WT and I had a lovely dinner al fresco in Manayunk last night. The margaritas were to die for, as well as the caprese salad and the pineapple sorbet. We walked about and just had some alone time. And I got some lovely presents from him and Banana too - Classic Knits by Erica Knight, Clinique Happy perfume, a gift certificate to H & M, and Sideways on DVD.

When we got home, Banana was ill and unfortunately we had a need for the Big Red Barf Bucket. Thankfully, she only needed it only once. I have my fingers crossed yet again for tonight.

This afternoon, my father, my father's friend, and my brother came over. We had a leisurely afternoon talking and watching my brother practicing juggling. The weather improved and became less oppressive. Around 5:30, we all headed over to Regina and John's house for a barbecue. Everyone was there: WT, Banana, Dad, Glennjamin, JoAnn, Regina, John, Todd, Anne Marie, Carla, Earl, Jack, Marilyn, Dennis, and of course, Woobie, Regina and John's 15-year old cat. It was family and friends and food and unexpected lovely gifts and dessert and laughter and a nice breeze and sunshine. And when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, there's no other place I'd rather be.

Banana is asleep, and the windows are open, and it is quiet, and there is a lovely cool breeze, and all's right with the world. I am grateful for my family and friends on this day, the day after my 34th birthday. My finger will heal, and so will Banana. And whenever I think of this birthday weekend, I'll remember the good things.