Cake Toppers & Christmas Ornaments...

...are taking over my life! Friends getting hitched, Christmas coming up - I'm sewing and sculpting like mad! I just wish I had more time to do it.

Cake Toppers

May I introduce you to the groom? Mr. Badger.

Little Miss Penguin, the bride.

The lucky couple.

 

Christmas Ornaments

 

Happy Holidays!

Chickens Included

I think Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to highlight the two newest members of our family, don't you? You've already "met" one of them, but she wasn't nearly as adorable/fluffy a post or so ago. She also didn't have a name at the time, so she and her feathery sibling get another post all to themselves.

Ponyo (with those funny little chicken feet ^_^)

 

And Sosuke (with that funny little haircut)

 I'm convinced that Silkie babies are the cutest baby birds on the planet. They have wee fuzzy legs, people. Feathers. On. Their. Feet. If shiny little black eyes, teensy wittle wings, peeps and fuzzy bums and legs aren't the definition of adorable, then I just don't know what is, and someone needs to get to redefining.

Anyways...Happy Mother's Day to all manner of Mom's, chickens included.

Loathed Expectations

Would you believe I've never made a New Year's resolution? Ever?

I've had goals before, but none of this proclaiming them on New Year's Eve type stuff. It's just not my style. I'm not really sure why, exactly.

Oh, wait. Sure I do. I loathe expectations.

That's right. LOATHE. So much more effective than just disliking, don't you think? I believe that comes from an unwillingness to live with disappointment. And by that, I mean disappointing others. Can't. Handle. It.

It's really awful, too. I really can't stand to know someone is disappointed in me, so I never want to agree to do something for someone, because then I know they're going to expect it. What if I fail?!

This is usually art related, so I take the "what if my arms fall off, like that lady in that story that slept all funky, smooshing her fingers all night, and the lack of blood made them turn black and fall off?!" route. It's not good.

Well, maybe I embellished a little bit, but you get the gist of what goes through my head. Some unforeseen event will stop me from fulfilling my end of the bargain, and disappointment will inevitably be my fate.

And it gets worse! On top of all that mental instability are the tiny people pleaser and the tiny rebel that live inside of me. The tiny people pleaser yearns to keep everyone placated by shouting, "Sure!" to absolutely everything, while the disgruntled rebel refuses to be bridled by expectations and sounds a little something like this: "You want me to do what? Ohhhh, okaaaaay! Hang on just a sec while I go do THE EXACT OPPOSITE!" It's really worse than not good.

Now that you're all quite certain that I'm battling with schizophrenia, I would like to announce that the husband person and I have decided to make New Year's Resolutions this year! O.0

I've been blabbing all about this children's book I want to write & illustrate, right? Well, 2010 is as good a year as any, wouldn't you say? I would. So, that's my New Year's resolution. It's something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl, and I'm going to do it. I want to help shape kid's imaginations, make them feel important/ like they belong, and this is how I'm going to do it.

Todd, whom I now enjoy referring to as Mr. T, would simply like to beat me arm wrestling (he's really never beat me), and lift the Christmas tree with one hand (read: without collapsing with a hernia). He actually said he wants to get in shape, and be healthier, but I like the funny version better. Don't you? I'm so mean.

So...what are your pesky resolutions?

Communication Is A Many Splendored Thing

My reader is bustin' at the seams, and I'm going through blog withdrawals! I'm not to the twitchy phase...yet. If I don't get caught up soon, it's not going to be pretty.

My husband finds my obligation to read and comment on blogs amusing. He also adores mocking me for having "internet friends". It's like you're all make believe people, and I have an imaginary friend disorder. T_T

Didn't the man have a pen pal growing up? What the heck?! Communication is a many splendored thing. So what if I've not met you in person?! You still matter. Sheesh!

Anyhow, I haven't forgotten about you guys. I squeeze in a few posts here or there, but with friends visiting for the holidays I just haven't the time. Catching up on reading is in my very near future.

Speaking of holidays, how about a few pics of recent get togethers/shenanigans, and maybe a critter or two?

My Handsome Kitty (Kimchi)

Chica Boo (my onliest niece)
Me (w/attempted straight hair), Husband Person & Twin Nephews

They try very hard to be completely different, but if they don't it's hard to tell them apart.

Pseudo Little Sister (Kayla) & I
Love. This. Kid.
The lighting makes us look like we have a self tanning problem.

Soul Mate & I
Can't tell that's her little sister up above, can you?
So...how was your Christmas? Filled with friends and family, I hope.

Holiday Hoopla

Well, it's officially a week until Christmas. I have yet to make my Christmas cards, finish the handmade gifts I started over a month ago, wrapped presents, or even finished shopping. Tis the season, right?

It just feels like I've been moving in slow motion. I guess that's partially because I've been having back trouble again. The whole degenerative disc thing has been behaving itself lately, so that's nice. My lower back, on the other hand, has been making it quite difficult to get around. I went and got my bones cracked yesterday, and am incredibly sore today. My little Canadian chiropractor is a miracle worker, so I have high hopes of being back to my old self again in a couple days. Until then, I'm stiff and overly cautious.

I have managed to hobble around my kitchen to make a powdery mountain of homemade hot cocoa, though. I have one or two more batches to make tonight, and all my mason jars will be full and ready to gift. Some folks are going to have a very warm and toasty Christmas and New Year, thanks to that yummy concoction. Hooray for simple recipes!

Now, I just have to finish everything else! What have you got left to do? Misery loves company, bloggers. Don't be telling me how you've been finished since November. I might have a massive coronary.

P.S. I've come to realize that I can't listen to music and type. Well, I can. I just type to the tempo of the music, and it's really funny. I'm currently typing to The Decemberists' The Tain. I. Can't. Help. Myself.

Confectionary Cuties

Someone once said, "Pics or it didn't happen." A wise, but distrusting, soul, I think. :P (Man, I use a lot of commas! I mean, is that even right?) So, I posted here about making cupcakes, and a gingerbread man, during this Thanksgiving holiday. The cupcakes happened, but Mr. G. Buttons is still in the making. I'll post a pic of him later.

The Proof

That's just one batch of the three I made. Maybe someday I'll branch out, and try something besides wee flowers, but they're just so cute! :P And yummy. Thankfully, by the time I'm finished making different consistencies/colors of icing (this involves licking fingers) I might manage to eat one confectionary cutie.

What did you make for Thanksgiving?

No Birdies Were Harmed During The Enjoyment of This Holiday

Thanksgiving lunch, at my sister-in-law's, and Thanksgiving dinner, at my mom's, were both incredibly cozy. I may or may not have been less than attentive company, as I was on the verge of passing out the entire time.

May I add that my narcoleptic state had nothing whatsoever to do with tryptophan? I'm a vegematarian. ^_^ Personally, I think my ovaries are to blame. Being overly emotional/hormonally imbalanced, along with being well fed, really wears a chick out!

Consuming copious amounts of both mac and cheese and garlic mashed potatoes, followed by cuddling on sis-in-law's couch with your teensy canine niece (Chica Boo), is also a sure fire way to find yourself nodding off after lunch.

Consuming copious amounts of both baby portabella stuffing and yummy garlic green beans, followed by curling up in a ginormous chair and a half, with a big warm blanket, is another sure fire way to find yourself sleeping with your mouth open after dinner.

When I was little, my mom taught me to say grace like this:

Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything. Amen.

That simple little prayer never seems more appropriate than at Thanksgiving. I'm so blessed to have family to spend time with, food to eat, and a safe, cozy place to take a nap.

God bless and keep you all. Mwah!

I Think Beyonce Should Have Gotten This Award

The always lovely, Ari gave me a happy little award today, which is just sweet as pie. It's also helpful, as I am too sleepy to think of anything earth shattering to blog about, or even an interesting interpretation of my day.Alright, here's the deal.
- List ten of your happy things.
- Make at least one of them happen today.

- Tag 10 bloggers that brighten you day.
- Link back to the person that tagged you.

Happies I've Indulged In Today

1. Hugging my oh so cuddly kitty, Kimchi

2. Decorating baked goods

3. Unashamedly rocking out to good music

4. Getting my Paste magazine in the mail

5. Cranking up the heat in my Jeep, so I can ride with the windows down in cold weather

6. Making plans that keep everyone happy

7. Sipping raspberry lemonade

8. Hanging out with friends that qualify as family

9. Being blessed with so much, when I've done nothing to deserve it

10. Cozying up next to my husband and kitty in our nice, warm bed

10 Day Brightening Bloggers

Ari

Jodi

Ari

Ben

Kendall

Matt (doesn't do awards, but he still makes me smile)

Jaime

Lilu

Shannon

Jay

Happy Almost Thanksgiving, folks!

Not My Gumdrop Buttons!

I know a sexy librarian. We went to high school together, and are now pretty much inseparable. Anyhow, the public library my sexy librarian friend works for performs puppet shows for munchkins. This Christmas they need a ginger bread man puppet, and I'm the lucky gal that gets to make it!

Okay, so I'm abnormally excited about getting to do this. They want to pay me, but I'm not about to let them. I just think it's awesome to be able to help out a nonprofit that serves youth and families. I mean, that's exactly the type of agency I work for.

I'm off work tomorrow, and will be spending my morning/afternoon visiting friends and making a ginger bread man (complete with gumdrop buttons) and cupcakes. Tomorrow evening will be spent visiting that attractive bibliophile, and decorating cupcakes. It's going to be a good day, bloggers.

Warm Fuzzies

I'm sitting on my futon with a warm, fuzzy kitty on my left, and my warm, fuzzy husband on my right. We're being serenaded by a lovely British man wearing mismatched socks. His lovely wife, who just so happens to be my best friend and soul mate, pointed that out.

They're visiting from Michigan for Thanksgiving, and they're staying the night with us tonight. Yay!

Everything is warm and cozy, and smells like my hazelnut cream candle. It's sabbath, and I'm going to sleep SO WELL tonight.

Thanks to New Moon, I only got about 3 hours of sleep last night. I was afraid it wouldn't be (worth it), because I didn't really like the first movie so much. It was a lot corny. Thankfully, I was worried for nothing. This movie was waaaaaaay better. New director = can't wait for the next two movies.

Sweet dreams, jelly beans!

Cupcakes = Happiness

(found these gorgeous cupcakes on brooklyncake.com)

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out what to make for Thanksgiving. Cupcakes? Brownies? Cookies? Cake? Something fun, awesome and yummy.

Well, I've decided on cupcakes. They meet my above mentioned requirements, and give me the freedom of doing a number of designs. Plus, they're cupcakes, and cupcakes = happiness. Right?

Since I've got that cake decorating class under my belt now, I figure I can use the basics I've learned to make something similar to the beautimus cupcakes pictured above. I want to go with an autumn theme, but not turkeys or pumpkins. Not that there's anything wrong with turkeys or pumpkins. They just don't make me want to eat cupcakes.

Rich fall colored icings. Some piped leaves. Maybe a mum or two.

That sounds edible to me.

PseudoFamily

Top Row/Left to Right: Todd, Jodi's little sister, Jodi's husband person
Bottom Row/Left to Right: Me, Jodi, Her Mom

I have a love hate relationship with this picture. It's nice, but then kind of 80's sitcomish. Not exactly sure why I'm up in the air about it, but it's full of people I love, so I'm dealing.

This is part of that adopted family I'm always referring to. I've been pseudo sister/daughter in this family for 15 years now, and the fact that I've known anyone that long still blows my mind. That's what moving around as a child will do for ya. You get used to not knowing anyone longer than a couple years at a time.

So, anyway. This was our Saturday. We decided, since it was about 70 degrees in December, we'd go on an outing after church.

Again, yes I go to church on Saturday, and no I'm not Jewish. Not that I have a problem with Jewish folk. I just happen to keep sabbath and believe in Jesus, which makes me not Jewish.

Is it terribly obvious that I get asked about tabernacle ALL THE TIME? No tabernacle. Not Jewish people. Sorry.

Anyhow, we had great fun. Ended up playing Wii sports into the wee hours of the morning, watching episodes of Fresh Prince that we'd all seen a billion times, and eventually passing out.

Oh, and I Sharpied little sister's Chucks.

They now rock.

Not so eventful, but wonderful.

Tonight Ari, Jodi and her husband, and Todd and I are meeting with another old chum. He and Ari and I went to college together.

Can't wait.

Eight O'clock And All Is Well

It's only eight o'clock here, but I'm pretty sure I'm too beat to be posting. Beat but relaxed.

I am basking in the glow of our Christmas tree, listening to the wurr of the ceiling fan, and the yipping coyote pups in the distance (I think I've mentioned that I live in the boonies). Todd's asleep on the futon, and Kimchi's asleep in Todd's recliner. Our birdies are sweetly peeping now and again, and the clock is ticking me to sleep.

Christmas is over. It's 70 freaking degrees outside, and NOW it really feels like winter to me. Don't ask me why. Maybe it's because I can relax now? I don't know.

Whatever the reason, it feels like all the world is napping. Except maybe those coyotes. I LOVE IT!

Tomorrow will consist of church, good food, going for a walk at the lake, and an evening with dear friends-an adopted family of sorts.

Fun will be had by all.

I Stress Over These Things

For your viewing pleasure...two very fun hand painted fleece scarves!

Side note: Fleece is evil, and rotary tools are the devil.

Christmas is creeping closer, and my crafting is almost complete! I can't wait until that bright and shining moment when everything is finished. I will mark the last name off my list and weep. Weep for joy, you hear?!

In an attempt to spare you from yet another "I'm overloaded and it's my own fault" post, I will be taking advantage of the fact that I've been tagged!

Ari tagged me to list seven random/quirky things about myself. So, with no further adieu.

1) My name is written on page 77 of every book I own-except my bible.
2) I have a tattoo of one of my drawings-a snail.
3) I used to play with the feathers in Stevie Ray Vaughan's hat when I was a baby. He and Lonnie Mack were friends of my Grandpa Jerry's.
4) Helena Bonham Carter is my girl crush.
5) Bunnies and otters make me cry.
6) I'm a non-alcoholic lush.
7) I had my nose broken with a baseball bat when I was little, and now I can pop it.

Alright folks. You're it: Ashley, Matt, Becca, Lauren or guest blogger(which I'm now counting as two), Andy, and The Dutchess!

* Link to your original tagger(s).
* Share seven facts about yourself in the post-some random, some weird.
* Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
* Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs/twitter.
* List these rules.

And You Give Yourself Away

I don't know if it's the whole Christmas season thing, or if I'm just hormonal, but I've been crying about everything lately.

Everything.

Thursday it was an Egyptian hairless kitty. I went to visit my friend Stephen-to hang out and paint before he left for Chicago. I followed him to his friend's house and there she was. All tiny and furless. I teared up.

Friday it was bunny socks. I had to refrain from blinking in order not to cry.

Saturday it was my Mom's little crippled doggy. Ewok is 14 and a long one. He's losing control of his back legs. I cried in the bathroom.

Yesterday it was a series of text messages with Jodi. I randomly sent her the lyrics to that "With or Without You" song. It's an inside joke with us. Anyhow, when she responded with the next line, I started balling. Like someone called me fat and ugly and stole my puppy. Seriously.

So, as of late, I'm a weenie. It doesn't take much, and I'm in the all out throws of an emotional breakdown. A tiny, short-lived emotional breakdown, but a breakdown none-the-less.

I'm pretty sure I'm not hormonal. I don't usually have that problem.

So, is it the holidays or what?!

Unusual As Usual

Before I get started yammering, here's my newest creation. She's a variation of my owlie. I love her!

From now until Christmas I'm going to be sewing and knitting my fingers off. At some point this whole making people stuff for Christmas thing started getting out of hand, but it's worth it!

Okay. So, I like to celebrate unusual things. Random holidays for example. One of my favorites is this New Zealand holiday. Not that New Zealand holidays are unusual. They just qualify as unusual to me, seeing as I'm not a New Zealander.

In January I look forward to Dress Up Your Pet Day. It's January fourteenth and none of you should pass up this opportunity to pamper/humiliate the critters you love. The day after Christmas I'm going to start knitting this kitty hoodie. I know Kimchi will never forgive me, but I can't help myself. He'll just be so darn cute and cozy.

Today I want to celebrate my 105th post. Why I didn't feel as if I should celebrate the 100th, I'm not so sure.

Anyhow, I've been blathering for quite some time now and I just love it. Letting some of the nonsense in this head of mine out to play is a good thing. I thank anyone who has the attention span to muddle through it, and I love to read your comments. By "your" I mean my faithful few. You now who you are. THE ONLY ONES READING THIS.

I try not to compare Matt, Ben and Chris' gazillion comments to my two-maybe three? I'm going for quality not quantity here, people.

Oh, who am I kidding? I covet commentage! There! I've said it and I'm glad! Glad!

I will press forward undaunted.

*Sniff*

As if I too am a successful male blogger with an entourage of female followers.

*Sniff*

I will triumph!

Chunks of love to my loyal subjects. All three or four of you. One loves you. Kiss. Kiss.

Wishful Thinking

Let's take a moment to recognize just how much I wanted it to snow a foot last night. A lot. A whole freaking lot.

I realize I live in the south now, but I'll never stop hoping. Growing up in Kentucky/Indiana winter meant snow. Snowmen. Sledding down Sycamore Hill. Snowball fights. Glorious, wonderful, magical snow.

Here in Alabama, if it flurries they call school off. Seriously. They had one rough winter. Snowed folks in and all. I think it was in 93. Anyhow, it happened right before we moved here. So, everyone is always talking about the snow they got "that year," and buying all the bread and milk if the weather dude mentions a 1% chance of accumulation. I'm not joking.

If it had snowed I wouldn't be going to work, or out of bed.. That's how awesome it would've been. Alas, all it did was freeze. There will be some patches to avoid on my way in this morning, but that's it. Sigh.

Now I'm hoping for 2 feet on Sunday evening/Monday morning. My doggies are snug as bugs in a rug with their hay filled doggy house. Under the trees, up on stilts. So, as long as I know they'll be cozy, I'm ready for a blizzard.

Survivor

Hello wonderful people! Since you're all dying to know...Thanksgiving was a blast. I wish I had more photos than I do, but my crappy razor camera doesn't quite cut it. Ha!! Razor. Cut it. Okay. Okay. Sorry.

As I was saying. Todd and I survived Thanksgiving. Festivities at Jodi's(You remember Jodi. The soul mate?) house included:

-Making veggie rolls, as seen (pre-rolled) above.
-Making obscene amounts of deviled eggs. I can't even look at my chickens as of late.
-Baking my first lasagna, which was devoured.^_^
-A rousing game of Rock Band, at which I owned the drums. On medium! I'm so proud of myself!
-Playing football until I hurt my shoulder.
-Watching some weird Kung Fu movie that I actually liked. Who knew?!

So, that's it in a nutshell. It was lots of fun, and really felt like family.

It's been a long while since Jodi and I have laughed like we did this Thanksgiving. It was so great. We've always been so very different. I'm amazed at how much we need each other.

Being so far apart for so long, I worry that we'll drift apart, but it hasn't happened yet, and I pray it never does.

Early Thanksgiving

Today is early Thanksgiving at the in-law's! If I sound excited it's because I am. Going there this weekend will make next week less hectic. Plus, I'm making yummy cookies and my twin nephews will be there.

It's always surprising to me how sweet two thirteen year old boys can manage to be. When they aren't trying to kill each other, that is. Levi and Logan are the best and we just adore each other. They're like day and night, too(See below). It's like psychology class just hanging out with them. I love it!

Todd and I are quite the hot commodity during this season. At least, that's the way I prefer to see it. Otherwise I'd get overwhelmed and lose my mind. I'd probably lose my mind anyhow, if it weren't for kids. Thank goodness they're practically everywhere. We have to be at five or six different places for every special occasion.

Most holidays we visit: my mom and step dad, his mom and step dad, his dad and step mom, our best friend's parents and her grandmother(a.k.a. Maw-Maw). It can definitely get hectic, but we are grateful. I can't imagine the holidays without them.

So, yay for cookies! Yay for nephews, and yay for early Thanksgiving celebrations! Yay! ^__^

Creative Compulsive Disorder

...as well as a new addiction. This is my first hand-sewn ornament. He's a bit rustic, but I think I like him. I am now obsessed. Everyone and their mother will now be receiving something adorable and wee to dangle from their tree.

I'm also in the process of trying to get my Etsy shop up and running. Between Christmas crafts, Etsy, Swap-bot and making owlies for my friend's boutique...my hands are never still. Ever.

Oh dear. I hope I'm not mistaken for one of those bloggers.

Look what I made?!
Aren't I awesome?!
Love me!
Adore me!
Want to BE me!

No. No. No. I'm simply an artist with a compulsion to create. As a matter of fact, I think I've come up with a new diagnoses. Creative Compulsive Disorder. I make stuff so much that if I didn't blog about it sometimes, I wouldn't have anything to blog about at all. And we all know we just can't have that.