New Work

I have been taking a bit of a break from Mama Picture This, both the Etsy Shop and the blog. Winter finds me usually more into knitting and just dealing with the kids and school and this year doing some contract work in communications and marketing. 

However, as the spring flowers begin their blooming and the trees start to come back to life, we took a short family trip to the Oregon desert for our boy's birthday and I took along my camera. 

There are a couple of shots I'm considering framing for at home or for posting in the Etsy shop... as prints or maybe as card collections.  A few shots of Shaniko, a well-know (slightly inhabited - 25 residents) ghost town not far from Antelope, Oregon are the ones that have first struck my fancy. 

What do you think? Do you know anyone who might enjoy these types of pics? 

Sunday, February 6, 2011

"Knitting Love" Love

Sold this card to someone I don't even know... makes me happy! Hope it makes them happy too.

Feels like a Monday

Was gonna post but can't upload pics right now. Hmph. It is a Tuesday, but it feels like a Monday after a very nice long weekend. More about all the things (sports, sports, sports) that kept us busy this weekend when I'm not cutting my daughter out of some hot pink yarn she's tied herself up in and get my boy to eat more than 4 small pieces of pear isn't going to give him enough energy to get through until lunchtime.

More later.

If not for...

Norma... it seems I'd never post. Since she asked me about my daughter's birthday dress, here it is finally (2 days after said 5th birthday)!

Happy Birthday to my girl!!!!!!! I can't believe she'll start kindergarten next year.


I think the dress turned out well. I can't believe I actually managed to crochet all the edges! Lucky for me, it looks good and I didn't get addicted to a new hobby (yet anyway).

Other than that, just getting on with a few more birthday plans and trying to adjust to a world without my best friend's best friend (other than me)... we loved you (and still love you) Clio! You were a great dog. More on that later ... maybe.

In honor of Clio, I'll sign off this way:

Have a great day and keep warm!

Mama Sue

New Year, New You?

The last vestiges of Christmas are all but gone (these bunnies were given to my lovely young nieces. There is a third bunny with a K on her tummy but I'd already wrapped her before taking this photo).

With the Christmas holiday out of the way, I've had lots of time to think (dangerous for me I realize). I'd love to know what other people think about New Year's Resolutions. I never plan to make 'em, don't even think about 'em in any way until that quiet down time between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Of course with sickness running through our house and my immune system down yet again, I start thinking about the big issues in life (and unfortunately for me I think about the negatives when I'm sick... so I have to really work at turning that around).

With 2008 looming just hours away, my thoughts keep returning to 2007 ... what I achieved (or didn't), how I feel about my life and where it is headed, etc., etc.

I realize as I grapple with aging, that I also need to live a long life to be with my children and so ... if not for myself, then for them I need to turn some things around -- keep growing and improving if you will.

And so part of me wants to make a New Year's Resolution list (published or unpublished) that would go something like this:

• Finally get our lives in some semblance of order (new calendar, family notebook, etc.),

• Get in shape, exercising regularly,


• Finally get a working budget ... well... working,


• Hone our parenting skills and make our family even better than it is,


• Hone my own thinking skills and finally help my brain work better too!

Now just about anyone could see that that list is just setting me up for a letdown in the new year. Who could do all that? But on the other hand, if I don't make myself the best healthiest me that I can, am I not letting my children down? Lofty thoughts when zillions of folks will just get drunk tonight and lay around with a hangover tomorrow.

So... do you do the resolutions or do you not? To resolve or not to resolve, and how much, that my friends is the question. And by the way, resolutions or no, glad I know ya and Happy New Year 2008 to you and yours!

Mama Zuzi

Ho ho ho, recycled Christmas

O.K. up front I want to say I am not a scrooge. I love Christmas and pretty much always have. There was that one pre-teen year when I breathlessly and expectantly opened my much-desired Michael Jackson cassette tape (yes I said cassette), only to find Hank Williams or some other such country artist inside instead. That was pretty frustrating.

This holiday season I have been thinking how I find commercials which make re-gifting out to be the spawn of the devil, to be ... well let's just say misguided. I admit if you regift a dried out old fruit cake or some hideous unrecognizable bobble-head doll to someone who doesn't specifically have an affinity for those things, that isn't really the spirit of giving. Recycled gifts however, can be! A gift to the person you are giving to as well as to the earth and our shared community. Sometimes less really is more. Sometimes homemade is just better.

To that end, I am a blur of knitting needles and yarn whenever I'm not busy doing something that keeps me from it. I have also begun prepping my youngsters with a new campaign. It goes a little like this...

Santa (who just so happens to live at the North Pole) is getting into recycling! It is a natural I say. The man calls one of the coldest places in the earth home and why wouldn't he want to save it, buying less, recycling more and lowering his footprint? My kids think that's a little weird granted, but they got quiet when I said Santa cares about the polar bears, the penguins and the seals. And I'll just bet they enjoy whatever the jolly man brings, even if it has a small dent on one side or a light that won't light at the top!

And why should we feel bad if the fabulous gift we are giving cost slightly less due to a coupon or a sale? Do we? Do you? It is the gift and the giver's intent that matters most. You are welcome to tell me if you think I'm wrong. Mind you I will also admit that one of the best gifts I ever got was a very expensive digital camera with multiple bells and whistles. The zoom lense -- thankfully -- was pre-owned! :-) The main reason I love that camera is because of what I can do with it, not because of it's cost.

Will I buy a few things directly from a store or online new? Yup but pretty much as few as possible. But I'm doing lots of surfing on Craigslist too. How about you?

Homemade goodies

The knitting frenzy has begun. For some reason the cool crisp air and Christmas make me want to knit warm soft things for my loved ones ... as much as possible. I will succumb to a few other types of gifts as well.

I've completed (except for the sewing in of loose ends) my first holiday gift -- a pair of super quick to knit, warm soft kid mittens (not saying who gets 'em). The pattern is here.

I purchased one skein of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky (100g) hoping to get 2 pairs of kid small mittens but did my math wrong... I think I mixed up my yards and grams - oops. Anyway, so now I'm trying to see if I can manage to make a pair with a much smaller cuff and no thumb (my own creation - scary) for a younger wee one who doesn't really need that silly thumb bit yet anyway. Otherwise I'll have to go purchase a whole 'nother skein at $17.99 adding to my already overflowing extra yarn not used stash! Wish me luck on the experiment.

My kids hate this time of year (although they love all the rest) -- they hate my constant knitting and try to force lap time without that darn yarn. I also went and got 7 skeins of Cascade 220 for another long overdue gift which will take up much of my month. What are you gifting this season of cheer?

Tis the season

Tis the season... Even though Halloween has just ended, I'm in full knitting mode getting ready for the holidays. Mind you only 2 projects thus far and I can't say just what they are. I have been in brain hyperdrive thinking of things to knit, although I'm not sure why since it isn't as though I suddenly have more time on my hands. I was thinking about mittens for nephews and something fun and stuffed for baby nieces. The girl again says she wants a dress and the boy would no doubt like fingerless gloves (without the flap like on the ones I purchased).

Don't know what I'll manage to get finished (luckily if I don't finish the girlie dress - which I haven't completely committed to -- I could make it for her birthday just about a month after the Ho Ho Ho day).

Speaking of knitting, the boy asked me the other day why I like to knit and blog so much... to which I replied "well, it is sort of my Legos and reading." He seemed to understand.

What to do?

I don't know about other Mamas, but I'm assuming some are entirely organized. You know the type -- all the kid stuff taken care of the night before, TO DO list for the next day ready before they go to bed. Well... if you have been reading this blog for any length of time (or) if you know me at all personally, you'll know that isn't me (although in some ways I'd kinda like it to be).

So for some of you Mamas (and other folks sans child/ren), you will not have a clue what I'm about to say. For others, you'll be right here with me.

This morning, after sending off my school-age boy to one of his last days of 1st grade, I'm home with my daughter until around 1:00 or so. We are looking at about 4 hours of time together and here's my mental dilemna... I know there are things I could, would, should be doing such as

• cleaning the kitchen
• reorganizing and straightening up the office once again
• going to the dentist to pay my bill*
• going to the DMV to update my driver's license*
• watering my garden*
• exercising
• working on the family budget
• laundry

What I'm feeling like doing is:

1) blogging
2) knitting

3) trying to figure out how to get my photos on cool t-shirts in a solid and good-looking way that won't fall apart when washed and/or cost a ton,

and

4) go to a coffee shop with the girl where I could drink iced coffee, knit and think about #3.

Hmmm... the on-going dilemnas of mamahood. Oh that and trying to figure out when to talk to the kids about sex (Today I saw a website recommending at age 8, which buys me a little time although the 7-year old is wanting to know about why different folks have different body parts. Seemed a simple enough question until I attempted to answer it and got myself confused about same-sex relationships related to said body parts). Maybe I really do need a strong iced coffee (or 2) and a long chat with Dr. Ruth!

*** Update: I cross out all things I actually did mange to get done!

You've got to be kidding me!

From the Jurors Frequently Asked Questions for my County (I'm on jury duty today, so wish me well):

You may bring work or reading material, or a personal electronic device you can listen to with headphones. You may also bring lunch or a snack. A refrigerator, microwave oven and vending machines are available in the jury assembly room. Don’t bring anything to the courthouse that you couldn’t take on an airplane. Pocket knives, “Leatherman” type multi-use tools, scissors, knitting needles and other pointed or sharp items are not allowed in the building.

Aaaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhh! Now how am I going to occupy myself?

Mommy moments

Today I'm taking time for me. Instead of doing the dishes, I'm knitting. Instead of doing the laundry, I'm going to take the dog for a brisk walk. Instead of rushing to make a lunch to be eaten at my daughter's school, I'm going to take us out to lunch (and I'm blogging too).

Why you might ask? Because Mama's need to priorize (at least occasionally) time for themselves to do something rejuvenating.

And while I personally prefer the moniker of Mama to that of Mommy, I've found a fabulous resource called Mommy Moments that is not only easily accessible online but also FREE and just waiting to help you in getting your Mama groove back and moving forward in a positive way. Now I fully admit this course is not designed with Spirited Children in mind, but it is still a great resource which I wanted to pass on for those who might get something good out of it. An email comes to your inbox once every week for 8 weeks to help you be the best Mama you can be.

From the site:

Mommy Moments provide parenting lessons for mom that help:

• Eliminate your mommy-guilt,


• Raise your children to be grateful rather than spoiled,


• Get some much needed self-care,


• Naturally motivate your children to listen to you more,


• Gain respect from your family,


• Inspire your kids to do their chores without nagging,


• Establish fun and easy AM and PM routines,


• Boost your self-esteem and your child's self-esteem 10-fold!

If you give it a try, let me know how it goes for you. If it helps at all, consider passing on to another Mama who might need a little boost. And if you can today, take some time for yourself (whether you are a Mama or not)... do something just for you! If you could do one thing today to rejuvenate yourself (that is reasonable and affordable within your budget), what would you do? Please share (maybe it will help a Mama out there who is too worn out to even think up something to do for herself)!

Brand new

Ahhh the smell and feel of a brand new baby. And we got two! Can you tell. -- my twin nieces have arrived! Holding bitty babies feels a bit foreign these days. I'm more used to elbows in the face and accidental knees in the stomach than sweet sound sleeping little bundles of joy.

By the way, the amorphous looking pink blob above is actually a precious little mary jane bootie that I've been wanting to knit for awhile. First there were no girlies to knit for, then I couldn't make it work and got caught up in other things. Nothing like holding a new baby to give you inspiration (I knitted this one last night after the kids were in bed). It should look better once I stitch it together (oh and make the other one - actually make that three).

What else is new for Mama around here?

A wave of depression for some reason or another. Not sure why since I'm VERY excited about the new nieces. New babies bring thoughts of possibility and joy, dirty diapers and unfolding personalities. They are cute and they don't talk back (unlike a 4-year old). I think maybe just maybe this Mama is struggling a bit with the realities of our schedule and temperaments on our family life. I love my kids, they are great and I enjoy them so very much. But around here, we are definitely past the cute baby phase and we are not the Cleavers (nor would we want to be). We luckily aren't the Osbornes either, but there is room for improvement. Ahhh the rites of spring: house cleaning, new plants sprouting, new birds nesting, new babies arriving ... and a chance to improve.

When you were growing up (or) with your kidlets now, where does your family fall on the spectrum... Cleavers on one end, Osbornes on the other? And what would you most like to improve?

Welcome to the world baby girls!

In one ear

and out the other?

Probably every mama out there knows the sense of being ignored or just not heard by their little people on more than one occasion. My mother will be thrilled to know that I finally understand why she'd occasionally "talk to the wall" in frustration over our lack of engagement with her... My point here this morning is this:

When you realize by something your children say, that they do sometimes listen when you think they are not... well let's just say it's a good day.

In the other room just moments ago, I heard this from the boy (engaged in playing with his sister):

"We're playing free choice. That way we don't get into fights."

Then he proceeded to try to share with his sister even though she didn't take it well. Savor these moments Mamas -- I know I am mine.

Which reminds me of a wonderful woman who lived across the street when I was growing up in Missouri... She recently wrote to me with her theory of why Mamas love knitting and needlepoint and other such projects and I think her point is right on. Unlike most of mamahood (and dadahood too), most daily mainstays (getting the kids dressed and to school on time, dishes, laundry, homework help)... get done and even if they are done well, have to be done - again and again. She basically said that so much of parenting is intangible and it is nice to have a successful final product to show for a period of time spent (a knit sweater, a needlepoint picture). Of course our most important project is our children but if other hobbies along the way, help us feel good and parent better, more power to us. Knit on (but not at the expense of the children) and occasionally remind them as I do, that they are more important than the hobby!

It's time...

for the weekend (thank goodness) and

for buttons,

and more buttons,

but not for Bratz.

I know I'm not the only parent tired of having to look behind every nook and cranny to find the predators (otherwise known as commercial marketers trying to lure my children with things which are not good for them). If you agree that childhood should be a time of relative innocence and children should not be targets of commercialism at its very worst... join me and the Center for a Commercial Free Childhood in

Telling Scholastic: Stop Selling Bratz in Schools

The Bratz - a line of highly sexualized dolls for girls as young as four are - being marketed in schools by Scholastic, Inc. Scholastic promotes Bratz through its book fairs and book clubs, selling titles such as Lil' Bratz Dancin Divas; Lil' Bratz Catwalk Cuties; and Lil' Bratz Beauty Sleepover Bash to a captive audience of young students.

The Bratz - whose wardrobes include miniskirts, fishnet stockings, and bikinis - were recently singled out the by American Psychological Association for contributing to the sexualization of young girls. To tell Richard Robinson, President and CEO of Scholastic Inc., that commercially- driven, sexualized stereotypes have no place in schools, click here.

I Heart Knitting

O.K. I have to finally admit it... I apparently love knitting (no pun intended but, I'm hooked - oh wait that would actually be crochet). Either way... just days ago I was swearing I was gonna take a knitting break (my kids would be thrilled), but now I'm wandering around the house looking for a project, feeling odd without an excuse to sit down and knit and purl a few rows. I've also discovered that I don't hate the sewing seams part as I'd once believed. I actually enjoyed the process of sewing up the recent baby gifts and am making a resolution to sew up the multiple incomplete projects that litter the landscape of our home... a sweater for hubbie that is going to end up being mine (don't worry I'll eventually make him one that actually fits HIM), a purse, a vest. And trust me... it's about time. That sweater was my hubbie's Christmas gift the year before this one! Ee gad.

Sick as a dog

The baby shower is over, the mamas (and babies etc.) got lots of useful and fun goodies, a few more weeks before the babies arrive, I was feeling better but now I feel as sick as a dog (and what does that mean anyway?)... The twin hooded ponchos were complete and are pictured above. The "was in pieces" but still needs finishing touches kimono is below. I hope the mama and papa will love it when it is finished...

And now since I still don't feel better after a date with my hubbie (and some excellent spicey hot Thai soup and wine) and because my kids are still awake despite the best efforts of our wonderful babysitter, I'm gonna do my best to load up on Nyquil or some such thing and go to bed... wish me well. Good night and good luck.

Sleep is good

After about 18 hours of sleep, I'm feeling quite a bit better and just a little bit like Rumpelstiltskin. As you can imagine, I am now way behind on my knitting (still finishing a front panel and need to do 2 sleeves). I'm reminded of a handwritten sign I saw recently on the front door of a neighborhood cafe. It read "Sorry. Out with the Flu." I wish I had had my camera with me and could have gotten a picture of it. The next time I drove by, the place was open and the sign was gone (good for them)!

Anyway... That's how I have felt this week. "Sorry. Out for sickness." Got to go knit and get ready to get back to life (must pick up the prince from his after-school play date -- that's usually when the fun begins). More soon.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Blast off!

Yesterday as my children amused themselves (as children will) with dramatic play scenarios of knights and princesses, kitties and babies, kings and guards and rocketeers (see them ready to take off in their rockets above), I was knitting and knitting and knitting some more. I'm pretty much done with the twins gifts (just one small thing to sew up and yarn bits to knit in) but I've got a ways to go for Kayla's present. For those knitters out there, my goal for today is to complete the front (yesterday I managed the back piece). Tomorrow I hope to finish the sleeves and finalize the project (hubbie gets to do the wrapping and delivery if I'm still feeling sick).

Maybe it was the lift offs or the green yarn, but I also started to notice the tell tale signs that spring is coming, seeing the tiny green shoots starting to prepare for lift off in my garden. I must say that discovery helped to lift my spirits enough to get through the sick day (that and having Dad show up in the afternoon - always seems to work better when we are able to work as a team instead of on our own alone).

So today while I attempt to pretend to myself that I'm feeling just fine when well... let's face it I'm really not... I am looking forward to the days getting slightly warmer and the flowers blooming, and working in my garden (anyone know a good garden planning resource?). I'm also looking ahead to more hours of sunlight to lift my spirits and beginning to think about wanting to focus on fixing up my house on the inside before I get too focussed on the outside and the yard -- nothing too involved but definitely some painting that's just never happened and some refreshing of accessories, framing and hanging of photos and the like.

And speaking of blast offs, my son's reading has taken off like a rocket and as I proudly watched him reading yet another chapter book yesterday and looking for a bookmark when he had to put it down for some reason or another, I cut a postcard that was laying around, one with an ocean view on the front, in half and handed him one. He seemed pleased. His happy face made me want to make some fun bookmarks for him, creative for me and laminated for longevity. If any of my crafty friends want to teach me about these crafty challenge swap thingies, I'd like to put out a challenge to do some fun bookmarks. Any takers?

PS - Counting the other way, I'm now experiencing ocular migraine #2 (that's 2 in just 5 days for anyone who is counting besides me). I'm gonna call my chiropractor when its over but does anyone have a good vacation home in Maui I could use for a week or so :-) Ahhh wouldn't that be nice?).