Worried about miss Jazzi

I have been feeling pretty stressed here lately. Our cat Jasmine is not feeling well. Months ago we had taken her to the vet for a concern I had. She was loosing hair around her feet and her once lustrous coat was turning a white to a stormy gray. Our good vet assured me it was probably just shedding and I had nothing to worry about. Although part of me, a big part wondered what the "real" cause was. At this same visit we had our other cat being examined for a skin condition that I thought to be related. weeks later after a shot, antibiotics, and creams the skin infection on Spooky was not getting much better. I asked the vet office again and they said to wait a little longer despite it looking a little worse than before. finally several weeks later she cleared up. Now Jasmine continued having the hair loss. Not a bunch, but a little thinned out around her toes. But now it has grown much worse than that. In just a matter less than a week she has lost all hair around her two feet. She has developed crust's all on the edges of her ears and has two spots on her body that look like infected scrapes. During the first visit months before I feared the worst. Ringworm was seemingly a strong indicator. And with all the evidence I surfaced I had already written the full story. But wonderfully I was assured it was certainly not ringworm. But now looking at our poor Jasmine cat I have doubts and wonder if that was what once was bothering Spooky has jumped on over to Jas.
To all of this I have an entire week until the vet can see her. A time that seems unbearable to the poor girl. I wish I could remedy. But I am also feeling like the worst cat mom around. What to do when I have been so busy the last week with my Christmas and new years that I didn't spend much time loving on the kitties and making sure they were well? For that I feel horrible. Like I neglected my baby. So now as I am waiting, I feel the urge to 'find' the cure. While feeling totally responsible for her condition and without answers. Is it an allergy? A fungus? An Infection? Poor diet? These are the questions that roll in my head. today just before making dinner after I had put away the groceries. I sprayed a product called fung-a-way on the spot on her neck and ears. It's been made for horses, dogs, and cats. Simply, a simple effort, to aid her during the wait. Having never used it before I am curious if it could even' cure her'. But if it at least slows what ever ails her I would be happy. She seems to be so miserable and not herself.
So as I wait I will follow up with how she progresses in the hope and prayer of her getting better. And her siblings staying healthy as well. If you have any ideas or thoughts of what this could be. Be sure to let me know. Until the Tuesday the 11th appoinment I will be trying the fung-a-way. And hopefully the vet office will get some cancellations so they can get her in sooner.

I am just loving my new camera. I have been trying to think of things I can take photo's of for my blog, and also of course learning better how to use the camera. My Orchid opened it's second bud. Might as well plan on me updating you on every new bud, stem, and flower there is. At least until the newness wears off. Although it might never wear off. Just a warning, *grin*. I am feeling a little bit better than I did yesterday. Circumstances didn't necessarily change. But my attitude is, or at least trying. I am so moody!

To those of you who I have not already told here is my new plant! It's a lipstick plant and her name is 'Mona Lisa' at least the name that is on her tag. I was pretty excited to find her in our Lowe's store greenhouse on a rack of clearanced plants. Now, usually clearance plants are either sick, ugly, mis-shaped or something else. I found this one happy, well formed, pretty and blooming.(almost, the buds are there!) So try to figure that one out. And for something near the $4.oo range who could argue. Upon first glance I didn't even know it was a lipstick plant. I have been secretly wanting one of these ever since I saw my sister in laws in her studio. Full of blooms, and even when it's not it's simply gorgeous.

After seeing this one they actually had another lipstick called I think variegated, I went home without it. And then went back the next day and brought it home. Seriously, I did. And I am so glad I did. I hung both in our dining room windows and it livens of the whole room. It's beautiful. We can still see the birds out of a couple 'holes' remaining. So it's all good. And I like the feeling of being in a greenhouse. Especially when it is so cold outside.

So as you can see, snow has a beauty of it's own. And in our home I am trying to capture summer in a very small way. My need for green in winter is much needed. And I feel other's probably need it to. Even non gardeners! Makes you feel warmer and cozier!! Or at least for a gardener, farmer girl like myself! ha ha.

I am tired today. And for reasons without mentioning feeling quite stressed. I hate feeling this way when it's such a beautiful day. And when there is much to look forward to. So on another note since It does no good dwelling or complaining! My Orchid above is blooming. It actually has several suckers that are developing into flower buds. My other two orchids are  getting ready to bloom as well. It is nice that they have survived thus far. I am hoping that my killing houseplants days are over. I can dream right? Christmas this year was really good. Stefan and I enjoyed Dutch babies for breakfast. We started on our gifts and my wonderful, awesome husband gave me a gift I have been wanting to have for a long time. A pocket camera. I already had a Canon XTI but I was ready for something a lot simpler and easy to carry. The photo's today is from my Canon powershot. Nice right?! I am so excited about having the opportunity to capture a lot more for picture album's and for blogging. Blogging will seem a lot easier now. You'd be surprised how much I dreaded getting my camera out of a big clunky case and messing with all the settings. Now it will be more of point and click. Nice when I am busy and don't want to think.

We finished a puzzle we had been working on. A 300 piece, this one only took an hour or so. But we also worked on another two days ago that was 500 pieces. Some people are not puzzle people. And to be quite honest I am not much of one. But my husband is, and he enjoys having a partner in crime. So I guess I am becoming a "puzzle person" and finding it quite relaxing.

Niece Kamryn Rose is getting bigger day by day. She noticeably has been responding more and more to sounds, lights, and the world around her. I also notice just how much more active she is. Kicking and humming to herself as she lays on her back. Mom gives her her tummy time and she turns her head from side to side to keep an eye on mommy. Motherhood is so precious. And makes me cherish more and more the sanctity of life.

One final thought, I will leave you with this verse.

                                                 Psalm 139

 For you created my inmost being; 

   you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

   your works are wonderful, 

   I know that full well. 

 My frame was not hidden from you 

   when I was made in the secret place, 

   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

 Your eyes saw my unformed body; 

   all the days ordained for me were written in your book 

   before one of them came to be. 

Spinach and Bacon souffle, Sorta

Well with all the great breakfast's out there they're is one I would love to know how to add to my collection. Panera's Spinach bacon souffle. It's been a grueling morning. No, not really! But I think I am getting close. I started with the idea from Anne's Dutch baby recipe a while back. I thought the egg mixture was very similar to the one at Panera's. So with that I threw in some bacon ( bit's, but they were the real kind) And then some spinach, torn swiss, and mixed it all up.

Well there was also the greasing of the souffle dish, the thawing of the pastry and the brushing of egg atop the pastry before filling it up.
So what I have I learned? I learned that Anne's recipe calls for butter in the pan before pouring the mixture in. And I did so before putting the pastry dough in. Only one tbs instead of two. And I also learned the the butter inside the pastry needed not be there. I added it thinking it may need it. It didn't and it ended up oozing outside the side of the dish. I also learned I did not need so much spinach. So less is better next time. And Although the swiss was good. It wasn't perfectly Panera just yet. I ended up looking on their website and found that although ham and swiss is used in one of the souffle's it wasn't used in the spinach and bacon. So Do you want to know what I found out? Click the link  and and then go to the calculator. There you can click INGREDIENTS and it will list everything.

So I still need cheddar cheese (instead of swiss) And I need Applewood smoked bacon. And asiago cheese to sprinkle on top. And of course there could be more but really, the one I had was already really close! So I hope this as at least intrigued you a little bit to go and investigate your favorite out to eat food. And when I figure this out, and i will!! ( trying to stay motivated). I am going to move on to bigger better thing's, hello crepes!

If you find any great Recipes be sure to let me know!

Oh one more thing! Here is my new niece.  And she is a doll!

                                                                        Kamryn Rose

You Would Think

You would think that we would have managed to decorate our tree considering it was brought home on Sunday. But I guess we have been a bit too busy.  I may need to just drag everything down from the attic and say 'here are the ornaments lets do it now'. Not like I can't do it by myself, but we always tend to decorate it together. I guess we will see what tonight musters. On another note I have picked up some more fabric for some wallets I would like to make.

I believe The light blue and yellow will be one,

 and then the darker blue and yellow and red polka dots another.

 I haven't made up my mind yet which pattern I would like to follow. That's the hard Part. And I have been saving that decision till last.

I found an old friend yesterday. One who I knew from a church where I grew up. She also has her own Etsy shop and it was exciting to see someone else I know with a passion for creating things. I sent her a message, with no real hopes except to let her know how happy I was to see she was pursuing art as I am. I hope to see more and more people I know come into the creative circle of Etsy shops. I think we all need a little creativity. And what better way is there then to have your own little shop on the web if you can't yet have a 'real physical one.

Our sweepers broken, at least that I can't vacuum. So there is pine needles strung all over the floor were we first strangled the tree when we were setting it up. And there is also dirt all over are carpet floor in the kitchen when I was trying to clean up the inside of my plants pots from leaves and other matter. The sweeper broke several days ago when I noticed it sounded very clunky when the brush spins. I looked at it as it was spinning, spun fine except it was spinning rather haphazardly! So today I am hoping the part I ordered has come into the little store downtown ( it's a modest sweeper repair, and sewing shop). I wish they had a lot more sewing things. But all they really have is new machines for sale, and maybe a dozen colors of thread and that's it. No fabric, no patterns, sigh...

Well, there is a load a laundry waiting for me. As well as a sink full of dishes so I think that's it for today
Thanks for listening :)

Fragile Starts, New Beginnings

Ah mornings,
Do you know those mornings? It's those were you wake up and the weather is fine. Beautiful and bright, cold...but beautiful. And one many thanks to Anne!  It started with a wonderful Dutch Baby. It's mostly and eggy type pancake (Much better than it sounds). It was wonderful with the powdered sugar and lemon juice. It was my first time ever making one. So I was curious how it would turn out. Result, Stefan bout' flipped! Yes they are that good. Take a look:

So here it is, and now it's gone!

I was so happy Anne shared her amazing recipe she uses with us. And she wants to share it with you ! So the start of a good breakfast revved up my day. I now have my coffee and my computer. Another great way to start my day.

At least until I start my long list of to-do's. And BTW, have any of you put up your Christmas tree yet? We did Sunday. Although it's not yet decorated. We love going to a local tree farm called 'Stoll's tree farm' It is always such a great experience. They treat you right! You start by going in a warm heated barn filled with the smell of pine needles and a fire. Than you get a lime green ribbon before trekking out to find the perfect tree. And did I mention the oh so sweet yellow lab? She sports a red ribbon around the farm. She has a puppy like energy. Circling around you as you arrive. After finding the perfect tree you then return to the barn and let the guys now were the tree is. You can follow them up the hill and watch your tree being cut or retreat back in the barn to warm up with the fire and the hot chocolate and peanut butter blossoms. The choice is yours. We used to have an artificial tree years ago. But we love being able to support locals and it's so nice that there business is thriving. It very Eco friendly. Some may argue. But by buying a tree you help them to plant more trees. One might ask why that's a good thing if they are just going to cut them down. But each tree must be planted and grow for many years before being cut. And for those many years it provides shelter for the bird's nest's in the spring and shelter from the cold in the winter. And if it weren't for the trees it would be inevitably a flatted spot for more seasonal crops. And you know the trees are helpful in that while you are trumping in the snow the chirps of birds are not far behind. So if you have an artificial tree don't despair. But if you get a chance to snag a real one do it locally! It is a great experience and while you may have a few pine needles occasionally drop to your floor it will reward you with it's wonderful scent. It will make even the urban dweller feel as if they were wintering in a cabin high in the mountains. Or at least come close. Last but not least, this Geranium was a start one may not try to achieve. It started it's life on its mother plant until it's owner clipped it away.

 It's clippings were given to me for the sole purpose to try and make new starts. However after placing them in my car I forgot about them for more than a week. With also the added stress of a whole lot of heat. This was in the heat of summer mind you'. But in the hope of reccesitating it I placed it's stems in water after first trimming almost an inch from its stem. The result several weeks later (Actually more than that) I noticed it greening again and a shot of sucker roots starting. I was excited! Now as you can see This Smelly good Geranium has a new lease on life and is doing exceptionally well.

Single crochet 1-2-3

Finally a moment were I can sit down and go over the happenings of my day. Or should at least go over the few days since I have not made a post in quite a while. The week went well. I had plenty of things to keep me busy. And plenty of things on my mind. It's been a trip. It is weird really. I have had moments were I feel utterly tired and unmotivated. And there has been times were I feel kinda like being to myself for awhile. It's funny because I can be so up and down. Like I need to venture away, and become a nature girl to get myself 'ready' or excited to be back in the swing of being sociable again. Now I know being 'not socialble' sounds bad. But really I am not saying I am sick of people. It's more like I need to refresh myself so I may be of use or encouragement to someone else. Does that make sense? On another note, I was excited to try to make chicken salad from a rotisserie chicken that was leftover from yesterday's lunch. It was BBQ of all things. And I wondered if it would make things taste really off with the already rotisserie flavor mixed in. It went over very well. In fact, I am going to plan to make it again. I love having it between fresh asiago cheese bread, and toasted makes it simple. Am I making anyone hungry yet? I also tried a new coffee today. I was looking for a coffee that mimicked the coffee from Verde cafe in Urbana. They have the best coffee. It is called something Sumatra. So I went to the store with high hopes of finding something similar. After having what I found today I think its a wonderful coffee. Robust and smooth. But I still find it shy's away from being as good as Verde's. It was called Sumatra too. But just because it sounds the same doesn't mean it is the same.

I have been finding myself wanting to buy online lately. I keep going to sites like Amazon, Etsy, and fabric.com. I have really seen things that was like oh' i need this, and Ooo I'd love to have that. But part of me wonders if I am just wanting to order something because I like to open packages. And of course find a box near our door. Must be a chick thing. I have behaved thus far. But I am not making any promises.

I have been keeping my crochet up lately. Messing up, trying it again. Doing weird things and trying to figure everything out. It seems I have learned so much more screwing up than I have doing it right. That is how I roll it seems. At least when it comes to creating. Another hat, a coffee cozy. and a few other things. All looking somewhat better in form. I am still going, still wrestling with the simple instructions. Who knew I would have so much trouble with counting. Single crochet 1-2-3 double single crochet 4 single crochet 1-2-3 double single crochet 4. If this doesn't makes sense to you well I am sorry. It hasn't made a whole lot of sense to me either. I promise to make it make more sense when I know what it all means.!

I think I may start reading a book soon. The shack has been recommended to me and it sounds like a really good read. What is nice is I think my mom owns it. So if she hasn't already loaned it out I may try and see if she has it around. Have any of you started a good read lately? I'd love to hear.

The Makings of a Model.

I've have lots of ideas running through my head as of today. Ideas for a Wheat field handbag, a Sweater pillow and assorted other things. It all started when my husband and I finished lunch. We both decided to retreat to the studio (His) with a teapot full. Not hot tea as you would have supposed, but some delicious mulled hot cider. Something about being able to retreat to a warm space. Not like the rest of our house isn't warm but for some reason this room has become special to us. A relaxing space. Now about the title of today's blog. I don't know what the makings of a model rattles up in your head. But while shopping at Tuttle mall my sweet of a man husband asked if I'd like a cup of coffee. Now this to me was just as much pleasure of being able to go out to a five star restaurant. Well, almost.... But after we had ordered a 'Mint Condition' of caribou coffee I realized what a cute little cup they had it in. Now if you are wondering what a Mint condition coffee entails give me a second. So as I admired the caramel yellow cup with the dark brown lid it hit me. A Perfect model cup! I had needed something like this because I have been making a coffee warmer, insulator, gripping, wear like a sweater around a cup o' Joe type creation. Now I have seen these before and really loved the idea. And I actually plan on making several of my own as well as placing these warm little coffee sweaters in my Etsy store. I never had a cup to model them on but finally I believe I do. At least so I hope. Now, back to 'Mint Condition' just in case you thought I forgot. It was a powerfully yummy combination of espresso, cream, coffee, dark chocolate, and Andes mints. It was oh so bad. But oh so good. Simply amazing.

I have been stock piling my very modest stash of material as of late. Is that a oxymoron? I really am having a tough time finding a project I want to start with. My modest stash makes me want to think through my plans very well. But the only other option is to just go for it and let my imagination run. There is this wild side to me that wants to try a risky color scheme and the more careful side that wants to tip toe my way in.

Here is the idea I had for a 'Wheat fields handbag' This is really just a rescued tablecloth from a thrift store with a section of a folded olive green cloth that may be used for an interior. The shape I have below is an idea I may consider. I still have not decided. And I am not sure if I am ready to conquer a decision at least until I feel very confident of it's turnout. If you have any creative flair you can add I would appreciate any comments.

Do you remember me telling you about what I believe to be a red velvety vintage fabric I found? 

Well I finally took a picture of it.

I really have been playing around with the idea of making it into a vintage floor cushion.

Below I have a pattern for one. And it seems to fit. 

The book was a new addition to my forever growing library. One that I am sure will be one of my favorites. I love getting new things to read. But I also love the inspiration it gives me. That wave of encouragement to keep creating. Even when its one of those uncreative days.

There you have it. Now all I need to is decide which one to start on.

And that sometimes can be the most challenging.

Another day, another hat. Well sorta.

So here it is already Friday. This has been a funny week. It seems like all week has been were I literally have to drive myself to do what needs done. Now there was a time were I would go merrily skipping my way through my home excited about the day. Now I never said I would get excited about the thing I dread the most, dishes. But in the grand scheme of things I don't mind much whatever else. But even with all that. I did find myself after pushing my way, yes there needed to be a push involved. That I was more out of my funk. But why couldn't I have done that Monday? Better luck next week I suppose.

Well I started another hat, a baby hat. I have been in baby-land. Maybe that's why I have been in a funk?
This one is a lot more complicated as I try and get use of a yarn that wants to separate, curl and kink as I work with it. I do like its soft and warm texture and the creamy colored yarn. I really find that I better try making several hats for awhile until I get the hang of that. Then I can gradually allow myself to move to other things. Now while I say that let me show you my handicapped flowers I was working with ;)

I believe I was working towards a daffodil, now with that said maybe you see a slight resemblance.
Now I know they look rather out of sorts. But mind you these were my very first ones. With no pattern to follow. What is it with me not wanting to follow patterns? I was totally and completely winging it. But I think it turned out that way mainly because I had never worked with that small of yarn and then there's the I never made flowers excuse. Which in my book is acceptable. Now I can allow all of you to see me falter and begin to be a bit more talented as I go along. Maybe it will give someone else hope as they learn. As well as teach others to follow directions. I have not even began to look for directions. But I see I am going to need to very, very soon.

Sorry about the poor picture quality. It was very muggy outside and I hate using the flash and getting
very harsh pictures. (Although maybe harsh would of have been better.) I will have alot to show you here in a few weeks as I get more time to work with things. I will keep you updated on the process. For now I am going to try the skipping thing in my home as I try and capture the feeling.

It's sunny and bright here, with plenty of rain the following night making things appear greener than they had weeks before. Its the middle of November, and wonderfully today doesn't it feel like it. I have been at odds in knowing what project I would like to start next. I was able to find lots of new material to add to my stash including what seems to be a vintage red velvet with soft straight lines running through it. There is also this Tablecloth that I found ( this is one of my favorites) that I believe will make it's way into to being a bag. If I have my way that is. With all this material it will make things a lot more creative having the ability to choose different coordinating fabrics. As well as un-coordinating. Sometimes mis-matched stuff can make an item so much more interesting. So in the future I will soon see what projects come into fruition.

My crocheting lately has been pretty interesting. I started on a lilac purple hat. Fit for a baby,that is until I realized how it was going and ended up taking it half apart. With no previous experience I started on it without having a pattern to follow. When I got towards the top I realized how cute it could be if it had a little spunk. So hence the spunk! I think for a first baby hat, it's not to bad. But there is some irregularity I would like to work out of still. This seems to be how I do things. Starting and then realizing it's not going as well as I would have liked, and then stripping it apart until I get to the area were I feel things are going well again. Then there are those times were I just put the whole thing away and procrastinate on it so that I can start another new fresh project. I tend to be easily distracted at times. Having had days gone by before I could finally work on a project. The very last thing I want to do is feel the pain in tearing apart what I had been working on for the last hour. But making things tend to be that way. The first time you do something usually is a little less than perfect. So I just need to get used to that. And I also need to get used to working on a project over several days, rather than feeling like I need to finish it right away.

It's a new day.

Tuesday, a day when usually I am feeling a little overwhelmed. But today it started rough as my thoughts began lingering on the things that needed to be done. Until I realized I had a lot to be excited about. For one I am an aunt, again! My sister just adopted a beautiful little girl who already has the looks of a beauty queen. And with all that, I recieved a call earlier letting me know I just won a drawing. What drawing you ask? It all started when I went to the Plant nursery. Yes a plant nursery in November. Actually it was really only a few days ago. I signed up in their gift section on a modest little table thinking ah' it couldn't hurt. How right I was. I generally don't win anything. But to my surprise I won what is called a diva bag. What I imagine to be a bag full of assundry items fit for a diva. Now, I never viewed myself in any retrospect of a diva. Being quite tomboy-ish, I tend to run from anything diva derived. When I get this 'Diva Bag' I'll be sure to post all its Diva-ness. Until then I am going to bathe in the thoughts of how to spoil my new niece.