A hookers dilemma

I know that in my last post I mentioned that I was planning to take a bit of time off between my next hooking project.   But almost as soon as I said that,  I had an idea.  

I know you are thinking "Woo, alert the media - Kim had an idea"  LOL  It does happen every once in awhile.

When I want to hook something new I can never think of anything but as soon as I take a break........an idea appears out of nowhere.

I started this project the other night and now I think I need to change it.  But I'm going to see what you think first.   I wanted this to be darkish blue with the yellow.  The blue wool I had was dark but I thought it would still work.  However, it is so dark it is hooking up like black.

You know how much I hate to re-do something I have already hooked.  I went to Deanne's shop today to see if I could find another blue to try and work in to the project.   I was hoping to find a darkish blue plaid but didn't so I picked up some other blue. 

But now that I lay it all out on the floor I am having doubts.   I could remove the existing "blue-black" and replace with the blue.  (Groan)   The colors for the Canadian Cancer Society are blue and yellow.

Is there maybe some kind of border option I can do here??  I would really like to work the blue in here somewhere.  

  Attention all friends and/or Hookers - - - Please help me.  



Weekend update

I found this on pinterest today and thought it summed up the weekend quite nicely.

The storm we were supposed to get didn't really materialize as predicted.  No snow, in fact the rain and plus temps melted quite a bit of it.   Gotta love it when that happens. 

However the wind was worse than expected.  After chasing my compost bin across the yard twice, I resorted to bungee cording it to the back step.    But I should have also tied down my rain gutters.  The gutters over the back porch are now bent, mangled and hanging precariously down on one end.  I'm going to have to find someone to fix that soon or else someone will get whacked in the head.

Just to give you an idea of the wind - yesterday 2 tractor trailor trucks blew off the highway just on the outskirts of town.  Yes - - - blew over.   Here is a pic I stole borrowed from facebook.

I have a large pot of chili simmering on the stove for supper.  The smell is driving me crazy.  I made the mistake of having a beer while I was making it, and now I am so hungry.  And supper is still 2 hours away.  Its gonna be a long 2 hours.  Hmm, maybe another beer will pass the time??

And lastly, I finished hooking the mat last night, without any major reverse hooking.   I might give myself a few days off before I start something else. 

Tonight I'll be watching the Oscars.  Not that I am such a huge movie fan, but I like to see what everyone is wearing, who looks ridiculous, who should be dragged off the stage in a large net, and yell bad things at the TV when someone wins I don't like.     Should be fun!!

I Believe

I Believe in friends

I Believe in prayer

I Believe that one person can make a difference

and

I Believe that together we can lift someone up

I Know that my small town Believes

  This week has brought about an almost unprecedented show of support for one of our own.  News has spread that a much beloved citizen is facing a 2nd battle with the cancer he survived 20 years ago.  Not only is he a teacher, husband, father, and friend - He has been an unstoppable Cancer Society promoter for those 20 years.   It shouldn't be a surprise as he has helped so many over the years, that now in his hour of need the community has banded together to help him. 

Almost my entire facebook news feed is status updates of  "I BELIEVE".   Organizers of a Benefit scheduled for next weekend can almost not keep up with the offers of support. 

It makes me proud to be Daren's friend, proud to live in this town, and proud to annouce that I BELIEVE he will beat this again.  

I hope you will all BELIEVE with me.  

Thank heavens for Betsy

This has been one of those weeks best summed up as a schmozzle.  Lots of bad news, crazy schedules, meetings up the whazoo, lack of sleep and minimal patience.

Whew.....I feel better just saying it.

But then a delivery arrived.  A big, beautiful bag of wool from Heavens to Betsy. 

Their wool is so beautiful and the customer service is great.  And this order arrived in a handy tote bag, great for taking supplies to hook-ins etc. 

So many potential projects contained in this tote.  Bundles of new fluffy "hookers crack".  What an addiction!!

I'm plodding along on the current project.  I have resisted the urge to rip out sections so far.  Now I just want to finish it and move on to the next.

Jiminy Cricket - I won

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway from the lovely Nancy of Hollarwood.  She makes the most lovely wooden handcrafts, toys and jewellry.  

I won this adorable little animated grasshopper.  It looks so cute rolling around.  I have a sweet little boy in mind for this fella.   

Make sure to stop and check out Nancy's site.  The craftsmanship in her products is 2nd to none.  You can always tell when people love their work - you can see it in their products.

Thank you Nancy.  The contents of the box were much appreciated.  (wink)

We had a bit of rain and snow this weekend but luckily managed to fare better than a lot of other places around here.  Some Nova Scotia communities got pounded with winter weather.  We got lucky for a change.

I started a new little rug this weekend.  Lack of imagination led me to draw out a smaller, similar version of my last rug.  Its not working for me.  I am not sure but I feel a big section is going to get ripped out.   It wasn't a good day here at home so I'm kind of "in a mood" so perhaps I should wait another day before going on a mad ripping spree.

I wasn't even in a good enough mood to take a proper picture.  This is a crappy iPad pic, in poor lighting no less.   Maybe I'll sleep on it.  I hate reverse hooking.

Chivalry is alive and well

I don't usually share a lot of details here about Mom's condition but this story is too cute not to share.  Today was Adult Day Care day.  I mentioned this before - there is an old fella there who has a bit of a crush on Mom.  It is just so cute.  He is 91 years old and he is always smiling at her or trying to sit beside her.   Some of the staff laugh because if he sees someone else going towards the empty seat by her, he shuffles a little faster to get there ahead.    But alas, Mom just ignores him - totally.  But he never gives up.

This afternoon when I arrived to pick her up, he is naturally seated beside her.  Mom is naturally looking in the opposite direction. LOL     Mom can't dress herself anymore and sometimes getting her to put her coat on is a challenge.  She won't bend her arms the right ways etc.   So one of the staff and I are struggling to get her coat on and before I know it - He jumps up (well, as much as a 91 year old can jump up).  He wants to help her.     Awwwww, how flippin sweet is that.......  Chivalry is alive and well at Day Care. 

Once the coat is on and she is ready to go he is saying "Goodbye Dear. Have a nice week and I'll see you soon" .  And Mom won't even look at him and she just says "Yeah, Whatever" 

Oh my goodness, I had to turn my head away.  I thought I might pee my pants laughing.    

Three strikes and I'm out

I did bad today.  It was a big faux pas.  I completely forgot it was Valentines Day.

I got up this morning and come downstairs to have my coffee and on the kitchen table was a little present and card from Auntie and a special card that Mom had made a Day Care last week. 

I had nothing - no cards - nothing.  I felt like crap.  Strike one.

Then I arrived at work.  On my desk is a card and a chocolate heart.  Again - I felt like crap.  I ate the chocolate though. Strike two.

Later in the morning a friend arrives with a coffee and a chocolate donut filled with raspberry jelly and sprinkles.   And again - I had nothing.  (Oh yeah, and I ate the donut)  Strike three.

I swear if someone had brought me a flower today I might have jumped off the roof!

I can't believe I didn't even get a funny card for my family.  Who completely forgets?

Please friends - give me a 2 week reminder for Easter.  I'm likely to forget that too. 

It's the thought that counts........I didn't even think.

Three Strikes, I'm Out

Maybe I can redeem myself on St. Patrick's Day?

Hooking mojo

I have been on a bit of a hooking binge lately. I finished hooking this piece tonight. Hopefully I will get it bound tomorrow night.

Now what's next?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Just Because

I've been saving this post because I wanted to ensure it didn't compete for attention with the charity auction.   The other day I came home to fnd a package in the mail.  I hadn't ordered anything recently.  I looked at the address and recognized the name.

I ripped it open and it was a present from my friend Kim.  When I read the card she said it was a "Just Because" present.  Aren't those just the best?    Look at what she sent me

A beautiful card and note, and some pieces of wool she has dyed herself using Kool Aid.  It makes such nice strong, bright colors.  

And a sweet little stitched pillow for Valentines.  I have always admired her stitched pieces on her blog and always raved about them.  In fact, I have secretly wanted one and now I wonder if perhaps I'm not as subtle as I think I am....... LOL

And then there was the little bag of sunflower seeds.  If you follow Kim's blog you know she always has lots of big beautiful sunflowers growing on her property in California.   And now I have my very own "Field of Dreams" sunflower seeds.

I bet that she blessed them so I just know that they will grow tall and strong this summer. 

The only thing better than getting a "just because" present is having friends who are thoughtful and kind enough to send you one.  

THANK YOU KIM



 

Fun, Friends and Charity

Today was a wonderful day.  I told you the other day that there was a surprise in store for my friend Terri.  She is the one who organized tonight's event to raise money for Palliative Care in memory of her brother Tim.  This is the 4th year.

Well, a friend nominated her for the Maritimer of the Week Award, given to a someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their community.   It was so hard to keep the secret all week.  I hardly spoke or emailed her for days, so scared I might spill the beans.  I'm not sure what surprised her more - the award or the fact that so many of her friends could keep a secret. 

It was a great thing to be a part of and she is so deserving of recognition.  She is a very special person and that is why we all go the extra mile for her. We all chip in to help, donating to the silent auction, preparing food for sale.  Everything is donated.  The place was packed and there were lots of laughs and lots of bidding on the auction items.  I won't know the total tally until tomorrow, but when I left my rug was up to a $225 bid.  WooHoo!!    Our goal for the night was $5,000.  I think we might exceed that. 

Before I left she handed me a gift and a card.   A thank you for helping out.  I didn't need a thank you for helping a friend but it was very touching.

The feeling is mutual

I'll explain

I thought I better explain one of my comments last night.

I didn't really mean that I think I ruin all my rugs, but I do have problems/issues with color planning. 

However, I really did enjoy reading all your compliments.  Hehehe

There always seems to be one color in most of my finished rugs that just doesn't look right to me.  I add something and it ends up looking too bright or too dull or it isn't matchy and looks clashy.   You know what I mean??

But there is always the next rug to get the colors just right.  I live in eternal hope :)

Tomorrow night is the Curling Fun Night and Auction for the local Palliative Care Unit.  I'm excited - it's always a great time with good friends.  Terri has recieved so many great items for the auction.  I have my eye on a few.  I want her to make tons of money but I'm hoping the majority of it doesn't come from me.  Hahaha

Friends and the full moon

I've told you this before but you can never say it too much -

I have great friends.  And I have used them alot this week.  I think it was the full moon - things have been kind of crazy. Some good, some bad.  But my friends have been around to make things funny, silly, tolerable etc.

Something special is happening to one of my friends on Friday.  I can't tell you until Friday night - just in case she or one of her friends reads this and tells her.  Its a surprise.    I can't wait to see her face!!

Speaking of friends - you know I have been on a bit of a hooking streak recently.   This is my progress on the new project I started this weekend.

This is my favorite stage of a project - the part where I haven't ruined it yet.  The potential trouble zone is just to the left of the photo - The spot where things could all go wrong.  But I'm still hopeful I can pull it off and get it to look like it does in my head.  Lol



The Bright Side

If you look hard enough, there is always a bright side.   It is true that the extensive coverage of that silly football game went on for days and days but the bright side of that came later this morning. 

One of my guy friends always has a Super Bowl party.  They actually watch the game.  (Crazy huh)  Anyway, he called me this morning and asked if I was interested in some leftovers. 

Well, sure.  So he had me unlock my car so he could drop them off.  My care package include amazing hot and spicy buffalo wings, some louisiana style ribs and to top it off - He even included a bottle of Stella Artois beer.

Ribs, wings and beer - Does it get any better than that??   My supper was great.

I did watch a few minutes of the event last night.  I had a friend call me when the half time show started because I wanted to see Madonna.  I think she rocked it. 

See.......there always is a bright side.

Super What ??

I may be the only person not watching the Super Bowl today.  Quite frankly, I'm a little sick of hearing about it.  It's not that I'm anti-sports but I just don't get football.

And what is up with the 4 hours of pre-game coverage?  PRE- Game.....like the actual game isn't long enough already.   Oh well, it's almost over.



Instead of being glued to the TV all day I extended my burst of hooking energy I seem to be experiencing lately.  This morning I drew out a new pattern, scavenged through my wool stash and selected some colors and cut strips to my hearts content.

I have a question for my hooker readers.  What do you do with all your rugs once they are hooked?  Do you keep them, gift them, sell them??  Every time I start a new one lately I think I might try to sell it but then once its finished I chicken out.  Maybe one of these days I will open an etsy shop and see what happens. 

Have a great week.   

Simply

I finished up another little mat.    That's why I'm so late posting today.  I wanted to get it all done and photographed so I would have something to post.  

I have a few other projects in the works, plus I want to play around a bit with Deanne's on-line rug hooking course tomorrow. 

I need something to keep me busy tomorrow because I am not a football fan and I expect all that will be on TV all day is Super Bowl Hoopla.  And rug hooking away a Sunday is more interesting than chores :)

Groundhogs, Losers and Crazy Drivers

Cheers for our local weather predictor Shubenacadie Sam for predicting an early Spring.  I sure hope that weaselly rodent knows what he's talking about. 

But I'd rather believe he is correct than consider the alternative.  Winter is not my favorite season so any sign of an end to it makes me happy.

And today was the last offical weigh in at work for our wellness challenge.  I'm a loser.  Yay!!   Only a quarter pound this week but thats better than gaining.  So for the month my grand total was a  whopping 2 and a quarter pounds.  Not fabulous but still - down is down irregardless of the number.    Of our little group the total was 77 and a half pounds.   I think I'll celebrate tonight with a bag of chips :)

Now the driving part of this post.  This afternoon I was heading back to work after picking up Mom at her adult day care. I admit - I was in a hurry as usual.  I get to an intersection and I'm waiting for this black car to go.  Its just sitting there.  So I figure - If you're just gonna sit there and miss your turn, I'm gonna go.  So I whip out .......... and guess who it was?   Deanne.   And even worse, she knew it was me.   Ooops, sorry honey but she who hesitates is lost (or last)  Lol.      I'll buy you a glass of wine Friday night.

I admit it - I'm a crazy driver!

A Snow Day

It's rare to get a snow day once you become an adult.  I remember snow days as a kid.  If you heard it was supposed to snow the next day, you went to bed and prayed for school to be cancelled. 

Unlike today, back in those days school was rarely cancelled unless it was a major blizzard.  Nowadays 4 flakes fall from the sky and school is cancelled.  Sheesh

But work is almost never cancelled - Except for today at noon.  I would say that if I had waited another hour or so, it might have been difficult to get in the driveway without getting stuck.  A free weekday afternoon with no chores.  It was heaven. 

I hooked away on my new rug for most of the afternoon.  Well, except for a few times that a jealous little dog required some attention.  It's hard to hook when something is staring at you and head butting your arm.  But I would be lost without her :)

The snow stopped around supper time and I shovelled for about an hour.  It wasn't that bad actually.  It was still the light and fluffy kind so I didn't mind it as much as usual.  I can't believe I just said that, but it was kind of refreshing out there tonight. 

I added a pretty new teal strip to this rug project.  Not a great picture but once the rug is finished I will post a proper picture.

February is off to a roaring start.  I wonder what the Groundhog will have to say?