So....does size matter?

First, take your minds out of the gutter ~~~This is a clean post.  I'm actually thinking about craft projects - rug hooking in particular.   I find that I struggle between wanting to hook larger, more dramatic pieces yet I am drawn to the smaller, simpler ones.   

I love starting a pillow for example, on a Friday evening and having it completely hooked and finished by Sunday.   A small project, like my scrappy pumpkin & flower mat, which took an evening and a half was so enjoyable.

But I see these larger rugs and I want to create that.  I sometimes feel that they have more intrinsic value.  But I have yet to truly enjoy a large project. I have several that I have started over the years and have abandoned.   Maybe someday I will make larger rugs.  But for now I will stay small. 

Little snowman in progress

Maybe size doesn't matter......

Why didn't anyone tell me?

It seems that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  Today I discovered a boo-boo and I feel like a moron.  

A friend told me they couldn't find my etsy store so I tried to search it and I couldn't find it by search either. Once I got there I realized that apparently I didn't have an actual Shop name but it was using my username.  I felt slightly stupid and quickly created my Shop name.  

BUT then I looked at my shop banner a little closer and.........my banner was spelled wrong.   Wrong!!  So for 2 years the banner of my store was spelled wrong.   And the worst part is that none of you told me!  I mean, you didn't have to say Hey Kim, you're an idiot".  But a quiet little Psst, check your banner would have been OK.  

And if you are wondering, it's still wrong.  I can't remember how I created that banner and naturally don't have the original file to edit and quite frankly, I'm too annoyed and frustrated to tackle it tonight.  This will be a project for another day.   Arrgh STUPID 

Next time, just whisper quietly in my ear, OK?  ;)

I MUST rant now

I should start by saying I am not a prude but I'm going to sound like one today. Did anyone see Miley Cyrus' performance last night on the VMA's??   Now I did not watch the show. I have no interest in wasting several hours with that but I do enjoy reading all the gossip on the Internet in the morning over a cup of coffee.  

Well, this morning the web was full of stories of Miley's shocking display.  I get the fact that she wants to shed her Hannah Montana goody goody image.  OK I think she's accomplished that!  And I'm pretty sure that Disney will be happy to shed the Miley association too. 

You know it was bad when she tops the headlines over Lady Gaga who seemed to have her head in a box(?). Kind of makes you yearn for the meat dress again.....NOT.   You have to wonder if these artists are not secure enough in their musical talent to let the music speak for itself.   There are lots of incredible talented musicians who have made huge careers without resorting to ridiculous stunts or costumes (or lack of costumes). 

It is not necessary to strut on stage in rubber underwear, do disgusting things with a foam finger and grind up against a married man.  And the tongue??.....please stop!   If you have not seen this performance yet, DON'T.  Once you go there, you can't un-see it.  Trust me

And while I'm on a roll - Justin Bieber.....put on a shirt and pull up your damn pants!!!

Whew!  I feel better now

Golden

Please don't shoot me but I am loving the late August weather.  Still sunny but less humidity and a little cooler.  I'm ready for Fall.  (Sorry, but its true). 

Today was quiet but yesterday I got to go on a little drive and help celebrate my Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary.  They gathered together with friends and we met for supper on the waterfront in Pictou.  It was lovely. Fifty years is quite an accomplishment.  It is nice to have those kind of role models in your life.  Commitment today can sometimes seem rare.   Again I didn't take any pictures in the restaurant.  It was quite dark inside, so that will be my excuse.  (Oops)

I did snap this random pic on the waterfront before I entered the restaurant, although I'm not sure why.

Maybe in case I did a blog post?  (Note to self: try an making a bigger effort on this blog)

I listed another rug in the etsy store tonight.  I hooked this rug a couple of years ago and just found it at the bottom of a bag of wool.  (Again, Oops)

Perhaps I should rename this whole post Oops......

Something's brewing

It feels like a storm is brewing.  At supper time I took Millie out in the backyard and the sky got very dark and creepy.  We were near the large tree in the yard and the noise was deafening.  There were hundreds of birds in this tree and they all started fleeing.   It was so creepy.  They were acting just like in a horror movie before the slasher guy in the hockey mask appears!   Lets just say I didn't waste any time bringing Millie back inside.  

It was kind of a fitting end to the day.  This was the looooongest week.  It's been awhile since I worked 5 whole days!  Lol.  I think it will take me a few weeks to get back in to the swing of a normal schedule.  I got spoiled this summer with days off. 

It looks like a quiet night at home so there will probably be some progress made on the Ho Ho Ho hooked runner.  And maybe a little knitting too.

Before you go, please check out the giveaway on my sidebar.  Click on the bee and support my friend Meg's new venture.  She is launching a new business with wonderful natural products - Bumblewood Homemade.  

Happy Weekend to all

Bye bye (times 2)

While I was on vacation 2 of our employees resigned and today was their last day of work.  The good thing is that neither of them quit for bad reasons but both have exciting new opportunities and are relocating.  I'm happy for them but sad at the same time.  

After work just the girls got together for a little good bye celebration.  Nothing fancy - just pizza and beer by the pool and lots of laughs.

While I was there having fun, poor Miss Millie was at the doggie beauty parlor.  Perhaps she heard me mention I was going somewhere without her, or she was feeling abandoned at the groomers but since I picked her up she has been giving me the "stare"

"Really Mommy.....you left me and I'm not stupid.  I smelled pizza and fun on you when you picked me up.  That was just mean!"

Helpful advice

I was just sitting here wondering what I would post about tonight.  I'm tired and my 2 days back at work feel more like 20.  The alarm went off this morning and I couldn't believe it was only TUESDAY!  

And then a message popped up on my Facebook page from my cousin who shares my sentiments about Mondays.  And after reading it I think I may have caught this terrible virus and I should take the corrective action listed.

Don't you think?

I love how family always knows exactly what you need!

Ugh !

It's over.  After 18 glorious vacation days my peaceful period of rest and relaxation is rapidly coming to an end.  Tomorrow morning it's back to the daily grind.  I feel a little like Dead Man Walking.  Every ticking hour of the clock is like one step closer to.........  Sigh!  

I did manage to squeeze one last bit of fun in today.  I spent some time lounging here

Then a friend dropped off some treats for our supper.  This guy and seven more just like him

Nothing better than dunked in some melted butter. 

So all things considered, I can't complain.  But a little whining is OK, right?

Last night I posted about nothing exciting happening.  I should have waited to post.  Not long after I took Millie out the back door for a pee.  I saw something out of the corner of my eye in the backyard.  SKUNK -  and a little too close for comfort.  It hadn't seen us yet. I grabbed Millie and whispered (and prayed at the same time) "please don't bark, please don't bark).  We got back inside safe thankfully.   He wandered around the yard awhile and then moved on.  I hope we don't bump into him again. 

And then a few minutes later my iPhone made the little cash register noise. Another Etsy sale!!  So last night ended exciting after all. 

Yo-Ho-Ho

Hmm, a bottle of rum might have been a good idea but it didn't happen.  Actually it was a quiet day.  Mom was having a few "issues" so I stayed close to home all day.  But that allowed me to hook quite a bit this afternoon.  So I can't complain about that :)

Since I didn't do enough today to warrant an interesting blog post I will have to show you a peek of my "rushing it" project.   After all its just over 4 months until the holidays 

I'm straining my brain to try and think of something else blog worthy but I'm coming up with nothing. I'll try to do something exciting tomorrow (my last day of freedom)

Now one of my favorite movies is coming on - Mama Mia.  Bring on the sing-along!

Tick....tock.....Sigh

Today I started to have that ticking clock feeling.  No, not the biological clock......the waning vacation clock.  This is the start of my last weekend of vacation.  I can't complain as I have had a lovely 2+ weeks. But honestly, Monday is getting a little too close for comfort :(

Today another downtown festival began.  I spent some time at noon walking around and seeing all the vendors and festivities.  It's so nice to see our downtown full of people and activity.  There is some momentum being generated in town and you can sense the positive energy.  Then I had lunch with a friend and mid afternoon I treated myself to one of these

Great way to close off the week with a spa massage.  One full hour of pure relaxation.  

 I added another pillow to my etsy shop and started another design.  Since almost all the crafty blogs seem to be working on holiday designs I decided to get started too.  Usually I'm hooking in the season but that doesn't work if you hope to sell it.  Nobody wants to buy a Christmas rug if you don't finish it until January.   It does feel strange though, hooking a snowman in August!

Well I'm going to try and stretch out the next 2 days as long as I can.  And I'm going to buy a lottery ticket - just in case (wink)

Happy Weekend

It was fun but I have no proof

This morning my best buddy Terri and I headed out on a little road trip.  We started this morning and visited a friend and then drove to Parrsboro.  We had lunch on the wharf, went shopping, told stories, laughed and reminisced.......and I didn't take ONE picture.  Not one.  I'm such a bad blogger.

We bought a few treats and I even (you might want to sit down)....bought my first Christmas present!  Wow, for me that is a big deal.  While we were at Sweet Briar Boutique she told us they just ordered a big pile of fall/winter dresses.  They're going to email me when the shipment arrives.  Yay.

Today was an unhappy anniversary for us but we always spend the day together and always exchange some form of a butterfly which has special meaning for us. It honors her brother.  I had a butterfly pendant for Terri and she gave me this gorgeous brooch.

Now, I think I need a new coat to properly display it on the lapel.  Don't you think?  And coincidentally a new catalog arrived this week with a darling wool camel coat.  Wink, wink.

Next time I'll remember to take pictures. 

Are you shitting me??

I thought it was over.  I was wrong.  My battle with the telephone company rages on.  If you remember, I blogged about it last month.  They told me my problem was fixed.  And I foolishly believed them. 

Shame on me!  Yesterday I get a letter from them saying my pre-authorized payment was declined and my bill was unpaid for this month.   Ok, I admit it.......I lost it.  I dialed the number so hard I'm surprised the phone still works. 

And of course you never get the same tech you dealt with before so you have to start from the beginning of your story EVERY SINGLE TIME.  And this time I have the statement and account numbers for both accounts in my hand.

I was on the phone about 40 minutes and I was not a happy camper.  I won't bore you will the entire idiotic, asinine exchange but my patience with this company is thin.  At about the 25 minutes mark he tells me he needs to put me on hold to "talk to a supervisor".  Hahaha.  Do I believe that?  No.....  I'm guessing he put me on hold, and leaned over the next cubicle and said "I've got a real crazy beeatch on the line this time?  You know, I'm sure they do that.

He "says" it's fixed now.  But my hopes are not high for the next billing cycle.  I'm ready to switch to a competitor for service. 

And yes, at one point in the call, when he contradicted himself for the 2nd time in about a minute, I did actually say "Are you shitting me??" 

Scrappy stuff

I added 2 new pieces to my Etsy store today.  I got up this morning and started binding these things first thing, before I could get distracted and do the typical binding procrastination.   Impressive, right?  Lol 

I really had fun with the little scrappy project.  It measures 14x9 and was a good way to use up the leftover worms. 

And in true scrappy style, you will notice I ran out of the color after hooking 3 sides of the border so the bottom border is a different color.  Very primitive but I like it.

I also finished the Bittersweet Sheep pillow.   It's 12x12 so would tuck in the corner of a chair perfectly 

If you want to give either of them a new home just head to my Etsy store.  Momma needs to buy more wool.  :) 

I just got home from seeing We're The Millers at the theatre.  It was slow starting but the 2nd half was funny.  And the out-takes at the end were hysterical.   And a big bucket of popcorn is always a good thing!!

Weekend snippets

It's funny how weekends feel different when you are on vacation.  I didn't have that "Sunday dread" feeling except that it signals the halfway mark for me.  But I was productive as can be seen by is bowl of snippets.

I hooked quite a bit.  I finished Bittersweet Sheep and although I have zigzagged the edge, it's not yet bound but the backing fabric is selected.   After I finished the hooking I still had some burlap left on the bottom and a big pile of worms.  

I have always envied those hookers who can just take a pile of leftover worms and make something.  So I decided to give it a try.  I had a good assortment and all fall colors.  I grabbed a sharpie and just played.   Here is a sneak peek

I started it this morning and finished it after supper.  (Not yet bound).  But I'm kind of pleased with it for a scrappy little mat.   Unless my plans fall apart tomorrow I will show you the finished project.   Scrappy is fun! 

Randomly domestic

I know I can't do random as fabulously as Andrea but I will have to muddle through.  It's actually more theme-y than random but bear with me.   It's basically a random food theme.  I know I'm grasping but I'm on vacation and my brain is also ;)

Auntie and I went out to brunch Thursday while Mom was at day care.  It's a newer restaurant in town  and I love it.  I ordered the Eggs Benedict with roasted asparagus and swiss and believe it or not, it tasted even better than it looked.

Today we had some rain which was needed, plus it made me feel compelled to do things around the house (which I typically don't like to do on vacation).  I would love to report that I cleaned the closets (which I promised to do)......BUT.....I didn't ;)

However I did make a large batch of coconut rice pudding.  I love it warm with fresh blueberries

Another meal of fresh vegetables from the farmers market with grilled scallops.  And then I cooked this amazing pasta dish.  Sacchettini stuffed with chicken and bacon.  Yummy 

I mean seriously, how can you go wrong stuffing something with bacon!!  And since there is all his fattening food (and much more I have failed to mention) I purchased another necessary item.....

SPANX !!  I got home and opened the package and saw this tiny garment, like bike shorts except they looked like they would fit an 8 year old girl.   How in the heck is all of THIS going to fit into THAT??

OMG.....best invention E.V.E.R.   Once you wriggle into them they are amazing.  No muffin top and slimming thighs (without a carnival mirror).   

I have another pillow top on the frame.  Bittersweet Sheep should be all hooked this evening and hopefully posted and listed tomorrow.   Hopefully hooking this evening will keep me from eating more :)

This vacation should be called Eat Fest 2013

Living Plan-free

I am absolutely loving this vacation.  I am making no plans.  I'm winging it and flying by the seat of my pants.  Whatever, whenever!  And the weather.......it's been perfect.  Sunny, no humidity, cooler nights.  Yay!!

And for some reason I have convinced myself that on vacation you can eat anything.  I am making the most of it.  (Just polished off a chocolate sundae covered in fresh raspberries at 9pm)

Just so I don't get totally lazy I  have started a new hooked pillow - Bittersweet Sheep.

Mom is at adult day care tomorrow so I should get a lot more hooked.  I have been trying to stay off the computer a bit more this week so if I haven't visited you, I will catch up later. 

Green tea??

A few nights ago I went out to supper with a girlfriend.  We drove to a nearby town and sat out on a sunny patio, sipping wine and eating good food.  It was one of those last minute decisions and those always seem to be the most fun.  

After dinner we walked about town for a few minutes, popped into a couple of stores and undoubtably entertained the staff with our witty banter.  Lol  Then we decided to make our final stop the cute, quirky little Coffee House.  There is usually an assortment of interesting patrons.  Plus they were setting up for a street festival so in front of the coffee house was an army of hot young men setting up the festival tents.  So naturally we were drawn to watching them.  Nothing like a pair of Cougars drooling over young men eh!!

But I'm getting distracted from my story.  Inside the coffee house we were the only customers.  We ordered a moccachino and a decaf latte.  Nothing too complicated right?  I mean it is a coffee house.....and we were the only customers.    We said we were going outside to sit at the sidewalk cafe tables and she said she would bring them out.   As we walked outside I whispered "they don't seem like the sharpest knives in the drawer". (And I wasn't far wrong)

Eventually she comes out with our drinks.  The coffee was slopped all over the sides of the mug, the foam had all disappeared and there was no pretty powdered stencil design on top.  I took a sip and mine was cold - like a few degrees past luke warm.  My friend picked up her mug and made a face. "The cup doesn't feel like its been washed".  Yuck!   So she takes them both back inside.  The waitress comes back out, tells us she will comp the drinks and make us fresh ones.  These ones arrived warm but the cups still felt icky and the coffee was still slopped over the sides.  

At this point we are laughing and just enjoying the view of the army of muscular young men in front of us.  Now, since we arrived nobody ( I mean nobody) has come inside.  After a few minutes, this "waitress" comes out carrying a teapot and cup.  She looks at our table (with a somewhat stunned, blank look). "Your green tea??"   

.........uhh, No.  Now she is confused and re-enters the shop.  Who was she making this tea for??  There was nobody there.  I wonder if they were smoking that green tea in there?   I'm sure they were smoking something.

Well, at least the night was entertaining. 

Vacation's a Hoot

I'm only 4 days in but so far I am loving this vacation.  Good weather, good times, good friends.  I will gradually post more about some of my fun but today I dedicated to finishing up my latest hooked pillow.  I gave you a hint a few posts ago....  It wasn't very subtle so I'm sure you know what is next

The Old Barn Owl is hooked, finished and listed on Etsy.  You can check it out at my Etsy Shop link on the right sidebar of the blog.  It was fun to hook and maybe tomorrow I might start another project.  Now that the humidity has broken I am back in full hooking mode.  If only my mind would settle on a project.  I can never decide what to do next.

Maritime Style

There's something about growing up near the water.  There is a really comforting sense to being close to the ocean.  The sounds, the smells, the views.  

Today we were invited to Happy Hour at a friends cottage.  This is how us Nova Scotia girls kick back on a Friday afternoon.

Martini on the rocks. (Lol)

 Its not a bad way to spend an afternoon, eh!  Even with an overcast sky and a few rain showers, we maritime girls can hang in there for a good gab.  And this little honey joined us and was very well behaved ( and adorable ). Sweet William, a friends grandson

Happy Friday.  So far vacation has been busy.  Fill you in later