Hello everyone..it's been almost a month since my last update. I have been busy stitching and reading, so I suppose that is a good thing. This blog post has no pictures and is just me rambling about two things, school and my hamsters, so here goes.....
School
Today was the first day of school here in Florida. I shall never get used to the idea of school starting midway thru Summer. It just seems Wrong.
Most years I try to maintain a positive outlook and hope for things like my girls making nice friends, and that they learn a few things and make wonderful memories. This year, I hope that their teachers aren't incompetent or that the teachers aren't verbally abusive (a big problem at my kids' school) and that I won't have to write any complaint letters. I am hoping that the food served in school doesn't make the kids sick, and that there is soap in the bathrooms for hand washing, and that for two months after the FCAT, the teachers don't stop teaching and continue to get paid for doing nothing until June. I also hope my kids learn something academic, but I know that I must teach that at home. Funny...used to be the kids learned their academics in school and the morals and social mores at home but things are reversed now.
There is so very much I have teach at home. I am rather overwhelmed with it, frankly. I know this is not new to American schools, but it's new to me. And yes, I worry that my girls will not be prepared for college. Perhaps it's just me. Maybe my standards are too high and the schools are doing it exactly right....but I don't think so.
My kids' school seems to focus exclusively on reading and language arts, and then math, but the kids are doing really poorly in both areas despite the focus and despite the complete disregard of other subjects. Something's wrong. Used to be you learned to read by actually reading...reading about history, science, reading plays and writing poetry, analyzing song lyrics and you know, writing book reports and making presentations. Not no more (smile). Now you learn to read by going on the computer and reading sort passages and spitting out the answers two seconds later. This doesn't actually test what you may have learned long term and it doesn't help you fall in love or hate with characters or imagine your life elsewhere or...oh, what's the use.
To all those with kids in school, I wish you good luck, and may this year be filled with competent and caring teachers, a warm circle of friends and lot's of meaningful learning opportunities...oh, and hope your kids actually learn something useful!
Hamsters
Well, folks, my hamsters are about one year old at this time and two of the three are doing fantastic. One of the babies appears to have a some sort of mass just under its neck, on its chest. She is feeling unwell and is off her feeding and activity. Am going to contact the vet and see what can be done.
Stitching-wise
I have not been stitching very much, due to school preparations and lot's of reading of bad urban romance novels. I did not pick up any stitching last week at all, but am hoping to pick up where I left off tonight, once everyone is abed!
Well, August is almost at an end...soon will come the September holidays (my office closes for all of the High Holy Days...yay and thank you Lord!) and then the fall ones...always a treat. I am hoping to start on some Halloween stitching and finish something I started last year for Thanksgiving...I need more Time!!!!
That's it folks and thanks for reading and leaving a comment!
Hugs , Chris G
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Mostly Sewing
Dear Stitchy Friends,
I thought to share two of my sewing projects with you. I learned about making ORT keepers from another blog. Here is the link: Instructions for Ort Bag Basically, its a triangular shaped container made of out fabric. I cut two pieces of fabric 9.5" on all three sides, sewed the two sides right sides together, turned it inside out, closed the opening, and then sewed the sides together only half way so that I could turn the points down, and tacked with a button. I made a bunch (about 5) and have given them all away. Here is a pic of the one that I kept for myself.
Here is a pic of a little pillow that I made...I've got another two turkey designs waiting to be turned into pillows. This was a new way of finishing a pillow for me. I liked how it turned out but I thought it was too long.
OK, please be forewarned, this next pic is of a dead hamster...just kidding!!! Its a pic of a very happy, content and peaceful hamster. Aahhhh...the good life. Who knew a hamster could have it so good, huh?
On the family side, the girls' last day of school was today and they are feeling a bit blue about being away from their friends. Now comes the pressure of finding them something to do all summer and keeping their brains from turning into mush. When I was a kid, we spent the summer running around the neighborhood, being fed by neighbors and running errands for them. Back then, the city (Brooklyn) didn't hassle folks for opening up the johnny pumps and we kids would spend hours running and splashing in the streets! The ice cream would come at the same time every day and we were always assured a treat by a generous neighbor willing to pay for all of the kids' ice creams. The cute Italian guys in their muscle shirts would wash and wax their TransAms and we girls would just swoon as we would watch them. At night, the parents would pull out lawn chairs onto the street or sit on the stoop and tell stories. Sometimes, the Puerto Rican boys would bring out their congo drums and the rhythms of drums and timbale would fill the hot, steamy night air. The little ones would fall asleep on a lap to the soothing clicking of dominoes. The 70's in Brooklyn were hard times, we never went on vacation, but they were good times, too. Filled with friends, real neighbors and the assurance that we weren't alone and could always find a helping hand.
Anyway, hope your summer is filled with not just the old memories, but also the magic times that will make for new memories and stories to tell.
Hugs,
Christina
I thought to share two of my sewing projects with you. I learned about making ORT keepers from another blog. Here is the link: Instructions for Ort Bag Basically, its a triangular shaped container made of out fabric. I cut two pieces of fabric 9.5" on all three sides, sewed the two sides right sides together, turned it inside out, closed the opening, and then sewed the sides together only half way so that I could turn the points down, and tacked with a button. I made a bunch (about 5) and have given them all away. Here is a pic of the one that I kept for myself.
Here is a pic of a little pillow that I made...I've got another two turkey designs waiting to be turned into pillows. This was a new way of finishing a pillow for me. I liked how it turned out but I thought it was too long.
OK, please be forewarned, this next pic is of a dead hamster...just kidding!!! Its a pic of a very happy, content and peaceful hamster. Aahhhh...the good life. Who knew a hamster could have it so good, huh?
On the family side, the girls' last day of school was today and they are feeling a bit blue about being away from their friends. Now comes the pressure of finding them something to do all summer and keeping their brains from turning into mush. When I was a kid, we spent the summer running around the neighborhood, being fed by neighbors and running errands for them. Back then, the city (Brooklyn) didn't hassle folks for opening up the johnny pumps and we kids would spend hours running and splashing in the streets! The ice cream would come at the same time every day and we were always assured a treat by a generous neighbor willing to pay for all of the kids' ice creams. The cute Italian guys in their muscle shirts would wash and wax their TransAms and we girls would just swoon as we would watch them. At night, the parents would pull out lawn chairs onto the street or sit on the stoop and tell stories. Sometimes, the Puerto Rican boys would bring out their congo drums and the rhythms of drums and timbale would fill the hot, steamy night air. The little ones would fall asleep on a lap to the soothing clicking of dominoes. The 70's in Brooklyn were hard times, we never went on vacation, but they were good times, too. Filled with friends, real neighbors and the assurance that we weren't alone and could always find a helping hand.
Anyway, hope your summer is filled with not just the old memories, but also the magic times that will make for new memories and stories to tell.
Hugs,
Christina
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Stash for Sale and other tales
Greetings to all, Hope everyone has had a good week so far. Thank you to the followers that keep track of my little blog and special thanks to those of that leave comments.
For starters, I've added a Stash for For Sale Page (you should see the tab above on the title). It's a few things that I have had laying about that I thought someone else would like to have. Its mostly kits and leaflets. I invite you to browse.
On the stitching front, I have been working like a fiend to finish "As the Crow Flies". As is typical of me, I am bored with it already and just want done with it. I am plotting along and it won't be too many days until it is all stitched up. Here is a pic of it to date.
This next pic is one I started just about the same time I started As the Crow Flies and its called Berry Patch Rabbit by Cedar Hill. It calls for R&R Sea Fog but I've put it on Charles Craft Light Sea Foam 14 ct Aida. It's turning out rather interesting, don't you agree? (Interesting is the adjective I use when I don't want to say STRANGE.) It is a rather handsome rabbit, however. Wish I could get better pics but can't with the camera that I have. Soon, I shall get myself one that can zoom all the way in.
We've got cows in my town that stay on undeveloped land to protect the agricultural designation of the property. I thought to share a few pics of them. We like to feed them apples and carrots but they prefer the carrots. They have different personalities and preferences and are just so lovable. The reason why we Miami Lakers are so enamored of our cows is that this is one of the last places in the entire county where one can find cows.We had lots of cows all over the town on agricultural land but as developers purchased these for building homes, the number of cows has decreased. Miami Lakes is on property that was owned by the Graham Family and they used to be dairy farmers, so its part of the town history, as well. One of the roads is called Graham Diary Road. The Graham family still owns bits of land, I believe. We urbanites are just tickled pink by these cows.
I took the cow pics in the hopes of charting one but then I thought, gee, there must be at least a gazillion charts of cows out there...I am sure I can tweak one to better match the background of my town.
OK, now on to my hamsters, which I haven't discussed in a long time. Well, they are just as much fun as a barrel of monkeys...NOT. Sure, they are cute and all, but what a racket they make on those gosh-darned wheels in the middle of the night. Of the three I have, one has become an escape artist and has managed to be able to open the top of their tower...yes, she pushes it around with her snout until it's lose and then she pushes up and off it comes and out she goes...aahhh, freedom at last, sweet freedom. Of course, I find her again right quick cause of the racket and pop, back in she goes. Today, I found her and the other one breaking out. Seems she taught her sister how to escape. I finally used tape to keep the top on - a weight won't work as the top is dome-shaped and a weight falls. They are also fighting, well, the one sister and the mommy are. Vicious horrible fights wherein they must be separated, so...yep, you guessed it, I have purchased yet more habitats and trails for them to live in and be able to escape each other if need be.
Here is a pic of one of the hamsters....aw, isn't she cute all sleepy, sleepy and peaceful. This one actually burps and passes a lot of gas so it doesn't get held too often, poor little mite.
Well, that's it for now! I have to go to bed but really really would rather stitch until the sun came up!
Comments are welcomed and enjoyed! Hugs to all. xoxoxoxo Chris G
For starters, I've added a Stash for For Sale Page (you should see the tab above on the title). It's a few things that I have had laying about that I thought someone else would like to have. Its mostly kits and leaflets. I invite you to browse.
On the stitching front, I have been working like a fiend to finish "As the Crow Flies". As is typical of me, I am bored with it already and just want done with it. I am plotting along and it won't be too many days until it is all stitched up. Here is a pic of it to date.
We've got cows in my town that stay on undeveloped land to protect the agricultural designation of the property. I thought to share a few pics of them. We like to feed them apples and carrots but they prefer the carrots. They have different personalities and preferences and are just so lovable. The reason why we Miami Lakers are so enamored of our cows is that this is one of the last places in the entire county where one can find cows.We had lots of cows all over the town on agricultural land but as developers purchased these for building homes, the number of cows has decreased. Miami Lakes is on property that was owned by the Graham Family and they used to be dairy farmers, so its part of the town history, as well. One of the roads is called Graham Diary Road. The Graham family still owns bits of land, I believe. We urbanites are just tickled pink by these cows.
OK, now on to my hamsters, which I haven't discussed in a long time. Well, they are just as much fun as a barrel of monkeys...NOT. Sure, they are cute and all, but what a racket they make on those gosh-darned wheels in the middle of the night. Of the three I have, one has become an escape artist and has managed to be able to open the top of their tower...yes, she pushes it around with her snout until it's lose and then she pushes up and off it comes and out she goes...aahhh, freedom at last, sweet freedom. Of course, I find her again right quick cause of the racket and pop, back in she goes. Today, I found her and the other one breaking out. Seems she taught her sister how to escape. I finally used tape to keep the top on - a weight won't work as the top is dome-shaped and a weight falls. They are also fighting, well, the one sister and the mommy are. Vicious horrible fights wherein they must be separated, so...yep, you guessed it, I have purchased yet more habitats and trails for them to live in and be able to escape each other if need be.
Here is a pic of one of the hamsters....aw, isn't she cute all sleepy, sleepy and peaceful. This one actually burps and passes a lot of gas so it doesn't get held too often, poor little mite.
Well, that's it for now! I have to go to bed but really really would rather stitch until the sun came up!
Comments are welcomed and enjoyed! Hugs to all. xoxoxoxo Chris G
Monday, April 23, 2012
Another Pet Peeve
My last pet peeve was about disembodied greetings one encounters when walking into some shops. Today's pet peeve is about insurance commercials that try to convince you that they care about you. REALLY...are we so stupid as to believe the drivel put out by these commercials?..."You're in good hands" claims one. Another tells you that their wonderful little umbrella will keep you nice and dry when the rains and flooding come. Others claim to give you peace of mind...try getting your claim paid by any of these folks, its just arbitrary what they will pay and what they won't. I have a friend who has been paying home insurance for 50 years. She put in one claim on her roof and they refused to pay her the claim cause the roof was older than 10 years...since when is that a criteria? A little old lady like that (she's 92) had to pay for a new roof. She thinks that the insurance was hoping she would die before they paid out the claim but she wouldn't die so then they just refused to pay it.
Sell the product, quote the savings but PUHLEASE don't make it sound like you actually care about me or my loved ones, just stop it already.
Sell the product, quote the savings but PUHLEASE don't make it sound like you actually care about me or my loved ones, just stop it already.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Spring Musings (more like St.Patty's Day musings)
For me, Spring is heralded by St. Patrick's Day observations here in the States. I celebrate the day more from a sense of nostalgia than any religious importance it may have.
My sister asked me the other day what my "fascination" with things Irish was? I had to correct her that I am not fascinated with things Irish, just with things related to St. Patrick's day celebrations! Aaaahhhh, said she. You see, my house right now, is covered in St. Patty's day decorations. We've got party hats, funky straws, table clothes that are covered in tre-foil clovers (shamrocks, heh, heh) and bouquets of white and bright green flowers sit on every table. I assure you that all that green and white against my mustard yellow walls is quite garish and I just love it!!!
As I plan my menu for this most auspicious of days, I am having difficulties deciding what type of beer to serve? You, my readers, shall decide for me. See the poll on the right...shall it be an ale or a lager? I sure hope I can find something OTHER than Guinness around here! I will spend next week hunting for a proper beef brisket. Almost impossible to find here in Miami, as the ones available are cut to meet the tastes of my Jewish neighbors and do not have sufficient fat on them. So sad! I was unable to find a brisket last year but this year I am heading over to Penn Dutch Meats to try my Irish luck there (I shall bring a shamrock for luck shopping). I will also be picking up some green hair spray and few buttons that say "Kiss Me, I'm Irish". Too much stupid fun!!!
My girls have mixed feelings about the holiday. It can be fun but also an endless source of "corny-ness" and embarrassment for them.We usually go to the festival in Hollywood, Florida and listen to the bands playing their crazy, music that just gets faster and faster as they go along. I try to sing along and keep up with the tempo. And there is always a short little fellow dressed up as a Leprechaun that teaches any who are interested how to do a jig. I always join him and pull the girls into the fray, as well. During the festivities last year, a non-Irish person received the "Most Irish Amongst Us" award - it was given to a gentlemen of Puerto Rican descent because of his costume and general "spirit" of Irishness (whatever that might be, LOL). We all had a very good laugh at that! On the other hand, the girls also have a bit of trepidation as I start speaking in a fake Irish brogue during breakfast (it just comes on me and lasts ALL DAY LONG) and I put green food coloring in a lot of my food...it shall go into the milk and eggs in the mornings, into the soda bread for lunch, and into the mashed potatoes and beer at dinner.Why??? Because I can!!! In the evening, we'll build a fairy house for the little sprites to come and rest during their day of carousing. My poor family, attached to a mad woman!
All in all, it's an excuse for silly fun, but also to embrace the diversity that is America!
I shall take pictures of my efforts next week for all to see!
'Til next time -
"May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."
"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
may good luck pursue you each morning and night."
"May those that love you, love you;
And those that don't love you - may God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So you'll know them by their limping"
Priceless!
Hugs, Christina G
My sister asked me the other day what my "fascination" with things Irish was? I had to correct her that I am not fascinated with things Irish, just with things related to St. Patrick's day celebrations! Aaaahhhh, said she. You see, my house right now, is covered in St. Patty's day decorations. We've got party hats, funky straws, table clothes that are covered in tre-foil clovers (shamrocks, heh, heh) and bouquets of white and bright green flowers sit on every table. I assure you that all that green and white against my mustard yellow walls is quite garish and I just love it!!!
As I plan my menu for this most auspicious of days, I am having difficulties deciding what type of beer to serve? You, my readers, shall decide for me. See the poll on the right...shall it be an ale or a lager? I sure hope I can find something OTHER than Guinness around here! I will spend next week hunting for a proper beef brisket. Almost impossible to find here in Miami, as the ones available are cut to meet the tastes of my Jewish neighbors and do not have sufficient fat on them. So sad! I was unable to find a brisket last year but this year I am heading over to Penn Dutch Meats to try my Irish luck there (I shall bring a shamrock for luck shopping). I will also be picking up some green hair spray and few buttons that say "Kiss Me, I'm Irish". Too much stupid fun!!!
My girls have mixed feelings about the holiday. It can be fun but also an endless source of "corny-ness" and embarrassment for them.We usually go to the festival in Hollywood, Florida and listen to the bands playing their crazy, music that just gets faster and faster as they go along. I try to sing along and keep up with the tempo. And there is always a short little fellow dressed up as a Leprechaun that teaches any who are interested how to do a jig. I always join him and pull the girls into the fray, as well. During the festivities last year, a non-Irish person received the "Most Irish Amongst Us" award - it was given to a gentlemen of Puerto Rican descent because of his costume and general "spirit" of Irishness (whatever that might be, LOL). We all had a very good laugh at that! On the other hand, the girls also have a bit of trepidation as I start speaking in a fake Irish brogue during breakfast (it just comes on me and lasts ALL DAY LONG) and I put green food coloring in a lot of my food...it shall go into the milk and eggs in the mornings, into the soda bread for lunch, and into the mashed potatoes and beer at dinner.Why??? Because I can!!! In the evening, we'll build a fairy house for the little sprites to come and rest during their day of carousing. My poor family, attached to a mad woman!
All in all, it's an excuse for silly fun, but also to embrace the diversity that is America!
I shall take pictures of my efforts next week for all to see!
'Til next time -
"May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."
"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
may good luck pursue you each morning and night."
"May those that love you, love you;
And those that don't love you - may God turn their hearts.
And if he doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So you'll know them by their limping"
Priceless!
Hugs, Christina G
Monday, February 13, 2012
Grilling in the Sunshine and digital readers
Well, I've misplaced my camera, so no pics until I find it. So sorry. I do love sharing pics of my work. Despite the lack of pics, I did not want to put off updating the blog any longer. Today I wanted to write about my lovely weekend with my girls. On Saturday we had pizza on Main Street and went window shopping. I only had naked chicken wings....but that's OK. Main Street is filled with quaint little shops that sell hand-made goods and fancy shoes and purses (hence the window shopping only). My girls enjoy trying the high-heels on and then walking around. Too cute! After that, we went to the movies and saw Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. I just loved it and my girls enjoyed it very much. Just perfect for kids their age (9 and 10). No gratuitous violence and it was perfectly charming. And of course, Dwayne Johnson (the Rock) is still absolutely delicious to look at!
Sunday was so perfectly wonderful here in Miami. The heat and humidity gave way to breezy cool temps (light sweater temperatures)....just perfect for grilling. We grilled hamburgers and steaks and had homemade broccoli salad. This broccoli salad is refreshing and full of nice Mediterranean-style flavors: raw broccoli tops, sliced black olives, slivered roasted peppers (yellow and red to contrast with the green of the broccoli), slivered salami or pepperoni, chick peas, roasted eggplant and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste...yummmyyy!!! My hamburgers were topped with melted mozarella cheese, fresh basil and a dollop of spaghetti sauce...yauza!! Wrap it all up with a refreshing glass of Peroni beer. It can't get much better than that, folks..no siree. Well, having Dwayne Johnson serve the food and clean up afterwards (shirtless) might have improved things a bit..
Now, onto the topic of iREaders. I don't have one because the books I read are usually not available in a downloadable version. Also, books are potentially longer lasting than 0-1 coding that needs a computer to translate it. Remember the movie "The Book of Eli"? Yes, books will bring back the world from the edge of post-cataclismic annihilism....sorry, I digress. I prefer to hold books in my hand, here's why:
Things you can't do with an iReader/iPad/iWhathaveyou
1. you can't use the extra blank pages in the back to jot down phone numbers for things you want to buy from the TV
2. iPad doesn't stay open nicely on your tummy when you fall asleep and it will break if you drop it on the tiled floor
3. you can't write notes to the next reader in the margins
4. Can't throw an iPad at the kids when they start fighting (well, I suppose you could, but that could get expensive)
5. you can't put a book plate in an iReader and use fancy calligraphy to write your name in the "this book belongs to" section
6. You can't buy a first edition iPad and dream about what it might be worth
7. You can't write a gift note on the inside of an iPad
8. You can't tell how much more you have left to read just by looking at an iPad
9. You can't keep an iPad for decades, knowing that you will share the iPad with your kids, and perhaps your grandchildren
Ok, so I sound like a romantic at best and a curmudgeon at worst....but I just love me a book. Especially an old one with yellowing pages and splitting binding...and the wonderful old smell of mustiness...fabulous... I do think that at some point I will invest in some sort of electronic digital reader but for right now...books are working for me.
Anyone else make the switch?
Well, that's it for me. Wish me luck as my hunt for the camera continues! Thanks for visiting!
Sunday was so perfectly wonderful here in Miami. The heat and humidity gave way to breezy cool temps (light sweater temperatures)....just perfect for grilling. We grilled hamburgers and steaks and had homemade broccoli salad. This broccoli salad is refreshing and full of nice Mediterranean-style flavors: raw broccoli tops, sliced black olives, slivered roasted peppers (yellow and red to contrast with the green of the broccoli), slivered salami or pepperoni, chick peas, roasted eggplant and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste...yummmyyy!!! My hamburgers were topped with melted mozarella cheese, fresh basil and a dollop of spaghetti sauce...yauza!! Wrap it all up with a refreshing glass of Peroni beer. It can't get much better than that, folks..no siree. Well, having Dwayne Johnson serve the food and clean up afterwards (shirtless) might have improved things a bit..
Now, onto the topic of iREaders. I don't have one because the books I read are usually not available in a downloadable version. Also, books are potentially longer lasting than 0-1 coding that needs a computer to translate it. Remember the movie "The Book of Eli"? Yes, books will bring back the world from the edge of post-cataclismic annihilism....sorry, I digress. I prefer to hold books in my hand, here's why:
Things you can't do with an iReader/iPad/iWhathaveyou
1. you can't use the extra blank pages in the back to jot down phone numbers for things you want to buy from the TV
2. iPad doesn't stay open nicely on your tummy when you fall asleep and it will break if you drop it on the tiled floor
3. you can't write notes to the next reader in the margins
4. Can't throw an iPad at the kids when they start fighting (well, I suppose you could, but that could get expensive)
5. you can't put a book plate in an iReader and use fancy calligraphy to write your name in the "this book belongs to" section
6. You can't buy a first edition iPad and dream about what it might be worth
7. You can't write a gift note on the inside of an iPad
8. You can't tell how much more you have left to read just by looking at an iPad
9. You can't keep an iPad for decades, knowing that you will share the iPad with your kids, and perhaps your grandchildren
Ok, so I sound like a romantic at best and a curmudgeon at worst....but I just love me a book. Especially an old one with yellowing pages and splitting binding...and the wonderful old smell of mustiness...fabulous... I do think that at some point I will invest in some sort of electronic digital reader but for right now...books are working for me.
Anyone else make the switch?
Well, that's it for me. Wish me luck as my hunt for the camera continues! Thanks for visiting!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Pet Peeve - The Disembodied Greeting
I don't think I have many pet peeves, but time will tell. I am going to share one particular pet peeve. I just hate it when I enter a store and a disembodied voice says "Hello". Sometimes the voice says "Welcome to ____". Many stores are doing this, I can only assume it's in the name of improving customer relations. Frankly, its a annoying, especially since most times, the person is looking down or has walked away and other times it's just mumbled and you can't tell if you were just insulted or not. There is no eye contact and its certainly not personal. I'd prefer to be able to be greeted in the aisles by someone that says. "Hi, finding everything ok?" or how's this, when I go to the cashier, he/she says "Hi, how are you today?" and " Have a great day, come again." I know all those might be considered tacky, but not as tacky as hearing a voice saying "Hello" and then there not being anyone there. That's just plain creepy.
Friday, December 30, 2011
So...another year's over and what have we done? (John Lennon)
Well, I have learned that stitchers are a wonderful and loving group that probably has no problem answering this question. Many have stitched for charities and other groups, spending hours of their time to create tokens that remind those in need that they are not alone or forgotten. Their work has translated into money that will be used to save a life or inspire hope. Some have mentored children and taught them the joy of stitching thereby building confidence. Others have shared their stashes with people that haven't the funds to pay rent, much less build a hobby. Others have crossed cultural divides to share a common passion, thereby building bridges.
All in all, stitchers are a generous lot, inclined to sharing and thoughtfulness. And, to quote John Lennon again, "imagine all the people living life in" stitches!!! It would be a grand world, I think. At the very least, it would keep the maladjusted busy!
Wishing all a New Year filled not just with stitching, and stash enhancements but also with continued gererosity and giving...creating a better world, stitch by stitch.
Christina
All in all, stitchers are a generous lot, inclined to sharing and thoughtfulness. And, to quote John Lennon again, "imagine all the people living life in" stitches!!! It would be a grand world, I think. At the very least, it would keep the maladjusted busy!
Wishing all a New Year filled not just with stitching, and stash enhancements but also with continued gererosity and giving...creating a better world, stitch by stitch.
Christina
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Scrooge in Advertising
I was sitting in my living room, stitching away pleasantly when I looked up during a Best Buy commercial. As I watched, I saw a woman mocking Santa and pretty much just being a bad sport. Apparently, she was feeling very superior because she had "out-done" Santa and had saved a few dollars, too. Not only was she rude but also violent. She felt compelled to actually kick the plastic Santa off of the roof. Have any of you seen this commercial? It's so...so obnoxious. My 9 year-old says to me, "I know Santa is not real, but why is she being so mean?" I told her it was a horrible commercial and there was no explaining it.
Then there's the luxury car commercial ( I have no idea which one, maybe Audi - not Lexus tho). In this commercial, an older son comes home for the holidays carrying bags filled with presents and a cheery happy smile on his face, and just as he is coming in the front door, his older parents sneak out of the house and go for a joy-ride in his car, leaving him in the foyer, calling out to them. Really? I don't know about you, but where I am from, one does not leave one's guests in the foyer without saying SOMETHING.
What's with all the nastiness? Of the two, the anti-Santa one is the most disturbing but the second makes absolutely no sense to me.
There a few commercials that I do enjoy, and those are the happy, warm ones that make me feel all tingly inside. The Publix commercials are at the top of my list, of course, and there is the Jared commercial where the little kid dressed as Santa makes a delivery to his mom...too cute!
Have you any commercials that you hate or love at this season? Do share!
Then there's the luxury car commercial ( I have no idea which one, maybe Audi - not Lexus tho). In this commercial, an older son comes home for the holidays carrying bags filled with presents and a cheery happy smile on his face, and just as he is coming in the front door, his older parents sneak out of the house and go for a joy-ride in his car, leaving him in the foyer, calling out to them. Really? I don't know about you, but where I am from, one does not leave one's guests in the foyer without saying SOMETHING.
What's with all the nastiness? Of the two, the anti-Santa one is the most disturbing but the second makes absolutely no sense to me.
There a few commercials that I do enjoy, and those are the happy, warm ones that make me feel all tingly inside. The Publix commercials are at the top of my list, of course, and there is the Jared commercial where the little kid dressed as Santa makes a delivery to his mom...too cute!
Have you any commercials that you hate or love at this season? Do share!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thanksgiving Day
I always prefer a bit of a funky menu at the Thanksgiving meal. This is primarily so because growing up in a Cuban-American household, we would have roast port, black beans and rice and the ever ubiquitous boiled cassava. As children of immigrants, we were definitely thankful for the opportunities, even if the gratefulness was a bit marred by resentment of the prejudice and rejection we faced constantly. Still, we knew that here, in the United States, we could at least have "a go" at real success. Our school mates were children of immigrants, too. They were, amongst others, Polish, Peruvian, Irish, Russian, Pakistani, Italian, Vietnamese, Ecuadorian, Korean, and Egyptian. When Thanksgiving Day came around, their tables were invariably filled with foods reminiscent of their own motherlands but always included some "American" dish. At our house it would be a pumpkin pie.
These days, my Thanksgiving table is more traditionally "American". We have string bean casserole and dinner rolls and of course, a gigantic over-cooked turkey. My mother-in-law brings the most fabulous sweet potato concoction with marshmallows and brown sugar ever made. My kids enjoy the American ubiquitous food.... macaroni and cheese. And now, instead of a token "American" food, we have a token Cuban food, something I know my Father would have enjoyed, such as sweet plantains or turron.
No matter how our Thanksgiving menus may have evolved, however, there are somethings that haven't changed; that is, the love, humility and hope that is felt by all sitting around the table, on the wonderfully American Thanksgiving Day.
These days, my Thanksgiving table is more traditionally "American". We have string bean casserole and dinner rolls and of course, a gigantic over-cooked turkey. My mother-in-law brings the most fabulous sweet potato concoction with marshmallows and brown sugar ever made. My kids enjoy the American ubiquitous food.... macaroni and cheese. And now, instead of a token "American" food, we have a token Cuban food, something I know my Father would have enjoyed, such as sweet plantains or turron.
No matter how our Thanksgiving menus may have evolved, however, there are somethings that haven't changed; that is, the love, humility and hope that is felt by all sitting around the table, on the wonderfully American Thanksgiving Day.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Cranky!
I got home from work yesterday feeling tired and short-tempered. The drive home took longer than usual and I was cranky (all over). I walked thru the front door and my kids were still working on their home work (sort of). I became quite exasperated because I had previously told them to make sure it was done by the time I got home. Well, I took a deep breathe, smiled at them, gave them hugs and asked what they had done that day. In a matter of seconds, I felt better. Their chirpy little voices making me feel good (all over). Of course, an ounce of Pinch Scotch worked wonders, as well.
After fixing a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs (where would we be without spaghetti and meatballs??) we sat around the table and discussed the plans for the forthcoming days and the projects and tests that they were preparing for. A headache started coming on but onward I pressed.
After dinner, the kids and I retired to my sewing room so they could complete their homework in my ever watchful presence and I could work on my Halloween Fairy. We chatted and laughed and giggled and managed to complete the home work - eventually - and made quite a dent in the Fairy.
It was a rather late night for the girls, as they were up until 9 pm, but all in all, we had a lovely time together. My eldest even managed to lay down a few beads - about which she was very excited. I sat in my chair and looked down at the girls, which were on the floor working on their various assignments, and I felt an utter sense of peace and contentment and yes, accomplishment. I found myself thinking, that life didn't get much better than this. It had been an absolutely perfect evening, headache and all.
After fixing a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs (where would we be without spaghetti and meatballs??) we sat around the table and discussed the plans for the forthcoming days and the projects and tests that they were preparing for. A headache started coming on but onward I pressed.
After dinner, the kids and I retired to my sewing room so they could complete their homework in my ever watchful presence and I could work on my Halloween Fairy. We chatted and laughed and giggled and managed to complete the home work - eventually - and made quite a dent in the Fairy.
It was a rather late night for the girls, as they were up until 9 pm, but all in all, we had a lovely time together. My eldest even managed to lay down a few beads - about which she was very excited. I sat in my chair and looked down at the girls, which were on the floor working on their various assignments, and I felt an utter sense of peace and contentment and yes, accomplishment. I found myself thinking, that life didn't get much better than this. It had been an absolutely perfect evening, headache and all.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wherefore are thou, Autumn?
I am missing the first stirrings of Autumn in a terrible way. Living in Miami means it's still about 85 degrees here, hot and muggy and thoughts of hot cocoa make me want to grab an iced tea instead! On-line and on TV folks are talking about Fall meals, and on craft sites they are putting yarns up for sale and are peddling instructions for sweaters, mittens and scarves...unfortunately, I will be wearing sleeveless shirts and flip flops well into November. The itch for Autumn means that I turn my house into the very embodiment of Autumn by pulling out the harvest themed knick-knacks and table settings and spraying pumpkin-spice air freshener all around the house (much to the consternation of my husband, who is a native of Miami and just doesn't understand.) Of course, a warm Halloween means that we can all wear proper costumes without the parkas and boots underneath. Anyway, hope your Autumn is rich, and blessed and filled with love, as mine will be, even in Miami.
Friday, September 9, 2011
In Memoriam
It's been 10 years since that fateful day, and I believe that it has all been said by now, but I am going to jot down a few lines anyway. Many coworkers have spent the last few days talking about where they were and what they were doing on September 11th, 2001. Very few discuss how they felt at the time, however. There seems to be no need to express how one felt then; it's apparent in the telling. As I watch and listen, I see eyes tearing, voices becoming wobbly and changing in pitch as throats struggle to swallow and a stillness comes over those that are listening. It's the telling of the stories that convey the healing that has occurred, or not, as the case may be. It's the telling of the stories that fortify us and remind us of our fragility. It's the telling of the stories that make ordinary people become soldiers and protectors and heroes. It's in the stories, and the faces and voices.
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