Paisley Cat's Pen and Needle

JUNE? Art? ME??????

2011-06-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

OMG, the differences between that snowy February and today's 90+ degrees in June. I have a new job, an new hobby and want to share both.

First though--a give away is going on at Green Isle Crafts..for a very awesome book I have been waiting on to come out:

go HERE to find out more:

More posts coming soon on MY artwork!!!!

=)

Getting on board--again

2011-02-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

I realize that several blogging trains have left the station without me over the last two and a half months. I even have half-way decent explanations--

In December, Atlanta has had the WORST snow in a decade and we were actually trapped in our subdivision for 4 days before a group of men from our subdivision (including my husband, son, and son-in-lawn used shovels and icepicks to break up the ice sheet that was covering the only ingress and egress from our subdivision (geesh, how many times can I use this word in this post!)

Then in January, i was to have surgery, when it happened again--MORE *^$##@; SNOW. Surgery was canceleled and I worked from home, again.

I had a birthday at the end of January and the beginning of February saw not only my rescheduled surgery, but my youngest children, my twins, turn 19.

So I have been snowed in (and I am, like, from California, totalllly!) aged, stressed and relieved all in short order.

My surgery was to be just the removal of the right ovary, but turned into a hysterectomy. I do have the left ovary. Should be a problem hormone-wise, as the doc said my right ovary had not been working for quite a while, probably many years. The really geeky cool bit is that it was done laprascopically, by a robot (DaVinci Robot). How cool is that?? Sci-fi of my childhood operating on my timmy! AND I only have 4 little scars to show for it.

So, I tried to relax, my kids and husband took GREAT care of me and I am ready to get back on the train (wagon?) and post just little bit more often.

Oh, by the way, this is a pencil/charcoal drawing my daughter did of me. What do you think?

A rainy November Day

2010-11-29T16:53:00.000-05:00

Had knee surgery the day before thanksgiving, and am recovering now. Go see the doc tomorrow for the low down on the thing. This is the 6th surgery I have had on it. LOTS of arthritis.

Right now I am just sitting here, listening to the rain. I think I have gone through enough re-assessing and am settled on where I am right now: middles aged, good family life, good work life. The only thing that would make work better would to be able to work from home more often.

Will be glad when my knee is better so I can go geocaching again, but at least i am getting alot of stitching done =)

Arent these the coolest geocoins??

I want!

Reassessing goals

2010-09-26T16:20:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about my life lately. Its a pretty good life; my kids are mostly grown, and we all have a good relationship. My husband and I have been married over 25 years--not all of it roses, but overall, pretty good, and better now than ever before.

I am surrounded by four-footed babies. I have a good job, that I like and have friends at work and at home.

All in all, sounds like I have a great life, and I have no complaints true, but I fell like I am missing something.

I have chronic pain, and several other conditions that create pain. I am always in pain, despite pain meds and trips to the pain clinic. I am at the point where the docs say this is as good as it will ever be.

It does impact my work and family life, and my internal balance, because I want/need to be productive. I am sure it takes a toll on the family as well.

I stitch, but not as much as I need to , or want to. Some of that is time management--some days I come home from work and crash for a couple hours, some of it is pain in my hands, some of it is the brain fog I have some days.

I write, both fiction and non-fiction, and would LOVE to make my living writing. To that end I have been trying to clear my mind and body as much as is possible to have the time and focus to write.

I have been writing, both genres, and the more I do it, the easier it has become--LOL, not necessarily better, but easier.

Does anyone else write? Make their living from home? I would love to hear from you.

The boys have left me

2010-09-01T15:33:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I wrote about my unexpected geocaching find--a momma cat and her kittens, near to starvation.

I took them in and fattened them up. They mellowed out and started playing, venturing out of my home office for forays of toe sniping and pants leg climbing. Emily still guards them from all the four-footed inhabitants of the home.

My friend Scarlet, the Domestic Goddess that she is, offered to give my boys a home together. Considering that Louie is dependent on Cheeze, that was a really sweet thing for her to do.

And then........

we found out Louie was a Louisa! Yep, he was a she. Thankfully Miss Scarlet still wants my boys (girls). AND I get to visit them and see them grow up

Emily is still with us, and swiftly worming her way into my husband's heart.

I just want to say: Thanks Scarlett!!!

Rescues!!!!

2010-07-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

While we were Geocaching last weekend, a skinny, straggly little cat came ZOOMING down to where we were, meowing her poor little head off. Poor thing was nothing but skin, bones, and burrs. Poor girl looks to be only about 7-8 months old herself. Her fur was still mostly soft, so it looks some loser, poor excuse for a human dumped her when they found out she was going to have kittens.

She was very affectionate and we soon learned she had babies somewhere in the woods.We didn't find them, but fed her that day and came back the next morning. Sure enough she was there, starving again. This time three little ones came peeking out. They wouldn't let us too near (actually a good thing) so we left momma with wet and dry food and water.

The next day was Sunday, and as this site is right off a church's parking lot, we waited to go feed Emily (as momma is now called). We saw her and only two of the babies. Another couple from the church had come down to feed her too-apparently she had walked all the way up to the church and had been trying to get in. The other day the missing kitten had been the bravest, following momma everywhere--even up to us to eat wet food--- I can only hope someone found and took home that third baby =(

We decided it was not safe for momma and her kits to be there, especially with momma's behavior, so we took them in. The kittens look the be about 4 weeks or so. We have gone back to the nest site several times looking for the little missing one with no luck.

So I am going to put some weight on momma and get the kitts weaned in a few weeks and then try to find the homes. I would love to keep all three, but I have 7, all from similar backgrounds.

Here are a few pics: We have named momma Emily, any suggestions for the boys??


The boys


Better pic of the boys

Emily. She is very affectionate, very vocal, and very young.

Emily again. Pretty girl

Double Dose: A finish and a haircut

2010-06-26T16:28:00.000-04:00

I have another small finish--this one for MY office:

And my husband cut off ALL his hair; it was close to being to his waist:

BEFORE:

After:

Yep--he is still playing the SAME game, same computer, all the time

A small finish

2010-05-05T00:10:00.001-04:00

My husband has one of THOSE jobs, so I made him this small to keep in his office:

Pictures from My Daughter's Wedding

2010-04-07T20:24:00.000-04:00

Just a few pics from my daughter's wedding March 26, 2010

I have been nominated for a Blog Award!!!

2010-03-28T21:47:00.000-04:00

I been nominated for my VERY FIRST bog award---I am soooooo excited!!!

So here is the scoop:

Here's how the award works. The rules are simple.
1. You must accept the award. ABSOLUTELY!!
2. Thank the person who gave you the award. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to TAMMY
3. Add a link to the person who gave you the award. Go check out ALL her bloggy goodness!
4. Paste the award on your blog. finito
5. Write 10 things about yourself that others might not know.

I am a NATURAL redhead
I am envious of the life of 1950's housewives
Mexican is my all time favorite food
I JUST discovered Sangria, and love it
I do not like to travel for business very often =(
I am happy that my kids are all older--I enjoy my kids as teens and young adults
Spring/Early Summer is my favorite season
I really want to finish my novel, but worry I never will
I enjoy academic writing
Facebook Quizzes says I have Aspergers (!)
bonus: I have achieved Crazy Cat Lady Status at my twins Highschool

6. Pass the award on to 10 others.

My Daughter's Surprise Wedding

2010-03-27T11:26:00.000-04:00

Imagine:

Your 21 year old daughter comes to you on a Sunday night and says " how would you feel if I got married this Friday?"

WHAT???

Well mine did just that.

AND she pulled it off. I will be putting some photos up later, after i have downloaded the,

But the long and short of it is: my daughter is married, the ceremony made me cry, the wedding dinner was awesome for the fact that so many of my beloved Atlanta Family was there, my dad cut short his vacation to come see the ceremony and my daughters best friend came up from college in Savannah.

The only downside: The management at the Spaghetti Warehouse on Delk road in Marietta was horrendous when we complained that dinner was taking too long to get to to us (over 2 hours!!)

Bast Cradle You Jax

2010-03-17T20:40:00.000-04:00

I lost one of my fur-babies today.

Jax had a second bout of urinary blockage, I got him into the vets on Saturday, they have treated him for this before, so I had every reason to expect another full recovery. Except that he didn't. He went into a dazed state, responsive only to pain. We kept hoping. His BUN was 179 today; normal is 36.

We talked with the vet, and decided to ease his pain, if not mine. I was with him at the end. We have a paw print in clay.

Bast, Sekhmet, we give you back your child.
Noble, regal, honorable cat.
Watch over him, and guide him on his way
to the spirit world.
May he be blessed in your names,
and hunt ever after beside you

I have loved you from the day you came into my life,
and now it is time for me to let you go.
I could not watch you suffer,
I could not see you in pain.
Now you are free.
Your body is no longer sick,
or weak, or hurting.
Now you can run with the others,
playing and hunting as wild things do.
Because I loved you,
I had to let you go.
You will live forever in my heart

(both poems from Patti Wigington, About.com Guide)

Now if I could just stop crying.

Uhgh....just ungh

2010-03-12T17:32:00.001-05:00

WARNING! THIS IS A WHINE POST!

Ever have one of those days/weeks/years? Usually I consider myself pretty optimistic; maybe it is the winter weather wearing me down. I feel unusually overwhelmed.

Work is good, but in a delicate state, home is great, and my son is doing even better. My youngest is going to the college of her choice and my oldest graduates college next week.

I dont know why I am feeling this. I already take Cymbalta--so dont suggest prozac. LOL

I just want to get away from it all, yet there is no defined "it".

Things weighing me down:

I have my final paper due in a week, on an assigned topic I could care less about.
My son's proabation officer is an uneducated twit
My kids school screwed him over when he got in that slap fight last year--they were SUPPOSED to have a Manifestation of Disability Hearing--it may have very well prevented his arrest, jail and probation.
He was arrested because he got in a pushing slap fight with another kid--His second one in 4 years--the "automatic" school rule says if you have more than one fight in 4 years, you get arrested. Nevermind that no one was hurt and the other kid provoked it. AND nevermind he has Asbergers.
My car insurance is due--$600 bucks, my son needs shoes--special ones to accomodate his club foot--$150.00, we need to pay the deductible and co-pays on his heart caths--400.00, my kitty that was sick with urinary issues a while back may have to go in again, my baby kitty needs his last set of shots and his make over from male to neuter-- At least $400.00. All my kids need to go to the dentist, and my two oldest ones need to have their wisdom teeth extracted $??.00
I have some money left over in savings from my last vet trip, but not another 800 dollars. I also have my tax refund, but i am not supposed to use it b/c we filed a bankruptcy last year and it is supposed to go to the court--I really need to use this for NEEDED things.
I have to go to BUFORD, BUFORD! to see our Bankruptcy lawyers to see if we can possibly keep enough money to pay for the medical/vets/car ins.
My house is never clean. Six people 18 or over live here, and we are all gone most of the day---the kids all have assigned chores--what the hell??
My husband is a WOW addict.

I do feel grateful for:

My kids
My son's heart is better
my daughter is graduating college
the love of my furry babies
I still have a job that I like
The first daffodils are up in my garden
I will be married 25 years this May

Sigh, whine. call the wambulance. It will pass.

Little Eric is home and doing better

2010-02-21T11:36:00.001-05:00

Little Eric is home and recovering from his cardiac caths. Yes plural, he had to have two, two days apart.

For those who do not know, my son Eric has a congenital heart condition that only shows up at puberty: PSVT's : Paroximal Superventricular Tachacardia. (From the Merck website: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec03/ch027/ch027d.html ) My comments in red

Paroxysmal supraventricular (atrial) tachycardia is a regular, fast (160 to 220 beats per minute--Erics went into the 300's) heart rate that begins and ends suddenly and originates in heart tissue other than that in the ventricles.

Most people have uncomfortable palpations, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Episodes can often be stopped by maneuvers that stimulate the vagus nerve, which slows the heart rate.
Sometimes, people are given drugs to stop the episode.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is most common among young people and is more unpleasant than dangerous. It may occur during vigorous exercise.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia may be triggered by a premature heartbeat that repeatedly activates the heart at a fast rate. This repeated, rapid activation may be caused by several abnormalities. There may be two electrical pathways in the atrioventricular node (an arrhythmia called atrioventricular nodal reentrant supraventricular tachycardia). There may be an abnormal electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles (an arrhythmia called atrioventricular reciprocating supraventricular tachycardia). Much less commonly, the atria may generate abnormal rapid or circling impulses (an arrhythmia called true paroxysmal atrial tachycardia). This is what he had--He actually three major, fully functioning areas where the electrical current generated, and they competed, resulting in a upward cycle of rapids beats)

The fast heart rate tends to begin and end suddenly and may last from a few minutes to many hours. It is almost always experienced as an uncomfortable palpitation. It is often associated with other symptoms, such as weakness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Usually, the heart is otherwise normal. The doctor confirms the diagnosis by doing an electrocardiogram (ECG)."

He had a cardiac cath at 15 and again this last week (he is now 18). The one on Wednesday was not successful and he was sent to Emory for a more difficult and intensive cath. So now he has two puncture wounds in his groin/upper thigh- BUT he has not had an episode yet--YAY!!

After Wednesday's, he left with a heart rate in the 130's--that was his resting rate, any movement, even shifting position shot it up to near 200--the adrenalin used, the hyper-excitability and the state if the heart made him very uncomfortable.

Here are some visual aids:

See the catheter crossing from the right atrium to the left? (the upper chambers)--Usually the cardiologist needs to make a hole--we found out that Eric's never closed from birth--it neccesitated a few more tests--the bubble test was VERY weird looking, but it confirmed the hole was small and did not need any surgery--see below for a link to a video of a bubble test--the sparkly little bits after the color? that's the bubble passing from one atria to the other---http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svUlNwtL-aM

So if I have not been in communication with you--this is part of the reason-->in between snow, ice, business trips to Dallas, more Snow and ice, and this, I have not been as communicative as I should have been.

Two Cats Tuesday: The Sweetest Faces You Ever Did See

2010-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Two Cats Tuesday: The Sweetest Faces You Ever Did See

Jan 12, 2010

Two Cats Tuesday: The Sweetest Faces You Ever Did See
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today's is a very special post. I hope someone out there in Cuteland can help!Today I'd like you to meet Lenox and Diamond. Lenox is blind and Diamond only has one good eye. They are brothers and the bestest friends in the world, and Diamond is basically Lenox's seeing-eye cat.Both of these sweet babies were adopted as kittens and had the best daddy in the world. He loved them dearly and they adjusted better than anyone could have hoped. But then their daddy lost his job and as a last resort had to move back in with his parents in New York. His mom absolutely refused to take the cats in. He was crushed!!Luckily, though, the shelter they were adopted from (Animal Aid -- one of Cute's favorites!) offered to take them back in and care for them. He reluctantly took them back and they are in a foster home now -- and have once again adjusted amazingly! They really are quite a pair.

Lenox says hello! Just look how happy he is in his condo. And what a sweet face!Diamond says hello, too! It's like he's winking at us! He doesn't even know he's missing an eye. So now Lenox and Diamond are in search of a forever home again. A real forever home. They must go together as they are used to having each other to depend on. Neither one knows they are missing anything, and together they are the dynamic duo!These babies are too special to not have a mommy and daddy to shower them with love and attention.

They need a real home, where they can live the life they deserve. Let's get together and find them one!Here's some more pictures and a little more about them.

If you or anyone you know might be able to give them a loving home, please email me, tweet me, Facebook me or contact their friend at Animal Aid at LeeSparkman (at) aol (dot) com.

Animal Aid (and Lenox and Diamond!) is located in South Florida.Lenox is a little over a year old and blind. He is a beautiful white cat -- absolutely scrumptious, little guy, plays, uses the litter box and comes when called. He chases balls, eats up a storm, climbs, tumbles with other cats and you would never ever suspect he could not see. He goes non-stop -- he has so much energy. It is hard to believe he is blind and how his senses compensate for his loss of sight. Lenox has had surgery to remove his eyes, so there will be no need to worry about infections.

Lenox also has a brother, Diamond, who also needed one eye removed. Lenox and Diamond were adopted together and dearly loved by a very nice young man. Unfortunately he lost his job and had to move back with his family up north and so these darling boys are available for adoption again. Lenox and Diamond must be adopted together.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM, PLEASE CONTACT THEIR FRIEND, LEE, AT 754-366 8072 or LeeSparkman (at) aol (dot) com.. Lenox and Diamond must be adopted together. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM, PLEASE CONTACT THEIR FRIEND, LEE, AT 754-366 8072 or LeeSparkman (at) aol (dot) com.Please pass this on to anyone you think might be able to give them a home, or who might know someone who could. They are at Animal Aid in South Florida and you can call Lee at the number or email above to meet them or get more info.

Atlanta is Freezing

2010-01-10T11:04:00.001-05:00

Geesh!!!! I CANNOT believe how ^%*^$^ cold it is herein Atlanta. Ice everywhere Friday, some Saturday, and a bit today--it is slowly melting (knocking on wood and crossing fingers). We couldn't make it out of the Subdivision on Friday, and by Saturday evening some kind souls had found or gathered enough dirt and sand to get a wee bit of traction up the hill. Hope it is cleared up by tomorrow.

Neither of these poor wrecks are ours, just a shot off the Atlanta news website of Atlanta snow issues.

Presenting Henry the IX (he is a Kitty, he gets 9 lives)

2010-01-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are some pictures of Henry

Happy Holidays 2009

2009-12-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays all. I hope yours was especially wonderful, because mine sure was. Not only did my family go overboard this year with me--a china set from my daughter, Mirabila pattern WITH all the threads and beads and a new pair of scissors, a sweet silver bracelet with "mom" in several different languages, and a quote inside about how a moms love never fails--this last from my son--who has a bit of a rough year--totally made me cry--but with happiness.

Also my daughter Jessica made a scapbook for me. We lost all our photos back in 2002 in a house fire. The girls have been collecting what they could and made it into a very sweet and pretty scapbook--definately made me cry again with happiness.

But to top off all that and more, my husband got me the most unexpected present ever!!

A flame-point Siamese kitten!!!!!!!!!

I will have pictures of Henry up soon, but in case you are wondering what the &^%*&% a flame point is, also called a red point, here is a picture:

Stay tuned, pics of Henry to come soon!!

Dont Faint------Its an ACTUAL update

2009-12-05T22:08:00.002-05:00

Dont faint--I have an actual, for real, update. Part of the long delay was the apparent kidnapping of my camera into my youngest daughter's room (it is a pit of doom) and my laptop not being too healthy. I finally took it in a couple days ago--so I am posting from my work computer....shhhhh.....don't tell my boss.

First an update on my long neglected Iris

Still have some frame stitching to do, but it is getting there.

I have also joined the Georgia Regency Society, a chapter of the Regency Society of America.

The GARS had its first event today--a High Tea at Sugar Plums Tearoom in Canton GA.

VERY beautiful setting as it was completely decked out for the Holidays. Very beautiful interior. The tea service was good--loved the little teapot-shaped sandwiches. I do not know what was on it, but they were yum!

GARS is run by the daughter of a very sweet woman I had the priviledge of hiring a while back, so it was a bit of a reunion as well.

I would love to say I made my gown and chemise, but I didn't. I bought on eBay from a very wonderful woman who CUSTOM-MADE it for me. Her name is Wendy, and you can find her here

There were about 18 of us, all in early 1800's costuming--I think we all had a blast!

Lovely Iris

2009-05-18T19:19:00.006-04:00

I took the plunge and am doing a needlepoint project. A real one, not just a sampler.

Now, I am still a novice, but the subject matter of the ANG CyberPointer project "Diamond Iris" is, well, an Iris. Iris's are one of my favorite flowers, so I just had to try.

First, we had to trace the design onto the canvas. Judy, author of both the Freebies, etc! and the Possibilities, etc! blogs, was kind and generous enough to walk me through the tracing of the design, and offered a plethora of advice and unstinting help. Any mistakes are entirely my own, of course!

Here is the beginning:

And then with the floss and other threads:

And the first petal, with my first attempt at the Burden Stitch:

On the the other petals!

Memory and Scents

2009-05-10T16:35:00.017-04:00

This Mother's day marks the 14th one I have spent without my mother. She died in 1995, when I was 28. I still dream about her and she still has advice and admonitions for me, odd as that sounds.

It is not only Mother's Day that brings back memories. Scents are strongly correlated to memory. Pine always makes me think of my mom, as does the smell of books. Any stray wafting of her perfume, which I don't remember the name of, instantly triggers her memory.

Scent triggers a different sort of memory than that of the visual one we all have for remembering test answers--scent triggers an emotional memory, positive or negative. Any one of my mom's scents can trigger a smile or tears. It is a memory of the heart.

Scent also aids in being able to remember and recall what you have learned. A recent German study indicates that smelling certain scents while studying, and then again when sleeping, helps to 'cement' the memories in. While this study looked at only rose scent, it would not be too difficult to see if a different scent would be just as effective in our own private experiment.

This brings me to my newest favorite way to get the scents that enhance my mental balance, health, and possible more. I love, love, love scented candles. However, with 7 (yes 7) cats, lit candles are not a terribly safe thing to have around.

Enter my great find: Scentsy.

Scentsy is a plug in candle warmer in two types, wall plug-ins and corded. But what really makes Scentsy stand out above all the other candle sellers out there are two wonderful things: the actual scent bars and my consultant Janice.

The scents are to die for. The first set I got was a wall plug model for my bathroom and the sweet pea and vanilla scent. It kept my bathroom--where I have 3 cat pans--- smelling fresh and sweet--as did the daily scooping of course!-- but not overwhelmingly so.

I then purchased the larger corded model and three scents: Exotic Vanilla, Orange Dreamsicle and Mysterious.

Within the hour my husband wanted to know if I was craving orange ice cream bars, because he sure was!

Janice is the best! She is quick to answer emails, and her customer service is outstanding. Ohh, and if you want your order fast--she is your woman!

Vanilla has always been one of my favorite scents. The other is Sandalwood. I am no longer in school, but still take online classes and I do teach. This is where and how I am going to try the experiment. Vanilla for me. My twins and oldest daughter are coming up on finals-- I am going to give is a go there too. Seems like I will be giving Janice yet another email here soon. It can't hurt, and if it helps my kids (son) pass, then it will be money well spent.

Oh, I almost forgot!!

Janice has some very cool room sprays as well. Good for freshening any room, especially those smaller, enclosed rooms that can hold not-so-wonderful scents. Think bathroom or any boy's room!

So in the long neglected paw prints awards--Scentsy and Janice get a 5 out of 5 paw prints!!

oo! oo! ooo! A BEGINNERS needlepoint class

2009-04-19T11:39:00.003-04:00

One of my absolute dream teachers is doing a FREE beginners needlepoint class!!!

Janet Perry's designs are all to die for, but I have never been able to bring myself to do them because of my absolute newbie-ness in needle pointing, though she does have another awesome site for all us newbies here

I do have the BASIC BASICs down, but not enough to do any of Janet's designs justice.

Sooooo, when i got a tweet that she was holding a beginners needlepoint sample class, I jumped. Anyone who knows me, knows what a physical effort THAT is, LOL.

Here is the info:

Many people who learn needlepoint, myself included, teach themselves. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that you end up reinventing the wheel, and maybe not learning new stitches very quickly.

I wanted to change all that and make it easy for people to learn needlepoint, learn good needlepoint habits, and have enough stitches at hand to start doing painted canvases with confidence.

The result is my free email course, Right from the Beginning. You can sign up for it here. When you sign up, you’ll get all the lessons so far and then be put on the list to get the lessons as they are released. Once the whole course is done, it will be sent out automatically to new sign-ups.

I’m sending out the first project today and its pictured above. It shows all ten of the stitches in the course’s stitch library and is small enough to keep in your project bag as a reference.

If you’ve been wanting to learn needlepoint or have a friend who wants to learn, let them know about the course.

Great end of week and weekend

2009-04-19T09:29:00.003-04:00

I am still plugging away at Nicole North's Sex and Love scenes class.

I totally suck. Really, really suck at writing these scenes. Of course that was not a surprise to me; I knew I had a problem writing emotion, my background is all in the rarefied , passive world of academic writing.

However, it isn't all bad; I am learning a ton, and her class has given me the confidence to slog through. Practice make perfect.

And at this rate I should be ready to submit for publication rejections in about, say 10, 15 years.......

I just can't find it withing myself to be negative about this. I knew I sucked, that is why I took the class. I do not expect to be perfect in the beginning (and if you know me personally, you know what a HUGE leap that is for me). It is a learning curve.

I also went to an AWESOME workshop with Deb Dixon, author of GMC (among many other books). This book is THE bible for commercial fiction writers. I came out with 20+ pages of notes and a headful of ideas.

I am off to write some more, even practice on my silly love scenes.

Story Collage.

2009-04-13T22:10:00.004-04:00

I am working on on Paranormal Romance that revolves around shape-shifters. It is my first novel, so it is more of a practice and tune up run than a novel that has any hope of being published (yet--if I become sucessful, maybe I can rewrite and get it out)

It is a story that has been in my head in one form or another for a while. Tonight I made up a collage with most of the main elements of the story.

They are the same picture, one just has the flash on. If you click on either one of the pictures, you can see it close up.

What do you think?

Winner of drawing

2009-04-13T21:56:00.004-04:00

My apologies for the delay---work and the usual back to the real world crises. Nothing major, just day to day stuff, and sudden inspiration for a story I am working on. (will be the next blog posting)

So, on to the drawing:

I have 11 commenters on the posting. To be as random as possible I printed out each of your names and then had Random.org generate a random number. I then had my son pull the names from the hat (bag in our case) to get to the number generated, which was seven.

The seventh named pulled out of the (bag) hat is:

TERRY!!!!!

Terry, if you will email me with your snail mail addy, I will pop the magazine into the mail to you.

Thanks every one for commenting.

Egg Hunting

2009-04-12T08:19:00.004-04:00

Hey all.

My kids--20, 17 and 17 decided a couple weeks ago they really wanted to hunt eggs today. This,after 5 years of "Mom, we are too OLD!"

What the......?? Hubby and I told them that was silly, they were much too old for that.

Secretly we went out to Wally World and purchased a few brightly colored plastic eggs and some of Hershey's offerings of the season, as well as a few bunnies for later decapitation. We hid all the goodies in the freezer in the garage for the last two weeks and pulled them out around midnight to stuff. Kids were all still up, but hubby managed to sneak the treats upstairs.

Kaat, my youngest daughter came into our room just after we had finished stuffing mounds of Kisses and Miniatures in the eggs and had mounded them all into my usurped embroidery basket. Thankfully, I had just put the basket on the far side of the bed before she came in.

The kids finally headed off to bed around 2 am (I have a household of writers and MMORPG players). Hubby hid the eggs, and I do mean hid. He said he hid them like he wanted to when they were younger but couldn't.

This morning at 7am we tip-toed into each kiddos room with excited falsetto squeals of "The Easter Bunny Came, Get Up!, Get Up!".

Did I mention morning are NOT their strong suites?

After shuffling downstairs and perking up a bit, the hunt was on--45 eggs inside and out. It took them just over an hour, and a couple hints to find them all, but find them all they did and are now contentedly eating the face/ears/tails off the chocolate bunnies and gloating over their finds.

I guess it goes to show that you are never to old for a bit of family tradition.

It is SNOWING in Atlanta, and a give-away

2009-04-07T20:12:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe it is SNOWING in Atlanta today. What the H*&L???? Is is supposed to be low to mid 70's, not cold enought to make my bones ache! ARGG! IHATE, HATE, HATE the cold!

I did manage to do a ton of spring cleaning, despite the frigid temps, pay bills, and generally organize. In doing so I found that i had two copies of the Just Cross Stitch March/April 2009 issue. The one with the Ink Circles "Growth Ring" pattern:

So, in order to not keep any clutter, I am giving away the extra copy. All you have to do is post a comment (Comment box is fixed now -I believe) by midnight EST, Sunday April 11th.

I will draw a winner using the random number. org generator from all entries

The Online Needlework Show is Coming This Month

2009-04-06T09:01:00.006-04:00

The Online Needlework Show-- a wholesaler and vendor paradise of new designs offers up a ton of eye candy and contests for the consumer.

If you have never gone, make a date to come! The Online Needlework Show is April 15-20.

I have attended the last three years and one year I won Cirque des Cercles from Ink Circles.

Awesome, aweome pattern. From Tracy's description: "Interlocking circles provide a pleasing geometric layout for these stylized floral mandalas."

Of course, I then had to go and buy the companion piece Cirque des Triangles

This is the point for consumers. See patterns you just HAVE to have and then get them. Of course I was already enamored of Tracy's Ink Circles work, having done the SAL Book of Ink Circles, better known as the BOINK

Update One

2009-04-05T12:32:00.002-04:00

I apologize--I have been *thinking* about blogging, added widget and other neat toys, and thinking about topics to blog on.

There are only about four topics I feel I write about consistently: stitching, family, work, health. Okaaaay. What is missing?

Writing!

Well duh, how could I miss that? maybe because I do all my writing off line. I am a fan of paper and pen--the prettier the better.

So I will begining to not only update this blog a little more frequently, with information that may be of interest to more than myself, and add a bit of writing, my own (maybe) and info on writing.

I will be putting up a poll here in a bit to see what topics you might like to see more (or less) of

R

Quick Update

2009-02-16T18:29:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update. Classes are taking over. I had expected as much, but it still is a PIA that I cannot spend as much time stitching or pleasure writing as I would like.

The twins turned 17 a few weeks ago and I still cannot believe they are that old. My oldest will be 21 this year!

Work is good. VERY VERY busy, but I have an excellent boss, great co-workers and a challenging path daily.

Hope to add some photos of the BOINK and some of the other bits i have been working on soon.

Back on the Blog Wagon

2009-01-10T11:46:00.004-05:00

Oh My, did I EVER fall off the blogging waggon.

No real excuse, as my life has pretty much stayed at the same level of stressors. Some things have changed though.

1. I had gone back to school to get another degree in IT. Decided, with the help of my advisors to make the switch from another bachelor's to another Master's degree

2. Had a 95% handmade Christmas--one of the gifts (truffles) is still sitting in my fridge awaitng assembly

3. Had ANOTHER bout of intense, intense abdominal pain. I went to the ER early this time, hoping for relief. NOPE HAd to wait 5 hours to be seen, by then the catch, or what ever was happing to my intestines was over.

4. Highschool started back up, and my youngest daughter was kind enough to share her germs, so I have spent the last two days tossing cookies.

5. I have gone back to they gym (gasp!!--I know) and am doing pretty well when not in pain or puking.

6. My son asked to lose weight, so we enrolled in Weight Watchers on dec 30th. I am down 10 pounds YEAH!!!!!. He is still struggling with portion control. But he is determined, has started taking regular evening walks and has weight lifting at school.

7. I am taking a really neat class on color theory. I am clueless when it comes to creating a pleasing pallet. Thsi class looks to be a wonderful help. Best of all, it is online! woohoo!

8. Work is crazy. Not because there is too much to do (there is) but because I am lacking direction. My boss Lisa seems to have a good grasp on what needs to be done and how to help me get my direction figured out. I have a one on one meeting with her soon.

9. I have started doing more surface embroidery--needlepainting and some crewel soon. No you cant see---it is hideous as I am still learning. Once I get it down I will show it off next to something that looks decent. Trish Burr and Tanja Belin are my idols here

10. Umm, as soon as I find the camera that is.

Back in School and a blessedly generous Freecycler

2008-10-05T17:16:00.004-04:00

Hey all,

just a short update. I have enrolled back in college for yet another degree--this on in IT: Heath Infomatics. This is in support of my new job starting in two weeks. Wish me luck!

I also received a TON of stitching goodies from a fellow Free Cycler. Two giant bags of cross stich magazines, lots of pattern folders, several pattern kits and an ABUNDANCE of floss.

THANK YOU MARY!!!!!!!!!

I will upload pic soon.

Back to RL (Real Life)

2008-09-27T17:25:00.007-04:00

Life is returning to normal. I am pretty much fully recovered from the abdominal surgery, my back is not recovered--it probably never will be pain free, but I can walk unassisted now and can sit for a while, so for me that is a huge plus.

Jury duty is finally over. It was not as bad as I feared, though the drive WAS the pits. I took the bus two days, but drove the rest--it did not seem to make much difference in cost to me. My case was a federal one--armed bank robbery and we as a jury had to reach a unanimous verdict. It was more difficult than I thought, since the evidence was pretty heavy on the prosecutor's side I didn't think there would be much dissent, but there was. But we did finally reach one: guilty on all 15 counts.

I am also leaving my job as office manager for the two urgent cares. It was a good job. It really was. I liked it, liked the staff, and could handle the original two docs there fine. It was pretty much the job I had been striving for for a long time.

So why am I leaving? It is complicated, but it boils down to having too much to do, little to no support and tons of responsibility but no authority to effect changes. I am so overloaded it does not even merit a bad joke.

So I went looking. I interviewed for a clinical infomatics position--a blend of nursing and IT and was hired. It is a transfer, since it is the same company, but a different division. My first day there is Oct 20. I am really looking forward to it. It has a lot of the same compoenents of my previous job, also in the same company, and those aspects were ones I excelled at and enjoyed.

Now on to MUCH better topics.

I went to my LNS, The Needled Canvas in Marietta, to their Grand Re-Opening last weekend. I got some NICE goodies:

A cool blackwork Kitty design

A Blackwork Sampler design

A cross stitch/blackwork checkbook cover done in 32 count linen, OVER 1!

A Basket Purse

With the top part I am currently working on

The Rabbit Round Doorprize I won

And totally non-sequiter--a pen my husband made for me--sitting on that 32 count linen

Also, the online needlework show is almost over. It ends a little earlier this year--monday at noon rather than midnight. So if you have been there to drool over the vast amount of goodies, enter the door prizes, order a few must haves, here is the link:

http://www.needleworkshow.com/cgi-bin/stitcherlist.pl

Enjoy!

Recovery and back to work.....Sort of

2008-09-14T19:12:00.007-04:00

I am finally updating my blog after the week from hell and recovery. I have recovered nicely. I have three scars that are about an inch or so to add to my collection and my insides are slowly feeling less like a drive through for truckers and more like a body part.

My WONDERFUL staff sent me the most unusual get-well gift I have ever seen:

Isn't it yummy looking? And it was. =) It fed all 6 of us, with plenty of left overs for munchies.

I also had time to read and stitch and have just about caught up on my BOINK:

I also finished up my portion of judging in the RWA Golden Gate writing contest. There were a few good ones and a really outstanding one.

'Scent of a Man' by Maree Anderson ( www.mareeanderson.com ) made it to the finals, receiving excellent ratings from all three of the first round judges.

The story arc, characterization and dialog were great. Sexual tension sizzled. She hooked me right in. It is not for those who like their romances bland or tame. The story starts of with a bang and is a wild ride (yes, pun is intended).

The only downside is that we, as judges, only get a small portion of the whole story. =) I highly suggest you visit her site and take a look around. And if you are an agent or publisher---PLEASE check her out! I am dying to know the rest of the story.

And now onto more mundane topics:

I did go back to work last week, and needed a shovel and a back-hoe to clear off the desks in both my offices.

This week??? Jury Duty. In Atlanta. DOWNTOWN Atlanta. Like get up at 5:15 AM to leave by 6am to get there by 8am driving the 75 south Atlanta. YUCK.

Any fellow Atlanta Suburbanites that can commiserate??

Drama weekend (or This has GOT to be the end of a bad week!)

2008-08-24T16:07:00.004-04:00

Hey all,

I was bemoaning my state of affairs in my last blog--thanks to the many of you who emailed me privately with words of wisom, advice, commisuration and just plain old help. I ***really*** appreciated it all.

Apparently though, I irritated Those Who Controll Such Things, as my week went from bad to worse.

Friday my husband made hamburgers for dinner. I dont usually care for hamburgers in general, but I LOVE his hamburgers. Well I got about 20 minutes or so into the meal and started feeling sick. Went upstairs and proceeded to toss cookies, chunks, kitchen sinks and the very foundation of the house. All to indescribable levels of abdominal pain.

After about 3 rounds of this and an abundance of tears on my end, my husband took me off to the ER where they VERY swiftly triaged me, and set me up with some Zofran and blessed Dilauded.

I did have to drink and keep down some nasty contrast, but then had a CT scan that showed my secondary biliary limb was entrapped in an internal hernia resulting in a blockage.

I have two different intestinal tracts as a result of a weight loss surgery almost 7 years ago, so I look kinda like this inside:

So, The called in Dr Smith, my surgeon, wisked me off to the OR at 3:30 am and there I stayed until roughly 6:30am.

I stayed a day in the hospital and have come home. (I do miss the dilaudid PCA pain pump) but I did get to sleep here at home MUCH better.

So.....I am off for two weeks recupreating and I hope to get some stitching in as well.

Blog Re-do, Rough Week, Could use some Advice

2008-08-20T22:48:00.007-04:00

Ever have "one of those weeks"? I have. This past week/month/quarter. I am really hoping it gets better from here out.

I did manage to get out on the internet and create a palette of colors and then a pattern to re-do the blog. I liked the three column format; the colors however, needed to go. The colors came from a swatch of fabric:

Then I went to http://www.colourlovers.com/ to create my palette:

and then the pattern you see on the sides of the blog from there. The contents of the blog--type color, headers ect, all came from those colors. I just went inti the code and pulled out the default hex numbers and put in the ones I wanted.

In addition, I have been pretty severely limited in my daily life in regards to the pain levels for about three months now. I have had chronic pain issues for a couple years, but usually nothing worse than the baseline pain and then the occasional flare ups.

In the last three months, I have been reduced to walking with a cane (when walking is a possibility), parking in the handicapped spots with my shiny new red handicapped tags, and generally living in a drug induced haze the rest of the time.

Work has been neglected, as has my stitching. The pain doc is moving up the pain drugs, I am out of epidurals for the year. The neurosurgeon wasn't too keen on the idea of a fusion. Seems there might be a problem with the osteoporosis and the hardware causing more trouble down the long run.

He did suggest a spinal cord stimulator implant, so at the next pain doc appt that will be the topic of discussion. I really detest feeling 80 when I am half that age.

I would like to hear from any of you that live with chronic pain, and what do you do to get through these flare ups? This has been the worst by far. I have never been unable to work, let alone walk.

I could use some advice.

In case you need it, here is the latest score:

malapsorption issues

migraines (controlled now)

GERD (from a prior surgery, not too much of an issue)
osteoporosis

arthritis: hands, wrists, knees, hips, neck, and back (from age 15)

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Joint Disease

Radiculopathy, both lumbar and cervical

parasethia--right lower quadrant

Chronic Pain

and brain fog from the upped meds.

Spiral Needle Profile & Review

2008-08-09T16:59:00.012-04:00

Hey all,

I recently ordered a "Spiral Needle" to see if it would truely make threading my needle any easier. I have arthritis and wear bifocals so this seems like it would be a pretty cool thing if it works. The needle can be seen and purchased at the Spiral Eye Needle website: http://www.spiraleyeneedles.com/

They are a little pricey: one needle cost me 5.00, but shipping was free and if it works out, well then it was money well spent. The needle arrived to today and I set about testing if it was as easy to thread as promised, and more importantly, how did it feel while stitching. The needle size is a 22.

The brochure that accompanied the needle gave a bit of info on the old type calyx needles, the ones with the opening at the top that always came un-threaded, a bit about nickle (these needles are stainless steel) and a bit about the Spiral Needle itself along with a quick " how to thread pictoral":

As promised, it was pretty easy to thread. I am using two strands of DMC regular floss here.

Step one, loop the thread around the needle. Make sure the opening is on the side of the looped thread.

Step two: Pull up until the thread slips into the opening and "clicks" into place.

And you are Done!

Now for the real test: stitching!

On aida: (16 count) the needle sort of hung up occasionally going into the holes. Not enough to casue anything but irritation if I was stitcing a big piece. This was somewhat alleviated when I made a conscious effort to keep the opening of the needle face down to the fabric.

The other issue was when I got more than one row in, the needle occaisonally hung up on the threads of the previous row.

On a piece of fabric with a tight weave, using the needle for surface embroidery (a pillowcase) the catching was MUCH more noticeable, and since it is not terribly sharp , it was a bit of a pain in the &^%&% to get through the fabric. . The good news it the needle can be sharpened according to the brochure.

On 28 count Lugana, and 18 count needlepoint mono canvas the catching was much less noticable, although the same problem of the opening catching the previous row's threads.

On all the test pieces is was nearly impossible to bury the threads on the back by weaving. A single pass under was accomplished, accompanied by much cussing on my end.

Perle cotton 8 would not thread at all; too thick.

So, my over all impressions is: ehhh

I will use this on my needlepointing, since that was where I encounted the least amount of issues and will have to finish off my threads a different way.

Paisley Cat Paw Prints: 2 for ease of threading.

Jessica Blue

2008-08-09T12:21:00.007-04:00

My oldest daughter is in the process of cutting the apron strings. She is 20 this month, engaged and in college,and holding down a part time job at Lane Bryant.

She was feeling a little left out because I feature Kaats Etsy shop on my sidebar and my son is in one of my anniversay pictures. So............I am devoting an entire post to :

Jessica Blue, also known as Juicy Blue

Her blog is at: http://wordsfromatwentysomething.blogspot.com/

Here is a pic of her right before Prom--2006 (ignore the dates in the photos--I never have set them

A picture of her in all her grace and showing exeplary ettiquette

Jessica and her grandmother last month (july 2008) working on a quilt in the game room

There you have it. =)

The Paisley Cat Profile--The Needled Canvas LNS

2008-08-04T18:43:00.015-04:00

I am going to start profiling the sites, both web and brick and morter that I visit. Good or not so hot, and why I feel that way will be detailed.

The rating system is pretty easy--Pawprints (what else, LOL) on a scale of 1-5, 1 being pretty bad, 5 being outstanding,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first one to get the spotlight is The Needled Canvas, a brick and morter LNS in Marietta Ga, and, as I rated on Kudzu.com, "The Best Needlework Shop in Atlanta"

Gail (the owner) and Colleen (instructer) are wonderful ladies who have both gone out of thier way to teach me needlepoint basics (at no charge no less!) make me feel welcome despite my "newbie-ness" to needlpointing and are consistantly helpful and welcoming.

Gail recently purchased the store and while it looks pretty much the same on the inside, she has absolutely re-invented the feel of the store to a warm, welcoming neighbor-next -door feel, complete with complimentary hot and cold drinks and the ever present bowl of sweets. There are tables at the entrance, open to all who come in to sit, talk, and of course, stitch. Advice, tips, hints, teaching, as well as a pretty impressive store library helps even new stitches feel comfortable and welcome.

Gail has a good assortment of threads, canvases, accessories, stitching frames, and the inventory is growing. Gail and Coleen are also hosting classes.

I am a cross stitcher and had never ventured past a little surface embriodery and some crewelwork. Colleen Harris took an entire Saturday of her own time to meet with me to not only ground me in the basics of the art, but also some of it's history, some of her own early works, and showed me a ton of her own tools and accessories, all of which she was willing to let me play with and familiarize myself with. She even let me take home a few to try out. Colleen also helped me pick out the threads and stitches for each area of a canvas I had chosen, explaining to me why one stitch would be better than another (compensation?, we don' need no stinken' compensation!) and why one type and color of thread was a better choice than another based on weight, color, and lightplay.

When I had trouble with the basketweave when I was home, on my own--the staple of needlepoint, I went back in and Gail not only sat with me, but also gave me a practice canvas, needle, wool and printed directions. Most importantly, to me at least, she patiently stayed with me until I got it down.

I can honestly say, that without these two women, I would not be doing needlepoint now.

Therefore, The Needled Canvas earns the spotlight this week and 5 out of 5 PaisleyCat Pawprints

Shop Info:
The Needled Canvas and Finest Threads
2520 Shallowford Road
Centre Stage Plaza, Suite J
Marietta, Ga 30066

(770) 591-2466

needled@bellsouth.net

website coming!

Sunday Update

2008-08-03T18:06:00.011-04:00

Here it is Sunday, the hours waning way until the alarm clock summons me to work; my stress. I am not going work tomorrow morning I actually have yet another procedure tomorrow morning--a radio frequecy ablation from L1 to S1 in my back. Please pray, chant or dance to whomever answers your prayers for me. This pain has gone on for a couple of years now, getting worse each year. This year too, I also ruptured one of the discs; just to add salt to the wounds, so to speak.

UGG.

Anyway, on to Far more pleasant topics. I have been stitching a bit. I have to do it in segments since I cannot sit too long at a time, so my pace is somewhat slower.

Here is page two of the Carol Lake Diagonal Stitch Class. These are mostly gobelins and its variations:

These stitches are (from left to right):

Slanted Gobelin -over 1
Encroaching Gobelin
Slanted Gobelin-over 2
Plaited Gobelin (this one was a real PIA!)
Oblique Slav
Encroaching Oblique
Tied Gobelin (I liked this one a lot)
Slanted Beaty

I also put up the dragon for a week or so and pulled out Barfy, I am three blocks behind in the SAL!!! So here is as far as I am today:

And here is the cutest little cross stitch beaded Witch Hat for Halloween. It is called Wanda's Hat--I am going to go back to my LNS (the Needled Canvas--EXCELLENT store with UBER helpful owners--come in if you are anywhere in the Atlanta area) to get Wanda's Boot.

Yes, I know it is close to the edge--it is actually done on perforated paper and will be cut out and made into a pin.

Well that is about it for this week.

Carol Lake Class Work

2008-07-24T22:19:00.006-04:00

Here is page one of Carol Lake's class. The stitches covered on this page are (left to right):

Basketweave

Continental

Alternating Continental

Diagonal Weave ( T-Stitch)

Exploded Alternating Contnental

Half Alicia Lace

Upsidedown basketweave

Y stitch

I only did a few of the continental, as that oneis pretty basic. I DO NOT like the upside down basketweave--it tooke a LONG time to get that one going.

I will be doing page two next--trying to catch up. I have been having evil back issues again =(

Been a'stitching

2008-07-20T11:34:00.009-04:00

Sorry for the long delay in updates; I have been busy working and stitching.--I have found ANOTHER cool website--Craft Bits.

There are ALL kinds of neat things there--go check them out!

Christmas Craft Projects and Patterns

I have completed my kitties ornament, after ripping out the backgound twice! I also switched threads for the kitties after doing the tail of the right sided one--it looked dingy to me.

For the background I used a single ply of an overdye in Christmas colors in a basic basketweave. The striping turned out pretty neat I think. The kitties themselves are done in plain old white DMC as is the gold top.

I just need to do the finishing now.

On another note I am taking Carol Lake's online stitching notebook classes. Book One is diagonal stitches, and it is really very nice for a semi novice in needlepint like myself.

Here is a blurb from the site where you can register for any of the classes, which are VERY affordable!! (http://www.needleartworks.com/CYBERCLASSES2/CYBER.HTM)

Canvas Stitch Notebook Series 1: Diagonal Stitches by Carole Lake

Information: 4 notebook classes (Diagonal stitches, Straight Stitches, Crossed and Interlaced Stitches and Specialty Stitches)

Format: Each notebook contains 96 stitches each with information about each stitch (history, where useful, etc.).

Participants can join the class at any time and start with the next notebook. 12 lessons via the e-mail which arrive biweekly.

I am also doing a mini SAL with my daughters and one of their best friends since they are pretty new to stitching. It seems a good introduction to fractional stitches and a minor specialty stitch.It is Teresa Wentzler's Futhercast--a freebie from her site @ http://www.twdesignworks.com/Free/futurecast.html

NEW NEW NEW

2008-06-15T11:30:00.004-04:00

Wow, what a week for new stuff. I have found some new sites that are awsome, went to a new Needlepoint store and learned some new skills.

The needlepoint store is under new ownership. It is called The Needled Canvas in Marietta Ga.

It is under new ownership and Gail, the owner has gone out of her way to make it the friendliest and most helpful needlework shop I have ever been to.

It was here that Colleen took an entire Saturday to teach me the basics of needlepoint. I can cross stitch and have done some crewel and surface embroidery, but have never needlepointed. LOTS to learn. Colleen is a great teacher and will be doing basic needlepoint classes in August.

If you live in the area you NEED to come to this shop.

New Sites:

Wowwio-- http://www.wowio.com/ This little site allows you to browse thier somewhat limited collection of books, place them all in a queue and download 3 a day. Pretty nifty.

Stitchin' Fingers--http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/ this community caters to fiber artists. Lots oc commnities and learning opportunities.

New Blogs I LOVE:

Tipnut -- http://www.tipnut.com/ a HUGE collection of every tip, tutotrial, blog reviews, everything. The description reads:

"This is my desperate attempt to neatly archive all the household notes, scribbles and clippings of tips, crafts, recipes, DIY projects and neat-o hints I've collected over the years."

Stepcase Lifehack-- http://www.lifehack.org/ --a blog/website that covers nearly every topic under the sun, written by multiple authors. Excellent site!

In A Minute Ago- http://sharonb.wordpress.com/ A Stichers Paradise!! LOTS of stitching info, great tutorials.

Meari's Musings -- http://meari.blogspot.com/ another GREAT stitching site with LOTS of tutorials

Ruptured Discs and Fairy Day

2008-06-09T22:26:00.007-04:00

I am forcibly home today. I really did not want to be; I have WAY, way too much work to do at both centers. Just thinking about how much I will be missing is making my stomach hurt. (And no it is not the Oxycontin)

Saturday before last my husband and I went grocery shopping. A normal enough occurrence. However, while we were in the check out lane, he ran back to get a forgotten item and I unloaded. Nothing too difficult until I had to get down to the bottom rack to get the boxes of 24-count cat food cans. Apparently my lower back disagreed violently with that decision and decided to not only lock up, but send bolts of pure hell shooting down my legs and up my back.

After getting lectured by the husband, hobbling out to the car, and applying ice, heat, pain meds, more ice, heat and pain meds, I was completely not recovered at all. I went to work all week. Shuffled through the day. Got shots of decadron and toradol just to be able to walk.

Finally I gave in and called the Pain Clinic. They got me in this AM, and the result was ANOTHER lecture, more drugs and an appointment with a long needle tomorrow morning for the first epidural. Apparently I either ruptured the previously bulging disc at L4, or otherwise dislodged, moved or generally irritated it. (the feeling is mutual!)

So I will be off work again tomorrow.

I know, I can hear you all saying "Wah, wah, wah, cry me a river". But seriously, it really messes up my work flow to have unexpected days off, especially days where I cannot function well due to med-induced brain haze.

On to better topics: I have made the decision to hire two candidates for my Powers ferry office. Both look to be great and I hope the work out well. That should help with the scheduling issues.

On a WAY happier note, I received an email for a favorite stitching designer letting me know their freebie of the month was up. It is a way cool faerie that apparently it to celebrate Fairy Day--June 24, also know as Midsummer Day. There are three patterns up, one for 2006, 2007 and 2008. I downloaded them all for future stitching pleasure.

I HIGHLY recommend you go check them out! They are located at: http://www.passionericamo.eu/ (yep, European, Italian)

Creature Teacher Petition

2008-05-30T21:37:00.004-04:00

The following is a letter written by a father who put together a petion for ousting the Creature Teacher:

Florida Teacher Should Be Fired For Mistreatment of Austistic 5 Year Old Voting Him Out Of

Class

Target:Anyone With Children Or Special Needs Kids

Sponsored by:
Jim Staley www.BigJimsWholesale.com

We the undersigned petition that Wendy Portillo is terminated from teaching for her inexcusable behavior. This Florida teacher thought it was proper to have her classroom of 16 Kindergardners vote out a 5 year old Austic child "Survivor" Style. For all of you that have children, know children or plan to have children this is a must read. So that means everyone.

I have a now 10 year old son that was diagnosed 5 years ago with Aspergers which is a high functioning form of Austism. I was outraged to read that this teacher had this young boy stand up in front of the class and let his classmates "vote him out" and tell him why they didn't like him. No child no matter what the circumstance deserves this sort of burden brought on by the teacher especially since he didn't ask to be the way he is.Can you imagine the emotional scars that this child will have? Imagine your child being treated like this and the Teacher was the main cause.

Law enforcement says there were no laws broken and the School is "looking into it".Wendy Portilla (the teacher) admits " I let the students decide if he could come back in. They took a vote. The count 2 for and 14 against, "I looked at Alex and asked, "How did it make you feel?" And he said, "Sad." And she looked at him and said, "No, it didn't!" Please read full articles here: http://www.wflxfox29.com/global/story.asp?s=8388562 This sort of behavior should not be tolerated.

Please help us circulate this petition. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Petition located:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/florida-teacher-should-be-fired-for-mistreatment-of-austistic-5-year-old-voting-him-out-of-the-class

Outraged, Disgusted and Saddened

2008-05-27T18:01:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe this story. I am alternately outraged, digusted and saddened. My heart really goes out to this mom and her son.

If drawing and quartering were still legal, it wouldn't be too harsh for this excuse of a teacher. I would love to have the same thing happen to herthat she perpetrated on this child.

I am not terrible cohent in my writing on this, I am just too pissed on behalf of this family and other families that face this issue.

Yes, my son had Aspergers. If this ever happened to him, I am not sure what I would do, but it would not be pleasant.

Yes Aspie kids CAN be obnoxious, belligerent and hard to handle. So what?? She chose to teach and there ARE appropriae ways to handle behavior issues. This is not one of them.

What on earth is this teaching the kids in this classroom?? Bulling is OK if the teacher starts it??

UGG!!!

Read on--might want to get some pepto next to you though----

By Colleen Wixon (Contact)Saturday, May 24, 2008

PORT ST. LUCIE — Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class.

After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.

By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex — who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism — out of the class.

Melissa Barton filed a complaint with Morningside's school resource officer, who investigated the matter, Port St. Lucie Department spokeswoman Michelle Steele said. But the state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges will be filed, Steele said.

Port St. Lucie Police no longer are investigating, but police officials are documenting the complaint, she said.

Steele said the teacher confirmed the incident took place.

Portillo could not be reached for comment Friday.

Steele said the boy had been sent to the principal's office because of disciplinary issues. When he returned, Portillo made him go to the front of the room as a form of punishment, she said.
Barton said her son is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. Alex began the testing process in February at the suggestion of Morningside Principal Marcia Cully.

Children diagnosed with Asperger's often exhibit social isolation and eccentric behavior..
Alex has had disciplinary issues because of his disability, Barton said. After the family moved into the area and Alex and his sibling arrived at the school in January, Alex spent much of the time in the principal's office, she said.

He also had problems at his last school, but he did not have issues during his two years of preschool, Barton said.

School and district officials have met with Barton and her son to create an individual education plan to address his difficulties, she said. Portillo attended these meetings, Barton said.
Barton said after the vote, Portillo asked Alex how he felt.

"He said, 'I feel sad,' " Barton said.

Alex left the classroom and spent the rest of the day in the nurse's office, she said.
Barton said when she came to pick up her son at the school Wednesday, he was leaving the nurse's office.

"He was shaken up," she said.

Barton said the nurse told her to talk with Portillo, who told her what happened.

Alex hasn't been back to school since then, and Barton said he won't be returning. He starts screaming when she brings him with her to drop off his sibling at school.

Thursday night, his mother heard him saying "I'm not special" over and over. Barton said Alex is reliving the incident. The other students said he was "disgusting" and "annoying," Barton said.

"He was incredibly upset," Barton said. "The only friend he has ever made in his life was forced to do this." St. Lucie School's spokeswoman Janice Karst said the district is investigating the incident, but could not make any further comment.

Vern Melvin, Department of Children and Families circuit administrator, confirmed the agency is investigating an allegation of abuse at Morningside but said he could not elaborate.

More BOINK and an anniversary

2008-05-26T09:31:00.014-04:00

Just a quick update on the BOINK progress. Parts one and two done. I will be doing the top knot today in prep for part three that comes out tomorrow.

It was also my 23 anniversary this week. My girls, 19 and 16- cooked us dinner--my son (16) was the waiter. It was great. (yes the towel he has is my "Pears" cross stitch finish from a couple months ago)

Me and my husband Eric. His hair really is that long (mid-back)--he hasn;t cut it since he got out of the Navy 13 years ago.

Dinner was served in our little tent out on the back deck. The girls did a wonderful job decorating. (Ignore my flabby arms--I lost a lot of weight [210 lbs] and have a wee bit of loose skin to show for it)

Then it poured! we wound up eating out dessert and after dinner drinks in the living room. It was still a WONDEFUL night!

Kaat's Artwork

2008-05-13T20:14:00.010-04:00

My daughter has been working on painting. She draws well, but has been reluctant to paint. She finally strted. I have put some of her work here......cuz I can =)

A puppy she drew and painted in grey-scale

Horse skull emerging from human --A shapeshifter sort of thing

Flowers for me

More work, a Win.

2008-05-09T19:13:00.010-04:00

I have got a little further on my BOINK. I had to go out to California for a funeral for my DH's grandfather. The stitching kept me sane while with the outlaws.

When I got back home I decided that because I have so many colors in my BAP Chat Noir (26 and counting!!) I needed a way to organize them. I had been just placing the threaded needle in a peice of felt with a piece of paper attached that gave the number and symbol. It gets really messy and not really enough room. So I put together a needle book made from fabric, card board, felt pieces and a bit of ribbon and a couple charms. The book has about 12 "pages" so I am hoping it will be neater,

I also found out I was a door prize winner from the online Stitching Show. I won a free patternfrom Ink Circles--one of the ones I REALLY wanted!!! I am hoping mine will turn out as gorgeous.

BAPs and SAL's and WIPs, Oh my!

2008-04-20T11:11:00.012-04:00

I have been working diligently on two major projects: a Mystic Stitch BAP entitled "Le Chat Noir". It is one of my favorite prints.

The section below has 24, yes 24-- colors in it!!

I am also working on a SAL from Ink Circles called "Book of Ink Circles" affectionatley reffered to as BOINK or Barfy the Cat. It is a free stitch along and the patterns there are AWESOME.

My next purchases I plan to be from Ink Circles, the triangles and circles patterns:

Arent they GORGEOUS!!??

Scissors Fob Finish

2008-04-02T21:33:00.005-04:00

After weeks of the constant refrain "where the &^%*% are my scissors!" I finally decides on a scissors fob pattern and finished it over the last three days. It is certainly big enough that I *should* be able to find my scissors!

It is done an a 14 count aida with DMCs, silks, blending filaments, metalics and beading. It is kind of hard to see all the sparklies, but they are there. =)

(as usual, ignore dates/times on photos--I can never get those correct)

Bear for my son

2008-03-18T21:57:00.004-04:00

My son's bear is done. Bear is his totem--his spirit animal, and very much his personality. I **Still** cannot do french knots! I am finishing up some of my smaller projects so I can start some of my bigger projects my Husband got me for my birthday.

I also joined the American Needleworkers Guild and the Embroider's Guild of America. So far the EGA ihas been VERY active and helpful. I will update as I get more info on both.

Also, if you are in the Atlanta area, I have a bi-weekly Crosstitcher's Meetup on Sunday afternoons.

Info about the Meetup can be found here: http://crossstitch.meetup.com/308/

Snow in Atlanta! and a finished chatelaine

2008-01-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

It snowed in Atlanta. Twice. In one week.

I have lived here for almost 13 years and I do not think I have ever seen snow twice in one month, let alone one week. My kids, all teens, had a great time, having snowball fights and making a risque' snow-woman (if snow boobs offend--do not look at the pic below)

I also finished my version of a chatelain. I wanted something mid sized I would not wear, but would rather sit close by. I stitched up the pattern, did some light stuffing and attached the pieces.

Now off to finish my last WIP, the Smokey Mountain cats....I have to make some headway, as my birthday is in 12 days and I have asked DH for four Mystic stitch patterns!!!

Cross stitching again

2008-01-15T21:13:00.001-05:00

I have started cross stitching again after a long hiatus to finish my Master's degree. I have way too many hobbies--reading, writing, stitching are the old stand-by's.

I have a finish for 2008==My Pears kitchen towel:

and a WIP "Smokey Mountain Cats":

I also am designing a chatelaine to hold all my accessories-- you can see a corner of it behind the Smokey Mountain Cats WIP above

It is SO me =)

2007-10-23T16:39:00.001-04:00

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Autumn is Sweet...We call it Fall

2007-10-13T12:33:00.001-04:00

Blatant plagerism from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, one of my favorite bands. It isn't that they are pretty hot to look at, it is the lyrical intellect that runs through the majority of the songs. That to me make them a band I will listen to forever. =)

Speaking of intellect, one of my all-time favorite websites is "I can has Cheezburger?" http://icanhascheezburger.com/ . This site displays Engrish captioned pictures, usually of cats. The result range from mildly amusing to pee-your-pants funny.

Six weeks.....and counting

2007-09-14T19:27:00.001-04:00

Wow!

What else can I say? I have really been enjoying my new job. Despite some political and financial gaffes (sorry Heather!!!) early in my tenure, I have been immersed in world I should have entered a decade ago. I really feel like I have found my niche.

My team is awesome. They each have talents they utilize well and they work well together. What more could a manager ask? I am sure there is still a lingering scent of honeymoon to my arrival, but the day-to-day grind isn't one I dread.

I have made some changes, mostly cosmetic to the facility, but nothing major. I think what has made the most impact is that the staff know I am there *for them*. My goal is to see them grow and succeed. Yes, that may mean some move on to bigger and better things, but isn't that the point?

My writing has taken a dip, so if you need tech or medical writing, drop me a line!

Ruth

New Job

2007-08-05T18:03:00.001-04:00

I have made a transition. I have moved from my limited previous job to one with much greater potential. One that actually uses the information I went to school for, yeah!!

The position is as a manager in a medical office, one that has not had an on-site manager since April. The staff, with the help of the director and other site managers has done an amazing job of keeping things together quite admirably.

I started last week, and have had a week full of meetings, new processes, policy and procedure, and unfortunately, a somewhat flimsy map of expectations. I am anxious to get going, but am still a little unclear as to what *exactly* it is I am to do on a daily basis.

Oh, not the whole day certainly, but I want to make certain of the core expectations, you know.

The people have been wonderful, especially one particular manager of another site. She has taken the time to walk me through a bunch of things; I am very grateful to her.

So, anyone who is a manager in a medical office and has a generous heart, leave comment with your best ideas to engage the staff, make them comfortable, and to hopefully generate as smooth a transition as possible. I would be very appreciative!

White Paper Writing

2007-07-11T14:19:00.002-04:00

The author of one of the blogs I read faithfully is making a wonderful offer I can't pass up, especially since a trip across the country is out of my budget = (

But I can let you know about a pretty cool opportunity and get a very cool reference for myself.

As you know I am stretching my writing skills by learning both technical and medical writing.

Simultaneously.

So far so good.

I *also* have an interest in writing a related product called a white paper. I have looked over the 'net, and settled on Michael Stelzner as an excellent resource. I read his blog,

( http://www.writingwhitepapers.com/blog/ )

and I get his e-zine, and have the RSS feed on my igoogle home page. Pretty good stuff here. He has written white papers for some of the biggest companies--FedEX, Microsoft, Motorola, Monster, Hewlett-Packard. He has written a lot of them as well; over 100.

You can see why he got my vote.

He is putting together and in-person seminar in my old home town of San Diego, California
{ insert sad sigh here}.

Here is the scoop:

Creating and Marketing Winning White Papers Seminar in San Diego

Interactive, hands-on white paper writing and marketing training

Full day at San Diego Hyatt Regency Mission Bay in San Diego

Limited to only 25 people (so get a spot while they are available)

Held September 21st

Taught be Michael Stelzner

Here is the link to the seminar and more details:http://www.whitepapersource.com/seminar/

I wish I could go. I miss San Diego, and this looks like it will be an awesome Seminar!

[Pause]

2007-07-03T22:03:00.002-04:00

Or would that be paws?

I am neglecting my blog, I know. However, it is for a good reason. I am on deadline. How cool is that?

I am also taking two courses right now; one on technical writing, and one on medical writing. They both are online. The tech writing class is from my alma mater of Kennesaw State University in collaboration with ed2go.com. http://tinyurl.com/2o4quk

I have been in class a couple weeks thus far and have learned a great deal.

The medical writing class is also online. it is produced and distributed by Diego Pineda @ http://www.becomingamedicalwriter.com/ .

He also has a blog @ http://medicalwriter.blogspot.com/

And no, I have NO affilliation, nor have recieved any compensation from either. I paid full fees, just like anyone else; I am just passing on information.

I have just received the package and will be starting tomorrow, so I will report back soon.

I will diligently report back, promise!

(Of course, my oldest child insists on getting me the T-shirt that says "No one reads my blog!")

I'm Baaaaaaack!

2007-06-10T20:05:00.001-04:00

Well, I am back from vacation and the inevitable return to the day job. I visited my Father in north Florida; it is beautiful there. I grew up near the ocean (San Diego, CA) and miss the beach and ocean tremendously.

Have you ever noticed that? I have discussed this with others who have moved to Atlanta. Some people just seem to bodily crave the ‘feel’ of their childhood environments. I can feel my body relaxing and feeling different when I am near the ocean. Perhaps it is nothing more than the barometric pressure difference or the scent of the air; but my arthritis is not so bad there. I sleep better too. Hell-- I am ABLE to sleep.

Yeah, I have arthritis. And pre-menopausal osteoporosis, degenerative disc and joint disease, and a few other things most women under 50 have only read about. The pain levels keep me from sleeping well or long, despite a plethora of pharmacological helpers.

I ran across a very cool website yesterday called Chronic Babe (www.chronicbabe.com). The website gives a ton of support (And a shop that is beyond awesome--) and information for those of us where were blindsided by the onset of chronic conditions while we were busy having an active life working, raising kids, raising pets, or just trying to find that path. It is cool, it is hip, it is bright orange and pink. I plan on visiting the site often.

2007-05-29T16:29:00.001-04:00

Georgia’s Dona Quixote

With seventh installment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, due out this June, Georgia’s vey own Dona Quixote, Laura Mallory of Gwinnett County, is tilting at windmills—again.

Ms. Mallory has attempted several times in the past to get the Harry Potter books banned from the Gwinnett County school system, on the basis that they promote witchcraft. Not only is she sadly misguided as to what witchcraft actually is, she is mixing religion and government; not an unusual occurrence in this state. (Remember the Cobb County Evolution stick fiasco?)

The trouble with her whole plan is that no one is buying it. She has been shot down several times since her initial 2005 request to her child’s elementary school to remove all the Harry Potter books from the library shelves. At each turn, from school panels, to the district, to the school board, the vote has been to unanimously retain to book series. (1)

Ms. Mallory, apparently unsatisfied, took the case to the Gwinnett Superior Court in January of this year, where she again lost her appeal. (1)

So what is it about these books that cause Ms Mallory to cast herself in the fool’s light? She herself has said that she has not read the books, but instead relies on conservative Christian website testimonies to keep her informed. She has gone on record stating that she believes that raising a country full of witches is just not right. (1)

While that sentiment is certainly debatable, or would be if Ms. Mallory had any sense of what witches really are and do, she is certainly entitled to restrict her children’s reading. She could even go so far as to request that the offending books be removed from her children’s PUBLIC school library. After that however, she really needs to reassess her motives.

Why would she seek to restrict every child’s reading in Gwinnett County? Does Ms. Mallory believe that freedom only applies to those in her coterie? Or perhaps only to those residing in Gwinnett County? (Poor Fulton and DeKalb Counties—do you feel left out yet?) Is she seeking glory for herself? Her religion? Is she just seriously misguided?

I don't know.

Sadly, I do not think Ms. Mallory does either.

(1) Ben Smith. Atlanta Journal Constitution (May 29, 2007). Next installment of mom vs. Potter set for Gwinnett court. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2007/05/28/0529metPOTTER.html?cxntnid=amn052907e

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T10:54:00.001-04:00

My deepest gratitude for all those who have given whatever it takes to keep me and mine safe and free. Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor union men fallen in battle. After WWI, the holiday (once known as Decoration Day) included any fallen soldier. (1)

Take a moment today to vist a veteran cemetary or memorial today. If you feel moved to do so express your gratitiude to those who make it possible for me to write this, and you to read it.

(The photo above is not mine. It is however an awsome (public) phote that captures today's thought. The photo is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahbelle1/ , along with more great shots from this photographer.)

(1) Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_day

Paisley Pawprints

2007-05-27T21:26:00.001-04:00

Good evening. Sounds so very Lugosian (as in Bela) doesn't it?

Welcome to the scratchings of my virtual pen. This blog serves several purposes, not the least of which is enforced daily writing time. I would love to be a full time --paid-- writer.

To that end I am beginning a study of technical writing to go along with my academic and fiction writing efforts. Anyone have a thought or comment of the viability of tech writing? I would like to specialize in the health field, since I am an RN. I also edit other's writing, usually for a pittance, but at least it keeps me in practice.

I love the written word, and read just about anything, from the the back of shampoo bottles to the lastest paranormal romance release. I would one day like to try writing one of those (the romance book, not the shampoo bottle ingredients--though with tech writing, that may happen).

Enough pawing around, will post again soon.