I Am A Pisces

My birthday is March 15th - quick, write it on your calendar so you don't forget to say happy birthday when the time comes.

Okay, so that was not the point of my post.  My point was that water is comfortable to me and I strongly believe it is because I am born under the sign of the fish.  We do not have a dishwasher (gasp - we also only have one bathroom!) and I must admit, I actually LIKE doing the dishes.  Yep, I like it.  No one bugs me while I am doing them for fear that they may be enlisted to help. As a result I get lots of time to think - uninterrupted which almost never happens otherwise.  Even now, I am trying to write a blog post and all three of them are bugging me.

My friend Jen posted this on FB about me.

So while I was going the dishes this evening after dinner I was thinking about how I will find a way to drag my fat butt out of the rut it has been in for months.  I keep feeling like I am going further in rather than coming out. I want to be happy.  I want to do something that makes me happy and I think that means I need to have less responsibility.  I need to make a plan, I need to find a way to make it all work.

I never thought that I would have no choice.  I always thought: I am a woman, the wife, the mother.  My husband will take care of most of what needs to be taken care of so that I can take care of us.  That, unfortunately, is not my reality.  I need to find something that makes money and makes us all happy.  I know the lottery would do the trick - anyone else have any ideas?

For the record I also LOVE the ocean and any other body of water - I love to swim and to walk in the water, be in a boat, or sit on the beach.  I also LOVE to have a shower or a bath - I shower almost everyday until the hot water runs out.
I think I can. I know I can.  I will.

:o) Tina

Wordless Wednesday

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Seriously.  Who the heck would eat this?

Source: uni-watch.com via Tina on Pinterest

For the Love of Pinterest! Aprons, Aprons and More Aprons.

Last week(ish) I went to a thrift store that I did not not even know existed in a neighboring town with my brother-in-law and PITA.  B-I-L is a major deal hound and knows where all the thrift stores are in the province - and I do not mean this in a negative way, at all.  Anyway, I bought a really great vintage sheet while I was there.  Just beacuse, not that I had a plan.

Well, thank Goodness for Pinterest.  Just came across this image.  Which linked to 191 FREE apron tutorials. WOOT!!

Source: time-warp-wife.blogspot.com via Tina on Pinterest

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by letting all of the bad go, relaxing, and being happy.  What have you got to lose?  Christmas is for happy not for being blue (or angry, red!)!

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is getting to spend some extra quality time with family - mainly the shorties.  The shop is closed for the week between (although I go sew with my girl friends) and so that means lots of time to spend with my precious kids (who are right at this minute fighting and driving me crazy!). Once the big day arrives, it is so relaxed and everyone is so happy and festive.  This year I am especially excited for my kids to get their gifts from Santa so I am counting down the minutes!

3. The holiday season is a time for putting hard or negative feelings aside and enjoying the company of family and friends. It is a good time to let go grudges and to embrace the cheer and love that is so abundant at Christmas time. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are feuding and they need to put it aside so that we can have a happy new year when he gets back from Calgary. And for the record, I know it her perpetuating it but maybe an apology could mend the fence even if it is just for the holidays and he doesn't really mean it. The only ones who really suffer are the rest of us... mostly Grandpa. The thing is that the brother-in-law can never admit to being wrong even for the sake of peace and the evil sister-in-law would gloat and use it against him the future... not that she won't anyway...

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is my Mum's stuffing. Sadly, we are going to my sister-in-law's for dinner so I will miss out on it but there is always my birthday when my Mum will cook whatever I want - and I always request turkey, for the stuffing and gravy, not for the bird.

5. I will be spending Christmas with my short people and CH, and my sister-in-law and her kids, and my brother and his people, and dear sweet Grandpa and my parents. PITA has taken her baby away from me to Calgary for Christmas. :( I think our plan is breakfast at Grandpa's, a visit at my parents, home for a while and then sister-in-law's for dinner.  Should be hectic, but in a good way.

6. Tis better to give or receive? Hands down to GIVE!  This year I am most excited about the Little Man's gift from Santa. I almost wish he did not believe in so I could show him baby pictures. I love gift giving and every year try to have one or two people who I am giving something extra special to.

7. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.We have snow, but it needs some freshening up!

So, Merry Christmas everyone - and thanks for reading!  Have a wonderful day!

:o)  Tina

Fill in the Blank Friday

When I was sitting down thinking about what this week's blanks maybe I was thinking about last weeks blanks and suddenly wondered how many people think marriage through before they propose - or before they say yes.  Do they think about the fact that they are agreeing to be loyal, faithful,commited to the same person for the rest of their lives?  I think not, or the divorce rate would not be what it is.  Having been married twice, I can certainly say that I did not think about it at all the first time - although I am sure that Dave did.  The second time, I thought about it and nothing else for months.  Even with all of that thought it seemed like a good idea at the time - and it still does.  :o)

I have had a hectic week.  I have not been feeling very well - really tired and run down - and have had a raging head ache for several of these days.  I feel okay today but really really freaking tired....

So on with the blanks.

1. My most favorite "little thing" is in the morning when CH is up with the kids getting them ready for school and I am awake listening to them interact. Although CH usually sounds kind of ticked off I love the sound of my family. I get a up a little later than they do and make sure they are pretty and drive them to school. Best part of my day is when Penelope hugs me and kisses me and hugs me again when I walk her to her classroom - the Little Man ditches me right at the car.  We have a deal - no PDA outside of our home or the homes of family members.

2. I would give anything to be able to make money blogging and crafting. Good Lord knows, I am not the only one!

3. I can't believe how tired I have been this week. I have even been having trouble with the idea of that I might actually need more sleep than I have been...

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is to tidy up the HUGE mess I made rearranging the furniture in our family room. I know I won't get it done today but I will get it done tomorrow!

5. The last thing I want to do today is leave home. I wanted to stay home and cook and clean and sew and be Suzy Home Maker - I don't want to have a job outside of home anymore.  I did go to work though and it wasn't that bad.

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: ...I can't answer this, I am too tired to come up with anything good! :p

7. My favorite candle scent is gardenia, vanilla or fresh linen. Gardenia is my favorite favorite smell in the universe but is often the smell of the candle rather than the smell of the burning candle whereas Vanilla is faithfully effective as a candle sent.

:o) Tina

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. Love is a wonderful and amazing thing. My good friend Jen's daughter is "in love" for the first time and I am thoroughly enjoying watch it all take place. They are so cute. I remember my first boyfriend so well - I also remember the broken heart and am sad that she will eventually go through that as well. So exciting and so scary all at once!

2. Being in love feels like taking a ride on a roller coaster or swinging on a swing so high your feet touch the sky but it can also feel like the safety and security of a warm toasty blanket and a nice big cup of tea. Depends on the day. When I have a bad day, absolutely nothing in the world makes me feel better than snuggling with CH. Nothing.

3. My favorite quote about love is "It's not always rainbows and butterflies, it's compromise that moves us along. My heart is full and my door's always open, you can come anytime you want." It is actually not so much a quote as a line from She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5. I love song lyrics. Love. The other one I really love is from Zoo Station by U2, not really about love or relationships so much but "Time is a train. Makes the future the past. She's standing in the station her face pressed up against the glass."

4. The most important thing in a relationship is loyalty and communication. I know that's two things, but I think both are super important. Loyalty allows you to implicitly trust someone and communication allows you to fix all the little issues that arise on a daily basis before they turn into big issues. I think fighting is so important in a relationship - the tough part though it to fight quickly and fairly. It is not always an easy thing to avoid mud slinging but it is a necessary thing in order to avoid hurt feelings over things that are not the issue. CH and I are pretty good at this. :o)

5. A "deal breaker" for me in a relationship is someone unwilling to put in effort.  No matter the challenges you may face putting in the effort you CAN work through them if you BOTH want to.  This is something I took away from my first marriage - I wanted to do the work, he wanted to sit and sulk in the corner until the bad feelings went away.  I have often wondered if I had continued to wait for him to snap out of it, if I would still be waiting. My deal breaker for the beginning of a relationship the deal breaker would be not wanting children and/or pet allergies and/or not reading.

6. The way I show love in my relationships is by spending time doing little things - like watching becoming a hockey fan (sigh, yes it is true) or making him his favorite dinner. It's all the little things that add up to a big deposit in the relationship bank for when you need it!

7. I love my life and all of the amazing friends and family that I am so blessed to have.

:o) Tina

Source: weheartit.com via Tina on Pinterest

Half Rectangle Triangles...

So I teach a beginner class for people who aspire to become quilters.  I love it as it provides me the opportunity to watch new quilters blossom and it also makes me feel like I actually know something which is fabulous!

Tonight we are doing 54-40 or fight which is the block that has always been a thorn in my side with those long triangles, perfect for beginners to stretch and distort - I am determined that these ladies will be given an easier way so tonight I am going to introduce them to half rectangle triangles...  I will let you know if it worked out the way I am hoping it will.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!

:o) Tina

Who New?

Source: mythirtyspot.com via Rochelle on Pinterest

Who knew? This stuff rocks I never new about half of these uses this has.  I will be putting some on my eyelashes tonight!

From Pinterest: It makes your eyelashes grow: Lather Vaseline all over your eyelashes overnight and watch them thicken, even without a prescription! To Soften dry and cracked elbows. Dry cuticles: Store a mini-Vaseline container in your purse and utilize for emergency dry cuticle moments. It is a misconception that Vaseline clogs pores, so smear it all over your face, neck and arms for softer skin. It eases eyebrow plucking: Tame your eyebrows and lube up the under-skin so you can pluck with ease. To make your accessories look brand spankin’ new: New job interview? Scuff the crap-ol-la out of your patent leather heals thanks to pitcher night? Put a small dab on your shoes and shine away! It’s your new exfoliating body wash: Mix with sea salt and come out of the shower feeling soft and sexy. Can be used to smooth and soothe skin after shaving. Once you carve your Halloween pumpkin, rub Vaseline on the exposed edges, it keeps it from rotting or going dry.

:o)

It's Great to be in the West Kootenay!

The radio station here you to have the title to this blog post as their little slogan.  I miss the old days of Trail   and Trading Post and Mac's Low Cost Meats and the smell of sausages roasting wafting through the streets of downtown.  Anyway, SO off topic.  I wanted to post a video that has gone viral of a guy skiing through the streets of this little city (and Nelson and Rossland).  Very cool - and I do not even ski - take a minute and watch.


All.I.Can’s Kootenay Street Segment Goes Viral


JP Auclair Street Segment (from All.I.Can.) from Sherpas Cinema on Vimeo.

:o) Tina

Coolest Website!

I followed a link from Facebook and stumbled upon this really cool site with all of these really neat photos of people posing the same as when they were children.  Some of them look so much like their childhood photo it is amazing - there are some boobs, so if you or someone around you might be offended by said boobs, don't go there. I personally have a thing for boobs. :o)

Irina Werning, Photographer

There are quite a few.  I like this one - I like the idea of the mirrored image being in the photos and it seemed a little haunting which is also appealing to me.

See yah later -

:o)  Tina

Thank Goodness... Fill in the Blank FRIDAY! Woot! Woot!

I am rarely this happy about Friday but there is a Smokies double header this weekend and it is CH's birthday on Saturday and I think we might go the Ainsworth Hot Springs on Sunday - so it is going to be a great weekend! I am also very excited to sleep in!!  :o)

1. The holiday season is the best time of the year! Everyone is a great mood (except for my crabby-ass baby brother) and my kids are excited and happy. And hopefully there is snow and we have a whole week of sewing at the shop and and and... it is the best time of the year!

My Crabby-Ass Baby Brother.  :o)

2. Snow makes me feel calm and happy. I LOVE the snow and am sad that we do not have any (when we are supposed to) - we had some but the frickety frackin rain washed it all away! I strongly dislike the rain in winter - especially here in south eastern BC where it is cold and it rains hard, unlike the West Coast (i.e. Vancouver) where it rains for like 4 months straight but it is a soft rain and it is notably warmer.

3. The best comfort food to eat when it's cold out is stew - beef or chicken - I make really good stew and dumplings. Yumm. I also really enjoy a glass of Bailey's and milk or a Cinnanog (eggnog, rum, and cinnamon liqueur) in the winter months, especially around Christmas.

4. Winter is the best time for getting my house organized... although with the shorties' busy schedules combined with my own I don't have all that much time to do anything in the organizing/cleaning family and find I have to do it here and there.

5. I can hardly wait for my new job to start. HA! I don't actually have one, I just want one... sort of... regardless I am looking forward to a new chapter in 2012 - can't wait to see what it beings me (I hope it is a little financial stability to add to my otherwise close to perfect life)!

6. When it comes to holiday gifts I prefer to give them than receive them. It is so, to fun to watch as someone opens a gift I know they will love.  It is so wonderful to see how excited the shorties are and to feel all that excitement with them.  Best (and most exhausting) day of the year.  Hands down.

7. If I were to rate my excitement about the holiday season on a scale from 1-10, I would say I am at about a, meh, I am not so good this year. Probably about a 3. I need to get some decorations up to get the Christmas sprit alive in our house!  I am hoping to squeeze that in on the weekend, wish me luck!

I am going to bed - it is 2 am and I need to be up at 7:30!

:o) Tina

Lately...

I think I have become someone I do not especially like.  I have been working so hard at trying to find some balance and freaking out because I need to make some career changes (and that is scary - especially because I am 38 years old and the bread winner!!). I have been forgetting to take care of the little things.  I have gained back the 15 pounds I lost in the spring, my house is a disaster and I have fudged Penelope's home reading the last two weeks.  I think I deserve a great big F in life lately - I know I can do better.  I will do better.

I miss PITA, she helped me keep my head above the water when I was not doing to great job at it myself.... I need to get my poop back in a group.  A winning lottery ticket would be helpful... I am worried that if I give up the shop all together, I will feel like I did when my Grandmothers died - I was in an emotional black hole for months with both of them.  It won't be the same I know but I am worried none the less because already everyday all I want to do is stay home and cook and clean and hide.  I will admit, I am getting a little worried about me.

I read a quote about Pinterest today.  Same goes for my blog.  I wish CH would read and look at who I am, I don't think he really knows. I am no sure it would help him but it might, a little.  I tend to keep everything in - well not everything.  I love to write.  It is a safe and easy way for me to talk about how I feel.

"It hadn't occurred to me that such an online service also would be a window into me for my husband who sees me every day."

I have a huge list of what I should be doing and I am spending all of my time here - or reading blogs or pinning.  So off the frickity-frackin' computer and onto more productive things!

:o)  Tina

Fill in the Blank Monday - what the???

I have been away - well not really away, but away from an internet connection that works well enough for a blog post even on my phone - for the last few days (Wednesday night through Sunday night).  I was at a craft fair selling some of the things I have accumulated over the years - including slippers and hats that my Mum crochets, quilts and quilted things that were previously samples in the shop, and some crafty things that I like to make to sell.  It went really well, I had a vintage quilt that I sold for $75.  I was pleased.

I thought I would have time to post this on Friday but I was at the craft fair until 9 and then came to the shop for Quilt Till You Wilt until almost midnight.  I was so pooped I went straight to bed.

Baby Hayden, when he was about 10 days old.
He is now 5 1/2 weeks!

Saturday was pretty much the same.  At the mall until 6, then to the Smokies game (which they won!!!) and them home and right to bed. It was a great game, CH me and PITA's men were hoarse from yelling at the refs and cheering for our team.  It was SO fun!

Sunday, I had the craft fair and then another baby shower for my lovely new nephew Hayden, and then back to the craft fair and home to bed.  I am starting to feel a little more normal and have a crap load of laundry to catch up on tonight!

*I just spent the last hour and a half on Pinterest.  I got side tracked there while looking for an image of a needle and thread to use as a section break in my post.  Pinterest - oh so good, yet so very very bad.

1. Waking up at the break of dawn to go shopping is my idea of complete and utter madness!  There is no way on God’s green earth that I would wake up at dawn to go shopping in the freezing cold no matter how good the deal was!  American’s are nuts – we do not have a shopping day like that in Canada and if we did I am sure I would not attend (although the rest of my family probably would, Grandpa, CH, my Dad, every one of them loves a great deal and will go out of their way for it).

2. If I were to go shopping today I would be on the hunt for a stainless steel kettle.  I am tired of the electric one and would like something a little more interesting to sit on my stove.  My dear sweet cousin Tegan has one with a bird that whistles in the spout - you can take it out and let the water keep boiling - I covet it. I am a "little" OCD about my tea making process and like to keep the water at a full boil while I hot my mug and it would be nice to do it without the kettle whistling and annoying everyone (but me).  The Little Man with his own little dose of OCD, comes and unplugs is while I am standing there.  I think OCD might be hereditary.

So I found it!!!  This is the one my cousin has - did I mention that she lives in the British Properties?  I can buy this puppy for 90 pounds or about $175!  I don't think so!

Source: amara.co.uk via Tina on Pinterest

3. The best thing I ate yesterday was ... I never had anything exceptionally good.  Tim Horton’s sandwich for lunch and greasy spoon fish and chips for dinner. Wasn’t terrible but wasn’t special like an American Thanksgiving turkey dinner or anything either. :o)

4. Something I've been learning lately is that sometimes is it okay when you have to give up your dreams and start over. I am starting over with the shop and hoping to get it right this time and to always remember that I am doing it for the love of doing it and making money from it will (hopefully) come from that, rather than trying so hard to make money from it, trying so hard to have everything everyone asks for - and getting lost in that concept.  I want to feel like I am working for me again!.

5. I cannot start my day without a cup of tea! (Duh!) I also need like an hour to drink it and wake up.  I am not very good at mornings - even when I don't I stay up too late at night.

6. My night time attire consists of nothing at all! Sheets, a feather duvet and a nice snuggly husband. Eewww. Don’t like my answer do you PITA? Hahaha. Just being honest. :o)

7. I am looking forward to everyday!  Other than money and the constant disaster area my home is, I would not change anything. My life is wonderful, and I look forward to everyday with my amazing short people and the rest of the pack.

So for now, good bye but I will talk to you soon. I have been pinning all day and it has given me lots of inspiration for posts. I think I need to make a "look book" with the things that I have made... Shall I pin it or post it? Probably both!

:o) Tina

Local Blogger AND Fabulous Artist!

It is such a small world - especially here in the Kootenays.  I am always meeting people that have connections to people that I already know.  The other day Jen and I were talking about my hopes for the direction of the shop and she mentioned this great local artist whose talents I may want to draw upon.  I had a look and LOVE her style.

Source: etsy.com via Tina on Pinterest

So, I am poking around her blog and am led to her portfolio - which includes basic webdesign for her Aunt's store in Creston.  So strange, I know her Aunt - not like she is my bestie but to say hello and perhaps make small talk.  Anyway, I am looking at her picture - her about me photo on her blog and I am thinking - I know this girl.  That was Tuesday.  On Saturday, she comes into the shop to pick up her serger (we were servicing it for her) and I instantly know who she is!  I love that, definitely a perk to small town living.

Hanna Sandvig - check her out on her blog, Hanna's Life is Cool.  Stay tuned for an beautiful blog makeover - I sent her an email...

Source: etsy.com via Tina on Pinterest

:o) Tina

Love This

Source: iheart-stolenimages.blogspot.com via Irene on Pinterest

Were You Wondering?

I have not been posting about the books I have been reading, because I have not really been reading much.  I read a big string of really great books, and have been in a bit of a slump since.  If you have any recommendations for something I will not be able to put down, I am all ears.  For the last three weeks I have been reading The DaVinci Code in hopes of discovering some big secret.  :o)

Fill in the Blank Friday

I always use the image provided by the little things we do to fill in the blanks, but this week seems kind of inappropriate - it does NOT look like this outside right now.  Everything is covered in snow!

This is my neighborhood... pretty, huh?

Source: google.ca via Tina on Pinterest

1. A nervous habit I have is chewing the inside of my cheek I would love to stop doing this mostly because it is a dead give away when something is bothering me and the more I am chewing the worse the problem and the more obvious to those close to me and chances are I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT! :p

2. Something that makes me sad is the way that people treat each other. I work really hard to make sure that the children I am raising today grow up to be gentle, caring, responsible, considerate adults - and that they are that way as children as well.

3. Today I am thankful for my friends. I am so happy that this circle has expanded, I have PITA, Andrea, Krista, Lynette, Karen, Jessie, ... - it is so nice to have a bunch of close friends again after a few years of feeling abandoned by the people I thought were my friends during my 20s.

4. My favorite room in my house is my bedroom. It is the only room in the house that is clean and tidy all (most) of the time. It is all white and yellow and cozy and my bed is the comfiest ever and I love it.

5. I can't stand the value society has put on the stuff a person has over the value they put on who a person is. Why does it matter what you have or what you look like, it should only matter who you are and how you conduct yourself as a human being.

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would take my kids to dinner at Boston Pizza and go to a movie. I have been a little extra broke lately and I would really like to have a little spending money for a treat for them. :o)

7.The last person I hung out with was Andrea. She is my favorite lunch buddy! Right before she left, Lynette came and we had a really great talk. I love her so much and so grateful for her! For both of them! :o)

A New Approach to an Old Plan

I want feed back - please comment!!!  I am about to embark on a huge change in my shop - and hopefully my life - and I want to hear what you have to say. (Nothing negative though please - negativity messes with my head).

I asked for a sign from God and the electricity was turned off.  Was that a sign?  I asked for a sign from God and my till got robbed.  Was that a sign?  I don't know.  I don't want to give up all together, I want to change.  I want to grow and to become something.  I want to continue being creative and feeling the way that I feel when I am teaching a class of presenting someone with the beautiful (original) quilt that I made them (PITA, I need pictures please).

So I am going to find a way to grow and to change and to prosper.  I am willing to put in the work.  I want a good life, an easier life - for me and for my children.  I want for them the childhood I had.  Never having to worry, always getting what I really wanted.  Being happily carefree. 

The shop when it was in my home...

She was my reason for keeping it simple.  I want to get back to the basics.

Introduction

Since I began Sugar Shack Quilting in November of 2005, it has undergone an enormous amount of change – all of which seems to happen beginning in the month of November! (I was approved for the self-employment program in November 2005 and began the loan application process to expand in November 2007.)

When Sugar Shack first began and I was going through the self-employment program, the co-ordinator at the time said to me that writing a business plan was like taking a 1,000 piece puzzle, throwing all of the pieces up in the air and then putting them all together so that you can see the big picture.  I remember the feeling after my business plan was done of knowing how right she was to give that advice.  So, now, on the cusp of another big change, I am beginning the re-write of my business plan.  This time I am doing it only for me, to get my feet on the ground, to see where I am want to go and how I will get there – or if it is even a possibility.

In February 2008, I moved the shop taking over an existing shop downtown and transforming it into the bigger, better than in my family room, version of Sugar Shack that I hoped it would be. I thought it would be so much more profitable - busy all the time - I thought that was what I wanted.  I was wrong on both counts and now, in November 2011, I have given my notice in the space I am in and am planning for the future.

During the course of my mental planning I realized that a lot of where I wanted to go with the shop is very much where I have already been.  When I started, I started with the idea of selling the work of others as well as my own but I had not really gotten my creative feet under me yet.  I really wanted to have and sell fabric and felt that it was the be all end all of my crafting life.  I have since learned that it takes a little bit of everything as well as a lot of talent to create and it takes even more than that to be successful and to make a profit.  I have made a lot – a lot – of mistakes along the way, but I have learned so much.  I am at the point now where I want to fix the mistakes, take what I have learned and apply it to a changed concept.  I have new ideas and I want to pursue them.  I have old ideas that are resurfacing and I want to re-explore them as well.  I am excited for change.  I just need to pause and get on the right page so that I know how to do the things I need to do to get back to where I want to be – so here I sit, writing my business plan for the third time in 6 years!

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. My favorite new blog of the moment is not new, but I love The Blogess - always good for a chuckle; there are about 20 million craft blogs that I love as well. The thing is, that since I was granted a Pinterest account (thank you Karen!), I have been reading blogs via their images.  Love, love, love Pinterest.

2. Something I am thankful for is PITA and her ability to "get" me.  Means a lot Lady. x

3. Something that made me laugh this week was ... sadly, I cannot think of a big laugh that I had this week. I will have to try to lighten up a little this week!

4. An item that is currently on my wish list is stainless steel kettle. My electric kettle is on its last legs and since I leave it out all the time, I think a nice stainless one on the stove would be much nicer.  :o)

Source: amazon.com via Tina on Pinterest

5. I am excited about moving the shop to a new (cheaper) location and the renewal I will feel and the excitement that it will create for me and for my customers. I am looking forward to heading in a little bit different direction - more of a creative retail space where people come to work and learn and create and just to gather - and of course to buy.  This is the spot I am hoping for - I would really like to purchase this building but I do not have the ability to do so now - maybe next year.  :o)

6. If I were a color I would be yellow. It's cheerful but mellow. Happy but not overly exciting. It is the colour of sunshine and is often associated with joy, happiness and intellect. Here is good link to read about the meaning of colour.

7. My favorite way to spend a chilly fall day is by puttering around the house, maybe doing some sewing or crafting, and cooking something yummy for dinner. I like to be at the shop on chilly days too - warm inside, cold outside always makes me smile.

Well, I am off to shop for Quilt Till You Wilt. Talk to you later.

:o) Tina

Stumbled Upon

Felt like I needed to write up a post.  Didn't feel very inspired.  Went to Pinterest.  Inspiration problem solved.  This is what I found. :o)

Love this.  I might make one for the door of the shop. Everyone needs a little something every now and then and this will at least provide them with a smile.

Source: facebook.com via Mandy on Pinterest

So badly want to get this for the smoker of my Christmas list but I am pretty sure she would not see the humor in it. :o)

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Tina on Pinterest

This is SO me. I am ridiculous. When I am not running from the imaginary things in the basement I am actually quiet normal. I think.  But then again, if you think you are crazy then you  probably aren't.  :o)

Source: facebook.com via Tina on Pinterest

I would like to make one of these before the shorties hands are bigger than mine. The Little Man is quickly turning into the Medium Man. :o)

Source: tresfrenchhens.blogspot.com via Tina on Pinterest

I would like to plan my whole house around this table runner. Although most days you would not be able to see past all of the kid junk to see it! It is so pretty and crafy and I love it.

Source: modvintagelife.blogspot.com via Tina on Pinterest

I gotta go to bead. My eyelids are suddenly not wanting to stay in their correct position.

:o) Tina

Fill in the Blank Friday

My baby snuggling with PITA's baby. :o)

1. My favorite thing about this week was all the snuggle time I got with baby Hayden. Nothing makes me feel more calm, at peace, and happy as snuggles from a child that I love and a fresh baby is even better!

2. Colder weather makes me happy. I love to stay inside and sew and always feel guilty doing so when it is sunny and warm - not to say I do not love a day outside with my kids at the beach or at the park. I just love it when everyone wants to stay home and I get something yummy on for dinner early in the day and it is filling the house with delicious smells and the kids are happy doing there own things and I am sewing and CH is sleeping in his chair. Sitting down with my giant mug of Tetley, flipping on HGTV or Discovery and sewing makes me very happy.

My Charming Husband enjoying
a Canucks' game. Take note of the
iPhone securely in his hand and
remote strategically placed at his
elbow where I will not be able to
get it without alerting him to the
fact that I am about to turn the
channel!  :o)

3. Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are Hayden, my kids (always, everyday for almost ten years), the fact that I know something new and wonderful is right around the corner waiting to be discovered.

4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose comfy flip flops. Although I like the cold weather I like to have naked feet (hot feet make me feel frustrated) and wear flip flops or sandals as much as possible, for as long as possible.

5. My personality type is INFP Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving.  I am would not have thought myself to be introverted but I paid $5 for this test so it must be right - right?

6. I have a serious problem resisting anything crafty.  I love the way it feels to become creatively inspired and seek it at craft fairs, quilt shows, Pinterest, Etsy, my friend Krista (she always gets me ready for a creative adventure).  I was also recently led to Craft Gawker (but I have been going to the link and Pinning stuff rather than having another internet addiction). 

7. My favorite color to wear is I cannot give one answer to this questions - I love colour. Right now I am wearing "hot" pink. I love orange, red and almost any shade of pink (but not peach!), turquoise, and blue (not baby blue!). I always wear black or denim on the bottom but have always wanted to try khakis.

Maybe I need some medication.  I feel way better today  - although being broke is still p'ing me off - but I have been really off my game the last few months.  The thing is, it is not just being broke, it is being unsuccessful that bothers me (and hurts me).  I am almost 40, I should not be getting disconnection notices from utility companies.  I should not be worried about how I am going to afford ski lessons, dance lessons, Christmas gifts.  My life was meant to be easier than this.  Uh oh, maybe I am not feeling any better!  Hahaha

On a more positive note, I have been working on Mini PITA's quilt the last couple of days and it is coming along nicely.  I know PITA will love it!  I found an illustration in my travels and am using that as my basis.  I am pretty excited about it - I love it when my creative juices are flowing and the sewing machine is whirring away and projects are coming together.  I spent the last weekend and this week making sure than my house is nice and tidy so that I could take the time I would be cleaning this weekend to SEW!!  Pretty excited.  I still have to put the rest of the kitchen stuff away... oh yah, did I tell you it was finished... or sort of.  Another coat of paint still has to be done and the doors and drawers put back on but the sink is in!

I have tried to contact littledewdrops.com to ask for permission to use the image but have had no luck - when I click on the email link it does not work.  If you know them or are them PLEASE CONTACT ME.  I am going to work out the pattern but I don't know if I can sell it or if they will, so check back.

:o)  Tina

The Weight of the World

I just got off the phone with H1.  I called him to ask about snow pants and to talk to him about ski lessons for the Little Man - you know, to make sure he was okay with Dominic going every Saturday for a few weeks in a row.  We got on the topic of Dominic doing chores and the mess which is the exterior of my house.  H1 expressed that he felt bad for me because I carry the weight of the whole family on my shoulders and I do it alone.  :(  I take care of the home, manage the finances, organize the shorties, I am the bread winner, and I have to take care of the yard work.  He is right.  I look forward to the day that Dominic is old enough to help out more.  PITA was bugging me yesterday about him mowing the lawn - that he already should be.  IF HE COULD DON'T YOU THINK HE WOULD BE SO I HAD ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT?  Damn right.  Hopefully next year...

So H1 said something about wishing that I was not so negative about Shannon (that is the step-mother - we will call her WSM from now on) because...  blah blah blah.  I stopped listening and told him why I was negative about her.  H1 and I both cheated - I got caught and therefore admitted it and he did neither - until today.  So I say to him, of course I am bitter with her, she ended my marriage.  I had a fling - a couple of days and then it was over and never happened again.  I got pregnant with the Little Man and we moved to Christina Lake to try to start fresh.  She pursued him even after we left North Vancouver and he let her!  And he fooled me until I left and saw all the things that I had not wanted to see.  And, Halla-fin-luya, he for the first time today did not deny it!!!!  Now I am mad and sad and frustrated and stuck at work by myself (thank Goodness for Blogger!).... in part because I finally have confirmation of what I have always known; in part because I have confirmation from my X-freaking-husband that my life is hard and pathetic; and partly because sometimes I feel sorry for myself (and this is clearly one of those times).

I have told my brother more than once - if you do not like your life, change it.  I need to take my own advice and make some drastic improvements quickly.  I am sinking and everyone  around me can see it (except, strangely, for CH) - even my X-husband!

Today will get better.

:o)  Tina

Saturday Stories #5

If you are reading this and you know me personally, please know that it is not my intention to hurt, harm, or disrespect anyone.  These are events the way that I remember them, the way I lived them, how I felt about them. This is only about me.  Nobody else. This is my story.

I think I can.  I know I can.  I will.

So the other day the Little Man and I are driving somewhere talking about what is different from when I was in school to now and I mentioned that we had a smoking area.  It seems weird to me now and it certainly seemed weird to him - it is a totally foreign concept to him that there would be an area designated for smoking ON school property.  I love that.

The smoking area was always the part of the school where the bad asses hung out.  The guys with the long hair and the jean jackets or mack jackets (we call them Salmo dinner jackets around these parts).  My husband!  In grade eight my locker was in the last little stretch of hallway before the smoking area door and I can remember him sauntering out there with his hat barely on his head, kind of floating.  He was in grade 10 and did not even know I existed.

Source: wisconsinhistory.org via Laura on Pinterest

Salmo Dinner Jacket

My cousin Debbie and I went to the same high school in grade eight.  We did NOT get along.  The basis of our not getting along that year was a guy.  He liked me, she liked him.  I did not particularly care for either of them - it was pretty stupid.  So after a lot of bickering and dirty looks in the hallway, she calls me out to the smoking area for a fight! I was not planning to attend.  First of all, if you know me as I am now I am sure you cannot imagine me fighting, and honestly not that much has changed.  I was terrified!  Not only of fighting her but also of my Dad's reaction - she is his sister's daughter after all.  So my plan was to avoid, avoid, avoid (again, if you know me now this is not going to be a surprise to you).

And then came Scary Kerry.  She was in grade nine. She was old, bigger, and most definitely scarier than me. She found me and told me that I would be dealing with her or Debbie.  I was terrified.  For real.  I see her walking down the street now - 24 years later - and I still think (and sometimes say) there is Scary Kerry.  It occurs to me now that I don't know why she wanted us to fight so badly that she was willing to fight me (or beat me up) to get me to fight.  Anyway, I made the only choice I felt I could and out to the smoking area I went.  Tail between my legs, hoping for the best expecting the absolute worst.  I do not remember much about the fight - I am sure it was ridiculous.

Of course like all school yard fights it was broken up and we were haled into the office.  We got detention - I think we had to wash desk or some such thing.  My Dad?  He said she had it coming.

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a truck drive or own a store (and look at that, I do!) when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be work at home super successful craft/sewing/quilt pattern designer and blogger (love the blogging)!

3. When I was younger I wanted to be just like nobody! I probably want to be like other people now that I am an adult that I ever did as a child.  It might be because I value so much about the people in my life and hope that I can learn from them to improve myself.

swelldesigner.blogspot.com via Alexa on Pinterest
This is NOT me - our costumes were not
even close the this good!  Hahaha

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was in grade nine (my last trick or treating year) my friend Michelle and I dressed up as California Raisins. We wore black garbage backs filled with newspapers and stapled them all over the place for the puckers on the raisin.  The paper leaked out and everyone thought we were dressed as garbage. To this day it puts a giggle in my belly.

5. My favorite childhood toy was my plastic animals.  I loved them like they were real pets. They all had names and ages and background stories.  My Mum gave them to me a few years ago and I hide them from my kids - I know it is dumb but I also know that they would not love them like I did and I did not want them to end up as chew toys for one of the dogs!

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I (I was just talking to about this with a childhood friend like an hour ago!) was in grade seven a bunch of my friends and I use to make prank calls all the time (pre-call display and *69, yes I am that old!).  We would call this one number A LOT and leave all these ridiculous messages about being prostitutes and looking for a good time and such (where we came up with the material I will never know!).  We left so many messages that they finally called the police!  Who kindly had our parents deal with us.  So, I come home from school for lunch one day and my Dad says "I got this new tape, you've got to hear."  He presses play and there it is.  I was grounded for a month.

7. I get daily inspiration from my children, CH (see earlier post), my other family members, my friends, the customers in my shop, Pinterest, people on the street, nature. Inspiration can be found anywhere if you are open to it!

:o) Tina

So Much for Knights in Shining Armor.

So you all know I love my husband, right?  He is sweet and kind and has a dorky sense of humour that you cannot help but laugh at.  The thing is though that he is not good with pressure and therefore not always the best person to go to for help if you need the help right then.

So this morning I dropped him off at "work" (he sometimes drives cars for a rental company that GP use to own) and went to Tim Horton's for tea (yummy) and happened to notice that the car was pretty much out of gas.  (My fault, I used it all yesterday and never asked him to fill it up - which he would have done.)  So I go to the gas station near the Tim Horton's, go in and pay for the gas, come out and I cannot get the freakin' gas cap off!  So I call CH, I am by this time very close to tears as I HATE not being able to take care of myself - and he yells at me!

The tears break free and start coming out of my eyes horizontally, like I am some kind of crazy crying cartoon lady with my silly red car and my giant orange scarf.  I pretty am sure I was a sight to be seen.  So my stupid iPhone (which I actually love) drops the call and I am trying to get this freakin' gas cap off and feeling stressed and crying like a giant 38 year old baby and he calls back and is not helpful at all and tells me basically that it is too bad I will have to figure it out because he is in Fruitvale already and he has to be in Fernie by 11:30 and blah blah blah.

I am hurt and very unimpressed.  Even though I am a strong (mentally not so much physically) capable woman I am not above sometimes needing my husband's help.  Today was one of those times and he did not come through for me.

Sometimes a girl just needs a knight in shining armor - I think I will call my Dad.

:0/  Tina

P.S.  I risked it and drove home with next to no gas.  I think I can make it to work but that might be it.  I really am going to call my Dad!

Rossland Quilt Show

On Saturday and Sunday, I spent the day as a vendor at the Rossland quilt show.  I really love those ladies and am thinking about giving up one of my two available week day nights to go and sew with them...

These are some of the photos I took.  To see more have a look at the slide show on the side bar.

What a weekend!  A quilt show, a new baby in my family, a hockey game.  So many great things all in a couple of days.  I love those kind of weekends!  

:o) Tina

Chinese Food

So the other night, Saturday before the disastrous hockey game, I took the shorties out for Chinese.  My fortune cookie read "Determination will get you through this."  I have been thinking about it and have decided it could mean a number of things - perhaps all of them, perhaps none.

First, it could mean that I would need determination to make it through dinner.  They were good so I didn't really need it.  They did not eat enough, they never do, but other than that they were good.

Second, it could mean that I should be more determined hold on to the shop and continue to fight through this recession (depression) into a better financial climate.  I like to think it might mean that.

Third, it could mean that I my determination will change focus to and I will begin to look for  job and become determined to find one...

Maybe it is just an overall message about the current state of my life.  Maybe it means nothing at all.  I don't know.  What do you think?

:o)  Tina

Source: myblogpocket.com via Tina on Pinterest

A New Pattern...

You can purchase this pattern on ETSY.

I don't talk about my creative side here very often.  I don't have a reason for that, I just don't. Maybe because my blog has become my place to vent or cheer or rant or even just to think things through.

Once in a while I have some ideas that I hope are good enough to share.  I love snow is one of them.  Hope you like it!

I really do love the snow.  When we have a sales rep visiting PITA always has to contain me when it comes to purchasing snowflake fabrics.  I love snowflakes.

I recently made a batch of paper snowflakes using those paper doilies old ladies put under cookies.  When they are hung up (at home or in the shop) I will post a picture for you, so you can see what I mean.  They turned out really nice.

So on the family front, PITA has made her escape from the hospital, without the baby.  He is going to be there for another little while due to some minor complications - nothing serious, don't worry.  I was surprised that she came home without him.  I am not sure what I would have done with a three year old waiting at home for me - I think I would have stayed at the hospital and tried to get out on a day pass.  I cannot imagine not spending the night with my baby.  Having said that, when the Little Man was three and Penelope was born, we were use to spending the night away from each other because he often slept over at my parents and he went to Christina Lake every second weekend or so with Dave. He was very independent and I am not sure if Big Brother PITA has the same independence as the Little Man did.  Whatever the case may be, everyone will be home in a few days and this will become a memory that has nothing to do with everyday.  I am so excited for Little Brother PITA to be home so I can hug him and kiss him and smell him and look at all his little fingers and toes.... sigh... I love babies and when they are members of my family it is so much the better!

:o) Tina

P.S. I am also excited for everything to get back to the new normal cause I really miss PITA.  She has been tired and nauseous non-stop for like nine months and I miss having her around as her self.  If you are reading this - thank you again PITA for the baby!  I love you!  :o)

My Friend?

I think not.  Anyway you slice it, now I know why I was feeling so icky (and by that I mean bitchy, crazy, insecure, tired, and fat) the last few days.  Aunt Flow will be visiting for the next few days.  Look out world, it is going to be rough couple of days!

:o)  Tina

I Don't Know If You Noticed But...

lately I have not really been feeling like myself.  I have been sad and tired and easy to anger.  Tonight is a perfect example - although I went to bed early last night (11:30 up at 7:45 - which is a lot of sleep for me) I am pooped.

I flipped out before the Smokies game because Mr. PITA did not want to sit in our regular seats.  Now don't get me wrong this is something that would normally bother me, but I totally overreacted.  Perhaps I should explain - to you not to him.

I sometimes think that I might be a little OCD.  There is just some stuff that I have a really hard time with.  Changing something that is good in my mind is pretty much top of the list.  I need to have my mug for my tea and if anyone ever used it I would feel like the top of my head was going to pop off.  I like to sit in the same seat at the hockey game - I start to get antsy about it around 6:30 (the game starts at 7:30), worrying if anyone is sitting in it.  I cannot sleep if I am not on my side of the bed.  Things like that, just can't handle it. There used to be a long list but I have worked on it, it has gotten better.  Apparently, it is still not good.

That is not all of it though.  Mr. PITA's parents are in town for the birth of the baby and I am really feeling like second fiddle.  Perhaps I have over estimated my worth...  I think that thought is what is what put me over the edge with the hockey game.  Mr. PITA would rather sit at the other side of the arena with his parents than sit with us - all together, as a family. The whole reason that I like going to the game is to spend time with my family.  This particular game - with the parents in from Calgary - I was looking forward to all week.  I realize that it is my problem and I need to get over it - just makes me sad to realize how unimportant we are OR how thoughtless Mr. PITA is about how his actions make us feel.  I say us meaning me and CH but really it is just me.  CH doesn't care, he thinks that it is my habit to feel more important to a person than I actually am only to be crushed when the truth slaps me in the face.

One more thing.  PITA senior - man alive.  It is deep (the bullshit I mean).  He is really insecure with PITA's in-laws and seems to be on a mission to make himself look good.  The things is, all of the crap that comes out of his mouth is so transparent he needs to just relax and let them see him.  HE is a great.  This insecure freak he is being, not so much.

Wow.  I am crrrraaaabbbbyyyy. Sorry.

:o)  Tina

UPDATE:  Jen provided me with the perfect analogy after reading this post.  I feel like a dog who was put outside because company came. Although, today I am kind of over it and maybe we should have just changed seat for that game...

HE IS HERE!!!

I honestly could not be happier - or have had a better day than I did today.  Please welcome, my beautiful sweet nephew Hayden to the world.

A big congratulations to his wonderful mother.  Thank you so much for delivering another beautiful healthy baby into this family. He is so, so pretty.  I love him so much that it hurts me - and he is only a half a day old.

I look forward to everyday with him, just as I did (and do) with his brother.  It is so exciting to have a new life in your family - a new little person to watch grow.  Another high school graduation to attend, more birthdays to celebrate, another happy child running around Grandpa's yard at our family barbecues.

Welcome sweet, sweet baby.  Auntie loves you so much!