Still Looking for a Band Name

From left to right: Chris, Deanna, Ariah, Acadia (guest singer), Julie, JD

 

Last week was busy, right up through the weekend. Our band played music at yet another very successful summer party at Julie & Pat's house. And we still don't have a band name. It seems next to impossible to get five people to agree. And when we do like a name, a quick Google search tells us there's already a band with that name. It's a bit frustrating.

Valentine Project with the Grandkids

I decided I needed to create a Valentine project to make with the grandkids this year. I frequently have sleepless nights (insomnia sucks!), and used the awake time to imagine a child-appropriate project.

This is what I came up with:

My prep-work was minimal. I cut heart shapes from chipboard and painted them with gesso so they'd take the red paint better and maintain a brighter color.

 

I bought a jigsaw puzzle several years ago (cheap at a second hand store) for the purpose of crafting. If I were to do this again, I'd paint the puzzle pieces with gesso, too. I didn't, and it took several coats of craft-grade acrylic paint to get decent coverage (which taxed the attention span of the kids).

 

 

They enjoyed painting their hearts red.

 

 

 

Fingers are great for applying tacky glue, but only for those who don't mind messy fingers. Ivan had no qualms, but Fiona wasn't a fan and delegated the glue application - then she had no problem placing the puzzle pieces on the heart.

 

Felt Ornies

I've been slow to post a photo of some felt ornaments made during a November evening of crafting, food & wine. It's been fun collecting ideas, and the folder is getting mighty thick!

I made the snowman, but still haven't finished the red and orange heart yet. Friend Julie made the little deer (her dog ate the one she painstakingly made a couple years ago).

 

Danielle made the Mickey ornament.

Gretchen worked on an owl, but left before I could get it photographed.

 

Julie had her eyes closed in the one photo I took of her and she'd probably kill me if I posted it here, so I won't.

 

I'm looking forward to next year, and have collected even more ideas and examples of felt ornies. 

Fiona Love (BlogAlong day 29/30)

I spent much of the day (Friday, the 30th) with my granddaughter Fiona. She's always sweet, but was particularly so today. We decided to drop by the marina to watch Grandpa work on the boat. She was just content to sit there and observe. I think it's about time to get her a lifejacket and get her out sailing with us!

 

 

Later we went home and snuggled with Arthur.

Art and Kids Revisited (BlogAlong day 25/30)

Ivan and I had fun today making more gelli prints. We last did this in May, and I had him review the steps before we started - he remembered it all from our last session! The boy's a natural. This is such a fast and easy way to make art, and messy enough to please little boys.

 

Drawing Hugs & Kisses

 

The big reveal:

 

Today we made prints for Fiona, a print and birthday card for Julie, and a couple prints for Ivan to take home.

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Fun with Gelli Prints (BlogAlong day 22/30)

Gelli printing is very new to me. I've only used my plate once, but immediately thought it would be a fantastic hands-on project for the grand kids. These photos were taken in May, and you can see that Ivan really enjoyed getting busy with the brayer (or "donkey" as Grandpa told him it was called). 

 

He made three prints this day, and they all turned out great. We're going to make a couple more this weekend for our friend Julie. Her birthday is on Saturday, and Ivan is going to make her something special.

 

Ivan's cousin Fiona (our granddaughter) hasn't tried this yet, but it's on our to-do list. Ivan wants to make a print for Fiona this weekend, too.

More Art Journaling Explorations HERE

Kids and Art (BlogAlong 12/30)

Some of my fondest memories are those of art projects with my grandmothers. And so I try to do that with my own grandchildren. This day was a simple coloring session, taking advantage of the perfectly comfortable weather. See how focused they both are?

What shall our next art project be? I have quite a few books that I've accumulated over the years with all sorts of kids crafts - just need to find some projects appropriate for a 5 and 3 year old.

Earlier this summer I had my grandson try out my gelli plate, fluid arylics and brayer. He made some beautiful art. He's tried weaving and hand sewing. They've both painted birdhouses. So much to do!

Play Day

I had a wonderful day today, making felt ornaments with a couple of friends. This is something we've been talking about for a couple years, but just couldn't fit it into our schedules. Here is Julie (left), getting ready to work her blanket stitch mojo on her deer ornament.

I've been collecting felt/ornament ideas for a couple years, printing them and sticking them in a folder on my desk. It was very relaxing, cutting and stitching while listening to Christmas music. Here is Danielle (right), very focused on cutting out a freezer paper pattern piece. She made the lovely tree ornament. She's a wonderful quilter and dollmaker. I made the owl, and we each made a mitten ornie as well. 

Barley's Angels (or What I did for fun on my birthday)

This year my Big Birthday happened to coincide with a gathering women learning all about beer, the production and nuances of beer, complementary foods, etc., taught by Lisa "Beer Goddess" Morrison. It was a fantastic event, held in the Tap Room of the Fort George Brewery and Public House. Above is a photo our new chapter of the organization, which was featured in yesterday's local newspaper. I'm in the front, holding one side of the flag. My good friends Wendy (who is next to me and behind the flag) and Allison (seated to the right of the flag) were also in attendance (and yes, we got Barley's Angels t-shirts).

I was so surprised at the birthday cake presented as the sixth (of seven) courses served. Mmmm...Raspberry Chocolate Cake paired with Rogue Double Chocolate Stout - a perfect combination.

All About Barley's Angels

WHAT WE ARE:

Mission Statement: As the consumer leg of the Pink Boots Society®, Barley's Angels is committed to involving women in the enjoyment of craft beer by creating environments where women can learn more about beer in a friendly, educational and supportive atmosphere, thus creating more women beer enthusiasts, and, ultimately, involving more women in beer- and brewery-related careers.

Purpose: Barley's Angels is a growing collection of individual chapters around the world that work with craft-beer focused breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, alehouses and other public beer establishments to advance the female consumer craft beer enthusiast, resulting in increased patronage and revenue from women, while encouraging education and interest in beer among this often under-recognized demographic group.

WHAT WE ARE NOT:

Barley's Angels is not just a social, beer-drinking club for women. Barley's Angels respect beer and brewing, have a thirst for education, enjoy beer responsibly and act appropriately at all times.

Holiday Santa (my 400th doll!)

The ER Holiday Party is finally over, and it was great having so many friends and family together to celebrate. The auction was a success, with proceeds to go to some of the folk we see in the ER that have so much less than we do. I'm not sure how much money was raised last night.class.My friend and coworker Tiffani won this year's Santa. He was made using a pattern called "Santa Had A Little Lamb" by "Hand Made With Love." Not sure how old this pattern is. I had to search Google for the designer's name - Pat Baumgartner (which isn't on the pattern cover), and found quite a few of her patterns HERE.

The ER band played last night, too. We rented a UHaul to transport all the music gear to and from the venue - worth every penny. Now we've got to put the music room back together. We just finished watching the video. Don't know why I get so uncomfortable and fidgety watching myself perform.

Fantastic day for the GCX

Today was perfect for the 29th annual Great Columbia Crossing. Last year was clear and cool. This year's overcast skies made for a slightly warmer day. Here's a photo of the first mile - the runners, naturally, take off first. My sister and I are toward the back of the pack of walkers, as we had to use the "blue rooms" before we got started. There were 3000 participants this year; sold out before the event. I believe it's always held the first weekend of October.

Sister Debbie is on the left, I'm on the right. Here we are on the Washington side of the bridge. My phone takes pretty decent photos. It makes it so easy to send photos to friends, etc. ( I never promised Deb I wouldn't tag her on Facebook ...evil cackle).  

The sun did poke it's head out for a little bit. We saw quite a few pelicans, and a couple of seals in the river.





Here we are, maybe 4 miles into the walk and looking toward the span of the Astoria Megler Bridge. This walk/run is 10k. I know we said we'd do the run this year, but neither one of us had to time to train. Maybe next year?

Great Columbia Crossing 2010

Tomorrow is the 29th annual Great Columbia Crossing. It'll probably rain, but that'll be ok. Anyone who lives in this neck of the woods has appropriate raingear. There are 3000 participants this year; a sold-out event. My sister and nephew will be joining me - I'm expecting them any moment. It should be a fun day. Last year I took a photo of the most gorgeous sunrise. It was clear and quite chilly. This year I'm bringing gloves and a hat!

Check out the website for more information: http://www.greatcolumbiacrossing.com/

Echelon Gran Fondo - Hood River Bike Ride

Yesterday, a group of friends and coworkers participated in an organized bike ride to raise money for the Livestrong Foundation and cancer research, called the Echelon Gran Fondo.

Six of us rode the various distances: 30, 60, and 100 miles. The ride began and ended in Hood River, Oregon.

This is a photo of Janice and I at one of the Columbia River Gorge viewpoints. The Gorge is absolutely beautiful. You can see Washington on the far side of the river.

Fiona's finally home!

After nearly 2-1/2 weeks, baby Fiona is finally home. We were pleasantly surprised last night when the new family stopped by for a visit a day early. She still looks so tiny, at 6 lbs, 6 oz. Guess I'm just used to lugging 33 lb Ivan around.
I wonder how their first night home went? It seems so long ago that I was perpetually sleep-deprived. I'm too old to do that anymore.

New addition to the family

A real doll this time, named Fiona. My second grandchild, born Sunday. Look at all that hair!

What a great excuse to make more dollies (baby-proof, of course).

Play Day

Yesterday was an Ivan day. What a good natured toddler. I'm amazed at all his new words each week. The weather was unusually good (for February in Oregon), so we walked to the park with the "doggy-woof." I learned that Tapiola Park is named for a district in Espoo, Finland, in recognition of the large number of Finnish immigrants who pioneered early Astoria. It features Astoria-theme playground elements, including a miniature Flavel House and Trolley.

Today is a Doll Play Day. Danielle is coming over in a few hours to work on our Izannah Workshop dolls, though my studio is in no fit state for company right now. I've got a little time to tidy up and get some snacky things. It's important to have a bit of chocolate (nothing too melty that it'll get on the dolls), protein, coffee, and maybe a little wine for later.

Update: we had a fun and productive day. Here's Danielle working on her Izannah's dress. Our dolls are in the oven right now, speeding up the drying of the paperclay.

Plugging Along...

I'm happy to say I've done at least some sewing over the last couple of days. Not terribly productive, but plugging along. This is another "Averill" doll, commissioned by a friend and co-worker. The most time-consuming stuff is done. All that's left is the hair, clothing and boots.

She's made from some sort of velour, which is much thicker than the other stuff I've been using. Made turning those fingers right side out a bit of a challenge. She has buried bead joints at the elbows, wrists, knees and ankles; button joints at the shoulders and hips.

This photo's just for fun. We took Ivan to the carousel in Seaside, Oregon. I don't know that he enjoyed it that much (especially when he was riding the bunny, going up and down), but he was sure cute. He did better on the bench, sitting on Daddy's lap. The old carousel has been restored beautifully. Oh, and it's conveniently next to a fabulous toy store called "Under the Big Top." Coincidence? I think not.

Project Terry...Done!

Yesterday was a LONG day ~ I worked on CEO Terry for about 14 hours (and about 10 hours before that, and 3 hours today). I actually gave my shift away yesterday, because I knew there was no way I could've completed him in the few hours I had left. New designs always take a considerable amount of time, but I had no pattern in my collection that would have worked.

Terry stands about 18 inches tall. Due to the short time I had to work on him, every supply I used had to be what I had on hand. I even sacrificed an old wool ski sweater for his vest. His clothing is not removable.

His hair took the longest, and I'm still not all that pleased with it. I'd hoped that I had some faux fur in a light blond color. That would have made his hair much easier to accomplish. I would have simply made a wig with darts in it and sewn it to his head. Unfortunately, it was a dark blond, and Terry has light blond hair. The only thing I had that was the right color was the mohair. You're not supposed to cut mohair, but I had to do something to resemble his hairstyle.

addendum:
Terry's Ice Cream Social was really well attended, which attests to how he has been thought of over the 20 years he's worked at the hospital (I've been there 23). He's a kind and gentle soul.
He received many special and thoughtful gifts, and I think his doll was a hit. Terry's wife attended as well, and it turns out she collects dolls. How cool is that?!

BTW, Terry's wearing a Walmart greeters badge, a joke gift from the new CEO.

Yikes! December 10th already?

It's December 10. I haven't done any shopping. I haven't put up the tree. I haven't bought (or sent) any Christmas cards. I haven't even started on my annual Santa doll for our ER Christmas Party/Auction. I feel remiss in my duties, but honestly don't know where the days go - just that the days are full.

We have "band practice" later today. Our little ER band has been getting together at least weekly to rehearse. The Big Party is on the 19th, so there's only about 1-1/2 week left. So much to do, so little time.
I dredged up this old Christmas photo of my sis and I. I'm on the right, Deb's on the left. I took a closer look, and see I got a Nurse Nancy that year. Had I known then that nurses don't get holidays off, I may have reconsidered my career path. This year we are working both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which means any family get-togethers will be done after the holidays. I guess that gives me a little more time to get my act together

Where have I been, and just what have I been doing?

Well, it's truly autumn here, and life/work has been busy. I've been itching to make a doll, but it hasn't been in the cards. We're seeing many folks with the flu or "flu-like symptoms" present to the ER every day. Most of us have had our flu shots, but I get the feeling it's only a matter of time before we all start dropping like flies.

I attended a great trauma class last week (certification is required every 4 years). You might notice that the instructors are teaching in a hotel room. That's because the person coordinating the class lacks some organizational skills.

Not pointing fingers ~ I'm just saying...
Good thing they're real ER nurses, and therefore very adaptable and able to go with the flow (though the instructor said she couldn't sleep until she put the dummy away.)

TNCC (Trauma Nurses Core Course) is a comprehensive class, with written and practical exams. When I finished my one-on-one practical exam, the tester asked what courses I instructed. That caught me by surprise. I said, "Uh, doll making?" That's not what he was talking about. He said I'd make a good TNCC instructor because I like "control." I guess I do, but I think I'd rather teach dollmaking ;-)

We also babysit our grandson every Monday and Wednesday. Yesterday (during a rain break) we went to the local park with Ivan. He's so much fun to be around, and his vocabulary is expanding weekly. Dare I say, he's a genius?

Monday, my oldest son announced that he and his fiancee are expecting a girl in April. It came as quite a shock, but at least he knew to tell me in person and not via email. He's very excited and happy about it, and I'm happy that he's happy.

In just a little over a month we'll be celebrating Christmas. I'm sure I'll be ill-prepared as usual. Our Christmas party/auction is on December 19, and we've put together a little ER band for entertainment. We've just started rehearsing a set of songs to perform. The band has two new members that both work in the ER - Ian (drummer) and Kyle (my youngest son, on sax and is learning a little electric guitar). I'll also be playing the electric guitar for the first time. That should be entertaining...or not.

I've also become a little bit addicted to karaoke (at home, in private). Myspace.com has a karaoke feature, which is a good way to exercise the voice. I bought a mic for the computer, and now I can experience the pain of hearing recordings of myself.