August 31

Sometimes I come home to complete indifference from the almost-teen girl. It pricks a little, that she doesn't even peel her eyes from the tv when I walk in, but as soon as daddy pulls into the driveway she rushes, animated, to the garage to meet him. Tonight, however, I was greeted at the car door by an excited girl promising me "the best surprise ever!"



Even though it is not my birthday, I still got a song, a dance, and a cupcake with a candle. I choose to believe this celebration is because she is sad that I am leaving, not that she is delighted.
Dawa, on the other hand, remains zen through it all. As will I.

Josh asked for a list

August 28

One last handmade gift to take to Australia; I wanted something that three siblings could share. I started with this tutorial (thanks, Lila Jo!) and changed it up by appliquéing (rather than painting) the numbers, and outlining the squares with bias tape to give them more definition. If I were to make this again, I'd start with bigger squares. This is really only suitable for quite little feet. I've also made some small bean bags to go with it, but I will wait till I get there before filling them with beans, to avoid any issues with customs.

August 25

The sky was awesome as I was driving home tonight. For the last ten minutes, I was snapping photos out the window as I drove. These two were taken at around 7:45 pm, standing in the middle of my street.


Looking west.


Looking east.

My all-by-myself Australian vacation starts in a week.
I. can't. wait.
I have been giving a lot of thought to what, if any, technology I am going to take with me. While I love the idea of being able to update my blog frequently, I don't love the idea of lugging a laptop. I considered taking the iPad, but I'm not sure I'll have wireless internet in very many places. So I've decided to just take a lot of photos, keep a journal, and do a massive blog update when I get back. If I get the chance to update via someone else's computer, I will. Other than that, I'll just live in the moment and share the joys with you all on my return.

August 21

I found myself with an unexpected day at home today. Last night Josh and I started the 5 hour drive to San Francisco to celebrate Chelsea's first birthday, but by the top of the Grapevine he was feeling so crappy (exhausted, sore back, sinus infection) that we returned home.

On the upside, I am so glad that my friends and family keep having babies. I love to spend a few hours hand-stitching blessings into a blanket for a new little life. A wonderful way indeed to spend some bonus hours.

August 18

Someone (cough::Ian::cough) forgot the sunscreen.

August 16

Spotted at work* today: a Prague Ratter. I am not a fan of tiny dogs, but this itty bitty pup was just SO small that I wanted a photo to show Lauren.

{Sometimes my different-coloured eyes freak me out. Do they freak you out?}

*I have a dog-friendly workplace.

August 15

Even in my new dress,
I feel like a shadow.

August 14

Calling all botanists ... what is this tree? Note: the fruit is very unripe.
At first I thought "quince", but on cutting the fruit open (with difficulty!) I've changed my mind. Penny? Do you know? (Click to enlarge, if you need to.)

Beautiful and powerful

Please watch this.

Link via Amy K.R. Thanks, Amy.

August 1

Don't freak out. I'm not really going to wear a vintage bedsheet. It's a muslin.
I spent about four hours drafting, sewing, adjusting, marking, recutting and resewing [ad nauseum] a muslin for Butterick 5147, as my participation in Elizabeth's sew-along. Thank goodness this pattern only has two pieces. Without a dress form or a helper, it's pretty fiddly trying to make a pattern fit my non-standard body. I mean, what's with all the bust darts I seem to need? The pattern has two, but I added another two (from the armscye and neckline) to get it to sit right, so I've ended up with this starburst (hah, I first typed 'starbust') of darts, pointing to my nipple. Wtf? And when all's said and done, I'm unconvinced that a sheath dress, even one that is contoured correctly for my body, is going to be flattering.

But I will persist. I have a brown floral linen blend that I've been saving for a dress, so having got this far, I'll see it through. I even plan to insert my very first invisible zipper. Stay tuned!