tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85045052024-03-14T03:13:23.921-06:00NickieBlogFollow me as I use creativity to cultivate positivity and joy in a challenging world.Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.comBlogger746125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-22110571766988869482024-03-09T16:04:00.000-07:002024-03-09T16:04:17.254-07:00For the Love of Beagles<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1qXevL17RsG1zfgQiCjxCo3LL4cyvBtPp9FAzBWNeKwmcCsdY5B4gwT7Dg_SVIqu0vUubOQ3IXcxHYXzQ20C2PeK1L4DgjO_eBshyphenhyphenhgsQhzjFsIiNiJRm24iPc2bNcmZogSVBBD9C9NXtkS61YKofRqUxgcDbnm-Lx5nA_YBvcDVILjiZDk4TQ/s2048/296932663_10159160296832452_1153716787071471843_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="2048" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1qXevL17RsG1zfgQiCjxCo3LL4cyvBtPp9FAzBWNeKwmcCsdY5B4gwT7Dg_SVIqu0vUubOQ3IXcxHYXzQ20C2PeK1L4DgjO_eBshyphenhyphenhgsQhzjFsIiNiJRm24iPc2bNcmZogSVBBD9C9NXtkS61YKofRqUxgcDbnm-Lx5nA_YBvcDVILjiZDk4TQ/w200-h198/296932663_10159160296832452_1153716787071471843_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">I have always been a dog person. I grew up in a house with family dogs, and as soon as I got married and left home, that did not change. My husband Todd and I have always had a dog, sometimes two or three at a time.<br /></span></span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">We have had big dogs, little dogs, purebreds and mixed mutts. We have had lab mixes and shepherd mixes, golden retrievers and now have a great pyrenees cross. But my love affair with four-legged furry companions started with a beagle. </span></span></div></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-bc52295e-7fff-d82e-8346-942a192a59d4" style="font-family: Lora;"><span><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4W22RsF_9PiDNhyphenhyphenEbad51Cw7rbyNqbcC1XKiv9Kkt20C0G6J-4C_t-r_jwxB9lKNvpQNRq-f7qInkmnJZaSZp1IlUBpoMXbQsV-UJMUiOeJc0u9Qq2z3ZCTby6bF6iCJ9P1D0J4Df60-1JIsk1iNHlhEOMwXX8Yskv2RYgf_CDj3xj38IXOcuw/s951/1004824_10151528022367452_679809731_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="951" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4W22RsF_9PiDNhyphenhyphenEbad51Cw7rbyNqbcC1XKiv9Kkt20C0G6J-4C_t-r_jwxB9lKNvpQNRq-f7qInkmnJZaSZp1IlUBpoMXbQsV-UJMUiOeJc0u9Qq2z3ZCTby6bF6iCJ9P1D0J4Df60-1JIsk1iNHlhEOMwXX8Yskv2RYgf_CDj3xj38IXOcuw/s320/1004824_10151528022367452_679809731_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey and I (I'm the one in the polka dots)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span></span></div><span>My first furry love was Honey, my mom and dad’s beagle. Their first baby, she was very patient with me when I came on the scene. Beagles are known for being very good with children, wonderful family dogs. I can vouch for that, and from what my mother has told me, Honey was no exception to that rule. I think that this is where my love affair with beagles began, with this tri-colour cutie. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Beagles are affectionate, active and playful dogs. They love being part of the family, and love to cuddle. If you take out the “active” part, this actually describes me pretty well. Maybe that is why I love them so much! </span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezTKr3Bkt6syVXjDzo55eUi_Rzq8zK1X6_HDpfbtiDxkr0A3HUSpUCCAJd7X98q0NLf-Q25f3Ib-Cf0KULASj3O-dhYE469W8tDA0AkFH1mjJcIgq3fxQlGWNg5kQ0PeJ1hAvJ69DRArHIfXNy38-XjbqhZAtvT5chU9S8APyBwA8zeLgSS3xeQ/s1766/Photo731709928307_inner_189-442-612-446-184-798-622-798.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1766" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezTKr3Bkt6syVXjDzo55eUi_Rzq8zK1X6_HDpfbtiDxkr0A3HUSpUCCAJd7X98q0NLf-Q25f3Ib-Cf0KULASj3O-dhYE469W8tDA0AkFH1mjJcIgq3fxQlGWNg5kQ0PeJ1hAvJ69DRArHIfXNy38-XjbqhZAtvT5chU9S8APyBwA8zeLgSS3xeQ/w200-h164/Photo731709928307_inner_189-442-612-446-184-798-622-798.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Lucy at Christmas</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span></span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span>My second beagle came into my life when I was dating Todd, who is now my husband of almost 38 </span></span>years. Lucy was a rescue, who we discovered at our local Humane Society shelter. She was already six months old when we found her, and it was instant love for us. She was the first of our dogs, and was loved as fiercely by our extended family as she was by Todd and I. When we got married, Todd left home a month early and he and Lucy were exclusive roommates until our wedding. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsatxY6CE9N4IsbjJcovxDisPPL6W1vYDsBBfbuFKhci-qidVczuXYrk3_TAO_Ld7j6NMtm9piiA9nEVhGhmJ6V7PQJVlObGlpYOcvSw5ILRAPuMVYhwORGuDV3atqDHK-bmqPIn9khlTE-P_3XNLBY-SsQuUrZoVhS9gdpr66A4fkBsZ5sGyW-Q/s2016/Photo731710003065_inner_57-323-556-320-56-786-556-787.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2016" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsatxY6CE9N4IsbjJcovxDisPPL6W1vYDsBBfbuFKhci-qidVczuXYrk3_TAO_Ld7j6NMtm9piiA9nEVhGhmJ6V7PQJVlObGlpYOcvSw5ILRAPuMVYhwORGuDV3atqDHK-bmqPIn9khlTE-P_3XNLBY-SsQuUrZoVhS9gdpr66A4fkBsZ5sGyW-Q/s320/Photo731710003065_inner_57-323-556-320-56-786-556-787.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original couple, Todd and Lucy 1986</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I moved in, although she was mine as well, we had not lived in the same house until this point. So when she chewed the heels off of every pair of 80’s pumps that I had, I kind of understood the motivation. She was just laying down some ground rules!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></div><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Lucy really became MY girl when I had our first child, Duncan. I was now at home during the day with the new baby, and she was my helper, the official baby watcher. Not only did she watch him carefully, she kept a really close eye on any visitors we had to the home. Even though many people had commented on how the dog was going to be a problem when we brought a child into the mix, that was never the case. Our seven year old dog adapted very well to the baby, and the other baby that followed. She moved from sleeping in our room, to sleeping in her bed in the corner of Duncan’s room, ever the faithful nanny. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YizxUIUHE-LuR0O1A6Cko5uLgp3nDhcscILQH_ThqwC7-EdLP5nMoeoFszEGUCxnKIaYSYBAbuUuw61TngD9R4kzoOXuiWcH0eCFfls_ZWmduaSJ_p_ZKAg1Yf7vJvuDYHRzjE-6rS5grMXxqbI5e12iZxsM-i7I7oZ3JdDDzZmf7P9ftKhcSQ/s3264/Photo731466312551_inner_82-82-665-82-82-902-641-949.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="3264" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YizxUIUHE-LuR0O1A6Cko5uLgp3nDhcscILQH_ThqwC7-EdLP5nMoeoFszEGUCxnKIaYSYBAbuUuw61TngD9R4kzoOXuiWcH0eCFfls_ZWmduaSJ_p_ZKAg1Yf7vJvuDYHRzjE-6rS5grMXxqbI5e12iZxsM-i7I7oZ3JdDDzZmf7P9ftKhcSQ/s320/Photo731466312551_inner_82-82-665-82-82-902-641-949.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Duncan and Lucy</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">We lost our Lucy when she was 13 years old, and the day that she left us, our hearts were broken. How would our family manage without her? The house was so quiet, and it just did not seem right. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">We went on to have many other dogs in our family, first Ben, then Toby, who was joined by Tucker, then Tanner and finally Noah. With the exception of little Toby (who was in a category all his own),all were big dogs, the last three majestic golden retrievers straight from the front of a hallmark card. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">But then one day, my husband came home from his new job on site at a Botanical Garden. He and the caretaker of the property had been chatting about their families, and their pets. He had mentioned our dogs, and our love of our first puppy, a beagle. Well, it just so happened that this lady had a beagle as well. Her beagle was at her house (on the property) that was due to have puppies in about a week! </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlg4WuWtjvXWRarOMlB6ueRqp8Uf5V-GvsElCGZbB_L02HDxaZQllwOYyZ9f85yd94yZBRP7Bxds_iFNT-JMYCt9JirzAkSg8c4DuYKYOKgAA0febW4JYDFghu3uTKxOvOMi1ABht-3lrmv06w29UWGlzUVBYXOVFKHXPYNRRfH62M0wM1U9dKw/s1215/DSC02468.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1215" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlg4WuWtjvXWRarOMlB6ueRqp8Uf5V-GvsElCGZbB_L02HDxaZQllwOYyZ9f85yd94yZBRP7Bxds_iFNT-JMYCt9JirzAkSg8c4DuYKYOKgAA0febW4JYDFghu3uTKxOvOMi1ABht-3lrmv06w29UWGlzUVBYXOVFKHXPYNRRfH62M0wM1U9dKw/s320/DSC02468.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Miss Molly in her red ribbon</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Lora;">It did not take us very long to decide what we were going to do. And when those puppies were born, Todd went and chose sweet Molly, the little girl with the red ribbon around her neck. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Molly came home to a busy house, a house that already had a big dog (Noah), and a little dog (Toby). Both were getting on in years, and our little Molly became the little lady of the pack. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVPv3Ks9fZbnha00n0LOK1ndCSgqeiixpABuln2naZEFuHnjt0D306jENPkUOOl7uLUAVVqSf67x8OgJtdzFyshrdcVKs8AuCN-Xs2hfD8Q-9QjYtjcFrHifmHfuVdQvmRYOYZkXu1659Y0mKQ7YSxUE6VogMc9qNl-eM6c8hEhmLLZpPfc1nKw/s908/DSC05733.JPG.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="908" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVPv3Ks9fZbnha00n0LOK1ndCSgqeiixpABuln2naZEFuHnjt0D306jENPkUOOl7uLUAVVqSf67x8OgJtdzFyshrdcVKs8AuCN-Xs2hfD8Q-9QjYtjcFrHifmHfuVdQvmRYOYZkXu1659Y0mKQ7YSxUE6VogMc9qNl-eM6c8hEhmLLZpPfc1nKw/w320-h210/DSC05733.JPG.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Molly and George</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br />Over the years, she continued to wear a red collar and captured the hearts of one and all. She was </span></span><span style="font-family: Lora;">with us as our kids grew up and left home, and as our kids came back home. She was with us through house moves, and as we said goodbye to Noah, and to Toby. And when George came onto the scene, she showed him the ropes. At first he was tiny compared to her, although he quickly grew to be over a hundred pounds! Molly was there when my first two grandchildren were born. And like my other beagle, she was just as gentle and motherly. It was so magical to see her with these little ones, the same way that Lucy had been with their parents. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tWhcAWgO0qCMH0sH_pqK2JHOvavKlDR3fVgsuhVjPZQGwQC6npT_SmiVIrPJhEN3tUqsqDA4ZasWrg-diMfz1uPPZCj5fhrXhBK6oUIWgalGHd8UGDw5TItcIKZjy150vY7PoHlg_4oBI7lHidIdiWnyRvrgYa3kx0nGrdp72DN5gm-FOhECbQ/s2040/131659847_10158048209152452_4888450048242818899_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="2040" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tWhcAWgO0qCMH0sH_pqK2JHOvavKlDR3fVgsuhVjPZQGwQC6npT_SmiVIrPJhEN3tUqsqDA4ZasWrg-diMfz1uPPZCj5fhrXhBK6oUIWgalGHd8UGDw5TItcIKZjy150vY7PoHlg_4oBI7lHidIdiWnyRvrgYa3kx0nGrdp72DN5gm-FOhECbQ/w400-h400/131659847_10158048209152452_4888450048242818899_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Miss Molly Moments</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">In December of 2020, during Covid Lockdown, we said goodbye to Sweet Molly Beagle. After thirteen years, it was hard to not have her beside me. She was sweetness until the very last moment. I grieved, and I grieved hard. I said to my family, no more dogs for a while! Life was very difficult and challenging at that time. I didn’t want any more complications. But every time I would go for a walk, I would see people walking their dogs, and I would come home and cry. And after about six weeks (how it took that long, I still don’t know) we came home with our lab/great pyrenees, Scout.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WnHbYHNZa9wwsGV1qnVXq0RZ1W5cltlyLYKyrLvPuTwdk6iY3hxveIrFz0kcVAKfAbU_aCkGtsgcofrwxq7w8BO6ExVdcvLRQHH1-y-oueueGRJvEA55ud-TncJ3w81vvxBuLatemSREmKsDmfyoPWKb66EvjwP8pOwBZcH6FFhiPQVaBgt3_Q/s2048/311735521_10159292778082452_2958279264941780573_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WnHbYHNZa9wwsGV1qnVXq0RZ1W5cltlyLYKyrLvPuTwdk6iY3hxveIrFz0kcVAKfAbU_aCkGtsgcofrwxq7w8BO6ExVdcvLRQHH1-y-oueueGRJvEA55ud-TncJ3w81vvxBuLatemSREmKsDmfyoPWKb66EvjwP8pOwBZcH6FFhiPQVaBgt3_Q/s320/311735521_10159292778082452_2958279264941780573_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">All about Scout</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Lora;">Scout is a joy, and truly a magical dog. She was dog NUMBER 9 for us, and I can honestly say that she is absolutely different from any other dog we have ever had. I actually consulted a friend in the veterinary field once because I was worried about her, because she is so different the others. But my friend reassured me that Scout is just weird. Absolutely amazing, but weird. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Scout LOVES other dogs. She loves when other dogs come to the house to visit. And so I have always wanted to find her a buddy. In my experience, dogs do better when there is more than one in the house. They are never lonely! And for Scout, she just wants someone to run around and play with.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Well, we left it up to the universe. But of course, whenever I would see someone walking a beagle in the neighborhood, my heart would ache. I just love them so much! I put the word out to everyone that if they ever heard of someone needing to rehome their beagle, to let me know. But I really did not think it would realistically ever happen. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span>At the end of last November, a friend sent me a notice for an 8 month old beagle in search of a new home. “In case you know anyone looking to adopt-” my friend’s message said. And within a couple hours, we had our 10th dog, and our third beagle, our Wilbur.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiduW8t97CAY42CX6sIRqCIPGzb6G19WL6kSyq9w0MiaGeAwaRohblhWmtcaFJv6AL6AAbphvfwwqj7h9bH1aWe-pZiKZ8Zoj7pby4KW4aU9rndEjqvOlzcbJvNU-ScFUywdDgdzQD0sy8x751q0kAuqo2STLrhp1-kQpUQE8X_HsyEQGyEI1dVA/s960/405485473_10160112339052452_8827243330389367549_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="960" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiduW8t97CAY42CX6sIRqCIPGzb6G19WL6kSyq9w0MiaGeAwaRohblhWmtcaFJv6AL6AAbphvfwwqj7h9bH1aWe-pZiKZ8Zoj7pby4KW4aU9rndEjqvOlzcbJvNU-ScFUywdDgdzQD0sy8x751q0kAuqo2STLrhp1-kQpUQE8X_HsyEQGyEI1dVA/w200-h198/405485473_10160112339052452_8827243330389367549_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packmates</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span>Wilbur has been a gift, more than we ever thought we </span>needed in our household. He and Scout play all day long, and his adventurous (and somewhat mischievous) puppy spirit makes us laugh every day. In the few short months that we have had him, we have loved watching him live his best puppyhood, and he has become best friends with my grandchildren. My youngest granddaughter calls him “Wilbert”. I love that!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></p></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2exgE3uoBIl00ohtUdZzhqyD3lseywY_suJ1bga1UN6VXT_vDncUWTqdQsVxjaKcuWOeOX8w6yXnLtwlu8A-yxiOAcnMakhwOZet67t4vZgLR4uOea2sHyA7WSPt1HjhIF00dq_oTSVkzy8GK7uf60B1fO_0N_pvO6bxsmT12Kg7KokzyP1Zpg/s2048/415057128_10160154031897452_2924902273072971691_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2exgE3uoBIl00ohtUdZzhqyD3lseywY_suJ1bga1UN6VXT_vDncUWTqdQsVxjaKcuWOeOX8w6yXnLtwlu8A-yxiOAcnMakhwOZet67t4vZgLR4uOea2sHyA7WSPt1HjhIF00dq_oTSVkzy8GK7uf60B1fO_0N_pvO6bxsmT12Kg7KokzyP1Zpg/s320/415057128_10160154031897452_2924902273072971691_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Helping with laundry</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"></span></div><span style="font-family: Lora;">I even participated in doggy obedience training with him, six Saturday afternoons at our local humane society. So fun to see a hound who sees the world through his nose in a room full of other breeds, some who I must say, follow directions a little differently than beagles do! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYECvc3OoUWCtlVBZwg-yOAJLAs7w2CmWsPe2L48nWWHURt_8H94u8HoSyaoqsl4dFITkYbKfG18i_EJ06vpZHJjF_r4xR4qUZSN5ETObk4LVCT-cZbw73epke007W8uJsqQ2HxVO7mwks4d2CpSusxSuxHcIeiKrPhYKZtQEHV8H4mOopHBlMA/s2048/426382683_10160200451857452_7902006166115949429_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYECvc3OoUWCtlVBZwg-yOAJLAs7w2CmWsPe2L48nWWHURt_8H94u8HoSyaoqsl4dFITkYbKfG18i_EJ06vpZHJjF_r4xR4qUZSN5ETObk4LVCT-cZbw73epke007W8uJsqQ2HxVO7mwks4d2CpSusxSuxHcIeiKrPhYKZtQEHV8H4mOopHBlMA/w221-h320/426382683_10160200451857452_7902006166115949429_n.jpg" width="221" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">The proud graduate</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Beagles can be a challenge, that is for certain. But their spirit, and their contribution to the family are worth any chewed carpets or dog hair on my winter coat. I look forward to watching Wilbur grow to his full beagle potential, as part of our family. My beagle-loving heart is full! </span></span></p><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrcM4zl6nvVF2oDRY2Sq6PH8VhvMsnxSrxRRLl-ZQYGOdDTfZeW5InzNt4tm3fXvPPGsEMPFAXPMxvwwUuQvKJSSW8KtXiMxy9qGiQ-8jEA_n6i2Lb_G3Kjx22BND-RyQh_phugz_mMyXUrD6MkXYoMk8n7RtcerPyAeyo6lXcv_DrhvjHrH-kg/s1636/407763664_18405746272047697_644935227354342447_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrcM4zl6nvVF2oDRY2Sq6PH8VhvMsnxSrxRRLl-ZQYGOdDTfZeW5InzNt4tm3fXvPPGsEMPFAXPMxvwwUuQvKJSSW8KtXiMxy9qGiQ-8jEA_n6i2Lb_G3Kjx22BND-RyQh_phugz_mMyXUrD6MkXYoMk8n7RtcerPyAeyo6lXcv_DrhvjHrH-kg/w353-h400/407763664_18405746272047697_644935227354342447_n.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"> </span></span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></div>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-53540026021477335872024-02-27T14:04:00.004-07:002024-02-27T14:06:19.141-07:00Nickie Things<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">I am one of the many who lives with General Anxiety Disorder, and Depression. Thanks to the nature of my brain, my challenge has always been to find the positive in things, as I can be the one that sees the glass half empty, or even more accurately, sees the glass falling off the table and smashing into a million tiny pieces!</span></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCisYvcoam8KJvhacZZX-Y9L0MUfolLt30QbFqDgO2l-yDZ6Gn566wLN-SiqJid_U2Kp8fV7TuL8mWVVCdZjv_4mBkZ2t80mwA1VbD895CsZfgtO59dHsXTefEsGW0NaxfI2PN4v_4si4P_XFrTKS1mtd-KqfhVyxAlPenfbW_d9__Igy0hC8WCQ/s3001/IMG_4470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2509" data-original-width="3001" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCisYvcoam8KJvhacZZX-Y9L0MUfolLt30QbFqDgO2l-yDZ6Gn566wLN-SiqJid_U2Kp8fV7TuL8mWVVCdZjv_4mBkZ2t80mwA1VbD895CsZfgtO59dHsXTefEsGW0NaxfI2PN4v_4si4P_XFrTKS1mtd-KqfhVyxAlPenfbW_d9__Igy0hC8WCQ/s320/IMG_4470.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">It seems that these days we are ALL inundated with negativity. Between the world news, social media, or even conversations at the grocery store, these are definitely challenging times. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Of course, like everyone else, my life has its share of ups and downs. Along with the highs (and there have been lots of those), we have had some lows. We have had our share of losses of friends and family members. Our family has dealt with some pretty serious health challenges .There is never a dull moment at my house, I always say! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">To keep myself mentally healthy, I have to do what I call "the work". This is what I call, the "Nickie Things". These are the things that re-charge my batteries. The things that fill my soul. The time I spend with pens, paints, crochet hooks, and knitting needles. The time spent hugging my grandbabies, or spending time with my friends that support me. The time I spend with my dogs. The time I spend writing the stories of my heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjGVQq2bUHeyW_691MK0ug5pybcx-YSEBCaKSKoK20vCnMNNJ7QNHaWhMMN5hDHUwX-nJ0XqtBZgm-OETQQg1SmdTLUmjXeB2M5_C4FSqE-GslAIa7DTS4HAmejfnJVDiIN1z9E_E3ajixTbuwNzlecpDkZWUlk7B6jeVDuBpN7FjkEmZdp27oA/s940/Untitled%20design%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="940" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjGVQq2bUHeyW_691MK0ug5pybcx-YSEBCaKSKoK20vCnMNNJ7QNHaWhMMN5hDHUwX-nJ0XqtBZgm-OETQQg1SmdTLUmjXeB2M5_C4FSqE-GslAIa7DTS4HAmejfnJVDiIN1z9E_E3ajixTbuwNzlecpDkZWUlk7B6jeVDuBpN7FjkEmZdp27oA/s320/Untitled%20design%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">When I stop doing "Nickie Things", it is a pretty strong indication that I am heading towards trouble.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Lora;">Without doing the work, my brain can start to lie to me. The imagination that is my gift as a creative, is my curse that can turn on me in an instant. I start worrying about everything, envisioning the worst case scenarios. Catastrophizing becomes my jam. It is not good.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdISCWIR8wMUW4J46s1lLEtU8l8eIcdfhrA9I4E33IzVPqYtOT92Q1fe7s2GEPrxDV4Al8seVf1VxeDLv5KZtbXxz1s1aMaXnf6E3kvusyX4rzF4U9zJQHhEdXbuKxNH3wXMCjOFVqnACTOh9VtLr3MSiudrIgqZOZ8xmV95HJXMYcekzNbmg9AQ/s4032/IMG_4467.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdISCWIR8wMUW4J46s1lLEtU8l8eIcdfhrA9I4E33IzVPqYtOT92Q1fe7s2GEPrxDV4Al8seVf1VxeDLv5KZtbXxz1s1aMaXnf6E3kvusyX4rzF4U9zJQHhEdXbuKxNH3wXMCjOFVqnACTOh9VtLr3MSiudrIgqZOZ8xmV95HJXMYcekzNbmg9AQ/s320/IMG_4467.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPAkmfay_c44chfAY0RYfbNGGw2kKlHLssepi-cOgm46ESJcvFvYzsxF5GbeXKiLsYBM91KAhpAU6eQXz2nY3Z6v8cxqCX1JK0Yt6pxVCkSk0-eA4Hhbb1wbAKZCbG-YXWE0ZjtUaYRv83j77RismQjzUAmHcQNYuEe-d-JYckQBwlcx7GKvcSg/s4032/IMG_4469.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: Lora;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Which brings me to this blog, dear reader. I want to try to promote positivity as much as I can. I would like to hi-light the joy in simple things. I want to show how one can connect with one's self, and connect with others through creativity, and with community. I want to share the "Nickie Things" that keep me in the light. I want to help you, dear reader to see the magic and the blessings in every day life. I know that I am not alone in having these challenges, and maybe what I share, may spark something in you, like it does me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXLnyuAojDr6Of5TcSoiVQ5O43nxpcp4cG5VFiMWct2EwQdVfYyr5lEPgUIVcpnrjMcAS9Bs_IST9kRYRRWjDarzEf03Ffn89WvJorRbuWYPkcwUXNhQhzEyYIq45_Gvd7n80iLaj3YqWBfjuEO8ih2TE8UGvc35w6qPrH6bVQ0gJfRI2ZqeJXA/s4032/IMG_4469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXLnyuAojDr6Of5TcSoiVQ5O43nxpcp4cG5VFiMWct2EwQdVfYyr5lEPgUIVcpnrjMcAS9Bs_IST9kRYRRWjDarzEf03Ffn89WvJorRbuWYPkcwUXNhQhzEyYIq45_Gvd7n80iLaj3YqWBfjuEO8ih2TE8UGvc35w6qPrH6bVQ0gJfRI2ZqeJXA/s320/IMG_4469.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-15945528824262761262023-04-04T17:20:00.004-06:002023-04-05T21:00:21.014-06:00Bunnies and More Bunnies! <p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"> Spring has finally arrived here in my corner of the world, and Easter is only a few short days away. A very welcome time of year, as the winters here in Alberta are often very cold, and very long. But without those long winters, you would not see the joy that the arrival Spring seems to bestow on my part of the world. Everyone seems to have a little more bounce in their step (which my also be in part to the fact that they are no longer wearing heavy snowboots), as they walk their dogs, and get out in the fresh air. Garden centres and home improvements stores seem to bustling with people that are planning projects for the warmer weather and the sunshine to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Me? I am in full BUNNY mode. I been enjoying the jackrabbits that visit our front lawn under our Faerie tree, and noting that their fur is starting to be more brown than white - a welcome sign! And, every year at this time, I pull out my yarn, and with a slight bunny-like twitch of my nose, I get started...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Nothing says Spring like knitting and crocheting bunnies! Making bunnies is one of my own spring traditions. And there are so many wonderful designs out there, I thought that I would share some with you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS21ltGfGtLtBIk3OVU2fFgVTvq0m0gIfudK2vgRAuf1hx4nGQBDULsOsyBXcIO4WOyF1PzANf_WfTpViccLBR13T4wu9E9jxWeAF2fHusnCpNo6saH2y78_DNrLqNQqRbqGugvvY11rUpKfUAJzuB3nBL53I0Euirazo2pL0hxnwtfruk1d8/s2048/FA076652-AD6D-4DD4-A331-4C60732A3B12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1548" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS21ltGfGtLtBIk3OVU2fFgVTvq0m0gIfudK2vgRAuf1hx4nGQBDULsOsyBXcIO4WOyF1PzANf_WfTpViccLBR13T4wu9E9jxWeAF2fHusnCpNo6saH2y78_DNrLqNQqRbqGugvvY11rUpKfUAJzuB3nBL53I0Euirazo2pL0hxnwtfruk1d8/w303-h400/FA076652-AD6D-4DD4-A331-4C60732A3B12.JPG" width="303" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br />This is one of the first bunnies that I made, one of Spin A Yarn Crochet's wonderful free patterns, called the <a href="https://spinayarncrochet.com/ragdoll-spring-bunny-free-crochet-pattern/">Ragdoll Bunny</a>. I added a "L" to her dress for my granddaughter...Miss "L" loves when I add a monogram to her toys! These Ragdoll patterns are very easy to follow, and they make a wonderfully cuddy toy. I have made several of these bunnies - they make the perfect baby gift as well! Very cute, with a homespun feel. (Just as an aside, I am really glad I cut my hair....yeesh!)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Last year, I made this little knitted bunny, using a pattern I found on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. (If you haven't joined Ravelry yet, and you are a knitter or a crocheter, you definitely need to check it out!) Be warned, once you go down the Ravelry rabbit-hole (I told you it was all about bunnies) you may never come out! This pattern is called <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dutch-rabbits" target="_blank">Dutch Rabbits</a> by Rache Borello Carroll. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjli2wGW4cClEP5ZYZch79LsPTkz9lbWWofO8yP5K17Yt-jgGllvbpCb2Qh-iYvn-rWxjBTuLrZlodlUKKZa-0p_TxTcL62HI3IIolYLt_KlTFf0UZY1riOdr8HRmr4BYB2vRQ82Tk-G8GqB3CoLqHv1h2i8Q-giJSbqFsEee62t1vdSlXgavY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjli2wGW4cClEP5ZYZch79LsPTkz9lbWWofO8yP5K17Yt-jgGllvbpCb2Qh-iYvn-rWxjBTuLrZlodlUKKZa-0p_TxTcL62HI3IIolYLt_KlTFf0UZY1riOdr8HRmr4BYB2vRQ82Tk-G8GqB3CoLqHv1h2i8Q-giJSbqFsEee62t1vdSlXgavY=w222-h400" width="222" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I made this one for my eldest granddaughter a few years ago. This one is the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-bunny-19" target="_blank">Baby Bunny</a> from <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/claire-garland" target="_blank">Claire Garland</a>, also know as Dot Pebbles. Claire has so many beautiful rabbit patterns, and her designs are like no others. I will admit that this one was challenging, but it was a fun challenge, and I am still really proud of it! I must also mention that when I had a question about the pattern, Claire responded to me personally with help. I was so impressed...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHmm4_1MN9ebe0tm8uZn2-pLKdgkYVSt87YjeyEZrDx0nGGxQVZJXCzJ30i6326MUUSHqU3UL4KW45Uv0M9rxKVJIVTPd7t0jrs2uERtJpj81LdCo-Ju5m1DxhUFg0CcSJoWuJVcHtQu4Er0dppDhpX3xZxDR16c4ht_D3E0Eib8WRynrPD4/s1980/Simple%20Rectangle%20Collage%20Blank.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="1964" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHmm4_1MN9ebe0tm8uZn2-pLKdgkYVSt87YjeyEZrDx0nGGxQVZJXCzJ30i6326MUUSHqU3UL4KW45Uv0M9rxKVJIVTPd7t0jrs2uERtJpj81LdCo-Ju5m1DxhUFg0CcSJoWuJVcHtQu4Er0dppDhpX3xZxDR16c4ht_D3E0Eib8WRynrPD4/s320/Simple%20Rectangle%20Collage%20Blank.png" width="317" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br />As for this year, I admit things have gotten a little out of control.</span><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1cziqxWnMYmaExXbKnS4hQ-Oatreu9L1OWtSdGc6vbWAS1yjdcxkJSBzD-LOlWanmWxiYykXmQa7noK0QnukESn1HhGYqrJjSDxQdirbyfXh0Pa0kkgYUd5XLHt9a2fBdGhJq3gPoJ1U5N9xjHAwwHy6tMZ2DSrPqdlVZ0O7sYjZkwsEFTCE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1757" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1cziqxWnMYmaExXbKnS4hQ-Oatreu9L1OWtSdGc6vbWAS1yjdcxkJSBzD-LOlWanmWxiYykXmQa7noK0QnukESn1HhGYqrJjSDxQdirbyfXh0Pa0kkgYUd5XLHt9a2fBdGhJq3gPoJ1U5N9xjHAwwHy6tMZ2DSrPqdlVZ0O7sYjZkwsEFTCE=w328-h400" width="328" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br />These little bunny cups will be filled with treats on Easter morning. You can find a similar pattern <a href="https://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2022/03/mini-crochet-bunny-baskets.html" target="_blank">here</a>, at Repeat Crafter Me's blog.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGtkQDf2XDkWy_c3lV9ncESzcb4cIMMlSuX_yoqCYObMmHBWpPu2AlstwjqaH3nvqX9GwaDTFF3Fwx18BCTm2UDBLe8niTOsEnhxEjS6tKOV3gRK0IQ996ZHtMrvYkFubVJ8twXTgiGRb4d8fq-_1j-T7Vv4bxdcPG_wgbMfoUUxZ0DsZUuc/s1350/336360440_2190007244517025_259795393193498489_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGtkQDf2XDkWy_c3lV9ncESzcb4cIMMlSuX_yoqCYObMmHBWpPu2AlstwjqaH3nvqX9GwaDTFF3Fwx18BCTm2UDBLe8niTOsEnhxEjS6tKOV3gRK0IQ996ZHtMrvYkFubVJ8twXTgiGRb4d8fq-_1j-T7Vv4bxdcPG_wgbMfoUUxZ0DsZUuc/w320-h400/336360440_2190007244517025_259795393193498489_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div>I also made this cute little Baba Bunny. Isn't she cute? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4GXaKt0CbJkt4-I8qGzS-s7VYsQQqxqhHoH-1Uuo7iKCln8SQeA5ps4h4MTfh6IjY6B2mjY38thL9Kw6m8XlUSHFBeOspuMvgDTsVGzOiWrGBDmOX8jpO7abdVEGh6QpZX-hUax_X2JQbRa_BuREcTTNngjW3Q6wkF2KM2OrmNOoNcz9M5uM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4GXaKt0CbJkt4-I8qGzS-s7VYsQQqxqhHoH-1Uuo7iKCln8SQeA5ps4h4MTfh6IjY6B2mjY38thL9Kw6m8XlUSHFBeOspuMvgDTsVGzOiWrGBDmOX8jpO7abdVEGh6QpZX-hUax_X2JQbRa_BuREcTTNngjW3Q6wkF2KM2OrmNOoNcz9M5uM=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div>I made several of these Chubby Bunnies from <a href="https://amenagerieofstitchesblog.com/free-crochet-chubby-bunny-pattern/" target="_blank">A Menagerie of Stitches</a>. They are fast, and easy, and so, so, squishy! These were a big hit at my craft sale last weekend. I kind of wish I had kept at least one for myself, but I guess I could always make some more...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaKXVSB78iHjDcdCMCSb92ElMW6VjU7yfVSVp-KQUjQ4g367NeAV6bihUtDhgQui6cnoyqeU-ZucNZirZPE3FO0BFMrxre6tCG9BdwLsmBu4Bel3gcVqVSDoajaXqU2NCL2mmgKaxzIPrtG2eKV6BVBC9uho30ARYkXJ-qOVjVZ0kbuD3iS4/s4032/B0C58084-7848-4A01-BD07-7393A47DB9FA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaKXVSB78iHjDcdCMCSb92ElMW6VjU7yfVSVp-KQUjQ4g367NeAV6bihUtDhgQui6cnoyqeU-ZucNZirZPE3FO0BFMrxre6tCG9BdwLsmBu4Bel3gcVqVSDoajaXqU2NCL2mmgKaxzIPrtG2eKV6BVBC9uho30ARYkXJ-qOVjVZ0kbuD3iS4/w300-h400/B0C58084-7848-4A01-BD07-7393A47DB9FA.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I worked this little love up in an afternoon, from a free pattern from <a href="https://www.1dogwoof.com/floppy-stuffed-bunny-crochet-pattern-easter/" target="_blank">One Dog Woof</a>. I made mine itty bitty, but as you will see on her blog, you can get a very different look with textured yarn. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">And last but not least, my personal favourite for this year, is a pattern I found on another fantastic blog, All ABout Ami. It is actually a pattern for the </span><a href="https://www.allaboutami.com/chinese-new-year-rabbit/" style="font-family: Oxygen;" target="_blank">Chinese New Year Rabbit</a><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">. The more I worked on it, the cuter it became. I think my granddaughter will love it. I can't wait to see her face when I give it to her! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshEVR9ZaH8xrQ4mBh47YZn7Z5cC1eimw2XXPIUCd-gC_3hprIs2OVldtVDSlnidMZP-wYJjVXi1MKgDPDb9FALwMd5s_yoQxijr9RSCP6hBGGGHsVL50xzPLAmcrldzV-LOrkT7Fod6gBJPor9iMEdVJX5MRPpZ9Wtd13eAej1V6Jk8yR3M/s2046/IMG-1052-COLLAGE.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2046" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshEVR9ZaH8xrQ4mBh47YZn7Z5cC1eimw2XXPIUCd-gC_3hprIs2OVldtVDSlnidMZP-wYJjVXi1MKgDPDb9FALwMd5s_yoQxijr9RSCP6hBGGGHsVL50xzPLAmcrldzV-LOrkT7Fod6gBJPor9iMEdVJX5MRPpZ9Wtd13eAej1V6Jk8yR3M/w400-h400/IMG-1052-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMilfF1SryAllx1qJ408HCYFmiJ5gBR822_S3c7A6ndyBwqm46Jc9BVinfpmLnsSIk0VYqGL3Y6XHi5QrQGAZxu8cmh0C7a4PG0QYLEVI26DxAzIKL8UMLRrNpVcigpEhI91rrKgB8f0C5GQfRvebgh2a9pwXOjm2Qv1x6lkotN3c49eOEyQ/s4032/IMG-1056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMilfF1SryAllx1qJ408HCYFmiJ5gBR822_S3c7A6ndyBwqm46Jc9BVinfpmLnsSIk0VYqGL3Y6XHi5QrQGAZxu8cmh0C7a4PG0QYLEVI26DxAzIKL8UMLRrNpVcigpEhI91rrKgB8f0C5GQfRvebgh2a9pwXOjm2Qv1x6lkotN3c49eOEyQ/w480-h640/IMG-1056.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Which bunny pattern is your favourite? I would love to hear if you have created any bunnies yourself, do you have any favourite patterns? Please share in the comments below...and feel free to friend me (sapphire252) on Ravelry! </span></p><p></p></div>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-77949865644720000722023-03-31T17:18:00.002-06:002023-03-31T17:19:38.464-06:00<p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I have always loved making cards. As soon as I could fold a piece of paper in half, I started making cards for everyone that I knew! A card is a lovely, inexpensive way to make someone feel special. And giving cards to friends and family may be something of a lost art, in the world of texts and email, but that just makes giving and receiving a paper card even more wonderful. Now, I sell my handmade cards in a few local markets, and at a local restaurant every couple of months. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I love to collect vintage images, and use them on my cards. I also like to use old photographs. I have made custom cards with photographs of the recipient, a personal touch for a special occasion. Here a card with one of my favourite photos of my Grandma Dubitz, with two of her younger brothers:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWzjJAT3W2PCE26skgKiEf_gaMzDsNfaSLzEMbwdwlcq3oQituqU5vp2y3_yolhy4IrDm1TJebeNSYRLIKXN42QRovDpPZr1ZCRu31zDaIkkJYZyLL8A1_drKAKuaL9nkY75SL8jVPJB5w5r7KyX_lYc5tfMnXt9h1fzBm-Hk6a2uX0lg4sM/w300-h400/335735424_1312210782672881_3756023474013964254_n.jpg" width="300" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I like to use found items on my cards as much as possible. I love to go to garage sales and find little bits and bobs to put on my cards. I am lucky enough to have friends and family that collect things for me to add to my work...broken jewelery, bits of lace, buttons! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">A friend of mine makes wonderful jewelery using the inner works of watches...but she does not use the faces...so she gives them to me! You would be surprised what you can find if you talk to other crafters and artists.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Oxygen; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFL4SMIgI324X1T9sbe9lD1gAVaFKjc78IgkyAhH8Y-kbuo_8YGlO4AolCm8Y-WSeBCGbEWS-GaSdUg8wzzFqzXqypXOKqXTFSAwRDC-jHgf31hw8ttI-5byBo-LTGd2fKTs2SKsNqcY-N-kfxVQ4KZOkOGBnssTJ_MnONtjA1WljDJ7eUL50=w270-h400" style="cursor: move;" width="270" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p></p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I take lace, and with a few stitches, it turns into a one-of-a kind embellishment. There are some great videos online that show how to make great flowers and other embellishments. Search "lace flowers" or "shabby chic flowers" on youtube, and you will find a treasure trove of ideas and tutorials. Below you can see an example of how a simple piece of lace can add so much to a card:</span><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9QLRqObXxZC6LYojrOYmAbzMlOkZbSAld72cEJkqOlA1v4GfoN1MIC6HyxFS2yTIWBXuUdhNh5QPodG5obiYHUPhkLQ1PTIGUkdAXusb-H-Y3KBeTDWvadgG98cPX5QFTvjFrOX8i72yHG7odKlUBp82PlX6g8duFdYf2Vxiue_BQCfSp0HU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3362" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9QLRqObXxZC6LYojrOYmAbzMlOkZbSAld72cEJkqOlA1v4GfoN1MIC6HyxFS2yTIWBXuUdhNh5QPodG5obiYHUPhkLQ1PTIGUkdAXusb-H-Y3KBeTDWvadgG98cPX5QFTvjFrOX8i72yHG7odKlUBp82PlX6g8duFdYf2Vxiue_BQCfSp0HU=w360-h400" width="360" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen; text-align: center;">I like to crochet medallions and add them to the cards. Embroidery floss gives you the ability to match colours perfectly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWljfghXwyFOyJkdcq27JBvHbWkZGxIoeHIEVNSdFaNX1thpulApYaVNHoMiUgcOdC1cJ7UirYBnQgyDSasfOpWcezk1clgpX-5yAnWIvmcKHMY0TjK9WlcjkFhfGTrQFYzYrpOz0w_E4yRXH-U4ErKNsusOwcN-1NOBbZoZcv3-c7Rh8ZegY/s1406/325216658_504833491737469_7534370795765436749_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1130" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWljfghXwyFOyJkdcq27JBvHbWkZGxIoeHIEVNSdFaNX1thpulApYaVNHoMiUgcOdC1cJ7UirYBnQgyDSasfOpWcezk1clgpX-5yAnWIvmcKHMY0TjK9WlcjkFhfGTrQFYzYrpOz0w_E4yRXH-U4ErKNsusOwcN-1NOBbZoZcv3-c7Rh8ZegY/w321-h400/325216658_504833491737469_7534370795765436749_n.jpg" width="321" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"> <br /></span><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Time in my art room is good therapy for me. It is the best for my mental health in general. As someone who lives with anxiety and depression, self-care is priority for me, and time in my art room is truly the best self care there is. When I work on my cards, I think about the colours, the images, how all the tiny elements come together to make something beautiful. My mind focuses on the art, and the monkey chatter that usually happens in my brain quiets. When I work on my pieces, and that creative flow starts to happen, the dark wolf quiets and any negative energy I may have just melts away.</span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I do not mass produce my cards, I look at each card as an individual piece of art, from start to finish. Although I may use an image multiple times, because of the found items that I am using, the cards are truly one-of-a-kind. It may take me a little longer, but it is truly the process that I enjoy most, and I think that it shows in the finished work. When someone receives one of my cards, they truly receive a gift from the heart. Not just from the giver, but from my artist heart as well.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgTMv2TBW9QAkwbhKH1rWrswAo6I6WO3i3YAk1rFz_CEU16tCKaCon5RX-F-hAzKNJHg-tr0R_tjs6iP4FbCAbbei0E_MDqpK7Ax_rxisa1JttcfEUr4puhCeZbbjvyEgWagrZKEH4K3wiROh5hJIPeS0WKZJdSp_tY0Qp2QMv-nm-F9qZzU/s3196/IMG_1123.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="2917" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgTMv2TBW9QAkwbhKH1rWrswAo6I6WO3i3YAk1rFz_CEU16tCKaCon5RX-F-hAzKNJHg-tr0R_tjs6iP4FbCAbbei0E_MDqpK7Ax_rxisa1JttcfEUr4puhCeZbbjvyEgWagrZKEH4K3wiROh5hJIPeS0WKZJdSp_tY0Qp2QMv-nm-F9qZzU/w365-h400/IMG_1123.HEIC" width="365" /></span></a></div><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKPUGHQhWhCqkIsUJWgJdst58tUBBa1MIgUuQrqlVDgsylAnXbTXsvvqrcRxUx8izwCrbleZFfcVexws8SP2vglDFH5F1zHtNiUkNFG4WnTgjOD_iCIDSsns-eEVnTt79_hBcpjLaJEQLTJeW8qVa0sCT6QrWiWLs2MAxf2Et2bqLDuG8Q4Gc" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKPUGHQhWhCqkIsUJWgJdst58tUBBa1MIgUuQrqlVDgsylAnXbTXsvvqrcRxUx8izwCrbleZFfcVexws8SP2vglDFH5F1zHtNiUkNFG4WnTgjOD_iCIDSsns-eEVnTt79_hBcpjLaJEQLTJeW8qVa0sCT6QrWiWLs2MAxf2Et2bqLDuG8Q4Gc=w240-h320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">my set up at Barb & Ernie's</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">This weekend, I will be spending April 1st at a local restaurant, <a href="https://oldcountryinnedmonton.com/" target="_blank">Barb & Ernie's Old Country Inn</a>. Barb & Ernie's is owned an operated by some friends of mine named Char and Thomas Feuchter. Char and Thomas generously allow me to set up a table in the restaurant and show my art to their patrons on regular basis. It is such a positive experience for me, getting to meet new people, and to show off my art. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Not to mention the feedback! More often than not, I will have a young person stop at my table, often a budding artist themselves, and we will have a great talk about how you can still make pretty things even when you are an adult! Plus it is common knowledge that Barb & Ernie's has some of the best breakfast in town, so it is a win-win for me! <br /> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I have a profile on Facebook, called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041375187232">Nicolette Anderson's Handmade Greeting Cards</a>, where I post my cards, and advertise my sales. When I look at it, I am shocked at how many cards I have created, even in the last few years. Making art may take hours, but it is time well spent. It does my heart, and my head, good. And I hope that some of that good magic stays with the cards after they leave me. </span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I think that I will always make my cards. If I didn't sell them, I would just have a room full of them. They make me happy. I hope that they make all of you happy, too! </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimxCRYUuEO7MS3ZLQY1dBgu5hHk4EYE_cGP1oaBOer8IlIdIvii3ixrgEAiZF0OvmWIOgO92_SgVo0tDb37-y46TS2Bulk7p_o18zwpNtvPlyn4QJQ2_C6igG3nU0pEIZfOeR1fygSBo_cWyXsL0Wu5D3ciqjuPc4WwVPaJdBSkNUZF8jvdLA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimxCRYUuEO7MS3ZLQY1dBgu5hHk4EYE_cGP1oaBOer8IlIdIvii3ixrgEAiZF0OvmWIOgO92_SgVo0tDb37-y46TS2Bulk7p_o18zwpNtvPlyn4QJQ2_C6igG3nU0pEIZfOeR1fygSBo_cWyXsL0Wu5D3ciqjuPc4WwVPaJdBSkNUZF8jvdLA=w480-h640" width="480" /></span></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-56335071396574840142023-03-05T17:14:00.005-07:002023-03-05T17:25:06.356-07:00For the Love of Barbie<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">When I was a little girl, I loved my Barbie Dolls - I would play with them for hours and hours.</span></p><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">My dolls had a case full of clothes, which included outfits that had been knit and crocheted by my Grandma Vincent, and also clothes that had been sewn by my mother. Those were always my favourites, the clothes that were made especially for me. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfP4zt3eCuyJKm-ogbDDtUXUq5KaXIc66QkX78Jzn-Ruys38EMK5pCtx9h0BEkpLY5VrfYY0R7zojqd07r8qe2alvkXJDJZ9U-rwLV3i80pgP62bsuK0WI-G5ZT_wy8h1SbJBKat2lU50zjKMfzuGE2uzneyltw4uedOOTlGGAtevHW1w52M/s4000/IMG_1134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfP4zt3eCuyJKm-ogbDDtUXUq5KaXIc66QkX78Jzn-Ruys38EMK5pCtx9h0BEkpLY5VrfYY0R7zojqd07r8qe2alvkXJDJZ9U-rwLV3i80pgP62bsuK0WI-G5ZT_wy8h1SbJBKat2lU50zjKMfzuGE2uzneyltw4uedOOTlGGAtevHW1w52M/w400-h400/IMG_1134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><span>One Christmas, I received the most amazing present - a collection of wooden Barbie furniture. I was so excited! My best friend and I would alternate between her house and mine - taking over the basement rumpus rooms for days on end as we created our Barbie houses across the floors. </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="3023" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbY54e_2-5kXDtRZaWeD0RDGyspkZyXc8GfcSL0BTZVChD03IVH21J-F2KXRTegjDNGK5tUZt8ONydP7N8DXtd-7lKD_NZ5sn_jcoiZJ6Slh-gZFxHJKVj5zYKaSUtDwMB2_gmqFosenuqZp2yB7dKZ3r0xGXYtC2F5rudr7H_dvMBPs74zI/w320-h305/IMG_0941.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tiny german dollies</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I had a few miniature german dolls that I have now discovered were <a href="https://www.creativhook.com/ari-dolls-history-and-a-second-youth/">Ari miniature dolls</a> from Germany - they promptly became my Barbie's babies. For me, my Barbie play was about creating a home, and a family - which was what I dreamed of for myself one day.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">When I grew up, my Barbies and the collection of furniture, was lovingly packed up and put away. I kept all of it, and when I left home and started my own family, it came with me, always having a home in one storage space after another.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">When my daughter Amanda came along, I was delighted to discover that I had a little girl who loved Barbie like I did! And out came my box of Barbie treasures. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I have to admit, I was hesitant at first to hand over my treasures...what if they broke? What if they were ruined? But then I realized that dolls are meant to be played with, not boxed up collecting dust. </span><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">So my dolls became Amanda's </span><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">dolls. How happy those Barbies must have been, to come out of their dark storage box after so many years, and be back in the hands of a lovely little girl! The Barbie collection grew, with the addition of Amanda's new generation dolls from Christmases and birthdays.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywtcQlLyNRU5hY1rF2XhqAxEbAe4lGXz-Fi16fm6T9h2zgRg1tTPcw6aX7iSiqpAbuN7YZt7l2rFT2YlgrFJXp1ufaONq8xyUKmW_XYVjdgGalrEHqauQ5l4EWQZAb8aUQ63pZW1YUuNSIJmbCxNfNBzgsOjLX9zdy1M0ttwLUNA01bAZdlU/s3264/Photo699754124952_inner_8-23-738-23-8-976-738-976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywtcQlLyNRU5hY1rF2XhqAxEbAe4lGXz-Fi16fm6T9h2zgRg1tTPcw6aX7iSiqpAbuN7YZt7l2rFT2YlgrFJXp1ufaONq8xyUKmW_XYVjdgGalrEHqauQ5l4EWQZAb8aUQ63pZW1YUuNSIJmbCxNfNBzgsOjLX9zdy1M0ttwLUNA01bAZdlU/s320/Photo699754124952_inner_8-23-738-23-8-976-738-976.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little girl in the nineties</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Well, time has passed, and my little girl grew up. The Barbie collection was once again boxed up and placed on my shelf. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Amanda blessed us with our first granddaughter six years ago. And I am lucky enough to have another girl with a love of Barbie in the family! I am getting to play with Barbies again! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I am also getting to be the "crafty grandma" and getting to fill Mom and Grandma's shoes, by creating Barbie clothes for my granddaughter. Not a sewer by any means (my sewing machine is strictly used for sewing paper these days), I am sticking to primarily crochet for my contributions. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmG540L5hfQmCcjlpfY8zm92ZrgZAQEVD63-OveuAk_XCMr5ng6-eL0CHGrfGARyFv7lhoBtNeE_olpiQ3f8ISmYinyEaMiriOgOEN88T6bZ8gbr_L0y5dFGp0Zh0wUupFr-zxV_GNGr-ZvWTtf2icJb_Q63aQsRCsnU6L_YKFc4r63xHqAc/s1080/E2F6D09C-8982-4CD6-86FB-7FB1E82916ED.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1080" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmG540L5hfQmCcjlpfY8zm92ZrgZAQEVD63-OveuAk_XCMr5ng6-eL0CHGrfGARyFv7lhoBtNeE_olpiQ3f8ISmYinyEaMiriOgOEN88T6bZ8gbr_L0y5dFGp0Zh0wUupFr-zxV_GNGr-ZvWTtf2icJb_Q63aQsRCsnU6L_YKFc4r63xHqAc/s320/E2F6D09C-8982-4CD6-86FB-7FB1E82916ED.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couch I made</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">I have combed the internet for crochet patterns, and have found some amazing sources. However, with different yarns in my stash, and different hook sizes, I have found that I can only use these patterns as a "frame of reference" so that my biggest successes have been with my own "designs". I keep my Barbie model close at hand and try the garments on her as I go. Keeping in mind that dressing Barbie in her clothes can be a challenge for younger ones, I am conscious of making the clothes easy to pull on and off, and that they have loose sleeves (if any) and sturdy, easy to use fasteners. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteY-zPUKyTSE7vATyqHbHaZWr2ZlfST_zH3dz0gx6vkHTphOXVe64a3FrbBHbW4FlLUQxjtbefZqrJ9hMI5c829FzmIP8BFuLF-R5pV04EIwWIQZ1vBiPlsc7EIuEblmPFdKyf2NDjeUa6OF5l6BxyNr1HHx2IAn9_2KGtHODcNBOmYsuZb8/s4000/IMG_1132.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteY-zPUKyTSE7vATyqHbHaZWr2ZlfST_zH3dz0gx6vkHTphOXVe64a3FrbBHbW4FlLUQxjtbefZqrJ9hMI5c829FzmIP8BFuLF-R5pV04EIwWIQZ1vBiPlsc7EIuEblmPFdKyf2NDjeUa6OF5l6BxyNr1HHx2IAn9_2KGtHODcNBOmYsuZb8/w300-h400/IMG_1132.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my creations</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Most are quick projects, and I get a great sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of mastery each time I complete another addition to Barbie's wardrobe. It answers to the little girl in me, and I get to make one of my favourite people in the world happy as well!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">P.S. I have made another attempt at furniture, thanks to this post on youtube:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://youtu.be/v1vT90VNpa0">https://youtu.be/v1vT90VNpa0</a></span><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">It was fun, and I hope to make more, so stay tuned!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ZJxeLDPzMRgn_QRi-TFs9UDr78gjCy9HcQX7-GbgtIqIU_5fUqOZV203R-4uZjqa3DPo-xkW5XImnOT8usC9ZuizObCIBUoMj8HuzXrUZQPrIAngHzlMt816GHPCf37JBh0mfcSrS5U0KmA6BeAu1mKlIxFwkvKEKMXqwYmyD3sWeDBr1M/s1080/287734147_10159091826612452_4447052318539592483_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9ZJxeLDPzMRgn_QRi-TFs9UDr78gjCy9HcQX7-GbgtIqIU_5fUqOZV203R-4uZjqa3DPo-xkW5XImnOT8usC9ZuizObCIBUoMj8HuzXrUZQPrIAngHzlMt816GHPCf37JBh0mfcSrS5U0KmA6BeAu1mKlIxFwkvKEKMXqwYmyD3sWeDBr1M/w400-h400/287734147_10159091826612452_4447052318539592483_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Oxygen;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">If you create anything for Barbie, please share in the comments below...let's inspire eachother!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Oxygen;">Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/nickieblog?leanpub">following me</a>! </span></p>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-72746975292290549992023-02-26T17:09:00.011-07:002023-03-02T15:50:37.182-07:00A Tale of Two Dragons <p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">I love to knit and crochet. So when my youngest granddaughter, Evelyn, turned 3 in January, I decided that I would make her a dragon to cuddle. (Evelyn LOVES dragons!) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">I found a pattern online, grabbed my crochet hook and started to make Evelyn's dragon. I wanted to use some soft snuggly yarn, and so I pulled some of my favourite velvety yarn from my stash. I had enough yarn to make the head, but not more than that! I thought that I could purchase more of the same colour, but I was surprised to discover that the yarn I had used was discontinued, and not available anywhere. For some reason, this is a lesson that I never seem to learn - always make sure to have enough yarn BEFORE starting a project! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUzoL48xSWPItiv0Ksbiru0eOETX9gRLcooNG2Ifc4Q1kuhvE3yKi-w0C2QEKnrYdvuS4l0NmerdmDWCrX-CGC6F2ZP1xRpBfYoCfHevxwZTGEx2H-EtUH4-whO8bWt8TlV0l51FrFTp1oe8GgIdbj2Fyv_hnBYi16F1KpmUudEEb7fUIvkms" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUzoL48xSWPItiv0Ksbiru0eOETX9gRLcooNG2Ifc4Q1kuhvE3yKi-w0C2QEKnrYdvuS4l0NmerdmDWCrX-CGC6F2ZP1xRpBfYoCfHevxwZTGEx2H-EtUH4-whO8bWt8TlV0l51FrFTp1oe8GgIdbj2Fyv_hnBYi16F1KpmUudEEb7fUIvkms" width="180" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">So I ditched my first attempt, and then revisited my yarn collection. I found some lovely yarn that would do the trick. In about a week, I had completed my project, and added a few personal touches - an "E" for Evelyn and a number 3 to commemorate the occasion. and I am happy to say that it was a huge hit with Miss Evelyn. She loved "Dixie Dragon". </span><div><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Lora; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="879" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipEIyv7-gVIykac3zL_FnqfSRvEQnCia7JhN9tSYHMozsMJyrhMQdmwMuQU8thylcou8_NsJvt0afKYN_wmA4kieZplPJJmDwD2BYFiIyoxJrZOPal8cxnAF5lpGuPtk7Xk5Ziu-w9SHZzsHC47E4Xtum5Ifz86b_BICahb6fK4BJVlj1Sfn0=w213-h400" width="213" /></span><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><span style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />A few weeks later, Evelyn was over to visit. As she was searching for "treasures" on my bookcase, Ev pointed out a "dolly" that she wanted on the top shelf. It wasn't a doll - it was the head from my first attempt at making her dragon. She really wanted to see the thing, so in true grandmother fashion, I did not say no, I pulled the sad lump off of the shelf and I gave it to our little girl. Evelyn was quite enamored with this special toy. </span></span>She hugged it, and kissed the "unembodied" head, with true affection. "It needs eyebrows, Grandma..." she told me with the authority that only a three year old could have. "It needs a body, Evelyn!" was my reply. "I love it, and it's for my home." she announced. </span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">Well, the head of the second dragon went home with Evelyn that day, and is part of the menagerie that sleeps in her bed at night, along with Dixie Dragon, of course! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">I am the QUEEN OF OVERTHINKERS, and this project, like all others involved me questioning whether I had done the pattern justice, and whether it was good enough to give as a gift to my granddaughter. Evelyn taught me a valuable lesson:<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">It doesn't really matter WHAT you make, or how well you make it - as long as it is made with love! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbVfSsl0fQ-CjpQncKYWOZaU56Kxs2DpvubQuiSmN_Q2cyoJpKG06p11TT8batrXxGF31Av-I17zjsDllpVXgHa5-LS53YEdmmU_--z2TERsxVKyK2xmblon5-DJFqh7NtzkFVUPApcdr7QHULoydv0m96KdtQV1cy8cGpOea8SYyFNa-3dk/s1800/324563857_1805090263239043_6103160296119487385_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbVfSsl0fQ-CjpQncKYWOZaU56Kxs2DpvubQuiSmN_Q2cyoJpKG06p11TT8batrXxGF31Av-I17zjsDllpVXgHa5-LS53YEdmmU_--z2TERsxVKyK2xmblon5-DJFqh7NtzkFVUPApcdr7QHULoydv0m96KdtQV1cy8cGpOea8SYyFNa-3dk/s320/324563857_1805090263239043_6103160296119487385_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyZTYJ1oGHw0e49NEjDTr4QN9DjejHeqZ0hnSPUujaMgMOtNk_WsSvY4do9G4YQTsSAnogXDe6lm6OjTDE_-_McU4K5X-FQRnUXyZf16kX-_MrPZ5qAOEvSmi9i6e7YKATPTP4DRZZZO3GjOuFJhG1lIwCMLrJ4f5g6tB_2muA-piLT5kxL8/s1800/324740094_561052225927912_8157873043979203132_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyZTYJ1oGHw0e49NEjDTr4QN9DjejHeqZ0hnSPUujaMgMOtNk_WsSvY4do9G4YQTsSAnogXDe6lm6OjTDE_-_McU4K5X-FQRnUXyZf16kX-_MrPZ5qAOEvSmi9i6e7YKATPTP4DRZZZO3GjOuFJhG1lIwCMLrJ4f5g6tB_2muA-piLT5kxL8/s320/324740094_561052225927912_8157873043979203132_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQIKficwdXe1JXDINK2avNGMF04nj9TNwAZHJ-uZP2nlCmf3w7ky51IDlDDHNndbuBs3VtXpOYsRUWQopq4m0TjjBa64dba-MCmqb4Y4gSwlADpFBuX-TCROW-tYN89fYLMSPSBj2raQ_IxOiuG4zxUUSAhOHQ5NoMZEGkHXXdN4UZ0m0z8Y/s1800/324941742_8677762478961633_7527474184861588290_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQIKficwdXe1JXDINK2avNGMF04nj9TNwAZHJ-uZP2nlCmf3w7ky51IDlDDHNndbuBs3VtXpOYsRUWQopq4m0TjjBa64dba-MCmqb4Y4gSwlADpFBuX-TCROW-tYN89fYLMSPSBj2raQ_IxOiuG4zxUUSAhOHQ5NoMZEGkHXXdN4UZ0m0z8Y/s320/324941742_8677762478961633_7527474184861588290_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p>Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by <a href="https://follow.it/nickieblog?leanpub">following me</a>! </div>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-39651186888127453652023-02-20T17:49:00.008-07:002023-02-20T17:58:45.167-07:00Drops of Moments<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E5PkbV387IZwMGfTgIIllEbsA0m0wetVQN5_OK9VNSv-EkGWodHLAe0ODdmfLcsefHy0NGlmpacQixqbMBUlMj7Fz8OQEEF0g4liMg6dZFsecJys5Pao58HbzmpGI9DT4VuaSB5VgltOdrJrPJCvOpTorgiVTOLRMrPIWS-hJC6l54M_gJg/s3284/7F95D9AB-4B47-41FA-8D11-29CE167E591A.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3199" data-original-width="3284" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E5PkbV387IZwMGfTgIIllEbsA0m0wetVQN5_OK9VNSv-EkGWodHLAe0ODdmfLcsefHy0NGlmpacQixqbMBUlMj7Fz8OQEEF0g4liMg6dZFsecJys5Pao58HbzmpGI9DT4VuaSB5VgltOdrJrPJCvOpTorgiVTOLRMrPIWS-hJC6l54M_gJg/w320-h312/7F95D9AB-4B47-41FA-8D11-29CE167E591A.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">My husband is currently going through old family photos. As we look at photos in the stacks of albums, we flip past the pages of landscapes and seascapes and tourist attractions. Of course, there are the happy Christmas photos of family gatherings, and school portraits which are wonderful. But the photos that get pulled and cherished the most are ones of seemingly "everyday moments'. A photo of my husband and his brother, not much more than toddlers, having peanut butter and jam sandwiches on their grandmother's front porch. There is another one of the two boys a little older, at the kitchen sink in their childhood apartment, with dishtowels in hand. Little boys standing in the garden, among the peonies. Those drops of moments in that come together to create the ocean of a lifetime, the story of a family. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_uWAaPZEF6_tdYj-hCC8kCySmK7T0Y09y0SHAthZcGzOBYNfOA8XJZSqaTX95tLN-s2NEwnVCF5GX-YXnhJpdIk93r9dhJMBJ3W6tgX_cJ-sSdpoeP3BxK1v-vPnFhlf5jKqUB061Xy-wvP1-kNrCy0rAnO_MYu1JqqaK8PzXQ4ROiJxm8w/s1172/7848798A-DC50-4507-8661-48844C1F0660.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1133" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_uWAaPZEF6_tdYj-hCC8kCySmK7T0Y09y0SHAthZcGzOBYNfOA8XJZSqaTX95tLN-s2NEwnVCF5GX-YXnhJpdIk93r9dhJMBJ3W6tgX_cJ-sSdpoeP3BxK1v-vPnFhlf5jKqUB061Xy-wvP1-kNrCy0rAnO_MYu1JqqaK8PzXQ4ROiJxm8w/s320/7848798A-DC50-4507-8661-48844C1F0660.jpeg" width="309" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">So often we spend our days wishing them away. We wish for the workday to end, wait for the weekend, count down the days until vacation. We get caught up in just getting through until the next big thing. Instead of being in the moment, we think that the things we are doing now are insignificant, not worthy of note.</span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hLHvoGzOGPOL7y_sImvOC3eE7pWFD5loQevAx6iKtWK7OQQS3XUU2YpU3p9Xf9lDgqjcQqggLzYKkvK3e5NxLMbwUg3awEof4PRt2C4W_FZ3KWw0I2MW0Jq4PCU7rW2kuGgv567Z_hQ_Mr2xF-tZzoPVPZbGFAbsmDwSldw1w4UuGLpd-Dg/s2048/241221498_10158667912447452_4053319937081657704_n.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1410" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hLHvoGzOGPOL7y_sImvOC3eE7pWFD5loQevAx6iKtWK7OQQS3XUU2YpU3p9Xf9lDgqjcQqggLzYKkvK3e5NxLMbwUg3awEof4PRt2C4W_FZ3KWw0I2MW0Jq4PCU7rW2kuGgv567Z_hQ_Mr2xF-tZzoPVPZbGFAbsmDwSldw1w4UuGLpd-Dg/s320/241221498_10158667912447452_4053319937081657704_n.jpeg" width="220" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">Our wedding day, 1986</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">Of course, those major milestones are amazing, those life events can truly be joyful and memorable. I remember my wedding day like it was yesterday, I remember when each of my three children were born. Those memories come to the surface very easily. Those memories are truly gifts. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">But just last week, my husband and I drove by building that has gone through many transformations over the years, and we both commented on how it used to be a Sir Donut Shop in the 1980's. Long before the Tim Hortons showed up in our part of Canada, the Sir Donut was the place to go. And we both brought up a memory, of a Saturday back in 1984 when we were first together, and we stopped at the Sir Donut for a coffee and a donut. We sat at the counter, on little upholstered stools that spun around. We had hot coffee in the white ceramic mugs, and I had a maple dipped donut. I had a polariod camera (ah yes, the 80's!) and I actually snapped a photo of my sweetie as we left the building (I came home and searched my photo boxes so I could add it to this blog post!) </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6uX9xerGYSP4NpQCCzUjc7cdPtL-v52_OQt7b-ISlgN8cYFNwUWc2S6e4G4hxlajpypoU4Odw53BvWwp1jSh2dGIMMGSq_rvd74ZANeHjdztN0hEemB-9WdfDLzF5Z1rnWtVvmaIPOQNhmAkYcF9NnZ4-_Z6nOC4Q4l9lAc-RAyyeP0eUbY/s1484/1DFF466D-3953-4AA1-9E1D-BBF880CA8470.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6uX9xerGYSP4NpQCCzUjc7cdPtL-v52_OQt7b-ISlgN8cYFNwUWc2S6e4G4hxlajpypoU4Odw53BvWwp1jSh2dGIMMGSq_rvd74ZANeHjdztN0hEemB-9WdfDLzF5Z1rnWtVvmaIPOQNhmAkYcF9NnZ4-_Z6nOC4Q4l9lAc-RAyyeP0eUbY/s320/1DFF466D-3953-4AA1-9E1D-BBF880CA8470.jpeg" width="299" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">What a cutie!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">The vividness of this memory, and how we both could revisit it with such detail, was a delight to both of us. </span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: Lora; font-size: medium;">The fact that such an insignificant event, a drop in the ocean of a lifetime, could still hold space in my memory almost 40 years later, makes me think about how many of those moments I just push through, without appreciating them. Those moments are so special, those moments of summers enjoying flowers in the backyard, of doing the dishes after a meal of delicious food and shared laughter, of peanut butter and jam sandwiches on the back patio with the grandchildren. I am trying to make a point of savouring those everyday moments. I want to be mindful of those blessed days as they happen, instead of waiting 40 years to remember how beautiful an inconsequential morning at a donut shop really was.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HTqTkXd95eBex7wJjwO0WnBnuZhj7YxXSBZ45r4oGlO3k1g5uAK61yKSQCR9aeE2TQH-JTNjR_a5KjRYyxgi_5WGP0xQiUy8AbUvoh_sr3lUKeoUoe1uN1H_5hn87Ybxfh_w10eeadO9ySLlS_U_L0fG0FsT5ebHK2exoDMSblsyyvku-SQ/s3218/BeFunky-collage.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="3218" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HTqTkXd95eBex7wJjwO0WnBnuZhj7YxXSBZ45r4oGlO3k1g5uAK61yKSQCR9aeE2TQH-JTNjR_a5KjRYyxgi_5WGP0xQiUy8AbUvoh_sr3lUKeoUoe1uN1H_5hn87Ybxfh_w10eeadO9ySLlS_U_L0fG0FsT5ebHK2exoDMSblsyyvku-SQ/w400-h136/BeFunky-collage.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><br /><span style="font-family: Oxygen; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-47524855711054865462020-06-09T15:17:00.002-06:002020-06-09T15:33:55.486-06:00I'm Teaching Again!<br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I had great intentions when I started 2020. I wanted to dedicate a little more time to my creativity, because it has always been a strong part of personal well-being. Where I live, the winter days from January to April seem to last forever, and so I wanted to focus on some creative projects that would make those days more light-filled. Little did I know the challenges that the start of 2020 would bring to all of us!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Y6Srprlb1w2upeoGLL5qH8iQw4GUeJW9ZAoMqrJlB9V4AuG9jHuXDUPU2tzzy_4T3HL2CjPsQT91-W7elrVTyKF_Q3CqXVjKaNJWXL7S8IWtd-eMRCl5D4yq7N3QJwOibC4Bg/s1600/90004185_10157221653692452_504693205996929024_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="207" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Y6Srprlb1w2upeoGLL5qH8iQw4GUeJW9ZAoMqrJlB9V4AuG9jHuXDUPU2tzzy_4T3HL2CjPsQT91-W7elrVTyKF_Q3CqXVjKaNJWXL7S8IWtd-eMRCl5D4yq7N3QJwOibC4Bg/s200/90004185_10157221653692452_504693205996929024_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">learning to draw cute foods</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">In February, I started a membership with <a href="https://skl.sh/3goZqsb" target="_blank">Skillshare</a>, an online platform that provides online video classes in the subjects of art, illustration, creativity, productivity, photography and much more.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Skillshare works a lot like Netflix, it is a subscription based site, so you can take as many of their premium classes as you like, for a monthly fee. (They also have free classes.) With the right link or promo, you can get 2 months free, which I did. I thought I would give it a try, and then see if I wanted the subscription.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlSvTV4niSJKZAi6TcgK6Xj0zEMNYxhyphenhyphenhKQw1zJXoQRT4WiS2uwjBtbZxg4TcFb6045mLo6DGbi8X0fK5asqnsAVECN8nhqj2H68Isf2clb6bwkRNXaM21R95WRVol8BhT-ACJw/s1600/89648564_10157166024637452_7969912700832579584_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="960" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlSvTV4niSJKZAi6TcgK6Xj0zEMNYxhyphenhyphenhKQw1zJXoQRT4WiS2uwjBtbZxg4TcFb6045mLo6DGbi8X0fK5asqnsAVECN8nhqj2H68Isf2clb6bwkRNXaM21R95WRVol8BhT-ACJw/s320/89648564_10157166024637452_7969912700832579584_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">my project from a class I took</span></td></tr>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I had wanted to start working on my illustrations a little more, and this looked like a great place to start.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There were so many to choose from - my list of courses I wanted to take quickly grew! I took some courses, and shared some of my projects in the community pages. I got wonderful feedback, from the instructors and fellow students. The more courses I did, the more I thought to myself, “I could do that!”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">In the past, when my kids were young, I had taught creative lettering and journaling classes at a local scrapbooking store.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">I had also done some presentations at some different local conferences, and really enjoyed it.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">Being a stay at home mom, it was a great opportunity for me to do something outside the home, and to continue growing my art and my style.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"> </span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">When the internet first started, I changed my teaching to an online format, and sold my classes online through a digital format.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Through those classes, I met some wonderful people from all over the world, and made some friends that I have kept to this day. I had always intended to take my teaching to the next level, but like many things, the years kept going by…</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">So in March, I decided that I would make the commitment to my self that I would create my own class on Skillshare.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I decided that my first class would be an art journal layout.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The choice for a layout was a very easy one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to note the positives. The everyday blessing. The silver linings in the clouds.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">So, my first video class is about creating a “Treasures Layout”, which documents the simple joys and treasures at any given moment in time. A Treasures Layout can be<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>wonderful exercise in mindfulness, and gratitude. And, it can be a lot of fun!</span><br />
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I am hoping that teaching classes again will allow me to reconnect with some of my past students, from the online groups again, in addition to making new connections. And I am happy to say, I am already getting some positive feedback.<br />If you would like to see the intro to my class, you can follow my link <a href="https://skl.sh/3goZqsb" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, if you anyone who signs up for Skillshare Premium Membership through this <a href="https://skl.sh/3goZqsb" target="_blank">link</a> gets 2 free months, which is a great way to try before you buy!</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I am going to continue taking classes myself, to keep that creativity spark lit!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">And, I am already thinking about what my next class will be.</span></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">If you have any ideas of what you would like to see me teach, please leave me a comment!</span></div>
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Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-73944861721217320572020-03-25T11:35:00.001-06:002022-10-26T14:22:44.210-06:00Four-Legged AngelsThese are strange times. Many of us are self-isolating, or working from home. Even those of us that still have to work, are home more than ever before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxTHhvD-6NlVU1hE8FtPGcGSqF-QLrKcYkEBL7SNh12IaiXjablWA-cFdyFxbGS1POw71C579oQO_0vG0U-BE3A2PncaiIwIb7oIqgRPxdzPF3MHfRUaTHrmXmxbMoehts2a_eA/s1600/22256765_10154937316632452_786189348478100871_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxTHhvD-6NlVU1hE8FtPGcGSqF-QLrKcYkEBL7SNh12IaiXjablWA-cFdyFxbGS1POw71C579oQO_0vG0U-BE3A2PncaiIwIb7oIqgRPxdzPF3MHfRUaTHrmXmxbMoehts2a_eA/s320/22256765_10154937316632452_786189348478100871_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>But one thing that I have noticed with any of my family and friends, and in my own household, is that our dogs (and other animals) are happier than ever. Instead of spending their days waiting for their owners to come back, we are with them all day long! Dogs are getting walks several times a day. A friend told me that her dog follows her all around the house. She said to me in a video chat, "to be honest, I am not sure if she followed me around before - I think I was too busy to notice!" That little pup (along with her other puppy) are a bright light in a trying time of self-quarantine.<br />
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For those of us that are working from home, our pets have become our "co-workers." My office online meetings often have us saying hello to everyone's animals. We finally have had our "bring your pet to work" day!<br />
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I know that as someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression, my dogs have given me comfort at times when really nothing else could. They truly have been the best medicine on many occasions.<br />
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I believe that dogs are truly angels on earth. They come into our lives and bring nothing but unconditional love and joy. And at the moment, during our terrible pandemic, they have been giving their people companionship and comfort at a time of anxiety and fear. But there is a silver lining in this dark cloud. The drastic measures we have had to take have allowed many to slow down and appreciate these special beings more than ever. And our dogs are so happy that they get to spend more time with us, because that is all that they ever really want. In a way, we are getting to say thank you to them for their devotion.<br />
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Sadly, I am writing this only hours after we have had to say goodbye to our big dog, George. We had almost 11 years wth him, and now my Molly Beagle is alone with me, a warm heartbeat at my feet. The tears fall, for another four-legged angel that was with our family for what felt like such a short time.<br />
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I am glad that for the last few weeks of his life, he had us all around him. That is what always made him the happiest.<br />
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-12469467938084247952020-03-16T16:10:00.003-06:002023-01-11T14:52:20.294-07:00What Does Your Garden Look Like?Months ago, I took a wellness class through my employer. In that class, we did an interesting exercise that still resonates strongly with me. We were all asked to imagine what our dream garden would look like. We wrote down some notes, and then compared what we had written.<br />
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I have been thinking about converting this exercise into an art piece, to frame and have in my art room. So this past weekend, on a wintery day, I decided to pick up some of my favourite art tools (pen and watercolour pencils) and put it together. It was very calming for me to forget about Covid-19 for a little while, and dream about a summer garden.<br />
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My dream garden is sunny, with a gazebo filled with a sofa, and some comfy chairs. The gazebo is a lovely place to draw knit, and have tea parties with my granddaughters. My husband and I can sit there and enjoy our morning coffee, rain or shine. Do you see the coffee cup?</div>
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My garden has music playing so that the grandbabies and their parents can always dance in the grass. </div>
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My garden is also full of flowers, favourites that invoke wonderful memories. There are marigolds and lilacs, like my mom had when I was growing up. She said that the marigolds always reminded her of her grandmother on the farm. There would be pink roses for me and although I did not draw it, there would be a lavender plant that I could take cuttings from. The scent of lavender is my favourite, it reminds me of my Grandma Vincent's perfume. There would be lots of lilies for my husband, they are his favourite to grow. Last but not least, there would be gladiolas like my Grandma Dubitz always grew in her garden. Sometimes after Sunday dinners when I was a child, she would cut some of them from her flower beds for me, and I would get to take them home and put them in a vase in my bedroom. </div>
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So what was this exercise really about? It was about identifying our CORE VALUES. </div>
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We had just finished going through a list of values, and identifying which values most closely represented what was important to us. </div>
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While some people chose adventure, entrepreneurship, mastery, and environment, among many other things, my list was the following:</div>
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Family</div>
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Creativity</div>
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Relationships</div>
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Tradition</div>
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Nurture </div>
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Love</div>
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Kindness</div>
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For everyone in the class, it seemed that their dream garden really illustrated a lot of the core values that they had chosen. For example, I realized that all my flowers in the garden were about childhood memories, and relationships. I guess you could say my roots run deep! (Excuse the pun.)</div>
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My garden would be a place where I could be creative, and nurture my family, with love and kindness. </div>
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What does your garden look like? I would love you to share it with me!</div>
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-28636065258647810982020-02-27T17:10:00.001-07:002020-02-27T19:43:10.511-07:00Who are you? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLgkD2ks48_xJ0HgeZ0fOkmMJX5QQ2lLP8jD3L7f89o3x020AznP0-Cv7fnARMIty5S3x_JEh1RwY0Uou8Rm7T6BWMTzQTXmZ2U4Y1AhkqJySpPqwaQyXFwQ0yxexoTSdDJvi0g/s1600/14470457_10153869072297452_7640043335213714021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLgkD2ks48_xJ0HgeZ0fOkmMJX5QQ2lLP8jD3L7f89o3x020AznP0-Cv7fnARMIty5S3x_JEh1RwY0Uou8Rm7T6BWMTzQTXmZ2U4Y1AhkqJySpPqwaQyXFwQ0yxexoTSdDJvi0g/s400/14470457_10153869072297452_7640043335213714021_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have worked in my job for 13 years. I am an Executive
Assistant in a Student Services Office at a University, and I love what I do. I
enjoy working with the students, and I take pride in the fact that I help my
supervisors in their productivity, and making their work days easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But I think of this as my job. It is not who I am, it is
what I do. Some people say that this is the difference between your job, and
your work. I feel very fortunate that my day job is something that I enjoy, and
that I love the people who I work with. We are a great team!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also consider many people that I spend my
days with to be my dearest friends and a big part of my support system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is wonderful, because like many people,
the reality is that I often spend more time in the office, than I do at home
with my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am a creative sort, and a creative is WHO I AM. I like to
call myself an artist, although I still struggle with that term, and whether I
am worthy of that title. When I was a child, and asked what I wanted to be when
I grew up, I said, “an artist”. I like to think that even though these this
title does not apply to my daily job, it is my life’s work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creating is what lights me up, and what fills
my cup when I am empty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7KlHHdx0W_Tgp8UnIZj2lx-Wxq_h3O_dE_9iMFQmVho9g1PxIeJDGKQ6zra9Ktl2Ic0TSK4LqUp_f01XZB-cQIBjAQb98dcRCouBG4EijtBr_iz_SPdSspJ1DhftF_ynwbvPqQ/s1600/10906268_10152526283957452_2335582762456271190_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7KlHHdx0W_Tgp8UnIZj2lx-Wxq_h3O_dE_9iMFQmVho9g1PxIeJDGKQ6zra9Ktl2Ic0TSK4LqUp_f01XZB-cQIBjAQb98dcRCouBG4EijtBr_iz_SPdSspJ1DhftF_ynwbvPqQ/s320/10906268_10152526283957452_2335582762456271190_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My office is a nice space. It is located in a relatively new
building on campus, with all the modern amenities, and lots of windows and open
space. Lots of glass and metal. It is beautiful, really. And wonderful place to
do what I do! Scheduling appointments, making phone calls, preparing files, sending letters, booking and attending meetings, and drinking coffee. Lots of coffee!</div>
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I realized quite early on in my wellness journey that I
needed to have some things around my office that remind me who I was, and what
gave me joy. And our office culture is
such that we are encouraged to make our spaces our own, and personalize however
we like (within reason, of<br />
course).<br />
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One of the main things in my office that I love, is a wall frame that I was able to purchase from Creative memories many years ago. It is magnetic, and I can change it whenever I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have so much fun with it!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcTeZS9iK8_uK-o3Bt1iaPL8FaFmSxC5nuvpv_DHYrKM5hiqQG9otJAxCwGl4J1E0-RMITFXsQLKsrcsMhMQ9g8_qXQ-mQdODRQ9iIj93ByxTo5cP61OaPPzyyEUyDrSegYSD1A/s1600/421213_10150542612507452_491450770_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcTeZS9iK8_uK-o3Bt1iaPL8FaFmSxC5nuvpv_DHYrKM5hiqQG9otJAxCwGl4J1E0-RMITFXsQLKsrcsMhMQ9g8_qXQ-mQdODRQ9iIj93ByxTo5cP61OaPPzyyEUyDrSegYSD1A/s400/421213_10150542612507452_491450770_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp56S_iOzsVCk1zt34UJOUfk8dTQSPALoBhFMqEkJeiACyIvqPSLIV0lUTiUfubFVioOknSfsFtAXjyo8YYhV2IGyWWzydJt847WrHlYxe3WiesOO8OeNsF0tSnClJioCSJ9Cuww/s1600/87169587_10157128588617452_3440742023592673280_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp56S_iOzsVCk1zt34UJOUfk8dTQSPALoBhFMqEkJeiACyIvqPSLIV0lUTiUfubFVioOknSfsFtAXjyo8YYhV2IGyWWzydJt847WrHlYxe3WiesOO8OeNsF0tSnClJioCSJ9Cuww/s400/87169587_10157128588617452_3440742023592673280_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnq8NQLKycRlbQOEZNFQyOiZPuc7tRbW9iX4LgmnqhAylJ6m1ACdiyO80og2OLqGz_8HSrGhwON2eyqjzK5El_EomOMvgs0LdIkxvYMTadarYC8yTkCiECdHLSb6JoY3zlpx-ig/s1600/20200109_144700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1178" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnq8NQLKycRlbQOEZNFQyOiZPuc7tRbW9iX4LgmnqhAylJ6m1ACdiyO80og2OLqGz_8HSrGhwON2eyqjzK5El_EomOMvgs0LdIkxvYMTadarYC8yTkCiECdHLSb6JoY3zlpx-ig/s400/20200109_144700.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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I change it with the seasons, and with the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have also been having fun making some
little garlands with my crochet hook. So cute! I have a list of ideas in my
planner, snowflakes, hearts, summer fruits, the possibilities are endless.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz536nzx83K3z2RCARMSxp1GiO34iQeMoI8W-StuGbk20RUCtiDQFnRZS5a06XVFh2oSl3JrXPks2Hu0opRCUtR-TebbxPIqPWZONIv4mDynd4J7X3QDdTAxqe0VayJ_xMaswmw/s1600/60689524_10156369799192452_3794750085875630080_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz536nzx83K3z2RCARMSxp1GiO34iQeMoI8W-StuGbk20RUCtiDQFnRZS5a06XVFh2oSl3JrXPks2Hu0opRCUtR-TebbxPIqPWZONIv4mDynd4J7X3QDdTAxqe0VayJ_xMaswmw/s320/60689524_10156369799192452_3794750085875630080_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It is a great chance to pull out some of my art pieces, and give them some time in the spotlight. And they make me happy. They remind me of the creative person that I am, and when someone first comes to my office, they will see that I am at heart, an ARTIST.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW3zf-oj7bClE1gdYOzUkN_0IdaReMWCWLKL1vXtR2DKLse-mZO1BoNPJyij9Gf96Gi0ztfc-Wd_Pr4yRyzPPwNCysbviXhZVGxXlfWXEVc7OhtksMoRBHq5RQsxyGVcxd8FM7g/s1600/10645215_10152307605797452_1806008558000995761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="960" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW3zf-oj7bClE1gdYOzUkN_0IdaReMWCWLKL1vXtR2DKLse-mZO1BoNPJyij9Gf96Gi0ztfc-Wd_Pr4yRyzPPwNCysbviXhZVGxXlfWXEVc7OhtksMoRBHq5RQsxyGVcxd8FM7g/s400/10645215_10152307605797452_1806008558000995761_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-65785547588116670452020-02-05T12:03:00.000-07:002020-02-05T12:05:46.015-07:00On Sundays, We Dance<br />
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On Sundays, we dance.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVwU3VYwgYH7_l_9ZQEHf_zdM7KuzNt0a20sqhduEqak_A5iLkDgyumtMKgZakGeeh2MtRmpwIdQZ-Itv0KLJwbeo-eQCkMTUTbEb_JONmUocRHgUnTmli2Zp3bMePIFaMa45cQ/s1600/20200203_175505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVwU3VYwgYH7_l_9ZQEHf_zdM7KuzNt0a20sqhduEqak_A5iLkDgyumtMKgZakGeeh2MtRmpwIdQZ-Itv0KLJwbeo-eQCkMTUTbEb_JONmUocRHgUnTmli2Zp3bMePIFaMa45cQ/s320/20200203_175505.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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When it came to a point in our lives where some of our
children did not live with us anymore, my husband and I started the tradition
of hosting Sunday dinner. During my own childhood our extended family would get
together at the home of my grandparents. On Sundays, I would see my
grandparents, and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a time to enjoy my Grandmother’s
wonderful cooking, including some of the traditional Romanian fare – oh those
dumplings and cabbage rolls! But it was also a time when I experienced a special connection
with my extended family. The first time I had a sip of coffee, was at that grown up table! I also learned how to pour tea for everyone. My grandmother's first, because she liked it the weakest, my dad's at the end because his needed to be stronger. If my great aunts and uncles came to visit from the country, or from another city, there was always room at that table, or for us kids, who often lined up along the wall on the floor for our meal. Laughter, gossip and after dinner games of crib for those who were brave enough to play - that is what I remember. One time I was excited to have made a cake for dessert to contribute to the meal, but I made it in my easy-bake oven, and it was so small that there was only enough for my grandparents. My Grandpa said it was delicious! That was more than 45 years ago now, and I remember it vividly. It was chocolate.<br />
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My husband comes from a very close-knit family. I think of it as being small compared to mine. Their Sunday dinners were at a smaller table, and more intimate. Most of my husband's extended family lived across the country, so his
experience as a child was very different from mine. Those big gatherings only happened rarely when family flew in to visit. I think that the feeling of
connection during those occasions was the same as I experienced as a child, but for him, those times were fewer.<br />
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Back to now. No matter how crazy a week it has been, we know that Sunday
is coming and we will be together with all of our kids again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My widowed mother is also a steady guest, as often
is my niece. My husband is an AMAZING cook (I am truly blessed), and everyone
goes home with a full belly, and leftovers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My eldest granddaughter (who is three) calls Sunday her
“Happy Day”. She says it is her happy day for many reasons, one of which is
that she gets to see her great-grandmother, and all her aunts and uncles. She
also gets to see her new baby cousin, my youngest granddaughter, who, at the
time that I am writing this, is just three weeks old. Our big girl is a little
uncertain right now, as she was waiting for the new baby to arrive so that they
could sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, watch Disney movies together and
share play dough. For her, this little bundle of joy that sleeps in our arms all
the time isn’t really what she had expected. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But the biggest reason our little granddaughter calls it
Happy Day is because, on Sundays, we dance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After my kids clear the dining room table, and wash the
dishes (did I mention I am truly blessed?) the music starts to play, and there
is a kitchen dance party. The music will range from New Wave to Country, to
Classical fare, but it will all be loud, and there will be LOTS of dancing. The
little girl dances with her Grandparents, her Aunties, her Uncles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend, while we were enjoying the new
baby, and perhaps lingering too long over the last of a wonderful dinner, when my
granddaughter came and whispered in her Uncle’s ear…”will you come dance with
me?” And that little girl was reassured that even if her Uncle was a new daddy
himself, with lots of new responsibilities and distractions, there was always
time for a little <a href="https://youtu.be/crIk87-mPzY" target="_blank">Spirit of the West, and a Celtic reel</a> with his niece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-3up9_cs-bufHWXwo2l68nDmYvb2si5Ln9lRcQzaCLr28ZHmrqXNiKUykMTxivpnngmmqTQT6HNormKGXbvHbCi0oMpASR0a-buKyH2QyR3apT1IzQie4Emk1uHV_aSorTGLyw/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-3up9_cs-bufHWXwo2l68nDmYvb2si5Ln9lRcQzaCLr28ZHmrqXNiKUykMTxivpnngmmqTQT6HNormKGXbvHbCi0oMpASR0a-buKyH2QyR3apT1IzQie4Emk1uHV_aSorTGLyw/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then the dance floor was filled. And when my adult kids
dance and laugh together, it reminds me of when they were small and people
would tell me how rare it was that siblings could be as close as my kids were.
And that it was a surprise to see them get along so well together. That three
children was going to be trouble, because there would always be two against
one, and that one would always be left out. But no, they all dance together,
and laugh, and hug and smile, and my heart is full, and my feet are tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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These three amazing adults are as connected now as much as they were as children.
And now their children, will learn that feeling of family connection.</div>
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So on Sundays, on Happy Days, we dance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-66747777544237954562019-10-11T14:36:00.003-06:002019-10-11T14:39:49.122-06:00Birthday CupcakesWhat do you make your friends for their birthdays? Why cupcakes, of course! These delights are extra special, because not only were they made with love, but they have zero calories...<br />
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I have made some knit cupcakes before, and although I love the pattern that I have used in the past, I wanted to do some Amigurumi. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed toys. It is a lot of fun, and they work up really quick, amigurumi is a great go-to for gifts!<br />
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I did a quick search on <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for "crochet cupcake" and found this great <a href="https://yourcrochet.com/cupcake-pin-cushion-free-crochet-pattern/" target="_blank">free pattern for a Cupcake Pin Cushion. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWNEEoH0Xf58qWDJaQrv-4sSxOs3fEEQfeFiffQf4GEExxyloazT2CJJd4sCRhRPH3qs60ClqlzeZTNoLmwzrxCHUY8XkkBzxo-Rj1YcvxAZt7lvkmjP8CxtJM-AXmXNJS-224w/s1600/1-cupcake-pin-cousion-free-crochet-pattern-750x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="750" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWNEEoH0Xf58qWDJaQrv-4sSxOs3fEEQfeFiffQf4GEExxyloazT2CJJd4sCRhRPH3qs60ClqlzeZTNoLmwzrxCHUY8XkkBzxo-Rj1YcvxAZt7lvkmjP8CxtJM-AXmXNJS-224w/s320/1-cupcake-pin-cousion-free-crochet-pattern-750x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used my favourite cotton yarn, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nickieblog196-20&keywords=bernat%20handicrafter%20cotton&index=aps&camp=15121&creative=330641&linkCode=ur2&linkId=2e80089a4b95761183f023412518e6e3" target="_blank">Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn<span style="color: black;">. </span></a><br />
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I was able to make up two in one weekend. I used some rice tied into nylon stockings for weight. Although they worked up a little larger than your typical cupcake, and they don't look exactly like the picture with the pattern, I was thrilled with the whimsical results!<br />
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I made one in our Edmonton Oilers Hockey Team Colours, as one of the recipients is a big Oilers Fan. <br />
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I hope the lucky birthday girls are as pleased with these as I am! Now to make one for myself...Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-35013670108142302422019-10-07T11:51:00.003-06:002019-10-11T14:41:07.577-06:00Ten Minute Wonder<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am fortunate enough to work at a place that promotes Health and Wellness for its employees. As a person with some mental health challenges (Anxiety Disorder and Depression) I have taken advantage of this support on more than one occasion. Recently, I started a course called Bouncing Back, a six-week course. As the workbook states, the course is focused "on learning to be more resilient, productive, and happy during times of stress". Bouncing Back, you are singing my tune! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of the exercises that we have been given is called the "Ten Minute Wonder". We were asked to commit to a goal that was just for us, and our well-being. It is not to be something that we think that we <i>should</i> do, but something that we want that feels self-nurturing. We are to commit to only ten minutes a day for this goal.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, utilizing my creativity is already a HUGE part of my self-care. I learned a long time ago, that one of the best ways to cope with my anxiety, and to keep the dark wolf at bay, was to spend time creating. So this should be easy for me, right?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Naturally, I thought that I would choose knitting or crocheting. I do it all time already, so that will make it easy. Plus, I have so many gifts I need to make... <span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz</i></span></span> wrong answer!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I reminded myself - not for others - just for ME! </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So I decided to commit to drawing. Drawing is something that I truly enjoy, and also am area where I would like to improve my skills. It has been a long time since I have done any drawing, so think it will be the perfect goal.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Well, I jumped into the challenge for the first few days, and then it happened. I got too busy, I was too tired, I couldn't do it. Yes, ten minutes was TOO much to commit to. It was sad. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">When I went to the class, I found that most of us had a similar first week. Some had trouble even choosing a goal. At least I had achieved that much. But as I told the instructor, "it was a challenge for me to find the time." </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Her response, "you will not <b>FIND</b> the time, you must <b>TAKE</b> the time for yourself!" A lightbulb was lit. I left the class with a completely different mindset. I am the only one in charge of my own well-being. I cannot wait for these things to be given to me. Instead, I need to TAKE this. It is important.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Since then, I <i>have</i> taken the time. And the interesting part of it, is that if I take the time, it often ends up being more than ten minutes. And the positive feelings I get from it are a wonderful payoff. So far, so good.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cmtjEd_UFHMt83Fau0AH4Pc6YD-Wbl7ABLDBkAcfKxWS64x5MDhlSyvpOjL2wxHD287sraiW7zaETuaSOxSJ_H4zLj_Q7uRrjlo7qbji3o9gVrw0p8nbU34gHa3pD_KhKFIeKA/s1600/20191006_172652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cmtjEd_UFHMt83Fau0AH4Pc6YD-Wbl7ABLDBkAcfKxWS64x5MDhlSyvpOjL2wxHD287sraiW7zaETuaSOxSJ_H4zLj_Q7uRrjlo7qbji3o9gVrw0p8nbU34gHa3pD_KhKFIeKA/s640/20191006_172652.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My drawing from the weekend, with a little bit of watercolour pencil</td></tr>
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-2060035105894662722019-09-18T16:05:00.002-06:002019-09-18T16:10:53.618-06:00Vintage LadiesI have a lifetime love affair with anything vintage. Anyone who knows my mixed-media work, especially my greeting cards, knows that I love to work with old images. I find what I call the "Vintage Ladies" especially beautiful. Something about the softness of the photography, the muted colours and their haunting expressions make the portraits so appealing to me.<br />
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Some of my favourite portraits are of Maude Fealy. She was an actress of the early 1900's, a star of stage, and mostly the silent movie screen, although she did make it into the "talkies". Other favourites include other actresses such as Bessie Love, and Lily Elsie. <br />
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My mother gave me this 7 Gypsies Printers Tray quite some time ago. I knew right away that I wanted to feature some of my favourite vintage ladies. Even though I chose a colour scheme early on (one of my personal favourites), I got as far as laying in the paper backgrounds, but then I went no further. Years went by, and there it sat.<br />
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I was in no rush. I was waiting for it to sing to me. And in the meantime, I collected bits and pieces of jewellery from friends and garage sales, and found other embellishments at the craft store. I even crocheted some little medallions with embroidery thread. I kept a jar on my desk where I dropped in pieces that I knew I wanted to include in this project. A favourite button was put aside until the time was right.<br />
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Finally, this past weekend, I sat down and finished the project. I will be honest, it took a long while. I still got stuck a few times, rearranging each portrait, until the right balance was achieved. I didn't want the ladies fighting for attention, each needed their own place to shine. I also wanted to add lots of sparkle. I love sparkle!<br />
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I am very happy with the end result. Gotta love those vintage ladies! We girls will all be one some day! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAdTGKBjMxV-z9Ly-xo_J5whu2JclDJcwCWpD6Dcqq6fwLVQnKHMqLOgvkl34Y2H9aJcLsgyiGBr2aCSg93CtvkZtUXSHxi7_-ibTuzoSQe5wrfQvCX5Qewf4PZFzGvJhqzLKsQ/s1600/70267829_10156662931502452_7194470674960744448_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAdTGKBjMxV-z9Ly-xo_J5whu2JclDJcwCWpD6Dcqq6fwLVQnKHMqLOgvkl34Y2H9aJcLsgyiGBr2aCSg93CtvkZtUXSHxi7_-ibTuzoSQe5wrfQvCX5Qewf4PZFzGvJhqzLKsQ/s640/70267829_10156662931502452_7194470674960744448_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-3618297673319744842019-09-06T12:58:00.001-06:002019-09-06T12:58:26.172-06:00Team Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am so blessed to have a great group of people to work with every day. I don't know what it is, maybe the fact that during the crazy days of the year we are together in the trenches, sharing in the tough challenges, but we are a very tight-knit group. I know that for myself, these people have been there for me through some very challenging times, when personal losses and health issues have made my dark wolf want to take over. I consider these people my tribe, and they are a big part of my wellness system.</div>
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I work at a University, in a Student Services office. During the summer months, we have less student traffic, but we are busy with admissions, appeals, and such. We have many deadlines to meet, so it is definitely not a laid back time of year by any means! At the end of August all of us need to regroup and reset ourselves, and get ready for what we call the rush of September, when thousands of students arrive on campus. We need to be welcoming, with smiling faces, all of our tapped out energy restored. We need to be able to help when students arrive and need a friendly and calm place to land.</div>
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So each year at the end of summer, our office plans a team building "field trip". Some way that we can have fun together, and shift gears before September begins. Nothing to do with our daily work routine. This year, we went to a local ceramics shop, called <a href="https://www.crankpots.ca/" target="_blank">Crankpots</a>, and spent an afternoon painting ceramics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z9uyFFuukqndVxCojCTuNgsen_uYO1HlvNs4JLykOcJDKkr7vjnUhgVeaQ9arG0ZMQyf8eKykGbUtqwN9CmJIXBOBLp0ZTClv6rqPcD0xM92lkWMzD0fdeAi21Aw4akdRapoKA/s1600/20190906_115509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z9uyFFuukqndVxCojCTuNgsen_uYO1HlvNs4JLykOcJDKkr7vjnUhgVeaQ9arG0ZMQyf8eKykGbUtqwN9CmJIXBOBLp0ZTClv6rqPcD0xM92lkWMzD0fdeAi21Aw4akdRapoKA/s400/20190906_115509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We drew names, and then we created projects for our person. Along with the name, we received a few colour preferences, but that was it. At the end of it all, it was fun to guess who each finished item was for. Amazing how well we all know one another's personal interests and tastes! </div>
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This is the bowl that I made for my colleague. I know that she LOVES owls, so it was an easy choice for me, and so fun to paint!<br />
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And this is the bowl that was made for me. All my favourite colours, in the jewel tones that I am drawn to. It is so pretty!<br />
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It was not everyone's comfort zone to be artistic, but everyone rose to the occasion! Many commented on how "calming" the activity was...so funny to me, as I use art in my wellness practice all the time to fight anxiety, and dark thoughts. I loved getting to see some of my coworkers discover that magic for the first time.<br />
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When I taught art classes years ago, there were always people who would arrive claiming that they "were not creative". I always loved seeing these same people transform their beliefs and get so excited when their piece would take shape. I saw that happen this August afternoon, with some of the people that I work with. <br />
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What a wonderful afternoon! I left feeling my heart full and inspired, and I think everyone else did too! What a great team building experience!<br />
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So bring it on, September!<br />
<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-16984676490894540252019-09-04T16:39:00.003-06:002019-09-04T16:40:18.529-06:00Wrapped Up In Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I became a grandmother for the first time in October of 2016. Several months earlier, my daughter came over to visit me. She sat me down and she handed me a ball of the softest cream coloured yarn. She said, "Mama, I need you to make me a blanket out of this." Then she handed me a photography of an ultrasound. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I searched for a pattern that would highlight the lovely texture of the yarn, and ended up with this lovely </span><a href="https://www.yarnspirations.com/ca-en/bernat-basketweave-baby-blanket/BRK0202-000816M.html" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">basketweave pattern</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. As I worked, I dreamed of the grandchild I had not met yet, and how we would wrap the new baby up in this warm cosy gift from me. It is said that when you knit a gift for someone, that there is love woven in with every stitch. That certainly was the case with this special project!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My granddaughter will be three in October. This is her favourite blanket, and it makes me so happy to see her comforted by it. Those stitches contain lots of love from Grandma! This blanket has been washed more times than we can count, as it gets dragged back and forth to daycare for nap time, and gets used at home as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In January, I will be blessed with another grand-baby, as my oldest son and his wife are expecting their first child. I am planning to use the same pattern to make a blanket for the new arrival, and you can be sure that there will be a lot of love going into every stitch for the new little one, from Grandma!</span></div>
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Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-69674067660754875082019-08-30T19:21:00.002-06:002019-08-30T20:38:35.305-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx0xroBBvFKZCbg0XHCD8v-FBZ8Y3-6sXxha284AFV7CTw3F9q1lcARsYCIezQTO8TZ5ERwM3HB97UUtzUdCJs20PS7A0mQI-zVgtBBssjF2GIan0lwE1GMre2fkC5xTXOJ7GMg/s1600/20190830_160003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx0xroBBvFKZCbg0XHCD8v-FBZ8Y3-6sXxha284AFV7CTw3F9q1lcARsYCIezQTO8TZ5ERwM3HB97UUtzUdCJs20PS7A0mQI-zVgtBBssjF2GIan0lwE1GMre2fkC5xTXOJ7GMg/s320/20190830_160003.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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What a week! I work at a University, and students arriving for the new Fall term have made the days fly by. Top it off with a bit of a cold virus, and I am happy to see my weekend on the horizon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtM8Bh2VvUOpvXEvzS2ENZegYn4mPwtJO2wVE2Q2dQbOmdXI_HGiPmjhQDzaGp8_A_1ooFcQfP3UZJ8uY53ieTl1K4UJzIaUf53JYIwOVes9jCIMDmaSONTPY46e6JZGeLHDZNw/s1600/69391686_2497999203556618_1863086719138529280_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16pt; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>For certain, my personal "battery" has been running very low. And when I am not feeling great, sometimes I find it really hard to do the self-care that I KNOW will make me feel better. Mostly, <br />
creating things.<br />
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I had started a fun little crochet project of making some amigurumi coffee cups from the book <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1944515631/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=1944515631&linkCode=as2&tag=nickieblog196-20&linkId=859e1e90e24f0b24c9d1fdbe7ca9565b" target="_blank">Whimsical Stitches by Paige Tate</a>. I wanted to make some for my granddaughter, and normally a project this size would be done in a few days. But they have sat on my table for this past week, waiting for the final finishing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1944515631/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=1944515631&linkCode=as2&tag=nickieblog196-20&linkId=fed903d5ece9e2fe7c2f454f66473860" nbsp="" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=CA&ASIN=1944515631&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&tag=nickieblog196-20" width="200" /></a></div>
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It seemed that each time I would think about picking up my needle and yarn, the task seemed SO DAUNTING. One night, I got as far as moving my project basket to the table beside my chair, before I fell asleep on the couch. During the day at work, I would look forward to the evening when I could spend time with my project, but by the time I got there, I had no energy left. I was DRAINED. The next day, I would repeat the process. I was grumpy, and stressed.<br />
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Last night I told myself that I would work on the project for only fifteen minutes, and at that point if I was tired, I would go to bed. I wouldn't beat myself up about it. All I needed to do was start. I picked up my project, and to my delight, finished all three cups!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z5F8WuuUXT2ZuKKhaZ7PJCOAXC9RDQc1XtuwkOEIABt-ElZJ3dw9W3DX6_9hlzpOp-IEW7RR77iJeSnkQxlj-fvQygyKrt954lizNbBeESH49pcPp_zrhG5HVpujPvH7QHRziQ/s1600/5B4E3E1C-0A2E-43A1-AFD5-2056C337E602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="741" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z5F8WuuUXT2ZuKKhaZ7PJCOAXC9RDQc1XtuwkOEIABt-ElZJ3dw9W3DX6_9hlzpOp-IEW7RR77iJeSnkQxlj-fvQygyKrt954lizNbBeESH49pcPp_zrhG5HVpujPvH7QHRziQ/s400/5B4E3E1C-0A2E-43A1-AFD5-2056C337E602.jpeg" width="400" /></a>I still went to bed at a decent hour, without any couch snoozing! And when I laid my head on the pillow, I had a feeling of accomplishment that put a sleepy smile on my face. I woke up this morning with the notion that my personal battery had a little more charge in it, not to mention I had three smiley little cups to greet me in the morning!<br />
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I can't wait to show my granddaughter her new treasures!<br />
How do you recharge your batteries? I would love to hear in the comments below!<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=CA&ID=V20070822%2FCA%2Fnickieblog196-20%2F8005%2Fa936af8b-b31e-4cab-9a2e-d1464a7d93f6" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a rel="nofollow" HREF="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=CA&ID=V20070822%2FCA%2Fnickieblog196-20%2F8005%2Fa936af8b-b31e-4cab-9a2e-d1464a7d93f6&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.ca Widgets</A></noscript>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-77145706943363447512019-08-27T13:22:00.002-06:002019-08-27T13:22:39.014-06:00Chloe's Night LightMy granddaughter is almost three years old. I cherish these times with her, I know too well how fast children grow up. <br />
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Last weekend I had the chance to babysit my granddaughter overnight. When I do that, we have a special sleepover in Grandma's bed. We have a special pillowcase that we use on her pillow, embroidered with flowers by her great-great grandmother years ago. And even when the summer evenings bring bedtime before the sun sets, when my room is not dark at all, we have to use Grandma's special night light. This night light comes from another great-great grandmother, who left this world 24 years ago.<br />
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My Grandma Vincent was a very special lady. Born in 1905, Grandma Vincent would share stories of teaching in a one room school house, and would do up my hair in 1920's pin curls. She would host tea parties, and patiently watch our amateur variety shows that my brothers and I would perform in our living room. I told her all my secrets. She was everything that was loving and gentle and graceful. I want to be a grandma like her. <br />
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Grandma was also a writer of poetry. Sweet and silly little tales of her childhood memories, of day to day life, or poems she would give as a gift at a niece's wedding shower, or to welcome a new baby. I put all the poems together into a book after she passed, and gave them to family members for remembrance.<br />
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One of these poems is about her friend Chloe, whom she met on a flight back from California.<br />
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<i>My Friend Chloe! </i></div>
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<i><u>February 3 1979</u></i></div>
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<i>They say, "Don't talk to strangers!"</i></div>
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<i>But that isn't good advice</i></div>
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<i>For it's my guess,</i></div>
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<i>that you will miss</i></div>
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<i>Meeting someone nice.</i></div>
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<i>That's not just a speculation</i></div>
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<i>And I'm the one who should know</i></div>
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<i>On returning from my vacation,</i></div>
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<i>I met my dear friend Chlo!</i></div>
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<i>We started to talk and she told me</i></div>
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<i>She was coming to my hometown</i></div>
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<i>Where she was a total stranger</i></div>
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<i>And feeling a little "down".</i></div>
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<i>Her daughter had married and gone away</i></div>
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<i>Just as mine did way back when...</i></div>
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<i>And I knew how her heart was yearning</i></div>
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<i>To see her dear daughter again.</i></div>
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<i>So I got to know her better</i></div>
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<i>And found her sweet and kind</i></div>
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<i>So don't be afraid of strangers</i></div>
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<i>There's some wonderful ones to find!</i></div>
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Grandma, being as kind hearted as she was, arranged for my cousin to drive Chloe to her daughter's home. Chloe was touched by the kindness, and the two ladies started a friendship that continued for many years. They became very dedicated penpals. At one point, Chloe sent Grandma a special gift, this dove night light.<br />
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When I was a child, and had sleepovers at Grandma Vincent's little studio apartment, she always lit the special dove night light, the gift from "dear Chloe". A lady I never met, but was my Grandmother's friend.<br />
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At some point in time, when Grandma knew she was getting older and may not be able to be on her own much longer, she gave the night light to my mother, who had always admired it. Grandma said, "it will make me happy to see you enjoying it, even more than me keeping it myself."<br />
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And now, my mother gave it to me, so that I can enjoy it with my granddaughter. She calls it "my special light". And I know that Grandma Vincent is smiling at us, because a little gift from her dear friend, is now being loved by a fifth generation.<br />
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And I am reminded, that being kind and gracious can give you some of the most precious things.<br />
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-66268092271916896532019-08-20T20:14:00.000-06:002019-08-20T20:40:57.437-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82aPTHFJkBLvPx269UJjt5v-EX-kyww_7TQ2GB5mC1ZFg8an9oJU5ZOfomXXAU9KBsnW2pmfgSLriuFd3rtPUbzEVwVcJCes6ZF7dU6zcav4G4n8V8UpjaS2EU0mUBhNlLl3dZg/s1600/20190817_090917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82aPTHFJkBLvPx269UJjt5v-EX-kyww_7TQ2GB5mC1ZFg8an9oJU5ZOfomXXAU9KBsnW2pmfgSLriuFd3rtPUbzEVwVcJCes6ZF7dU6zcav4G4n8V8UpjaS2EU0mUBhNlLl3dZg/s640/20190817_090917.jpg" width="358" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past weekend, I had the opportunity to take part in a local vendor's market at the Norwood Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, here in Edmonton. The market is organized by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Shopping---Retail/The-Vendor-Connection-231507427779633/" target="_blank">The Vendor Connection</a>, a local group that brings together crafters and vendors for these monthly markets. This is the second market that I have participated in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I display as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Nicolette-Andersons-Handmade-Greeting-Cards-109457839138340/?epa=SEARCH_BOX" target="_blank">Nicolette Anderson's Handmade Greeting Cards</a>, and feature all the cards that I make. <span style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">I have so much fun at these markets! I get to show my work, and to sell a few cards. I love talking to different people, and getting their impressions of what I d0.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the market last month, a lady came by my table, and bought a few of my Elvis cards. She was from Alabama, and she told me that she had met Elvis Presley in the fifties, when she was ten years old! Apparently her uncle was a barber, and he had the opportunity to give Elvis a haircut. He called his sister, and told her to bring her daughter's down to the barbershop so that they could meet him. Of course, she told me that she remembered Elvis was very sweet and kind to them. What a memory to have!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also love getting to meet the other vendors. When you spend two days sitting next to someone, you are bound to make a new friend! Different people, with different backgrounds, share with and support the business endeavours of one another, whether those endeavours are big or small. I always go home finding myself inspired in new ways, and I leave wanting to be even more creative. I think that there lies the secret: in addition to some sales, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the market stirs up a special type of i</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">nspiration and sense of community that the cannot be measured.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our next market is September 28 and 29th. I am looking forward to it already. If you are in the neighbourhood, I hope you will stop by and say hello!</span><br />
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-1830803677725078882019-08-16T18:13:00.000-06:002019-08-16T18:13:34.899-06:00Remembering Elvis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudCzH_kL0emZqgC1dv9jDPi6z_IlZEqAdPfc7lQpPNo2xKbSfcWf9z4P794pUxtCf5O8uCjlzvMszwK31HAzjiVkopuu-VCsa9lm4hn946_glNBW8esYpq4HubQo2GyA28rS0XA/s1600/20190815_100610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudCzH_kL0emZqgC1dv9jDPi6z_IlZEqAdPfc7lQpPNo2xKbSfcWf9z4P794pUxtCf5O8uCjlzvMszwK31HAzjiVkopuu-VCsa9lm4hn946_glNBW8esYpq4HubQo2GyA28rS0XA/s320/20190815_100610.jpg" width="254" /></a>I will always remember August 16, 1977. I had stayed overnight at my grandparents' house, and was waiting for my parents to come and pick me up that evening. It was a warm summer day, and my grandmother was outside in the backyard putting freshly washed clothes out on the line. My grandparents always had a radio going in the kitchen, and when I came into the kitchen I heard the news report that Elvis Presley had died. I ran out into the backyard to tell my grandmother the shocking news, and as I told her, the neighbour next door overheard, and exclaimed "oh, my!". I felt very sad, and remembered the last concert of Elvis I had watched on television, and how sick he had looked. I was ten years old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TDQP41PjVoHQndbCjfgwuM_sexx_UE8XLcck8G62t1u4qrgLwEfkMqSQUCV36ahk3zCMwFAbLgQTESMZH_ev_EKvRDrgIaI6NlsiXDtpcjZpQduwBvgOsRRCOPD-1wwBFHRNPQ/s1600/20190816_180124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TDQP41PjVoHQndbCjfgwuM_sexx_UE8XLcck8G62t1u4qrgLwEfkMqSQUCV36ahk3zCMwFAbLgQTESMZH_ev_EKvRDrgIaI6NlsiXDtpcjZpQduwBvgOsRRCOPD-1wwBFHRNPQ/s320/20190816_180124.jpg" width="212" /></a>I am now 53, and I still love Elvis Presley. My kids have grown up knowing my silly fangirl tendencies about a man who has been dead and gone for 43 years. My friends have blessed me with Elvis albums from their parents collections, and my brother has given me Elvis barbies, and Elvis Potato Heads ('68 Special, and White Vegas Jumpsuit models). I sit bleary eyed many mornings, because I had come across an Elvis movie on television at midnight, and have to see it through. To me, there will never be another Elvis Presley. And, well, Elvis just makes me happy. </div>
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Sometimes, Elvis will sneak his way into my work. I love to make cards with Elvis on them, and they are a very popular item at the craft shows that I do. This weekend I am going to be at a show at the Norwood Legion here in Edmonton. I will have a few of my Elvis cards for sale.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi917c5k7DBWeI-x4Kwmjw7e0gc8kPElJ76bgOBlcYibYkBGk3cfOZoB7fQzNzRy3KpxMbjxzCk3J9qmvxfXjwATP-XuE03F5iHoQ8DxC1GmJkaqq563gwjl1TNKcnys62_Vn-ErA/s1600/20190815_162101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi917c5k7DBWeI-x4Kwmjw7e0gc8kPElJ76bgOBlcYibYkBGk3cfOZoB7fQzNzRy3KpxMbjxzCk3J9qmvxfXjwATP-XuE03F5iHoQ8DxC1GmJkaqq563gwjl1TNKcnys62_Vn-ErA/s640/20190815_162101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-9458621227909339132019-08-15T23:30:00.001-06:002019-08-15T23:34:04.261-06:00Hello Again!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Oeq4uUrLANjOXDs_FA7TxtARG1s-uy73mdOOMng0Tw0Ot9qS8GlCM6J9huxpAHHrPYpottvblUZ2int9W-XZlu1RIZy16WBUsskfKUOVyJZT0io4KMrQ6nXg3k_k4DCknPQXlA/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Oeq4uUrLANjOXDs_FA7TxtARG1s-uy73mdOOMng0Tw0Ot9qS8GlCM6J9huxpAHHrPYpottvblUZ2int9W-XZlu1RIZy16WBUsskfKUOVyJZT0io4KMrQ6nXg3k_k4DCknPQXlA/s320/IMG_2006.JPG" width="320" /></a>Well, hello again.<br />
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I have always loved this little blog of mine. In the past, this little pink corner of the web was what allowed me to share a little bit of my art with all of you. But like many other blogs similar to mine, my blog became neglected, a casualty of my life the last few years. Good things, bad things, they all are part of life, and all resulted in me finding myself further away from the person I was when I kept this blog. <br />
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Three years have passed, and like everyone, I am not the same person that I was when I made my last post. I am older, and I hope, perhaps a little wiser. But my challenges remain the same as they were a few years ago. To practice self-care, and to remain authentic and positive in a world that does not always seem to be reading the same how-to manual that I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-CEQ7TAot4jbWT4CTseavHOkmYM33dHFkfBnwNP2FPDACL_027T_4SGkLdnifcYmawZn0buSccDtOV8Y3Vhh-A5_LUkrEYbh4vG5a6Xs28c7JooZMA4Qi3fXK1wt14uW5hkUrg/s1600/61703933_10156404962087452_8614415918472101888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-CEQ7TAot4jbWT4CTseavHOkmYM33dHFkfBnwNP2FPDACL_027T_4SGkLdnifcYmawZn0buSccDtOV8Y3Vhh-A5_LUkrEYbh4vG5a6Xs28c7JooZMA4Qi3fXK1wt14uW5hkUrg/s320/61703933_10156404962087452_8614415918472101888_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have been thinking lately about sharing again. Sharing with all of you some of my work, as I continue to create this and that, the "Nickie things" that I do, to keep myself mentally healthy and happy. It is who I am, and the more I do these things, the better I feel.<br />
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So please indulge me as I show and tell, I would love to hear from you, and any feedback that you provide is always welcome.<br />
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I am excited to start this creative journey again.<br />
<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-85300333147317202572016-07-27T12:35:00.001-06:002016-09-30T14:52:30.622-06:00E-books!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloD2gZj7KfiWkrDnSXAJxkz_IGuDRSBavAQFd3ZHbqoFiUlvpn9c4meNczyn-D_oZGcqa3i3BliitbJZ5SZsp2FzX3P5pKwF3avzJyD50dT5kGVD_9meGa4wqkhQ6VTm1nKCtDw/s1600/10336376_aa5bd13d07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloD2gZj7KfiWkrDnSXAJxkz_IGuDRSBavAQFd3ZHbqoFiUlvpn9c4meNczyn-D_oZGcqa3i3BliitbJZ5SZsp2FzX3P5pKwF3avzJyD50dT5kGVD_9meGa4wqkhQ6VTm1nKCtDw/s320/10336376_aa5bd13d07.jpg" width="237"></a></div> SALE! I am now offering my selection of former classes in e-book format for an EVEN LOWER PRICE!!! <span style="color: red;">$5 EACH!!!! </span><br>
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e-books available are:<br>
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Creative Lettering: Letter Formation and Basic Embellishments<br>
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Additional Alphabets and Electric Embellishments<br>
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Delightful Doodles<br>
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More Delightful Doodles<br>
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Superior Scribbles<br>
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Fantastic Florals<br>
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Holiday Doodles<br>
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A Journal About Me<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3c; font-family: "hoefler text"; line-height: 23pt;">Payment can be made via PayPal, or by personal cheque. Once I see your payment, your e-book will be sent to you.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3c; font-family: "hoefler text"; font-size: medium; line-height: 23pt;"><br></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3f3f3c; line-height: 23pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">All e-books are $5.00 each, or buy all 8 for $30.00</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 23pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3f3f3c;">for more information, click on </span><span style="color: blue;">e-books</span><span style="color: #3f3f3c;"> on the tab above!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<br>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-60329867565141704332016-04-18T14:10:00.001-06:002016-04-18T14:10:36.920-06:00E-Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloD2gZj7KfiWkrDnSXAJxkz_IGuDRSBavAQFd3ZHbqoFiUlvpn9c4meNczyn-D_oZGcqa3i3BliitbJZ5SZsp2FzX3P5pKwF3avzJyD50dT5kGVD_9meGa4wqkhQ6VTm1nKCtDw/s1600/10336376_aa5bd13d07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloD2gZj7KfiWkrDnSXAJxkz_IGuDRSBavAQFd3ZHbqoFiUlvpn9c4meNczyn-D_oZGcqa3i3BliitbJZ5SZsp2FzX3P5pKwF3avzJyD50dT5kGVD_9meGa4wqkhQ6VTm1nKCtDw/s320/10336376_aa5bd13d07.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
I am now offering my selection of former classes in e-book format for a reduced price!<br />
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e-books available are:<br />
<br />
Creative Lettering: Letter Formation and Basic Embellishments<br />
<br />
Additional Alphabets and Electric Embellishments<br />
<br />
Delightful Doodles<br />
<br />
More Delightful Doodles<br />
<br />
Superior Scribbles<br />
<br />
Fantastic Florals<br />
<br />
Holiday Doodles<br />
<br />
A Journal About Me<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 23pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3c; font-family: 'hoefler text'; line-height: 23pt;">Payment can be made via PayPal, or by personal cheque. Once I see your payment, your e-book will be sent to you.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 21.735px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3c; font-family: 'hoefler text'; font-size: medium; line-height: 23pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 21.735px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3f3f3c; line-height: 23pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">All e-books are $10.00 each, or buy all 8 for $50.00</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 21.735px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #3f3f3c; line-height: 23pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.49px; line-height: 21.735px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 23pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #3f3f3c;">for more information, click on </span><span style="color: blue;">e-books</span><span style="color: #3f3f3c;"> on the tab above!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<br />Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8504505.post-5066283092487269642016-02-02T10:18:00.000-07:002016-02-02T10:18:37.601-07:00David Bowie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sOc8ZJGmPH7qfgccuT2Indtaeb-vivIyrVreENcVDEvCg47c9RUV2FxCrsQUWEd1FsV741leaBEAD6PY3Zj54iYC8GOuzjz9qZJZl7Cx45_xdl9wkSIlmRF9Ev6PGvhg9uhztg/s1600/Starman.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sOc8ZJGmPH7qfgccuT2Indtaeb-vivIyrVreENcVDEvCg47c9RUV2FxCrsQUWEd1FsV741leaBEAD6PY3Zj54iYC8GOuzjz9qZJZl7Cx45_xdl9wkSIlmRF9Ev6PGvhg9uhztg/s640/Starman.jpg" width="480" /></a>Nicolettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695561909175868089noreply@blogger.com0