These felted wool baby booties were fun to make. I can't wait to gift them. Reclaimed and felted plaid wool from LL Bean coat and felted red angora wool. Tiny bells look pretty, but would remove before baby wears them. Safety first.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Letter to 16 year old Robin
Dear 16 year old Robin.
I am writing this letter to you from your 62 year old self. I know that sounds really old to you, but really in 2012, 62 is the new 42, so it's not that bad at all. I have been thinking about what sage advice I would have for you and it is very complicated. I want to yell, "DON'T GET MARRIED AT 17." Seriously, if it is meant to be the relationship will be there when you are mature enough to marry but if it's a deal breaker, marry the guy because together you made two really great kids. You will wonder for a while if that will ever happen, but trust me and be patient for it will happen. Whether you prolong the engagement or marry at 17, finish your high school education and find a profession that suits you...Become a social worker and get settled in an agency right away, so you can retire at 55. You have 6 years between getting married and having kids - so lots of time! I remember that you wanted to change the world in your 20's so social work would have been a perfect career. You also became very interested in pedagogy so teaching would have been a great second choice. You would have had summers off with your kids. Saying all of that...Life has really been pretty good, and making different choices might end us up in a really different place. So go with your heart!
Other wisdom, I will share with you is to remember who you are today, that talented 16 year old. Be kind and be assertive in your relationships, and most importantly, don't take everything so seriously. Sometimes it is okay to relax and have fun. Be in the moment. Here is the good news: You learned many lessons before you were 16 and they will serve you well. You will create numerous paintings and drawings, you will write thousands of words in poems, songs, stories, recording history and even as a newspaper reporter. You will approach the world with a loving heart and this one will probably stun you, but you will realize in your mid 40's that you are gay. Remember that teenage crush you didn't understand...I think it may have been more real than you believed.
In closing, I want you to know that your Spirit Guides will watch over you and will show themselves to you often over the years. It is going to be a great ride! You will love and you will be loved. You will fall out of love and part ways with some, but they will always be a part of you and those you love. Finally, and I know this is hard to comprehend at 16, but just wait until you meet your 5 beautiful grandchildren! We, that is you and me are running out of time to change the world, but we definitely made an impact...and we are leaving the mission in good hands.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
Quote of the day:
Take your needle my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently an the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery. - Oliver Wendell Holmes
Those who sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of love. - Author unknown
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
You've got mail!
To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart - Phyllis Theroux
Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company - Lord Byron
Over the past couple weeks, my evenings have been dedicated to creating felt mailboxes for my grandchildren...one for each family. I am very excited by the results, and they were thoroughly kid tested on the weekend when all of the children had an opportunity to check them out. We played post office, which included writing and sending valentines, writing and responding to letters (great writing practice), and of course mailing invitations to a winter party and bring a pet. The kids were so excited, marching up to the location (Robin's kitchen) with their pets (stuffed animals found in the playroom). We dined on bowls of dried cranberries, cashews, strawberries, prezels, chips, and mini marshmallows. Juice was served and we followed with dancing to Mama Mia and the Lion King sound track. So much fun.
Here is one of the mailbox sets. The family name is on the other side. Other crafters talked about challenges using a magnet for the flag that goes up and down. I found a greas solution to share with you. Checking through all my craft resources, I came upon teddy bear and doll making supplies and the doll joints work perfectly for the flag. If placed in the right location no velcro is needed to secure the flag when it is in the up position.
The mail bag is a recycled zippered conference bag with a mail label applique. Rather than making felt mail and parcels etc. I visited the dollar store and purchased small envelopes, valentines, stickers and stamps and small boxes to use as parcels. The mailboxes went together very easily. I found instructions here - http://www.giverslog.com/?p=2531
Monday, January 24, 2011
Recent doodles
Recently, I have been incorporating some form of sketching, doodling, and writing into my meditation time. Yesterday morning, I spent some time sharpening all of my pencil crayons and although my preference is black and white, it is nice to play with colour once in a while. This picture of being re-born out of a lily type flower signifies a time of change and growth.
The next two doodles came out of sleepless night in a Toronto hotel. Know models in sight I pulled open a Where Magazine and found photos of the Dali Lama and Margaret Atwood to pose as models for my middle of the night meditative art time.
Me. Just a sketch of my left hand, symbolic of the things I do, write, draw, make, and even those I touch, are touched from or created from a place in my heart.
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