The Case of the Missing Photos

I made a dress last week from three different patterned materials. I took photos of said dress and posted them on www.craftsy.com for the world to see. I thought I also posted them here. This dress is very similar to a dress my daughter wants me to make for her. After telling her to look on my blog I realized I failed  to post them here, or anywhere else online. In fact, the photos seemed to have disappeared from my hard drive as well. I began to wonder if I actually took those photos. Yes, I did, they were on the craftsy site. So, where did they go? I searched all the usual places I keep things and they weren't there. Then I began to wonder, what if it was all my imagination? Maybe I didn't make the dress after all. No, it was in my closet, hanging with the matching headband and purse I made.
Now that I'm 50, I imagine I can feel the brain cells slipping off my gray matter and falling, unnoticed from my ears. Once I could remember the birthdays of all my First Grade classmates. Now I'm lucky if I remember my own.

I did manage to come up with this photo after some searching. As you can see, it's a fairly simple sundress with an empire waist. The skirt is straight which looks fine, but I think the next time I make it I will make a flare skirt. The flare is more comfortable and I feel as though my waist is better camouflaged.

Hey, I just found the photos!  They were where I put them, just not the edited ones you could actually see. Oh well, two minutes in a graphics program and voila!
As  you can see, the belt isn't attached. I did not use a pattern, nor did I have enough of any one fabric to create the dress. Being the creative problem solver I am, I found three different stash fabrics in very similar patterns and colors.

This particular dress was designed and created for myself, but I  will have a few up for sale shortly. Right now I'm still trying to cope with a major infection in my leg and I think it may be time for a nap :0

A Piecework Messenger Bag

Piecework quilting has got to be one of the most time consuming crafts out there. It is intended to rid you of some of your small scraps, and definitely accomplishes its goal. However, it's not simply a matter of slapping a bunch of fabric on a backing and calling it a day. If the fabrics clash or the geometry of the pieces don't come together just right, you have a disaster.

This is the first time I've ever attempted a piecework object and, I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. I think it came out great. Although it was time-consuming, it wasn't difficult as long as I wasn't working with tiny pieces. I realize at some point I will do this but I'm avoiding it as long as possible. :)
One reader asked how I do a purse flap. She can't seem to figure them out so I've decided that will probably be my first video tutorial. Hopefully, it will still be done this weekend. Since I currently have an infection in my leg, I cannot give any guarantees.

One of the best features in this bag is the pockets. There should be enough to carry anything you could possibly think of, except maybe the kitchen sink.
Because of the patchwork it is difficult to see in this picture but the front has a panel across it with pockets of varying sizes. There are also pockets on the side panels.
That's about it. The bag is available at Yardsellr for $17 - $23 with shipping. You can also contact me to have one custom made.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone! My thoughts and prayers go out to all the military personnel and their families.

A Recycled blouse

I had a blouse that was large enough to fit myself and a fairly large friend.  I cut it up long ago with the intention of making something with it, but I was waiting for it to declare itself. I never work on a piece of fabric, a blank canvas, or an empty notebook without first waiting for it to declare itself. I know that the drawing is meant to be something unique just as I know the piece of paper is meant to be part of a particular written work.
In the time between my cutting the fabric and it's declaration I moved to a different apartment. Somewhere between there and here I lost the sleeves and a significant amount of the blouse. As a result, the fabric turned out to whisper to me rather than make a grand declaration, LOL.

In the end, it worked out. I have a decent top to wear for summer.  I just miss those sleeves!
If you sew often, or even if you're just beginning, you really should check out the links on the left hand side of my post. All Free Sewing has some totally awesome ideas. It's the first place I go when looking for ideas.

The ONLY Dress to Wear When The World Ends

Admit it, if only to yourself, you've thought occasionally about what would happen if the predictions of today had come true. What is heaven like? Is there really a hell? And what, for heaven's sake, will I wear for all eternity?
Well, I happen to have an answer for the last question. I definitely have opinions on the first two but those are ultimately for you to deal with. The last, however, is the infinity dress.
The infinity dress is the penultimate for the one clothing item lifestyle. It consists of a basic skirt, a waistband and two incredibly long straps that enable the dress to become anything you like it to be. I'm afraid, however, if you happen to end up in a rather cold place, you may want to consider a jacket.

These looks are more conservative. The bottom one makes it appear as though you are wearing a scarf.

When I began this undertaking I started to wonder if the project would take the entire eternity. I never use patterns, and it's never been an issue - until now. I've never been terribly good at math but I'm smart enough to use a calculator. I'm just not smart enough to remember you don't try to do math right after you take your meds.

Anyway, I read the instructions as the tutorial states, but my mind didn't comprehend it apparently. Rather than fold the fabric into quarters, I folded it four times and then tried to divide it by 1/4. As a result, I have a rather lovely tutu for an elephant if you happen to know one who needs it.
The other problem I encountered was failing to consider just how much fabric a circle skirt and strips 90" long take. I was planning to use a bedsheet anyway but it took more than the twin sized flat I had on hand. That's okay, I happen to love hanging out in thrift stores anyway.

As you can see, this dress is definitely the right choice if you're planning to wear it forever. Just remember, when you decide to change things around, check to make certain you're not standing in front of an open window with the blinds open. I'm not quite sure those children on the playground are ever going to recover...
I will definitely be making more of these in the future. Also, stay tuned. I'm hoping my first video tutorial will be ready soon. I just have got to remember that staring at the computer while speaking doesn't work. It makes you look - well - a little creepy.

One Step Forward...

I recently received the outline for a book I am to write for a client. As a result, I had to readjust my sewing schedule. I also had to take time to rearrange my furniture because I will soon be putting up video tutorials. I often fail to take into account just how much time things take to organize.

I have been working on decorating my apartment using nothing but recycled materials. The kitchen is done and I just recently finished the shower curtain for the bathroom.
To make this I simply took one large sheet and divided it into six even panels of 18". I then grabbed some strips of fabric, as well as some 6 1/2 " squares and created the curtain. The most painful part of this project, by far, was doing the math. I detest math and I was lucky to pass it all through school. I now think if my teachers would have simply worded the story problems so they related to sewing and design, I would probably have aced the subject.  It's strange how we become convinced we're incapable of doing something for most of our lives, then something comes along to show us we were wrong all that time.
And here is the finished project as best I could photograph it within the confines of my bathroom. Hopefully, I will have the tank and seat covers done soon. I am also half way through a massive toothbrush rug to put on the floor.

All I can say is, if the world really does come to an end Saturday I will be leaving behind one massive "to-do" list.
Somehow, I don't think I have much to worry about. :)

My Latest Projects

Despite having been absent from this blog for some time, I have not been idle. My bags have been popular so I decided I wanted to try out some applique and see how it flies.

From the reactions I've gotten, I'd say I need to make a few more.
As you all know, I have two cats. Both cats try to stuff themselves into a small wicker basket sitting atop my computer desk. Given that they are both growing to be rather large creatures I decided it wasn't going to work. If they aren't there they are usually on top of my fabric stash shelving made from crates.

I have no issue with this until they start playing and one of them falls off. Since it's a bunch of milk crates piled fairly high, I'm afraid they are going to bring everything down with them one of these times and I have a glass dining room table not far from it.
I decided it was time to make them their own beds.

They do seem to be comfortable. At least, Fiona seems to be pleased

But, the majority of the time they still either stuff themselves into a small basket, climb the "Crates of Fabric" mountain, or hang out in the kitchen which I just decorated. I'm not sure Rory particularly likes the taste of the plastic forest, but he certainly enjoys dodging me while I spray him so he'll quit. We've got quite a game going; do you remember those ducks at the carnival that floated back and forth while you sprayed them with a water pistol? Yeah, well, my aim still needs work.                                                                          

Bags, Purses and Patchwork!

One of my most popular projects is making purses and bags from patchwork. I carry one with me everywhere and always get comments on it. These bags are also for sale and cost $21. They are also made according to the customer's wishes.

Not all bags are made from patchwork, but they are all created using recycled materials. I have a few women who manage to keep me well stocked in material so I think I will have to keep sewing for at least the next 50 years or so :)

This one is made from plastic bags cut into strips and crocheted. I was completely amazed at how beautiful these bags are when finished. You really don't often associate beauty with plastic grocery bags. It's also a fantastic way to keep them out of the landfills. They do take a lot of bags though, so I'm always on the lookout for more. I think Target bags and Hobby Lobby provide the best colors.


It's time to get started on more projects. I think I may need more hours in the day.

Sorry, It's Been Awhile

I decided I would try to make at least one craft item a day; however, I somehow managed to pick things that took more time. On top of that I've been trying to write an article a day to put up on a future site. Add to that mix more pain than I could handle due to a fall. Well, you can see why I've been missing a week or two.
So, today I have hats I crocheted. I love to make hats and am going to try to get one sewn soon. When I was a kid I could wear any hat handed to me and look really good. Not so much now that I'm 50 but that's what happens with age.

The hats I crocheted are slouchy berets. This one is a very simple tam that is simply one basic stitch throughout. It sits on the head much like the popular slouchy hats you see on television these days. I'm selling these hats for $20 and I can make any color you might want. Just email, or message me, with details. There's no extra cost for specially made hats.

This one is a pattern I found on the site www.allfreecrochet.com. I love the flower  It is currently listed on www.listia.com for free. There is a small shipping fee.
Over this past week I also managed to finish decorating my kitchen. I will try to get those photos up soon.

In the meantime, I'm headed back to the sewing machine for a couple of hours, then back to the computer to write. I do like being busy though. The months of recovery from my back injury made me stir crazy.

Cat Pudding

At the beginning of this blog I introduced you to my two feline assistants, Fiona and Rory. Obviously, they get paid well for their services even though said services consist primarily of pestering me while I'm trying to write. In that vein, I was trying to find something that would show them how much I care without having to shell out much money. They already eat well but, Rory especially, seems to think he wants whatever it is I have; often, even if it isn't edible.

I decided I wanted to find something that might make them think they were getting a real treat. I could give them the packaged treats but those aren't anything other than dry cat food as far as I can tell. They certainly aren't a treat that's really different from what they eat regularly. And so, as I was looking for this special treat I discovered Thriftyfun and Cat Pudding.

It is incredibly easy to make, although it took far too long for Rory's tastes. He stood beside me complaining the entire time and even tried to jump up on the stove to help with the gelatin. That kitten is going to lose a few of his nine lives before long. There is a reason for the saying, "curiosity killed the cat."

In the end, I didn't have the heart to make them wait until the pudding set and gave them a taste immediately. I then asked them a series of questions, such as, "would you recommend this to your friends?" and "how would you rate it on a scale of one to ten?" I never did get a response but they lapped it up in no time flat. Fiona finished first so Rory then settled in to a rhythm of taking two laps out of one bowl then two laps out of the other. Not only is he going to get himself killed with his curiosity, he's probably going to go out with a large tummy.

If you do make this for your cat, and manage to get him to fill out a comment card, please let me know.

So Many Crafts, So Little Time

I have so many things going at  the moment it's difficult to know which one I should be telling you about. I finished another skirt, a longer version this time.
These skirts have gotten me some nice publicity. As I told you, www.allfreesewing.com featured the other skirt in their newsletter last week. Well, I got the idea for that skirt from a couple of books I picked up in the local library so I told them about the skirt being featured. To make a long story short, the library asked me to have my picture taken tomorrow to be put in the local newspaper.

In the meantime, I've been working on making my apartment seem more like home. Nearly everything here has been either donated or given in some form or another. While it's been nice of everyone, I have ended up with an eclectic collection of everyone else' tastes. Trust me, I'm eclectic enough all on my own. In fact, one of the items I added to my kitchen last night was a small rug sewn from fabric strips and squares.

To make it I simply gathered all the bright fun fabric strips I could find and stitched them together. I then sandwiched some batting between the finished object and some plain green cotton. It goes well with some of the other changes I made such as putting my dishes out to display rather than keeping them hidden in the cupboards.

I'm still working on redecorating this area so I will post more pictures when it's all done. I will also post the "before" pictures up on my flicker account. When I am done I move on to the bathroom.
Over the next few days I will be working on some articles and ideas for a new website friends and I plan to unleash on the world soon. As soon as it's ready, you'll be the first to know.

In fact, if you're into crafts, and are a decent writer, please contact me. We're looking for people to create articles, how-to's and other informational content. In the near future you will also be able to sell your own creations on the site.
The interwebs feels slightly lonely right now. I do think I'm the only one hanging out in cyberspace while everyone else is watching the Superbowl. Please, don't tell anyone I'm not paying attention, I don't want to be kicked off the face of the earth! In fact, I'll go pretend I'm watching now.

Quilt Block Skirts are a Hit

I don't have anything new today but I did want to share some good news. Yesterday, the editor of AllFreeSewing messaged me to say she would be featuring the skirt I designed in their newsletter next week. This skirt has gotten me quite a few compliments. I'm working on a longer version now since all the women currently interested in purchasing one want the real "hippy" look.
I actually thought I might have it done today but a neighbor needed someone to babysit the cat for the day. Somehow, in the process of taking in the cat I also managed to end up with the lecherous neighbor. They were having work done on their apartment so he needed someplace to stay as well. I wouldn't mind if he didn't manage to leer at me the entire six hours. That much leering has to be hard on the face. All I could think was my mother saying, "if you're not careful, your face is going to freeze that way."
So, if you do any sewing yourself, head on over to All Free Sewing and sign up for their newsletter. If you don't sew, you may want to put in an order for a skirt :).

Another Project Using Retired Sheets

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days. At the end of August I had major back surgery. All the hardware the surgeon put in may have made it possible for me to continue walking awhile longer but it did nothing to alleviate the chronic pain, or the problems caused by peripheral neuropathy. As a result, when the weather gets wickedly cold, as it has been, my back has a tendency to complain - loudly. The past few days I have been lucky to get off the couch and do much of anything.
So, today I decided to show you another sewing project using old sheets. The pajama pants are very popular but leave me with bits and pieces of sheeting that need to be put to use. The purpose of my renovating old fabric is to leave as little as possible for the scrap pile. (We'll use the scraps in a later project.)
Tipnut has an abundance of patterns and tutorials for aprons. Most of us may think of them as something our grandmothers wore back in the old days but they are making a comeback. The economy is bringing more of us back into the kitchen rather than ordering pizza and it's necessary that clothing not get ruined. Who wants to do laundry more than necessary?

To make this apron I used a sheet for the main part of the apron then I made bias tape from an old shirt I had. Bias tape is easy enough to make, but time consuming.

The ruffle for this apron was once a dust ruffle for a bed. I almost prefer making bias tape to attaching a ruffle. Well - almost.

This is obviously the same apron as  the others but I had some ribbon sporting mixed drinks. This would make a great apron for the bartender in the family. Of course, if the bartender were female :). It's always possible to make one for the man of the house. Any of the projects I show are for sale and can be made according to your own specifications.
Speaking of aprons, it's time for me to head back to the kitchen. I'm in the process of making homemade chicken and noodles. I had some thighs in the freezer and they were starting to look - well, a little cold. I either needed to cook them or make some pants for them.

The Skirt

I finished the patchwork skirt late last night. It's not nearly as long as I originally intended but it was my first effort with quilt squares and I was more concerned with getting it right than getting it long. Besides, I can always adjust by adding more tiers or putting strips between the rows.
I'm very pleased with the results of the project - not so much with the photos. I really can't complain though. The woman who comes in is paid to cook and clean, not photograph.

                                                                                                                 Of course, it doesn't help that my bulging belly is obvious in this picture. I also think I had it sticking out more because the skirt ended up being quite a bit wider than I needed. That was easily fixed and it now fits wonderfully. I can't believe how comfortable it is.  I'm thinking if I made two more of these skirts, and two more of the pajama pants I'd be set for life. Well, maybe I'd better find a top as well.
Here is a photo of the skirt itself.

                            So, once I had the size adjusted, it was time to put together the artsy outfit I promised myself at the beginning of the year. Now, this photo I like. I guess I need to stand in front of the cam more often. (Ew, I just realized how bad that sounded...)
I'm not sure what's next. I'm  playing around right now with some small items . But, mainly, I'm sitting here trying to stay awake. Time for a quick nap before I begin work on my novel.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      








































     

What Was Old is New Again

Everyone's closet is filled with clothing or other items that seem to have no use. They served you well in their time and you hate the idea of these things going to a thrift store or worse, the recycle bin. With a little imagination you can take an old item and create a whole new look.
The other day I decided I needed to do something with some old sheets I'd been given. The pajama pants I created for a few friends are very popular so I'm encouraging them to tell others. They are roomy, comfortable and I don't want to take mine off! The pair pictured here went to a friend.

She called me after picking them up last night and said they were the most comfortable pants she'd ever worn. They were made from an old sheet.

The other day we had a snow storm and I needed a quick stocking cap. I took an old sweater I had lying around and created a hat and scarf. You'll have to excuse the photo, I was not feeling well that day and the photo definitely makes that plain.

I'm not really mad at the world, I was trying to figure out how to take the photo in the mirror and pushed the button too quickly.
As you can see behind me, I'm in the bathroom and one of my future projects is to redo it so it doesn't look quite so cluttered. Not sure how I will accomplish this.
While I was taking these photos, my cat, Fiona, decided she wanted in on the fun.

I think my eyes are closed because she jumped on me just as I was taking a photo and surprised me in the middle of the shot.
Well, I'm off to work on a skirt I'm making from quilt squares. Tomorrow I'm planning to introduce another topic,depending on how much I can accomplish without feline assistance.

Vintage Recipes

I am putting together various projects that celebrate the past in clothing, arts and food. One of the topics I'm exploring is recipes. I recently acquired the Inglenook Cook Book, published in Elgin, Illinois in 1913.
The book was written by women belonging to the Church of the Brethren. This particular organization was founded in Germany in the early 1700's so the women writing these recipes were primarily German. Meals were rarely fancy since they were meant to feed family members who labored hard on the farm.
During the early 20th Century, weeks were often divided with each day set aside for a regular chore. Laundry, visiting and church, for instance, each took nearly a full day to complete.
Sunday Soup:
At night wash a pint of dried beans, place them on the back of the stove in a porcelain vessel, with 2 quarts of cold water and a pinch of soda. In the morning, when they have simmered half an our or until breakfast, pour off the water through a colander; return beans to cooking vessel; add 2 quarts hot water; let boil until nearly done, then place the vessel where it will keep warm, but not boil. After church, visit or washing (according to the day) add to your beans a teacupful of sweet cream; salt to taste and serve. They should simmer before serving. 
Not all the recipes were meant to serve as a regular meal. Some were also used to aid in healing during an illness....
Barley Water for Fever:
Take 1/2 cup of pearl barley and wash well. Take 1/2 gallon of cold water, put it over the barley, set it on the stove and let cook for 1 hour, then strain the liquid of the barley and put it to cool. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and sugar to taste in the barley water, and add a piece of ice. This is cooking and nourishing.
I'll add other recipes over time, some from the past, some from the present.  

Quilt Block Bonanza

A few months ago I put an ad up on the Freecycle Network for clothing or fabric for my projects. One of the women answering was a wonderful older woman who makes quilts for charity. I told her I was trying to make extra money to meet bills since disability wasn't enough but I would use some of the fabric for charity projects once I met my needs.
One day she called and asked me to come pick up a few things she had. I arrived to find she had boxes and boxes of fabric, a majority already cut into blocks and strips for quilts. I stood there speechless, thinking this was all wonderful but I have no clue where to start. She then pulled out a plastic bag with blocks already put together and explanations on how to make each one.
I discovered the largest problem I would have with a quilt is the cost. She gave me material to back a couple but a small bag of batting is overwhelming to someone who is struggling to pay rent and utilities. Of course, that didn't stop me from doing a little creative problem solving.

I started with a couple of patchwork bags.

I then decided to try a wallet.

I'm still working on the design for the wallet. I'm having one heck of a time getting the slots for cards the right size so they don't fall out.

I promised quilts to each of my three children. If those work well, I will hopefully be able to make some for charity. Otherwise, I think patchwork organizers and totes for those in wheelchairs would be pretty cute.
One of my goals is to make long skirts out of some of those squares. I've always loved the hippy look but have been far too concerned with what others think to dress as I want. This is the year I stop being worried about other people.

Clothing from Fabric Scraps

I have been sewing since I was fourteen. The Christmas I learned I decided to make flannel shirts for all four of my older brothers. Somewhere along the line I got slightly mixed up and each shirt had the front of one and the sleeve of others. I'm not certain exactly how I did it but they came out very interesting. I gave up and the shirts went into my scrap bag.
Move forward 36 years and I was looking through my current scrap bag looking for inspiration. Those shirts came to mind and I considered the possibility that those shirts may simply have been ahead of their time. Mismatched fabrics are seen everywhere. Why not take my old mistakes and create new possibilities? Besides, in today's economy everyone needs to save money where ever possible. Once made, I can sell the clothing for much less than if I were to use new fabric.
This is the first jacket I designed. A friend asked me to make her a jacket out of the material I had with the Coca Cola logo on it. There wasn't enough of the logo fabric so I found some wool I had in my stash.

I am still working on it, trying to determine what type of closure to use. The sleeves are long but those are the things you have to work out when you don't use a pattern, no big problem.

I will be making more and they will be for sale in the near future for $15, at least $10 less than if they were made from new fabric. Plus, you have the added advantage of wearing clothes that are from recycled materials.
If you would like more information, email me. I also make other items from recycled materials, such as bags.

You'll soon find these up on ETSY and other places. I will provide more information as I get things taken care of. I'll also be posting tutorials on how to make some of the items.

If You Love History and Music You'll Love This

I am a big history buff. One of my favorite periods is the Renaissance, obviously. During that time the aristocrats often spent large amounts of money supporting the Arts. Philosophy was encouraged and artists, such as Leonardo, were provided with the money needed to live while they took advantage of their talents. Of course there were some problems with this practice. Often the artists were owned; everything they did or thought was expected to be handed over to their patrons without question. To avoid some of these issues Da Vinci began a practice of writing things backward and leaving out key elements so no one could steal his ideas.
The other day I was sent a link. On YouTube there is a channel created by history teachers in Hawaii. Their purpose is to teach history through the use of popular music.

Once you've watched this video you'll want to watch them all. As far as I'm concerned this channel is the best on YouTube. Well, next to Mary Hartman Mary Hartman

and Soap, of course. :)

An Introduction to My Staff

I work from home doing various types of creative work to help make ends meet. Since my primary income at the moment is from disability I have had to choose my staff very carefully. I managed to find two who are willing to put up with my personality quirks. They are quiet and stay well out of reach when I have a meltdown, are always willing to be there for me when I'm depressed and have no problem working for no pay (other than the occasional treat, anyway.) However, like in other areas of life, you get what you pay for.
I have to cope with fights that make fur fly, jealous little jabs at one another when they both want my attention, and breaks are never taken on my schedule - always theirs. I've taken a picture of the two hard at work in my office.

The white one, Fiona, is the easiest going but most likely to be laying down on the job:

While Rory is constantly asserting his opinion and rarely approves of my ideas.

As you can see, my threat to fire him made absolutely no impression.

Well, I guess when you engage in nepotism you get what you deserve!

Not All of San Francisco's Insane Live on the Streets

Yesterday I told you I was a Progressive. Perhaps I should modify that. I'm probably more of a moderate since I see insanity on both extremes on any issue. Take San Francisco's law on Happy Meals for example.
They have decreed that the city's McDonald's may no longer sell Happy Meals with a toy unless the meal contains more healthy ingredients. Last night The Daily Show with Jon Stewart had a great take on the issue when his correspondent, Aasif Mandvi interviewed City Supervisor Eric Mar. You can see the full interview here:   
http://www.thedailyshow.com/           
( I am still trying to figure out how to embed video, so please forgive the link)         
Probably the best part of the interview is when Mandvi asks Supervisor Mar why they can't simply insist Netflix send a copy of Super-Size Me! to everyone in the city. His response? We can't demand such an action from a privately owned company. Apparently, no one told Mar McDonald's isn't publicly owned.
While this law in San Francisco is wrong on so many levels, it is a foreshadowing of something many in the government would like to see happen nationwide. They want nothing more than to be able to mandate what foods you serve your family.
One of the chief arguments for this movement is that obesity is at an all time high. More children suffer from diabetes and other weight related health problems than ever before. Yes, it is a problem that needs to be addressed. But it all starts at a much deeper level.
Before we begin telling parents they can't feed their kids fast food we must address who these obese children really are. Most of them are from single parent homes, or live in a poverty-stricken environment. The reality is processed food is far less expensive and easier to fix than healthy foods. Food stamps only go so far and fresh fruits or vegetables are not cheap. Healthy food must be made more affordable.
Every year there are more budget cuts in education. Many of the cuts mean classes such as PE are eliminated or available only once a week. To make up for time cuts, recesses are being eliminated. Anyone who knows anything about education understands you cannot take free time away from children without affecting their minds and bodies. When there is no P.E. there is no incentive for children to exercise.
Most marketing to children centers around video games. Unless they are playing some of the more active WII games children are spending hours in front of a screen. Parents need to be more involved in enforcing rules that insure children are not playing every free moment. When both parents work, or there is only one parent involved, this is difficult. Yet, there seems to be no question that any funding might possibly go toward after school programs.
Taking toys out of Happy Meals accomplishes nothing. It will not encourage parents to stop feeding their kids unhealthy meals, especially if it's all they can afford when they go out. It only punishes the children, giving them no justifiable reason why.

                             

A New Year/ A New Beginning

Most of us see the 1st day of January as a time to try out new ways in which we wish to live our lives. Sometimes resolutions are brought out and dusted off from previous years, only to be relegated to a dusty corner of our minds once again. Some actually manage to keep up with their resolutions, reaping benefits from even minor changes that propel us forward.
I admit, I've always had a difficult time keeping my resolutions. I hope to believe this year is different. Certainly, I'm far more motivated than ever. 2010 will go down as the year that changed me forever.  In February, I moved into an apartment after three years of homelessness. In July, I broke a disc in my back and needed major surgery. When I awoke after seven hours I was told had I not had the surgery I would have been completely paralyzed in a month. In November, I turned 50.
They still are not sure what caused the spinal fracture and I will begin tests this week to see if the same degeneration is taking place in my neck. Last week I turned slightly and felt something else "snap" as I twisted. One doctor is convinced it is some form of cancer despite the fact he isn't looking for it. I just had an epiphany. Life is short and I have too much to do to give up now.
My resolutions aren't so much things I plan to do as they are things I am already working on and am determined to keep on the path. I will write more, design more, create more, and worry less.
I will do my part in changing the world as I wish to see it. I am saddened by what is happening today in politics and religion. I have announced to everyone I am a Progressive, so now I will progress.
I realize some of my political  and religious views may be contrary to yours. That's okay. You give me a chance and I will give you one. I promise to listen and consider. You may not change my mind; but, if you speak to me in a manner that is respectful, you're more likely to. Any comments involving name calling or patronizing will simply be deleted.
As my note above indicates, I will be covering many different issues. I want to share letters to , and from, my father during WWII, designs I make in crocheting, tatting and sewing, as well as my writing. You never know what tomorrow may bring.
Today I will keep it short and sweet. I'm diabetic and had a bit of a crisis today so my mind is not completely with my body at the moment.
2011 is the year I over come. My fears of failure, of success, of perfection are left on the doorstep of the past. I walk forward strong, capable and ready for anything. I hope to find you on the journey.