Mina - the Dream Keeper

She is done! Finished. Isn't she sweet?She is holding a fabric ACEO... something like a 'mini me' doll.

She also has a pocket on her back and there is a journal where she keeps dreams. That's why she is a dream keeper.

You can see her on eBay.
I think that it will be a fun auction - $1.00 (no reserve).

Is she likable or do I like her because I made her?

Not finished...

I have no clue what I'm doing... I even managed to sew in the pins in the batting/muslin sandwich (and had to cut it open to fish them out)... To figure how to attach the arms was almost too much (until I realized that it is simple)... My scissors are everything but not sharp, so everything is fighting me... But I'm enjoying the process; it is fun. My girl with dreams will (hopefully) be finished tomorrow.

Faces

Katie Kendrick has a lovely article in "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" magazine where she explains how she creates her fun cloth dolls. I wanted to try it for the longest time and today seemed like a perfect day for it. Unfortunately, I managed to finish only the first two steps... but it was really fun and very relaxing.
Hana and I started by quickly drawing (with black paint and a paintbrush) a series of faces on paper torn from a telephone book.
Then we painted the faces using craft acrylic paints. This was an extremely freeing experience for me. Probably the fact that I was using cheap (free) printed paper and that I didn't expect anything from it made it so much fun. We'll see how it continues...

Cranberries and other good things

The rebel in me is against holidays most of the time... I just don't understand how are we supposed to be thankful one day in a year, show love for mothers or fathers one day in a year, buy presents on anniversaries, etc. Maybe it is because I know many people that don't live happy lives and then suddenly pretend that everything is just fine on those 'special' days... And maybe I shouldn't write all of this. Maybe I should just write a list of things I'm thankful for. It's a long list, but I will not share it at this time. What I will share is the best recipe for a cranberry sauce. Actually - it is a cranberry compote (Martha Stewart recipe). Hana made it and it was unbelievable good. Very easy... Try it!
In a large saucepan bring 1 package (12 ounces) cranberries, 3 cups seedless red grapes, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/ cup water to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until most of the cranberries have popped and grapes are falling apart, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat; add salt and stir to combine. Let cool to room temperature (compote will thicken as it cools).
Everything was yummy. Our little family was happy to be together and I was very thankful for the love that surrounds me. I hope that you all had a wonderful day too... I am also extra thankful for knowing you ;o)

42

Me. Today. How interesting!
Shouldn't I know by now what I want to be when I grow up?
This should be grown up age, right?

This is what I saw first thing in the morning:My mother in law (on the left) and my mother (on the right) showing how much they love me. And a little cake with the heart with open arms. How sweet! And sad... because they are oceans away and the hugs were virtual..
And here are the boys (my father and my father in law) happily celebrating my birthday with probably very strong drinks in little glasses:
I like the number 42. It dawned on me today that I have been married for the half of my life!!! For some reason that is more interesting than my birthday. How wonderful!

New journals

- here -

What did I learn yesterday?

I learned some important stuff...

I learned that my name sounds the best when you say it with a French accent...

And that this is one of the best wines I ever tried...

And I have another bottle to enjoy and share when the mood strikes.

=)