Tinker's Gallery

Lately...

So I have been on a little break from blogging again... I seem to do that now and again. I'm not that great (yet!) about blogging daily or every couple of days - trying to wrap my head around doing quick posts with a photo and calling it done. I'm sure that will come. I'm also not great (yet!) at posting when I'm feeling a little down or out of sorts. I want this blog to be uplifting and sometimes the 'reality' of things is less than that. Here's what's been going on lately....

• I have had this photo on my mind for sometime now. It's from last summer but I love the pots of herbs and the flip-flops hinting at the ease of summer living     
• we have been enjoying our yard and the new gazebo we set up in the back. it's a lovely place to sit, to read and to snack. 
• Hannah and Wyatt are having fun a library-time once a week. we choose books before we go home - I usually get something to do with baking or decorating and Hannah reaches for Scooby-Doo. Wyatt goes for anything relating to big vehicles or marine life - he LOVES whales and sharks and knows so much about them it's staggering! 
• we have been sprucing up the house with a bit of paint and a lot of organization. I'm trying to get everyone on-board with keeping things tidy - it's working so far! 
• we have been enjoying new friends... Bill, Karen, Jack, Gracie and Ben. A beautiful little family we met through Hannah and Wyatt's Jr. Kindergarten  class. so much fun for all of us. 
• I am so proud of Paul... he has been taking courses to become certified as a personal trainer and he just passed a big exam with flying colours! 
• Hannah and Wyatt have been enrolled in some fun summer programs - golf and tennis lessons! they have been doing well and so enjoying learning new things. at the first golf lesson Wyatt blurted out 'I'm having so much fun I should be on tv!' I think he felt like Tiger Woods! 
• Hudson has been doing really well. He is growing (like crazy!) and learning and loving life. I walk him and Asha (almost) every morning - it's good for all of us! 
• I have been dabbling with baking cupcakes. I would love to get a few solid recipes down (with great frostings or buttercreams) and possibly start selling cupcakes. I think it would be a great thing for a stay-at-home-mom to do. and there's nothing like it around here. 
• I have been missing my dear friend Amy a lot. lots of weepy days for me lately. it started in June and I'm just now starting to feel more peaceful. July is tough because it brings back reminders of being with her in the hospital and of leaving Chicago on the 14th never to see her again. we hugged and kissed and cried and when she worried that we'd never see each other again I promised her that we would. I really thought we would have another visit but she was gone too soon. I'm trying to replace the dull ache in my heart with something more fitting for Amy... something beautiful like a bright and shiny diamond... something that will go on forever. I keep on trying. and the other day, when I was low and wondering 'why Amy?',  a little voice in my head told me that life is a gift, to learn something from this and to get living my life to its fullest. 

So that is what's been going on and what is to come?? Well... more orgainizing, painting, some sewing, more laughing, more loving and a whole lot of good living! 

Peace to you all.

A.
 

Say hello to Hudson...

We have a new friend at our house...

and his name is Hudson. We have had him since last Thursday. He is a lovely little man - a cross between a Black Lab and a Poodle - that makes him a 'Labradoodle'! He is now 10 weeks old. He sleeps a lot, eats a lot and charms us with his playful puppy-ways. Welcome home Hudson!

hangin' on + looking forward

So it has been quite awhile since I have blogged - almost a month actually - but it's time to get back into it after a much needed break.

The saga of our health has continued - trying not to be too terribly embarrassed about it and frankly, I'm too tired to be embarrassed anyway. To make a long story short... Wyatt picked up an eye infection at school and passed it on to me and Hannah - nice. My eye infection is rather stubborn - I've been nursing it along with drops (two different kinds) for almost three weeks now. The icing on the cake came when the developers behind our house decided (without a permit!) to burn all the brush that they had knocked down in preparation for their condo complex. The winds were bad - our house was flooded with smoke and our little guys asthma kicked in big time. He then acquired a lung infection and so did I. So Hannah and I both have eye drops and Wyatt and I are on prescriptions for our lung infections. In spite of having a good cry Thrusday morning, I am hangin' on and hoping this is the end of the drama. We are finally sleeping through the night again - something I don't take for granted! Thinking that maybe soon we will be back in full force and we will take on the world - or at least our lives!

I've decided to post a photo from the archives - I have not been able to wear contact lenses (due to my eye infection) and for some reason I can't seem to take decent photos with my glasses on. I like this photo for lots of reasons - we are healthy and having fun with Lilly - our favourite NICU nurse. She helped us through some incredibly tough times and we are forever grateful to her. We keep in touch through Christmas cards and the odd e-mail. Lilly is a saint, an angel and a good friend all rolled up - the kids call her Auntie Lilly!

July 2006 - Hannah, Lilly, Wyatt and Me

I also like this photo because it reminds me that I can feel good - that I won't always be on this roller-coaster of poor health, comfort eating and fatigue. Right now this photo is helping inspire me to get back on track and LIVE my life. So looking forward to better days... days of good health, good food and lots of fun.

Peace to you all - hope you are well and getting ready for a fabulous summer! 

today...

So today I woke up to find this on the chalkboard in our kitchen...

Apparently it was Wyatt's idea to add the word 'dear' - so sweet.
So yes, today is my birthday. My thirty-seventh birthday. I have been reluctant (for some strange reason) to turn 37 but now that it's here I'm embracing it. I like the fact that 3+7=10, strange mind games I'm playing with myself but it's working. I don't normally care about numbers but 37 has taken a little adjusting to.
Anyway... it has been a lovely day... full of love and hugs and birthday wishes. Paul and I went out for a fabulous little lunch after we dropped Hannah and Wyatt off to school. So nice to just sit and eat and talk - it felt like a 'date' - it felt good. After lunch we went to a little shop that I like and Paul picked this up for me...

I have wanted a Buddha for quite some time so finding this one today seemed serendipitous or perhaps, on a more zen-level, I was destined to find this particular 'young Buddha' today. He is lovely. He is a treasure.

Tonight we'll have a simple dinner, cake and perhaps a few visitors.
Feeling blessed on my birthday.

visual overload - in a good way!!

I have been looking at Amy Butler's book Midwest Modern for quite some time now - always wanting it and not wanting to splurge on something as decadent as a 'coffee-table book'. I finally broke-down the other day and I can honestly say that I ADORE this book!!

Since Paul and I got married (almost 10 years ago) and started a home together I have played it kind of safe with neutrals. I don't know why but now I am really feeling the need for colour - perhaps it is because of Hannah and Wyatt and all their fun, colourful toys and books that surround me - maybe it reminds me of the comfort of my Non's house - maybe I'm just ready for a change - maybe it's all of the above!!

Here are a few photos of my favourite pages...

The book is so refreshing, so visually stimulating but calming at that same time. There is text scattered here and there amongst the fabulous photos. I haven't had a chance to read much of it yet but I did find this passage which really resonated with me...

This book touts design, art and ideas to jump-start your creative spark. It also might give you a sense of my passion for recycling, reusing, and reducing. This is part and parcel of everything we do at my studio, and of how I try to lead my life - only buying what I need, buying locally when I can, and choosing quality over quantity. This philosophy is inherent in the ideas laid out here: reusing vintage clothing and furnishings, making your own cool home and fashion items, gardening organically to help sustain your ecosystem, and simply - well, living simply.

Such a great philosophy - something we strive for in our home. So good for us, the kids and the environment - and it's really kind of fun! Motivated to try harder - to do better - to be more thoughtful in all our choices.

Happy Monday!

fabric in the mail + breakfast fun

I finally ordered fabric online for the first time. I have been wanting to get my hands on some Amy Butler and Heather Bailey fabrics so I went for it. The photos don't do them justice (my lighting is a little off) - they look even better in person. I am thrilled with what arrived...

These will be used in Hannah's room - I have a bench seat to cover and a few other fun ideas.

Not sure what I will do with these - they are 'fat quarters' (thanks, Candace, for explaining what a 'fat quarter is) - I have a few ideas but suggestions are welcome!!

Really looking forward to creating some fun things - so addicted to fabric right now!!

And... here are a few shots from breakfast. I picked up a little waffle maker when we were at Target (thanks, Molly!) a few weeks ago. New at waffle making - I think I'd like to try a crispier recipe next time but we still enjoyed them - a little maple syrup and some mixed berries helped to make them extra tasty!!

Hannah and Wyatt helped add the ingredients and stir everything together - they love it in the kitchen!!

A nice way to start the day!

Also... I have really been enjoying Cupcake Week on Martha. Lots of fun and yummy ideas.

my favourite new find + a little bit of sewing

I have a thing for cake stands - I just might start collecting them. I love them. To me they represent times of love and celebration - and sweets!! I found these cake stands on the weekend and had to have them. I adore the colour and their handmade charm. I picture them full of white fluffy cupcakes - can't wait to bake some.

And... I finally finished my Feb/March projects for the Sparkle Power Sew Along. They were due yesterday but with all the sickness around here it was hard to find time to sneak them in. I had wanted to do the teatowel potholder tutorial but my tea towels were so plush that it didn't work out so I improvised. Not totally in love with what I did but still kind of proud that I did them. And... they are such an improvement over the shabby ones we've been using lately. Here's a look at them...

The other project we had the option to do was a table runner. I had made a runner a little while ago so I didn't make a new one - though something colourful would be cool. This is a creamy coloured linen - I found the linen a little interesting to work with - it has a tendency to stretch and sag a bit - especially in this large a length. I can see why starch was used a lot in years gone by!!

Here's a close-up of the candles that I often keep on the dining room table. I like to use coffee beans around the house. I love the smell and they are great when it comes to stabilizing candles and making things a little more interesting...

The kids love to blow the candles out after dinner - it's like a mini birthday party every night.

Better run... time to get the wee ones ready for bed.

restored health and Easter goodness

It's good to be back!! After an overwhelming month of sickness we are finally feeling well again. Somehow we ALL managed to get sick enough to require antibiotics - it was pitiful and almost embarrassing that we were all sick. We work hard to make good, healthy choices but I guess sometimes you just can't outrun colds and flu-bugs when they knock down the door. Here's what we were dealing with...

Hannah - a head cold, a nasty ear infection (antibiotics for this) and the flu
Paul - a head cold that turned into Bronchitis (and yes, antibiotics)
Wyatt - a head cold followed by the flu which triggered two bouts of asthma issues (back on puffers and meds)
Me - a head cold, sinus infection (yet again... antibiotics) and the flu!!

It was quite a ride - Hannah and I ended up at my parents' house for two days so that my Mom could help us out - I had a fever that stayed around 102 for 4 days - I was useless - everything ached for about a week and a half. Just can't thank my Mom and Dad enough for taking such good care of us!! It was the best place to be - lots of love and kindness and even a 'hot-toddy' and a few good laughs in the midst of all the sickness.

I can't tell you how good it feels to feel good again. We are so thankful to have our health back - the world seems a little brighter, everything is sweeter and more fabulous. We are more than ready for the spring and all the great projects we can tackle. And... the SUN is shining! Gotta love that!

Easter was good - lots of visiting, sharing, laughing and CHOCOLATE!! The kids made it back to school in time to colour eggs with their class and enjoy some Easter fun with their school friends. Here are a few of my favourite photos...

love the colours here - also loving the oval of the eggs and the shadows

Wyatt's goodies from the Easter bunny!

Hannah's treats from the Easter bunny!

Even Asha got in on things Easter morning - she seems especially attached to Hannah - love their little bond!

Wy was thrilled with his Handy Manny dvd and his 'Animal Genius' leapster cartridge!

Sharing a moment together - looking at Hannah's Pet Shop friends - love this photo - so much love between these two!!

And now we are ready to get back to our regular schedule - Paul and the kids will be back at school and I am looking forward to organizing, sewing (I haven't forgotten Candace!!), baking (inspired by Molly's post on lemon poppy-seed cake) and some other crafty projects to spruce up our little home and add some more SOUL!!
Happy Easter Monday!!

Ughhhhh.....

Cough, cough, sniff, sneeze, blow... that is what is going on over here. The kids and I are sick - REALLY sick with colds or some extreme version of a cold - like a cold on steroids!! Not much fun at all. Frankly, I'm getting frustrated with the whole deal. Just hanging on - so fed up I felt like crying this morning.
Off to try a hot, steamy shower and more Vicks Vapour Rub. Wish me/us luck.
Hoping to do some fun projects soon - it will be nice to post something creative and colourful but for now we are in hibernation-mode.
Aaaaaaachooooooooo!
Do me a favour... if you're feeling good (and I hope you are!) do a little something creative and think of me!!
Maybe the good vibes will make it here to Canada!

lately...

Hannah has been 'under the weather' this week so both H&W have been home with me since Wednesday. Han has a cold - runny nose, cough and fever and lots of bad dreams at night. She seems pretty uncomfortable today so she has had some Children's Tylenol - she likes the Watermelon - never a problem to get her to take them. I don't push Tylenol but when they are feverish and not acting like themselves I try to take the edge off if I can.

So lately there has been a lot of this going on...

Hannah loves snuggling with her seal. And I LOVE her seal's name... Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!! Seriously, that is what she calls her AND she speaks for SRP in a cute 'arfy' sort of voice.

Wyatt can always motivate Hannah to play with their Thomas the Tank Engine set (Paul built a super-fun track last night!) and the new thing is building 'garages' for their various cars and Disney Pixar friends. The 'garages' are always colourful and elaborate but not so much structurally sound - fun to watch them experiment...

Wyatt is funny about his clothes lately. Seems to be changing all the time - can't stand anything dirty or wet - not even a tiny drop of water can touch his clothes without him wanting to change. Quite frequently he gets fed up with shirts altogether and opts to go without one -as you can see in the photo above! I have issues with his little habits... the laundry for one and his warmth for another - I'm the old-school type of Mom who still likes her kids wearing undershirts!!

As for Hannah... I keep offering liquids, kleenex and the warm 'magic-bag' when she's cold. Trying to get her to eat is a challenge. I finally got her to have a little french toast and a bit of this soy smoothie with flaxmeal,honey, strawberries, banana and mango...

However, she did manage to eat THREE of these in quick succession...

and at this point that's fine with me. Who doesn't love Timbits - and I was just happy to finally see a smile on her tiny, little, stuffed-up self.

And, for this weekend... hoping to restore health to this house, shop for a new bathroom faucet and perhaps a little creative time in the studio!!
Happy Friday!