Tinker's Gallery

sunshine and soul

Lately I find myself looking for sunlight - searching, yearning for it. I love the sun. The other day when the sun shone in on the dishes as I rinsed them and set them on the tea towel I couldn't help but smile - and grab my camera! I have to admit that saying good-bye to February and hello to March was big for me - to me March represents all good things... spring, sun, renewal and fun. So looking forward to spring and warmer weather.

Another little bit of sunshine in our home - love the light and the shadows.

On another note... I was the very lucky winner of a recent giveaway. The lovely and inspiring Emily hosted a giveaway on behalf of  Erika Martin and her fabulous Soulology Project. It was kind of funny... as I started to read through the winner's comment I thought 'this sounds a lot like what I wrote' and then as I continued reading I realized that that was because it was my comment - I guess you could say I wasn't expecting to win. But, oh, I'm so glad that I did - this will be a wonderful, creative journey that I am in need of. Looking to fill up my soul and open up my heart to the creative process. I'll let you know how I do! Thank you Emily, thank you Erika!!

And for today... a little tidying, a little baking (chocolate, almond, toffee bars!) and perhaps a little sewing project. And speaking of sewing... later this month I will post photos of my studio and my sewing nook - just a little tweaking (and a trip to Ikea!) and then I'll be ready to show you one of my favourite little hideaways.

Happy Friday - have a great weekend!

a quiet moment...

I was doing my usual thing... checking my e-mail, checking my regular blogs, sipping tea and enjoying the quiet and then it hit me... I have time to blog now!! Finding moments like this have been rare lately - lots of organizing, running errands, attending appointments, laundry, phone calls, vacuuming and more vacuuming - lots of this because our dear Hudson has turned into a dirt lover and a digger. He takes great pleasure in digging in up to his elbows (do dogs have elbows?) and prancing back in the house (without a care in the world) wet, dirty and usually full of leaves. It snowed here yesterday so thankfully his fascination with digging has shifted to a new found love of eating trails of snow. Now when he comes in he's just covered in the tiny balls of snow that cling to his fuzzy, adorable self - he is so cute and so kind - it's hard to get cross with such a happy little man!

As for today... today there will be laundry, and tidying and purging of things cluttering up the studio. I have a project in the works for the studio - it requires a visit to Ikea (love that!) and when it's done I'll post a photo. For now I want to sneak in a little fall mosaic before it's too late.

 

We've had a lovely fall - full of fun and sunshine - and now we're ready for all the wintry goodness coming our way!

I should run - lots to do before I pick H&W up from school. Stay tuned though... new things coming here. I'm going to work on a schedule for next week - a new challenge for myself in terms of fitting in exercise, a little business venture, cooking, baking, blogging - the works! Come back and check on my progress - goodness knows I'm going to need a few cheerleaders to get this off the ground!

a week in the life... days 3 and 4

So yesterday got away from me and I didn't have time to post. This project is a little more involved than I expected but I am determined to see it through. Funny how yesterday the 'words' part of things fell behind (will catch up on that tonight!) and today the 'photos' were hard to come by. Here are a few images from yesterday...

We are still home with colds/coughs/on-the-verge-of-asthma-symptoms and despite the restless nights and the cabin-fever we are coping well. However, today was tricky... things seemed to keep going wrong... nothing insurmountable but let's just say that my fridge is not working and Hudson managed to pull apart the berber carpeting in the family room - the only carpet I actually like in the house!! So, the refrigerator repairman (why does that job description always conjure up images of a Saturday Night Live skit??) will be here on Saturday sometime between 8 and 4 (love how they really pin that down!) and, as for the carpet, we will get creative with the glue-gun and hope for the best.

So, when life hands you lemons - or a broken-down fridge and chewed up carpeting - what do you do?? You take a deep breath and make a fort out of dining room chairs and cozy blankets - you snuggle, and giggle and realize that life is still pretty darn good!!

And now I'm going to feed the dogs, clean the kitchen (with Paul, right Baby??!!) and watch a little of the vice-presidential debates. This Canadian girl is interested in what they have to say!!

'a week in the life' - day two...

Enjoying the process of really looking at what we do on a daily basis. Having H&W home from school makes this week a little different but different is good sometimes, right??!! And we, thankfully, are making the best of our days. More tv and computer for all of us today - definitely exceeding our daily max 'screen-time' but if you can't when you're sick when can you?? We tried to watch 'The Incredibles' but ended up opting for 'Scooby-Doo' when Han and Wy tired of the super-hero thing - I guess it's just not their bag! This gave me a little chance to rest/nap (which I NEVER do) on the floor with them where we had laid out a bunch of blankets and pillows to make a cozy 'bed'. There was also some serious snuggling, snacking and sipping going on over here - even made a new warm drink for us - warmed apple juice with mulling spices. Hannah liked it, I really liked it and Wy thought it was 'fizzy' and opted to have good-old, cold apple juice from the fridge.

Here's a look at the photos from today...

So how about me finally getting a mosaic done?? I know I'll have to learn to tweak them a bit (the photos are not in sequence and this mosaic is rather huge!) but it's a start. Kind of fun! 

As for the Kraft Dinner - I'm fessing-up to it right now!  It's a weakness of mine - that and the occasional Pop Tart or bag of Munchies. Kraft Dinner just felt right today. I tried to make up for it with the healthy plate of pears, grapes and Kashi crackers. So help me god!

So, off to bed for me - hoping to get my 8 hours tonight!! See you tomorrow!

Hello again and 'a week in the life'...

I took quite a break from blogging there now didn't I??!! Tough to get back into it once you go on hiatus without a plan. When to re-enter the blog-world?? Do I need to do a catch-up post?? What should I start with?? So many questions!!  Well, I have been following Ali's blog (as usual) and she has encouraged us to participate in her 'a week in the life' project. This, to me, is the perfect time to get back into things - so here is what is up with us today...

We've had the sniffles lately (more back-to-school fun!) but we were well enough to attend a birthday party for one of Hannah and Wyatt's classmates and one for Grandpa Bart as well (Happy Birthday, Dad!!). By the end of the night Wyatt went to bed and I had a feeling something bigger than a cold was brewing. He woke up at about 10:30pm and threw-up in his bed (never fun for anyone!) - I checked his temperature and it was about 102. Thankfully we got him (and his bed) cleaned up and comfortable (hello Children's Advil!!) and back to bed for a rather peaceful night - only up once to snuggle. So today is a day off school for H&W - woooohoooo! If we were feeling better it would be more exciting but as it stands it's pretty low-key around here and that is just fine too! A little tv, a little juice and plain/bland food, a little medicine, a little computer time and lots of love!!

Speaking of love... my fabulous friend Cindy stopped by with some herbal tea for my throat, a natural remedy for Wyatt's asthma/congestion and a great, seasonal magazine from our local liquor store - sounds strange, I know, but we are always anxious to get the new 'Food and Drink' when it comes out. Great ideas for entertaining and delicious recipes. 

And... back to the love... my Mom came over to check us out and to read to Han and Wy. They love having Grandma over anytime but especially when they are under-the-weather - Wyatt now asks to call Grandma when anything goes awry. He loves all the wonderful 'grandma-love' she gives. Mom also brought over the left-over lemon cake from Dad's birthday and we had a drop of tea and a little visit. Something so comforting about my Mom - she is the best!!

Here are my photos from today...

My trusty little Ikea container full of medications etc. for H&W

Vicks (love to rub this on our feet when we're sick!), Halls for me and my 'notes' book for when we're so sick that I can't remember what day of the week it is or who had what at what time!

A fun read - great ideas for entertaining and cooking!

A slice of Dad's birthday cake - Lemon Curd Cake from Martha - fun to bake and even more fun to eat!!

Hannah's Littlest Pet Shop friends - these little critters make her soooo happy!!

Clifford is classic in this house and Clifford on the computer is always a hit!!

That's it for now... Paul will be coming home around dinner time with more Advil and some apple juice and tonight we will snuggle and giggle and get better!

It's good to be back!!

P.S. I'm having a little trouble with Typepad - can't seem to get out of Italics mode and can't get my links right - forgive me - I'll figure it out eventually!!

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.
 

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.

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!

hello kitty and today's to-do list

I have a bit of a thing for Hello Kitty - I think she reminds me of Amy and I just think she's cute. Every so often I mail something Hello Kitty to Amy's daughter, Mer. I don't think I ever had anything Hello Kitty as a child other than (maybe) some stickers. Well, I couldn't resist this piggy bank and guess what??... I kept it for myself. How silly is that??!! I love this crazy thing and it's great for all my spare change. I keep it on top of my 'jam cupboard' (a salvaged item from my grandparents' house) in my studio. It sits with a Pottery Barn alphabet abacus (from my dear friend Cindy - it's actually for Hannah and Wyatt but I keep it in the studio - love it!) and Hannah's princess hat from her first Halloween. Love this little grouping. Nice to have a little spot for some girly things.

And today... Paul is busy with work so after lunch we are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We will have dinner there but in the mean time Hannah and Wyatt will visit and I will run some errands. I'm sure they will do a lot of reading, snacking, tv watching and laughing and, in preparation for Monday (Hannah and Wyatt are turning 5!!!), I will be doing the following...
- groceries (regular stuff and cake ingredients)
- picking up birthday decorations for Monday - balloons, streamers etc.
- choosing fun things for goody-bags for their school friends
- getting a few little extra gifts -Thomas engines, Leapster cartridges and some more
animals (whales etc.)for tub-time

So I better get moving - lots to do and a cake to bake! Have a great weekend!

what's going on...

So yesterday I picked up a few groceries - trying to make healthy, healthy choices. Bought some POM juice (pomegranate/blueberry) and will add it to my smoothies. Got to get making smoothies - great way to add all sorts of goodness to my diet. Also picked up some Kashi Crunch, some cool rice crisps, cottage cheese and some wonderful berries. I want to really focus on fueling my body with healthy foods.

Last night I worked on my December album. A little behind on this one. It was hard to keep up with it in the rush of the holidays and, on top of that, I had a printer malfunction which brought everything to a screeching halt. Things are back in order now so I am motivated to get it done - I kept notes on each day so it won't be too difficult. My goal is to have it done before Hannah and Wyatt's birthday at the end of the month.

Not much going on today. Just regular household stuff. I really must tidy-up a bit - the kitchen needs some love and there are lots of odds and ends to put away. I also want to make my closet a priority - it needs, dare I say it, to be painted and better organized. I love looking at pictures of fabulous closets. The recent Ikea flyer was fun - lots about closets! I pinned it on my bulletin board for inspiration. With that in mind, here are two photos from Martha that are motivating me to get in gear in the kitchen and the closet...

Love so much about this photo... the steamer, the counter and the fabulous tiles!!

So neat and tidy. Such great colours - I need more colour in my wardrobe!!

And here's something new that I want to try when I post...

Thinking about... getting organized.
Thankful for... our health and our warm and cozy home.
Totally loving... bamboo steamers.
Motivated to... make healthy choices.

And now I'm off to DO. Happy Tuesday!!