My First Swap Dolly

Look at the cutie I received from Liz. Isn't she great?(Sorry for the poor quality of this picture--I haven't had time to mess with my camera. She's standing on a window ledge) She has beaded trim and sparkly hair. This is the first doll from our year long swap. This month's doll is a healing and guardian doll. The tag says "This Healing/Guardian Doll was made with loving intent, focusing on peace, time efficiency and relaxing thoughts. The rose quartz rosary is to bring love into everything, and the tea cup to remind you to take time out." I'm having a cup of tea right now as I appreciate her. Thanks to Liz for my first doll and to Robyn for getting this started. My doll will be going out soon. She is still in the embellishment process.

A Lovely Valentine

I participated in the Valentine swap hosted by Miss Robyn, and here is the present I received from the lovely Lady Laurie. I got a beautiful heart sachet, rose scented candle, which was wrapped in a tulip and rose handkerchief, a box of chocolates, and a handmade valentine. (I forgot to put the card in the picture, so I'll add that later. Thanks Laurie. This was such fun. I'm just getting back into swapping after taking some time off (the big move, you knowLOL). I love to receive presents and making new friends. I just jumped right in. I'm sure some of the ladies I'm swapping with are wondering who in the world I am.

Catching Up

Okay, let's just say that I haven't quite mastered the every day (or week) posting thing yet. Lots going on at the house. Jim tore the bathroom apart, put up wainscoating, painted and bought a real vanity. So it is starting to go with the rest of the house. A little explanation here. When we bought the house last summer, it was decorated very differently than what we wanted. I liked it, but it just wasn't me. The front room was tangerine, dining room was dark teal, kitchen was lemon yellow and purple, etc. etc. And all very funky and modern with track lighting, and unusual details. (Stecilled pressed wood flooring in the kitchen; pressed wood counter top for the bathroom sink; table legs stuck in bowling balls, etc) The former owner was an artist and had large canvases everywhere that went really well with his colors. We are going for the more traditional Craftsman look, so it's just a litttttle different. Here's a picture of the bathroom walls before. I'm not exactly sure what you call the metal siding that he used for the walls. It was pretty different. Sort of an auto mechanic's garage effect.

We haven't started my craft room yet. Final estimates are supposed to come in next week, but I think we'll probably wait until spring, since it's part of a pretty big project. I finally put a table upstairs and have been bringing my supplies up little by little. I'm in a few swaps so I've been working on projects again. Creating makes me happier.

A Bit of Whining

Don't you absolutely hate it when things don't work when you expect them to? Tonite the plan was to make a collaged and very personalized picture frame for a gift exchange. Of course, the printer went wacko, and I spent my whole evening trying to figure out what was wrong. It is still not working. Mechanical things have been very trying for me this whole week. My ATM card demagnetized itself for the gazillionth time just when I needed it. And now my printer won't work. I also had a very scary time uploading all my pictures from my new camera and thought I lost them. I have spent hours on this computer this week and accomplished very little.

Since I couldn't get my project made--(and remember, my materials are stored in a dozen different places, and I can't find most of them) I decided to go with a clipboard that I had already finished. This isn't it---instead of chocolate, imagine belly dancers.

More on the Cupboard

Well, we got the cupboard home from the auction--which was an adventure, but it all worked out. I love it. All the drawers have places for labels. It is now setting in the garage waiting for the great basement remodel. We moved here a few months ago, and are getting ready to put in a tv room, full bathroom, and laundry/sewing/crafts/art room. Once it is finally done it will be wonderful. I'm so tired of having things in boxes. "My room" will be 26 feet long. We may have to do some surgery on the cupboard. We measured everything to make sure we could get it in, but we may have to do a little maneuvering at the doorway to the room. I've got everything for the room now. My garage is full. Just waiting for everything to come together.

Look What I Just Bought!

I just bought this cupboard for my new sewing and craft room! Isn't it the biggest thing ever?? I still can't believe it. Since we've moved, I've found some of the most wonderful furniture pieces. And, yes, I have a thing for drawers. I'm going to start making labels for these, even though it will be a while before the room is done and I can get everything put away. All of my supplies have been packed away for months, and I am at the point where it is hard to do any sort of art work, but I'm really getting anxious. We are getting closer, and soon I will have my dream room. I also have another cupboard with 49 drawers. I think I'm done now.

Fuzzy Thinking

Ok, I'm just not sure how so many people can do this everyday. I admire you all tremendously, as you post with such dedication. It seems that I have been reading blogs one upon another lately. Funny how quickly I'm getting to know you. I guess I'll just be the mysterious gypsywoman for awhile.

The only times I'm online recently are right before work and just before bed. Neither of these times find me particularly filled with wit.

I got a new camera for Christmas, but haven't downloaded any pictures yet, so will be getting something here soon. My husband's reason for buying it was to get me back onto Ebay. I sold quite a bit last year, but since our move, I haven't done much at all. He's afraid I'm going to get all cluttery again. We did quite a bit of downsizing when we moved to our little cottage. I love our new/old (built in 1918) house, but it's a struggle everyday not to fill it with collections. What can I say? I love Stuff.

Slowing Down, Getting More Done, And Living With Intention

Here it is New Year's Eve again and I'm still trying to improve upon last year's resolutions. Time has never been on my side. I have seldom noticed it to be a particular ally. It dances around me, and slithers underneath me, while I wonder where it went, and what happened, and, why, no matter what I do, I never seem to have enough of it. My improbable dream is to slow time down, but to get more done.
And so, I have made a mission statement. Or maybe it is a mantra. Anyway, here is my new life theme. Live With Intention. Knowing me, you might think that means that I intend to do something-at some point in time. Maybe sooner, maybe later. But, no, it means that I will live with intent. I will begin to realize that the future is what we have today, not somewhere in the distant horizon.
Here is what Living With Intention means to me:
That I enjoy my life as it is, but always want to learn more. I want to remember that it is never too late, and that nothing ends until it is over.
That I remember to make some space for the new to enter. I am learning to let some things go. Weeding out, paring down, and simplifying are so hard for some of us.
That I bring kindness to others. There are so many things we can do that are truly significant. Once a week, I will send a card to someone I know. Or do something nice for someone for absolutely no reason.
That I leave a creative legacy. I need to know that something I've sewed, or painted, or written will be here after I'm gone.
That my outside reflects my inside. I just know I must be more fascinating than I look!!! Sometimes, I think it must all be about the accessorizing.
That I take care of my health. It's true that our health is the most important thing we possess. I keep trying to remember that when I am tempted. And I am always tempted.
That I find time each day for creative and spiritual moments. It still comes down to time, doesn't it?
That I do not neglect the riches that I already have. Be grateful. Always.
Happy New Year everyone.

Oh No! A Christmas Letter

Wow,
I am finally getting some real comments. I've certainly been slow to start on this blog thing, but I think it's going to be fun. I'm getting excited about our art doll swap starting in January. Right now I am just busy getting Christmas put together in our new (old) house. It's so hard getting everything to fit in a different setting. A friend told me she just starts over after moving, but I'm much too sentimental to do that!
I'm posting my Christmas letter, just to substantiate that I have been doing something!!!

Two thousand and six--I guess it is time

To send another Christmas rhyme

no weddings, no babies, no vacations this year.

The grandkids are growing, all six are so dear

The oldest is seven; the youngest is one.

We enjoy all the children and have lots of fun

But we do have some news and I think you'll agree

That change is a good thing. At least it can be.

While Santa was loading up his sleigh,

We packed up, too, and moved away.

An auction, a sale, a dumpster or two--

After 28 years we filled up quite a few.

At first I was sad and wanted to stay.

And I'm sure that our old house felt the same way.

But our memories came with us, and things are just fine.

Come visit, or call us, or drop us a line.

Our new house is cozy. It's snug and it's small

We downsized this year, but we still have it all.

Some things have changed and others have not

Some things have been lost, and others forgot.

And though no one knows what the future will bring

Friendship and Family make all our hearts sing.

We continue to wish you Christmas cheer

And Peace on Earth and a grand New Year!!!

Okay, even I know it's pretty hokey, but it was fun, and it is finished and mailed.

Getting Busy With the Blog

I'm very excited to have become a Glitter Power Sister, but I can see that I need to start blogging on a regular basis. Sometimes I wonder if I just don't think as much as other people--I go a long time without writing anything. But that will be changing now. I'll be adding more very soon. Including links

Who is the Victorian Gypsy?

Hello fellow gypsies and travelers. This is who I think I am. Why Victorian Gypsy, you ask? Because I have a love and knowledge for the Victorian time period, after years of study, and I am a gypsy soul at heart. Part of me yearns to be wild and free, while another part wants to follow all the rules and be as proper as I can be. A conundrum, don't you think?

Getting Back to Blogging

I have been spending some time reading other people's blogs, and realize that one can write about just about anything and someone will read it, won't they? With this new year already speeding by, I guess I should start to take this seriously. This is the year that I want to have more of a presence on the web, so I plan to utilize available opportunities.
As The Victorian Gypsy, I've presented one workshop this year, and am planning more. I will also be teaching some classes in March and April, so look for samples here soon.
Nothing too exciting in this post. I guess that I am not used to writing about my life yet!!!

more of the same

I'm still trying to figure out this blogg stuff. I just write whatever comes into my head and maybe someone will read it someday?
I'm knittting again. Started a small bag with round needles. I think I like regular knitting needles better. I now have 2 unfinished purses, and 2 unfinished cell phone bags. this is my first all wool project, so I will probably felt it. I tried to felt my first fuzzy purse and it just fell apart in the washer. hours and hours of practice knitting.
I'm also making some cq glasses cases. I think I will teach this at my next adult ed class. And more collage. This stuff has got to take off soon, I would think.........

confusing computers

I'm still trying to get everything switched over to my new computer. I think I liked the old one much more. My website looks funny (http://www.sandimoran.com). If anyone sees it, let me know how it looks to you. And my new domain isn't working correctly either. Right now it is http://www.thevictoriangypsy.homestead.com and it shouldn't have the homestead showing. Time to scream when I don't know what I am doing wrong. I've been told that I needed the other site for my program and presentation information. Maybe it would have been easier to just add a page. I'm getting this done in such little bits and pieces that it is taking forever.
all of my money making ventures have not come together yet, so I am planning for that to happen soon.

Introduction

Here I am, the new kid on the block. I've got lots of ideas, and blogging seems to be the thing. Today is just a test, to see if anyone really reads these. I just returned from a crazy quilt retreat, and am exhausted, while all these new thoughts are racing through my head.