Saint Lucy

Saint Lucy
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Last Sunday, while I was back in Philadelphia, my Mom and I took a little trip back to my old gradeschool, Saint Lucy's. My goal was to make it into church so that I could see the statue that has made such an impression upon me. Here she is, and yes, those are her eyes on a plate. Here is some more lovely history of Saint Lucy.

for Uncle Joe

Uncle Joe
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Chris' Uncle passed away yesterday. This photo was taken this summer while at the family shore house in New Jersey. We had a great time that weekend.
Our last night there, most of the "adults" (Chris' aunts and uncles) had left, Uncle Joe had stayed. We ended up having this amazing thunder storm, which we watch move around the pennisula and over the bay. We lost our electricity. The younger kids loved it, and the thrill was exciting. We even had a dance party when the electricity came back on.

The memory of that weekend is truly a gift. We are so glad to have the photos. It going to be a hard week.

open: 2 friends meet on a train platform

Recently Sue sent myself and our friend Bea an email about two friends that met in High School and how with a small gesture and an offer of friendship, changed their lives entirely. Sue had said it reminded her of how she & I had met. Bea wrote back and asked where we did meet and Sue sent back this story.

Well, Jenna was sitting on a bench at Rosemont station, having just missed the train. A few minutes later Sue arrived on the scene. She sat down on the same bench as Jenna and turned to her and said "Just missed the train, huh?" (she could tell because Jenna, smoker for several years, was still out of breath from her mad dash to the train.) "Yes " said Jenna in her polite, yet "I grew up in Philly and we boo Santa Claus" way. Not detered in the least, Sue then, (still high from being allowed into such a prestigous college as Rosemont and determined to make new friends in her best "I'm from Jersey, but don't hold it against me" way) turned to Jenna and said "Oh, we're going to be friends!" Jenna then looked at Sue with that wary Philly eyeball (you know the one you give those crazy homeless people at 30th Street station and asking for your last quarter) and said "Yeah Right" Sue, knowing that she really was crazy (afterall, the gallons of Aqua Net inhaled during her Mall rat, Big-spiral permed hair faze, had to have effected her, although at the time perhaps it gave her a quick buzz) and having once been homeless for three weeks herself, took this as conformation.
The two have been best friends ever since.

That accurate depiction definitely made my day. Thanks Sue.
& we live happily ever after.

key card

key cupboard
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Still all quiet on the northern front. We are waiting to hear back from our perspective digs in a northern town. As a funny side note I found the most excellent apartment in Portland. Complete with yard, garage, tub and lovely landlord. If only we decided to stay, but I do believe we are going north, my dears.
I received a check in the mail this week for selling 18 of my cards over the past two months. I am very excited. My first money from my own creations. It feels really good. So on with the positive and more new cards. Here are some of my new favorites for Valentine's Day.

space

Chris and I are contemplating a move north. We have been thinking of moving from Portland for a while and recent occurances have been motivation. First, Chris had the most miserable, awful, disgrace of a day at work on New Years Day. our current neighborhood. I am tired of living across from "Mobile Masterpiece Theatre." Our new neighbors above us have, I do believe, been filming adult videos loudly about twice a month for till 5 in the morning. Unfortunately their "stage" is right above our bedroom. Third, the Property Management Co. and the complete nimrod that s the president of the Management Co...I could go on, but I don't want to dwell. Its time.
SO while perusing the rental ads, I stumbled upon a little town about 45 min. above Portland that advertised an apartment + artist studio space included in the low rent, with all ammentities included. We immediately made an appointment to see both the apartment and studio. Geoff, the owner, was great and met with us the next afternoon. The apartment was okay but the studio space was amazing. In the center of town, located in an old dance hall with 15 foot windows.....it is great. Its huge. We are definitely sold on the studio space. See photo above, which does not do the space justice at all, its quite bigger than it looks.
Now what to do about the move?
When we left Philly we wanted to be in a more rural small town setting. Portland is definitely small town. About 64, 243 people, which is comparable to Roxborough/Manayunk, my town back home. After having lived here, I am craving smaller.
Opinions are welcome....

pedaling

pedaling fast
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

This year Rob Brezsny, my all time favorite astrologer gave me this lovely predicition:

"Though millions of other people may be flirting with glamorous badness and crafty nastiness in 2007, I bet you'll have a minimal attraction to negativity, no matter how interesting it might allegedly be. Drama kings and drama queens may try to seduce you into the crazy chaos they stir up through their addiction to pain, but you'll be pretty immune to their temptations. Seemingly reasonable people might hope you'll buy into their gloom and doom, but you'll be too smart for that. Congratulations in advance for your determination to be free of the stupid suffering that so many people love to entertain themselves with."

& with that I just feel like I must keep ahead of all the negativity that skulks (is that a word?) around. So I am making this photo my reminder to keep ahead, keep pedaling. This year, perhaps, I will stop choking on what I want myself to be and just be it. Fill myself with joy & be who I am, whoever that woman is. Take the lesson from my little buddha and just be....learning and growing.

don't you worry about a thing, my love

http://www.youtube.com/v/M6sGWGlwDr0">
Just a quick note to Christopher.......

the working sock

the working sock
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

This little pretty is my "sock" as they say in New England, for work. We initiated a sock making contest for all the staff on 2B. This was my contribution. I will post more photos soon of the many contributors and a few "socks" that I made for some co-workers who were not feeling so crafty.
Season's fleeting, ye best get to Greeting.........

A Chrismas Corner

Chrismas around the house
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

This is the top of a small bookshelf by our front door. I found those sweet cordoroy reindeers with markings from Japan at a rummage sale this summer while in Philly. They came from North Light, which is a community center in Manayunk where I grew up. It warms me to think that they probably came from one of those old row homes in on the hill, where I spent all my Christmas'....It gives me pause for my Nanny, whose house I cherished around the holidays. Where my Nanny's 12+ family gathered and laughed into the night.
The second piece on the shelf which makes me smile is an old copy of the Night Before Christmas. I believe it was printed in 1910 complete with an inscription, "To my Dear Sweet Niece Josephine." An old roomate/adopted older brother gave it to me when I was a teenager & I've longed to read it to my family.....it was exciting to do it last year, but I think this year is going to be even more special because Milo knows who Santa Claus is.....
I am so looking forward to Christmas.....

Score!

Score!
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Last week was full of big old scores in thrifting. I am in love with a few of these pieces and can't wait to dig in, yum! My favorites are a toss up between the 70's quilt print sleeping bag that Milo loves to hide in and the floral print in the back, that I ventured out into the snow the following day of the initial purchase & picked up the coordinating pieces, praying they'd still be there. I felt in touch with Soulemama & anxious and twitchy with her "lounge wear" entry a while back.

Milo and I wrote a letter to Santa today. He told Santa he wanted three things; a crane (check), Thomas trains (check) & a doll house....I damned near leapt with joy! Chris and I are actually making him a doll house of sort and its been in the works for a while. While thrifting I found this terrific box, that will be a perfect canidate for a doll house. Chris and I need to get cracking to have it done before Christmas. In September I managed to get some Ikea goodies for the holidays, and doll house furniture was one of the scores. I can't wait to play with it!

pin up gals

pin up gals
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Please met the lovely pin up gals. Inspired by a crafty mom over at Angry Chicken I went to town on these ladies, whom Milo calls likes to call the "girls". He has even made a few of his own. My favorite is the one in blue, I call her Chloe. This particular set is destined for our friend Hannah in Massachusettes. I have a feeling Chloe may have to stay home with me, or an incarnation of Chloe, a twin sister perhaps, called Mimi?!?
I am excited to post my Advent Garland....stay tuned!

HM & DG forever

HM & DG forever
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

This pillow was made back in August for my friends Holly and Dan as a wedding gift. Within the year I hope to have made a matching quilt, which is very ambitious on my part, I know. I loved this pillow & had completely forgotten to take photos of it before I gave it to them. Thankfully Holly came through with this photo recently and sent it along. Such great memories.....I finished sewing the side together in my quiet hotel room at Sandals Montego Bay, Jamacia while indulging in uninterupted Project Runway in the room with a Carribean View. I went solo this trip, with some much appreciated alone time. Deliciously decadent, I say, to spend time with my friends drinking frozen Miami Vices at the swim up bar, eating petit fours and lounging in the sunshine. All for a sweet celebration, my oldest friend in the world's marrying the bright and always entertaining Dan. Thank you Holly and Dan for some great memories.
Holly is the gorgeous one in white with the dark hair.....

late november, la di da

Late November Crafting
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Some of the products of my most recent toil. More small fabric notecards for Christmas, some of which have been sent to Ferdinand. Also more details of the gift for my Mama.

Have been very excited recently to start decorating for Christmas, but just haven't plunged in, I have been to busy sitting on my heiner and reading blogs and the like. I best get to it, only one month in the season.

Found this little bit of writing titled "stolen moments before bedtime, ghosts"

Teacup Judy lived behind the bureau in the basement by the heater. She didn't care for small children. It was rumored that she didn't bother to haunt them when they invaded the cellar on rainy days. Instead she made the heater rattle louder than usual in hopes to send them annoyed to the upstairs living room for some afternoon shows on UHF. She once worked for a radio program and believed that what she heard through the floor was a soap opera like the one she portrayed as a secretary for a man called Carlyle Davis. She quite liked this and the echo of footsteps through the floor. In the evenings she sipped tea behind the bureau resting on a broken milk crate filled with old shoes. She like to peer out from behind the bureau on the rare occasions when the adults played billards. The only trace of Judy was her teacup which perched high on the windowsill. Neighborhood children would hunker down on the sidewalk and squint against the sun to get a glimpse of its pink flowers lined with gold sitting crookied on its saucer.

be-belated gift

Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Finally sent out my Sweet Mama's Birthday Gift. This is a photo of that gift with her favorite and only grandson poking his head into the shot. I couldn't resist. Happy Be-Belated Birthday Mom.....

What I am Thankful For....

milo meets grandma
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

I have had a lot of blessings this past week & wanted to share them with you here & what a great excuse Thanksgiving is for doing just that.




We have found out recently that Chris' Mom Pat and her husband Frank are going to be moving to Maine. It is very exciting to think that we will have family living close by us very soon. On a quest for a house to buy, they visited with us last week while looking just northwest of Portland. It was great to have them here for a visit. Just a little snapshot of what it will be like to have family close-by, lots of laughter, companionship and general sense of contented togetherness. It warms me to think that Milo will have more people in his life that care for him as much as his father and I do, how lucky. Pat also brought along a lovely gift that she handmade for me, & its not even my birthday! She decoupaged a basket/box with a collection of old stamps, most of them Czech with really nifty designs. I have a real thing for old Czech stamps, the art on them are amazing....I should take some more photos, they are just so beautiful. Inside she felted the bottom and put in dividers plus, the inside lid of the basket she made into a pin cushion. Its so fun, I am excited to be using it! Pat was also the one who gave me her sewing machine when she replaced hers a few years back, which I feel has been one of the more inspiring moments in my life....setting me free in way I never knew possible. It wonderful to share a love of crafting with her. Here are some photos of that terrifc box. I am so grateful to be a part of your family, thank you Pat!

Much to my delight, I ran across a copy of the The Hausfrau last week while hocking my wares at Ferdinand.

My spirit automatically lifted, plunged when I realized I didn't have my wallet with me, than soared again, when Ferdinand's Diane said that I could have it taken off the price of my notecards with a consigner's discounted deducted. Sweet! This issue has not been a disappointment, either. The Frau delves deep into "unhipness" The funniest part of the zine for me this quarter is that she knows she is not hip because her most popular issue of Hausfrau has been "Issue #3 The Lice Issue. Just recently I thought we may have had a run in with those detested parasites, at which point I ran for my copy of Issue #3 to reread her advice on how to handle those pesty nits! Luckily we didn't have them, but our shampoo bottles are swimming with tea tree oil, apparently I was a little heavy handed in my fear. Chris has requested an oil free shampoo! Anyway, Yaahhhh I am thankful for the Hausfrau....readers, go to her sight and enjoy the samples, its worth it!



Chris recently found this kicking recipe for No-Knead Bread This bread is so yummy! This bread was also a terrific excuse to purchase a creamy yellow vintage Corning Ware ceremic covered dish that I had been eying at my local thrift shop for months. When I finally had an excuse to purchase it, I was biting at the bit to get it. I had to bide my time though....finally when I got to the store I heaved a sigh of relief, there is was nuzzled under the shelf. The best part about this dish/pot is that it made the awesome bread even better. Now if only the companion part is still there!!!!

Over at Strange Maine wrote a beautiful piece of prose about why she is thankful to live in Maine. It was so beautiful, Thank you MIchelle...

the scarf and the boy

the scarf and the boy
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Was so excited to make Milo a scarf this year. Last year he probably wouldn't have kept it on but this year is perfect for a scarf. He is actually excited about wearing it. I was inspired by Milo's friend Zane who was wearing a little yellow scarf his Auntie had made him. My next endeavor is a hat....I have been trying to make a hat for my brother Brad for about three years, & this is the year its going to happen.
Recently I found this neat little group called the Art Scouts on Whip Up. I was always a bit chagrinned that I never got to be a Girl Scout. I loved the uniform, badges and crafts........this group would allow me to live out a long held fantasy. So in the spirit of the Art Scouts(although I haven't officially joined, yet!) I asked one of the kind ladies who volunteer at my work to show me how to knit a hat. Barbara was happy to oblige. I have my lesson before work next week on Wednesday. I find it difficult to figure out knitting without being shown. So I hope this works out well, & than I can knit some hats for the nursery at the hospital in turn for her kindness.

out in the world

Amidst the seeming forever rain we've had lately, I managed to get some crafting time in, and enough to finish 12 of these little fabric notecards, which I am so excited about. Excited enough to try my wares at Ferdinand one of our local handcrafted goodies stores. I consigned all twelve, lets hope they sell! It feels so good to get my wares out there!

While on the trip to Ferdinand I received a call from my friend "Ruby" in LA....
CONGRATULATIONS RUBY!!!! I have no doubt of your continued success!

yummy!

some good fabric finds
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Yesterday I was able to make it out to my favorite local thrift shop...where all the ladies know me and the little one. They had just put out a ton of notions and fabric right before I arrived. T'was my lucky day. Yards of delicious fabric and even black ric-rac, my favorite. My favorite bit was the yellow blanket binding. And this here fabric,
Also did some late night crafting and finally finished this corduroy number that is actually reversible. I don't know how I managed it, but it looks pretty good and I even got to wear it today, this here is a pretty bad photo of it, but you get the gist.

Holy Mary

Originally uploaded by zavodk.

Recently I began photographing my growing collection of religious art. Specifically Mary statues. This is one of my favorites. I really enjoy the eastern look with the gold and almond eyes. I find her rouged lips to be striking.

& one for Patricia

Patricia's Blanket
Originally uploaded by zavodk.

This is a photo of Patricia's (Chris' Ma) latest accomplishment. I wanted to showcase a mighty fine work of crochertry.....WOW, what great craftmanship.....thanks for sharing it with us, Pat!