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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Seasons of Love


The cleaning bug bit me this week, so I'm hoping to take advantage until the feeling wears off. Although perhaps I should rename it to the ambition bug cause nothing could make me enjoy the process of cleaning, I only cleans because the outcome feels so good! So a huge dose of ambition directed at cleaning my workspace, my room, my bathroom, my car, or whatever is rare but I hope to take advantage if I can. (Perhaps I don't have all the ambition I require because after all, I am sitting here on the floor with my computer in my lap instead of delivering a massive pile of dirty clothes to the laundry room.)


Anyway, an additional dose of cleaning inspiration came when I found out that a few staff members at my alma mater are conducting an informal gift drive for the families of the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Clothes, games, books, stuffed toys... you know, fun stuff!

So exciting, right? Gift drives are super fun! I only wish I could accompany the delivery and see the looks on the faces of recipients. But finding the perfects gifts are almost as fun!! So let me show you what I found...

That's right! All the way from the '90s.. Beanie Babies! These were stored away with the greatest of care hoping that some day they would be worth a little moolah. I don't know that these little guys can produce a big enough return on the investment, but I do know that they can produce smiles on little faces which is way more important! Yay!

I should get back to my cleaning duties, so wish me luck on uncovering more goodies to gift.



P.S. There are unlimited opportunities to donate to worthy causes around this time of year. And it's tough to give to all of them, especially when the pocket book/wallet is a little less full than years prior. Consider finding a cause to which you can donate your time or gently used/never used belongings instead. I guarantee that you'll be glad you did!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Hallowinners

I'm still learning new things about myself through the blogosphere... apparently I'm a very sporadic blogger. I go through periods where I can't think of a thing I want to say. Oh well I guess; I'm back now!

For your viewing pleasure, here are the results of my Halloween festivities...

Witches Finger Cookies...

... in the oven and....

... on their way to the Halloween party.



They expanded in the oven more than I would have liked, but they were yummy and definite crowd pleasers!


Here you see my pumpkin carving tools. Anyone who has used the little orange tools from the kit you find in the grocery store knows just how delicate these can be. However, if you have a gentle hand, they sure get the job done.

P.S. Diet Coke is not included in the store-bought kit. It was a personal addition to my in order to fuel my creative endurance.


When the votes came in from my lovely readers, I set out to create a spooky witch carving. Google search after google search did not reveal the best inspiration so I had to look elsewhere. Lucky for me, I found a cool pattern at the grocery store but wanted to make it my own. So, I thought of one of the spookier stories I know, MacBeth, and re-produced the witch in triplicate. So I present to you...

... The Weird Sisters!


My craving for pumpkin carving was still not satisfied. I wanted to try a more realistic looking carving because they look sooo cool... if you get 'em right that is. I decided on a character from what of my favorite shows...

... Abby Sciuto!


If you know about Abby Sciuto on NCIS, you now why her likeness makes a great addition to Halloween fanfare. I know I can do better, but my hands and patience were being tested mid-way through the carving and they were both starting to give out before I finished Abby's second ponytail. Even still, I had fun making an attempt!

My hands were begging for a break but alas, I still had one more pumpkin begging for a carving. So I resorted to an old standby...

... The Jack 'O' Lantern face!


I forgot just how fun a traditional face could be! You free-hand it and just let it come to you as you go... very liberating! To add more drama to the simple carving I was able to find a battery operated multi-colored strobe at the grocery store to place on the inside of the pumpkin. All the trick-or-treaters seemed to like it!


Needless to say, my thirst for creative outlets was quenched after Halloween! I had a lot fun with it and am already planning for next year!