Happy dog

That's our girl, Catalina. She doesn't get out as much as she used to, but sure loved going to the coast and playing in the water a few weeks ago.

Mosaic class

Here's my mosaic -- still needs to be grouted. It's supposed to be a sunrise (or a sunset?). It's about 5" x 5". Can't wait do do more mosaic, very fun! The class was taught by the woman who made the green and polkadot bag you can see in the Radio Flyer holding our Thanksgiving dinner. I got the bag at SCRAP (one awesome place!), and had it with me at the class. Portland's kind of a small town in some ways.

Pecan pie inspriation

Bret showed me this after the mosiac class Kristin and I took at DIY Collage.


Do you see it?


Not yet?


How about now?

Sabine helped with the pecan placement. Thanks, Baker Al, for the outstanding crust, and for teaching me the secret to pizza dough...I'll post that soon.

Channel your inner headband

Vivian likes headbands...her way. I think we need to stop letting her read this.
(PS - thanks Granny Jean and Boopy for the dress from Turkey -- they fit and both girls love 'em.)

The cutest bananas ever

Ok, so the fruit basket got tugged on and broke, bruising almost all of the baby bananas (so they ended up in a smoothie) but really, who wouldn't want to buy these petite fruits?

Thanksgiving

Kristin and I walked the 2 blocks to New Seasons and picked up our meal in the Radio Flyer.


Vivian, finally satisfied with the size of her piece of pie.


Vivian and Acacia enjoying said pie.


Sabine with her table decorations. Move over, Martha.

What I willed into our house

OK. I know it doesn't look like much. And the pegboard...well, I could always take a leaf of Kat's page and cover it in paper, but hey, it's a book display shelf! As a librarian, I know how much more appealing outward facing books are, and I wanted a better way to strew our large selection of books, as well as ones checked out from the library. I'd been looking at them on various sites, dismayed by their hefty price tag ($150 and up, not including shipping). Bret said he could make one (with Papa G's Shopsmith) if I could figure out the dimensions. But that takes tiiiiiime. And I really wanted this now. But I didn't want to spend the cash.

In steps Portland Craigslist to the rescue! I found a garage sale that said they were moving, and selling lots of furniture. (I'm also looking for an inexpensive art materials cabinet, inspired after reading (well starting) the book The Creative Family.) Bret took the girls to Laurelhurst park, while I drove to the sale. I had to "sneak up on it" as I'd forgotten my piece of paper with the address, thanks to numbered streets and some great landmarks (parks/playgrounds) I didn't get too lost.

The first thing I see is the pegboard display (which, Bret assures me he can modify to have even more display shelves). Did I mention it also has some shelves in the back, and it has wheels? And they were selling it for...EIGHT DOLLARS. I also found 3 bulletin boards for $2 each, and two folding tables for $25 for the set (a 6' one for my sewing room, and a 4' one for art projects downstairs). Dang. I love a good yard sale.

And, I love thinking about something that I'd really like to have, putting it out there, and having it find me. Very cool.