Way to tune out for a couple weeks, huh? Hmm, where to begin....well; I have to say I'm very happy with America's vote for our next president, but something that has clouded that happy day for me ever since is how my state voted on Prop 8, which has to do with the rights of gays and lesbians to marry. It is the 21st century, we vote a mixed race man into the White House, we vote for chickens to have bigger cages so they can have dignity and spread their wings more freely before we kill them for the dinner table, but we have to thwart our personal opinions on two people who simply want to marry? I just can't shake off my utter disappointment. I happened to be watching msnbc a week or so ago when Keith Olbermann gave a special comment on it, and he put a lot of what I was feeling into words. If you're not familiar with the issue you may want to give a listen. I don't think this is over yet. Not nearly.
This weekend was very busy for us. On Saturday we hosted a table (as we always do) at the big annual Fall Dinner fundraiser for my grandson Caleb's school.
I couldn't be just one more table of pumpkins and oranges and browns, so I went with pink tulle and sheer polka dots and blue glittery bits and mercury glass. Looked more like a wedding party but it was pretty and we had fun. My oldest daughter Erica and her SO Brian came to town, because the following day we had a party here at home for granddaughter Madison's first birthday.
She really is turning into a very pretty girl but so far, much like her grandma, she isn't very photogenic. This was the best of about 50 pics I took. I did get a pretty funny video of her eating cake tho.
A couple of highlights in the film--at 52 seconds when the second baby joins the frame, keep in mind that as big as she is, she is only nine months old! For some reason it just cracks me up how completely heartbroken she seems when Madison merely touches her face. At the 2:00 minute mark she shows quite the glimpse of her fiery personality...the way she kicks back and gives me her whaddayagonnadoaboutit look while patpatpating the cake. It's pretty funny the way she ends the video, too. Ahhh. As Caleb would say; "good times....good times."
DO NOT ALLOW ME TO JOIN SWAPS ANY MORE!!! I joined Sharon's Polka Dots and Rick Rack swap two months ago, in honor of our friend Cheryl (who's blog is also named PD & RR) because she had just become a grandmother for the first time. AND retired. Yay Cheryl! I know you're lovin' life. Well, I waited til three days beyond the last minute, and finally got this out in today's mail.
It was a Secret swap, meaning no one knows who's sending to them til they receive it. I didn't know the gal I was to send to from Adam, had never even visited her blog, but luckily when I DID I saw this pic of Lucy labeled as her "alter ego" so I went with that. Nothin' says "I feel guilty as heck!" like using one's last little bit of Cath Kidston fabric for a stranger, huh? Just kidding. Well, I put some favorite foreign language mags inside (so fun looking at the pictures!) as well as one square each of the 63 different polka dot fabrics I happen to have in my stash and thank goodness mailed it off today and marked it off the To Do list!
I have plenty more to share, including a tutorial I think will be of interest, but for tonight I want to get out into the studio and do something fun!! This ol' Grandma hasn't been gettin' near the free time she needs lately. Be back soon. Promise!!
Jen,
I'm going to make Roman Shades for dining room windows that are 61 3/4 inches long. What would your suggestion be as to: How far up from bottom should I start rings?
How far apart should I start with rings to do the decreasing spaces? and how many sets of rings should I put on this long of a shade? Thank you for your help.
Kathy
Posted by: A Facebook User | April 30, 2012 at 01:52 PM
Hi there,
any ideas on making top down / bottom up roman shades????
I love your tutorial. Thank you so much! And your shade is beautiful.
Long time ago though...are you still 'here'?
Can this shade be done?
thanks,
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | October 01, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Ditto on the Prop thing..just doesn't make any sense. And I am with you, I need to lay off swaps for a bit. I am always behind lately!!!
Posted by: Cheryl | November 25, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Well first, Madison is adorable, completely adorable. As was your table setting.
Lastly, I agree about Prop 8. Of course I would--- but you knew that. Taking rights away. Ridiculous. These same people who were swayed by idiotic things are more than likely the ones who are first in line to bitch about human rights in the rest of the world. How about human rights right here in America?
I want some. And--- I don't think it is too much to ask. Seriously!
Posted by: tina | November 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Oh I was so deflated when Prop 8 passed, it sucked a lot of the joy out of the election for me, I just can't understand how it happened!!
On a brighter note, your grandbaby, decorated table and lucy bag are all ADORABLE and very, very pretty :)
Posted by: Sue McG | November 21, 2008 at 09:15 PM
I can't tell you how thrilled I am with my goodies! The bag is a riot. I can't wait to take it out in public. :-D
My Dad started calling me Lucy Fussbudget when I was a small girl (tells you something about my personality LOL) and my brother still refers to me as "Fuss".
The magazines look wonderful and I can't believe that pile of yummy polka dot charms! I'm already thinking about what project to use them for.
It is hard making things for a stranger but you did fantastic. *hugs*
Katie
Posted by: Katie | November 21, 2008 at 12:37 PM
The Lucy bag is adorable ~ lucky swap partner.
Posted by: diane | November 20, 2008 at 08:57 AM
What a super cute kid. She's very pretty.
Taylor just kinda poked at her cake like "really, do you expect me to touch this?" lol. Messy hands are not her thing. Just one of those things.
I don't understand a lot of what's goin' on today in the world. Seems like if we all just respected one another life would be so much happier.
Posted by: michelleinfantino | November 19, 2008 at 03:47 PM
When you wait this long to post, there is so much in it that my comment could run as long as your post!
Anyway, I'm totally with you on Prop. 8. Madison is gorgeous, and it shows. Your table is splendid!
Posted by: Kathi D | November 18, 2008 at 11:52 PM
And yeah, I almost forgot, what the heck is up with that whole Prop 'Hate' thing? How could that passed in CA of all places. Its a huge dissapointment for sure.
Posted by: pam | November 18, 2008 at 10:46 PM
How cute!
Posted by: pam | November 18, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Hear, hear on Prop. 8. A very sad thing. The bag is adorable, as is your granddaughter.
Posted by: MichelleB | November 18, 2008 at 07:24 PM