Spring Yesterday!

Winter today. My poor flowers must be shivering in their beds this morning. Here in NL, a spring storm with snow this morning which will change over to rain later today.

No playing in the garden today. All taken in stride as usual.

Same Path!

Something I have learned through blogging and being linked to other likeminded bloggers, is how similar we all really are.

We are all on the same path, not really knowing where we are going to end up in the life we are living. The twists and turns, u-turns and road blocks and all without a map!

Playing in the Garden

Today was a beautiful day and I was able to poke around the garden to look for signs of life. I found several signs including snowdrops, crocus; the tulips and daffodils are just 3-4 inches tall and no flowers yet.

I sat in the sunshine and enjoyed the birds; finches, chickadees, sparrows and of course, crows and bluejays. Inside, I watched Lily and Henry sprucing up in their birdbath. Yes, spring is here and everyone knows it!

Back on Track!

Well, some time has passed since I last posted. But, here I am again, back on track. All went well for P's surgery and now, a slow, road to recovery. I haven't had a chance to do much on either of my rug hooking projects, but here is the smaller project, the table mat.

The weather is great and I have tulips and crocus coming up out of the cold earth. Pretty soon it will be time, to take off the winter coat in the garden and put on her spring coat!

Quiet as Horses

Anyone who knows about horses, knows that is definitely not true. During the winter, our neighbour houses two horses in his barn which is really his garage. Lately, the horses when inside, have been kicking and kicking. I think they feel spring in the air and want to get out and kick up their heels.

Today is P's 59th birthday and on this auspicious day, she is in St. John's and meeting with the heart surgeon who will perform a miracle on her defective heart valve.

Do you ever wonder about the people you trust with your life. What kind of year have they had? Do they have any health issues? And the obvious, how much they drink the night before the big day?

Many times per day, we trust our lives in the hands of perfect strangers and never give them a second thought. The truck driver in front of you, the bus driver, the pilot, the mechanic, and yes, the surgeon.

A little Distracted!

John Lennon once said, Life is what happens, when you are busy doing other things. And so, I have been a little distracted with some of life's curves.

I decided with my little rug hooking group to do a little table mat along with them and here it is. I am doing abit now and then, and will go back to Hearts and Flowers later on.

Still haven't seen a robin but I think I heard one yesterday.

Spring?

While we have had very mild weather, my search for our first robin of spring has proven fruitless.

On seeing the first robin of the year, I have been known to recite the spring poem. You know the one; spring is sprung etc. It is bad luck to chant it before seeing the first robin of the year, so I won't finish it for now.

A couple of chickadees have taken up residence in one of the birdhouses and are busy nest building. But a spring storm is looming on our horizon for the next two days so I hope, if any eggs have been laid, that they will survive the blast.

Dear Julie,

Shape up. Long walks. Small meals.

Please see an optometrist... for goodness sake... thread-repaired glasses from 2004 are wrong. Leave your partner's t-shirts in the closet.
And one more thing, and please don't take this the wrong way,
but maybe you don't need to share *everything* in hOOkwOrm.


Just saying.


Love, Your Inner Voice

If you want to be Happy,

BE HAPPY.



I heard this quote yesterday which was attributed to the Dalai Lama. So simple and so true.

Often, we look for complex answers to complex questions but could Ockham's Razor be the truth.

'Frustra fit per plura, quod fieri potest per pauciora'. ('It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.')

I tried to carry this theme into yesterday's hooking group. Rug hooking was a simple and inexpensive chore of necessity and yet, is it in danger of becoming large, expensive and elitist?

It was a small but enthusiastic group. Next week, we will work on a small project and transferring the design onto the backing.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

As an person of Irish descent on both sides, I am tipping the hat to all the lads and colleens today.

In NL, there was a time when the island was 90% Irish and you can see and hear the remnants of this influence everywhere you go. It is in the language, the accent and even, the look of the geography is so similar to the emerald isle.

We are so Irish in NL, that it is a provincial holiday. Monday, most offices, schools and stores were closed because of the St. Patrick's Day holiday. They took the Monday instead of today.

Today, is the first meeting of our at-work rug hooking group lunch bunch. I will let you know how it goes!

Alpacas of Newfoundland

Along the Port a Port Peninsula, there is unusual wildlife not native to the province. The Alpacas of NL were out as we took our road trip on the weekend, and I could not resist taking a picture to share.

A couple, who were former OPP officers, retired to the province several years ago and decided to raise alpacas. They opened a craft shop complete with alpaca fibre, alpaca knitted goods etc.

The shop wasn't open as it is abit early in the season for travellers but these beautiful creatures were willing to pose for me.

Weekend Trip

St George's Bay














Three Rock Cove













Red Island, Gulf of St. Lawrence















West Bay








The weather was so beautiful that it called for a road trip. The weather has been very unusual for the island and that was clearly evident. We headed for the Port a Port Peninsula which is approximately 80 kms away from Corner Brook and took the French Ancestors Route around the Peninsula.

As NL was settled by a variety of fishermen from many countries over 500 years ago, many of the names and influences remain. French, Irish, English to name a few. The scenery along the way always amazes me in its rugged beauty.

At this time of year, the ice usually moves in and surrounds the island with its icy arms of white. The only ice in any bay was at the end of the French Ancestors's Route, West Bay and it was only frazzle ice; not the usual thick pans of ice.

Progress on Mat

Kim must have been reading my mind and I was thinking too, it is about time to update the progress on Hearts and Flowers. It is coming along but I am not sure about my chosen colours at this point.

But I will persist as I am not going to do any reverse hooking. It is going in a small room and I wanted it to have some light shades to brighten the room. We shall see.

Going ahead with the rug hooking group at work and have set a date for next week. So far, there are five of us and there would be more but some employees have a different lunch time and a shorter one. But there is quite a bit of enthusiasm within the group.

the hOOkwOrms

This picture was sent to me of a beautiful albino moose in the woods in Nova Scotia. If you look carefully, there is also a bird (I think a whiskey jack) in the shrub!

Well, I will be starting a small group of hOOkwOrms at lunch time at the Day job. After my infamous article in the Western Star, I have had lots of interested coworkers suggesting that we start up a lunch time group.

With all the upheaval in the work environment, there is nothing like a distraction for our mental health.

Women's Day-March 8th

First of all, it is International Women's Day today and I have been taking the time to think of a list of 50 women who changed the world. Back in the 70s when I first moved to Toronto, I was a part of the Women's Liberation organization in that community.

Where have all the "libbers" gone as we were called in the day. Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Kate Millett, Germaine Greer all aging as I am. Has the movement aged into oblivion? What happened to the passion for change that fueled the consciousness raising of forty years ago?

Who knows but are we all toddering in our gardens, muttering to ourselves?

I am hoping that the spirit of the movement will continue to inspire us all. The struggle remains, sadly.

The Tax Time Blues

Well, with longer days and thoughts of Springtime in the air, tax time rolls around once again.

Don't get me wrong, I live in a wonderful country and understand that the social services we enjoy must be paid for by those who can enjoy them.

But why does tax time tax us so much?

With Glowing Hearts!

I am not such a fan of the Olympics but when it comes to hockey, both men's and women's teams, that's another story.

To say the least, for the men's hockey team to win four straight after the defeat to Team USA was unbelievable.

To my dear American friends, we are brothers and sisters in arms, great neighbours and close to each other in many ways, but not when it comes to hockey!

Donation Update!

This is the heading from the Bay of Islands SPCA website. I received an update from Evelyn Hancock and they are selling tickets on the Icons of Newfoundland like hotcakes.

One lady ordered 100 tickets which are being sent to Ontario! Imagine my delight this morning to get this information and the response my project!

Change is Good?

Change is good for the most part; however, change can be frighteningly uncomfortable. Yesterday, fifteen more non union employees were terminated and there were quite a few of these employees whom I call my friends.

I am keeping grounded for the most part and find that change is good but that without routines in our lives, we can feel lost and yet, maybe even free. What did those people feel like this morning when they woke up and didn't have their Day Job to worry about/complain about or look forward to?

It is kind of like having a sandwich without the usual condiments. It is interesting but certainly, not the same.

Spring has sprung?

The first picture was looking east in my garden February 2009 and the second picture roughly, the same shot but one year later.

Needless to say, we on the snow capital of NL, haven't had any snow to speak of this year. One February about four years ago, it snowed at least 5 cm or more, for 26 days straight in February! There was alot of snow shovelling that year for sure considering there was only 28 days in the month!

I was out at lunch today and it is beautiful, sunny and warm. Birds are chirping, trees are starting to awaken and I bet that under the scant bit of snow on the garden, life is being again.

Could it be that spring has sprung?

Communal Project

While in St. John's, I was able to participate in a community rug hooking project. Here is a picture of Bobbi and I working on the Penny Rug.

I am not sure of the actual dimensions but as you can see, it is quite large. The primary colour of the rug is green with a rust/brown background. I completed two circles and left my comments in the rug diary.

It is uncertain what the destiny of this rug is but I am sure it will find an appropriate home.

Back from the Capital City!

Well, we arrived back without any weather related travelling glitches, safe and sound. In between medical appointments, we were able to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of NL's capital city.

In some ways, it is just a city but down by the waterfront, it is a snapshot of days gone by. The colourful wooden homes, the tiny streets and the absolutely gorgeous Victorian homes of the fishocracy. For those of you who took the latest NL Quiz, you will already know what this word means.

Answers to the NL Quiz.

Well, Cathy and Kim, thanks for the definitions and of course, the great chuckle. I think I enjoy these quiz's more than you do.

Okay,

1) Mauzey: A damp, warm misty or foggy day.

2) Hipper: A bent nail used to as a makeshift button for your suspenders or pants.

3) Adikey: This is the Inuk parka or outer coat.

4) Fishocracy: The mercantiles of St. John's engaged in the export of codfish.

5) Komatik: A long sled used in Labrador.

Thanks again! I will be off to St. John's for awhile so hopefully, won't be gone too long before another post. I won't forget to take my camera for some pictures along the way.

I may even attend a rug hooking group, you never know.

NL Quiz Day!

I am digging hard now, for more NL words and of course, can't wait for some of the responses. (Especially, Kim and Cathy)

Here we go.

1) Mauzey

2) Hipper

3) Adikey

4) Fishocracy

5) Komatik


Good Luck!

All the Things British!

I love all things British. From Coronation Street,to the accents, to the sounds of London life, I love it all.

Lately, on Sunday, I watch another British show called "Come Dine With Me.". It is a group of five people who are unknown to each other,and have a turn at preparing a meal and serving to the others. They are then, graded on their meal, their serving style, entertainment etc. The winner wins 1000.00 pounds and of course, bragging rights.

The other night I came home to a wonderful meal of chicken marsala and fettucine which P had prepared, borrowing the recipe from last week's Come Dine With Me.

It was a gorgeous meal and a delightful surprise. I wonder what's for dinner tonight?

Travelling!

This picture was sent to me and it is of the Canso Causeway during Friday's storm. I have travelled back and forth to the island in all kinds of weather and that picture does bring back some memories and not all of them, good.

I am heading to St. John's next week and it is about this time, I started watching the Weather network for hours at a time. Gauging the weather in Newfoundland can be very difficult at times, especially during the winter.

It reminds me to take your time and be prepared. Somewhat like life's lessons.

New Project!

Well, after quite the day of mini celebrity status, I am back down to earth and working on the new project; Hearts and Flowers.

Everyone at work commenting on the article in the Western Star. You have to remember how small Corner Brook is, and that everyone reads the newspaper daily. Lots of comments about my beautiful Icons of NL and its destiny as a fundraiser.

Hearts and Flowers is a 22 x 38 mat which I adapted from one of my rug hooking books. I like the simpleness of it and am completing it in primarily wool yarns.

Article in the Western Star!

Crafting for a cause; Rug hooking donated to SPCA for fundraiser


CORNER BROOK
JAYMIE WHITE
The Western Star

This rug hooking created by Julie M. has been donated to the SPCA for its fundraising drive.



Julie M. has found a way to turn one of her hobbies into a charitable act for the SPCA.

Julie M, an occupational health nurse at the Corner Brook mill who loves animals, took up the craft of rug hooking about a year ago, and is donating a large wall hanging to be raffled by the SPCA.

The funds raised from the raffle, which will include various pieces from other individuals, will go toward the new SPCA building and will also help to keep the business going strong in the meantime.

Julie M. is self-taught and, after completing numerous smaller projects, decided to tackle the large 32-by-39-inch wall hanging, which took her about six months to finish.

The pattern, “Icons of Newfoundland,” is an original design by Anne Kirby, a resident of Lord’s Cove. It depicts many symbols that represent the province, including the Newfoundland dog, a lighthouse, a seal, a Canadian goose, a moose and the Newfoundland flag.

“The rug is actually 12 little rugs within one large rug,” said Julie M. “All the little icons come together in one piece to represent us as Newfoundlanders.”

Julie M. said it was an article printed in The Western Star that got her interested in rug hooking.

“I thought it seemed like an interesting new craft so I decided to give it a try,” she said.

Despite begin a beginner, Julie M. said that it didn’t take her long to master the craft because, once she started, it felt completely natural to her.

“The minute I put the hook in my hand it felt like I have been doing this all of my life,” said Julie M. “I just thought it was going to be an awesome hobby and that I would continue to pursue it.”

Because she is self-taught, Julie M. is not sure she is doing it the same way as everyone else. All that matters to her though, is that the crafts she completes look good when they are finished.

“I have a lot of friends who have become interested in it and would like me to help them,” said Julie M. “I am not sure if I am doing it the right way or not but either way I am achieving it.”

Julie M. has her own blog where she discusses rug hooking with other people all over the world who are interested in the craft.

Donating the wall hanging to the SPCA was an easy decision to make, said Julie M, because the organization is always doing positive things for animals that need help.

“I really believe that we all need to be the keepers of our pets,” said Julie M, “Certainly in this community we can see that the SPCA does need a new building and that they have been looking around for sources of funding. I thought that, with my keen interest in animals, it would just be a natural progression for me to donate the wall hanging to Evelyn Hancock and the SPCA.”

Evelyn Hancock of the SPCA said the money from this raffle will be combined with money from other fundraisers for the organization.

“We are trying to do all of these fundraisers in order to start this new shelter fund, and we need to keep the shelter doors open,” said Hancock.

Hancock said she is grateful for Julie M’s generous donation and anticipates it will be a great help.

“I think it is excellent,” said Hancock. “I always knew she was an animal lover, both her and her partner. She has been in touch wanting to do something for a while. When she took up this project, it really turned out beautiful.”

Julie M, who has already gotten started on her next project, hopes that the wall hanging she donated will help to bring a good amount of money to the SPCA.

“I certainly hope that I can help raise money,” said Julie M. “I wanted to give them a hand with their fundraising and I hope to see them very soon in their new home.”

Beautiful Morning

One morning last week on the way to the shower, I took this quick picture as the morning was unfolding in the most beautiful way. Like a flower tempting us with promises and things to come.

I have found that digital cameras are just wonderful for the way you can take pictures and post them on your blog or to send to family. It is absolutely amazing how wonderful technology has brought us along in the past few years.

Nice calm weekend with about 10 cm. of snow, just enough to produce beautiful pictures but not enough for a snow day.

Life Goes On!

Well, our eight unions have accepted the first of five concessions; a 10% pay cut and life goes on in Corner Brook.

I am currently working on my new rug project called Hearts and Flowers which is rather appropriate for Valentine's Day and the welcoming back of spring. I will post a picture on the weekend.

Arrangements are being made finally for the fate of the Icons Of Newfoundland's and by now, you know that it is going to be donated for a fund raiser. I am going to be interviewed by the Western Star tomorrow and all will be revealed.

I wonder if the head line will be, Nurse by day, hooker by night?

Finished!

The Icons of Newfoundland all completed into a wall hanging. I sewed on the tabs and had to steam it one more time but I think it is beautiful.

I am on to the next project which is a small rug 22 x 38 and should have it all drawn onto the burlap by this evening, so I will post a picture. It is a simple pattern but still haven't decided on the colour scheme.

As a fibre artist who is quite challenged in the drawing department, I have learned how to make the most of a variety of software and computer programs. So with my scanner, tracing paper and a trial version of Rapid Resizer, it is nearing completion.

Walking on Water!

On the way into the Day Job this morning, I thought I was seeing things. The birds were walking on water. Well, at least, it looked that way.

Most of the ice has disappeared with the milder temperatures but overnight, it got abit cold. Cold enough to create a skim of pure clear ice and the birds looked like
they were walking on water.

I am always amazed at the survival of the birds during the hardship of Canadian winters. How do they survive with only a few feathers and bare feet? And to top it it all off, they don't even complain or ask for media time to expose their plight?

Is this January?

This little Newfoundland Pony in Summerside can't believe the little snow we had is now gone again. How funny the weather is this year? All my pictures of snow and ice in the Bay are now only a distant memory. Gone with the warm wind and rain.

The bay is now wide open.

More Pictures

These pictures were taken by friends who were skidooing on a trail near Marble Mountain and the ski hills.

To give you some perspective of the proximity of the city to the country, you can see the steam coming from the mill in Corner Brook in the last picture.

It's Finished!

I started the Icons of NL on June 28, 2009 and completed the last stitch on the top border this weekend.

Now, I am working on the finishing. Thanks to April's blog and her tips, I used Cindy Gay's technique and zigzagged the edges several times before cutting off the excess burlap. I am using cording and whipping it with a contrast colour and I must say, it is spectacular.

I worked on this mat which is approximately 32 inches by 28 inches for at least ten minutes per day; afterall, I am a member of the ten minute challenge group! The materials are wool yarn and some wool strips. It isn't perfect but I certainly learned alot about rug hooking and considering I am self taught, it is amazing.

Now, this week it will be finished to be a wall hanging and the Icons of NL's fate will become clear!

Bay view Pictures

These pictures are looking out from Corner Brook into the Humber Arm. The steam is rising from the Corner Brook papermill where I work. The bay just started to "catch" as they say here this week with the very cold temperatures.

The ice is abit late this year as we have had a mild winter with only small amounts of snow. Corner Brook has a population of approximately 25,000 in and around the surrounding areas. It is a beautiful place with mountains older than the rockies, clear lakes and brooks and wonderous forests; all within 10 minutes.




The seals have moved into the harbour and here is one basking on the ice outside of the fish plant in Curling and only a few feet from Marine Drive.

Prorogue?

Now, there is a word that only a few Canadians knew the meaning of, a year ago.

To prorogue means to delay, to suspend or to defer, to extend or to protract.

Personally, I would like to prorogue my weekends and shorten my weekdays. Unfortunately, that is not to be and by the posts in my fellow bloggers, I am not the only one with this preference.

Maddy is having one of her naps with her head on a pillow by the fire and a binkie close by. It has been so cold that she doesn't stay outside for long and the bay is starting to "catch over".

But the days are getting longer, perhaps, proroguing a little more every day!

Almost!

Almost finished the Icons of NL on the weekend.

It was another whirlwind weekend of tidying up after some renovations, regular housework, shopping, snow removal and a nursing assessment for Veteran's Affairs.

Needlessly to say, the weekend as usual flew by and I am back here at the Day Job wondering where it went. I am teasing out the last bit of hooking as I prepare for the finishing. I am going to make this lovely rug a wall hanging and I am using some of my fellow bloggers as resource people. Afterall, I have never completed a rug of this size, so it is a bit of a learn-as-you-go project.

Ahhh, now, the mystery will be revealed later on its destiny. Stayed tuned.

The Answers to Yesterday's Quiz

I think that I am being selfish as I get such a great laugh at some of the answers to the NL Quiz. Great job Kim and Cathy!!

It has been such a hard week at work with the economic downturn in the industry that it was wonderful to have a good laugh.

Here we go:

1) Jackabaun:A mischievous, untrustworthy person or a nickname for a politician. I guess you could say we have quite a few jackabauns around in Ottawa!

2)Mollyfodge: This is the soft green brown lichen that forms on rocks. In the old days and probably still today, NL rug hookers would use the mollyfodge to create a yellow-green dye for their hooked rugs and mats.

3)Ursena: I like Kim's definition but it is really a sea-urchin. I guess it was a slang word used in the old days.

4)Ragmoll: Almost just like it sounds, this one means a tattered, unkempt person.

5)Bangbelly: This is a type of pudding or cake made in the woods with flour, fat pork or suet and can be boiled, baked or steamed.

Almost finished the last icon and will start the border and hopefully, finish it on the weekend. Then, more to come on what will become of my beautiful mat.

Yes, Virgina, another NL Quiz!

This is beautiful NL art by thegrumpygoatgallery, Cara and Pam. Isn't this lovely?


And now, another NL Quiz for you Mainlanders. What does this mean?



1)Jackabaun

2)Mollyfodge

3)Ursena

4)Ragmoll

5)Bangbelly

I can't wait for the answers to this one.

Unsubscribing the Welcome Mat!

I read something odd the other day on the Welcome Mat. Something about getting an invoice. Then, more mentioned on the blogs of other members about the upcoming "charge" to belong to the Welcome Mat.

I don't want to get into a mudslinging diatribe but I have always suspected that the Welcome Mat (or the Unwelcome Mat?) was becoming more of a business venture and not that of a free discussion group.

Many of the wonderful bloggers I have met on the web have either etsy shops, or eBay accounts, or small home business but absolutely none of them, force you to purchase their information or their products.

I will be supporting Rug Hooking Daily and opting out of the Welcome Mat. That's just my two cents worth for what its worth in the scheme of things.

Gone in a Blur!

The weekend went by in a blur! Alittle shop therapy on Saturday and abit of housework on Sunday but I did work on the Icons of NL. In fact, I am in the preliminary of arranging my first monthly Pay It Forward and it involves the Icons. If it goes the way I am hoping, I may be able to do two Pay it Forwards in one.

The weather turned colder and abit of a dusting of snow on the ground. But would you believe that we were able to hose down the two trucks on Saturday to get off the two inches of sand/salt before it turned cold.

I didn't get a chance to take any pictures but will once the final icon is done this week. I will be making the Icons into a wall hanging and now, have to start preparing this part. I have finished small projects using cording and whipping but not quite certain about this and will have to consult my books and my hooking friends for this part.

Busy, busy busy!

I have been so busy with meetings etc at the Day Job, that it hasn't left time to do much else.

Do more, with less people is the name of the current situation and the future doesn't hold much change. On a lighter side, the weather of the West Coast of NL has been downright balmy. Plus temperatures and absolutely no snow. But truthfully, we are all holding our collective breath and hoping we don't get it all back in February!

Working on the final icon in my rughooking project and should be able to start the top border this weekend. I will post some pictures over the weekend!

My Resolve to Pay it Forward

I don't make resolutions but this is a special year for me and I wanted to do something to highlight my appreciation of life itself.

I am going to take on a "Pay It Forward" Challenge with a twist. Pay It Forward is a kind of a pyramid scheme in which a favour given to one recipent is paid forward to any third party rather than paying the favour back directly to the original donor.

My Pay It Forward Challenge is going to have a twist. My tree of good deeds is going to have a monthly "branch" deed and be highlighted right here on hOOkwOrM.

I am going to do something nice and meaningful and expect nothing in return at least once per month.

Welcome 2010!

This is my first work day of the new decade and I am still wondering where the time went.

My hope for this year in fibre-arts to refine my skill at rughooking and of course, to complete any projects once started. I am currently working on the final icon for the NL rug; it is a Newfoundland dog and then, the top banner.

I am looking ahead at the type of finishes for this rug and am leaning towards a wall mount. Once completed, the NL mat will find a home and I am thinking in terms of donating it to an appropriate cause.

Any suggestions?