Little Bites

I think that April's ten minute challenge has opened up a new meaning for me and not just for rug hooking. Little bites!

Instead of seeing how much of the garden has to be weeded, last night, I concentrated on doing one tier of the rock garden. My ten minute sound bite! And I was able to complete the first tier and half of the second one. Then, a few minutes of my rug hooking until P arrived home after cod fishing.

Who would have thought?

Ten Minute Challenge!

I follow April's blog at Red Jack Rugs (see side bar) and yesterday, she introduced her 10 minute a day rug hooking challenge. I think it is a super suggestion and one that I can benefit using.

Anyway, I did at least 10 minutes of rug hooking last evening and even managed to trim sucker leaves off the tomatoes and a bit of weeding.

Even on Rainy Days,

the scenery in Newfoundland is spectacular. This is a picture of Woody Point and today, one of the largest cruise ships is parked in that harbour.

It rained buckets and buckets since yesterday and we even got thunder and lightening which rarely happens. I did only a couple of stitches last night on my dory and absolutely nothing else.

Through the night, the electricity was off for a second or two, enough to make everything blink. I got up around 4am, remembering to reset the automatic coffee maker for morning, only to discover, I hadn't even prepared the coffee as I usually do, last thing in the evening. So I started to fill the water, filter and the ground coffee...oops..no coffee left in the small container.

I had to laugh at myself as I went to the pantry, trying to be ever so quiet as not to awaken the house. Being on the healthier side of OCD, I was amazed at myself for forgetting the nightly routine!

Plan B

I was able to do a small bit of yard work Saturday morning before the heavens opened up. Our weather in the east hasn't been much better than the Mainland. Not quite as much rain but more than usual.

Having said that, I went into Plan B mode which included starting the next icon in my rug project, a fishing boat. It is supposed to be a rainy week, so I anticipate that my weeds will flourish and so will the rug hooking.

TGIF!

Ahhhh, the weekend approaches and I am thinking of hooking, weeding, vaccuming(well, maybe not), and more weeding.

I will need a rest on Monday!!

Flag of Newfoundland

I didn't forget to upload the pictures of my now completed second icon in my rug project. Actually, started the third one: a fishing boat tied up at a wharf. I think that the blue of the cloudless sky really brings out the beauty of our provincial flag.

I am not a NLer but have really come to appreciate the culture of my now, third province. Newfoundland has so many things that make it unique and distinct. The only province with a provincial anthem, its own dog and pony, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, most giving people (StatsCan), and I could go on.

I think that all Canadians should spend time in a province other than their place of birth as we would then come to appreciate the wonder of each province and forget the differences.

Gemini Musings

I was thinking this morning about my two unfinished attempts at writing; one a children's story and the other, a story about an outport NLer with a special gift. I pick at these from time to time when my muse whispers in my ear. I am a Gemini and according to the astrologists, our strength is our curiosity on a variety of interests.

Anyone living with a Gemini is well aware of this strength; but as in ying/yang, our greatest weakness is the same distraction that makes us so interesting. Pauline says that Geminis are the only sign that "lives" their signs. Is this true?

Anyway, I did finish the second icon last night and even took a picture but in true fashion was distracted and didn't download the picture.

Works by Day, hooks by night!

Anyone reading the title of today's ramblings would certainly do a double take. Did I read that correctly?

You really have to be so careful when you tell people you hook, they might take it the wrong way. I try to hook alittle every day, usually after supper and before bed. With the summer evenings. lots of sunlight until 9:30 in the evening. I listen to the splash of the fountain and the twittering of the birds and the strum of my hook.

Thoughts coming and going; of future projects, weeds not pulled and other chores left undone. As Anne said in her blog today, how can anyone be bored?

Routines

Many summers ago when I was working in Toronto, there was a summer of endless rains and I remember the saying that was posted on Wendi's blogsite this morning. What comes after two days of rain? Monday!!

She reminded me of that summer and also of that joke. Irrespective of rain or grey skies, a weekend is a weekend and is to be enjoyed. Abit of this and a bit of that, and before I could say Deanne Fitzpatrick, my three day weekend was over.

But I did do alittle bit of hooking, almost finishing the flag icon. I thought of routines this morning. All the things we do to make us(me) feel the comfort level. Checking the blogsites and seeing how my internet friends are doing and enjoying their sharing with me.

Healing by Arts

I was surfing the other day and stumbled upon an interesting site. As a member of the nursing community and a fibre artist, I have always been aware of medical professionals who had interests completely outside of what they do in their Day Jobs.

There is certainly a connection between the healing quality of arts and the benefits of the self care process within people who have difficult jobs. Imagine, a top notched surgeon who quilts, radiologists that knit, and nurses who cross stitch to relieve the pressures of their professions.

Have you ever wondered what your family physician does to relax?

Peak Time of Summer

As I was sitting on the deck this morning with my coffee, I looked out at the garden. Lilies about to burst forth, containers full with annuals for a splash of colour and realized that within a few days, peak summer glory will be reached.

The garden and all gardens for that matter will look their best at their peak and then, it is downhill from there. I have learned alot from gardening. To look forward to its glory, to accept its decline, to plan changes as needed and to dream of its future.

It makes me think of Vita Sackville-West who was primarily a poet and writer but came to love gardening. She believed in three simple prinicipals. The first was ruthlessness. If some thing was displeasing, then change it. Second was not to be too tidy in a garden, let self-seeded plants grow where they naturally fall, wild flowers mixing with cultivated plants in a garden was not a disaster. Thirdly, have an architectural plan, a colour plan and a seasonal plan.

Of all things, peace and tranquility.

Last 20 Feet

While our garden is beautiful, there is an unfinished portion...the last 20 feet. The one thing about posting pictures on our blogs, is that we can set up everything so beautifully and ignore the parts that still need work.

This is ours but we are striving to complete it THIS year despite injuries and aging. We have been able to scrounge some manufactured block from a local cement plant and are shaping what will be the hosta garden right at the entrance to our property.

Outdoor Fire Pit

You would think that after a long, cold winter of stoking the home fire, that we would be sick of fires. Not so!

This is a view of our outdoor fire pit and chiminea. On Saturday evening, just as the sun was setting around 10 pm, we were at the fire pit. The stars were brilliant and the lights across the bay were glittering on the water. Tiny boats making their way back to safe harbour.

Good conversation, cold drinks and thoughts of present company and absent family members made for a nice evening.

Newfoundland Icons

Well, I continued on the current rug hooking project this weekend and finished the first of the Newfoundland Icons, and started the next one.

I must say, I am pleased with the results.

It isn't the Destination that Counts,

In yesterday's question of the day on the Welcome Mat, the question was what part of rug hooking a pattern do you like best?

There were lots of different kinds of answers but it struck me that as in everything in life, it isn't the destination that counts, it's the glory of the ride! Reading the blogs that I follow, I have discovered that we are all really the same under it all. We have gardens to weed, jobs to go to, families to dote on or worry about and weather to talk about good or bad.

I will be enjoying the weekend and taking some time to work on my rug. Almost finished the first square and will post pictures of it.

Nothing Sacred.

While driving into the Day Job this morning and for absolutely no reason at all, the thought struck me, that there is nothing sacred anymore in life. It seems that everything that we once held in high esteem has been tarnished and demoted to archic thinking.

For example, parents, police,Church, God,elders, neighbours, and I could go on and on. My thought today is to keep somethings in your life sacred and of value, no matter what it is for each of us.

Greet the morning with joy and take nothing for granted.

Lost Things

Well, it is still on the cool side but at least, now sunny. We have been hot tubbing every evening and surviving, so can't be that bad!

Back at the Day Job and have been abit busy catching up for that one day off. How can you not leave a room and still misplace a document. I am sure it will turn up in some obscure place but right now, I am wondering were do lost things go?

Hot Tub

Hot tub was set up in the screen house but weather is abit too cool. Getting into the hot tub isn't the problem, it's the getting out...brrrrrrrrrr

Long Weekend for me!

I still enjoyed the time off but the weather has certainly not cooperated. We even put the fire on for a few minutes to take the chill out of the basement. Lots of hooking and attention to things in the house which have been neglected.

Now, Introducing....

This morning, I would like to introduce my blog followers to a very talented rug hooker from the small fishing community of Lord's Cove, Anne Kirby. I first noticed Anne's original rug hooking designs on Rug Hooking Daily and immediately spotted talent.

I requested a pattern from Anne and as you know, I have transferred onto Scottish Burlap and started it last week. Anne has had a recent showing of two of her mats in St. John's and these will be on display until August. I really believe that Anne's designs are unique to the Newfoundland culture and history.

If you have a chance, please look in on Anne's new blog at my sidebar or if you are a member of Rug Hooking Daily to see her portifolio of designs. I am sure that we will be hearing more of this very talented artist.

Dream Home

This weekend is a long weekend for me and I am looking forward to the extra time. As the weather has been so lovely and warm, thoughts are moving towards the hot tub. We have a portable, Spa2go unit and will be setting it up in the screenhouse to be enjoyed while looking over the beautiful Bay of Islands in the evening.

I haven't taken any pictures of the other side of the homestead. We have a fully screened 13 x 13 gazebo and a nice firepit area; both with unobstructed views of the bay. Every foot of the lot is well appointed considering there is also a house and double car garage.

People talk about their dream home and I must say, I am living in mine!

Happy Canada Day!

It may be Canada's birthday today but I had to go to the day job. Not so bad as I have an extended weekend coming up!

It is Canada's 142th birthday and I complain about my age! But it makes me think this morning of Canada's 100th birthday. I was 15 years old and in Montreal at the time. This was the city to be in as of course, Expo'67 was being celebrated and there was happiness and abundence everywhere. Pride in ourselves, pride in our country, and pride in showcasing the best exposition in history.

I spent almost everyday at the Expo as my mother worked for the lodging division and had a pass which I used. There was so much to see and it was as if the world was open to be viewed and savoured.

We still have our pride in our nation but so much has changed since those hay days. The world is open to us without even leaving our homes through the internet, but I do miss the excitement the Expo'67 gave us as a unified nation.

Looking East

This is another view of the garden. The lily bed, stone bench and fountain in the background. People always think that a garden this size takes hours and hours of work and that is my secret. Other than spring and fall clean up, put away or take out stuff, the garden once put in, just takes a bit of daily maintenance. And to be truthful, sometimes, it isn't even done daily.

I always putter around the garden in the evening, pulling a handful or two of weeds. This weekend, I am planning to top up the mulch which does help weed suppression. I said some because weeds grow no matter what. The lawn around the garden is green and cut regularly. I am not one of these people who crave a perfect, weed free lawn.

Last night, I did finish the pitcher plant and started the background colour of this square. A soft, buttery colour seemed to look good. I am using mixed fibres, both wool strips and wool yarns. I am using my sit on lapframe for now as the Cheticamp frame still on the drawing board. Thanks to Anne and Deanne with more pictures, we finally understand how this frame is made.

Secret Garden

My Garden is no secret and anyone who has visited it seems amazed. Sometimes, when we are sitting on the deck, we too are amazed at how beautiful it has turned out.

Some people don't do anything in their own yards; we are not like that and no matter how small or large the homestead has been, we have always taken an interest in making the outdoor space pleasant. But, in Newfoundland, there is so many things that are available to add to the garden. All of the stones and rocks were brought into the garden in our small trailer over the past 8 years and lifted and placed many times.

We Love Thee Newfoundland

Just starting the new project. It takes some time to take the pattern and transfer it to Red Dot and then, transfer again to the actual backing. But nonetheless, this was a nice quiet weekend with lots of hooking!

Chickens Finale

I thought I would show the chickens as they have been finished since last week. This morning, I am transfering Anne's pattern to red dot and then, onto burlap as I would like to get the new one started.

Days of Summer

In the rest of Canada, the lilacs have completed their springtime dance but here in the east, they are just at their best.

My garden is just beginning to bloom and look nice. The humid, damp weather is also making the weeds thrive. Isn't it funny how easily the weeds grow? My guess is that they are tough and of course, opportunistic. There may be a lesson there.

DayJobLess!

Well, I wasn't sure that if by the end of day today, I would still have a Day Job. But I do and I am happy to say that for the moment, I have something to support my many crafts and projects.

Approximately, 130 people lost their jobs today in the place where I work and I am sad for their loss. It could have very well been me and it may be me, later on if the industry doesn't improve. Don't believe the politicians saying the worse is over because it isn't by a long shot.

Of course, I had a couple of Plan Bs,Cs and Ds, all prepared, just in case my name came up today. Happily, these alternate plans can stay on the shelf for now and gather some dust.

I am going home tonight and will be toasting Good Luck and Good Health to our fallen coworkers who by no fault of their own, are now DayJobLess.

Got the Gears!

As I was saying the other day, I received Deanne's Fitzpatrick's Cheticamp gears. They came with a nice diagram but as we have never seen a Cheticamp frame, it was quite puzzling. So I sent a "help" email to Deanne but didn't expect that she would have the time to help with her busy schedule.

In true fashion, Deanne sent me three close ups of the frame with the gears for a sample. What a wonderful person she is to help out. I hope to attend one of her rug camps some day as I believe that this would be on my "bucket list" for sure!

1000+ Milestone!

Well, besides the wonderful birthday greetings, I reached a milestone on the weekend of 1000 views to my blog!! It is as good as gold to me that I have acquired a circle of rug hookers all across the country.

I have learned alot from my fellow bloggers: about their challenges, their accomplishments, their interests and of course, about rug hooking in general. This weekend, we went for a nice drive on Saturday to Trout River and Norris Point. Beautiful places indeed and quite a few of tourists from the USA already. In fact, I noticed one license plate which read ISTHEBY and had a good laugh. Newfoundlanders are everywhere and they never seem to lose the love of home.

As a tri-provincial person: born in Quebec, worked and lived in Ontario for many years and in NL on a steady basis since 2000, I have come to see the good in each of the provinces I have called home.

Thank you to all who have visited and enjoyed this little spot of mine. Oh by the way, chickens finished and I will start Anne's pattern this week.

Counting My Blessings!

Today is my 57th birthday and I wondered to myself this morning what a learning curve that my life has been. Nine years ago on this very day, I was having my first of 25 radiation treatments, five months after major surgery. Not that it has been easy, but at least, having survived and later on, thrived!

So many people I have known since that time,weren't so lucky and that makes me wonder about the twists and turns of our lives. And how, things that were important when I was 21, are no longer so now.

I am counting my blessings today: Good health, loving family, good genes, great doctors, and abit of the luck of the Irish.

Who could ask for more!

Summer Days

Finally, here on the most eastern province of Canada, summer is in the air. Hard to believe it after such a cold spring.

Summer days are short and to be enjoyed to the fullest as they are so fleeting. Along with summer, comes lovely gardens which are at their peak in the next few weeks and then, sadly, downhill from there.

I spend most of my offhours outside this time of year and only go inside late in the evening. I love getting up first thing in the morning and taking my first cup of coffee on the deck. I listen to the splash of the pond, the birds, the gentle breeze in the trees and the silence of the sleeping.

It's Arrived!

Anne's beautiful pattern arrived in the mail last night and I can't wait to get started. But first, I am finishing the small table pad of the chickens. This picture doesn't do the pattern justice but I wanted to post it as the beginnings of my next rug journey.

Anne's style of rugs really captures the true spirit of outport Newfoundland and many of the traditions of days passed. The journey of this rug is soon to begin.

Post Weekend Debriefing

What a weekend for gardening. My hands are rough, my back and arms abit sore, some sun on face, and some bug bites! Gosh, I had fun!

All the annuals are in their baskets and all the seeds in their beds. I even transplanted a few hostas. It was great and yes, Wendi, pictures coming soon. At the end of day, yesterday, I almost finished the chickens and have to rework a small corner before starting the new project.

I am glad to be at the day job for a rest!

On my Own!

Unlike my friend, Wendi, I had the house to myself yesterday. Well, of course, my little rascal, Maddy was there for some company. I was able to poke around in the garden, planting dill, beets, carrots and swiss chard. I am not finished yet, though.

It is a bit late for planting but the weather hasn't really been very cooperate the past few weeks. I have annuals to go into pots and distributed through the garden for a splash of colour. Last year, I had 27 pots of annuals in varying sizes. Needless to say, I have a very large garden.

I ordered gears from Deanne Fitzpatrick so that I can have a Cheticamp frame made up for my larger rug hooking projects. I am waiting the arrival of Anne's pattern so I can get started on that one.

Looking forward to the weekend but haven't made any plans for anything definite. In the silence of the house last night, I realized how much my small family means to me.

The Apple doesn't fall far!

My mother has been in Newfoundland visiting for the past few weeks and is heading back to her home today.

I have always been close to my mother and although, sometimes, we get on each other's nerves, we are very close. I am sad that we are so far apart and both too entrenched in our homes to change that.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and in this case, the apple is still on the tree!

At first, if you don't??

I tried to make labels for my rug hooking and other fibre crafts. Easy enough? I will design a label and then, out a lunch to buy some transfer paper. I got back early and figured out how to flip the text...necessary for it to look right when ironed on the fabric strip.

DIDN'T WORK? Gummed up the printer at work and took most of the afternoon to pick out the goop. Figured out, I have a laser printer at work and used inkjet paper. Guess what? You cannot mix up printer paper.

All's well that ends well. Printer working again and I will do the printing at home on the old inkjet.

My Idea of Heaven!

I was looking into the Welcome Mat last week and the question of the day was where do your ideas come from for rug hooking projects? As a new rug hooker, I haven't had much inspiration on my own. Instead doing the kit rugs and the basic sunflower, puffin etc. My own idea finally dawned on me over the weekend.

My idea of Heaven! I have always pictured my heaven as a little house and beautiful garden and a yard filled with all my little pets over the years. The two dobermans, the two mini schnauzers, my little rescue Jack Russell and my current little rascal all playing with one another.

Now, if I could only draw!

Friday and the Sun is Shining!

This beautiful rug was designed and hooked by Anne in Lord's Cove, Newfoundland. Anne has agreed to creating a pattern for me with some changes and this will be my next hooking project.

My interest in rug hooking has led me to meeting via the internet, such amazing and skilled artisans, locally and across the world.

I did design a small project for my mother; a puffin and a whale, as she has expressed a desire to try a bit of hooking. I am artistically challenged but overcome this by using clip art and the photocopier.

I am sure glad it is Friday at last as this week has been challenging with lots of work and a vehicle in the repair shop. Why can't things last without needing repairs?

Peace Within A Garden

There is a peace within a garden
A peace so deep and calm.
That when the heart is troubled
It's like a soothing balm.

There is life within a garden.
A life that still goes on.
Filling empty places
Where older plants have gone.

There is glory in a garden
At every time of year.
Spring Summer Autumn Winter
To fill the heart with cheer.

So ever tend your garden
It's beauty to increase.
For in it you'll find solace
For in it you'll find peace.

By Lady Langham Rosamund

Spinning Wheels Go Round and Round

This spinning wheel has been a part of our furniture for sometime. Years and years ago, my father was an antique dealer and he obtained this spinning wheel in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

He never sold it for some reason and it ended up staying in our house while he did not. That's life. Anyhow, last year, my mother gave it to me and now, it is part of my rec room. I never really took any notice of it until I started taking an interest in a varity of fibre arts and discovered many people who love to spin their own wool.

This spinning wheel as I found out, is circa 1840s and is a double wheel variety. It has all original parts including the bobbin and is only missing a small piece of metal which holds the bobbin. I don't know who used this wheel but when I touch it, I wish I could get a snapshot of its past. Something like the Red Violin: a great movie.

Almost finished the chickens and looking for a larger project.

Blog Inspirations

One day last year, I found an interesting Blog of Note-Not Plain Jane and found an inspiring story. I would look in from time to time, but Jane hadn't updated her blog. I was worried that her health had taken a turn for the worst.

Recently, Jane updated her blog and she indeed, had taken a turn but was doing much better. She is a knitter and loves fibre. If you get a chance, have a look at notplainjane.blogspot.com for a good read.

Back at Home!

Well, the vacation has come and gone. I am also back at the day job and had quite a few crazy moments figuring out where I left off.

Home? I have called three provinces home. Home is where my stuff is. Home is where I feel safe and sound in the arms of loved ones. Home can be transient, home can be stable and routine. Home is never boring.

City Life vs Salt Water Joys

I am now in Toronto for the Long "24" Weekend. I forgot just how busy the city life can be and how noisy in comparison to my quieter Newfoundland life.

I do enjoy the shopping and the materials so easily available at a short distance away without having to wait for Canada Post deliveries. Everything has advantages and disadvantages but sincerely, I don't mind visiting now and then, but wouldn't want to have to live the City Life.

Tight, tired faces. Car fumes and sirens. Foreign smells and words on billboards you can't pronounce. Nice to visit...nice to shop but I miss those salt water joys!

Beautiful Weather

It was a beautiful day today. I put in a new shrub for my mother and cut her grass today. I was even sweating in the hot sun.

I watched the weather in NL and of course, saw the snow that had fallen in the past two days. I am not missing that kind of weather for sure.

Not much else to report right now and doing no rug hooking as it is all at home. I did bring a small cross stitching pattern but didn't bring it out. Tomorrow, have a few chores in the morning but do plan to sit out in the sunshine and stitch for a bit.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, I am spending Mother's Day with my mother which is wonderful. Nothing really special but sharing time and conversation together which is special in itself.

The weather here isn't too bad although, it is a bit rainy today too. I am taking a break from rug hooking but as Gene Sheppard said in his blog, just because you aren't hooking, doesn't mean you aren't thinking about it.

It is supposed to be a beautiful warm week to come. The leaves are out on the trees and of course, nurseries are all busy. It is this time of the year that I miss the Mainland as it is still too early in Newfoundland to even think of planting anything tender.

Taking the Show on the Road

Almost ready to head to the Mainland. I don't travel lightly but I do travel well. You have to be organized and prepared and take your time.

Hopefully, not only lots of pictures for the blog and lots of rug hooking stops!

A Beautiful Place

I should have had my camera today. At lunch time, I had to drive down to Benoit's Cove to pick up some items for the upcoming trip. With Sarah Brightman singing on the car stereo and the shining blue waters of the Humber Arm, I realized, once again, what a beautiful place I find myself.

I appreciate the gentleness of the island. The unhurried, relaxed atmosphere and even if there are things to complain about, they are only small things.

Oovey...Monday Morning already?

Isn't that how we all feel on Monday morning? But for the most part, a great weekend. It rained all day Saturday, but Sunday was lovely enough to wash a vehicle and to enjoy a cup of tea on the deck.

The garden is coming to life as is the neighbourhood. I was able to work on the border of the chickens. You know, you never know where good advice comes from. I remarked to Pauline that my border was getting crooked. She then reminded me that on my very first pattern, I hooked the outside of the border first and worked inside to keep it straight and even.

Good advice comes to us all, if we are only willing to hear it.

Not a Rug in Sight

I haven't touch my rug hooking project since the weekend as I have been busy doing other things. The border still in process. But I have excuses as getting ready for a drive to the Mainland and loads of last minute preparations.

More Pictures

What you can't tell from this first picture of my inukshuk, Gabby, is just how tall she is. The red picket fence to the left of the inukshuk is 6 feet tall, and that makes Gabby just over five feet. The inukshuk stands at the top of the rock terrace announcing her presence as a formidable anchor in the garden.

The inukshuk was quite the chore from getting it home on the trailer to carrying each part up the steps and reassembling each piece. The higher we went, the heavier the rocks. The inukshuk is made out of rock from this island, not thousands of years old, but billions, I am told.

I want to welcome my new blogger friend, Kathleen, from Like Minds Gather. Please have a look at her wonderful and interesting weblog.

Dull and Cool

The weather has turned on us and it is both dull and cool. Almost, cold again. The woodstove takes the chill off in the mornings and the evenings, keeping us warm.

I didn't do much last evening as I always found Mondays my do nothing day. I didn't even do any rug hooking last evening but I did scan through some of my rug hooking books for inspiration.

The garden looked so beautiful after dark with all my solar lights twinkling in the cool night air.

Lovely

My second passion is gardening and I certainly was able to putter in the garden this weekend. The weather on Saturday just stunning and for half the day on Sunday.

The first picture is looking towards the north and still doesn't encompass the magnitude of this garden. The second picture provides a close up of the three tiers. What you can't pick out in these pictures is the small pond, the lily garden and the 20 feet still to be developed towards the gate.

Every rock was gathered in a variety of areas on the West Coast and placed into a small trailer. Needlessly to say, these rocks were handled several times before finding their final resting place. And yes, all done by Pauline and I.

Believe it or not, gardening doesn't have to be alot of work. I cleaned up all the old plants, trimmed the shrubs and trees, set out the solar lights. The pond won't be started up until after the threat of frost. And still had time to sit on the front deck and admire the handy work.

Tres Chic!

Isn't this a new twist on your everyday grocery bag? What a great idea for an easy tote bag. Of course, no way would I be putting any canned goods in this bag. It would be saved for special items like rug hooking group meetings and the like!

Have a great weekend!

Future Plans

What I have learned from experienced rug hookers is that mid way through the project you are working on, your thoughts mysteriously, go to the next project.

This is an example of a Navajo Storm Rug and as I have a deep respect for all things Aboriginal, I may design something in this area. I would change the colours up and make it around 35 by 23 inches; something in that range.

Any suggestions for the next project?

Earth Day 2009

Why do we have to highlight Earth Day? Why can't it be part of our everyday celebration of this wonderful planet that is ours?

There are many people who try to tread lightly on Mother Earth. Like rug hookers and other crafters, we see the beauty in things made by recycling,reusing or adapting. Let's celebrate Earth Day, everyday!

Musings

As you can see, I am working on my chickens and making the border in a solid black. My thinking is that as there is so much activity in the picture, the border should be solid. I will do a corded whipped finish in the main body colour of green.

I will have to go back to the beginning of the border as after a couple of rows, I decided to widen it abit as it seemed abit narrow. I didn't work on it last night, but stared at it while watching the hockey game. My poor Habs are on the ropes. Now, in the old days, the Habs could pull off a come back.

But just like all of us, that was then, and this is now!

Beautiful and Useful

Here is an earlier picture of my new octagon sit/on hooking frame. Since this picture was taken, the carding strips were added and some minor adjustments and shaping to the seat. It is such a nice frame to use and last evening, I removed the chickens and put them on the new frame as I am working on the final border.

The hoop frame was okay but for the larger projects, I really didn't like crushing the rug with the hoops and of course, the carding strips eliminates this problem. I really admire people who have the ability to make things like this.

Pauline, thank you for being so handy and making this incredible frame!!

First Impressions

I got the love of beautiful music from my mother; where she got it, I am not sure and neither is she. The other night, CTV featured the story on Susan Boyle and while listening to this lady sing her first few notes, I was moved to tears.

Not just because of the voice, but I think because of the unexpected difference in what I thought she would do based on of course, first impressions. Here is a simple person who is able to move millions of people if given the opportunity. If you get a chance, listen to her performance on Youtube!

Almost finished the chickens and will probably(hopefully) finish the border this weekend. Gosh, the weekends go soOOooo fast!

Sharing Community

Here is a picture of Jennifer's launch of her Everyday Carre bags and if you get a chance, please visit her blog site at fisheyerugs and request a brochure. I really believe in the sharing spirit of the rug hooking community and have learned so much because of it.

Still winter here for the next few days while the rest of Canada is in springtime temperatures. I managed abit of hooking last evening and will do some again while watching Les Habs vs Boston this evening.

Winter's Back

Well, winter is back here on the west coast of Newfoundland. Having been here during the winter for the past 8-9 years, this has come as no surprise. April can tempt you into thinking it's finally over, only to wake up and see that it isn't.

One time, my mother was here in late May and that time, we too awoke to some snow overnight. I remember her looking at me and saying "Merry Christmas?".

Anyway, here is a picture of my chickens. Coming along and finishing up the two outer edges and then, to work on the border this weekend. I haven't decided yet, if I am going to emblish the border or just have a plain one to highlight the picture itself. Decisions, decisions!

Pauline is moving ahead with my new lapframe with gripper strips. She is very handy and is coming up with some nice workable frames. I should have a picture soon to show here on my hOOkwOrM site. It will be nice to move the rug around without hoops as these tend to crush the rug.

Stunning Work!

This stunning hooked piece was done by my internet hooking friend, Wendi. She just finished this piece and if you get a chance, have a look at her website, The Rugged Moose. She tripled whipped the border making it look like a framed picture. Not only is the piece a terrific example of hooking ability but to take a special moment in her life and turn it into a hooked picture. Isn't that what's it all about?

Robins have Arrived.

We had two wonderful days for the long weekend, Friday and Saturday. Sunday, we awoke to 5 cms of the white stuff before it changed to heavy rain for the rest of the day.

I could hear the robins as I puttered in the garden but didn't see one until this morning. I looked out the bathroom window and there it was, perched in a spruce tree, looking puzzled and cold. Wondering if it had made a wrong turn somewhere on its long voyage.

We watched a couple of movies over the weekend, The Bucket List and Flawless, both older ones but quite good; and The Reader which was strangely seductive in its content.

Of course, the beauty of rug hooking is that you can do it while watching television or listening to podcasts from the CBC which I highly recommend.

Happy Passover/Easter!

My mother doesn't take any chances. Christian, by birth, she worked in the Jewish community for more than 30 years, and has a deep respect for the Jewish faith. So, she takes no chances and celebrates both holidays.

I am happy that finally after good old fashioned winter, a long weekend. I received one of those funny emails this morning and it made me laugh.

Life is short. Enjoy it!
Dust if you must ........

but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter?
bake cookies or a cake and lick the spoon or plant a seed?
ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must,

but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes,
the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around, again.

Dust if you must,
but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. . .

Happy Holiday whichever one you celebrate!

Cluck, cluck!

My chickens are coming along and if you notice, I pushed out the eggs in the basket so they look better. Thanks for the tip on that Susan.

It is a very soggy day today but April showers and all that. We still haven't had any sightings of the first robin but I am sure they are here somewhere.

I didn't any hooking last evening but am starting to plan the next project in my brain's planning centres. I have a couple of ideas but nothing definite yet.

Stay Inspired!

Deanne's website is always one of the places I check frequently to see if there are any new entries. Deanne is an inspiration and more than just in her ability as a rug hooker. She also has a deepness of character and this is truly something out of her Newfoundland background.

She tells us to stay inspired, to love what you are doing and that being happy is having what you already have. Too many people right now aren't happy and it shows in the chaos in the world.

Relaxing Weekend

Well, Friday's post on the picture of the bay ice disappearing is already redundant. Over the weekend, there was abit of rain on Saturday and temperatures got up to 12 on Sunday. This morning, all ice in the bay directly across from my view is gone, gone, gone.

Of course, a good "in the bay" breeze could blow it back in. Now, the big date will be when the winter pilot boat goes into dry dock and the smaller summer pilot boat goes into the water.

We put the barbeque out on the deck, but did not take the plastic sheeting down off the front deck and just as well as a skiff of snow overnight. Looking forward to nice long weekend for the Easter break.

I worked on the chickens and got quite abit done and will take a picture tonight. Also, spent some time looking through Shawn's books. They are very good.

Bay Ice Melting

It doesn't look like much, but it is the start and with the rain coming for the weekend, you can bet that the bay will be ice free soon.

This is from the bayside deck looking towards Corner Brook. That is the marina in Curling in the distance.

Actually, I have most of the lower picket fence done on this rug but I thought a posting of its progress was due. A couple of the pickets were rehooked as they looked abit skewed but coming along nicely.

I already have thoughts on the next project and am currently looking into doing a hooked vest with native overtones. I am not certain how to go about this as not much information on making a vest with rug hooking patterns on it. It has been done many times but I am not sure if there is a correct way of doing it. Fabric backing etc, as you don't want it to weigh a ton.

Beautiful Books

I got a very nice surprise when I picked up the mail last evening on the way home. My books from Susan in Nova Scotia arrived. So with a nice hot cup of tea, I opened the package to find not only two lovely rug hooking books, but also, several surprises. Nice pictures of rug hooking projects for inspiration and a Cheticamp hook. Tiny but powerful.

You meet some very nice people in the rug hooking circle and they are more than willing to share their knowledge and assistance to the newbies. I have been in some groups that hold their skills like treasure chests and do not share with anyone in fear of losing their power, I suppose.

Sunny Days

This morning, it is still a bit on the cool side but the sun is shining and the birds are twittering, so everything is right with the world.

I don't like April Fool's Day nor any of the jokes or pranks that people do to each other. On one news website, they asked if you participated in April Fool's Day antics and over 80 per cent, answered never. Me, included.

I am a very pragmatic person and I have never been one to make jokes or pull pranks as I don't see the humour in it. Why do people take joy in pranking people? I don't get it anyway.

I did some hooking last evening while watching television. It is odd to see that most of the programs I watch are having their finales this week. Isn't it abit earlier than usual?