icecovered

So many birds, so little time....

2011-07-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

This winter I discover rug hooking. Since I didn't have all equipment I need initially, I start making birds from scrap wool. Of course red and white color combination my all-time love. But also I'm working with bold & vibrant colors. The texture of wool is perfect for inexperienced person like me. It is very forgiven - all mistakes I made so easy to undo. Wool easy shapes to the right form. I make few pincushions. They are quite primitive and lovely. I made pictures today in the morning and suddenly realize how many birds of any kind I already planted in my house. There are only few of them:

When we combine goodwill shopping with little imagination and latex glue....

2011-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

New addiction . When we combine goodwill shopping with little imagination and latex glue.... That's what happens. I am making candle-holders for my garden and also make few bird-feeders. Lovely and cheap. In a sunny days my glass creations glimmering in between plants. At nigh they are perfect for little votive candles.

there is the key for my friend's cottage. I also finished my bans sampler and will give it to my dearest friend Marian.

Bird feeder. Just finished. Need to find place for it...

lots of gardening and one very hot dog

2011-07-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

My garden finally looks like a true English garden. It took only five or six years of hard labor, sweat and back pain. But this summer it looks really good. I can't see any soil under the plants. I am thrilled to see no weeds anymore. They probably still exists, but my flowers much bigger now. Lots of gold and house finches as usual, lots of bunnies (monsters try to eat all my David Austin roses!)

So, there it is: My Garden 2011

It is Logan - my daughter's dog. He spent couple weeks with us and became true michigander. Finally learn how to walk in the yard without mom and dad. It take 3-4 days until he became so brave. But look at him now! Happy face!

I used part of rotten bench to make Forth -of-July flag. Looks good!

He even help Gordon to plant tomatoes. Of course, the most exiting part of summer vacation in Michigan for him - sleeping in the shadow. He prefer to do it in the air conditioned home, but I try to keep him outside as long as possible.

Yesterday I make six balls covered in beach glass and marbles. Glue gun such a powerful tool in my opinion!

Old clogs find new place as a planters on my fence

Little nap after dog spa.

Update on the Band sampler

2011-05-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

I made some progress on my new sampler. So far about quarter of it already done. The only problem - I am not sure what is my next line..... Hmm... Need to do research ...

I also finished some petite penny-rugs and want to display it today. There it is - my first two of

them. I was surprised how easy to make them. It takes almost no time...

I will brave myself to make another tea warmer in the next few

days.

Red and gray

2011-05-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is my long-term obsession. I absolutely in love with two color combination of unbleached linen and red floss. This time I made new quaker sampler for valentine's day. It is not a first my quaker's sampler ( I hope not a last one also!).

The first two images is my old needlework, it was done in 2008 and 2010. Hmmm... Do I have more room at my wall to place new one? I don't know....

Inspired by English band sampers

2011-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Two days ago started new project - band sampler, inspired by book of Stephen and Carol Huber "Samplers. How to compare & value".

So far I don't have clear idea about how exactly will look my sampler. I just take design line by

line and we will see what happens... I making some research about 18th century English samplers. Hope it will give me more ideas about design. Will post!

Also we have little addition to our extended family. Puppy, named Henry the VIII. Lovely boy! There is him ant 5 weeks. He is 5 month now and very bright!

Gosh! I am SO exited now! It’s arrived!

2008-08-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Did you feel that e-bay is the best place to do shopping? Did you ever spent way too much on e-bay and feel guilty? Oh, boy! I not allowed myself to do e-bay for the next month! But I’m not going to feel guilty for spending $9.99 this time. Look at this beautiful set of floral dishes from Czechoslovakia. I am SO excited to have it! They arrive Saturday morning when I was in Ann Arbor with my daughter and I was able to open them only Sunday. Stunning floral wave basket pattern - LOVE it!

And, of course, my husband made another apple pie. I can’t resist having slice of it (of course, using my new china). Double pleasure!

Apple Crisp day and Mr. Bunny in my garden

2008-08-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

I should confess - these two bunnies not from my garden. I didn’t make this photos, I found them in Internet as a study for my gourds sketches. I just can’t resist showing them to others. Did you ever see anything more precious???
Still we have our bunny in the backyard, I just not first-class paparazzi, can’t catch him. I have more flowers this summer and he coming more often now. Sometimes he sits next to the German porcelain bunny, pretending to be my garden decoration. Sometimes he hiding behind raised bed with tomatoes, and run away as soon, as I stop looking at him. Hi is little shy fellow. I just hope one day he will move in my garden with all his family! I just didn't named him yet... Hmmm... Any suggestions?

We also will be happy to have family of hedgehogs - my daughter LOVED them. She has one many years ago and it was lot of fun to see them playing together. Except … Well, I should tell that hedgehogs extremely active at night and they making really loud noises. Sounds like you have a pony in the kitchen! We have tiny-miny apartment back to the “hedgehog time” and it was little too loud…

Talking about apple crisp – my husband baked it yesterday! Ne used apples from our dwarf and some old recipe from one of few hundred (no kidding! I am serious now!) cookbooks we have. Oh, boy! It was good! With glass of cold milk it disappeared in a blink of my eye! I should admit – my husband really good cook!

PS. Two new samplers on my wall! Both from goodwill – somebody’s trash are always my treasure!

Few more gourds and apples

2008-08-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

We picked up last apples from our tiny tree. I still can't believe that our dwarf can produce so many apples!

And there are some more my gourds. I didn’t used varnish yet, so they look pale and light. I will do it tonight probably. Sorry I don’t have time to show more – next time!

I am so glad weekend is over!

2008-08-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am so glad weekend is over! I think I little overworked in my garden. But it looks so much better now! I don’t think I am done yet – I still need to split some more plants. My hosta and shiatsu daises waiting to be replaced.

My garden growing every day! Look at the ivy! It came from my father-in-law, and did very poor before. But this year ivy decides to grew up and cover my ugly fence!

Also hydrangea planted last fall doing so well! I planted hydrangea and few bushes of roses and totally forgot to water it last fall, when my daughter was sick. Dispite neglection they not only survive but blooming all over! WOW!

Look at my English roses! And we harvest few bowls of apples from our dwarf apple three – can you believe that this 5 feet tall dwarf has more than 50 apples??? And they are not only delicious but also so beautiful – truly “apple of my eye!”

Sure – I did needlepoint every evening as usual. Finally I finished and framed bouquet of rouses. Now they bloomed in my bedroom. I also continue stitching next one - with peonies. One day I will run out of space on the wall!

I am glad it is Monday – I can have little rest from heavy gardening….. But I make some more plans for the next weekend….

That's why I don't have time to write...

2008-08-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Not only write but make photos also...
Shame on me! I gave away so many my crafts and always forgot to make photos… Good part – all my gourds, paints and needlework adapted by good people. I love to come at my friends homes and see my work. I feel so honored then!

I finished and framed this two few days ago.
Yesterday was looooong and little crazy day. Good one, in fact. Early morning I have time to clean our house (it is always little sloppy). Then Birthday girl asked me to drop her to the Panera. While she enjoyed chatting with friends, I drove to the goodvill. Gosh ! My lucky day! I bought few absolulely lovely bone china tea cups and sousers. Roses, roses and again roses!

New china match my rosy pitcher! Oh, I LOVE it!
Then came my sister-in-law and her hubby. He is THE Super Man! He installed security cameras in our house. Our property was vandalize few times lately and I getting too (is it right to use this world?) paranoid… Super handy-man Bobby install four cameras while I made lunch - so quick, I cant believe! It looks so simple when he did, but I newer will be able to do it - what a wonderful talent! I always admire people like a Bobby - crafty, hardworkind and very, very kind!
Sure I never have egough good time with my sis! Newer enough hugs… I wish one day we would live close to each other, and have more time to spend together. She has one of my samplers now, of course, with the bird and flowers! I started this sampler in her garden couple weeks ago, seating just in front of her beautiful garden house. What a good memories for both of us!
Finally, already after 10 pm watched old and good Russian movies with my birthday girl and I painted more gourds. I think she still remember few of this movies, it was fun to see her repeating some phrases. She has about 50 calls from her friends. Sure – she spent couple hours talking with her boy-friend.
She will back to Chicago tomorrow. I think my daughter in-love now... (ooops! My life in danger now!) I am so happy for her...
And there is one of my new gourds. With bunnies. I am in a "bunny mood" lately. I painted more yesterday, but I didn't make photo yet. Next time!

August already...

2008-08-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Why it is always the same? Winter is way too long, and summer too short… Hundreds small and big things was done at home and thousands not yet. At least I have my camera back and now I can write in my blog again.
Thank you, all my dear friends! I newer meet you, but somehow you became my friends. I miss you. And I love you - even I newer meet you. I love the fact that you invited me in your home thru the screen of my laptop. I love to see you life, get involved in good and sometimes not so good things, what happened to you. I love to share my life same way with you and have few of yours kind and so precious to me comments. I hope all of you had good summer. All we need – little happiness, sun shine and love of good people around us. I hope you have it! My love to you!

I want to show you WHY I was so busy. My garden blooming as a crazy this you! I can’t believe I did it! There is a part in front of our house – looks like a jungles! Sure, my husband stays next to his favorite (well… It is only one we have!) apple tree. We have like three dozens of apples on this small thing.

And there is my daughter with sweetest puppy in the world, named Sugar Dog! They are so in-love with each other! Tomorrow my Irka will have her 22nd birthday!!! I happends 15 minutes before midnight, 22 year ago, in a cold and rainy day. I try to hold on till 14th, but they squeezed her out. She has beautiful black eye (I mean brose!!!) and I never seen anything more fine-looking in my life. There she is!

New garden

2008-06-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

My garden blooming, all home in flowers and I removed last few yards of lawn in front of house

Now it looks almost like real English garden – little too overgrowing, roses next to lavender, daisies mixed with lilies, tiny apple tree next to Russian Sage … I keep my windows open and fragrance of garden in every room now. All I want is to be outside and enjoy every second of summer… What a haven!
People walk and stop in front of house and looking on my flowers – I gently smile. Yes, it is my pride and joy! It makes me happy!

Some people stop to talk with me when I water my garden. Guy all covered in tattoo with dog, elderly lady, walking with her family, beautiful young women with gray hair from Baptist church next to us… Different people with same joy – bless all of you for the good words and kindness… My garden blooming because you like it!
But I also have small, secret garden now. Just for me…

I start to plant it last fall in a dumpy place, in the back yard, in a small area between two walls of our home and fence. There is no sun and almost no soil – rocks and clay only. Surprisingly, my secret garden this year became lovely and green. He happily answers with blooms for every minute I spent there. Wild daisies I picked up next to the dusty road last year became large and so bright; Black Eyed Susan from the same source reach 3 feet already; Yarrow and Tansy looks gigantic! Tiny bush of hydrangea (which didn’t like to be in front of house before!) became large and all covered in green flowers. Even Boston ivy start doing his job, covering quite an ugly fence…
This weekend I make new, tiny fairy's garden in the box for my friends, who have kids. Why not? I do believe in garden’s fairies….. Do you?

Cranbrook

2008-05-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Long weekend give us a wonderful opportunity to see Cranbrook – large private school in Bloomfield Hills, MI. I always impressed with system of education in US. People here used to complain about education - it is not perfect, it is expensive and not always most efficient. I can’t… I just wish more kids can afford it - it is wonderful school! Schools like Cranbrook provide amazing opportunity for kids to study art and science, and focused on future career. Never mind – Cranbrook have Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, House & Gardens, and natural history museum - and it is always open for public!

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook campus features the work of world-renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Rafael Moneo, Peter Rose and sculptors Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks and others. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

But best part for me is the gardens of Cranbrook! Oh, boy! I can spend hour and hours, walking thru the hills and searching for the new spots. There are two kinds of gardens in the campus. First – very formal, designed in strong geometrical patterns. Sculpture, fountains and architectural fragments boost the setting with large lawns, trees, and a lake stretching out beyond the fieldstone walls. But there are also small almost wild spots in between formal and glorious gardens. Tiny spot of lawn between trees, covered with wildflowers ~ Anemone, Banebarry, Bellwort, Bloodroot, Fawn Lily, Foamflower, Hepatica, Marsh Marigold, May Apple, Miterwort, Ragwort, Snakeroot, Solomon's Seal, Squirrel Corn, Trillium, Trout Lily, Wild Geranium, Wild Ginger, Wood Poppy, Wintergreen. They looks like nobody ewer planted it. They hide in the shadow of trees or proudly show in all glory on a top of hills… I can spend days and days to see it…
Only one part was sad – my camera didn’t behave well. The bright sunshine washed out all colors…. Well - there is a positive side of it. I can come back another day and make more photos!

My dear friends please forgive me…

2008-05-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

My dear friends please forgive me… I didn’t write for so long… It was a reason for it, a stupid one. Sometimes I am so worried about my daughter’s tumor – I can’t breeze, I can’t live, I can’t see colors… Sorry – that’s me, who I am… I just not realized how long I was absent from normal life…
She is OK now, feel well and enjoying her break at school. It is coming time for the next MRI (which makes me crazy again!!!). I am again scared to death, but there is a hope that tumor will not come back again...
My daughter was in Chicago week ago, and (again!) fall in-love with this beautiful city. She wants to move to Chicago after graduation. Me too! What a place to be…
Another news – she finally became US citizen. We were too busy in past five years to do it. But last summer we finally decide to apply for citizenship. I don’t know if she was exited, she told it was long and boring, but my husband was!!!

It was huge ceremony, 1100 people received certificates. I will have same ceremony on May 29th – hey! I will able to have passport and travel! I want to see English cottages and gardens! As well as rest of world. I can't wait!
There is some photo’s form Irka’s ceremony and you can see how much people there! Wow! It took almost 3 hours.

She was exhausted and took good nap after. She is biggest "snoozer" in the world!

Frank Sinatra - Fly Me to the Moon Lyrics

2008-04-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

Busy-Busy

2008-04-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

Busy-busy days! Tax time in US and the end of financial year in Japan. No time for life at all! Only work! I have not more then 45 minutes to stitch yesterday, but still want to share some progress. There it is – new pouch coming!

There is something I want to show you also. Few days ago they sold out on e-bay vintage tablecloth. The price was way too high for me, but I saved couple of photos and want to show it to you. Don’t you think it is beautiful rouses?I wonder who did such a gorgeous needlework?
I found similar designs by Ellen Maurer-Stroh and want to display it here.

Love you all!

Pouch For My Camera

2008-03-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to tell you! I am still craving for spring, so I decide to make something with flowers yesterday. It is small pouch for the camera I have in my purse. Now it is protected and covered with some roses. Just for spring! Isn’t it lovely?

I also choose to make another pouch for camera, with the pockets for an extra batteries and cord – I think it will handy to have for travel! There it is new roses start growing on the blue linen! It will also some ribbons, lilac and bunny!
And finally I made pillow with birds and some tartan-like fabric on the back of it. Oh, I love red and gray!!! I still continue to look for new ideas and designs…

Pet-Friendly Book Store in Ann Arbor

2008-03-31T06:16:00.001-07:00

Sunday, after church we drove to the Ann Arbor, to have lunch with our daughter, and spent some time together… It was rainy and we didn’t feel like to walk outside after lunch, we just landed in Borders Book, Music, Movies and Café, reading magazines, having coffee and some sweet pastry.

We always loved this place and what a surprise!
It is pet-friendly now!!! We spotted few people coming with dogs and having good time, while kids, and even some crazy foreigns like me were able to pet and hug dogs! What a brilliant idea to open book store for pet-lovers!

Look at this cute 145lb. dog- he was so sweet and polite! He let us kiss his sweet nose, we shake his hand (or whoever they call it), and little girl after us came to hug him! He was gentle and let her enjoy the moment! I just can’t resist and made few photos of him and my daughter! Isn’t it cutest dog ever?

And then we have sushi for Irka in her dorm. This part of post made especially for her grand parents in Russia – they so worry all the time we didn’t feet our baby! There is a proof – she eat sometimes! She show us video of the lesson she teaches few days ago. You can see my husband with daughter watching it. I love them both so much - it is one of my favorite moments, to see them together!

It was simple day, but a happy one!

Two Hours Project

2008-03-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

A biscornu is an eight-sided embroidered pillow that can be used as a pinch cushion, ornament, or key chain. Sometimes they filled with dry flower petals or herbs to make a sachet... Not mine - but it is good idea!
There are step by step instructions. It took for me about two hours to make small biscornu, but I took time to make tea, talk, walk, watch TV in between – I wasn’t busy, I just enjoy to do something new.

First step – I stitched two squares, they suppose to have same size. It is important!Then I cross-stitched two designs. The designs do not have to be identical; in fact it is better, if they are not. More excitement!

Next step is to find a middle of top design and joining the corner of one side to the middle of the edge of the other side is what creates the shape of a biscornu. (It was hardest part of the project!)

Then I made a stitch by passing threaded needle underneath the backstitch of the previously-marked center of the second square. When assembling a biscornu, the needle should always be passed through the backstitching without ever piercing the fabric – that’s what somebody told me! But… It is not easy… I missed a target couple of times… Please, keep the secret!

I stuffed my biscornu and make sure to push stuffing into the corners. And finally I sew on buttons. The thread should go from one button, pass all the way through the center of the biscornu, and then go thorough the other button. Simple!

And voila – my first in the life biscornu hanged next to the others broderie rouge – not like I speak French! I just love sound of it - broderie rouge… Fancy, ha?

PS. It is no snow in Russia – all snow immigrated to the Michigan! We woke up in the winter wonderland! What a lovely gift for my husband’s birthday!
Next week I will have b’day also, and together we will 100 years old!!!! I can’t get it out of my mind! I still feel like 15… I will three times 15, actually!

Lovely Lousy Day

2008-03-27T07:26:00.001-07:00

esterday was lousy day. But a lovely one!

My cold almost gone, even so - I am still too lazy to start any new projects. I return home, collapsed on the couch in front of TV and pretended to be blooming couch potato!

Actually, I love it! Despite my usual attempt to keep busy, I always happy to have time for doing nothing…

Doing nothing really means to me to have time to write (and I did! I wrote two new articles for the Russian magazine!); it is also meant to exercise in painting – and I did it also!

It's turn to be not too good - but oh, well... I do it for pleasure, not for being famous. And I truly enjoy making mess on paper! I want to learn how to paint roses now.

I also continued to stitch my cherubs. They have more vines now and soon I will need to find more room for birds in between vines.

But the biggest pleasure of yesterday’s evening came from the animated film version of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. We spent lovely evening in front of TV, and I want to share it with you.

Amazing music together with the stop-frame film, directed by Breakthru Films and director Suzie Templeton, offers new and intriguing interpretation of the story… Poor duck didn’t survive, but you still can listen her quacking inside wolf’s stomach! Two hunters look like a maniacs, so Peter decide to safe life of wolf and let him go… Most of all I was surprised to see unbelievable beautiful puppets – in some way it is hard to imagine they are not alive! You can watch part of trailer on-line and read more about how the animation was made.
We are often spent time watching PBC or University of Michigan channels – what a source of good music, art, and entertainment! It is coming to blame on TV for low-cultural events and bad taste. I can’t – these two stations like a fresh air for us…

Fairy of Sewing Machine and Muse of Stitching

2008-03-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

airy of Sewing Machine and Muse of Stitching visited me last weekend.

I will not tell they came in time! I have cold and chills, and my stomach is hurting, I sound like a wolf in the morning, my nose is red from constant whipping; my eyes are crying and red also (in celebration of Easter Bunny, of course!).
All what I can do last few days - just sneeze and snooze.

But Muse and Fairy didn’t ask my opinion, they just came! They made me open my Singer (oh, how dear they are!), they made me to take out of closet all my linens and stock of fabric and start working. I wasn’t happy about it – but what can I do???
We canceled Easter dinner with our dearest friend Marian, because I don’t want to give her my cold. It is only time when I am greedy and not able to share joy of getting sick with my friends. So my hubby ordered perfect Easter dinner from Chinese restaurant near, and we didn’t kill for food any Easter baby lamb, bunny or chicken – I am so proud of us! We had sweet-and-sour pork and the hottest soup in the menu.
I took leftover of soup with me to the office today and will continue my treatment – nothing, believe me, nothing can be better then hot and spicy soup now! I still have cold and chills, but I feel slightly better…

Is it soup or Muses helped me? I have no idea… But there are photo’s of some new staff I made. Unfortunately the Muse of Camera left me, in danger of get infection, and I made really lousy photos. Even worse – I can’t find half of them… Sorry… I will wait when she will back and make more pictures!

I made four pillows, using mix of vintage and new linens. Muse left me on the middle of making them – first two turn to be much better looking then second two. Oh, well – it is all her fault! I just try to do my best!

A few bowl fillers, shaped as a heart (of course!) with birds and blooms.

And two last red embroidered hearts finally stitced and staffed. Then Muse and Fairy left me for good.... I slept like a baby after all!

Time to Appreciate Routines

2008-03-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

es, it is time, when I finally solve another small part of happy-life equation! I think the key to it in routines.

I should tell you first, of course I love, I absolutely LOVE un-expectable (seems like I misspell it, sorry!) nice and good things happens to me. Things like a first flowers in the garden, kiss of the very first winter frost on my cheek, phone call from my friend, good book…
But lately my life became more stressful, much more stressful then I really can handle. My car starts smoking once and I swear! Oh, gosh – it was the most horrific and dreadful swears in Russian! Likely, it was nobody around who can understand it! Then I found myself crying in the shower one morning few months ago. After all I found I can’t see local news anymore – story of Kwame Kilpatrick finally rich a point, when it is time to make a Hollywood thriller. I even wrote series of articles on Scandal for my Russian audience! But I can’t and I don’t want to know about it anymore!

Economy going down, gas prices up, war is still here, president’s campaign having crazy twists every single day, our medical bills coming every second like a snow flakes at Christmas morning, my daughter’s car have recall, bla-bla-bla… NO!!! Stop it! I want routine! I don’t want any changes in my life anymore!

And I do have routines, which give me comfort and illusion of static life! I worship them!

I brush my teeth every morning (just joking!). Not THAT kind of routines I talking about!
Tea for example! I love to came home and make a tea – not from tiny bags, (Shhh, I call them “Tea in the condoms”) but real, reach in flavor and color loose tea I keep in the special tea-box, decorated with roses and blooms. I love time of tea!

It is ritual. I boil water, I preheat my old green teapot form Prague
(I just realize, this teapot already 23 years old and travel with me thru the countless places all over the world!), I carefully measure small spoon of tea, I wait precisely 3 minutes, then I remove leafs of tea. I took off the shelf my favorite green cup, put in two slices of paper-thin sliced lemon, add spoon of sugar and … ahhh… it is my time after all! I repeat ritual once more very late in evening. And so on – every day of my life.

And sure, my needlepoint is another routine. I sip my tea and make few stitches, more sip and more stitches… It is almost perfect time of the day, what can be more pleasant!

However it can!

Another routine – treasure hunt! But it is guilty pleasure... I try to give up an addiction of checking thrift stores and flea markets around. Anyway I can’t buy all linens and china I love ( don’t get me wrong – I want to! I just can’t afford to buy ALL of them!) But I still do shopping, and still feel guilty...

There is some new treasures I found Monday - honest, I didn't mean to buy them, but I can’t resist! And who would be?
Who can resist having prettiest small tea-set? It is smaller then posy next to it! And each cup, and creamer, and saucer decorated with roses! Look at this!

Who can resist having $2.00 crispy clean runner – blue and cherry-red! It promised me endless possibilities – I can make bag for pajama, two tote bags or I cover my diary in lovely linen… I must have it!

The routine of ironing vintage linens – ahhh… It is only time when I enjoy to take an iron in my hands. Well – I think it is normal… I think… Do you think so? Who would be happy to iron piles of shorts or pants?
But linens - Oh, I love ironing linens!

That’s why I didn’t move too much with my needlework yesterday – I only have time to stitch tiny bird in the bottom and fall asleep early…
Happy Routines to you too, my dear-dear friends!

Another Gray Day

2008-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

nother gray and weird day woke me up in the morning. No sun light, not even memory of it on the dark, colorless sky. Branches of trees in front of my window creates odd pattern, rain drops make every brunch dark and glossy. Branches moves, and moves without any sign of wing. Seems like they alive and not too happy… Red cardinal started his song, and suddenly stopped and run away. Gray fog gets closer and covered ground. “Shhhh….. Shhh….” – it is sound of cars driving somewhere around, but I can’t see them, seems like all planet covered in heavy mist today… Silent and monochromatic picture…
And then came wind and colors became lighter. It is still gray, but now I can see trees, and fields, and cars again. Then came one of our engineers with slice of cheese cake from his wife Tomoko - and world don’t look so gray to me anymore! I shawl cake with cup of coffee before I realize I have to make photo! Oh, what a shame! Then came another guy and gave me tiny bottle of cognac for cooking – hey, did I tell you before how much I love my job??? I can handle cheese cakes and others gifts every single day! Well… Sometimes I made for them home-made staff too, so it is two-way road! Not like I just taking, I am happy to give to… But it always feels like I didn’t tell or show enough back to the good people HOW much I appreciate their kindness…

Some Cupids

2008-03-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

esterday I drove to Ann Arbor to see my daughter and even spent night in her tiny apartment. It was long and stressful week, I was so happy to see her again (and to have my camera back too!)...

Oh, boy! She like it HOT - literally! I believe it was 80 degrees or more in her bedroom! I was roasted all night and hardly survive till morning.

Likely it is cold and crisp outside and only 72 in the office; our guys don’t mind it! It is still winter here, even without any snow. My daughter took the photo of sky in the campus – doesn’t it look, like we have winter again???
Of course, we spent few hours at Panera. Actually, it is the best place to do homework. And eat, and chat, and browse Internet. Then we went home and finally I was able to make couple photos of my project.

I making sampler with the few cupids and late will add to it dozen birds and may be some letters, hiding between flowers and wines. As usually I don’t have any clear plan. I will see what happens! I also almost finished another small heart and it is time to stuff my project tonight. I can’t wait!

I think I will take little brake from big projects and start making couple biscornu - tiny eight-sided embroidered pillow that can be used as a pincushions, a holiday ornament, key chain or a scissor fob. Usually it filled with dry flower petals or herbs to make a sachet... I think you will see the first one soon!

Post About Nothing.

2008-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

hat’s right! Nothing happened since yesterday. I didn’t sew, stitch, cook, clean or even read. I have a migraine! Best what I can do just fall asleep and try to sleep as long as possible. So I did. It helps little bit, as usual.

Early in the morning I received e-mail from my daughter with BACON. She knows how much I love bacon! Who doesn’t? There it is:

The photo of bacon doesn’t have any special meaning in my post. Sorry – it just make me smile! Who was this crafty woman, who weaved bacon strips?!! I have no idea, but I should admit – it is fun!

I make photos of couple my old projects and want to share with you.

It is two socks, or stockings (I still not understand difference, even I open dictionary …). Usually it takes an evening or two to finish them. In winter they hold dry lavender or ivy. In summer, I place small, vintage apothecary bottle with water and keep fresh flowers from my garden. Either way it works and looks good!

Another is holder for the cinnamon sticks – oh, I love this one! Sometimes I found pattern I love, and in excitement, I start stitching without thinking HOW actually I will use it! That was one of such projects. Surprisingly, it is one of my favorite.

Ooops! Cinnamon sticks mysteriously disappeared, I just noticed it. What happened??! I have no idea…

My David Austin roses came, and I even didn’t open the box.

I don’t know what to do now – it is still cold in Michigan. I can’t plant them… I don’t have garage to keep them… Our tiny garden house (in reality it is just a shed to keep lawnmower and tools) too cold, I suppose, and roses will not survive… Besides, I can’t keep them at home – it is too worm, buds will reinforced to grow. Is anybody can tell me what I suppose to do now?

What I dreaming about...

2008-03-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

should admit – I am a Dreamer. Big one!

Every night, when I going to the bed I close my eyes and dream about… Ahh, I have so much to dream about!

I dream to travel – if you only know how much I would love to do it! The day I would win big lottery ticket I will pack small back pack and purchase dozens tickets to the any destination in the world. One problem – I always forgot to buy this lottery ticket! (Please, somebody, remind me!) Australian beaches called me! South of France and my favorite Normandy crying of me!

Cottages in Devonshire bagging me to see their beautiful gardens! Newer mind, thre are also New Zeeland, Alaska, Venezuela and my home – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia! I would love to do it!
I even made pajama’s bag for travel. And I almost newer used it. Only once I took it to my trip to Chicago last August.

It is SO wrong!

I made the bag from vintage ticking with roses, cotton for quilting, and, of course, some my cross-stitch.

Another my dream is to have house in the fields of lavender. I newer will tired from lavander-blue. I can close my eyes and picture my white dream home, surrounded by waves and fragrances of lavender. I imagine english roses, creeping to the wall; little white bistro table in the cool shadow of old three; small creek on the bottom of hill; cat sleeping on the window... And heavy forest surrounding my little farm.

Quiet, only sound of mucking bird from the sky…

I dream to write short novels, and it is only one of my dreams, which actually slowly coming thru. I write in Russian, and I am not bad at all! But I am dreaming (again!) to improve my English enough to be able to ....

I am hopeless dreamer…

But my biggest and only one really important dream is - I wish (oh, I wish it so hard!) my daughter will healthy and newer-ever sick again. I dream she will meet “the one and only”, married and (oh, I am so selfish!) will have kids. I would happy to read them Russian fairytales, teach them to paint. I would build tiny play house in my garden and let them have all puppies and kittens in the world. But I will OK if she only will healthy, that’s more then enough for me!

Vintage linens for my home

2008-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

One kitchen towel can make a difference in the bedroom. I always purchase vintage towels, runners, bedlinen or tablecloth. Even they slightly damaged or have some spots. I still can find what to do with them. There are two cushions for my bedroom, made from one tea towel and leftovers of fabric my darling sister-in-law gave me. It took about an hour to put it all together. You probably already know my absolute passion for bedlinen and anything embroidered. And if I don’t have enough, I always can make mine own. Like a this one:

Or this one, with monogrammed “E”, because my real name is Elena, even everyone call me Lenka. I made it in same colors as the violets and used same fabric.

My Japanese Friends

2008-03-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday snow storm hit Michigan and I decide to stay home. I have long way to drive -42 miles from home to office, not good when it is bad road.

Working for Japanese company, I have all advantage of being women. Believe or not – they are threat me as a precious and darling creature. Guys in the office open a door if I walk in, they taking me for lunch, when my daughter was in the hospital, every one of them was so nice to me – I even asked them to stop, because I wasn’t able to handle it without whipping my eyes and nose all the time. And they are so polite! Oh, gosh, if you only know how polite can be Japanese! I feel like Barbarian next to them. And they call me Elena-san...

Wife’s of our employees - it is another story. They even more nice and lovely – I don’t know if it is possible, but in fact, it is. They always, and I mean it – always, sending me small (but ahhhh, so precious!) gifts. In fact, Friday I get the most beautiful block-printed towels from Hiroshi’s wife. She was on vacation in Japan and brings them to me. She spoil me! Totally!

Monday Daijiro’s wife sent to me two slices of home-made cheesecake. Bless her heart! I don’t care about my hips – I can handle it! What a good heart, and excellend baker! It was one of the best cheesecakes I ever have!

Today I came at 7 am, and found large box of AZUKI – Japanese pastries. I even don’t know who give it to me yet! So yummy...

Awww… I love them so much! What a beautiful people!
They always make me feel like a luckiest girl in the office! (Actually, I am only one girl in the office!) And I didn’t do anything to deserve it…. Amazing… Felles like I won big lottery ticket, only much better!
And their kids - I newer have enought of them! Look at this two - are they special????

More birds and some roses

2008-03-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

My daughter's gift - the birdhouse and Chicadee for Mothers Day. They look so good together!

There is always more rooms for the birds in my garden and house. Every day we feed them.
Dozens of small fellows coming every morning and waiting for me to refill bird fitters. Dozens of them meet me, after I return from job and will feed them again. A few squirrels looking to my windows bagging for food as soon as they can see light in the house. Sometimes two raccoons come to take lunch next to the squirrels. One single, and totally unmarried bunny, and one opossum, who’s family’s history we don’t know, often visiting us. And one neighbor coming to the time of feeding, and makes nasty comments from the other side of fence. One more wild animal we have. I should feed him too, perhaps… Or call animal control… Like a Scarlet O’Hara I always tell myself “I will think about him tomorrow!”

Today I show some more birds from my home collection. First is mosaic ( Hi, Penny from Lavander Hill Studio! I love your blog!). This is fist what I see when I wake up every moning. Oh, no - my husband always first, then mosaic!

I think it is newer enough eggs for Easter, so I have more now!

This two pillows I made few years ago. Titanic project I hardly finished, but I am glad I did – love them!

More needlework

2008-03-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Another heart is done, I want to frame it tonight or tomorrow. It seems like I will have quite a lot of them soon. I still obsessed with combination of gray and red, so simple and so darling! I started another, tiny one, two days ago, but not finished it yet.

I found one more heart in my closet, and want to show it to you also. I made it five or six years ago, when I was in the mood for quilting. I still miss doing it, but our house not to large and I don’t have special place to keep my sewing machine. One day… May be…

There is a needlework I finished recently. Unfortunately, I didn’t have appropriate fabric, and I used usual canvas. It would be much better to use silk or hand-dyed light green or blue cotton. Oh, well – next time I will know what to use!
Anyway, it is good for me to exercise new techniques and create new patterns. It helps to stretch skills and learn something new.

Treasure hunt....

2008-03-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am flea market junkie. I have bad habit to do it almost every weekend. And always found something called “I need it so much! I was looking for it past few months”.
Last week I found (again!) exactly what I was looking for – 50 yards of 1.5” wide ribbon. Beautiful Easter colors light purple, little pink, and green. My bunny will happy!

Two napkins with Scottish design - I wonder who dumped them to the resale shop? No, really, WHO? I wash them, iron them with all my love and little lavender-scented water. They have loving home now!

Hmm… Long, long bell ribbon, or what is it? I have no idea, but I love colors and daisies. Welcome to my closet!

And last for today - half dozen white embroidered napkins. They require little work – bleaching and ironing.

Am I the luckiest girl?

The portrait of Unknown

2008-03-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder who is he? I can’t even tell is it young lady or young man – I decide it is a man, but still… This painting came to our home from my father-in-law, beautiful man I loved dearly. We don’t know anything about the portrait; we don’t even know who painted it. Some evenings we sit in front of fireplace with glass of wine and talking about this mysterious person, what family he came from, what happened with his life late, was he married, did he survive Civil War? There are no answers for my questions. May be it is good – still keeps us entertained.

I photographed my paintings and just now can see His reflection in old French mirror.

Time for Snow Maiden....

2008-03-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Seems like it is getting wormer today. Snow melted and tender flavor of spring soil make me so happy.
My daughter is back to school. We had good time together, despite the fact that she was sleeping all the time and rest of time she did her homework. We still had time to talk, eat together, browsing internet and she even let me hug her couple times. Gosh, she goes for TWO diplomas! One is not enough for my small girl.
I found another Christmas decoration - Snow Maiden (Sneguroshka) by Villeroy & Boch Russian Fairy Tales series. She quietly hides from the coming spring… Sorry, honey, I can’t change Fairy Tale, you must disappeare at spring.

My daughter spent few years at local theater, playing Snegurochka on stage. She started when she was 6 and did her last performance at 13, just before we are moved to US. My little, darling ballerina! I steel keep the head, named kokoshnik, from her costume...

There is a tale… One of my favorite forever… Great Russian composer Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov also made an opera out of this story, I listen it every spring. It is good way to say "Bye" to winter. I make a link to the "Dance of the Tumblers from Snow Maiden" - please read the story, listen music and celebrate coming spring!

The Snow Maiden
A. Ostrovskiy
Once upon a time there lived a woodcutter and his old wife. They were poor and had no children. The old man cut logs in the forest and carried them into town; in this way he eked out a living. As they grew older they became sadder and sadder at being childless.
"We are growing so old. Who will take care of us?" the wife would ask from time to time.
"Do not worry, old woman. God will not abandon us. He will come to our aid in time," answered the old man.
One day, in the dead of winter, he went into the forest to chop wood and his wife came along to help him. The cold was intense and they were nearly frozen.
"We have no child," said the woodcutter to his wife. "Shall we make a little snow girl to amuse us?"
They began to roll snowballs together, and in a short while they had made a "snegurochka," a snow maiden, so beautiful that no pen could describe her. The old man and the old woman gazed at her and grew even sadder.
"If only the good Lord had sent us a little girl to share our old age!" said the old woman.
They thought on this so strongly that suddenly a miracle happened. They looked at their snow maiden, and were amazed at what they saw. The eyes of the snow maiden twinkled; a diadem studded with precious stones sparkled like fire on her head; a cape of brocade covered her shoulders; embroidered boots appeared on her feet.
The old couple looked at her and did not believe their eyes. Then the mist of breath parted the red lips of Snegurochka; she trembled, looked around, and took a step forward.
The old couple stood there, stupefied; they thought they were dreaming. Snegurochka came toward them and said:
"Good day, kind folk, do not be frightened! I will be a good daughter to you, the joy of your old age. I will honor you as father and mother."
"My darling daughter, let it be as you desire," answered the old man. "Come home with us, our longed-for little girl!" They took her by her white hands and led her from the forest.
As they went, the pine trees swayed goodbye, saying their farewell to Snegurochka, with their rustling wishing her safe journey, happy life.
The old couple brought Snegurochka home to their wooden hut, their 'isba,' and she began her life with them, helping them to do the chores. She was always most respectful, she never contradicted them, and they could not praise her enough, nor tire of gazing at her, she was so kind and so beautiful.
Snegurochka, nevertheless, worried her adopted parents. She was not at all talkative and her little face was always pale, so pale. She did not seem to have a drop of blood, yet her eyes shone like little stars. And her smile! When she smiled she lighted up the isba like a gift of rubles.
They lived together thus for one month, two months; time passed. The old couple could not rejoice enough in their little daughter, gift of God.
One day the old woman said to Snegurochka: "My darling daughter, why are you so shy? You see no friends, you always stay with us, old people; that must be tiresome for you. Why do you not go out and play with your friends, show yourself and see people? You should not spend all your time with us, aged folk."
"I have no wish to go out, dear Mother," answered Snegurochka. "I am happy here."
Carnival time arrived. The streets were alive with strollers, with singing from early morning until late at night. Snegurochka watched the merrymaking through the little frozen window panes. She watched ... and finally she could resist no longer; she gave in to the old woman, put on her little cape, and went into the street to join the throng.
In the same village there lived a maiden called Kupava. She was a true beauty, with hair as black as a raven's wing, skin like blood and milk, and arching brows.
One day a rich merchant came through town. His name was Mizgir, and he was young and tall. He saw Kupava and she pleased him. Kupava was not at all shy; she was saucy and never turned down an invitation to stroll.
Mizgir stopped in the village, called to all the young girls, gave them nuts and spiced bread, and danced with Kupava. From that moment he never left town, and, it must be said, he soon became Kupava's lover. There was Kupava, the belle of the town, parading around in velvets and silks, serving sweet wines to the youths and the maidens and living the joyful life.
The day Snegurochka first strolled in the street, she met Kupava, who introduced all her friends. From then on Snegurochka came out more often and looked at the youth. A young boy, a shepherd, pleased her. He was named Lel. Snegurochka pleased him too, and they became inseparable. Whenever the young girls came out to stroll and to sing, Lel would run to Snegurochka's isba, tap on the window and say: "Snegurochka, dearest, come out and join the dancing." Once she appeared, he never left her side.
One day Mizgir came to the village as the maidens were dancing in the street. He joined in with Kupava and made them all laugh. He noticed Snegurochka and she pleased him; she was so pale and so pretty! From then on Kupava seemed too dark and too heavy. Soon he found her unpleasant. Quarrels and scenes broke out between them and Mizgir stopped seeing her.
Kupava was desolate, but what could she do? One cannot please by force nor revive the past! She noticed that Mizgir often returned to the village and went to the house of Snegurochka's old parents. The rumor flew that Mizgir had asked for Snegurochka's hand in marriage.
When Kupava learned this, her heart trembled. She ran to Snegurochka's isba, reproached her, insulted her, called her a viper, a traitor, made such a scene that they had to force her to leave.
"I will go to the Tsar!" she cried. "I will not suffer this dishonor. There is no law that allows a man to compromise a maiden, then throw her aside like a useless rag!"
So Kupava went to the Tsar to beg for his help against Snegurochka, who she insisted had stolen her lover.
Tsar Berendei ruled this kingdom; he was a good and gracious Tsar who loved truth and watched over all his subjects. He listened to Kupava and ordered Snegurochka brought before him.
The Tsar's envoys arrived at the village with a proclamation ordering Snegurochka to appear before their master.
"Good subjects of the Tsar! Listen well and tell us where the maiden Snegurochka lives. The Tsar summons her! Let her make ready in haste! If she does not come of her will we will take her by force!"
The old woodcutters were filled with fear. But the Tsar's word was law. They helped Snegurochka to make ready and decided to accompany her, to present her to the Tsar.
Tsar Berendei lived in a splendid palace with walls of massive oak and wrought-iron doors; a large stairway led to great halls where Bukhara carpets covered the floors and guardsmen stood in scarlet kaftans with shining axes. All the vast courtyard was filled with people.
Once inside the sumptuous palace, the old couple and Snegurochka stood amazed. The ceilings and arches were covered with paintings, the precious plate was lined up on shelves, along the walls ran benches covered with carpets and brocades, and on these benches were seated the boyars wearing tall hats of bear fur trimmed with gold. Musicians played intricate music on their tympanums. At the far end of the hall, Tsar Berendei himself sat erect on his gilded and sculptured throne. Around him stood bodyguards in kaftans white as snow, holding silver axes.
Tsar Berendei's long white beard fell to his belt. His fur hat was the tallest; his kaftan of precious brocade was embroidered all over with jewels and with gold.
Snegurochka was frightened; she did not dare to take a step nor to raise her eyes.
Tsar Berendei said to her: "Come here, young maiden, come closer, gentle Snegurochka. Do not be afraid, answer my questions. Did you commit the sin of separating two lovers, after stealing the heart of Kupava's beloved? Did you flirt with him and do you intend to marry him? Make sure that you tell me the truth!"
Snegurochka approached the Tsar, curtsied low, knelt before him, and spoke the truth; that she was not at fault, neither in body nor in soul; that it was true that the merchant Mizgir had asked for her in marriage, but that he did not please her and she had refused his hand.
Tsar Benendei took Snegurochka's hands to help her to rise, looked into her eyes and said: "I see in your eyes, lovely maiden, that you speak the truth, that you are nowhere at fault. Go home now in peace and do not be upset!"
And the Tsar let Snegurochka leave with her adoptive parents.
When Kupava learned of the Tsar's decision she went wild with grief. She ripped her sarafan, tore her pearl necklace from her white neck, ran from her isba, and threw herself in the well.
From that day on, Snegurochka grew sadder and sadder. She no longer went out in the street to stroll, not even when Lel begged her to come.
Meanwhile, spring had returned. The glorious sun rose higher and higher, the snow melted, the tender grass sprouted, the bushes turned green, the birds sang and made their nests. But the more the sun shone, the paler and sadder Snegurochka grew.
One beautiful spring morning Lel came to Snegurochka's little window and pleaded with her to come out with him, just once, for just a moment. For a long while Snegurochka refused to listen, but finally her heart could no longer resist Lel's pleas, and she went with her beloved to the edge of the village.
"Lel, oh my Lel, play your flute for me alone!" she asked. She stood before Lel, barely alive, her feet tingling, not a drop of blood in her pale face!
Lel took out his flute and began to play Snegurochka's favorite air.
She listened to the song, and tears rolled down from her eyes. Then her feet melted beneath her; she fell onto the damp earth and suddenly vanished.
Lel saw nothing but a light mist rising from where she had fallen. The vapor rose, rose, and disappeared slowly in the blue sky ...

Polka-dot birdhouse

2008-02-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

My daughter back home for the whole week – it is spring break at University of Michigan. Hurrah!!! I am having happiest time in my life now. She is happy and healthy – what else I can pray for!
Yesterday we spent couple hours at coffee shop, we did some shopping, and we took a nice snooze together. Then we went to the Michaels and she bought beautiful bird for me. It is my Mothers Day gift. She also decorated lovely birdhouse for the new bird I have. It is quite a project! She spent all evening and it turns to be lovely house! I can’t wait to display it!

There is my new bird house! Isn't it lovely?

Michaels have a lot of cute staff for sale. For example I found these lovely monogrammed cards just for $1. Newer mind they are blue – my favorite color, they also have any letters you want! We bought some Martha Stewarts’ paper, gosh – I love her choice of colors!

I can not resist!

2008-02-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

I must post it on my blog and share with others ! We were in the clinic today and in the lobby we found an Entertainment Magazine with Will Ferrell. Don’t you think he is hilarious? I can't find another photo of him with birds' nest – it was totally amusing. But even the first one can give you nice Easter impression.

I was tagged!

2008-02-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Patty from Attic Clutter blog! You can’t believe how exited I am now – it newer happened to me before; somebody actually was able to find some meanings in the debris of my broken English; someone sweet and kind found interesting to see my photos. I am so thankful, and I am smile all the day.
Also I am so thankful for everyone who leave comments – let be honest, it is what we keep our blogs for! We are looking for new friends and sharing ideas...
Patty’s blog is lovely and fun! This week she displayed a whole bunch of vintage photos - fancy ladies, having even more fancy expressions on their beautiful faces and posing for camera in fine-looking heats. They are stunning, and lovely, and little hilarious too! Thank you, dear-dear Patty!

More snow today....

2008-02-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight silent snow covered ground. I woke up and soft-blue light outside the window make me smile – I knew it suppose to be flurry!

Mild and soft, large snow flakes little by little floating down the sky and it become quiet – no sounds of birds today. The snow is fluffy and crisp, perfect day for taking cross country skiing or to walk at the forest.

I spotted bunnies’ footprint in the backyard, he coming often to my garden now, big lover of blueberries and cuts from apple tree. All summer he hides under the blooming bushes and pretend to be one of my garden decorations – he doesn’t move, no any motion, even his eyes not blinking. But in the moment, I turn my head out – he jumps and run out. Silly bunny! We don’t eat bunnies! We feed them!

My hardy rosemary fluffed up tiny leaves, and proudly shows new dress, designed by talented master - winter.

Even my Danish shoes on the porch have some fresh treat, little sparkle of white.

Winter again. I love you, winter!

Mr. White Vest

2008-02-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

It was little more crazy week than usual. And it was gorgeous! What a shame to spend it at home - we went out, my husband took me for some antique shopping and lunch. I even worked in my garden, trimming old shrubs, raking leaves and soaking in the sun light. My entire body sore now, I think I overworked and overestimated my power. As usual. Funny part, it happens every spring, it is actually sign of spring to…
Today is cold and gray day again , they even promised more snow. But spring is coming! It is in the air already! I spotted five or six Canadian geese’s flying across the lake – they are back! Small gang of sparrows fighting around the bird fitter, making incredible beautiful to my ears noise. Our baby-squirrel ( we adopted him three or four years ago) not bagging for food anymore, but digging last survived bulbs of tulips from my garden and flirting with girls . It is spring!
New squirrel came for the lunch. He have an unusual coat, seems like he dressed in white vest. I think it is some cross-bread between black and gray. We named him Mr. White Vest and welcome him with few peanuts. And, most important, I almost finished another heart. I think I will stitch bunny in the middle, I don’t know yet! Or bird... Or rooster... Or letter "E"...

Pysanki for Easter

2008-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

I promised myself to find time this weekend to make some pysankas for Easter. Pysanky were traditionally made during the last week of Lent, Holy Week in the Catholic and Orthodox calendars, I can’t wait so long – I did it yesterday. I didn’t have too much time, so I decide to make one-color eggs. My red mood past month drive me to use only red color of dye, so all eggs turn to have valentines-like color.

All what you need - some wax, stylus and candle. Sure, little imagination will help, but there is so meany internet resources, you always can find pattern and design for Pysankas!

It is simple process, the molten wax applied to the white egg with a writing motion, and then the egg was dyed red. When eggs getting dry, the wax removed by holding the egg next to the candle flame, gently melting wax and removing it with some soft cloth. That’s it.

And the winner is:

One more done and one more to go!

2008-02-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

I don’t have time and energy to write today – busy, busy!
However, I did spend some time stitching yesterday evening and finally another heart. As you can see, I have nice trio now.

Weaknes for monogrammed linens

2008-02-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

I have strange weakness for the monogrammed linens. Where is it came form? I don’t have even slight idea… Definitely not from my family – we newer ever have anything monogrammed. Well, I don’t think generations of military guys, Kazaks, farmers, and scientists behind in my family tree ever have it too. Hmm… What a spooky genealogical mystery…
There is some mono I would like to have:

done in satin stitch;

Very French, incredible beautiful broderie rouge;

Blue one doesn't looks not too bad!

Lovely floral monogrammes from http://broderiedevely.canalblog.com/

Ta-dah!

2008-02-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

a-dah! YesterdayI finished another heart and framed it. Actually it was after midnight, so technically it was today.

Sweet Mary from Across the Pond left a comment “you must get more rest” – I know, thank you for caring, Mary! I told it myself every morning, but then in evening I can’t stop… Excitement of new project is too big, I simply can’t stop …And I always have couple more projects to start… There is a monogram N for the next heart I will do tonight:
Yesterday my husband told me something what makes me smile. A can’t believe! When he was a small kid, he was afraid even to open “Alice in Wonderland” because he was terrified to see illustrations. Especially this one - Alice with looooong neck!

Oh, honey, if you will bad to me one day….

It is funny but sad in some way… For me this book was one of the best adventures, for him – source of the most horrifying dreams…

Alice in Wonderland for Easter

2008-02-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

very year I read “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll. I don’t know what in this book make me so happy, but I return back and read it again and again, many years of my life.

When I was just a kid, I started with fairly good translation by Marshak (famous Russian poet), then I try dozens other translations, obviously not all of them was equally interesting to me. Finally, few years ago, I was able to enjoy it in original. I absolutely in love with illustrations made by Sir John Tenniel. What a brilliant cartoonist!

You can find book at http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/c/carroll/lewis/alice/ . Illustrations from “Alice in Wonderland” become part of my Easter decorations. I already print them out and will display them together with bunnies and birds.

Also, I almost finished another heart, and will frame late. I want to make few of them and display in our TV-room. Lately I check lot of French blogs and found thousands new ideas - this is one of them. Isn’t it beautiful combination of light-gray and red? So simple...

Easter Coming!

2008-02-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

aster coming! It is not too soon, but I can’t wait and took out of closet my bunnies, Easter eggs and few Pysanka from last year. (A pysanka (Ukrainian: писанка, plural: pysanky) is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax). Next weekend I will make dozen of new Pysanka for decorations, and also gifts for friends. It is not too hard to paint eggs, but it takes lot of time and I need to have plenty of room and good bright light.

There are two Russian eggs, from Palekhm and paper mache Easter egg from Erzgebirge, Germany:

Saturday morning

2008-02-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

“Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle!” - Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.

I finished another broderie rouge heart for the key-box next to the door and monogrammed letter N, just because I like how it looks.

Saturday morning always the best day of week for me. Today I found myself doing my needlework in TV-room till 6 a.m. I didn’t know it is so late… Or early? I truly enjoyed redwork, movie and even have time to listen new CD with lessons in French. Oh, no! It is already 6!
Silently I slip into the bed; hug my sleeping and softly snoring husband - he even didn’t notice it. I took a snooze full of nightmares till 9 and after I brutally killed two guys, adopted poor girl without shoes walking in the snow, I decide to wake up. Enough!
I love thrillers and my dream tonight has all signs of it: crashed helicopter, two mad kidnapers on snowboard followed baby-girl, two (again!) friendly green parrots, on my left and right shoulders; they were hunted by some wild cat and finally killed too. I was shooting my rifle – wow! I didn’t know I can to it! Oh, yeah – it was in Mexico also! (Snow in the Mexico?!!!) Hmm… Bloody dreams!
So, now I am in the nearest coffee shop, browsing my favorite blogs, answering e-mails and seeping coffee. No assassins, no shoeless girls, quiet and peaceful. It is sunny, aqua-blue sky without any sign of clouds, and fairly cold. They promise 40 F tomorrow and plenty of rain.

Another good day to do my peaceful needlepoint, or dream-out some new adventure?

Another project

2008-02-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

Finally I framed it. Thanks to Salvation Army stores, I have dozens frames, any shape, style, and color I need.

Few days ago I also risqué couple William Morris’ Artichoke pillows. They looks little shabby, I need to take them for dry cleaning. And possible they will have happy life after at my porch or serve as chair sits in the kitchen. I will see. Anyway – Morris’ design always welcome in to my house! .

2008-02-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

moment to spare, so I'm here writing another post.
Couple days ago I found stunning blog, unfortunately it is in French. (I don’t speak French at all – what a shame!) However I can enjoy photos – it is understandable! Design and choice of colors absolutely incredible! Awww, I wish I can be so good… Shown below a few picks from blog named EHOUIMAPOVLU7

Finally I finish part cross stitch with the birds, but still don’t have any idea what to do with it. Oh, well! It can wait!

I also started another heart for Valentines and I can see some progress.

Good news – tumor not back

2008-02-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

ood news – tumor not back, we will have MRI done in couple weeks again. My daughter doesn’t need radiation so far. Doctor was as usually clever, answer all our questions, give some more options, and most important, he sounds very positive now. I feel I have wings again! (Forgot to tell – my daughter and I both think he is handsome, it is important part of treatment too!). All her response for the excellent news was: “I told you!” I need to pay attention to what she told… At least sometimes ... What a conception…

Driving was terrible! It took 3 hours for usual 45 minutes trip. But gosh, snow is beautiful! There is a photo of Christmas tree just next to my doter’s apartment. I took it today, before 7 a.m.

I also have lunch with beautiful girl Nanamy from Japan. Then she discovered power of Marshall – shopping much less expensive in US. Funny part, I look like a toll girl on a photo. Actually I am 5’2”, she even smaller! By the way, Nanami in Japanese sound like noise of ocean waves – isn’t it beautiful ?

I have time in the doctor’s office to finish couple designs in me notebook. First one is for my bed; I will do it in rosémailing technique. But I need to wait for summer. And I also try to make some monogram in same style, but it didn’t turn well. It’s OK, I still learning.

Time to believe and be patient

2008-02-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

4 hours before surgery

Evening after sirgery - she already can laugh! As always!

Cute sleepers – important part of healing process!

Few month ago my daughter have brain tumor removed and we don’t know if it ever will back or not. Likely, the tumor was not malignant. However even benign brain tumor can be death sentence. We are so thankful for each tumor-free day. And we pray so hard…

My daughter is amazing! She simply told me yesturday: “I feel fine, I know I don’t have new tumor! Live me along!” There you go! At least we have somebody with good head in shoulders in our family! At least somebody can sleep at night.

On the fifth day after surgery she returned back to the university and simply finished term with all A’s. Most of people even didn’t know what she going thru… She is amazing!

Today we have following appointment with our neurosurgeon. It is time to do next MRI and see what’s going on. I am nervous a lot; I understand that we will have news only couple weeks late, but can’t stop worry… It is time to be patient….

Antique Scissors

2008-02-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

id you ever think WHEN scissors were invented? I didn't... Who was that clever guy, who discovers the power of two blades? Who knows...

But I know that the first perfect csissors was made in 1761 when Robert Hinchliffe fron London produced the first pair of modern-looking scissors made from hardened and polished cast steel.

There is a good example of German scissors 1875.

Rooster-looking created to take off top of hard-boiled egg - wierd, ha?

Last petit tresor from France.

What a lovely treasures you can find on e-bay this week...

William Morris

2008-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Gate to the backyard still have Christmas decorations. I just discover it… Well, from now I will call it “winter decorations” officially. It looks just right in a snowing morning...

I am lucky to have William Morris design in my home – ambitious project I finished almost 8 years ago. I even remember where I got pattern. I found the book of Beth Russel in local library, she is talented artist from England. Her colors and interpretation of William Morris design are stunning! I wish I can be same talanted...

Snow, birds and needlepoint

2008-02-08T07:25:00.001-08:00

We have more snow this week – it’s getting out control. And it is beautiful too. I know, we suppose to complain about cold, snow, darkness, bad driving and slippery roads. I can’t - I love winter. I adore waking up Saturday morning and feed birds and squirrels. Our back yard full of water and we can’t reach large bird feeder, so we just pull out of the garden house an old one and place it in front yard. I guess we are the most popular house on the street now! Hey! I love it!
Dozens and dozens birds left footprints on the snow. They eat it all in couple hours – poor creatures! They mast be really hungry. I will brave tomorrow - I will walk thru the snow and swampy ground of our backyard to poor more food at the biggest birdfeeder we have. Actually it is birdbath, but every winter it became a Mecca for local pigeons, doves, robins, and sparrows. Occasionally coming Blue Birds and couple of Red Cardinals – what a tropical colors on the white clouds of snow!
I also continue my next project – rework on wool canvas. As you can see, I almost finished it, but I am not sure what it will be finally. Canvas bag with toile inside layer and needle pointed pockets for flea market discoveries? Or I can simply frame it? I don’t know yet…

I posted photo of birds I found about year ago in the resale shop. They are so lovely, but I don’t know how you suppose to call them in English. Russian name is SNEGIRY, came from world SHEG – snow. They are one of my favorite birds…

Day off

2008-02-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

We have snow last Friday, so much snow! Whole 3 inches – make me smile. I am Russian girl, I know what it’s mean to have lot of snow. However, out company decide to give us day off – what a joy! It seems like I had vacation.

I drove to Ann Arbor and spent two wonderful days with my doter. She is delightful, full of energy and projects. Despite her brain surgery, she doing more then well at university – she will have TWO diplomas next year! And she looks so beautiful and healthy. I pray so hard every day, I hope her tumor newer will grow back, I hope it newer ever will turn to be malignant… She sure loose weight after all, now she is size 2, I guess. So we did some shopping for her, we stop for long-long dinner at Panera; it is place to take your laptops and browse… And we talk, talk a lot about her dreams, her life, everything what happened in past couple weeks. It seems to me that I have one of the happiest days in my life…

And I even have time to do some needlepoint too. There are two finished projects – heart for Valentine’s Day and sheep with snowflakes. Both inspired by internet search, mostly it was French blogs this time.

Roses for my garden

2008-01-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

It is time to plan my garden. I promised myself to do some research about English climbing roses for me garden and found absolutely stunning site of David Austin Roses at http://www.davidaustinroses.com/
Now it is time to choose what and where to plant this spring. I hope I can find right place for couple bushes of Crown Princess Margareta. Sometimes roses not doing too well on clay soil in my garden.

It is snowing again…

2008-01-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

Real winter finally hit roads of Michigan. I spent morning shoveling snow in front of house – bad idea! It is still snowing, I just waist my time doing it.
However, I managed to pull my car to the road and slowly (really-really slow! I mean it!) drove to the Joe Randozzo’s – my favorite place to do shopping every Saturday. My plan today to make slow roasted tomatoes, staffed peppers and Muhammara - Bell Pepper Spread with some almonds and molasses.
Sure, I stop for some coffee and bread at Panera. Muhammara can be good reason to have slice or two sourdough bread.
No other plans for evening! My husband out of home till evening, so I can do some painting or needlepoint… Whoever I will feel inspired today. And read – Aristotle Nicomachean ethics. I found lot of appealing in the way how he describes it.
Almost forgot - there is new needlepoint I finished and finally framed. It placed in our TV / computer/ craft room, and waiting for another bird be framed one day.

Tiny houses from Lithuania

2008-01-24T07:39:00.000-08:00

Lithuania is a small country on the Baltic Sea.
I spent so many summer vacations there; I had so many friends and neighbors in Lithuania that it became my second home. Tiny village Nida – home of famous German novelist and short story writer Thomas Mann.

It takes an hour and half to drive to the Nida, then about half hour to Klaipeda, another small, sleeping town. Little café, where you can have taste of espresso - black, no cream. And taste of miniature cakes Mille-feuille – they call it Napoleon here, in US. I miss Klaipeda so much… (I found an image of Klaipeda at http://muziejus.moletai.lt/).

And couple month ago I get so lucky! I walk to the Marshall and found two tiny, ceramic houses, made in Klaipeda!!!! Wow!!!! Who cares how much! I must have tem!

Now they placed on a top of dresser in my bedroom. I put light bulb inside both of them and every night, when I’m going to my bed, I can enjoy reflection of light, coming from the windows. Soft yellow in a dark room… Home….

My sweet little needlepoint

2008-01-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

"In the glad morn of blooming youth
These various threads I drew,
And now behold this finished piece
Lies glorious to the view.

So when bright youth shall charm no more
And age shall chill my blood,
May I review my life and say
Behold my works were good."

I don't know who wrote it, but I love this short poem, it is about me. I making few stitches every single evening. Well... May by I'm having couple days off during the year, but it is sad days.

Something bad must happened if I didn't take needle in my fingers.

Many designs I "borrowed" from old traditional samplers, some designs pop up out of nothing and I just quickly put them on a wool. All of them different - I newer was too committed to any single style.

I have mood for Quakers, Ukrainian, German or New-England today, but tomorrow it can be new idea and new design. I didn't use somebody patterns most of time, but often use them as an inspiration.

You can click on picture and open it.

Swedish Folk Art

2008-01-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

I try to do some Swedish painting yesterday using watercolors. It is interesting to see difference between Norwegian and Swedish folk art, even they so close geographically. Surprisingly, I found that it is much easy to do Swedish. I remember some book of fairytales from my childhood and try recreating some illustrations. I am not sure if it is close to what I remember, but that’s what I got finally.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

2008-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

December 3, 2007, Ann Arbor, Michigan — On
Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, 2008, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will visit Ann Arbor where over the course of three sessions in two days he will teach on “Engaging Wisdom and Compassion” at the Crisler Arena of the University of Michigan.
The two-day educational program will be held in conjunction with a public talk, the Peter M. Wege Lecture on Sustainability, on environmental issues presented on April 20th by the University of Michigan at the Crisler Arena in celebration of Earth Day. The teaching is being co-sponsored by Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center headquartered in Ann Arbor, The Tibet Fund, and the Garrison Institute. The Dalai Lama is recognized worldwide for his message of compassion and tolerance, his promotion of human rights and inter-religious understanding, his focus on peace through non-violent conflict resolution and his advocacy for the environment. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, the Dalai Lama was the recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Engaging Wisdom and Compassion His Holiness
the Dalai Lama brings us the ancient Indian and Tibetan teachings on wisdom and
compassion to inspire and guide our lives. The teaching will be based on
Nagarjuna's Commentary on Ultimate Compassion and Je Tsong Khapa's In Praise of Dependent Origination।
Source
http://www.dalailamaannarbor.com/index2.html

Gourds for Christmas

2008-01-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Every year I make some Christmas gifts for my friends. This fall I bought few gourds from the farm in Texas and try to paint on them with acrylics. No luck! Turn to be quite an ugly.
Then, when my doter was in the hospital, and I was completely insane, I spent all night drawing with pencil on gourds. By morning 5 or 6 of them was totally covered with tiny William Morris’ style ornaments, birds, rabbits, hedgehogs, fairy on the grape vine, bears with buttocks baskets, picking up berries, bunch of puppies the dog’s haven and many-many others …

Most of my friends got one or two of my gourds now. I have a dozen more already and continue to paint. Well, no pencil anymore, it is pyrography now.

Finally we have a winter in Michigan

2008-01-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Norwegian decorative painting - Rosemailing

2008-01-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

My new passion. Hard not to fall in love with it. So many colors and designs. Couple weeks ago I found some really interesting tine-boxes from Norway and now I try to paint in the same style. Seems not too hard, but it take time and lot of practice to do it.

Rosemaling, the decorative folk painting of Norway, began in the Norway in late 18th century when Baroque, Regency and Rococo were introduced to Norway's rural culture. First artists who rosemaled would not have been land owners but poor, city dwellers. They being trained within a "guild" then would travel from place to place painting furniture or interior of homes for the healthy for the money or sometimes just room and food.

There is some of my painted furniture. I finished it couple days before Christmas.

Some old cartoon I love

2008-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJYkpKS6R5U

My Latvian mittens.

2008-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

I grew up in Latvia. Small town called Liepāja, located on the west part of Latvia in the Kurzeme province. Liepāja is known as the city where the wind born. I believe it is windiest city on the Baltic Sea.
It is truly small town with population less then 90 thousands people. I guess when I was 12 it was even smaller.
One if the best memories of my childhood is Ligo - this festivity takes place during the night between the 23rd and 24th of June – the shortest night of the year.
All over Latvia, all through the night people burn fires, sing songs, dance, drink beer and eat. People wear wreaths made of oak leaves or flowers, dancing all the night around bonfires, and sing summer solstice songs. During this night all the men, named Janis, are given special honor by putting oak-tree wreaths on their heads. (Well… I believe in my childhood all of them wear them). Also everyone was wearing national costumes. You can guess by color and pattern of stockings and woven skirts from what province they are came.
Latvians woman also famous for ability to make the most beautiful knitted mittens. I made few of them as a Christmas gift for my friends.