The Perfect Leap Day Mood!

I am in a particularly good mood today. No reason I just am. I got my final paperwork for my taxes, that may have helped. I got a new cell phone in the mail. Mail that isn't a bill is always a good thing. And my new “you'll sleep like a baby pillow” shipped today. Thank-you teambuy. I was able to work on my novel today, a whooping 1000 words. I am feeling good. I got inspired last night and have an idea for next years blog. If, I fingers crossed, i make it to next year. I am super, super excited about it. But I am not spilling the beans until it get closer to the end of the year. But I guess you could say there are surprises to come!!! So watch out baby! Have a fabulous Leap day! A day full of possibilities!

Oh and I hit 300 views today!

Little Avocado of Horrors

Feed me Seymour!!! 

        As you can see my avocado plant has sprouted again! My best friend keeps saying she is just waiting for the avocado to sprout legs and kill us in the night. It is biding its time, gathering its resources. I don't think she is far off. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I mean it has bark now for goodness sake. I first posted my avocado progress a month ago. I only had two sets of leaves. Now it has four. I mean damn! I posted more pictures 10 days ago and again it was not as tall, full. I have a tree, a real tree in my house. I wonder how much longer until I get fruit? We will see. 

Now just for fun............

PiBs in a Blanket!

It's A Hard Life, Knitting Mittens Everyday!

        I have been working on mittens, just mittens, all month long. I was suppose to be finished three pairs by the 29 of February but that is not going to happen. As of today I have a completed pair, plus the right hand the other two pairs and a quarter of the left penguin mittens.

        I spoke to my client today. She is fine that it will be at least another week. A month ago she really wanted them by the end of February. We have been having a very mild winter in Ottawa. She was in a real rush so that her family she is gifting them to would have some use out of them this winter. Well that was until Friday when we were hit with a massive storm. Then today we got a shitload of snow. So there is no longer a rush. Yay! But I will still work my little fingers to the bone to get them finished. After I have finished all 5 pairs I am going to be done with mittens for a while. Then I will have to get back to socks. Wish me Luck!

Honourable Mention Miracle Max

     Recently I wrote about how Princess Bride inspires me. But I did not mention Miracle Max. 

        With the Oscars tonight I thought he deserved an honourable mention. Although all the characters are amazing and Princess Bride is arguably one of the greatest movies of all time, Billy Crystal makes the movie for me.(Well him and Inigo) I know he only has one scene but still he steals the show. From a MLT to Humperdink to blave to bluff!!! to Have fun stormin' da castle to You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles. (This one is from his wife but I still like it, Chocolate, makes it go down easier.)

        Billy Crystal brighten every movie he is in. He brings an honesty and sincerity to his roles you rarely see. Watching him do his very best in his movies inspires me to try to do better. To be my best in all I do. A talent like him doesn't come around very often. That's why Miracle Max get an honourable mention in my blog.

Kermit and the Rainbow Inspiration

        Kermit A.K.A Jim Henson has always been a major sense of inspiration for me. But what about his is so very inspiring to me? Well he's not perfect. In Muppets take Manhattan and A Very Merry Muppet Christmas, Kermit freaks out on his friends. He reaches a breaking point and reacts badly. Which he later regrets, but it is endearing that he is fallible. As human as a singing frog can be. He is determined. In the Muppet Movie and Muppets take Manhattan, he perseveres even in the face of rejection. He is willing to do anything even wear a gold chain and pretend to be something he's not.

He believes in his dream, to become a star, to sell his show and he keeps at it until he achieved his dream. As he yells at New York, "The Frog is staying!" Even when it seems impossible, I mean in most countries he is an entree, not a potential star but that is what he is. Despite all the barriers keeping him from fame he still become the thing he is meant to be.

        

        The songs in his movies are very amazing as well. In Muppets take Manhattan Dr.Teeth sings “You can't take no for an answer.”

You can't take no for an answer!
You can't take no for an answer!
You can't take no for an answer!
No, no, no.

Whenever there's a dream worth a-dreaming (dreaming!)
And you wanna see that dream come true (dream come true!)
There'll be plenty people talking
"Forget all about it"
Say "it isn't worth the trouble--
All the trouble that you're going through!" (it ain't worth it-NO!)
Well, what can you do?

You can't take no for an answer! (you can't take no)
You can't take no for an answer! (no no no no)
You can't take no for an answer!
No, no, no.

No no no no no no no no no.
No no no no no no no no no.

Whatcha gonna do when the dimes get tough
and the world's treating you unkind?
You gotta hang on to your optimistic outlook
And keep possession of your positive state-of-mind
(state of mind, state of mind, state of mind, state, state, mind!)

No no no (No 9x)
No no no (No 9x)
No no no (No 9x)
No no no!

        Another song I love from that movie was Right Where I belong.

You mean...
Look at me, here I am
Right where I belong
I see that face coming back to me
Like an old familiar song.
What better place could anyone be?
Cause you're here with me!
It's all I've been looking for
And so much more!
And now I'm here
Now you're here!
Nothing can go wrong,
Cause I am here right where I belong!

         I think I was 9 years old when the most amazing moment happened to me. I turned on the TV and there he was, Kermit the frog, singing the Rainbow Connection. And I thought he was singing just to me, even though I knew that was impossible. But then I realized, he was singing to me because he was singing to the dreamer in me. Singing to the dreamer in all of us. It has taken 20 years but now my dreamer is ready to listen. When he sang, “It's something that I'm supposed to be.” It profoundly changed me. It made me feel like I had a destiny, like I could be anything. sometimes I like I lost that feeling but in that past few months I can feel it growing again. 

     So here is the lyrics of the Rainbow Connection and a link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM. I hope it was as inspiring to you as it was to me.

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Time Travel and Inspiration

        I like that when a song comes on it can instantaneously transport you back to a memory/time in your life. So if it triggers a memory of an amazing event it can help motivate you even years later. I remember crowd surfing at a Killjoys concert at 16 and every time I hear one of their songs I remember that feeling. Freedom and invincibility.

        Who doesn't feel their step quicken a little when working out as soon as you hear “Eye of the Tiger” (Adrian!!!!)

So many times, it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge
Of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the
Eye of the tiger

        Most of the time when I am writing this blog I listen to Journey. So I don't stop believing.

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'
Streetlights people

        I have always loved Chicago's You're the Inspiration.

Always on my mind
in my heart
in my soul
You're the meaning in my life
you're the inspiration.
You bring feeling to my life
you're the inspiration.

        I will miss Whitney Houston and her voice but I still can relate to how she felt while singing, One Moment in Time.

I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity.

        In the past few years Hedley has written a few great song. I saw them as an opening act a few years ago and look where they are now. One life

Oh it's a great big world and you'll see
It could pass you by at light speed
You've got one life, one life
Don't stop live it up, no

Hedley Invincible

I've come a long, long way
Made a lot of mistakes
But I'm breathin’, breathin’
That's right and I mean it, mean it
This time I'm a little run down
I've been living out loud
I could beat it, beat it
That's right, cause I'm feelin’, feelin’

        There are a lot more artists I could put up here but I think you get the point. Music inspired me like nothing else because it is a form of time travel for me and I hope it always will.

Inspire By Example!

        As I have previously mentioned I come from a really big family. But something that I may not have told you guys is that I was raised by a single mom. When I was born my mother had four children under five. Think about that and the fact that soon after she became a single mom. Although she had a lot on her plate, she never stopped taking in kids. Sometimes they stayed for a long time, other times just a short while but all were welcome at our house. She worked but after school she was always there making a home cooked dinner for all of us.

        She always seemed to have the answer. A very intelligent person and heavy into politics. She also multi-talented. She is an amazing chef, I have been asked multiple times if she was professionally trained and has made wedding cakes for 4 weddings. She taught me to cook, bake, sew and knit. She let me wear my designs to work starting at 8 and let me dress up my little sister. She taught me perseverance and a good work ethic. And I don't think she is done yet. She is a very strong woman and that's why she inspires me.

Silver Screen Inspiration

        I love when a movie bends my mind, my way of thinking, and my way of viewing something, the world in general. That is why I find them so inspiring. When I sit and think about movies that have stuck with me The Princess Bride, Nightmare before Christmas and Corpse Bride come to mind. Alice in Wonderland may be one in the future but hasn’t been around long enough to know yet.

        But what about them is so inspiring to me. Eveything, the dialog, scenery, costumes, you name it. The images are vivid for me. Who could ever forget how Robin Wright looked in her flowing gown jumping into Fezzik/Andre the giant’s arms? Or her red fire-swamp gown? Or the grace of Inigo/Mandy Patinkin?

       

        The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride really resonated with me when I first saw them and every time after. First of all, Hallowe’en and Christmas combined? Holy Shit! Best thing ever! Just saying. Then when I got over that, the characters and their world real moved me.  I love the style; I find these realms very aesthetically pleasing. But the idea of a whole world devoted to Hallowe’en or Christmas or Easter. That our fantasies come alive having their own little kingdom to rule was an amazing concept to me. Did they manifest because we believe in them or do we believe in them because they manifested? (If they were real) And do they live just on the fringes of our reality so we never have real confirmation of existence? The use of grey/ black shades with stunning colour also inspired me. Wait until you see my Jack Skellington coat. 

        Corpse Bride was a real mind bender for me. The idea that society being so restrictive causes life to start after death was very profound to me. You can see it in the lack of colour in the living world. It is also very apparent in the songs. They are much more lively and vibrant in the world of the dead. It also give a sense of class division, we see very little of poor class in the living world except as servants. They have no class division in the world of the dead and no one seems to mind. Although most of them seem to be servants, except the general, maybe it is saying they worked themselves to death and now get to live it up. So make the most of your life while you can.

         A theme I also like in both movies was things are not as they seem. The scary monsters and the dead are not to be feared. They had no malice. They just have different ideas about social norms, like being scared and want to share their joy.  A divergence in taste from what most people if you like. Jack actually believes he can bring joy like Santa. The intentions are good but the executing is off. Oh well maybe next time.  

Tim Burton has a mind I would like to take a walk though sometime. I think it would be fascinating. How is develops his characters and subtle themes. I love his work. I want to make my own Mad Hatter hat and coat to walk around in.  (Maybe they will make the list).

There are so many more movies I could mention, I may come back to this subject. But not today. Have a great night.

Birds of Inspiration!

        Yesterday I wrote about how nature inspires me, specifically mentioning how the beauty of wildlife moves me. But I didn’t mention the one animal that inspires me the most. For those who know me it will be no surprise when I say Penguins. There are numerous reasons penguins inspire me, the majestic confidence of penguins, their grace in the water, plus they are snappy dressers. But mostly I find them fascinating and adorable.

        I love their versatility, of the 17 varieties of penguins only 5 are cold weather penguins. Most live in varying temperatures. Penguins adapt. They are very good at it. They are loyal and very family oriented. Penguins are one species that mate for life. This is more than we can say for most humans. They have tenacity and persevere even in the harshest conditions. They work together to keep warm when in cold weather, forming huge clusters, each taking a turn on the outside. They seem to show compassion, orphans are often adopted by eggless females.

        Aesthetically, I find them pleasing, short, cute, chubby shape. I love the combination of black and white, especially on African penguins which has striping on the chest. They are adorable waddling on land but in the water they possess a majesty few can claim. I remember watching a documentary when I was very little and wishing I could be as graceful. Now I am realistic and just hope to pet one, maybe gets a picture with one wearing a tuxedo jacket and bow tie.

       I always think a long flowing gown (in black) when I see them swim. The skirt would be a shimmering fluid silk and would swirl like waves when you walk. The top would have feathers obviously. There would be the smallest white detailing in the form of crystals, giving off light like drops of water. One day I will make my penguin gown, but then where would I go? 

 Here is a link to a great penguin video of Cookie the penguin, if he doesn't melt your heart you are a cruel, cruel person indeed! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wTWWjYTe1I

What Inspires me!

        I have been thinking over the questions I posed in my last post and I have come up with some answers. I am inspired by nature, mostly animals, but also tropical places like most people. I have travelled to the Caribbean twice and the beaches are amazing. The wild life was also very exciting. I pet two sea turtles, one a baby sea turtle. I went snorkeling and the colour of salt-water fish is breathtaking. I saw a golden school of fish that seamlessly moved as one, or so it seems to me. I saw countless fish over the islands, even some small clown fish, very Finding Nemo. I also saw iguanas, they was hiding in trees and difficult to see. I also saw sea snakes or maybe they were eels, still cool, a dark grey with yellow spots. We saw small multicoloured lizards.

The flowers were so bright it was unreal. It makes me want to add colour to my designs, when I am a very big black and white user. The clear sea water was most beautiful of all. It glistening in the sun and rolling waves were so inspiring.

        I also travelled to Ireland, (I have some Irish blood just so you know) the greenery was beautiful. The towns were mostly picturesque, full of old world charm. We took the dart (a train) from Dublin and I truly enjoyed how you’d be inside a mountain one minute and by a sea side the next. It was amazing how vast yet how small it seemed at the same time. The most wildlife we saw were sheep but that's to be expected. They are very fuzzy but not much different from Canadian ones. The most exotic animals I saw were at the Dublin Zoo. They had a peacock running around and red pandas in a open cage. Very cool.

        The landscape of Ireland was more inspiring for me than the animals since I had seen most of them before. I can't decide if the landscape or the wildlife of the Caribbean are more inspiring. I love the islands of the Caribbean and hope to got back there sometime soon.

Inspiration

What is it about mortality that is so inspiring? It's like realizing and being reminded that you are mortal and will die make it so we want to strive harder. To make a difference, to leave our mark, to be a force. Our time on this earth is so very short and it seems when we are confronted with that fact we rail against it. Maybe we can be the exception. I'm no different. Losing people who inspire me or who I respect as artists affect me as much as the next person. I feel the loss of their talent, spirit and their gifts. Because there have been many. Yes, we have recording, video and vocal of their bodies of work, but the live experience is lost. And now their work is finite where it was potentially infinite before. I think that is the saddest thing, that when we are alive the possibilities are endless but when someone dies those possibilities die with them. Recently, I have been having trouble figuring out what to write about. Topics, so easily found in the beginning are now eluding me. And I am only 47 posts in. But I have been thinking a lot about inspiration and how it is born. So here is a question poses to you. What inspires you? Who inspires you? Why? And what does this inspiration lead to? What do you do with it? How does it better you as an artist? As a person? Better your life? So this week I am dedicating this week to inspiration. What inspires me. My inspiration.

Avocado Update

        Since I last shared picture my avocado plants have had a growth spurt. I didn't have enough potting soil and have been extremely lazy getting to the store to pick more up so I have to water the big one every second day. While the poor little plant is still in a plastic cup. Its root base is getting bigger by the day and I really need to pot it. I think because I planted the smaller avocado in the fall when my house was cooler it had a harder time growing so I think the sooner I get the little guy into soil the better. But they are both thriving right now. I am very happy with the progress. I decided to plant more avocado in this coming spring and summer. I have this vision of having all kinds of avocado plants all over my house. A little army of avocado plants. I am not sure if this going to happen but we will see. It is a lot of waiting. Waiting to see if the seed will split and the plant will start growing. Then wait to see if after the leaves will sprout after the root grows. Then wait to see if it will continue to sprout. All that and I still have no idea when or if it will sprout fruit. Again a waiting game. But a fun waiting game. So here are my updated pictures. 

Before 

After

 

New Additions.

        Long story short, a family member moved and cannot have her cats with her right now. So we have two new kitten additions in the house. Their names are Bin Bin (a tuxedo female) and Puss in Boots (the orange male). Honestly, I am not crazy about their names. Since cats don't come when you call, I am currently calling them Mr. PiBs and Bing. Macey is not a happy camper but I am sure she will get over it. Right now we don't have a time frame of when our visitors will be moving on to their new home. Until then the kittens will all just have to get along. And if they don't then we can always have a kitty thunderdome! Two enter, one leaves! Not really, we would just keep them separated.

        The two new ones are super affectionate and really cool little guy. They are so snugly, they like belly rubs, headbutts and being cuddled. They have great little personalities. Both are very calm and docile. Unlike Macey who is a bit of a brat, she is a biter. But that's okay. The only issue is that they are yarn chasers, Macey never tries to play with my yarn while I work on my projects. The new kitties love to bat at my yarn. They have been here for just a few days but it has happened every time I have knitted this week. Which kinda of sucks but we will figure it out.

Another cool thing is Mr.PiBs plays fetch.

Perspective

I think I have been holding myself back. Negativity, fear, confusion (at times) and a bad attitude have held me back from doing a lot of things that I have wanted to do over the years. But in the last few days I have really had a ton of perspective literally thrown in my face.

        First there was the passing of Whitney Houston, so young and talented. Despite the negative things you can say she really made the most of her gifts, sharing it with the world doing what she loved.

        Then I was walking back from meeting with friends and looked to my right and there was this homeless person. His sign read 'Fight Hobophobia' I thought at first is was homophobia and was happy to see someone openly making a statement but then I read it again. Hobophobia, and it hit me. They are victims of as much prejudice as  anyone and likely on a daily basis. Here I am hating my job and he doesn't have one.

        Then today I was on my way to work, knitting on the bus (as usual) when a woman sat down next to me. She introduced herself as Mary Magdalene, and she started telling me a story about her friend who, like me, was talented in knitting, crocheting, sewing and the like. This friend often lived on military bases, the wife of an air force pilot and  was very tall so unable to find clothing so she sewed and it made things better. Then she got arthritis, so she crocheted a popcorn stitch coat to make her hands feel better. Then she got cancer and lost her breasts, so she knits and sews and crochets all her clothes (underwear, bras complete with inserts, bathing suit and all) to make it better and it did.  She said to nurture my talents and they will see me through hard times, She held my hand as I said goodbye and said she would pray for me.

        Then there is Helene Campbell. That 20 year old who needs a double lung transplant and  is using her tragic story to help others. I heard about her on Hot 89.9 and then saw her on Ellen. She is so positive. She is promoting awareness for organ donation and helped get 200 000 people in Ontario to register. That's amazing.

        And I bitch on the internet because of insomnia. Well no more. I am inspired. I am motivated. I am ready to make a change. I am going to make goals,  positive goals and will work really hard to keep moving forward and hopefully I will make as much of a difference in the lives of those around me as I can. Wish me luck!

Insomnia

     Since this is a journey that I am on to find meaning I thought I might as well let you guys in on some of the hurtles. Well honestly insomnia is one of them. The biggest one. The worst one. For those of you who have no idea what insomnia is (lucky you),  Oxford's dictionary defines insomnia as habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep. [Origin: early 17th century: from Latin, from insomnis 'sleepless', from in- (expressing negation) + somnus 'sleep'] Webster's defines it as prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep. (Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from in- + somnus sleep, First Known Use: circa 1623) 

     So basically it means I have a hard time sleeping through the night. I usually get about 3-6 hours a night. So I am exhausted all the time. I am trying to not whine right now, but I am so tired. Someone who gets habitual insomnia like myself, we learn to cope. Like a bad back you get use to a certain amount of pain, aka sleeplessness. But then you go through rough patches. And right now it is a super rough patch. Likely because I changed my schedule so many times in the last year. Routine is the ally of sleep and I haven't had a regular routine since high school. And it's been a while. University didn't help I am sure, I always had a full course schedule as well as a full time job plus a side job sewing. Since university, I have constantly worked at least 6 days a week, with two to three jobs at a time. So no regular routine there. Now I do I finally do. After a decade of working, I include my University years here, I finally do have a regular schedule. But I guess I was so use to having an irregular schedule this regular one is killing me. I am so tired, so very tired. I am trying to stay peppy but seriously not happening. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday hopefully I can go to the Sleep clinic here in Ottawa so maybe they can do something.  But I have tried so many things I don't have much hope but we will see. 

Here are some pictures of sleepy baby animals!

I envy these guys!

Happy Valentine's Day

        I decided to cave in and talk about Valentine's Day. Pretty much like everyone else on the planet today. I figured that I am going to do a month of Halloween and Christmas I might as well spend at least one day giving homage to this day of love. For those of you in countries that do not celebrate this tradition, as I mentioned previously Valentine's Day is a day about love. Basically even if you are a very unromantic person, on this day you are suppose to celebrate your love. This tends to backfire on a lot of people. Since the legend of Valentine's day is obscure and unconfirmed (it isn't in a bible somewhere),  a lot of people *cough* men *cough* underestimate the importance that many romantics put on the day. Sure most of us would like our hubbies to surprise us with sweet acts * cough* and jewellery *cough* , darn that cold is getting bad. As I was saying, yes, most of us would like our significant other to surprise us with sweet acts on a  regular, random basis, since that doesn't always happen throw the romantic a bone. This is a day to show a little appreciation for the one you love.

        What is this obscure legend you ask? I was hoping you would. Apparently it is a about a young Christian priest serving in Rome, which is under the rule of Emperor Claudius II (third century or so). The Emperor, having conquered the Goths, and killing most of his army, needed to bulk up his ranks. He decided unmarried men are better suited to serve, thus he outlawed marriage so his soldiers would have no alliance except to the army and Emperor himself. (Nice guy eh? ) The priest, Valentine, kept marrying people in secret but eventually got caught, (now it gets really fuzzy so I am going to tell my favourite version) and was jailed. He is then sentenced to be stoned to death.  While awaiting his fate he meets a serving girl, obvious they fall in love. He could not break his vows to the church so theirs was a pure love. (In some versions he teaches her to read.) Before he dies he writes her a farewell note, signing it, Your Valentine. A farewell we still use today. And several centuries later a saint is born, due to bravery and upholding the values of the church, no procreation without the approval of God via marriage! So now we celebrate his birthday? date of death? day dedicated? to him. (See what I mean about fuzzy, and I did a lot of research here.)

        That's it. That's the story. Take it or leave it. And Have a Happy Valentine's Day.

My Favourite Artists

        With the passing of another amazing artist, it just seems like there have been so many in the last few years, it got me thinking. If you could meet one person, one artist who inspired you, alive or dead, who would you sing, dance, act, paint, write, design, create with? 

        Would a dance act with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire interest you? Telling jokes with Robin Williams? Preform on Broadway with Christopher Walken? Making a stop-motion skit for Robot Chicken with Seth Greene? (I've loved him since My Step-Mother is an Alien) What about being assisting Seth Aaron Henderson with an original in his collection? (Fashion Designer for those who don't know, see him on Project Runway) Or sitting down the Pianoman Billy Joel? Wouldn't it have been amazing to edit a reel with John Hughes? (Don't you forget about me!!) Or be Elton John's costume designer? What about belt out Wind Beneath My Wings with Bette Midler? Pick the brain of Joss Wedon? Or be a cameo in Renoir's Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette ? Watch the first rendition of Shakespear's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Or rock out with Jack Black? Would you want to be twirled around a dance floor by Gene Kelly or Danny Kaye? Crone with Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole? Be kissed by Jimmy Stewart? (He always looked like he kissed as if he was about to die.) Who wouldn't want to help Jim Henson on the set of Labyrinth? (that way I get to meet David Bowie and George Lucas ) Or just sit with Kermit and sing the Rainbow Connection?

        If you haven't noticed I can't really decide. I love all of theses artists. I know many are from the golden age of MGM but honestly does it get any better? My tastes are somewhat older than most people my age. I blame it on all the film studies.

Pictures of Mittens

        Since I have been talking about mittens for the last several posts I thought I might as well post some pictures of my progress. I have finished one completely and have two other more started, almost half finished. Well I almost finished one of the two I started. Anyways, here are the pics. 

 

 Have a great night guys.

 

Mittens Update!

        So I have been working on Mittens for about 12 days. And I will tell you trying new patterns is really hit and miss. I am way behind. I should have two completed and working on a third by this time but alas no. I have one and a quarter. That is all. This sucks. I was sick this week and today i spent with Keith for Valentine's Day. Well I still have tomorrow and hopefully I can get moving forward on this project. 

        So basically my post will be shorter in the next few weeks. So here are more teddy bears. 

 

        

Apparently technical writing is my thing!

        I am happy to say I spent the day writing. Long story short, due to technical difficulties, I was unable to actually do my job today. The job I get paid, and paid well, to do. Since I work in the government they don't just send you home they get you to do busy work. That happens to be writing procedure manuals. Surprisingly we do not have any training manuals, for any of the jobs in our office. Well the supervisor have a basic outline but the rest of the administrative team sort of get their duties from word of mouth.

        So I'm writing the manual with the premise that if the entire administration dies in a fiery car crash tomorrow (Knock on wood) (Are you knocking on that wood?) (Seriously, knock, this is my life here.) my replacement could come and pick up the manual and would be able to do my job right away. And I realize something. I am really good at this. And my boss thinks so and my boss's boss thinks so. My procedures are the standard by which all other procedures will be measured by. I am actually writing procedures for other people on my team. Since this is the closes I've come to professional writing I'm kind of excited. I am thinking of taking a course at a local college and maybe do that until I can make money designing and selling goods. That might make me happy. So all in all it was a good day.

        And because good days make me happy, here are some pictures of teddy bears, they also make me happy.

Updated Project List

        For those of you who regularly reading my blog I wanted to provide an updated list of the projects that I will be doing this year. I haven't yet made it to 52 projects but I am getting there. So here is a gentle reminder to the readers out there. You can suggest projects! Challenge me! Come on! I will post all the pictures. I swear. Or you can also send me an email at ChubbyStar.blog@gmail.com .

3 pairs black socks (1 of 6 finished)

1 pair red socks (I wanted a pair too!) (finished January 26, 2012)

1 Ewok doll (Wicket specifically, my husband bought that pattern)

1 Gir doll, from Invader Zim (finished January 15, 2012)

1 double-sided knitted star scarf in red and black

1 deer hat with antlers

1 pair penguin mittens

1 tote bag

1 sweater coat

2 crochet star pillows (finished January 15, 2012)

1 scrap material star pillow

1 Jack Skellington jacket

1 basket weave crocheted scarf in black

1 penguin doll

1 cross stitch Christmas stocking

1 swoop shirt in blue knit

1 Edgar Allan Poe Raven corset

1 Edgar Allan Poe Raven handkerchief

1 wedding scrap book

1 penguin painting abstract

1 bake and decorate a bear cake with a piping bag ( maybe added January 14, 2012)

1 painting penguin nesting dolls, set of 5, larger set (added January 19, 2012)

1 crochet an Alternate Zoidberg (added January 21, 2012)

1 luma (star) from Super Mario Galaxy (added January 24, 2012)

1 red skull henley (added January 25, 2012)

1 yellow long sleeve to go with poe shirt (added January 25, 2012)

1 vines henley (added January 25, 2012)

1 roller derby hoodie (added January 25, 2012)

1 Gir's companion pig Bacon in crochet (added January 30, 2012) 

2 pair Owl mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012) 

1 pair Penguin mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012) 

1 pair birds of paradise mittens knitted(added January 31, 2012)(completed February 16th)

1 pair squirrel mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012) 

Enjoy your night!

The Root of the Problem

        I have been giving some hard thought to why I am so very unhappy the past few years. I think I finally figured it out. I was an over-achiever in high school and did very well in university. I keep succeeding and now what? I am good at my job. But it isn't what I want so deep down I feel like it is really a failure. I feel like a failure. I think that is why I set up this blog, this project, this goal. Something that I can achieve and feel proud. I don't know why but I very much associate one's identity with one's job. I used to work retail and then call centres. Both defined me as a failure in my mind, well now, that I have discovered this insight. I was embarrassed by theses jobs. Whenever I ran in to people I hadn't seen in a while, I use to give excuses. “I'm just doing this as a favour.” .... “until my jewellery making business takes off.”....“until ......” But that was all talk. I did finally get off my butt and got a better job but .... Now I think my job says I've given up, given up my dreams. So I am kick starting my dreams of running my own business and being my own boss. (See The Plan, a previous post.) Yup, having my own business seems to be the only solution. I think now that I know what my problem is I will be able to better deal with it. 

Now just for fun, Senor Zoidbergo!