Vancouver Wedding Photographer . rhembein . Wedding & Life Photography

CUSTOM FUNKY DSLR CAMERA STRAPS : rhembein

2009-12-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Professionally handmade fabric, padded, dslr/slr camera straps.

NEW BLOG! NEW BLOG!

2009-10-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all! It's been a BUSY summer full of weddings, portrait sessions and meeting lots of new friends!! Join me over at the new blog and find out all about it!

NEW BLOG!

Camera Straps for ALL

2009-07-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

MY ETSY.

Coming Soon...

2009-06-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

...the NEW BLOG!!!

After having this wonderful "blogger" blog for almost 3years (what? really?!) I am moving to a custom blog attached to the website that I have designed to match the new branding. So get ready to update your bookmarks, it's a pretty sweet looking blog. :)

Guess Who is Sewing This Weekend!?

2009-05-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

Me! Me!

Here are afew more ics from the recent "fash.the.dress" grad shoots! You can check out the updates website with the gallery HERE.

New Look

2009-05-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked me about the new look to the website. It's my new "branding". I did feel like the old branding suited my style, but it wasn't quite perfect. So, I set to work with some new colours in mind, and a list of what I wanted people to "feel" when they saw it all. Check out the website HERE & tell me what you think!

Yes, I will be updating the blog to match. :)

Delicate Wishes

2009-05-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken with my 5D using the "Reverse Lens Technique". AKA: The Poor Man's Macro. :) I do have a couple macro lenses, but I was curious to play more with this technique. I have done it before using some of the lenses I own for my normal shooting, but recently had an idea and bought a used, manual zoom lens from eBay for about $40 in order to try out some things I had read. I think I will post a tutorial on it, because it sure is a GREAT tool to play with.

The part that stunned me the most when looking through my viewfinder, and through the images after, was the CRAZY BOKEH!! SO COOL! You can't tell very well in these pictures, but I have more and will post them with the tutorial. :)

Please Vote

2009-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

No, not in the election up here. On UrbanWedding.com

If you click that snazzy screen cap above, it will take you to the page where my ad is listed on their site. I notice not many of you have rated me yet, and I encourage you to do so, please and thank you. :)

Busy! Planning! Excited!

2009-04-21T20:56:00.001-07:00

That is how my days have been lately. I have been busy planning, and I am excited!!

Do you have your morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening glass of wine ready? This is a PIC HEAVY POST!! YAAY! I love pic heavy posts! Don't you?!

First... I got a new bracelet from Etsy. WOW, I love etsy. This bracelet is the perfect thing to encourage Earth Day all year 'round!! It's made from recycled bike tire!! dullleadsinker is the brilliant creative behind these fabulous bracelets! She also makes chokers and belts! I am SO getting a belt when I am done my new work out DVDs. (Yes, I bought work out DVDs off late night tv. More on that later.)

You can also see one of my new nail polishes in that pic. A yummy deep, dark, glittery burgundy. Looks black, until you get close to it. I rarely wear nail polish, but when I do I tend to suit that dark, edgy stuff. I also got a GLITTER FILLED, cherry red the other day. Going to try that in an "at home" day before I venture out in it. :)

At the beginning of the month it was my son's 3rd birthday! Holy Hana! I can;t believe that much time has flown by! So much has happened since then! Can you believe that I stopped sewing and selling my dress creations for girls not long after he was born?! It's been almost 3 years since I have made any funky clothing for sale!! Oh crap. I always do this... digressing. Off on a tangent. I'll get back to that one though. ;)

My son turned 3 and along with turning 3 was saying good-bye to his tricycle, and hello to not only a big boy 2 wheeler (with training wheels) but also a COOOOOL peddle car!!

We were lucky enough to have my dad in town and so the playing began! (Some of you who have read this a long time will know my dad works abroad and comes back every 3 or 4 months for a visit, and I am REEEEALLY close with my dad. As a total daddy's girl, and as a friend. For those who didn't know that... now you do. :) )

At first my son thought it was all about pushing him around as he giggled with glee. Then when we all got tired of taking turns, and wanted him to actually learn how to use the cool peddle car, a wee bit of crying and having a snit ensued. Quickly recovering when he realized the only way to have fun was to get on the thing and go. Then the only issue was "ride the new bike, or ride the new car". Not a bad problem.

The peddle car I actually found at a GREAT kids consignment shop. Saw it outside when I pulled up and KNEW that was what was coming home with me. I usually go to kids consignment shops to any gifts for the kids, before I go to the store to buy them. I truly believe there is too much plastic crap out there, and any time I avoid buying new plastic crap, I do. Garage sales would be place #1 to find stuff, and we are now getting into perfect garage-sale weather, but my kids have enough crap right now, thank you very much. :)

Love these pictures of my son with my dad and my sister. His face in the one with my sister is PRICELESS!!

LOVE IT!

He has such a Christian Slater/Jack Nicholson look.

It has been a great month or so of having my dad visiting with the various bits of family around Langley & Washington as well as his friends on Salt Spring. Lucky us. Lucky him too. ;)

He heads back today or tomorrow, but I don't feel bad for him having to leave this awesome family of his... he's heading to Tuscany for a wine tour with some of the closest, and coolest, people. Lucky bum.

Yes, I'm totally jealous. But when I'm a big kid I will start checking things off my "must do" list too. :)

Took a quick picture of a couple of the CDs I was sending out. In the time that I have started using this cool new packaging I have sent out a bunch without taking pictures! Oops. So I took some recently. Ta da. You like? I do!

This picture was from "date day" with my man. What a totally wonderful day. I planned a few things to do with a bit of room for wandering. It was awesome. We found a great tea shop, had FANTASTIC sushi, walked through an amazing forest to come out the other side on the edge of the ocean and a beautiful sunset. It was a delicious day!

Okay.. So... the announcements!!!!
I know some of you are going "finally! Geez that girl can TALK!" ;)

They are both to do with the business aspect of my life.

Can you guess what one of them is... ? Here is another clue.

Any guesses? (I am feeling rather cheeky right now! Hee hee!)

And for the other announcement... Did you know rhembein does GRAD / PROM / SENIOR portraits??!! Here's a taste. And soon there will be a new gallery up on the website for you to view too. :)

If you want to come have some fun and get some grad portraits that better reflect who you are, as well as get some sweet pictures of that outfit you spent so much tie picking out... gimme a shout! If you live in the Lower Mainland that is. ;)

Short, But Sweet

2009-03-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Well I have intentions of doing a longer catch-up post but I need to take a certain picture first.. you'll see. I have a BIG announcement I KNOW some of you will like (since you HAVE been asking for/about it... hee hee hee).

With Spring Break just having ended for us, and my dad visiting, it has been a bit hectic. SUPER fun, but hectic.

For now I wanted to do a quick picture share of some playing in Lightroom 2 I have been doing recently. I am LOVING making presets and these are two of my faves, with 2 images from a great photoshoot with a wicked fun couple.

What a difference a little tweek in colour can make.

Updates. Updates.

2009-03-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

So, in my last post I mentioned how I would love to be able to play that song (Bretah Me by Sia) on the piano. That got me to thinking... My MacBook does about everything. Why can I not play the piano on it? Hmmm. GUESS WHAT! I CAN!! It CAME it with a program called Garage Band, and rumour has it that I can play piano on there!! YAAY!

When I have a bit of free time I plan to check that out and try playing that song! It has been a long time since I played piano, so I know I wont be great at it, but I bet it will be fun... especially on my Mac!

On another note.. I have been working my butt off getting photos edited to upload to the website. If you go on there now you will find a few changes, but today and tomorrow will reveal the most changes. Or, I should say, additions.

Hope you are having a great week! Back to editing I go...

Simply, Pretty, Song

2009-02-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

This song sings of a place that I bet we have all found ourselves at least once.
The piano in it makes me want to start playing again.

Bold and the Beautiful

2009-02-18T01:54:00.000-08:00

A taste from a couple recent shoots...

I sure am having FUN!

Recent E-session

2009-02-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

Despite the fact that the weather has no interest in co-operating, I ventured out with a fun couple in my home town for the first engagement session of 2009 for me.

YAAY!! I love being out shooting!

I also love being back in Langley for number of reasons, one being; it's familiar. But, at the same time, I can't find anything here. It has grown SO MUCH in the past 7 years I that I have been gone, that I find myself driving familiar streets, with very unfamiliar surroundings. SO ODD!

This isn't exactly the best weather right now either. Cold, with dirty snow lining most places I go. Not great for backdrops of shoots. But this fun, cute couple were game to head out and get some shots! We had lots of fun driving around and stopping when we felt the urge. We all had input into where we could go look, and it helped create some great photos!

Okay, off I go to work on more editing, while you enjoy a sneak peek. I will post more soon. I am also trying to update a new section on the website for photographs I have altered with texture or interesting processing. Can't wait to show you!

Lots of shoots coming up over the next week. Lots of new announcements to make. Lots to watch for. :)

Sometimes when taking some shots, a little creative cropping is needed.

And the editing out of a lot of cigarette butts.

Fantasy Football - Pick Me

2009-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

I am not understand the game of football, but I know that this video is very cool!

You Havin' a Laugh

2009-02-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is an out-take from the shoot I did for a friend in the fall. I love having a laugh with someone during a shoot, and capturing that.

Again, more LR2 playing & some texture playing in PS.

Threaded Past, Woven Future

2009-02-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Canon + Mac + Adobe = Love

2009-02-02T04:07:00.000-08:00

Always Check Their Homework

2009-01-26T23:54:00.001-08:00

Here's the reply the teacher received the next day:

Dear Mrs. Jones,

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.

From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

This was one of those emails going around that I sat crying at, I was laughing so hard. Thought I'd share.

Hurray for the Sun!

2009-01-24T01:58:00.001-08:00

Sugar Sweetness Lightroom Preset

2009-01-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

This is a shot I took last spring on a children's photoshoot with some clearly adorable kids! I have been going back through some of my shoots from last year and playing with them in Lightroom 2. LOVE that program!!

This is my Sugar Sweetness preset I made for LR2. So fun that Lightroom!! I recently bought some more presets from other people to play around with... but I am finding that the ones I have created myself are still my faves. Of course.

I am loving how this preset tones the photo. Contrast (which I like), some sugary pink and an old feel.

Have I mentioned I LOVE LR2?? I have infected 2 friends so far. Sorry, and your welcome!

This shot looks pretty on white.... SEE. :)

;)

YAAY!

2009-01-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I sure am liking being at grocery stores, Chapters and other places, and see this great, handy, useful magazine displayed on the shelves.

Why?

Because it is where my first magazine print ad is!!

YAAY!

This is one of my favorite photos from 2008 wedding season! It was a great couple on Salt Spring Island, at a farm that is available for events! A gorgeous one too! Fantastic setting for some lovely evening shots, as this ad show a perfectly back lit parasol and a happily newlywed couple nestled amoungst some natural beauty.

I am now waiting for my copies of the magazine to arrive in the mail to have a look through it all. Until then, I am busily getting some photos edited to submit to a competition or two!!

YAAY!

I have been so excited for this new year to begin, I could hardly wait! So many new adventures on the horizon! I will find myself all over BC this year, shooting some lovely weddings for some great couples!

There are still lots of spots available for the year, so I am looking forward to meeting those who will eventually fill those spots!

And to those booking their engagement shoots, which always seem to start flowing in after the new year hits, good timing! February is starting to get filled up and I am excited to be meeting some new couples as well as get out there are have some photo-fun!!

Yes...another... YAAY! ;)

This mushy, slushy, non-snow snow has been gettin' me down, so I have been cleaning the camera gear and trying to wait patiently for the sun to peek out. I will jump in the car and go on a photo-adventure day once that delightful event happens! I need to be taking some photos, and as much as I loved my time with family over the holidays, I didn't get much creative photo-taking done between bites of turkey & crab benedict! yuuum!

So... What do you think of the ad??

Edit, Chuck, Repeat.

2008-12-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here is what I fill my days with...

A little Chuck Norris...
- There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
- Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
- Some people like to eat frogs' legs. Chuck Norris likes to eat lizard legs. Hence, snakes.

And a little photo editing...

These are from a November wedding in Seattle, at the China Room in the Smith Tower. What a fabulous intimate location with a 360 view!

And my new site is ALMOST done. You can go peek... but you will notice the galleries are missing... while I put finishing touches on them. :)

6 Minutes of Awesomeness

2008-12-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

While finishing up my website I was taking a wee break to look through randomness on YouTube and got curious... what is the most watched music video on YouTube? Congrats on that one go out to my fellow Canadian with a video about trying to steal someone else's man. Yup.

Then, I noticed what #2 was..... enjoy!

Later tonight... the official new website launch! YAAY! And some wedding pics I have promised for too long!

Bride Wars

2008-12-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't a "How was work today hunny?" post. ;)

A new movie coming January 9th, 2009!

See ya there!

I'm a sucker for wedding stuff!

Woman Down!

2008-12-08T04:32:00.001-08:00

Well... actually... it's just my site that is down.
Not the blog, oooobviously. But my main website.
Yes, I have a website.
Oh come on, you knew that!

Right?

Har har har.

Yes, it reeeally late as I write this. ;)

I am midst setting up my new flash site.

"But Gyl, your old site looked so good!"
(See, I knew you looked! ;)

Yes, but this one will look better and have more goodies!

YAAY!

Yes, that was supposed to be your line... not mine.

It's cool. Next time.

Check back to the blog soon for the exciting roll out info about the new site... and those new wedding pics I promised! :D

Coming Soon

2008-12-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well. The move is done and I am still trying to settle in. Along with update the look of my blog (which has been changing every few hours the past few nights) as well as the website and in the meantime wrapping up the last of this season's wedding edits and shooting lots for the new website galleries! YAAY!

Here is one of the pics from a wedding I will be posting lots more from in a post later tonight (once the kidlets go to sleep... which last night didnt happen until this morning, right before we had to go meet my sister for breakfast. Grrrrreat.

Of course today was the day we were to go see santa too! Terrorize him with the antics of a 2 1/2 year old boy who needs more sleep.

I think my favorite part was when we had to leave, my son had to be carried out under the arm, horizonal, screeching. Every parent either gave me that look of understanding, or laughed. I was laughing.

Surprisingly none of the little kids in line were going to ask santa for a little brother. Go figure.

Nortorious Bedside Drawer

2008-10-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

What's in your bedside drawer?

As I go through all my belongings... prepping for a garage sale... prepping for moving... I am finding lots of stuff to sell ~~for money so it can be someone else's crap~~.

None of it came from my beside drawer. ;)

A Jug Fills Drop by Drop

2008-10-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

A ring shot I did at a last august wedding on Salt Spring.

Hmmm.. looks like someone didnt clean that wall... Looks like I will need to do it in PS.

Canadian 'eh. PHOTOSHO - GO BUY IT!!

2008-10-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

This is PHOTOSHO.

On sale NOW!

Go buy it!!

YAAY!!!

Rusted Beauties

2008-09-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

I decided one day last week that I needed to take some time to myself (of which I have very little of lately - some of that good-bad busy) and for me that means I spent my time roaming around looking for photos to capture.

I found myself at a property on the island where I have meant to go for years to take pictures of a beautiful rusted out truck ~~in the front yard~~ on the property. As I lurked around the gate taking pictures, I decided to hop the chain and get closer to take pictures. Well, then the owner drove up. Luckily, I know him, and he promptly encouraged me to wander further onto his property to find many many other vintage vehicles in various states of decomposition.

I adore old cars (especially mid 50s BelAirs - Mmmm). So walking through all these amazing old cars I found myself in awe of how cool old cars are, and sad about seeing all these old cars returning to being bits of metal and paint nd settling amongst the wilderness.

Sadly, most of the cars were in much better shape a few years ago. Here on the west coast we had a HUGE wind storm a couple years ago that was so bad it ravaged a land mark park in Vancouver. And, it fell a lot of trees on our island... on a lot of his cars.

A sad loss.

A friend of mine made an appropriate query/comment: I wonder if any of the owners of those cars imagined they would end up that way.

I met a man yesterday who has a mint 1969 Impala, and bought it new. I asked him what he thought his Impala might do for the rest of its days. He hoped it stayed in his family, and was cherished for generations.

A Deer Friend

2008-09-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

I'm Proud to be Canadian!

2008-09-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Love them SNL girls!!!

Thinking Pink

2008-09-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

I recently downloaded the Lightroom 2 trial version to play with. YOWZA! FUN! No wonder I have been M.I.A! LOL! Just kidding. I have been blissfully busy.

I will post a few fun catch up posts tomorrow updating you on some recentnesses. Nope - that is not an official word. But I like it.

Hope you like these pictures I created easily with my custom preset I made "Think Pink".

Thanks for stopping by & Enjoy!

And a sneak peek of what the next post will hold.... a recent photoshoot...

Watching For Him

2008-08-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

Bestest viewed this way - LARGE

Imogen Heap - Come Here Boy

It's dark in here, visions are flashing into my head
as I reminisce my reoccurring dreams and you said,
"I'm falling, falling for you babe
my feelings are getting stronger"
So why don't you stay with me for a little longer...
Come here boy, come here boy yeah
Come here boy, come here boy

I know that my face is only too familiar to your sleep
I can see it in your eyes and I can tell by your body heat
Why are you taking so long?
You need me to come and find you, honey?

Worth The Thorns

2008-08-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the times when I am feeling like my heart is broken, and I am flushed with sorrow and dripping with tears, someone will tell me how beautiful I look...?

Don't the rain droplets look like lovely tears waiting to soak into the velvet petals?

This gorgeous rose bush is out front of the shop blooming most of the year! We get constant comments of how luscious it looks. And it's BIG!! It must just like the gulf islands!! ;)

View On Black

Love Effects Lives

2008-07-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

The most beautiful thing is to see life through love's eyes.

I may not be able to take credit for that witty last post, but I came up with this all on my own. :)

Husband Tech Support

2008-07-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

Dear Tech Support ,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a
distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower
and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0 .

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such
as:
Romance 9.5 and
Personal Attention 6.5,

and then installed undesirable programs such as :

NBA 5.0,
NFL 3.0 and
Golf Clubs 4.1 .

Also Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2. 6 simply
crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these
problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,
Desperate.

--------------------------------------------

DEAR DESPERATE ,

First, keep in mind,
Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while
Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download
Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If that application works as designed , Husband 1.0 should
then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause
Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0
or Beer 6.1 .

Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a very bad program that will
download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install
Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will
eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 -program
These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited
memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying
additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend
Cooking 3.0 and
Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck!
Tech Support

Love-lie

2008-07-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

I updated my website recently too! More of the most recent wedding pics can be found there. :)

Moments

2008-07-25T23:36:00.001-07:00

I was able to sit and enjoy a bit of this awesome sunset with my love about 2 weeks ago. Those moments, like a sunset, always seem so fleeting, yet stunning in their impact and importance to the grounding of the soul. Living ferry rides and hours drive apart sucks. But, again, like sunsets, the small moments you have to just sit in aww of how amazing life can be, are so worth it.

Sew much to catch up on!!!

2008-07-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Oh good gracious! I have been absent for so long! It is so bleepin' busy these days. Getting lots of life into the moments, but never enough moments to be had with those you love, and for all the work that needs to get done! ACK!

First off!! the 200th post give-a-way!! See that cute little bag up there made from the Amy Butler fabric...? It was made with 2 fat quarters and some interfacing (and a button and a little trim) and I designed it specifically to use fat quarters to make it! AND you can get the pattern FREE! We like free, right?! Just send me your address (no, I do not have a scanner - I know, I know) and I will mail you a copy of this cute little bag pattern! My daughter loves the size! Perfect for a cute little purse for mom or a stash-it bag for dd. :)

rhembein@yahoo.ca
subject = "gilly bag"

Oh, you like that little quilt on that ratty-but-cool chair...?! I made it for my daughter a few months ago. A friend-slash-customer came into the shop and was telling me about her discovery through a big-chain store of a quick easy quilt idea for her daughter! I went home a week or two later and whipped one up. My daughter loves it. She picked all the fabrics from my stash... and I had to "throw them together". Bold choices. She is definitely her mother's daughter. :)

And, that chair is actually a retrieval from the "garbage mall" we have here, No, really. They pull things out that people were throwing away and you donate whatever you want to take someone else's trash home to your place. $5. And I plan to recover it!! YIPPEE! Now. Time. Where do I find that?? ;)

Hmmm. What else has been keeping me busy...? Oh yes... my daddy came to visit!!

What a trip. Har har har. Grampa Geek does this game with the kids where he stands in front of them talking to me, and they they bowl him over as they swing merrily along, absolutely in hysterics when he falls dramatically to the ground. Just, don't get near my kids when they are on a swing, okay?! It was s delightful few days of getting to see my daddy, and back across to the other side of the world he had to return. :( We did get to go camping, which is ALWAYS fun with us Griswalds!

You may think I'm joking about the Griswalds comment but trust me, there has never been a vacation we took that hasn't had it's... issues. Take that recent trip to Disneyworld, for example. Just call and ask the hotel if some people in the family suite in May some-how burnt the microwave in 15 seconds with mac'n'cheese, causing them to have to "air out" the place. yes, the WHOLE place. I tried to open the windows, but in Florida, they are all screwed shut... the heat, I guess. They smelt us from the lobby (we were on the third floor - end of the LOOOOONG hallway) and came to "help" us. We need help. But they didn't have that kind of help on-hand.

In all fairness, it wasn't me. I swear.

I have also been busy shooting some weddings and am FINALLY going to share a few shots from my most recent one with you!!

They were a great, fun couple and she made a stunning bride, and he, a handsome groom. I enjoyed myself and always look forward to seeing what I was able to do with the shots. This was no exception.

I had to travel to do this wedding from my little island to the Greater Vancouver area, and went as a walk on the ferry. Which meant carrying my step stool wasn't happening, but lucky for me the tent they were having it in had a great bench all the way around. We also had a little are on the golf course to use for photos. Not much, but it did the trick. And the evening light was great too! I only had to duck under the tripod the videographer was using once, because he had a sweet spot. Always jostling for position for the sweet shots. Luckily this videographer and I work well together. He has more wedding experience than I do, and has a selection of standard shots he likes to get, and me with my fresh (some might say green) approach to the wedding photography had some new ones for us too. And, always, the couple and the locations inspire ideas for us all too.

Tried out my new flash, and some lenses that hadn't had the wedding test put on them yet, and we all worked well together!! Yippee!

These shots were taken with a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Macro! WOW! That is a sweet piece of glass!!!

I also am in love with my new Canon 85mm f/1.8. GREAT for portraits! I can't wait to get more of a chance to play with this one! I have done some, but always feel like I never get enough time to be a photographer.

And the latest picture of Moi. I always feel so weird taking self portraits, but in the same breath it is so very satisfying as well. I have alway hated being IN pictures, so being able to create pictures of myself I like is something I am beginning to love.

I just needed to relax for a moment. I was about to head down to the studio to edit edit edit and just needed to take in the surroundings on my porch for a moment. That inspired me to get my camera, since it has been so long since I did any self-portraits. I am usually delightfully surprised at how well I can compose in camera without being able to see what it looks like until after. Not too shabby.

Well, thanks for stopping by, and I will do my best to start posting regularly again. I feel like I have so much I'd love to share!

"your mind being creative and original will make you famous" ... or so says the Jones Soda Wisdom. :)

EDITED TO ADD: I am no longer mailing out the pattern due to outstanding response from so many of you shortly after I posted. Hope you all got it!?!

How is it JUNE Already!??!

2008-06-02T22:56:00.001-07:00

WHAT?! It's flippin' June already!? Part of me is excited and happy, and part of me is wondering where it all went. Seem like just a couple months ago we had snow.

Oh wait. We did.

Well. To celebrate the lovely weather that has been gracing the islands, a high-school-aged friend and I finally got to go take some photos, which we both wanted to get out and do together for a while now.

We planned a few days ahead to go after I got off work one evening, and low-and-behold the weather was on our side!!

Yippee!

We had lots of fun driving to a few spots on the island taking photos. Chatting. Catching up. We have known each other for about 7yrs now!

She is a great person. Her whole household is. Very talented and mucho creative juices flowing outta their pores.

One of my favorite things to discover during the shoot was how much I love her hair! I mean, I wish I had her hair. I knew that already. This coming from someone with thin, poker-straight hair. But WOW it was fun to photograph!!

See!!!

<-------------

I have a whole bunch of photos of her flipping those lovely locks!

Hanging them.

Draping them.

Playing with them.

Breeze pulling at them.

Sun glowing upon them.

I still have some more editing to do on her shots, along with final editing on 2 weddings to do before I shoot another few.

I also have a few portrait sessions to come as well.

YIPPEE!

Enjoy a few more photos, and I am off to work on the website's new finishing touches (!!!) and some editing.

Oh, and remember... this is post 199... so next up in monumental post #200!!!

A Sneak Peek...

2008-05-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here is one little teaser shot from a wedding I did about a month ago.

Can you guess she was the flower girl?

How do you like the new blog look? I am making all my websites 'n such match. Next post... my spiffy new business cards!!! And, yes, more wedding shots!! :)

Oh! AAAAAND! I know it has been slow around here. On my part... and YOURS. Ahem. I'll take the blame. I have been neglecting the blog. But. Not longer. I will be having my 200th post soon (this is my 198th!!) and there will be a GIVEAWAY!! Stay tuned! It will be SOOOOOON!

I (heart) Seattle

2008-05-26T22:05:00.001-07:00

I have been to Seattle a number of times over the years with a friend's family and loved it every time. I have always known that I loved the city, be it downtown Vancouver (closer to where I grew up) or Seattle, and would have a place close into one one day. Not that I am striking London or NY of the list though. ;) Walking distance to lunch and parks. Chattering with other neighbourhood locals. Mmmmm. One day.

Seems every where I go I find cool cars to take pictures of. :)

These are of the dead highway in Seattle. No longer used the trees and greenery have taken over again. It is eerily beautiful to walk along this bypass over whirring traffic in rush-hour.

Sitting, enjoying a little downtime in a park.

There is a very popular spot for people to go take skyline pictures of Seattle. This is where this shot was taken. So pretty.

And.. My house. I WISH! No. I don't wish. I promise. I will own this house one day. It calls to me. You may be saying, "But Gyl, you are a single mom of two and trying to get out of debt from that last failed relationship and taking that challenge of starting to do what you love for your career instead of that non-rewarding office job you had for years, and being your own boss, none-the-less. But, Gyl!?!"

Wanna make a bet?! ;)

Twinkle in my eye

2008-05-26T22:04:00.002-07:00

Since my daughter was born my desire for taking photos has re-seeded itself within me. I am ever so greatful I did.

I have a son now too. He use to lay nice and still for me...

... now he attempts to follow her everywhere.

Sometimes, other people let me take pictures of their kids. They ask me to even! ;)

If you look REAL close, you can see me reflected in her eyes!! Self Portrait! Hee hee!

Welcome to my World...

2008-05-26T22:04:00.001-07:00

Just a few shots I have taken that I like from around this pretty little island nestled in the Georgia Straight. Salt Spring Island. One of the Gulf Islands here in BC, on the west coast of Canada. I feel lucky to be a photographer with scenes like this all around me.

How Rhembein was born

2008-05-26T22:03:00.001-07:00

I have always been rather creatively minded. Granted, I've had periods in my life, where life just takes over and I don't make the time to be creative. Those have been the times when I have found myself most "out of sorts". Depressed even. Being creative is a must for me. I see form and colour, composition and contrast, potential for greatness in everything. I have always been the one to see something I wanted and decide I'd be much happier making it myself so I could put my own spin on it. And, usually did just that.

When I had my daughter, over 4 years ago, I found I didn't feel the fun and fairytales in the selection of clothing available without ordering from small European brands that I couldn't afford. So, I made some stuff. I even made a business out of it for a while.

Rhembein was born.

These are just a few snippits of what I have made. You can always see more on my flickr.

I still get asked fairly regularly if I will be selling again. Who knows. When inspiration hits...

RRRRRROAR!!

2008-04-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Terrifying, aren't I?! Grrrrr...

I am here to quickly mention some must have shoes for your toddlers!! Robeez new Tredz!!! I have always been a fan, and buyer, of Robeez. Both because they are Canadian and because they are great for young, forming, growing feet! Now they have these new great Tredz, which arrived just in time for my son's 2nd birthday!! So, he go this pair I have pictured here, for his birthday from his momma... and LOVES them!! :) So does his momma! They have the great Robeez stay one style back and this particular pair have a great, easy elastic lace & slider tightening method! Not to mention CUTE styles!! I was lucky enough to try them on in the store, but for those of you who aren't their sizing chart is bang on. My son is currently wearing a sz 6 shoe (depending on brand, with some room for growth, but not much left) and the 16-20m fits him with just over my standard thumb-space-extra sizing method. It was between the t-rex and these puma-esque ones. So, I may get those when he grows outta these ones, depending on weather. I know I will get these ones for summer. Now if I had a girl of age to wear them (and trust me, my daughter TRIED to convince me they'd fit her) I would get these cuties!!

Gotta love cute and functional at a decent price!!

Vintage, Dark, Beauty

2008-04-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

1957 Chevrolet Belair. Mmmmmm... VIEW LARGER HERE!!

I have been playing with my own actions, textures and layering of stuff in PS. I not only love to take photographs, but to play and tweek them to create something extra is a passion too! It takes a lot to make a photo look distressed and funny coloured like those vintage shots! ;)

This is my 192nd post!! WOW!! I better plan something good for my 200th!!!

Pretty & Pretty Please

2008-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well I have been neglecting the blog, but hopefully soon will get all the new site details squared away and fixed, get a few things made for myself (yes, truly, for ME! I am making the time!!), some new much needed touches to the decor (actually more like a MUCH needed revamp of some of my furniture, which for a single mom is about impossible, sooooo... sewing machine and fabric stash, here I come!) and some spring clothes for the Little Miss (since weather has been getting sunnier... not that you could tell to look outside right now... it is SNOWING!!! I sh!t you not!).

Now... did I use enough brackets for my asides there?! Geesh. Digressing in small portions and using the brackets as some sort of permission.

Things on the photography front have been going great and hopefully next post I can share some with you of a friend's children I took recently. A couple of total dolls!!

The re-decorating I need to do are definitely part of this whole rebirth of myself, and I am excited to start having the place I call home reflect how I am feeling much better. I am noticing most of what I have had for a while either is VERY drab, or uggo. I guess I was putting all the fun I could muster into the clothes. BUT, now that I feel like "myself" again, I am about to burst out all over my furniture. FUN!!

Um, no. That, ^ up there, is NOT me bursting forth. HA! It's the gum wall in Seattle. My first reaction was to back up. Then I was intrigued. Wanted to get close, but not coodies close.

These shots here are from a recent trip down to Seattle. When we came out from dinner we took a little drive up a hill (luckily my travel partner is very familiar with Seattle and gave me a great tour of some favorite spots, of which I now share too... digressing again, and brackets... Damn. Sorry) and saw that amazing night view of the city. I wished some branches weren't in my way, but next time they wont be because I will climb on top of the tallest vehicle if I must. Which, luckily, will likely be the one I arrive in. :)

*sigh* Seattle is SO pretty, and I feel so comfortable there. GREAT city. Can't wait to jump in for another taste.

Isn't this car SA-WEET! ACK! I am a car lover. I grew up in a city that now has one of the bestest car shows ever! EVER!! It is so cool! They close down the main road through the old part of the town (not the traffic-jam-freeway-like newer part) and have the cars all parked up and down it! SEE! I worked in an insurance office that was right down on that road (still is), and we serviced the car dealerships, meaning when they called, we had to run out and go do stuff instead of wander through the amazing vehicles! Bloody work. Interrupts everything cool!

Well, hopefully this year I won't miss it like the past 7 years I have been here on this island. And the pictures! OHHHH, the pictures!

Can you see me in the bumper there?? ------------------>

I saw this car in town the other day, while at work, and sadly it drove away before I could take some good pictures. Or so I thought. Then I went to go get some lunch when the boss arrived for a bit, and rounded a corner in this teensy town to find it parked alone one street over. I ran back to the shop to get my camera and *snap* *snap* *SNAP*. Mmmmmmmmm, I adore old cars. This is a 1955 Chevrolet Belair. I WILL own one of these one day. I don't care if I have to fix it up myself and sell lemonade to pay for the stuff I can't do... so most of it. :)

Such a flippin sweet car!

I took some shots on my way to get my food, and since it was still there when I came back, took some more. I adore that car! I would do a different paint job, but certainly wouldn't turn this puppy down if someone was to give it to me. :)

I am going to be making an effort to get some pictures of cool old cars this summer, since so many come to the island. I am mostly a portrait shot type person. Love people, and taking their picture is even better, but old cars make me wanna drive. Or should I say crrrruise with my tunes low, and my wheels slow.

One day, one day. Okay Gyl, move on!

Obviously not the ACTUAL license plate. Had to hide their real info... so added mine. :P

Speaking of things I want one day... this gate. There is a gated section in the center of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. I want to have a gate like this with these great flower wrapping themselves around the cross-bars in support of the world that exists behind them. Talk about Flower Power. Har har har. Yes, I am that dorky. :)

OooOOooOOOooh, and one more thing I want. But this one, I need your input and help with. I am looking for a cute, hip dress pattern to make for myself, as I am heading to warmer climate briefly on a secret trip. Little Miss and I get to go on a top secret trip and I will definitely need something other than my Pacific Wet Coast gear to wear there. So, I googled "dress sewing pattern" ... which the top site listed was sewingpatterns(dot)com. A link along the side lead me to the "hottest styles" and I chose dresses. Don't bother. HRMPH. Unless you want a great laugh. Like hell I would wear (or bother making) any of THOSE patterns. Please, PLEASE someone suggest some pattern companies, or even specific patterns!! Funky, trendy, vintage cute, girly and/or workable. I can alter them if need be. But, holy hell, there has GOT TO BE some actual cute patterns made these days, right ladies?! I guess I will have to check the magazine rack for something...? Damn. Why is this so hard?! I was going to get someone to pick one I found up at Fabricland (our Canadian chain fabric store... not so exciting really), but can't find a Simplicity, McCalls, Burda, Butterick, Whatever pattern that isnt... old.

Not Just Black & White... Well, Today it is!

2008-03-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Pixelicious Post

2008-03-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy being a single mom, doing photoshoots and getting my photography biz off the ground, I have neglected the blog. EEP! Here is a post full of pixelicious goodness to catch you up. I got a new Canon 40D. OMG, YUM!!! I have yet to be able to use it at bigger than the sRAW (which I LOVE that feature) because I am waiting on new cards from B&H along with a few other items of gear.

So, without further delay... enjoy and I will pick up the slack!! I am heading out on a little excursion next weekend, and will have oodles of shots to share then!!

These are some photos I took while sitting at this lovely, raggedy dock hoping for a sunset. Nope. But got some great shots anyway. :)

I did some boudoir shots with a friend recently and it started off as us just playing, and turned out to get some great shots. So, now we are plotting for another few shoots.

I also am VERY happy to say that some of my hard work is paying off!! I am in two publications in the next month!! One where they did a business write up about my photography business, and I have an ad in there running too! AND one that is using a photo of mine for an article in their magazine, and I have an ad coming out in their publication too. Eeeeee! Bring on the photoshoots and wedding shoots!! My excitement is showing in the pictures too. I can't wait to share a photoshoot I just finished editing with you! Soon, soon. :)

Ooooh Cool!

2008-02-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this cool little gadget!!

A flickrtastic thing indeed!

This N That

2008-01-31T17:31:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos to keep your entertained until I have some time to post something of worth. OTHER than that RAD video I posted about moments ago that you should ALL watch!!!

I made myself a cool (or should I say warm) toque the other day! I love how it turned out. I like to make things functional and cool, which is part of why I like making things. They will turn out how I want them.

How old do I look in this hat? 5... maybe? I look like I want to go running out into the snow and start a full on snowball war! Built snowforts and have sledding races. I sound like Stella. Which I am not. I would actually rather bundle up inside on the couch with some hot chocolate, with the little marshmellows floating gleefully inside, watching some ridiculously funny movie, and a fire warming my skin.

Speaking of ridiculously funny movies... I will show you a few more pictures, and tell you a tale of the only movie I have ever seen that got an "F" by critics. And I saw it on purpose.

I knew that since I was coming over to the maninland I wanted to go see a movie in a real movie theatre. My little island, as cute and as rad as it is, it has no real theatre. I like seeing movies in BIG theatres with BIG sounds and BIG comfy seats. Little did I know that I would be seeing a movie in a real theatre the next night! YIPPEE!

Notice I didn't say "real movie, in a real theatre"... because I doubt anyone can call Rambo 4 a "real" movie. Yes, I went and saw Rambo 4, on purpose, dispite the fact that it had the only "F" rating my critics I have EVER heard of. Why did I see it? Because that is what a friend wanted to do for his birthday. So about 10 of us did just that.

Not only did I actually enjoy myself (um, yeah, no joke!) but I was laughing most of the way through the movie. When we bought our tickets I joked about being a crowded theatre. When we walked in to the theatre we were shocked to see the few people in there. Then, as more and more people poured into the theatre to see this movie, I continued to be amazed at how many people must have had the same curiosity we did about just how bad was it, and they wanted to get a good laugh out of it too.

Well... not everyone found it as ridiculously funny as we did. All 10 of us laughed and laughed and laughed. Generally, no one else made a sound. Now... I wonder... was it the fact that there were an average of two dozen people killed a minute in that movie that had them all in utter shock and horror, so much so that it rendered them mute? Was it that Sly looked like an overweight man that had steriods pumped into his face and forearms at a rate that clearly was about to make his skin give way? (We decided it looked like he had potatoes shoved up under his skin, it looked THAT odd.)

It was written by, directed by and starred Sly. It looks like it too. Lots of close ups of his face (ICK!), very little dialoge (THANK GOD!), and so much violence you could of actually been in Burma seeing this. The rating for it is noted as... "Rated R for strong graphic bloody violence, sexual assaults, grisly images and language."

Yup. definately had ALL that, in spades. A few times, just so completely needlessly so.

This movie was so over-the-top with excess bloody violence, I couldn't help but laugh at just how ridiculous some of it was.

Laugh at violence Gyl? No... not at the violence. At the whole cinematic experience that was Rambo 4. The dramatic effort put into that movie by the characters was awesome. Truly, awesome. I laughed. I had to. They had such conviction, and yet they KNEW they were in Rambo 4. Collectively, I think they had 20 lines of dialog. Each line no more than 10 words. Sly wrote it, remember. ;)

One of my favorite wonderments in the movie (No, no spoilers for those of you wanting to see it, wouldn't want to spoil it for you! LOL!) was a scene when Rambo was running through the jungle at a speed similar to a cheetah. I had such a hard time believeing Sly could possibly fling those stumps that fast and stealthily through the jungle that I was plagued with thoughts of just how much editing and speeding up of the film they had to do to create that scene. And I giggled.

There were many classic Rambo moments of him showing up at just the right time, and unleashing his Ramboness on them. I laughed at those scenes too. Of course.

So... if you want my opinion of Rambo 4... I haven't had such a good time watching a movie in SO long. It deserved the "F". It was so bad, it was funny.

WATCH THIS VIDEO!!

2008-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

I found this video through Dooce the other day when riding the ferry over to the mainland. On my BlackBerry I couldn't watch it, so when I arrived at my destination I watched it. HOLY FRIGGIN COW MAN!!

It is simply the intro showing the credits, but the actual things you are seeing, music perfectly matched to it, and overall feel of it is AMAZING!!

What Dooce said about it...
"The 13-year-old boy inside of me thinks this video is exceptionally rad and has watched it four times in a row while shouting DUDE! at the screen several times. Also, some of the comments are so good that I want to stick my cold, wet finger into the Internet's ear."

WATCH IT! WATCH IT! WATCH IT!

WATCH ME! CLICK ME!

What ya think??

UPDATE:
BUGGER! For some reason it is down now. :( I will keep my eyes peeled and if it gets posted again, I will repost it. It was an intro for a skateboarding video to promote the Lakai Skateboarding team. It was just the opening "credits" naming the tram members... BUT... it was a slow-mo clip watching some of the boarders skate through a cement park with a great great tune along side. I don't wanna ruin it. but things go boom, and in time to music and in slow-mo and it is AWESOME!!! The technical aspect is stellar not to mention the "tricks".

UPDATE NUMBER TWO: FOUND IT HERE!!!

Click. Click. BANG!

2008-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well, this year is off to a FANTASTIC start!!

On the work/business front: Besides the propect of getting my studio all set up at my new place, and getting that sewing machine whirring again, I have decided to start taking my photographer self and put her out there a bit more. I have been asked on a number of occasions about my photography and people hiring me to do some for them, but I have never felt comfortable enough to promote myself as a photographer. Funny enough, I have always loved it best of my creative endevours. I had a camera in my hands as long as I have had needles in them. I just have never devoted time to it as a craft.
Soooo, how does one do that? Well, since I have no time for institutional schooling right, I will teach myself. Which, come to think of it, has always been the way I thrive and learn best. Hands on. Wheeeee!! I am EXCITED!

My first step in this teaching-thy-self process is a self portrait challenge. I have joined a flickr group to take a self portrait a day, for a year. I started January first. i wanted to do this for a while, but decided doing it through a full calendar year would work best for me. And with this year slated to be such a stellar year for me, I am excited to document it, and have been trying to get creative. So far, so good.......

1. babe in toyland - 8/365, 2. bright - 7/365, 3. good 'ole knee socks - 6/365, 4. watch me - 5/365, 5. tiedup drawn - 4/365, 6. caught red fingered - 3/365, 7. oh! and! - 2/365, 8. aglow - 1/365

(You can click the links above to see the uncropped versions in my flickr.)

The order they are in there is my most recent one (but for yesterday, which I didn't have time to download/upload yet) to the first one. You can see more of my photographic explorations on my flickr. There are a few photos there that I am quite proud of! :) Kinda surprised it was even me in them! HA! ;) Like this one... (below) and one a little sexier even! ACK! Me, sexy?! Can you imagine me being serious long enough to come off as sexy!? Oh, the thing you don't know yet. ;) Hee hee.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some bags for sale to help celebrate the new year!! All prices include shipping within Canada and the United States. :)

You can click on the photo and go straight to a larger version on flickr. :)

UPDATED TO SAY: I am removing bags from here as they sell... but you can see all that was offered by clicking on my flickr link to the right side over there ------> :)

UPDATE JAN 3rd - WOW GUYS! Thanks! Half gone already!! Glad you like 'em! :)

Victoria Shoulder Bag - $35

straps aprox 20"
bottom 15" by 3.5"
across top 12"
depth 7.5"
top button closure
no inside pockets

--------------------------------------------------------------

Laptop Messanger Bag - $55

strap aprox 40"
width 16"
depth 13"
bottom 16" by 3"
inside pockets: pen, phone/ipod & other

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Chris Messanger Bag - $45

strap aprox 40"
width 10.25"
depth 13.5"
bottom 10.25" by 3"
inside pockets: pen, phone/ipod & other

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Dainty Clutch - $25

strap aprox 13" total
top opening 5+"
widest 8"
depth 4.75"
clutch puffs to more than 2.5"
no inside pockets
zips shut

--------------------------------------------------------------

PAYPAL ONLY
All orders and questioned can be sent to me at rhemebin@yahoo.ca

Thank-you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Personally, I think 2008 is gonna be friggin stellar, so I am in a great mood!!!

Merry Ho Ho

2007-12-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh! That last two weeks sure flew by! At least in my neck-of-the-woods! I hardly realized that I had not posted! ACK! Sorry! So much has happened to share too!!

I found a place to rent that will work great for not only myself, and my kids (when they are with me) but a huge area for a studio to get rhembein back on track for the new year! It was as important to me to find a place that had room for a studio, as it was to have enough room for myself and the kids. Wow. I found a great little place! Lucky me! I will be sure to share pictures as I settle in.

Best of all rhembein is back on schedual to hit the auctions/blog in January!! WOooo hooo! I know a lot of you have been asking (some might even say pestering, in the nicest way, of course!) about when rhembein would be available again, and the time is now! Well, soon! ;)

Oh, and as promised that pic of my set-up at one of the craft fairs I did. I also will have a few treats for you blog readers come January... yes, yes... some bags will be listed on the blog here, and here only!! :)

I will mention that this photo is taken with my mom's camera. So, yeah. Not my usual photoliciousness. Sorry.

For tonight a typical small town tale, of the woes of a single mom with an ex to deal with and house to make her own....

In all the hers, his, hers, his, hers, his, "mine... no mine... noooo, miiiiine" we came to a stalemate on me having a bed. I had a bed, then at the last minute I had no bed. At this point, I would rather leave on better then terrible terms, then fight tooth and nail for a bloody bed. Well, of course I needed a bed, so yesterday (I began moving in this morning) when I discovered I was in the "no bed" situation, I was chatting (okay, yes, griping) about the situation and her her response was "Let's go get some groceries, you never know what can happen." Well she wasn't kidding! I ended up leaving the grocery store with a bed! Well, not from the store, but a woman my mom got talking with (someone she knows, we pretty much all know eachother here, small town/island 'n all) had one, and after my mom said "you don't happen to know someone with a bed for sale, or free do you?" she proclaimed SHE did! WHOA MAN! Not in any large city could you go chat with the person shopping next to you and end up having their hubby and son deliver a queen sized bed to your place, up the stair and all!

I LOVE SMALL TOWNS!

Now you wait, in a week or two I will be griping again about how nosey and irratating they can be. Take the good with the bad, it is well worth it no matter how you look at it. :)

Have a wonderful holiday how ever you choose to celebrate and spend it! I am a non-practicing nothing, I'm just in it for the family time, games, drinking, and watching my kids get excited about Santa! Well, and my family has some pretty CRAZY stocking tradtions too. But that is on our Stocking Day, which is in January. :)

Happy Birthday TO ME!

2007-12-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

Well, December 11th is my birthday! I will be 32. The day after that is my sister's 30th birthday!! (Yes, having our birthdays a day after each other sucked growing up! And 2 weeks before Christmas... double suck!) I wish I could go over there are hang out with her for that, but I have to work. Bummer.

On my 30th I was pregnant, and last year I was BFing, so this year is the first year when I can drink drink drink. We'll see what happens though. Because of all these "recent events" I have been making my own plans for my birthday, and so far I am no good at it.

I tried to drop hints that I wanted my daughter to make me a cake for my birthday (get her dad to help, of course)... but her dad isn't exactly the type to do stuff like that for me. Hasn't until now, why would he start when we aren't together anymore. Ha.

I just know I NEED cheesecake! Yes, NEED! I don't care how many places I have to go to, I want it! It's my birthday damn it. SOMETHING is going to go well on my bloody birthday!

I craved cheesecake so badly while pregnant with my daughter that I had a deal with a restaurant owner (that made THE best cheesecake EVER - Barry @ Moby's) that I could call down and get slices to go (even though they didn't do that normally). It is hard to satisfy cravings on a small island!! I joke that Little Miss was made of cheesecake, I ate it THAT much.

I have tried making cheesecake, but I only ever succeeded once. A mocha cheesecake. WOW that was good! I made it for someone else's birthday. I tired a pumpkin spice cheesecake once... something didn't work. It couldn't stand up, but it sure was tastey anyway!

So, what is you favorite treat on your birthday?

Being A Girl

2007-12-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

I got this message on Facebook, on my FunWall, and it is SO true.

When a GIRL is quiet ... millions of things are running in her mind. When a GIRL is not arguing ... she is thinking deeply. When a GIRL looks at u with eyes full of questions ... she is wondering how long you will be around. When a GIRL answers " I'm fine " after a few seconds ... she is not at all fine.

When a GIRL stares at you ... she is wondering why you are lying. When a GIRL lays on your chest ... she is wishing for you to be hers forever. When a GIRL wants to see you everyday... she wants to be pampered. When a GIRL says " I love you " ... she means it. When a GIRL says " I miss you " ... no one in this world can miss you more than that.

Life only comes around once make sure u spend it with the right person .... Find a guy ... who calls you beautiful instead of hot. who calls you back when you hang up on him. who will stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the guy who ... kisses your forehead. Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats. Who holds your hand in front of his friends. Who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how lucky he is to have you. Who turns to his friends and says, " That's her!! "

If you open this you have to repost it, guy or girl, or you will have bad luck for the rest of your life!!!!!

If I don't get this back I guess your not my friend. If you have a lot of love for someone. copy and send this to your whole list. In 5 minutes your true love will call or message you.

Well, I am not sure about the part where my "true love" will call or message me... I am still waiting. Though I am REALLY sorry to all 140 of my friends on Facebook for emailing that to you. I had to at least try. ;)

How do I know that MR ADMINDER KWAMWAMA who emailed me just now about his poor father and all his millions, wasn't really SPAM, but instead my true love?!?!?
*sniff*sniff*

On another note... I went shopping off island today! WOo HOo! A little pre-birthday shopping for myself! I needed a few things, and low and behold, I found them! Crazy 'eh?! I brought grandma along because I knew I would get nothin' done on my own with the kiddos in tow, so she watched while I ran from shop to shop. I needed a couple new bras. Check! (Not nearly fancy enough though. Those costs hundreds in my size. I was happy to simply find DD32 at all!!) And I needed some pretty new undies. Double check!! (16 pretty lacey pairs in fact! When you find some you like on sale, buy lots!!) And I needed jeans. (Mine were falling down, which is one of those good/bad problems.) I found 2 pairs at Gap, of course. These cute ones you see in this post (though I promise my butt looks NOTHING like hers in them) and another darker pair.

Okay, no message from any true loves, so I will just wait longer. ;)

While You Wait

2007-12-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Hi guys. I know you are waiting on those craft fair and bag photos... but I am not at my computer until Sunday, though I thankfully have my camera bag in hand now (!!! WOO HOO!!) so I will upload MEGA photos then!

For now, to tide you over, a blast from my past, thanks to my sister uploading it to facebook, along with it a rather embarrassing one, but I will show you that later. Maybe my birthday present to you. My birthday is a week today. :)

Enjoy. I am on the left. My sister (2 years younger) is on the right... with newly trimmed bangs, thanks to moi! I knew Little Miss cutting her hair off in chunks was my payback. Never have kids if you are worried about the "payback". Ha!

Funny note: Little Miss makes that SAME face I am there!!

Craft Fair Crazy

2007-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, since this past weekend was basically snowed out at the craft fairs (Beaver Point Hall & Fulford Hall) both halls have decided to have a "snow day". Each hall is doing an additional day of craft fair fun!!

For those locals who want to know, or those who like to come from off island to attend...

Beaver Point Hall - Saturday December 8th
Fulford Hall - Saturday December 15th

Both have people who can't re-attend their hall's "snow day" so there are a few spot open at each for vendors!! I may be attending both (yeah! coo-coo me!!), since I live a moment away from Beaver Point Hall, which is the one I do not regularly sell at, and think it would be fun to see what happens in such a different setting. It is a great little hall. I am for sure doing the Fulford Hall Fair on the 15th, so may be a sewing fiend in between the two if it goes well at Beaver Point Hall.

Thanks to HB for helping make the Fulford Snow Day possible, calming me down during that process, and that photo of Beaver Pt Hall - shown above and borrowed from his site, linked within this post. Thanks to LT and the MANY volunteers who make the craft fairs happen. And VF for rescheduling an important event she had the Fulford Hall booked for!

PS!! My camera bag was found!! WOOO HOOO!! My dad had lovingly (and accidentally) packed it with his stuff, but luckily found it in amoungst his boxes when he tried finding something in them at my sister's house, prior to leaving for his new job in Dubai!! PHEW! So it is enroute to me and soon we will have some photolicious posts again!! :)

COLD COLD COLD

2007-12-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well BUGGER!! Right as we began getting dressed and ready for our first full day at the Craft Fair, it bloody well began snowing!!! Frickin hell. It DUMPED here yesterday! ICK UCK!! Nearly nobody came (thanks to those few who did!!) and both halls closed early. The weather calls for rain and snow (at higher elevations) today... it bloody well better POUR rain here SOON! We are about to head down there because apparently the south end had rain last night, so it might turn out to be an okay day down there today. MIGHT. Here, however it is snow snow snow all over... and I only have some cute little Rocketdog shows I am wearing. Um, very open ontop. Not at all good for walking through 6+ inches of snow. Nope. Not at all.

I am trying to stay positive because if it does indeed rain, it could all turn out great today. If not... there will be a huge bag sale here soon! Hee hee!

Wish me luck!!

HOT HOT HOT

2007-11-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

Have you seen that Motorola RAZR commercial on tv with the uber-hot-woman and man fighting it out to a great song at a subway stop?! I was hooked the moment I first saw it! I was lucky enough to see the a few times on the fashion network. I was on a mission to find that song as soon as I got home to my computer.

You have to watch the music video for the song from that commercial! The video is nothing special, imho, but that song ROCKS!

Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko

ENJOY!

OOPS & Congrats....

2007-11-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well heck. Today isn't Wednesday! It's THURSDAY! SORRY GUYS! I can see a bunch of you checking back on who won!! First... (hee hee) I have to mention that I will have to surprise the winner with what they have won because my camera cord has gone MIA! I took nice sunny photos of the fabric... but they are stuck in my camera! BUGGER! Of course! And they are not they types where I can grab someone else's photo online... they are that unusual and new.

SOOOooOOoOoOoooo the lucky winner is #7 comment...

Kate said...
Haven't taken a pledge, per se, but am knitting a gift or two. This has inspired me to consider doing more, though!

11:11 AM

There was no blog link or website link so I hope you check back here again and email me (rhembein@yahoo.ca) please to give me your address so I can mail you these yummy treats to get you stitching without your knitting needles!

Okay... I am in the final stretch of prepping for the craft fair... so off I go to finish up. I have so YUMMY peeks at what I am making this time around... but, of course, the cord being MIA means those shots are being held hostage on the camera too! So... keep watch for a surprise post.

Handmade Rocks!

2007-11-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Now who doesn't love making handmade gifts?! And who the heck doesn't like getting them!? Sure as heck doesn't get nay more one-of-a-kind than that I tell ya!

My family has had a tradition (an albeit wavering one) of making the gifts at Christmas. There is quite the large group of us, on my father's side, that get together every year to exchange tidings, and cheers many times over to whatever may move us at that moment. Yes, lots of cheersing. :) After the kiddos go to bed, of course. ;) Anyhoo... we have either done that or we just do stockings.

Hmm... let me clarify. When I say "just stockings"...er...we are talking a "normal" sized stocking (except my aunt... I can have a nap in her stocking)... with two maybe three grocery bags next to it with the overflow. And there is always overflow.

Again, I am digressing here... handmade. I always make handmade gifts for everyone, even when doing the stockings. I also get goofy gifts, cause that is just "me", but I also always do handmade stuff too.

I so look forward to finishing the Craft Fair each year so I can get crackin on people's gifts. Especially my kids' gifts. SO MUCH FUN!

SEW, I challenge you to take the Handmade Pledge too! Come on! You know you wanna! ;)

With so many great new books out now for us to get all inspired and creative, why wouldn't you want an excuse to beef up your crafty book collection!? Hee hee.

Joelle has her newest book, Patchwork & Quilted Gifts, in stores now. Including my shop. So fun to pour over the pages and get inspired.

I plan to make that great pencil roll designed by Kathy Mack from Joelle's book for Little Miss. There is also the most adorable elephant in there by a fave blogger, the Wonderful Hilary, I plan to make for Little Man.

Maybe you aren't the crafty type? Maybe you should buy one of these great books for the crafty types in your life. Hint hint!!

Amy, aka angry chicken, has a book out called Bend-the-Rules Sewing.

Lotta's got a cool book too, Simple Sewing.

Some great projects in both of these books.

Of course, we can not forget Amy Butler's new book, Midwest Modern. Whoa man. Inspiring in every way. So many great peeks at her process and the world which inspires her. Not to mention all those yummy fabrics!!

Her "old" book, In Stitches, has some sweet lounge pants that we have made for display for the shop. Oodles of fabric purchases insued by happily inspired customers.

Amanda, aka SouleMama, made her pair out of some vintage sheeting for ultra uber-comfort! What a great way to recycle and get comfy pants outta the deal! Double whammy!!

Okay... get to it you crafty bunch. I have to spend a couple more weeks day dreaming of crafting gift while sewing bags for the Craft Fair. So be prepared you may be in for some more posts about books to keep me going until I can indulge! :)

To get things rollin' I am offering up a stash of fabrics to a random someone who leaves a comment on this post. (I will use the much trusted random number chooser thingamajiggy.) It will be a secret yummy bundle of fabrics, 3 yds total, in six 1/2 yd pieces. And TRUST ME, you DO NOT wanna miss out on this sweet bundle. Came straight from Fall Quilt Market!. Ohhhh goody! I will post a photo of the delicious selection of fabrics when I post the winner, next Wednesday, so you have a week to tell all your friends to enter too. Or, don't tell 'em and increase your chances! ;)

Good luck!

Lest We Forget

2007-11-11T10:59:00.001-08:00

Thanks Sew Much!!!

2007-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

First, and foremost, thanks ever so much for the lovely comments, emails and thoughts regarding my last post! It is surely a hard and confusing time in the head these days. A few break downs, a couple giggles, one bag class (I taught), and oodles of Christmas craft fair prep have happened since that last post. Not too unusual I guess. HA HA! Life goes on. Thank goodness. Busy-ness helps the heart deal in these situations. It certainly is what I am clutching too these days. And my kids.

I am also snuggling in lots of knitting projects. The one closest to finished is this set of gloves for myself. And a set for display at work. I am using a different sock yarn then they did... as you can see at left there. I love how this shot looks. Impaled. ACK! IMAGINE?!! Knitting disaster! ACK! No wonder people worry about knitting with double-pointed needles/"sock needs". Hee hee.

I took this shot at the pub during my Stitch and Bitch night. I mentioned the knitting night before... here, but have since gone a few more times, and moved on to the gloves. I finished the beret I mentioned there, and it sits proudly at work on display tempting people to buy yarn. The sytle is not-so-much mine, I don't think. Too floppy for me. I need to make "mine" with some thicker yarn, or smaller needle. I should take a shot of myself in it, get you to help me decide. Hmmmm... Note to self. ;)

Talk to you soon. I am off to sew bags for the Christmas Craft Fair at Fulford Hall. Only 3 weeks left to prep! Double Ack!!

Seems like not long ago I blogged about this same thing last year! Crazy! Time flies.

I am noticing I have more bags than this already made for this year. Some of the same fabrics... hardly any of the same bag designs though. :D Learn and grow. ;)

No Sympathy, Please

2007-10-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well...this is an awfully personal post. So, put your seat belts on kiddies. I am about to impart rather touchy information unto you. Or feel free to just skip down to the next post (previous post) where I talked about craftiness. ;)

So...another reason I have been sporadically blogging these days...a break up. Mine. From and the non-hubby. My instigating, this time.

We have not had a nice easy relationship, at any stage of the game. In fact it has been a struggle every step of the way. EVERY STEP.

I will not go into sordid details, as that would be insensitive. And, it would be one sided, naturally. It is my reality I am living.

I have been so very sad at the thought that this relationship, family unit is ending, as I know it. All those dreams as girl, gone.

I also feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my heart. That sad part I have generally felt through the relationship for one reason or another, making way for the light again.

Every once in a while I feel the need to document myself. Take self portraits. Most camera-wielding-moms will know what I mean when I say there are NO photos of me otherwise.

I was feeling rather down, and thought some moody shots would be good to add to the collection. Since it reflects this time in my life. Along with many that were not documented.

You will not find any actual tears in these photos, as I have shed too many to count lately, and my face shows their toll these days anyway.

I have actually gone into public places in tears a few times in the past month. Not fun. But I could care less in some of the circumstances. It was happening, and I was far from being able to hide it anymore.

Anyhoo, I felt the need to play with the eyeliner, and create some. Why? Not sure. why do we make any of the decisions we make in life? Like staying in a relationship long after you should have left.

I adore the non-hubby. He is a great human being. Extremely intelligent. Maybe too much for his own good.

I wish him no ill will, only hopes of growth as I do anyone else. Him especially, I guess, because he is the father of my children, and I know he can be a great father for them.

I was always scared to leave because I had no money, as a SAHM.

I also had slipped into that feeling of not knowing what I "deserved" anymore. Which if you know me at all, I am a strong willed gal, and those thoughts creeping into my head greatly disturbed me.

Only recently, when I started working outside the house again, did I start to feel my self confidence building up again inside me. My sense of self blooming again. It gave me the courage to do things I missed doing (like going out) and that included taking a step I knew I needed to take.

So here I am. Today. Trying to...not move on, but change the nature of a relationship with someone very close to me. And hopefully gain a friend I lost along the way.

I am scared shitless. The idea of moving off of this gorgeous farm, losing a partner whom is my childrens' father and having to pay a lot of extra expenses that I am not use to doing with kids-in-tow. All very scary. I am expecting lots of hard times, and I am expecting lots I didn't expect too.

So, from this post onward, I will be honest to a fault on my blog. Some of my upcoming posts will not only reflect the crafty, creative individual I am, but the single mom of two beautiful young kids who is starting on scary new path she NEVER expected, or wanted, to tred.

Now... BRING. IT. ON. I CAN do it.
(I think.)

PS: A friend mentioned that purple is a sign of strength & power, upon seeing my purple hoody. Funny. I have been wearing the hoody LOTS lately. I must have felt I needed the extra strength.

PPS: I bite my bottom lip when bothered. My poor lips lately.

Oh Sew Pretty

2007-10-16T21:50:00.001-07:00

Remember when I mentioned I made a skirt for myself...? Well here it is! I finally got a chance to hop on the computer (usually I am busy sewing when the power is on these days) and edit and upload the photos! It is on display right inside our front door to the shop right now. I love the colours of the fabrics, I couldn't help but match up the deep purple, lavender and burnt yellow fabrics. I am sure some people walk in and think WTH?!, but I love it. And so does everyone I hear comment on it. Makes me smile. :)

When I was making it Little Miss was shocked I was making something that was not for her! LOL! She kept saying it looked too big for her. No matter how many times I clarified it was for ME, she just had trouble grasping that fact. Gee, I wonder why!? Hee hee hee!

So, in this flurry of prepping for the annual Christmas Craft Fair I do at the Fulford Hall here, I have been taking more time to hang out with friends outside of the house. Make some new ones. All very fun.

Of course, because this is a small island, that spurred many assumptions about my life and what I am up to. Some have been true, some not. I am used to the speculations people make when you live in a small, tight-knit community. But geez, they could ask, instead of assume. Ah, well. It doesn't bother me so much. If they choose to assume stuff, I can't do much about that anyway.

I went knitting at my fave southend pub with a new friend on Monday night. We had many people asking about what the heck we were doing. I was knitting a beret for myself (using circular needles) and she was making mittens (using 4 or 5 double pointed needles), so that threw most of the guys off. Being familiar with the straight needles grandma used back-in-the-day, I'm sure. LOL. What could be better then knitting at the pub?! I certainly can't think of what might be. So, I am officially starting a Stitch & Bitch on Monday nights there now. FUN!!

Well, I better get off to bed. I have to work the next few days, make some more samples for work, and get more bags made for the Craft Fair. It's the first weekend of December... just in case you might be trying to make plans for your trip over to hit all the Salt Spring craft fairs that weekend. ;) Actually, people really do make a day trip over just to do that. Since there are a few all happening together that weekend. Such creative people here, why wouldn't you do your Christmas shopping here?! ;)

Oh, and this was the heavenly view the other morning. You know I love all these shots of rays coming through those clouds! Not to mention all these other shots from my place. WOW...How did I get here again?!

If you knit, and use circular and/or double-pointed needles, do you start your socks from the toes; mittens from the finger tips; or hats from the top? Ever tried? I just learnt a great new way to do that, and it just makes so much more sense than starting at the ankle/wrist/brim!! Delightful!!

PS ~ That 5 kilometers to retrieve Little Miss from Pre-K with Little Man riding my back...I can feel it in my legs right now. Feels kinda nice in that "used and apprecited" kinda way.

My back on the other hand...Ow. That back-pack carrier and that 18m old...um...I need to do some core excercises. Any suggestions? Yoga? This is the Gulf Islands...maybe it's manditory?! ;)

Walking the Mile

2007-10-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

Well, to be as environmentally conscious as I can today, not only am I not using any power (the generator will remain off all day), but I am walking to pick up Little Miss at pre-school. You might not think that is so amazing of me, but it is a 2.3 kilometer walk...one way!! There is a pretty wicked hill on the way there too. And, I will have The Little Man in the back-pack-carrier. At 18m he is not a small addition to the trek.

I've done it before. As long as it isn't raining, I really don't mind so much. Okay, about halfway up the hill I mind a little. I cuss. Quietly. ;)

What? Why!??!??

2007-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

To kick off my Blog Action Day posts I am going to point you all towards this.

Now, granted that is not a news source you might look towards for info about environmental issues, but that piece really picked my ass. Jimmy Kimmel is an idiot. In a day an age of trying to at least seem conscious of environmental issues, you would think a stunt like that would have raised a few red flags with someone on Kimmel's staff, or the Regis and Kelly show staff. Or those celebs themselves?! WTH!? No one thought that maybe the rest of us don't appreciate his private jet emmesions effecting our world as it crosses the entire country, twice a day?!

What a waste!
What a dink!

Coming Soon: Blog Action Day

2007-10-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this? Blog Action Day.

"On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future."

Sounds like a good idea to me! I will be posting, hopefully you will too.

I am also going to make sure I am doing everything as environmentally friendly as possible that day. Hmmm...which means no generator. So how will I post, you may be wondering. The BlackBerry. Same as I am doing right now, as I knit on this ever so gorgeous day!! Days like today remind me that the environment is worth every step I could possibly take.

Oh, speaking of the generator...I heard recently it will be another few months until we are officially "on the grid". Not so bad, I guess. Not our best option, IMO, either though. Big 'ol Hydro lines coming in here. Blech.

Yummiest Potpourri Ever

2007-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I am a crafty gal, but you won't catch me making my own potpourri, or hiding it in cute glass candy dishes in my house. Nope. No thanks. BUT the new fabric line, Potpourri, from Sandra Banava through Robert Kaufman fabrics has me changing my tune. Sort of. I am still not making any dried smelly sticks. ;)

This line is absolutely a fave for me! It just arrived at the shop and I can hardly wait to cut myself some and play play play! Though I have to behave as it won't be out on our floor for about a month. ACK! BUT, I am rather excited that I have the annual Fulford Hall Christmas Craft Fair to prep for! I also am teaching a class at the shop this Fall (Nov 8) as well, for which this fabric will come in handy, as it hits the floor in time for that!! FUN FUN FUN!

Her mix of colours (GREAT fall colours!!!) and variety in smaller prints is right up my alley. It seems these days that we have had so many designers focusing on those larger prints, that we (or maybe just I) have forgotten what a great treat it is to have fantastic smaller prints in our stash! I bet if you get some of this line you will find it works well mixing with some of your other fabrics too! Oh goody, I can feel the juices flowing!!

Some of the prints are already missing from the Kaufman site. I am glad we have those ones here in my our ~~hot little hands~~ shop.

How's the weather with you these days?! Perfect crafting weather here. Rain rain rain. That would be why I call it the "Wet Coast". Still, I love it. Or is it the excuse to stay inside and craft I love?! ;)

WHOA, What A Feelin'!

2007-09-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a crazy past few weeks! I obviously couldn't just launch into ALL the details right now. But maybe over time. For now though, a fun little tidbit which will explain why I was MIA for the past couple weeks. No, it wasn't the Port. Or the MIL. Hee hee. Besides the fact that the summer has completely snuck away on me, life has been taking some sharp left turns. Some, fun. Some, scary fun. ACK!! Tee hee.

Our Fall Fair happened the weekend after my last post. I sold at market on the Saturday, enjoyed some family (and new friends') company that night and checked out the Fall Fair on Sunday.

Sunday night some of us went to my favorite island pub, The Fulford Inn for dinner and banter. Saw a few friends hanging out in there, and some strangers. Some stranger than others, and most of those I know. ROFL! One day if you join me for a drink there, you'll understand that MUCH better! Hee hee. Or if you have a local pub in a small small town, you will too. Anyhoo... I digress.

In that pub there was a girl, her backpack and her guitar case, pouring over maps. As curious as my dad is he had to chat her up. She was a traveler from Calgary Alberta who had just arrived the night before, and had no place to stay yet. So, being my dad, and knowing we had some room (a whole extra cabin) he came leaping back to me (yes, leaping, slightly excitedly knowing what he was about to suggest) telling me her situation. So, being me, offered her a place to stay for a few nights. Well, after two weeks here we taught each other lots.

Katie is an ~~18yr~~ 19yr (must be if she was in the pub ;) old who left home days before on an adventure. Boy did she find it. She had a very "salt spring" experience here. I am so glad too! We had lots of fun.

I have been trying to play this guitar of mine for some time now and was so distressed over my progress. Or lack there of. And Katie helped me! Showed me how to figure out what cord they mean and how to do them when I have been looking up a song to play online. This one is only two chords! I can do THAT!! SO FUN!

Anyhoo. Off to sew, sleep and visit with family. My dad is around for another month!! YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!

Oh, and I have a new display I made for work to take shots of tomorrow and show ya. Guess what...?! It isn't kids clothing or a bag... it's something for ME! Oh yeah! You haven't seen some of what I make myself yet, have ya!?! Nope. Well, coming soon...

Ding Dang, Ya'll

2007-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

If anyone already has an idea of what my title is referring to, I feel better that I am not the only one reading it. But come on, the poor girl is just making herself an easy target these days. It is just one of those trainwreck must-not-look-away situations. I actuallt worry about the poor girl. I mean, I think we can all agree she needs some serious help.

If you didn't know the title reference, did you guess who now?

Geez, too many troubled-starlet options these days. Sad really.

Here, cheer up, READ THIS! And find out who I what I have been talking about.

Hubby used up all the gas (for the generator)playigbg video games on the computer and I needed it to sew (!!!), so instead of freaking out, I am knitting upstairs by candle light, in bed. Yes, and surfing on the ~~CrackBerry~~ BlackBerry.

Griswalds Go Camping

2007-09-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

It was little Miss' 4th Birthday yesterday, and she wanted to go camping. So here we are, camping.

I am enjoying myself, despite Hubby having thought he packed the large hiking pack full of clothes for the kids and I, when he didnt...or having to spend most of yesterday searching the local town for supplies, groceries and undies...because I found a Pop Tarts t-shirt! LOVE IT! The perfect royal blue colour!! Not that I have eatten them really either. But the colour..!!

Anyway, I digress. I am having fun because we are at Rathtrevor, and perfecting the making of smores. YUMM!! I love the west coast of BC! I feel so very lucky to live amongst this all!!

Edit that. I am not enjoying the cranky old man who shouted "take him home" from in front of his RV next to us (where he numbs his ass tending to his fire all day), after my little man bit-it toddling around our site and began to cry.

At least I wore my favorite jeans.

Oh, and the post title...any trip/family event has always been a Griswald one! More on that, with photos, when i get back. :)

So VERY Hot!!!

2007-09-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

THIS MAN is HOT! What is it about him?! SO FRIGGIN SEXY!

Dang!

Whiney Wine Whine

2007-09-06T20:30:00.001-07:00

I come home from work. MIL & FIL have arrived and decended upon the kitchen, serving up din-din.

Hubby heads off to his bookclub meeting. I put kids to bed. ILs head over to the Eagles Nest -studio/cabin here where they are staying. I head for my Blackberry Port. (YUM!)

I have been saving it a few days, so I eagerly head for the corkscrew as well.

Um, problem, that I am having trouble getting my head around...the screw part of said corkscrew, is MISSING!!! Effing 'ell! Missing? Yes! ACK!!!

I have been hacking at that thing for 1/2 an hour now!! I even modified a fork. Nothing is working! Why?! It is one of those rubber, weird corks. If it was a cork cork, it would have given up by now! BUGGER!!

Worst part: they had wine for dinner, so I know the screw part is around here somewhere.

Should I check the garbage, or is that too desperate?

Remember...meanwhile I am sitting alone by candle light cussing at every unsuccessful impliment.

Have you ever had Salt Spring Vineyard's Blackberry Port?! It is so SO GOOD!

Almost $30 for 375ml.

Effing 'ell!!

What would you do?

Have a great weekend!

2007-09-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Sneaky peeky at the newest set, coming Sunday.

A CUSTOM SZ within sz 12m-7!!

(HERE IS THE AUCTION!)

The skirt is euro print baby whale cord with LOTS of ruffles, and a layer of euro print jersey, in a gathered ruffle at the bottom. SO SOFT, and great swing! The vest is reversible with a heart print red side, and a blue double print side. The green tie-strap tops this set off in a number of ways! White top not included. ;)

Watch for more upcoming clothing auctions, and some bags too!!

I plan to email my mailing list tomorrow when it is listed, but for now a sneaky peeky for you guys! :)

I am also listing one of my shyer pullips, Hayden, on eBay.

She is a Zuora Pullip and came to me brand new, but nude... you will get her with the handmade clack silk dress and some tid-bits. Check out the auction for more info. :)

She has a great personality, fun... but shy. She was very playful until Lia, Gaby and Noe began overshadowing her. Poor girl. Love her to death, but she will be eatten alive here with these girls.

Again, check my EBAY tomorrow for these goodies and more! :)

Photolicious Post

2007-08-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

(Moonrise the other night)

I should be sewing... but thought I should let you know I feel just fine today. ;) Is that a good thing, or bad after a bottle of wine to myself?! Eee heee hee.

This is a quick catch-up-photo-post to make up for all those ~~CrackBerry~~ BlackBerry posts lately without photos. We know I love photos! And talking. So I will add a bit of an explanation for each photo, of course. ;)

Do you ever feel like you have so much to share, but never have the time to actually sit down and share it all on your blog?! I do. Then again, I find the power restriction a major issue in why I hardly share half of what I hope/want to. Hopefully this fall we actually will get power. It has been a long time coming.

Fingercrossed!

Enjoy the pics, and hopefully I will have an outfit to share later!! :)

Do you see the choppy choppy in that shot up there? Her hair was MUCH better than I imagined, yet I was upset anyway. Since I had just cut her hair recently. Bugger, eh?!

Looks cute now though. Some touching up to do. But still cuter than the kid-mullet idea! EEP! LOL!!

These are some shots of us playing in the grass at Ruckle Park, just down the road/water from our place. A place where people line up for going camping here, along the shoreline, at the provincial walk-in campgrounds. They are always fully booked in the summer on weekends. It is one of the spots on the island I fell in love with, even on a fall foggy morning. I guess that is also part of how I ended up here, living where I live now. Lucky me. :)

Grampa Geek (aka my dad) is here on a visit. Crazy background on that. I may or may not be able to tell you more about it later.

He was working in Kabul, for a company that is misrepresenting itself to the world (especially US citizens, as it is a US company) and in his job description of making sure things are safe and done properly, they forgot to mention that if they say jump, he'd better jump and not ask questions, or, god forbid, disagree.

So, now he is here. :) Yippee for us. Not so good for Afghanistan, IMO.

Now I am even more torn about whether I think we, as Canadians, should be involved AT ALL!! Scary backward shizzle going on there!!

Don't get me wrong, the average person actually doing work to help people there means well, it is the overall stuff going on (involving the US Govt!!) and why that I totally disagree with. ANYHOOO.....

We are enjoying our time with him! And have lots of fun things planned for his time here with us!

A free babysitter!
Coffee in the morning together!
Random pub get-togethers!
Camping!
Fall Fair!
Someone's 4th Birthday!!!
So much fun planned! :)

Some of us are even throwing ourselves at his feet for attention! LOL!!

Smelling a flower. He makes these great funny faces, my son, not my dad. Well, my dad too! LOL!

We went to surprise my sister at her "post wedding bbq". She had no idea my dad was even on the continent. FUN!!

Some fun on the ferry. Oh heck, fun everywhere!

I am not sure who is enjoying eachother's company more!! By the looks on all of our faces (cheshire cat comes to mind!), we are all equally happy to have time with my dad! And eachother!!

On a "side note" ... since this photo phost has turned into an I love my daddy post...

See that doggy that Little man is grasping. That is Fred.

Fred is his everything and we had him around from when Little Miss was a baby and she took no interest in Fred. So, the problem... if Fred goes missing, or falls apart... I am gonna have to do some creative Fred making! I always said I would buy 2 of whatever toy/stuffy the kids latched onto. But poor Fred was lonely for so long before Little Man claimed him, I never got a chance to buy a twin for him.

Cute part... Little Man is learning to speak, and when he sees Fred, says "fre" very excitedly. SO CUTE! He instantly sucks his fingers and cuggles him! I can put Littme Man down to sleep anywhere as long as her has Fred. :)

And me... Got goop on my shirt, and a little frazzled. But, documented none-the-less. :)

Blogging Rules...?

2007-08-29T22:48:00.001-07:00

Are there unspoken blogging rules against drinking and blogging?

(People who know me are a little nervous right now! Lol!!)

I have been lounging in the "dark" watching the moon climb the deep indygo sky for hours (Em, u must come over soon so i am not doing these silly things alone!!) while nursing a bottle of red (not my fave, but given to me by my daddy - lucky me!! That is another story, my daddy being here!! Woo hoo!!!!).

Yammer yammer, digress! Lol!

Anyhoo, red wine gone. Gyl chatty. Moon gorgeous. I am the only one awake here and I could not even find any trespassers to bug. Lol.

What ya doin'?

I sewed most of the day and made a wicked skirt!!! Here is a teaser...

Printed floral euro baby-cord. Ruffles. Layers. Ruching. Jersey. Floral. And that is just the skirt!! There is a top and vest too! I hope to finish up tomorrow and get photos to list this as a CUSTOM SIZE auction!!! Yes! YES!

I LOVE fall dressing! I am always over inspired! I am even guesting with a great group soon! It shall be quite the royal affair!

Oh, and I have another great whimsical launch with my group coming up too!! FUN!

And, to tell ya the truth, I am glad that my last set didnt sell because I wanted to list that sweet vest with a new set I had an idea for!!! So funky! Eee!!

Oh, and no actual eclipse photos because I found it rather un-inspiring. The moonrise was better. So, knowing that the harvest moon is coming up next month I plan to take mega cool pics of that instead! I *may* even try borrowing an even better camera than my own for that!! Sa-weet!!

So much to post about, so little wine left. None, actually. Lol!

I better go to bed and let the grasshoppers sing me to sleep. I need my beauty rest after all that wine. And probably lots of coffee, come mornin, to get this set finished and photographed with my mini-hairdresser.

Geez, almost-four-year-olds have attitude! But they are better at posing/acting. Yikes! I bet my parents are loving the "payback"! Lol!

Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight

2007-08-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

So, who's gonna watch it?

Me! Me! Me!

Yes, at 337am my time. Ack! But oh-so-exciting! Alarm is set!!

I FULLY plan to share some photos too!

Yes, yes...the kid mullet too! :D

Are you gonna (or did ya?) watch it? Share a link if ya did! Not the mullet, the eclipse! ;)

Total geek. I know.

A Kid Mullet...?

2007-08-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

So, I was at work today when yet another call from hubby came through - today seemed to be a day of personal calls (that my boss answered! LOL!) - and the best way I can describe why he was calling is my title. Something he said to me when my response to something he said was...

ME: What do you mean she cut her hair?! You're kidding, right?! How bad is it?! What does it look like?

HIM: Not so bad. Kinda like a kid mullet.

A KID MULLET?!

Do you think he could have maybe broken it to me a little better than THAT!?

Kid mullet. KID MULLET!

I was imagining SUCH a bad scene when I got home. Not from her. Or from him. From me. I KNEW I was gonna flip, maybe even cry, when I saw her.

So what did I do?!

"Mia. Mia, hunny. Where are you? Come see momma, hunny." the minute I exited the truck.

It was not nearly as bad as I imagined... I was imagining boy-cut here we come. I was able to salvage it... and now she looks a lot like Noe does. Phew! She had this cut before, on purpose, by momma. So I am okay.

Breathe.
Breathe.
I'm fine.

Guess you will see it soon, but for now, I am a busy sewing fool (I am VERY inspired these days and excited for FALL/WINTER SEWING!!) and will post after the weekend. Enjoy your's everyone! Feel free to browse my photos of our place on on my flickr if your weather isn't great and wanna have a mini-cyber vacay! :D

~gyl

MISHMASH

2007-08-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

It was a launch theme... mishmash... mish mashing our fabrics.... me... all mixed up... get it?! ROFL!

(Click the pic for the auction)

Well Hello World

2007-08-17T19:20:00.001-07:00

Isn't this just the exact view you wanna wake up to?!

No wonder it is for sale for oodles.

Million-dollar-views for sure.

Lucky me.

Thanks to you guys who helped supply some name ideas for my newest Pullip, Eternia doll. I am stuck between Jacq & Jorja. I Love them both! I also posted on my flickr for some help to decide between the two.

I chopped her hair off rather haphazardly the other night. Now I friggin LOVE it!! She totally suits it and it got rid of the yucky parts, which was most of it.

It has this lovely flip around at the bottom now. When chapping her hair I hardly had to worry about getting it "straight". It was wonderful! LOL! Her bangs I took slightly more care with. Snipping away until it struck my fancy.

It was awfully dark when I tried to take this, that is why so grainy. Ah, well, we all know there will be more coming. Photos that is.

I also have photos of my newest design to share soon. Bag design. Well, clothing too. But bag first. And the design isn't new, technically, I have been doing it a while now. But the version of it is new. :) And dang cute! Tomorrow will be their debut. Speaking of... I better go get sewing. And do a sun dance before bed.

Sing Along Now

2007-08-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

So after reading Em's post about this song, I thought I would do the same. I ADORE this song so much these days I have been singing randomly throughout the day, and even Little Miss sings it too. Luckily one of the common heard radio stations in our house plays it lots. And if you remember... with NO POWER, radio is often all we have to entertain ourselves. Wearing napkins as pirate hats and having french-bread-lightsabers gets old quick.

Hmmm.. I like sharing songs with you like this! Be prepared to have a rather tuneful picture of me painted for you! :) FUN!

Little Confused

2007-08-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Can I just confide in you, that we are having a launch next week, and I am feeling kinda outta the swing of things, and a little confused. I am having trouble mixing and matching my fabrics, and I am wonder what will come of it.

Wish me luck! Tee hee hee! ;)

Hunter or The Hunted

2007-08-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

The reminds me of a Bjork song, but that is NOT what I was wanting to mention here.

Mosquitoes. Yes, mosquitoes. Do you go on offense or defense? Do you flail around like me in a futile attempt at knocking it 2, maybe 3 feet away? Or are you like my Hubby who sits stealthily and waits for the offender to land, then... BAM! gets it!?

Which are you?

Kinda freaky seeing one THAT big, aint' it?!
-------------------the mosquito----------------------->

Don't get even get me started at what a spaz I am when furry speedy spiders are around.

EEP!

~gyl

PS: Anyone know of a satisfying bug-zapper-racket-thingy for mosquitoes? They dodge through to freedom through the holes on mine.

Random Chuck

2007-08-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Are you on facebook? It *may* be a blog application too.... Anyhoo... Funny funny funny!

Random Chuck Norris generator says:
Google wont search for Chuck Norris because it knows you don't find Chuck Norris, he finds you!

Okay Okay

2007-08-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Since I had that little negative rant I thought I better post a fun one to help balance our karma!! :D

Here is that outfit I made for the shop for display, using Amy Butler Lotus print! I love making skirt and top sets for my Little Miss because they usually will fit for quite a while. Which is GREAT when Little Miss needs to pop something on and feel like a princess.

THIS has been her favorite for a LONG time now.

"Mom? Are we going out?! Can I wear my princess dress?"

Yes, that's fine. *slight groan* I feel like I am "showing off" or something when out in these clothes. Everyone comments and I get embarrassed. But her LOVING to wear it, is SO worth it!!

Adorn Disclaimer

2007-08-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am in bed, on the ~~CrackBerry~~ BlackBerry because I needed to tell you something. It's about Adorn mag. Oh my once-cherished-new-favorite-mag. *sniff*sniff*

I can not stand by my recent comments raving about the mag. *sniff*

I picked up my Fall issue today and am so dissappointed. I am sitting in bed, right now, trying to find the fun in making stuff that I can find in kits in Michael's children's craft section and wondering why Adorn is telling me they are "Fresh DIY" projects. Maybe they need to check the expiry dates. I wont pick the mag apart, cover to cover...because a *few* goodies were in there. But I expected better. :(

If you attempt to go get the issue I did, and do, rave about (Summer), then cool. Two thumbs way up. And good luck finding it (since this new one is out, I assume the ~~good~~ other one is gone).

Otherwise, I do not want to be held responsible for your despare at the lack of inspiration when making your "groovy" plastic canvas and yarn ~~fire hazzard~~ candle cozy. Or melting plastic, releasing nausious fumes, in the name of creating coasters. And if you decide not to re-fashion those old clothes into a "Woodsy Pieced Jumper" or make yo-yos the size of car tires to embellish your favorite cardigan, I won't blame you. Or tease you. *giggle*

Don't worry, I am not just writing to you guys about it, their earful is coming too. :( Along with some suggestions. ;)

Don't ya hate it when that happens?!

Isn't She Lovely

2007-08-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Well, unless you have been taking particular interest in my doll ~~problem~~ ~~habit~~ ~~obsession~~ collecting, you may not know that this will make my 4th Pullip doll. *silently squealing*

I have yet to name her, as it just hasn't come to me as the other's names have.

I bought her because she is the closest in colouring to myself. Minus the metallic eyes. My eyes are shiny... but not like THAT.

I adore her. I will have to get her a new wig as this one is rather ratty, and will be buying all of the girls new Obitsu bodies. Lia already has one, so the other three are next. Choosing colouring for them might be tricky, as the dolls are all different skin tones, and Obitsu isn't matched to them, and have less variety. But lucky for me plenty of people have already Obitsu'd their girls, so I will just have to research a little.

If anyone has any name suggestions (ahem, Sarah!), throw 'em at me. I am stumped this time.

Doesn't she have the most lovely lips?! I love her face-up (make-up) because it is nice and light. Fresh looking. It seems to be the yummy lips that "get me".

I am thinking I will get a few wigs to play with for the girls. A dark/black one like this girl has, but not ratty. Lol. And maybe a red and some mixed fun ones too. Hmmm...

I already have my eye on my next Pullip, and plotting the purchase of another kind of doll as well. Ack, but that one is expensive!!! But there are WAY too many cute ones on flickr. Like this one. And this one. And these two.

OKAY! I ADMIT IT! I HAVE A DOLL ... (choose words carefully Gyl... The Non-Hubby reads this sometimes! Hi Baby! :) ... I have a doll affinity. I even have the August HauteDoll mag where they talk about 2 kinds of dolls I already have, Pinky:st and Blythe. :)

Can I call myself a doll collector? Then it sounds like I have a... reason..? LOL!

King Sized Help Needed

2007-08-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sew, I have it in my head that I am going to make a king sized quilt soon. I will be using felted wool from our own sheep to fill it, and will be me, myself and I, making it. Yeah. I am. LOTS of fabric needed for this project! No wonder handmade quilts are so bluddy expensive.

So anyway, I want a great bold pattern, but can not find one that suits my tastes. Can you help me out with some suggestions?!

My fabrics are all these Amy Butler Belle prints in this post.

And a ton of little scraps from various prints in this line as well, that I plan to include in 2x2 bits. I have an idea for a diamond pattern quilt, and will probably turn any block idea I settle on, into a diamond pattern similar to the Kaffe Fassett one picture to the right here, and have drawn out a rough pattern idea, but would love some suggestions. I am looking for block ideas using a main middle main block (I plan to feature the Gothic Rose prints - first one on here) and surrounding pieces to make up the larger block (stripes & seeds). Then join them all with boarders (coriander pods) and where the boarders match up, a 2x2 scrap. Clear as mud? Yeah, to me too! LOL!

These last prints I plan to do a boarder around it all in 3 rows, getting thinner moving inward towards the quilt. So, 5", 3" & 2". I think. Unless someone helps me out with a great block idea, this is my plan.

Oh, and YES, I plan to machine quilt the WHOLE THING together, then add Belle fabric bias tape to the edges.

Off to get my head examined. Thanks for any suggestions you have! :)

Photos courtesy of Amy Butler's website, and Kaffe Fassetts's as well.

Hallows: DONE!

2007-08-02T02:20:00.000-07:00

It is LATE and from the ~~CrackBerry~~ BlackBerry I am simply posting to mark the occassion.

My eyes gave out on me last night. Loooong day. LOONG DAY! Tonight I had to fight against it, for the love of the book. ;)

The End.

Hallows: Page 489

2007-07-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am not stopping until I am done tonight! I wanna read it all, savour it, but I am so worried info is gonna slip and wreck it for me!! So many bluddy people have already finished it. I have been shushing and hollering over people so as to protect my ears against accidental slipage.

So close!! Eep!!!!

Adore In Adorn

2007-07-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hey! Remember me mentioning Adorn magazine here? No? Read down a couple posts, you'll see it. Or click my link there. ;)

I was randomly peroozing through flickr, which I have a bad habit of doing, losing hours of my life. BUT getting inspired, both as a photographer, and as a crafter. So, it's okay, right!? Even at $5/hr for the power to do that?! LOL!

ANYHOO... (Seriously, I think I have a digressing problem. Isn't that called ADHD?!) I ran across Maia (on flickr). She is that wonder woman behind the GREAT passport tutorial (not to mention design! And her fabric combos! Oh, don't get me started! LOVE!) in the current Adorn magazine issue.

I was about to try my hand at her tutorial, (after toying with a couple of my own designs for one, that I was not enjoying particularly) and ran across her on flickr. One of those small world things. Though now these days in internet world, not so much I guess. Never-the-less, love it when that happens! (See! AGAIN! Digressing!)

So, I was gonna make a post about my making of the passport wallet when finished Maia's tutorial and entice you girls to go get Adorn mag. I love it THAT much! Hee hee. Sew, soon you shall have my passport wallet reveal, though I warn you now, I already strayed from her design. Which, I guess, is what BEING a designer is all about. Making it yours. :)

She makes all sorts of bags and wallets that she sells in her etsy store. VERY practical things, and awesome classic lines and designs.

Wanna know what else...? I remember thinking I loved her fabric combos the minute I saw that layout in Adorn magazine. Then when I found her on flickr, ALL her is that great! I picture we must have similar stashes! But... I see some stuff she has, I *need*!! LOL!

She has a great eye for design! And her sewing looks impeccable! AND she is in my favorite new magazine!!! I like her!! :)

OH, AND... I used to call this beach/cove next to the property Glass Beach. I could literally sit in one spot and collect bits all day. That was before I started sneaking on to this property, so for YEARS I have called this beach that. Even now that we live here. Often mentioning it as a reference as to where on the property I am heading to. Maia's label name... glass beach. Small world I tell you!

Off to the Hallows. Dang, too many people have finished reading it, and I think someone accidentally let something slip today. :( I am trying to block it from my mind, but it is HAAAARD!!

Night.

Hallows: Page 255

2007-07-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

...and still counting.

Have any of you got/tried contacts (lenses) and remember that feeling of the first time you had to wear them. All gainy in the eyes. Yes, the same feeling of desperately trying to continue reading after you eyes (eyelid muscles, body, brain, system) has decided to give up! Grainy eyes am I!

I am half scared to hurry, half devouring it in the short spurts I have had! Ack!!

Some Great Reads

2007-07-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be done with your Hallows (I am now on pg 154... I only read each night before bed, savoring it!!), or *gasp* not even reading it at all *gasp*, so here are some suggestions for those crafty types!!

My favorite new knitting book is Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel. She is AMAZING as a knitter and pattern maker for knitting. I love her style!!

Her book is one of those rare and wonderful ones that if you love one of the patterns inside, you will definitely find more than one project in there to make. I hate buying books because of one of two projects inside that you would actually make. Her book is FILLED with great patterns for all seasons!

Some of my fave elements to her patterns are the details. Like the fact that they are fitted, not boxy and unflattering shapes. Or the fantastic bell sleeves, that aren't so belled that they look like you borrowed grandma's 70s pattern, but just enough to make it look stylish. She also adds in the greatest little keyholes here and there, as well as slits and cables.

Not to mention her photos are GREAT in there! Which we all know makes a BIG difference with whether we get excited about a pattern/project or not.

She makes me want to go buy quality yarn and lock myself in the house with my needles, without my kids or hubby! LOL!

Besides having a fantastic knitting book out, she also offers free patterns on various sites, including knitty(dot)com. And she has a BLOG! And we ALL love blogs!! Hee hee!!

If you click the link for her blog, then the look up top for her shop, you will see a link along the side for her freebies. :)

So, do any of you have book reviews of a crafting related book you just couldn't resist!? Link us to them in the comments!

I know I have a HARD time finding books with projects in them where more than just a few turn my crank. Usually I wish I could just spend enough time in the library to commit the one or two projects I do like to memory, and put the book back on the shelf. :( NOT THIS BOOK! :)

Fitted Knits is an instant fave for me! And coming from someone who has not done copious amounts of knitting, I love that this book inspires me to do so!

Another one I need to make sure to tell you guys about, because it has not left my side since I bought it a couple months ago, is the magazine Adorn. Not all the projects were up my alley, but I love the variety and the general feel of the magazine. They have a blog too! If only it came out EVERY month! If they need help with some articles, or idea, THEY CAN LET ME KNOW (wink wink, hint hint) I would happy to help, as I am sure any of us would!

And of course, Blueprint. Yeah for Blueprint magazine! If I had known it was a Martha publication I may not have bought that first copy. Yes, I admit I have an unexplained aversion to Martha. Anyhoo... the magazine is FANTASTIC!

Maybe if anyone knows of a DIY-wardrobe-remake-accessories-home-craft-magazine, you could let us know in the comments too! I would love to find a great magazine that touches on all that in a more recycle/remake oriented way. You know. A mix of make it yourself from scratch, and updating what you have or find at the thrift shop.

Do I make sense, or am I just all over the place?! LOL!

Hallows * pg 115

2007-07-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Work was great (thanks for asking! ;), kids are in bed, I ate dinner and am in my PJs with Hallows ready to go. I will sit by the window wrapped in a warm blankie until I run out of light, then up to the bed with a candle I will retire. I started last night at 9pm and got to page 114.

So, off I go again. Bluddy work is cutting into my reading time! Lol. Too bad I love it so much it doesn't actually bother me one bit!

Is it me, or is everyone blowing through this book as fast as possible?! It's like literary crack! Good thing the books got bigger! Lol!