makingpeace

Knitting Ideas

2008-09-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

I accidentally left my camera in Santa Cruz last weekend and it has surprisingly heightened my desire to blog. I guess what I can't do, I then want to do? It's usually a photo in my camera that inspires me to post. So, without my camera I am leaning on others, and tonight I saw these knitted dissections and I thought I'd share them here since it gave me such a big tickle. Living with Annie, who is drawn to dissection and anatomy, I've stood by and watched her do a fish dissection and she always wants to identify the organs that sometimes come with a chicken or turkey, but I've never dissected anything, and I hope I never do. I think this knitted version is as close as I would come.

Here's a link to this clever knitters etsy offerings.

Registering

2008-08-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

Since we just moved, I needed to update my voter registration and I did it right on-line and you can too. That is, if you need to.

I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.
I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.
I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.
I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.
I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.
I really want to believe in the vote.
I'm choosing to believe that we have a voice.

Yearbook

2008-08-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

I think these photos go to show that I wasn't high school material.

In any era.

I really hated it. I hated the lack of choice, the sheer waste of time, and the assumptions about how people learn. I left high school after about a year and a half to the sadness of my parents, to make films, go to junior college, and then to college, but mostly to be away from the masses.
After wasting too much time on this sillyness, I wondered if I might have been more successful in school if I had tapped into my more masculine side and just gone as a man?

Torn

2008-08-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have the urge to blog... really I do.

My mind is filled with ideas and plans for so many projects....you should see the list on my desk. I've even tried to capture in words where I am and what moves me these days... really, I have a few drafts to prove it! My days and weeks have even been stuffed with blog-worthy fullness! And yet, nothing. I think it's a true bloggers block.

Truth be know, even though I'm a bit torn about my lack of blogging, I really do kind of like it. I'm enjoying putting all my attention on my life, really going slow, and staying in the moment.

Just now I am counting up the time and I think I have kept this blog for at least three years (I lost six months of my first posts when Blogger went Beta) and I have no thoughts of ending it.

And I finally did take some photos today. Annie and I went to the city to have lunch with Pop, and afterwards played in Annie's "secret" garden. The two shots are from our outing.

More later.

Hopefully.

Feeling Good, Nina Simone

2008-08-15T19:52:00.001-07:00

Off to Camp We Go!

2008-08-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Annie and I are off to NVC Family Camp! It's the same location as last year, Mountain Home Ranch in Calistoga California. This year, I am volunteering to be a part of the children's team, offering projects and activities to this years children while their parents are deepening their NVC skills. I am offering Fairy Making, Embroidery, Canvas Tote decorating, Painting and whatever else the kids dream up that I can facilitate. Annie on the other hand will have seven days of freedom and fun... There is a lake, creek, natural hot springs, redwoods, two pools, horses, goats and a great cow, and a few dogs. There's also a barn, and great arbor and no cars, phones, TV or media! Ahhhhh! Annie has been asking about going back to Family Camp since we went last year, and I'm so glad I pushed out of my groove (and nesting) to make it happen.

Have a wonderful week!

Happy Hippy Chick

2008-08-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Anne and I did some tie dye at Perpetual Recess (a wonderful SF Bay Area Unschooling Group) last week and now she wants to tie dye her sheets, towels and all of her clothes. She's worn this outfit as jammies and as a bathing suit so far, which I find charming especially because she is becoming more aware of how others dress and and still choosing it. I am noticing my dear Annie growing and changing rapidly these days. Even her voice. Bill and I are celebrating many milestones with her, and it's seems like so many clustered together. For instance, she is trying out bike riding without training wheels, tying bows proficiently (which she's never expressed any interest in), trying a lot of different foods and last but not least, she is reading whole books out loud to us all by herself. Wow!

This week we are focusing on getting ready for camp in Calistoga which starts Sunday. We've also got a date with Johnny to go to the beach and a playdate with Cilla, Nick, Ilana and Syke, a possible outing with Willow and Lazuli and the big big event...Grandma and Grandpa are going to be here on Thursday!
Yahoo!

Flashback Friday

2008-08-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I tell you folks, my blog-get-up-and-go just hasn't returned yet. Flashback Friday is as good as it gets right now.

The photo above is myself at 10 years old and my baby cousin Jordan who is no longer a chunky little baby but an "American Comics Creator." Below is a fantastic (and huge) Pink Pearl silkscreen he gave me. Notice I'm wearing all of my Blue Bird beads that I earned through good deeds?

So wrapping up the last two weeks;

Moving + Root Canal + Period + Parenting a Child Through a Move =
Bloglessness

Watching Annie Playing With Johnny at the Beach Makes Me Happy

2008-07-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? in a bag near the door
2. Your significant other? brushing teeth
3. Your hair? orange and freshly shampooed
4. Your daughter? waiting for me to come to bed
5. Your son? maybe someday annie will have a partner
6. Your favorite thing? our new house
7. Your dream last night? something about making choices
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your goal? peace
10. The room you’re in? my studio+workroom
11. Your church? the quiet
12. Your fear? hurting another
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? traveling
14. Where were you last night? talking about friends w/annie
15. What you’re not? wasteful
16. Muffins? pat's bran
17. One of your wish list items? small electric car, solar panels
18. Where you grew up? northern california
19. The last thing you did? folded some laundry
20. What are you wearing? vintage sherbet robe from i. magnin
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? in fear of fireworks
23. Your computer? helpful
24. Your life? what i wanted
25. Your mood? peaceful
26. Missing someone? mom and dad and grandma
27. Your car? saab
28. Something you’re not wearing? my pearl ring
29. Favorite store? fidm scholarship store
30. Your summer? simple
31. Like(love) someone? many
32. Your favorite color? can't choose just one
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will repost this? someone, maybe

Resurfacing

2008-07-23T08:42:00.001-07:00

Living Room-Foyer

From the porch

Yes, we're moved in. Yes, I'm tired. I have no energy for the computer and that feels liberating to me at this time. I'm putting my attention on pacing myself, unpacking and to top it all off I had a root canal on Monday. Whoopee!
So far we really love living in this house. We fit in perfectly. Annie LOVES the yards and having an upstairs and downstairs. We are all enjoying nesting and dreaming up future plans for updating and customizing.

I Dream of Houses

2008-07-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

I really do! I think a lot about our new house, other houses I've lived in, even my dollhouse and I dream a lot about houses I see around me. I love to go into houses, basements, attics, yards and I want to visit as many as I can. Alameda is the perfect town for me because it is solid historic homes from one end to the other. That said, I saw Patrick Dougherty's work and I love his imagery well, because he seems to dream of houses too.

So, we are working hard on the new house. We have torn out the old bathroom and replaced the floor and walls with new tile! Ahhh! I couldn't stand the thought of bathing in there with the old stuff. Starting Monday the old 3/4" fir floors will be sanded down, filled, stained and refinished!

Then we move next Saturday.

Celebrating!

2008-07-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

The waiting is over and it is finally ours! I'm surprised that I don't feel a little more excited... maybe the 49-day-grueling, check-and double-check, pins-and-needles process diffused my energy a bit? Now on with the show. I've picked some paint colors, secured some workers and am going to do some work before we move in in two weeks.

Just One More?

2008-06-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Something about babies clothing and shoes makes me lust for a new baby. For a moment I explore the thought of just one more. Please notice that I wrote 'for a moment?' I really am one that can clearly see my limits, and my need for balance and I feel very satisfied (also thrilled, grateful, and over-the-moon) with the family that Billy and I have made with Annie, our family and dear friends.
Just this week our friend Alison has grown her family for the second time through open adoption! Baby Isobel was lovingly placed in her arms by her birthmother Moriah who is also the birthmother of Olivia who is almost five. Alison and I both were dreaming about open adoption around the same time so we share a strong connection around this special way of growing our families. These booties are for Isobel who I will see tomorrow for the first time. She will be six days old tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Isobel!

Similar Portraits

2008-06-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I snapped a few self portraits in the dark the other night after dinner and I thought they turned out interesting. Then this morning I sifted thorough some of Annie's most recent self portraits, almost 1800 portraits now, and found a very similar series that she had done in the dark recently as well. Now we just need Billy to do some.
I'm posting these now for lack of any other news...
Like keys...

Maybe Tuesday.

@#?!@#?!

2008-06-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

I've been holding out and trying to bite my tongue, until we got the keys to vent about how awful our home buying process has been. It has been horrible. It has sucked.

I've really just about had it.

And according to our agent Angela and loan expert Jeannie, it's nothing we've done or haven't done. All parties agree it's the U.S mortgage crisis that's putting stress on every aspect of the process. We went into this purchase pre-approved but were dropped once escrow got underway because the industry changed, then changed again, then changed back, and all the time the escrow clock was ticking... Securing a loan is very tricky even with perfect credit, a very good income, having cash for 10% down payment plus close to $15,000 for the closing costs. Agggghh! Now we're in the final stretch and still we're being put through the ringer! Are we moving in three weeks or not? Put me out of my misery, please! I have one nerve left and it is very fragile. To help keep calm I've been embroidering some baby booties for the newly arrived baby Isobel in Santa Cruz and packing, packing, packing.

The Fox And The Child Trailer - In UK Cinemas 8th August

2008-06-18T21:37:00.001-07:00

Annie and I can't wait to go and see this movie! It is to be released sometime in 2008 and it's by the same people who made "The March of the Penguins."

I'll Take Wimsy

2008-06-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

I stumbled onto the site of Johanna Murphy purely by accident, and every time I peek at her illustrations they warm my heart and tickle my funny bone. And I will say, after being in escrow for going on six weeks, my funny bone needs a little tickling. I don't want to gallop ahead of the whole process and say "we got it" until I've got the keys in my hands. Although I will say "we're really close!"

So close I've started to pack.

Bird Bath

2008-06-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

Annie has made me this bird bath at her ceramic studio. I LOVE IT! I think it's one of the best gifts I've ever gotten. It has three birds that sit around the edge with little metal posts that fit into small holes on the rim. One bird is still being fired. Annie pictures it used in the aviary, and I don't want to risk it leaving the safety of the house. For now, it's on the living room table.

As far as the new house goes...we're still on pins and needles. Hopefully we'll know by this weekend! I'll post my celebration or my mourning as soon as I know.

I Know We are Beautful

2008-05-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love this sweet glimpse of care and compassion. Jiang Xiaojuan, a police officer in China, is shown nursing hungry babies after the quake. It reminds me of Rose of Sharon. Do you remember her from John Steinbecks' Grapes of Wrath? Starving along with so many others in the dustbowl, Rose of Sharon's baby comes still born. And yet, through her pain, she offers her milk to a man so close to dying he could barely move.

Ma smiled. "I knowed you would. I knowed!"...

She moved slowly to the corner and stood looking down at the wasted face, into the wide, frightened eyes. Then slowly she lay down beside him. She shook his head slowly from side to side. Rose of Sharon loosened one side of the blanket and bared her breast. "You got to," she said. She squirmed closer and pulled his head close. "There!' she said. "There." Her hand moved behind his head and supported it. Her fingers moved gently in his hair. She looked up and across the barn, and her lips came together and smiled mysteriously.

What surprises me about this bit of news from China is that it is being made such a big deal of. Are we that out of touch with our caring that it is a massive news item when someone that is hungry and scared gets fed and comforted?

I'd like to live in a world where we are stunned and put it on the front page when people don't.

Me Quirky?

2008-05-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Cher Mere over at Catching Fireflies has tagged me for this quirky game of tag. Be sure to check below to see if you are tagged. If you are not tagged and would like to play along, make a comment and I'll include you right away.

Here are a the quirks I could think of:

-I spend a fair amount of time sculpting large scale works, in my imagination, or in my dreams, out of mashed potatoes.
(I've never shared this before or even clearly admitted it to myself.)

-I have a high need for economy and cannot bear much waste. It goes as far as wearing the same outfit, at times, for a few consecutive days even, until it actually needs washing. This strategy also saves me time each day coming up with a new outfit.

-I really love dogs, and have always had them. Couldn't imagine my life without them. Funny thing is though, I really don't like them to touch me very much. Once in a while, I will lavish some affection, but mostly I just love to look at them at a safe distance of about 3 feet away. Don't I sound horrible?!

-I usually wear the same earrings for about a decade until I tire of them and get something new. Preferably something simple and 18 karat gold.

-I really don't like the feeling/taste of wood in my mouth. Tongue depressors, toothpicks, or popsicle sticks. Funny though, chopsticks have never bothered me.

-If I need to get up at a certain time, I set a "clock" in my mind and it wakes me up. Maybe it's because an alarm clock is pure violence for me to wake up to.

I'm now tagging Mary Ann at Blue Sky Dreaming,
Zoe at Vale of Evening Fog,
Valerie at Project Pink Suitcase,
Kate in NJ Homeschooling in the Garden State,
CCM over at A Homegrown Life,
and Gwenivere at The Menagerie.
I liked Mariposa's quirky list. Check it out here.

Please, only play if it's something you'd enjoy!

Here are the rules. For some reason I chose to follow them which surprised me. I like to have a lot of choice, so feel free include them OR NOT!

* Link the person who tagged you
* Mention the rules in your blog
* Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours
* Tag a new set of six following bloggers by linking them

My Daughter, the Artist

2008-05-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Annie made this T Rex mask for Pop for his birthday. It is a whopping 8" across and 12" high. He loves it and so do I. She has made just a few pieces since joining as one of the artists-in-residence over at Kids 'n' Clay in Berkeley. What a fantastic program!. They are not formally "taught" but are allowed the freedom to explore all the materials, tools and machines with the support of a great staff.

I got a sneak peek at something she is making for me and I can't wait! I'll post something here when she's finished.

I Think We Might Have Just Bought a House

2008-05-20T22:42:00.001-07:00

Let's just say that I always stop at an open house. Even if I know it's not for me or it's too expensive. I just love looking. And dreaming. I've probably looked in over 40 or more houses since moving to Alameda nine months ago. Most of the houses we have wanted (and would fit us and our menagerie) have been frankly, waaay out of our league. And I'm not even talking fancy houses! Most of the houses in our price range have been tear down's or so tiny that we might as well buy a small condo. I guess it's timing that brings us here. The market is allowing us to buy a house that we normally couldn't get.

So here we are. I thought I'd be a lot more excited, nervous, thankful and over-the-moon than I am. It's a little odd. I've wanted it so long.

The house is a circa 1906 Colonial Revival Cottage. Upstairs it has a foyer, living, dining, two bedrooms and a kitchen and bath that need help but that are livable. Downstairs it has two more bedrooms, a full bath, a laundry/storage room and a room that will be Annie's studio/playroom. The backyard has a tree (I really wanted to have a tree!) and we share a driveway and a common wall to the garage with a neighbor. We are "in contract" and escrow starts tomorrow, so now it's up to us. We need to go over the house with an inspector and if all checks out, we move. Soon.

*Blink* Blink*

One Hour Dress

2008-05-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Annie loved my Two-Hour Dress and made a request for one just like it. So I made this for her. The fabric is the same as mine, but the style is a little different. I copied a unique (and twirly) dress of Annie's for the pattern. It included an asymetrical skirt and a few additional details, like a drop waist, and a gusseted section on the skirt with an exposed seam. I added the roses...one at the shoulder and one at the waist. We both wore the dresses yesterday to walk the span of the Golden Gate Bridge along with Grandma and Grandpa who were visiting. And who could guess with the extreme heat that we've been suffering with, that the bridge it would be totally blanketed in fog and extremely high winds? We couldn't see a thing, froze our fannies off, and I got a hot pink wind burn on my face and chest.
So today I've babied myself with a nap, a bath and home-improvement TV.

Heat Wave

2008-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ugh! It's really really hot here in Alameda. Really really hot. It's 98* at this moment. And this old house has no screens or ceiling fans. So, we are baking! I tried opening windows and doors yesterday, but the house was filled with hot stagnant air, plus there were a ton of flies on top of it all. So today we are closed up and the drapes are drawn. Annie and I have taken a cold, green tea bath already, and we didn't drain it so we can jump in and have another one. Soon. Very soon. It's Bill's birthday today, (although we're not celebrating until tomorrow) so I'm decorating, and baking. (Ak!) Bill requested Chocolate Bread Pudding. I'm also cleaning, changing sheets and and getting ready for Bill's folks who get here tomorrow afternoon for the birthday celebration.

Enough about my workload, the photo above is a little singing mermaid I made for Lily around the corner. It was her 5th birthday recently and she had a mermaid party. It was a really great party and she loved the mermaid. Or at least her folks did! Makes me want to jump and swim in a cool body of water just looking at her. Ahhhh, that tea bath is calling my name. I'm sure I'll get much more crossed off my list if my temperature is more manageable.

I See Her

2008-05-10T22:07:00.001-07:00

"...Now I find joy and I see her
Now I accept my kindness and see her
my silliness, my stamina, my faith and I still see her..."

thank you mom
thank you my annie
happy mother's day, happy mothering dear friends

Link to Blue Sky Dreaming to read the rest of this poem. It knocked my socks off.