tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52618024532445914702024-03-13T14:25:15.036-04:00Cinderella LollipopTidbits from my world . . . Etsy, family, writing, reading, sewing, photography, music, crafting, and finding vintage treasures.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-90787920504051802482011-01-29T20:38:00.000-05:002011-01-29T20:38:41.127-05:00FIGHTING THE BEAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/TUTAkLUn1OI/AAAAAAAAALY/wIlksOQ50FE/s1600/grizzlybear-scary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/TUTAkLUn1OI/AAAAAAAAALY/wIlksOQ50FE/s1600/grizzlybear-scary.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Gazing out the window <br />
With my chin against my fist <br />
Watching Mother Nature and <br />
The beauty I have missed <br />
<br />
Since summer I've been busy <br />
My head bowed low in fear <br />
Breast cancer and its treatments <br />
Are like fighting with a bear <br />
<br />
The danger and the pain <br />
When you get a swat or bite <br />
Then praying for survival <br />
With this rival full of might <br />
<br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Two biopsies, three surgeries <br />
Plus chemotherapy <br />
Dissections and infections <br />
Then balding vanity <br />
<br />
Next comes radiation <br />
Will my skin survive or burn? <br />
This is information that I <br />
Wish I did not learn <br />
<br />
Come Summer I'll have <br />
Hair again <br />
My independence too <br />
I'll greet our Mother Nature <br />
With vitality anew <br />
<br />
The future is uncertain <br />
I know this more than ever <br />
I never will forget this strife <br />
I'll be my best forever </span></span></span>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-15986676787806358992010-09-10T18:36:00.008-04:002010-09-11T11:45:19.603-04:00Tracking the Eagle<div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130;">Here's a poem I wrote last week. I was inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay called Fate, and some surgery I had.</div><div style="background-color: #93c47d;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #93c47d; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/TIqyaddgMFI/AAAAAAAAALM/4zSzj4g6-Vo/s1600/eagle+on+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/TIqyaddgMFI/AAAAAAAAALM/4zSzj4g6-Vo/s320/eagle+on+river.JPG" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #93c47d;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black; text-align: center;"><b><i> Tracking the Eagle</i></b></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>Tip-toeing forth from a hazy day</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>that bristled with pain and fear</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>Fuzzy fronds float away</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>leaving trails of compassion and cheer</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>Capable confidence, true concern</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>sprinkled with tinklings of love </i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>Through the mist, I follow the tern</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>to the other side there-of</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>New pieces of music flow through to my soul</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>soothing the warrior within</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>A balm of hope claims a leading role </i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>as defiance juts out my chin </i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #4c1130; text-align: center;"><i>I am ready to stand tall again.</i></div>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-23394493183883050332010-01-14T15:28:00.001-05:002010-01-14T15:33:19.089-05:00Swiss Army Super-Tool ThingyIn my daily professional life, I find myself using a number of different gizmos and gadgets to get the job--or jobs--done. For the third assignment in the book, <i>Caffeine for the Creative Mind</i>, Mumaw and Oldfield want the reader to invent their own "Professional Survival Swiss Army ... 'Thing.'" I'd try to draw a picture on Paint, but you remember my earlier attempt?<br />
<br />
First off, my specialty tool will need wheels and a tow-hitch. Since I spend my days jumping from writing, to designing and sewing, to crafting, to pressing, displaying and photographing vintage and handmade items, my handy-dandy all purpose tool will likely weigh a ton. Making it tow-able will allow me to cart it wherever I go--scouting for vintage items, mailing my sold pieces, visiting family and friends' homes--you get the idea.<br />
<br />
To start with, I'll need my sewing machine, dress form, tape measure, scissors, an iron and an ironing board. Also, roller skates would be very helpful for rushing from the dining room table where I cut fabric to the sewing room. On second thought, skates might be dangerous, because I often trip over the dogs as they accompany me to and from my destinations.<br />
<br />
Speaking of dogs, I'll need a remote for the door so they can go out and in as needed, and maybe some biscuits or peanut butter-laced Kongs to keep them busy whle I concentrate. They simply don't understand that mommy's hands and eyes are made for other things besides petting, feeding, and casting adoring glances.<br />
<br />
The next contraption on my Thingy (Is it just me or does that sound a little dirty?) is a bottomless cup with a built-in heater. With this, I could have an endless supply of tea <i>and </i>not have to be shocked and repulsed whenever I take a swig of the cold, over-brewed stuff.<br />
<br />
Of course, I'll need my computer--laptop or PC. It doesn't matter. Though I tend to prefer the PC for all my fabulous forays into writing, a laptop will do in a pinch. And I'll need a dictionary and thesaurus. I know I can use the online versions of these tools, but for some reason, I abhor having to leave the page I'm working on to reference a word. I know it's a bit strange, but we all have our idiosyncrasies, right? <i>Right</i>?<br />
<br />
Likewise, the computer enables me to reference and date vintage clothing. For that activity, I also need a lot of the sewing supplies listed above, plus my trusty digital camera. Oh, and the camera charger and usb cord!<br />
<br />
My whatchamacallit will be equipped with a robot for cooking and cleaning so I won't have to. Paper towels, a glue stick, E6000 and a glue gun, buttons, ribbons, zippers and the all-important polyester batting are also necessities. After all, one never knows when the need for stuffing will arise, does one?<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Another strange, yet oddly interesting (for me, anyway) exercise in creativity. I'm sure I've left off some extremely important gadgets from my Swiss Army Super-Tool Thingy, but that's it for now.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-5549016037658114732010-01-10T16:02:00.007-05:002010-01-10T16:23:55.512-05:00Betty 'Boom-Boom' Boop and the Squash On My CounterYou may have noticed that it's been a few days since my promise to post regularly about the 250 exercises in the book, <i>Caffeine for the Creative Mind</i> by Mumaw and Oldfield. I'm only on the second assignment and I've already hit a speed bump. This time, the task is to "take 10 pictures of ten things in your environment that don't belong where they are." And to be honest, my friends, I had to clean my house first!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e29tMcibI/AAAAAAAAAJw/AG3u-a3u63k/s1600-h/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e29tMcibI/AAAAAAAAAJw/AG3u-a3u63k/s200/IMG_1761.JPG" /></a>I no sooner finished vacuuming when my dear little Lucy made the mess you see in this first picture. By the way, that toy she is tearing apart is only a few hours old. I sewed her up a batch of them that morning. She's still in her destructive puppy phase, and I figured better a toy than my furniture. But she could have at least <i>pretended</i> to have some trouble demolishing my offerings!<br />
<br />
Moving on to my desk, I found a couple of things that were not where they belong. Okay, more than a few. Notice the close-ups. That's so you can't see the entire messy office space. Yeah, huh? Dumb like a fox. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e5kHda4iI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/t_R4lYP74NE/s1600-h/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e5kHda4iI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/t_R4lYP74NE/s200/IMG_1765.JPG" /></a> The first item is a bag full of brooches--some vintage, some not. I have been running a special in my Etsy shop: For every ruana purchased, the customer receives a free brooch. (Pretty good deal, if I do say so--and I do.) However, I have not sold a ruana since Christmas, yet these remain nestled in their resting place below the computer monitor.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e9N2JnPfI/AAAAAAAAAKA/tyHnhUTJzAg/s1600-h/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0e9N2JnPfI/AAAAAAAAAKA/tyHnhUTJzAg/s200/IMG_1768.JPG" /></a>The second misplaced item on my desk, is my thesaurus. It should be standing with the other books along the back wall, but I use it so often that I tend to leave it out. In fact, I used it just now to find another word for misplaced. There aren't that many that fit in this context. I haven't "forgotten the whereabouts" of these things that are "scattered" about, I simply "placed them wrongly" because I am a "disorganized," creative soul whose things are often "put in the wrong place." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oScdGCQ-I/AAAAAAAAAKI/J9sfF9hp7FY/s1600-h/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oScdGCQ-I/AAAAAAAAAKI/J9sfF9hp7FY/s200/IMG_1779.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>I have a rather large kitchen with a u-shaped counter-top. When taking these photos, a butternut squash rested on one end of the shelf near the toaster oven. We feasted upon that a couple of days ago, and now the same space holds a sweeter variety of squash--the butter<i>cup</i>. These gourds really are the most visually unique and interesting vegetables, aren't they? You could spend a day at a farm just photographing the various types. Can you say, Fun?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oZJ9oFAHI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/itZhww4pnEs/s1600-h/IMG_1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oZJ9oFAHI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/itZhww4pnEs/s200/IMG_1769.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>The day I took these pictures the kitchen workspace also sported a lovely black stretchy woolen glove with the word "Spongebob" written across the index finger in red, and a squiggly pattern of blue and gray spread over the remainder of the fingers and palm. This lonely hand covering emerged from the laundry all by itself and it's waiting for us to find its missing partner. Hopefully, the wayward mate turns up before we have to break the news to a certain little someone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0of3hsAgmI/AAAAAAAAAKY/iQQEJ-6NSPA/s1600-h/IMG_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0of3hsAgmI/AAAAAAAAAKY/iQQEJ-6NSPA/s200/IMG_1773.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Resting beside the rogue Spongebob glove, is a package of skinny, multi-colored headbands. I removed two of the less-desired colors to use in a special Christmas project for the Littles. I wrapped each with red satin ribbon. On the first, I attached a pretty green flower sewn from vintage, ruffled trim and topped it with a sparkly button.<br />
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Unfortunately, before I managed to complete the second one, our mischievous cat absconded with one of the half-finished headbands and it hasn't been seen since--the headband, not the cat. At the last minute, I whipped up another flower in red and sewed it to a shiny green ponytail holder, finishing just before we left for our trip to Lil Rhody. Whew!<br />
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The headbands now reside in a drawer in my sewing room until I decide what I'll do with them next--maybe something cute for Valentine's or St. Patrick's Day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0on7k2vc_I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Tb1MY81psrs/s1600-h/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0on7k2vc_I/AAAAAAAAAKg/Tb1MY81psrs/s200/IMG_1774.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Sitting at the opposite end of the counter on the dining room side, is a vintage yellow and blue Czechoslovakian candy dish. That object is in its rightful spot, but the opened bag of chocolate-only Tootsie Roll Pops propped up against the dish are not. The truth is I didn't really want to share this bag of delectable delights so I didn't put them into the dish. Funny, lots of little fingers get into that bowl full of bounty, but they never seem to look beyond, at what to my taste buds, is the greater treat. But now that I'm exposing myself, I feel a bit ashamed that I haven't shared <i>and</i> that I've left them out where they don't belong. I guess I'll put them away--later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0orUR2KLmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uKf7Fpif6Wk/s1600-h/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0orUR2KLmI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uKf7Fpif6Wk/s200/IMG_1776.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Although Christmas and New Year's Day have passed, on picture day my bedecked tree still stood in my living room. And beaming out from underneath, a gorgeous gift from my daughter begged to be hung in a special spot somewhere in my house. We took the tree down yesterday, but the beautiful mirror still waits for a permanent home to send out its wise message of reflection. (Get it?)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0ozJqQ38bI/AAAAAAAAAK4/KdqgvgE87WU/s1600-h/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0ozJqQ38bI/AAAAAAAAAK4/KdqgvgE87WU/s200/IMG_1778.JPG" /></a>On the table where the mirror now rests while I write this, is a neat wooden box with old-time games inside. The words "Authentic American Pastimes Collection" sprawl across the clear acrylic cover and it's easy to see the games: Jacks, Pickup Sticks, and Marbles. The set belongs on a shelf on the porch, but it contains lots of little pieces and had to be rescued from visiting two-year-old hands. When she grows enough to reach the top of the sideboard, I figure she'll be old enough to play with--rather than eat--the game parts.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oubLwcFjI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hsFYp5wuDik/s1600-h/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/S0oubLwcFjI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hsFYp5wuDik/s200/IMG_1789.JPG" /></a><br />
And that brings us back to the aforementioned mischievous cat. We adopted Betty 'Boom-Boom' Boop the day before her third birthday after falling in love with <i>all</i> of her gorgeous black beauty. Boom-Boom Betty is big-boned, for sure, but there aren't any bones in the stomach, right? Hers--stomach, not bones--waddles freely whenever she walks to her food dish. And she walks there often, checking to see whether we've come to our senses and decided to feed her more than twice daily. We haven't.<br />
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When the search for food and interfering with my belongings bores her, the Boopster loves to lounge. She has claimed the bed in the sewing/guest room as her own and though she'd deny it, the truth is she sheds. And yes, she's the queen and all that, but I still don't want to have to wash the embroidered linen duvet cover any more than necessary. So we've come to a compromise, I keep an old woolen blanket on the bed and she...well, she doesn't do anything. I guess the only give here was really on my part.<br />
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So there you have it, folks. The second creative exercise is finally completed and reported to you. Stay tuned for number three. Here's a hint: It has something to do with a Swiss Army knife! Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-67405504343087273302010-01-02T15:11:00.004-05:002010-01-02T19:37:42.600-05:00New Year Wishes and a Pimped Out Red Flyer?First of all, Happy New Year! Of course I wish the usual health and happiness, but most of all, I wish for all of us to have more Joy in our lives. It's something I strive for, and I hope you will too. It isn't that difficult to choose joy over the alternatives, you just have be conscious of the choice. After a while, it will become a habit. Really!<br />
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And now that I've caused some of you to gag on my sugary-sweet message, I'll tell you my plan for the next 250 days or so. Have any of you seen the movie Julie and Julia--or Julia and Julie--whichever! In the film, Julie vows to write a daily blog entry on recipe reviews from Julia Childs' cookbook. There's more to the plot of course, but that doesn't matter here. Read on . . .<br />
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My lovely sister, Pam (secret santa for me this year), gave me an intriguing book called <i>Caffeine for the Creative Mind</i> by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield. The tome boasts of offering "250 exercises to wake up your brain." Pam said she wanted me to post the results of each task on Facebook, but I think I'd rather share them here.<br />
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So, I'm going to make a vow--promise--no, strong suggestion that I will--probably--report on the results of each of these assignments on a daily--or weekly--or generally regular basis right here on this blog. I'll disregard any embarrassment that may come my way (I have no pride!) and tell you about each and every task--no matter how silly or dumb it may be. And silly and dumb are right up my alley, so consider yourselves forewarned. ;)<br />
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The first assignment is called: "Pimp my Red Flyer" and yes, it's as simple as it sounds. They want the reader to take a few minutes to pimp their wagon or "take an ordinary red wagon and . . . 'pimp it out' with whatever luxuries and additions you can think of. Create your ultimate urban-inspired, pimped out wagon." <br />
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My initial thoughts ranged from wondering whether we still had a leftover wagon in the basement, to basing my model on a Red Cardinal--you know, the bird. It<i> flies</i>--never-mind. But the more I thought about it--which was WAY longer than the 15 or 20 minutes the authors estimate for each exercise--the more I came back to using the Radio Flyer, or a photo of it, anyway. Here's my first foray: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sz-L3z0yl2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/siXvwoIsBEY/s1600-h/pimp+my+ride.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sz-L3z0yl2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/siXvwoIsBEY/s320/pimp+my+ride.GIF" /></a><br />
</div>So far, I've got a bed under a canopy, and I've tried to show how I'd widen the larger tires to take care of disturbing bumps while traveling. I stopped this sad attempt at visually creating my dream ride because those tires were starting to look an awful lot like my eyes after a long, sleepless night. Obviously, I am not and never was good at using that crazy Paint program. Go figure!<br />
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Rather than humiliate myself any further, I've decided to simply tell you about my personal pimped out wagon. It would still have four wheels, but they'd be under a luxurious recreational vehicle. The color red would stay, but I'd also like an option to change the exterior whenever the mood struck. So, depending on the day my ride would be red, purple, blue or green (it brings out my eyes). I'd need a plain black or white surface for the rare occasions that call for seriousness, and just for fun I'd have a Hippie Dippie Tye-Dye option, where the outside is covered in bright splashes of color in shapes like peace signs, hearts, flowers, and of course, the smiley face! The Hippie Dippie ride would also have fringe around the beaded-curtain windows, colorful patches on the tires, and macrame-trimmed headlights and doors.<br />
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I'd like my 'wagon' to convert from large (for hanging out) to small-ish (for ease of driving). And I either want robots to drive, clean and cook, or have a separate room for the live-in help. Speaking of converting, this ride also needs to transform into a helicopter for quick, short trips, or whenever traffic is annoying, and into an airplane for when I want to visit my peeps in Hawaii, England, and Virginia--or go on an adventure in Ireland or Australia. <br />
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I could go on and on, but I won't. ;) This exercise is over. I'd love to hear about YOUR pimped out wagon. Leave me some comments!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-50730413319340006072009-12-13T12:27:00.002-05:002009-12-13T12:32:46.790-05:00Another ConfessionI've got a confession to make: I am having a love affair.<br />
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My husband has known about it for some time. He roles his eyes whenever he sees me meet the object of my affection. Of course, my squeals of delight probably embarrass him. And he frowns, giving me a reproaching look whenever I bring my love home. And I <i>always</i> give in and bring my obsession home. I can't help it. <br />
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I am addicted. To fabric. But especially to wool.<br />
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I love the way it feels and smells. When I first see a new piece or bolt of this luxurious material, my heart beats faster and my breath draws in with wonder. I touch it gingerly, then pet it as I examine every inch and marvel at the quality or color. I love it all--from the cheap stuff to the softest cashmere.<br />
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A few days ago, while discussing The Pillars of the Earth--a book we're both reading, I told my sister-in-law that I was really upset when the house full of wool burned. She laughed, but I was serious. I pictured all that fuzzy fleece just waiting to be molded into some form of fabulosity, transforming into hot ash. Ugh! I shudder when I think of it. Of course, the protagonist was devastated because she was financially ruined, but I was appalled at the waste of such beauty and potential. I know, I know. It's a little crazy, but I don't care. It's one of my passions! <br />
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I adore steam pressing it and breathing in the aroma while I shape it into a fiber masterpiece. It's warm and soft, and I get such a thrill when I see it in any shape or size! I love to wrap a length of it around my shoulders, revering and treasuring its beauty. I hug it to me, spin around and marvel at its magnificence in the mirror. I will never, <i>ever</i> tire of this exquisite textile.<br />
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So there it is. I've exposed my soul to you all and I'm not sorry. My love will wrap me in security and warmth for as long as I want. Now, if only my human true love would build me another shelf . . .Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-79367609615469321962009-12-04T17:48:00.002-05:002009-12-04T18:18:55.312-05:00Bewitching Beauty Wedding Dress and Veil - ThreadsI've been a bad, bad girl!<br />
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Instead of sewing the several ruanas I cut out the other day, or finishing the design of the new capelet I want to make, I spent the day here. On the computer. I wrote an entry for this long-neglected blog, and then I spent <i>way</i> too long editing photos for a contest on the Threads Magazine site. Oh, and I set up a new Flickr account, too!<br />
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The contest is called Fancy Fabric, and it calls for entries that involve working with, well, fancy fabrics! You know. Things like silk, satin, beaded or embroidered fabrics. Well, as soon as I read the rules I knew I wanted to enter the wedding dress and veil I made for my God-daughter. It has almost all of the qualities called for in the contest.<br />
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Here's the link: <br />
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<a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/10754/bewitching-beauty-wedding-dress-and-veil">Bewitching Beauty Wedding Dress and Veil - Threads</a><br />
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Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a><br />
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Come see all the fabulous entries. And while you're there, I'd love for you to leave a comment for me! Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-52692659749815889652009-12-04T15:32:00.014-05:002009-12-04T17:25:40.527-05:00PerspectiveMany people might consider us unlucky. <br />
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The other morning, my husband called to tell me he had been in an accident. A thin layer of ice and snow unexpectedly blanketed the ground in Freeport and as he slowly approached his job site, he lost control and veered off the the road. As he coasted onto the shoulder, he held his breath while his carpool buddy turned his head and closed his eyes. When they finally stopped--inches away from a telephone pole, a tire had blown out on its bent rim and the right front fender was crushed. Poor guy spent his morning looking for a junkyard that had his rims in stock.<br />
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Later in the afternoon, I corraled the dogs into the back of the car and headed off on dry roads to get my hair done. As I sat in my hairdresser's chair, I noticed large, wet flakes begin to fall. By the time I left, the white stuff started sticking to the grass in the surrounding yards, but nothing covered the roads.<br />
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I stopped for some retail therapy, not concerned about the weather at all. When I emerged from the store an hour later, I tucked my head down to avoid the soggy flakes melting on my face. I was surprised to see that the parked cars had collected about an inch of slush, but felt reassured that the pavement was still clear.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Let's go home!" I said to my waiting puppies, Jack and Lucy.<br />
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</div>And I piled my treasures onto the floor in back of the driver's seat as they danced and whined in agreement. They love coming with me on my errands but coming back home is the best because they get to run around like maniacs for a few minutes when they jump out of the car.<br />
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After a few miles, the snow got heavier and I had a hard time seeing. I slowed the old Mitsubishi down, savoring the beauty of the sparkling, slush-covered trees. <br />
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Mere moments later, the road changed from dry, black pavement to a white-ladened path with tire tracks running through it. I slowed the vehicle even more, holding the steering wheel tighter and feeling a pang of nerves creep into my awe-inspired peace. Darkness snuffed out the day as I noticed a line of cars in the distance with their brake lights glowing. And I decelerated to just a bit more than a crawl.<br />
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Within seconds, the SUV began to drift into the opposite lane. I removed my foot from the accelerator and tried to regain control of the vehicle, but it was no use. As the rear of the Mits started to pull, it felt like we were on an amusement ride--minus all the fun, of course. Feeling a lurch in my stomach I yelled to the pups, "Hang on, guys!" And we spun like the car of a Tilt-a-Whirl.<br />
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We went around twice and I think I may have closed my eyes while I braced for impact. I had visions of sailing through the woods, hitting trees on the way, and I wondered if this was it. Would the dogs and I be hurt--or worse? Then I heard and felt an explosive noise and as quickly as it started, it was over. We stopped spinning.<br />
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The car landed in a ditch by a telephone pole in someone's front yard. My first thought was that I was alive. Then I looked back and saw that my back window--the one next to my precious canine babies--had smashed to pieces and disappeared. My youngest pup, Lucy, immediately jumped over the seats and into my lap. Six-year-old Jack stayed put. He seemed stunned and I had to coax him to get away from the broken glass and into the safety of the front seats.<br />
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Since we were on a highway, I did not feel safe getting the dogs out to see if they were okay. And with high-heeled mules on my feet, I didn't think getting out onto the sloped, icy ground was a good idea either. In the darkness, my hands searched the dogs for injuries. They were dry and didn't cry, so I guessed they were unhurt. Then I looked around from the shelter of my broken automobile and saw that the back of my car had ripped out and rearranged someone's mailbox. <br />
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Next, I called my husband. I knew he couldn't help me because he was still on his way home from work. But I needed to hear his voice to feel comforted. A policeman arrived soon after, asking if I was alright and if I was the one who had called. I hadn't, and he quickly figured out that the call was for the accident further up the road. After making sure I was really okay, the officer told me to sit tight until he could return from the more serious mishap a few hundred yards away.<br />
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The man whose yard I landed in came out then and tried to help me get my car out of the ditch. But I was such a nervous wreck, I couldn't follow his simple directions. He finally took pity on me and maneuvered my car out of the ditch on his own. He refused to give me his name or phone number, and he said he didn't want my money or insurance information. He smiled and said that by wrecking his mailbox I'd given him something to do that night.<br />
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So yes, some people may think we are unlucky, but I disagree. Yes, we smashed our cars on the same day and had to pay for costly repairs out of our ever-dwindling bank account. But neither of us hit the telephone poles we'd headed toward, no one was hurt in either of our accidents, and we both were able to drive our cars home that day.<br />
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I say we are fortunate--very fortunate, indeed.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-23014429982726571532009-11-25T10:18:00.002-05:002009-11-27T09:41:37.262-05:00Scattered, But FocusedWell, here we are--Thanksgiving tomorrow and Christmas right around the bend. I can't believe it's holiday time already. I still haven't recovered from our lack of a Summer this year. We didn't have one good beach weekend. I<span style="font-style: italic;"> need </span>a day by the ocean, but I guess memories like this will have to do for a few more months!<br />
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I've been consumed with stocking my Etsy shop these days, and I think it's finally taking shape. My aim has been for a vintage/retro feel and I believe the shop personality is at last emerging! I'd love to hear comments and suggestions. Anyone??<br />
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Have you heard that Etsy is running a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion? Many participating shops are offering specials. And Cinderella Lollipop has joined in the fun! From now until next Monday (or until I get around to un-tagging) every single item in my shop is 15% off!! <span style="font-style: italic;">Every</span>thing. Even the pure cashmere ruanas!!<br />
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I've listed this black one. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw06C9AuizI/AAAAAAAAAHg/bCcxuJO__Bw/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw06C9AuizI/AAAAAAAAAHg/bCcxuJO__Bw/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408042549953596210" border="0" /></a> I only have enough of this scrumptious coat-weight fabric to make just two or three more. I've also got a one-of-a-kind charcoal coat-weight that I'm going to list (but if you read this and want it, send me a convo via Etsy, shhhh...) and a lovely chocolate flannel weight that I may line with a chocolate sherpa.<br />
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Oh, and here are some pics of the <span style="font-style: italic;">cutest</span> little ponchos I made this past week. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw1AagqhV0I/AAAAAAAAAHw/_JB2wtuOO74/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw1AagqhV0I/AAAAAAAAAHw/_JB2wtuOO74/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408049551730890562" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw1Aa6_sqhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/sq7RPuAGh50/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sw1Aa6_sqhI/AAAAAAAAAH4/sq7RPuAGh50/s320/IMG_1354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408049558799034898" border="0" /></a><br />
They are reversible. The pink knit reverses to a pink velvet, and the Ikat styly knit is black fleece on the other side. A custom order, I think the two recipients will be very happy with the surprise flower brooches I created to match!<br />
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So click on over to http://cinderellalollipop.etsy.com or just get yourself over to Etsy and see all the beautiful creations and vintage lovelies for your consideration! Try some of my favorite shops like Peaceful Chic: http://www.etsy.com/shop/peacefulchic or Kitchy Galore: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitschygalore and The Werehouse: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewerehouse. Some of my other favorites are From My Hands to Yours: http://www.etsy.com/shop/frommyhandstoyours and Lizard Queen Jewelry: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LizardQueenJewelry.<br />
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Well, I'm off to make a blanket buddy and neckroll for a sweet little someone! Talk to you all after Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday!!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-3554889413051074242009-08-22T12:17:00.009-04:002009-08-24T12:45:03.574-04:00Contest Time!Wanna win something unique and beautiful?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAeeQ38IlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/zBGhNQ7jAtU/s1600-h/Earthy+Delights+3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAeeQ38IlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/zBGhNQ7jAtU/s320/Earthy+Delights+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372827860727505490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />All you need to do is go here: http://cinderellalollipop.etsy.com and browse my shop.<br /><br />Then go to the Cinderella Lollipop Facebook fan page, here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinderella-Lollipop/55883767988<br /><br />(Make sure you copy and paste the entire link. I can't seem to make live links for you. Sorry!)<br /><br />Become a fan and post a comment letting me know what your favorite vintage or handmade item is. When I get over 10 comments, we'll have a random drawing for this fabulous Earthy Delights Windchime made from recycled elements. That's a $24 value!! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAbGhUWMzI/AAAAAAAAAG8/P7fEk0j45j8/s1600-h/Earthy+Delights.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAbGhUWMzI/AAAAAAAAAG8/P7fEk0j45j8/s320/Earthy+Delights.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372824154289877810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAeep-33uI/AAAAAAAAAHM/T9Yl-mhdKDs/s1600-h/Earthy+Delights+4.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SpAeep-33uI/AAAAAAAAAHM/T9Yl-mhdKDs/s320/Earthy+Delights+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372827867467472610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And all you have to do is become a fan on Facebook.<br /><br />Pretty easy!<br /><br />(Why not follow my blog while you're at it!)Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-13388556970188111602009-07-25T12:30:00.003-04:002009-07-25T13:12:57.759-04:00Viva La VivaLaModa!Anyone who knows me can tell you I've got some strong opinions about fashion. (Capris, anybody? ;p) I also enjoy designing and making clothing, and hunting for vintage treasures. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across this online magazine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/Issue3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/Issue3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It pays homage to some of my favorite things: fashion design, handmade, and vintage. <span style="font-style: italic;">And</span> it's full of beautiful photos and well-written articles that spark the imagination! To add to my pleasure, many of the articles and ads feature artists from my favorite online shopping and selling 'mall', Etsy.com.<br /><br />VivaLaModa does a fabulous job of showcasing the wonderful, eclectic talent that's out there! In the current issue, there's an interesting interview with an Etsy seller who designs the most romantic clothing! The article is enhanced by exquisite photos of her unique work. Here's one of her dresses on the cover:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3712003221_8e4c62aaa0_o.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 251px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3712003221_8e4c62aaa0_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After reading that scrumptious article, I moved on to an engaging story about a trip to Turkey complete with more great pics! And then another outlining a healthy way to eat and lose weight that recommended two books I'd never heard of before. And surrounding these interesting and informative tidbits are pages and pages of yummy eye candy. Gorgeous fashions and accessories. Lovely and original jewelry.<br /><br />My only wish is that they had more to offer on vintage fashion and maybe just a bit less of the jewelry. But I've only read the one issue and wanted to share it here, right away. Hopefully, the editors will offer more on vintage in future publications. I'm off now to read the archives!<br /><br />Oh, and here's a link to VivaLaModa. I hope you'll join me in wishing the magazine a long and wonderful stay! Viva La VivaLaModa!! <a href="http://www.vivalamoda.co.cc/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3516/3712003341_46104d4521_o.jpg" alt="VivaLaModa magazine" width="200" height="120" /></a>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-433908431031903002009-05-24T17:15:00.005-04:002009-05-25T10:38:22.571-04:00A Little Blast From the PastHere's a little something I wrote a while ago. Hope you enjoy!<br /><br />MY FIRST TIME<br /><br />I had never done anything like this in my life. I admit I felt uncomfortable and skittish. Sensing my anxiety, his hand grazed my arm, leading me over to where he wanted me. When I saw the tub of soapy water, I must have hesitated because he took hold of my shoulders and coaxed me some more.<br /><br />"Come on. The water is nice and warm. I promise you'll enjoy it."<br /><br />Biting my bottom lip, I caught my breath as the soothing liquid covered my bare skin. I felt so vulnerable.<br /><br />"Oh, this is nice." I giggled. "It's just what I needed, so relaxing."<br /><br />"Yes. Settle back and let me take care of you."<br /><br />I closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth and sweet scent of the water. This being my first time, I began to wonder what else he intended to do to me. So far, I had no complaints.<br /><br />He awakened me from my daydream when he wrapped my damp, pink skin in a fluffy, white towel. Taking great pains to dry every part of my nakedness, he gazed into my eyes.<br /><br />"You're going to love what comes next," he said, reaching for a dark container. He poured some creamy, yellow liquid into his hands and rubbed them together. "I'm warming it for you," he explained in his husky voice.<br /><br />Rubbing the lotion into my skin, he spoke again. "Isn't this nice?"<br /><br />I rolled my head back, still not believing I had summoned the courage to come here. "Oh yes. It's lovely." I meant it. How could I ever go back to my normal life after this? I wished my husband would do this for me, but I didn't hold out much hope.<br /><br />Leaning back, I felt completely relaxed and at his mercy. I'd decided to trust him to do what he must. With eyes closed, my mind wandered as he performed all sorts of rituals I had never encountered before. His fingers caressed and stroked my skin, and I thought that I might ask him to never stop.<br /><br />After awhile he showed me a list of titles and asked me to choose. Blushing, I read the names. "Sin in the Afternoon, She Devil, Purple Passion." My face reddened as I blurted out, "Oh my gosh!" Feeling timid and embarrassed, and with no idea which to choose, I panicked and looked to him for guidance.<br /><br />“What do you think?” I whispered.<br /><br />He smiled a knowing smile. "Why don't we try She Devil. It's sexy, but not as risque as the others. I think you'll be comfortable with it."<br /><br />With nervous anticipation, I looked on as his expert fingers grasped the shiny container. Watching him, butterflies frolicked in my stomach. Before I knew it, he finished the job. I examined his performance and laughed at myself for taking so long to give it a try.<br /><br />Satisfied, I slid my feet back into my sandals and admired my soft, beautiful, sexy feet. My toenails looked so feminine and pretty with the glossy red polish.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-53388926918751949742009-05-06T19:41:00.009-04:002013-05-14T14:37:17.574-04:00The Making of a Girly-Girl Clutch Purse<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ooh La La!</span><br />
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A couple of months ago, I was shopping in <span style="font-style: italic;">From My Hands To Yours</span>' fabulous Etsy shop. (If you haven't checked out her shop yet, you should. Very cool and unusual offerings.) I spotted these gorgeous pin-up girl buttons and bought them right away.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SgIj7k8gFtI/AAAAAAAAAF4/xQpZ99JGAAg/s1600-h/pin+up+girl+buttons.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332864415196780242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SgIj7k8gFtI/AAAAAAAAAF4/xQpZ99JGAAg/s320/pin+up+girl+buttons.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 239px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Of course, at the time I had no idea what I would do with them. But when I opened the package and saw the little beauties, I knew I had to use at least one in some type of purse. As the idea percolated in my mind, I began seeing lacy flowers and a bow-shaped evening clutch--something really girly. At first, I thought I might use a lace overlay of some kind for the purse body, but then decided I'd like to find a cotton with a lace print to make a sturdier clutch for my first try.<br />
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On a trip to my local fabric shop where they specialize in miles and miles of quilting cottons, I found what I was looking for: a black cotton with an all-over white, lacy print. I took it home and played with my idea a bit. Then I went to work.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Behind the seams:</span><br />
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I cut out matching rectangles of the black cotton, a thin fleece interfacing to add some body, a sizzling, scarlet red cotton twill for the inside, and a stiff interfacing for the lining. First I applied the fleece interfacing to the back of the black cotton, then ironed on the stiffer interfacing to the red cotton twill lining.<br />
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Next, I cut out two red twill rectangles and one piece of interfacing approximately 8" by 4" and sewed them together leaving an opening for turning right side out. After I finished with this, I had a pocket for the inside! I pressed the pocket nice and flat, then positioned and sewed it to the red twill rectangle.<br />
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Then, after I sewed the purse and the lining into matching clutch-shapes, I lined them up and sewed them together. Of course, I left another opening at the top that I used for pulling that beautiful right side out where it belongs.<br />
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To make the subtle bow shape, I cut a 4 1/2" wide by about 18" long strip of the black cotton and some more stiff interfacing. Assembled and sewed this together, then sewed the first 2/3 to the top of the purse on the front, scrunched the body a bit, then attached the band to the back at the middle. This left a flap of about 5 1/2" that lays across the top of the purse and down the front to where I sewed on snaps for the closure.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Now for the sexy, pin-up button!</span><br />
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I decided to use one of the Bettie Page buttons--the gorgeous brunette showing some major cleavage! At only 1/2", the button sort of got lost on the front of the purse flap. So I took some black lace fabric and cut out a looong rectangle that I tapered at the ends, sewed it together, zigzagged over some dental floss and pulled/gathered it into a flower shape. The button still didn't pop enough, so I got some white lace trim and gathered that, too. After sewing them together, I sewed the button and the lace flower to a pin back.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Voila!</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWDpAcLw0I/AAAAAAAAAGg/FXyG443L_PA/s1600-h/PICT0017.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317673833677634" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWDpAcLw0I/AAAAAAAAAGg/FXyG443L_PA/s320/PICT0017.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCc-IPitI/AAAAAAAAAGY/HsO5D02o2bs/s1600-h/PICT0015.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338316367543110354" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCc-IPitI/AAAAAAAAAGY/HsO5D02o2bs/s320/PICT0015.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The result is this great-looking, pretty and feminine, Girly-Girl clutch purse with a removable 3" Flower Brooch. The purse measures 8" wide at bottom, 9 1/4" across top, 1 1/2" deep, and 5 1/2" high.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCcZAlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lF3dCEbBRAY/s1600-h/PICT0011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338316357578867570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCcZAlQ3I/AAAAAAAAAGI/lF3dCEbBRAY/s320/PICT0011.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCcgWip4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/R8mlT3Y-isg/s1600-h/PICT0014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338316359550019458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWCcgWip4I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/R8mlT3Y-isg/s320/PICT0014.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWDpXNPBsI/AAAAAAAAAGo/rBHZ_BUu0TQ/s1600-h/PICT0010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338317679944992450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/ShWDpXNPBsI/AAAAAAAAAGo/rBHZ_BUu0TQ/s320/PICT0010.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Wouldn't this be great for a prom, or wedding, or just for fun?? Let me know what you think. Oh, and don't forget to tell your friends, they can purchase this fabu clutch in my Etsy shop. The link is to the right. Over there >>>>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-48836756309450529022009-05-03T11:25:00.003-04:002009-05-03T11:27:58.146-04:00Whoops!After reading my post yesterday, my daughter sent me an email. It seems we scraped wallpaper off <span style="font-style: italic;">five</span> rooms, and pulled up <span style="font-style: italic;">four</span> rooms of carpet.<br /><br />I'm so tired! Told you I was probably forgetting something!!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-27723411180492854012009-05-01T12:27:00.005-04:002009-05-01T13:10:58.836-04:00Drive ByI haven't had much time for posting here in the past couple of weeks because I've been busy working at my daughter's new house. She closed on it April 17th and we've been renovating ever since.<br /><br />The house sat empty for about a year before she bought it, and prior to that an eighteen-year-old lived in it alone for several months because his parents divorced. So, you can imagine the state the house is/was in. It's got good bones, though, and it's going to be beautiful when she's finished with repairs and updates. Here are some before pics:<br /><br />The living room ceiling being scraped:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsnz4j1QzI/AAAAAAAAAE4/yov0llrU63I/s1600-h/PICT0003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsnz4j1QzI/AAAAAAAAAE4/yov0llrU63I/s320/PICT0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898356232602418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The dining room wall being knocked out and prepared for a French Door:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsn0OBUJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFA/ssUK_kOgJf4/s1600-h/PICT0001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsn0OBUJ_I/AAAAAAAAAFA/ssUK_kOgJf4/s320/PICT0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898361993406450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The staircase is pretty and it's in really good shape. Not much to do here, but polish and paint the walls.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsn0MvdftI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Az1Y-kRgYPo/s1600-h/PICT0004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 230px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sfsn0MvdftI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Az1Y-kRgYPo/s320/PICT0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330898361650085586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's a view of the hallway, and one of the family room:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SfsqXMtTMXI/AAAAAAAAAFg/MYsRlazTOtE/s1600-h/PICT0011.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SfsqXMtTMXI/AAAAAAAAAFg/MYsRlazTOtE/s320/PICT0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330901161959698802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SfsqXC2_oGI/AAAAAAAAAFo/m7G279cfH_g/s1600-h/PICT0013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SfsqXC2_oGI/AAAAAAAAAFo/m7G279cfH_g/s320/PICT0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330901159316004962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So far we have scraped popcorn ceiling off two rooms--the dining room and living room; removed wallpaper from four rooms; pulled up two rooms of carpeting (Tthe carpet guys pulled up the other room.); sanded, scrubbed, and fixed holes in walls; primed and painted the bedrooms; scrubbed the downstairs bathroom and made it usable; and I'm sure I've forgotten other chores.<br /><br />She's moving in on Sunday! Wish us luck. We still have most of the downstairs to do. The kitchen needs a full remodel, but that will happen well after she's moved in.<br /><br />I'll try to take some pics of upstairs and outside, and then give you the Grand Reveal!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-32437909712907550732009-04-16T10:19:00.008-04:002009-04-16T15:52:24.768-04:00New Design!Whenever I'm feeling bored--which is often, I need to do something new. Break the routine, you know? If I've been on a writing jaunt, it's time to switch to sewing, or take some pictures and play with them, or make some jewelry. Yesterday, I had the urge to sew something new, so I designed a cropped cardigan--or bolero--or shrug. Does anyone know the difference? I looked them up in the dictionary and they all seem to describe the same thing: a short women's jacket worn open in the front!<br /><br />I used an old top to get the neckline and shoulder shape, made dolman-style sleeves in a three-quarter inch length, cropped and curved the front pieces, added a buttonhole and a vintage 1 1/2" button, a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedA3WPRlEI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/HpssVBbbX94/s1600-h/PICT0012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedA3WPRlEI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/HpssVBbbX94/s320/PICT0012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325296403995530306" border="0" /></a>nd this is what I came up with:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Isn't it cute? It's constructed from a black, open-weave knit with sage and cocoa-colored threads forming the crochet-look pattern. It's lightweight, but not as sheer as that last picture makes it look! I'm going to make a couple more in different fabrics today. Maybe I'll put a ruffle on the sleeves, or a collar or something to make it interesting. What do you think?<br /><br />Here's a picture of it with the button fastened. It's a little snug on Marie Antoinette (that's my headless mannequin's name) but you get the idea.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCE3cIjHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_PiJFz-E9rs/s1600-h/PICT0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCE3cIjHI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_PiJFz-E9rs/s320/PICT0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325297735757761650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are some pics of the side and back, and I took another inside just to get a different view of the fabric. The slight sheerness didn't show up outside, but with the flash it looks more see-through than it is. Geesh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxRN-clI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Q8OPhKLto0k/s1600-h/PICT0009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxRN-clI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Q8OPhKLto0k/s320/PICT0009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325298498591945298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxUDGbJI/AAAAAAAAAEg/cDZZ-9pnpuE/s1600-h/PICT0008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxUDGbJI/AAAAAAAAAEg/cDZZ-9pnpuE/s320/PICT0008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325298499351637138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxhECfcI/AAAAAAAAAEw/GL1fmqDmReU/s1600-h/PICT0014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SedCxhECfcI/AAAAAAAAAEw/GL1fmqDmReU/s320/PICT0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325298502845234626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I just love this!!<br /><br />Let me know what you think.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-72896124063997638642009-04-14T11:08:00.013-04:002009-04-16T10:46:35.387-04:00Easter Musings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS3PSVd4vI/AAAAAAAAAEI/l9kLkWJcRtU/s1600-h/PICT0035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS3PSVd4vI/AAAAAAAAAEI/l9kLkWJcRtU/s320/PICT0035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324582132706566898" border="0" /></a><br />Another holiday passes like the wind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I started the day with twenty minutes on the treadmill--not enough, I know, but at least I did it! Our daughter and her family arrived around noon-ish with food to prepare. She made a scrumptious ham with pineapple, and cherries,basted in a yummy sauce of maple syrup and brown sugar, some potatoes, carrots and onions, and sweet potatoes. (I may be leaving something out.) I made a green bean casserole and some brownies. While the feast simmered on the stove, we had an Easter egg hunt for The Littles. Here are some pics:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSpPYUiymI/AAAAAAAAADI/cjcIqucpMbM/s1600-h/PICT0045.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSpPYUiymI/AAAAAAAAADI/cjcIqucpMbM/s320/PICT0045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324566741150517858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSplZrLFTI/AAAAAAAAADQ/fUuTQrihYSs/s1600-h/PICT0047.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSplZrLFTI/AAAAAAAAADQ/fUuTQrihYSs/s320/PICT0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324567119470990642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSp8pdwo4I/AAAAAAAAADY/h3i2rY45Qpo/s1600-h/PICT0063.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSp8pdwo4I/AAAAAAAAADY/h3i2rY45Qpo/s320/PICT0063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324567518846690178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That isn't our house, by the way. It's a playhouse my husband won from the State Fair last summer. Isn't it cute? And the girls had to wear boots outside because we still have a little snow and aLOT of mud!!<br /><br />The kids used my market bags for their hunt--much nicer than plastic bags!<br /><br />I made stuffed bunnies for the girls, and a bear pillow from a vintage panel I've had forever for my grandson. More pics:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrxEC2vcI/AAAAAAAAADw/mGq1XMy41lc/s1600-h/PICT0014.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrxEC2vcI/AAAAAAAAADw/mGq1XMy41lc/s320/PICT0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324569518846426562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrwUsfZlI/AAAAAAAAADg/QnLfanFPDVo/s1600-h/PICT0004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrwUsfZlI/AAAAAAAAADg/QnLfanFPDVo/s320/PICT0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324569506136155730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrw0ZSGII/AAAAAAAAADo/2GcV-gi8D7U/s1600-h/PICT0013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeSrw0ZSGII/AAAAAAAAADo/2GcV-gi8D7U/s320/PICT0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324569514645526658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Okay, I've got to say it. Aren't these some of the cutest Littles you've ever seen? (I'm talking about the children.) ;D<br /><br />Anyway, we played lots of music: the Wonder Boys soundtrack (if you haven't heard that you should. Great Bob Dylan songs!), Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Michael Franti and Spearhead. And we danced a lot! Four-year-old R especially loved the way the skirt of her new Easter dress twirled. She challenged me to a few moves she learned in ballet class and I did them, but then I hurt my ankle! (Those of you who know me are not surprised, are you?)<br /><br />Speaking of those dresses, what a sewing nightmare! I cut the tops out of some old rib-knit I've had for ages. I'm really trying to reduce my stash. But this fabric had some stains on it and I thought I'd worked around them. After sewing the bodices together and finishing off the neckline with fold-over elastic, I noticed a very slight stain in one. Then I checked, and a similar stain peeked out from the back bodice piece on the other. Grrr . . . !<br /><br />Well, I washed and bleached the faulty fabric, but had no luck. And since I didn't discover the spots until Thursday evening, I began to panic. I had to meet my daughter Friday afternoon and give her the dresses so the girls could get dressed on Sunday! (We live about an hour away from her.) Oh, what to do? I didn't have any more coordinating rib-knit in my stash, and there was no time to get to the fabric store for more material.<br /><br />Bingo! I'd purchased some t-shirts a few weeks ago. I measured them and found that the white one was too big for R, but the blue was just right for little R. I cut the white top apart and re-worked it to R's measurements, adding some gathering to make slightly puffed sleeves. Then I chopped the bottoms off of both shirts, sewed some tiers together and attached them.<br /><br />Voila! Here they are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS1kiL1KqI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Wji4nKSBZoE/s1600-h/PICT0040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS1kiL1KqI/AAAAAAAAAD4/Wji4nKSBZoE/s320/PICT0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324580298715114146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS1k6vERHI/AAAAAAAAAEA/1do6ifpg25E/s1600-h/PICT0041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SeS1k6vERHI/AAAAAAAAAEA/1do6ifpg25E/s320/PICT0041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324580305305355378" border="0" /></a><br />The only thing missing to make the day perfect, was my son and daughter-in-law, who currently live in Hawaii, and the rest of our extended family. It's always better when we're all together. Which is why I'm looking forward to summer!!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-77306121415920500772009-04-06T16:17:00.000-04:002009-04-06T16:18:07.882-04:00Relics: An Alternative ObituaryHarold J. Crompton died at five a.m. on Friday, April 3rd. His obituary says he is survived by his wife, Lorraine, and their children and grandchildren. What the announcement does not say is that Harold had another family. Before his second marriage thirty-eight years ago, he had eight children with his first wife. Those children, Sandy, Kathy, Mike, Gail, Bonnie, Brenda, John and Pam have twenty-six children of their own, and three grandchildren. They never harmed Harold or his new family in any way, but for some reason, Harold and Lorraine hurt this first family over and over again.<br /><br />Through physical violence, overlooked birthdays and Christmases, lack of child support, missed weekend visits, and his prolonged and permanent absence from their lives, these children survived. They each grew into intelligent, compassionate, and productive adults, no thanks to their father.<br /><br />Now Harold is gone. The chapter is finished. And although Lorraine spoke to Sandy on more than one occasion in these recent weeks, she didn’t think to include Harold’s first children in his obituary. When approached by his son, John, Lorraine coldly and cruelly refused to allow a corrected obituary to be printed–even when John made it clear that he and his siblings would finance the new announcement.<br /><br />And there it is, a fitting finale. One last blow for eight human beings who did nothing to this woman but exist. We do exist Lorraine, no matter how you try to forget. Shame on you.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-10735564940171520032009-04-03T12:45:00.000-04:002009-04-03T13:52:24.782-04:00Creative SoulSewing, crafting and writing are always good for my soul. Whenever I feel down in the dumps, I sit at my keyboard, or pick up some fabric or beads (or both) and my troubles take a backseat in my mind.<br /><br />After starting yesterday with a sad post, I began work on reconstructing a vintage hippie-chic skirt. The waistband on the skirt was so tiny, I don't think it would have worked for a 10 year old. I studied and pondered (yes, pondered) and decided to cut the top 18" off the skirt. I made a channel for a drawstring and sewed in some nice, sturdy buttonholes. To add a little pizazz, I beaded the ends of the drawstring before knotting them.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdZLZD5qG0I/AAAAAAAAACY/im3ebH9Ed2s/s1600-h/PICT0001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdZLZD5qG0I/AAAAAAAAACY/im3ebH9Ed2s/s320/PICT0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320522903700773698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's a close-up of the beads:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdZKb75utvI/AAAAAAAAACQ/gZDGIW4POOY/s1600-h/PICT0005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdZKb75utvI/AAAAAAAAACQ/gZDGIW4POOY/s320/PICT0005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320521853581571826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I forgot to mention that the beads are from a vintage necklace I've had laying around forever. Most are wooden, but there are a couple of darkened silver tone discs on there, as well.<br /><br />I love this skirt. The purples and blues are so Spring-y! I'm going to list it on Etsy, but I'll definitely make another for myself!<br /><br />And now, I'm off to reconstruct the top part of the skirt. It's going to be a child's ruffled, twirly skirt. Cute, huh?Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-69469262854977348142009-04-02T12:46:00.000-04:002009-04-02T15:43:09.657-04:00Unmended Fences<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;" >I'm feeling sad and conflicted today. Last night, I heard from my so-called father's wife. She said he is very sick and has one to five days to live. Since I haven't seen my father in about eighteen years, and only a handful of times in the twenty years before that, it's like hearing that a stranger is very ill and will die any day. Then she adds that his short-term memory is gone, but his long-term is intact. He kept calling his first daughter from his second family by my name. In a way, I wish I didn't know that, it causes me great pain. But in another way, I am grateful that I do. At least he remembers my name, right?<br /><br />The part that causes me enormous sadness is all the years he threw away. I can't do a thing about those wasted years, and I don't feel compelled to rush to his death bed and make amends. I've tried to do that more than once over the years, so my kids could at least know they have a grandfather. We never had a falling out or anything. He simply abandoned us. He went on to have a second family with this woman, and found it easier to pretend we didn't exist, I guess.<br /><br />I often chalk it up to him being emotionally stunted or empty. I wonder if he has regrets, if he intentionally let those years go by, or if they piled up without him noticing. Was he just lazy, or did the time pass and then it became too difficult to face us? I suspect that he is simply a weak person.<br /><br />Thank God I am not like him.<br /><br />We spoke on the telephone a few months ago after many, many years of silence. He asked about my mother and all my siblings. He even said to say hello for him and tell them to call him anytime if they desired. I asked him to call them--I said he owed it to them, but he said, "Oh no! I can't do that."<br /><br />And here's the kicker, the big slap in the face: He and his wife had kids of their own, adopted another, and fostered others. Let me be clear. This man abandoned eight children and then proceeded to make more and take more into his home. I wonder if those kids got what they needed in terms of fatherly parenting? We sure never did.<br /><br />And now it's done--almost. It's left to me to break the news to my siblings. I wish I could keep this to myself and spare them the heartbreak, but they are all adults and have the right to know.<br /><br />Thanks, "Dad." Once again, and I guess for the last time, you aren't there for me. </span></span></span></span>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-51142818804854863972009-04-01T12:05:00.000-04:002009-04-01T13:19:33.089-04:00I Am Woman, Watch Me TowForgot to mention this.<br /><br />Remember I said I couldn't sleep Sunday night because I worried that my husband might start his day kicking out a window in his car to escape the quicksand sucking his vehicle down into middle earth? Well, he made it out that morning, but Monday afternoon after even more rain, he drove about halfway into our driveway and--thwuck! The mud grabbed hold of his little Hyandai Accent and pulled it in up to the bottom of the car's frame. (Told him!)<br /><br />After a brief moment of "I told you so's," I kicked off my moccasins and shoved my feet into my Muck Boots--the ones with the studded bottoms. "What do you want me to do?" I ask.<br /><br />"Okay, you're gonna pull it with the ATV," he tells me.<br /><br />"Me? I get to tow?" I am stunned. I've never been the tower before, only the towee. I hop on the four-wheeler, drive to the car, and wait as he hooks up the tow-chain.<br /><br />"Okay, keep the chain taut and give it the gas slowly."<br /><br />I'm nervous but I follow his instructions. The machine's tires spin at first and I think it's not going to work. But all of a sudden they grab hold, and as they dance side-to-side flinging mud in their wake, I pull that sucker all the way back to the beginning of the driveway. What a feeling!<br /><br />While hubby wraps up the chain and cleans the mud from his windshield, I take the four-wheeler on two victory laps up and down the road. With windblown hair and a smile on my face, I pull up and let my love climb on the back of the machine. We head back to the house and I sing: "I am woman, watch me tow!"Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-36866157560392379172009-03-31T15:34:00.000-04:002009-03-31T15:37:05.393-04:00Confessions of a Married Woman<span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;color:black;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I want to share something that not many people know. I’m not proud about it, and in fact, it has confused and haunted me for over a year. There’s no easing into this, so I’ll just say it.<br /><br />I kissed Bob Saget.<br /><br />Yes, <em>that</em> Bob Saget–the television actor who played Danny Tanner, the father on Full House, and later went on to host America’s Funniest Home Videos. I’m sure he’s done much more than I mention, but we haven’t kept in touch.<br /><br />When I told my husband, he didn’t seem concerned. He laughed, paused and said, “He wasn’t a better kisser than me, right?” and then he laughed again.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the kiss. It happened in my dream some time ago. We actually made out while sitting in the upper echelons of an empty football stadium. Turns out he’s a very good kisser.<br /><br />I remember pointing out the obvious: “Hey, you’re not my husband!”<br /><br />He said, “Yes, I am,” and pressed his lips on mine.<br /><br />Then, the strangest thing happened. He turned into the man I married--not his looks or anything. It just became clear in the dream, that this man, Bob Saget, was my husband--Mr. Sandramarie!<br /><br />While we smooched, the thought that he looked like Danny Tanner nagged at me. He even wore an argyle sweater (My husband refuses to wear any kind of knitted garment). I have to admit that, although I doubted his claim, we kissed again. We would have kept going, too, but the popcorn vender interrupted us. Then I woke up.<br /><br />Now, I‘ll admit I enjoyed watching Full House with my kids back in the day, but I never once thought of Bob Saget <em>in that way</em>. Don’t get me wrong, he seems nice enough. He’s just not my type. If my dream had been about John Stamos, a co-star in that sitcom, it would have made a whole lot more sense (Oh, the face on that man!).<br /><br />I prefer a rugged, more muscular guy--not a body builder, but someone who looks like they could at least pick me up if they had to save me from a burning building. Dan Tanner does not fit that description. And he’s too tall for me! I’m just a hair over five feet, and he looks to be six feet or more. I’d never want to argue with a man while looking into his navel.<br /><br />Not only should Bob Saget <em>not</em> be the man of my dreams, what the heck were we doing in a football stadium? That sport makes my eyes glaze over. I think it does, anyway. I’ve never actually sat and watched an entire game. No offense to all you football fans out there, but I’d rather pluck chin hairs (Not that I have any.).<br /><br />So, there you have it. That’s my confession. While in an unusual and deserted place, I kissed a man I’m not attracted to, who claimed to be my husband. And I enjoyed it. What does that say about a happily married woman who likes the looks of the man she married? Any dream experts out there? Do I really want to know?</span></span></span></span></span>Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-1814439836191795662009-03-31T14:52:00.000-04:002009-03-31T15:33:45.408-04:00Whew!The skirt to bag project is finally done! Here's a picture:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJsiwUZHnI/AAAAAAAAABo/b9D-qS7oky4/s1600-h/PICT0024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJsiwUZHnI/AAAAAAAAABo/b9D-qS7oky4/s320/PICT0024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319433454219763314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It took me <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> longer than it should have. First, I cut a size tag off the skirt and accidentally cut some of the skirt fabric along with it. Can you say re-design? Then, I used a blue cording for the closure and realized it didn't match the blue-heart embroidered trim and the blue lining, <span style="font-style: italic;">so </span>had to pull off the cool "Tommy" cord locks, struggle with the knots at the end of the drawstring, re-thread with the original drawstring that came with the skirt, and get the end back through the cord lock. Not so easy!<br /><br />When I finally got to the buttonholes, I marked them and began stitching. My lovely new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Janome</span> 6260 started stitching a beautiful buttonhole--and then stopped. What the--! I was talking to my sister-in-law at the time, and she offered lots of great possible fixes but none of them worked. I ripped out the stitches, re-threaded the machine and tried again. Ugh! Same thing. Not wanting to mess around, I called the shop where I purchased my machine last week and told them the problem. Duh!! I'd forgotten to pull the buttonhole lever down! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Geesh</span>, for an intelligent woman, I can be dense sometimes! I'm glad I didn't give my name. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hmm</span> . . . Wonder if they sold more than one of these babies last week? ;D<br /><br />Anyway, it's done. I think it came out great! I'd keep it for myself, but I need another purse/tote like I need more mud<br />outside. (Okay, okay!)<br /><br /><br />Here are some more pics:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJvSR8oX8I/AAAAAAAAACA/eUNfy3N7lzs/s1600-h/PICT0023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJvSR8oX8I/AAAAAAAAACA/eUNfy3N7lzs/s320/PICT0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319436469724012482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJp8aCKf7I/AAAAAAAAABg/c5OHDNPUUis/s1600-h/PICT0020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/SdJp8aCKf7I/AAAAAAAAABg/c5OHDNPUUis/s320/PICT0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319430596379443122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Isn't</span> it cute? Pockets on the front and a nice big one on the inside. And that lining is the perfect match! This bag grows or shrinks, depending on what you're using it for. I'm thinking shopping, market, beach, hanging out, whatever! Versatility is good!<br /><br />For those of you who don't sew or care about purses, don't go away. I'll be posting a teeny little short story I wrote.Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-60775532225677610942009-03-30T10:19:00.000-04:002009-03-30T12:15:59.763-04:00Another Rainy Day = More Mud!As I'm new to this blogging thing, I feel a certain amount of pressure to dazzle you all with brilliant tidbits of writing. But alas, since my fingers are ready to type and my brain hasn't quite caught up, I'll just have to talk about what's on my mind. Since it's raining again and we've still got about eight inches of snow left to melt, I can't help thinking about our muddy driveway and road.<br /><br />But wait, I think to myself, I've already talked about that in my first post. Does anyone really care that I had trouble sleeping because I worried all night that my husband might start his day kicking out a window in his car to escape the quicksand sucking in his vehicle down into middle earth? (Why won't that stubborn man park away from this nasty mire?!)<br /><br />My mind drifts to the time my 78 year-old mother-in-law visited during our lovely mud season and when she left, she climbed (or was heaved) into a bucket on the back of our ATV, scrunched down next to a basket of clean, folded laundry, and waved as my son drove her through the brown slush. I watched her bounce away as the four-wheeler dodged washed-out holes in the road and headed to the getaway car at the bottom of the hill. I don't think I could have been <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> embarrassed--oh wait, a vague memory of leaving a bathroom and stepping into a rockin' party with toilet paper trailing from the back of my waistband comes to mind. ;-) All my troubling was for nothing though. A few weeks later, my sister-in-law told me Mom<span style="font-style: italic;"> loved</span> the adventure.<br /><br />Nah! I'm not going to go on about the mud again today. I'll go finish my skirt-to-bag reconstruction and talk to you later!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261802453244591470.post-91620895409671875082009-03-29T17:44:00.000-04:002009-03-29T18:05:45.534-04:00Rainy SundayI've been busy all day, yet it seems like I haven't accomplished a thing! Let's see . . . I took pictures of my latest creation for my Etsy shop, I entered a contest on Craftstylish.com, ripped out some seams on a skirt I'm reconstructing into a shopping bag and set up this blog. I guess I haven't really wasted the entire day, but I didn't get to everything I wanted. (This is an ongoing problem of mine!)<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the Windcatcher I made for the contest:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sc_tI6FSYDI/AAAAAAAAAAw/p-0muq3y7y0/s1600-h/PICT0019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sc_tI6FSYDI/AAAAAAAAAAw/p-0muq3y7y0/s320/PICT0019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318730422234013746" border="0" /></a><br /> I call it Earthy Delights. It's made from 2 upcycled silvery-gray plastic sunshine finials, a vintage wooden, silver, and acrylic bead necklace, a vintage faux pearl necklace, and some old glass beads and windchimes I had hanging around. Isn't it cool?! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's for sale in my Etsy shop, www.cinderellalollipop.etsy.com, along with it's sibling, Earth Wind Fire which is pictured here:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sc_uWeseG4I/AAAAAAAAAA4/HYFdNxTGR5Y/s1600-h/PICT0027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TsvzLEd1bQQ/Sc_uWeseG4I/AAAAAAAAAA4/HYFdNxTGR5Y/s320/PICT0027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318731754911964034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This one is made from the sunshine finials, the vintage faux pearl necklace, another vintage acrylic bead necklace from the eighties, and some old glass beads and chimes. I just love these!!Cinderella Lollipophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00703506580641293471noreply@blogger.com0