The End of an Emoticon Era

I've noticed over the past few months that I have been having trouble seeing the emoticons on the "currently feeling" tagline at the end of each entry. I figure if I'm having trouble, others are, too. And so, beginning in 2016, I will no longer be using the tagline or the emoticons. At least, I'm going to try. (I might miss them too much, we'll see.) I hate for my huge collection to sit unused, but I also hate for them not to make any sense because they are too small to see. Wishing you a fond farewell, emoticons. I really enjoyed you!
Currently feeling: already missing my friends

Joy to the World, and All the Crazy People

Just received this text and photo from my husband. "Joy to the World! Crazy lady at gas station threw rock at my car when I refused to give her a ride. Policeman was more than happy to give her one."

Of all the things threatening the demise of this car (seatbelt, window, headlight), I can't believe "crazy lady throws rock at windshield" is what will be the final straw. But I have to get a job before we can get a new car.
Currently feeling: not a happy camper

Titania is Finished!

Titania, by Mirabilia

She's done, she's done, she's done!!! This is "Titania" by Mirabilia, stitched on 28 ct Lambswool linen by Wichelt. I started her sometime in July 2013, and she was completed November 14, 2015. She took approximately 190 hours to stitch. For a sense of scale, she measures 19 inches (48 cm) from the top of her wing to the bottom of the ribbon under her dress, and 11 inches (28 cm) across. Two fairies down, only one more to go before I can have the set framed. Here are some other close up pictures.

Her beautiful face.

Wingtip.

More glorious wings.

Currently feeling: accomplished

Chainmaille - Shaggy Loops

So what was one do while one is unemployed? Try one of those hobbies you've always wanted to try, of course! This is my first ever chainmaille work. It's a pattern called Shaggy Loops. I made it from a Blue Buddha Boutique kit that was given to me as a gift by my friend Annette over a year ago. It was so fun! Including watching the instructional video, I went from opening the kit to a finished bracelet in under two hours. Annette also gave me a second kit that I hope to try in the near future.
Currently feeling: loving my beautiful decorative "armor"

Happy Halloween 2015

Ant-Man, his new favorite

 Happy Halloween for 2015!

Aren't you a little tall for a shrinking superhero?

Sadly, this might be our last one with him in costume (we'll have to see what middle school (EEK!!!) brings next year.

He looks so grown up!

He just wasn't interested in going out to play with the other kids or doing the annual parade this year. I'm trying not to be sad.
Currently feeling: the end of an era

Wordless Wednesday - October 28, 2015

Currently feeling: his response when I said "you need to use your thinking cap"

Wordless Wednesday - October 21, 2015

Currently feeling: happiness is... new music from Pentatonix!