Not So Maudlin

Bedside Play Along!

2009-06-26T04:44:00.001-07:00

I came across Whosies Play Along last night while reading some journals and thought I'd play along. I never keep much on my bedside table except books and jewelry/bobby pins/hairbands, so mine might not be as interesting as others. Sometimes it gets out of hand (for me) and I have to clean it off. It's funny, though. I'm one of those people that usually has multiple books going at one time - so a couple of books have been sitting on there since last summer/fall.

This is the general shot of my bedside table with the light on. I love those little Ikea lights - perfect for a bedside.

These items are what you will usually find on my bedside tabletop - stack of books; my gift bowl that I use for earrings/jewelry that have been forgotten when I go to bed and hairbands and barrettes; and remotes. The highlighter has been there since last semester ended (study sessions in bed). I've just been too lazy to place it in the small drawer right IN the nightstand.

This is the underneath of the table which holds my bag full of my foot lotions/exfoliators/etc. and a couple of other boxes full of more random lotions and candle holders. The drawer below holds random stuff for storage like old cameras that I collect and stuff like that. The top drawer is a typical bedside drawer - lotion, nail clippers, snore strips (yes, I snore), pens, highlighters, lip balm, etc.

And now for the books, themselves. I always accumulate a stack of books beside my bed - as most avid readers do. Right at this moment I'm reading The Happy Hooker by Xaviera Hollander. This is an autobiography about a one of New York's notorious madams. It's a very interesting read, but a very graphic one - not for the faint of heart. I started Jefferson Bass's Flesh and Bone in August of '08. It's a murder mystery/forensic story based at University of Tennessee at Knoxville's Body Farm. William Bass, who started the Body Farm at UTK is one of the authors. A very good read, but I'm not quite done with it. It's one of those I pick up every now and then. Since I go to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and am getting my BS in Anthropology - I tend to be interested in all things Anthro., especially forensic details. The other book is Knitting for Good by Betsy Greer. A very good read as well and I was planning to reread it. The bottom book is a journal my brother gave to me.

So there. My bedside. Now, I must go get ready for a day of work.

My Aching Legs

2009-06-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

060409 Garden 009, originally uploaded by themissiah.

For some reason, my lower back and legs have decided to ache, non-stop, all day. I really wish they'd let up, already.

In other news, our waterlily (above) has decided to send up leaves/pads, which makes me unbelievably happy. We'll see how it does.

The last few weeks have been nice, not being in school and having A LOT of calm time to myself. I've been seeing more friends, as well - another plus. Our garden is doing great. We will have tomatoes, blackberries, beans, and peppers very soon. Looks like it will be an early harvest this year for the garden.

I haven't been doing much in the way of creating, lately, which should change. I'd like to get my sewing machine working properly (Damn bobbin!) and begin sewing some stuff. I also need to get practicing on my uke. My reading list is a mile long as well and I would like to get finished with at least two books before I begin my class this summer.

Now, I must go and check the grill and see if I'm burning down the neighborhood. Roasted corn and veggie burgers for us, tonight!

My Aching Legs

2009-06-05T15:37:00.001-07:00

060409 Garden 009, originally uploaded by themissiah.

For some reason, my lower back and legs have decided to ache, non-stop, all day. I really wish they'd let up, already.

In other news, our waterlily (above) has decided to send up leaves/pads, which makes me unbelievably happy. We'll see how it does.

The last few weeks have been nice, not being in school and having A LOT of calm time to myself. I've been seeing more friends, as well - another plus.Our garden is doing great. We will have tomatoes, blackberries, beans, and peppers very soon. Looks like it will be an early harvest this year for the garden.

I haven't been doing much in the way of creating, lately, which should change. I'd like to get my sewing machine working properly (Damn bobbin!) and begin sewing some stuff. I also need to get practicing on my uke. My reading list is a mile long as well and I would like to get finished with at least two books before I begin my class this summer.

Now, I must go and check the grill and see if I'm burning downt the neighborhood. Roasted corn and veggie burgers for us, tonight!

The Calm

2009-05-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

042809 Garden 003, originally uploaded by themissiah.

Well, school is over for the semester and I could not be happier. I've spent the last week *attempting* to get things done around the house - to my loss. However, things are coming along slowly, but surely. The gardening is finished, except for some marigold seeds that need to be sown. We've put in tomatoes (Cherokee Purple and Brandywine), bell peppers (golden), onions, bush beans, cuces, and squash. Now we need to keep the bugs away and keep the thing watered.

We've also weeded the herb/kitchen garden and added in some annual herbs. Also, the flowers have been added as well. I went with Dahlias this year, rather than Petunias. I needed a change and I love Dahlias. Some of the wildflowers seeds I added last year have sprouted as you can see from the picture above.

Here are more shots of the garden(s).

Today, I've been trying to find the motivation to clean part of this house. I did manage to get the mosquito dunks out in the garden "pond" that just sits there breeding mosquitoes every year. I found some environmentally safe dunks that can be used in any standing water (including rain barrels). Maybe we can be outside this year without getting eaten alive.

Today, I had to go get some eggs and came back to find a broad-head skink sunning in our *skink* spot. All of the skinks love this spot. Everyday, I find one or two sitting up here. Some let me get pretty close, but this one was really skiddish. It had a bright orange head, which means that it's a male. He kept running over the side and peeking back up at me as if to check to see if I was gone. He did this several times. So cute.

Here's another shot in a larger format. You can see his coloring a bit better.

Play, Shows, and Tornadoes. Oh my!

2009-04-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. First of all, I've been working on schoolwork almost everyday, all day... with the exception of a couple of days where I went out of town or out in general. I've been going going going, with very little downtime.

Last week, I was at the UTC library after class for a few nights. I'm am so sick of that place. The tornadoes and storms hit on Friday and popped a hole in our shed.

Here are some more pictures from the damage.

On Saturday, I went down to Tullahoma, my hometown, and my mom and I went to see Enchanted April at the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro. It was such a great show. The actors were fantastic. I think it's running until the end of April, so catch it if you are able and interested.

Sunday was Easter/Ostara, and we had lunch at my grandparents' house. The kids did some egg hunting. It was fun to watch. My niece and nephew are such giving kids. My cousin's little girl was hunting as well and Audrey and Garrett kept giving her their eggs. She is 2 1/2 and so funny and precious. It was fun to watch her waddle around looking for eggs.

On Monday, my partner and I had our presentation for our research project. It went well, but for a present to myself, I had purchased tickets about a month ago to see Dinosaur Jr. at Rhythm & Brews here in Chattanooga - for that night. It was a great show. I've missed seeing J. Mascis a couple of times in the last few years. The opportunity to see Dinosaur was too much to pass up. Plus, I didn't have to drive 2 hours north or south to see them.

More videos are here and more pictures here.

Tuesday, I volunteered to give my presentation on the first day, in another class. I regretted it, but am now glad that I did. One less thing to worry about.

Now, I am going to go take a shower and head out. Only a few more days of class left and only one final to take. I can finally see the end.

What's been up and a TUTORIAL! I do still create.

2009-03-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Uggghhhh. I'm tired. I think it's from the never-ending dreariness and rain outside.

The above picture is of Tripp's hammock that I bought him a couple of Christmases ago. He finally got a stand for it and now there is a hammock in our carport. It is soooo comfortable. I might have to take it over when he's not using it.

In other news, I found this post
with a tutorial on how to make a clothespin bag out of a recycled dress. Last Spring, I was looking for something to tote around my clothespins in and didn't like the idea of purchasing something new, so I made my own out of some old jeans I had lying around (for some reason, I always have old jeans lying around). It is very easy. If you know how to make a basic stitch and use scissors, you can make it. It's nothing innovative, by any means.

First, I took a leg of the jeans and cut a piece (about a foot long, give or take a few inches) perpendicular to the leg. Basically, I did a cross-section cut. I took my piece and turned it inside out. I stitched up both sides using really sturdy thread. Then, and here is where it gets as difficult as it's going to get, I cut a triangle (the top edge being about 3-4 inches in width) from the top of the seamed edge. I made the point a little above the middle line of the whole piece. I then turned it right-side out through the triangle. The triangle has to be big enough to get the piece through. I then was dumbfounded about what I would hang it up with. I found a pants hanger from department store with the metal clips and attached it to the top of the holder.

The hanger (nor the holder) is not the prettiest in the world, but I like it because the hanger hook swivels. This way when I turn my umbrella clothesline, I can swivel the clothespin holder to face me. It does the trick and it's easy. It's also been very sturdy - with my jerking the holder around and throwing it into the laundry bags/bins.

Such a strange day.

2009-03-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

Transitions, originally uploaded by themissiah.

Today, I had to go into school early because one of my group partners and I had to watch a movie for a class presentation we are giving in just over a week. I went in and we watched most of the movie, which is sufficient. I then went to class and proceeded to watch the rest of America and the Holocaust (which is really interesting). So I pretty much watched movies for most of the day. It was strange because the BIG UTC game was today and our professor let us out early to watch the game, if we wanted to go. What is so strange about that is that we had been watching a film for the last hour about incidents in the Holocaust and discussing it - and then he said he was letting us out to "go watch the UTC game." Everyone, including him, kind of chuckled because a game just seemed non-important next to "the mass annihilation of Jews."

I then went to get my clothes at the alteration shop and a VERY large man in front of me insisted on arguing with the lady behind the counter. I don't know if he was just trying to give her a hard time or if he meant it, but I think he was actually getting on her nerves. As he left, she yelled "NUT!" and then turned to me very sweetly.

Now I'm home and the cats have been yelling and hissing at each other non-stop. There have also been a couple of physical altercations as well, which is strange for them because they usually just hiss at each other.

All around, it's been strange. Maybe it's the weather. I think it is supposed to rain in a bit. That explains the cats, anyway.

Our St. Patrick's Day and other such stuff.

2009-03-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

colcannon 09 003, originally uploaded by themissiah.

Our St. Patty's Day was pretty calm, like it has been for the past few years. I usually make some colcannon and veggie sausage links and we have a simple dinner. We don't drink much, anymore, and beer makes me feel like I'm dying, so we usually don't do Guinness or anything - unless we go out. Other than that, we didn't do anything different than an ordinary night .

Oh, and if you want a good recipe for colcannon, hit the link above. It's not the one I used this year because I forget about it being on my food journal, but it's my favorite one.

I'm so tired. I have so much to do before the end of the semester. I just need to pop into overdrive and get it done without thinking too much about it, or I'll go completely neurotic. The world does not need that. I can't wait until summer. I'll probably end up taking a summer class, which I told myself I wasn't going to do, but might have to do. It should be an easy one, though.

The weather is so nice and it's distracting, so I'm going to get off of here now and enjoy it.

A Relaxing Day

2009-03-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

Pics 031009 002, originally uploaded by themissiah.

The above picture is what I did, yesterday afternoon and what I finished, today. The book is for a class paper, and it is very interesting. It is about the Dobe !Kung (specifically the Ju/'hoansi people). I chose this because a) I had not read it and it had been sitting on the shelf (it was Tripp's from when he was in school) and b) I really didn't want to delve into any of the books from the list my professor provided - maybe at a later date. Anyway, I'm glad I read this. It is a group of people that I have not been that familiar with and have always been curious about.

The iced tea was great as well.;)

Today, we had our new freezer delivered. It is a smaller chest freezer and I'm so glad we got it before the summer. With the Food Saver® and the freezer I'll be putting up food like crazy.

Now, I'm just sitting, waiting for Tripp to come home and cook his delicious Thai curry that he makes. I'm so hungry.

Spring Break!

2009-03-09T11:30:00.001-07:00

Pics 030709 082, originally uploaded by themissiah.

I've been out, today, mailing stuff and running a couple of errands. A little while ago I weeded the catnip/catmint bed, which Two-Tone watched from the back porch with delight. I had to give him a couple of fresh leaves after much begging and sniffing.

Patsy couldn't care less about the catnip. She's just curious about everything anybody does EVER. She watches everything we do with so much intensity that I feel one day we are going to walk in the house and find her wearing a shirt and pants that she sewn herself, with shoes and makeup on, while watching TV with the remote in her paw. She watches Tripp shower, which is hilarious. I don't know what she thinks goes on in there, but she will just sit and watch you do something for a long time and watch EVERY move you make. It gets a little creepy after a while, but that's our Patsy.

I put the clothesline out, yesterday. I'm so happy spring is almost here. The weather is so warm, today. I think I'm going to get off here and go read out on the porch.

The weather is SO nice.

2009-03-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

Pics 030709 062, originally uploaded by themissiah.

We have the windows open, airing out the house, and we are cleaning. Well, right now, Tripp is cleaning and I'm writing this, but I was cleaning. I'm about to get up and do some laundry, some reading, and just enjoy this weather overall.

The above picture was taken at Mojo Burrito, in Chattanooga - on the back patio. I loved the colors and shadows.

I'm off to do said cleaning and see if the cats are going crazy in the windows (they are freaking out at all of the bird noises coming in). Enjoy the beautiful day!

Extra Green Day - Saturday

2009-03-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

Pics 030709 004, originally uploaded by themissiah.

This is from last night at Sekisui. This was our edamame trash bowl, but I thought it would be good shot for a green day pic.

Last night, went out to sushi with some friends and came back home and grew more tired. I also got to get this hilarious shot of Tripp dancing last night.

Today, Tripp and I had our "anything goes" day and we filled it up. First, we went to the Chattanooga Nature Center, which I had never been to. That place is awesome. Only $7 for adults and soooo much to do and see there. My favorite part of the day was seeing a one-eyed Great Horned Owl (sad, but such a beautiful bird) and seeing the rest of the owls - although I was so enthralled I forgot to take pictures of them. Also, the bobcat lounging and rolling around on its back was funny, too.

We then went over to the TN Aquarium to see the ocean exhibit, which neither of us has seen, yet. I've been to the river/freshwater exhibit multiple times, and it's very interesting - but the saltwater side is very good. Also, they have a butterfly garden, which I found absolutely fascinating.

We came back home around 6 or 7, then went back out to eat. Now we are both at home, full of vitamin D from being out in the sun so long and tired, but it is a very good tired from having a great day. I've needed a day like this for so long.

Green Week Day 5

2009-03-06T13:39:00.001-08:00

Green Week Day 5
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 5. This is my favorite teacup with my little iron teapot that Tripp's grandmother got for me Christmas 07. Thought the cup was appropriate considering it is March, and St. Patty's Day is around the corner.

I got up earlier than usual this morning to go meet a project group for school at 9 am. Then I went and had lunch with a friend. I got home, organized some stuff, and decided to have tea while watching So I Married and Axe Murderer. Ahhhhh... to finally have somewhat of a break.

Green Week Day 4

2009-03-05T08:45:00.001-08:00

Green Week Day 4
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 4. This is my favorite type of pen, which will busy busy this next week (spring break) writing notes for papers that I need to write. Yes, not one, but 3 papers that need to be finished by the end of the semester. I can knock out two next week, but then I have a research project to finish and another paper to write.

Ugggghhh.

I don't even want to think about it.

Green Week Day 3

2009-03-04T07:29:00.001-08:00

Green Week Day 3
Originally uploaded by themissiah

Here we are - Green Week - Day 3. I went out this morning and snapped a picture of our willow tree because it is blooming - and that is exciting because it means spring is on its way.

I love our home, but sometimes I REALLY love our home. On days where the sun is out and light reflects off of different surfaces of the back porch and our hilly yard, I just feel extremely at home. That might sound odd for some of you, but you have to understand that I moved around a lot for years. I never felt at home much, with the exception of a couple of places. Here, I do. Over a year ago when we were looking at houses, we were looking for at least a three bedroom. This house was one of the "last ones" we were going to look at. Actually, it WAS the last one we looked at. Although it had only 2 bedrooms (albeit huge bedrooms), I knew that this was the house. I loved it as soon as I walked in. I loved the neighborhood as we drove down the road. I've loved it ever since we've moved in. I'm sure that T loved it and loves it as well, but I don't want to speak for him. I feel relaxed here - well, as much as my neurotic self will allow me to feel relaxed. Anyway, just had to share. Now I must go fold laundry, then head off to class - not-so-relaxing endeavors.

Green Week Day 2

2009-03-03T07:19:00.001-08:00

Green Week Day 2
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 2.

Keeping on the previous theme, these are two pillows I made out of shamrock napkins a couple of years ago. They are going a little flat these days, but I still love them. I'm also loving GREEN WEEK - my favorite color.

I think Tripp and I are going to have a fun day on Saturday. We were going to go out of town, but since we dragged our feet planning something, we are going to explore our own area and have an "anything goes" type day. Since we would normally be spending money on a hotel and eating out in another town, we are going to do anything we want to do - go to museums, nature centers, etc. Should be a great day.

Green Week Day 1

2009-03-02T04:59:00.001-08:00

Green Week Day 1
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is for Green Week - Day 1.

This is a picture of my curtains I created out of napkins - last year after we moved in. I needed some kitchen curtains (the others were atrocious) and had these napkins. I hand-stitched curtain rings to the top and they were finished. There are a couple of top panels with green butterflies on them that go over the top. They go so great together. Also, that's the rosemary that will go in the kitchen garden, soon.

In other news, I had a very emotional day, yesterday. It's nothing that I want to go into on here, but here's hoping this day will begin more smoothly. I rarely have those types of days, but when I do, they are usually doozies. Well, I need to go eat, exercise, then study for a midterm. Later.

Up early on a Saturday morning.

2009-02-28T05:10:00.000-08:00

I've realized this journal has become more talk-y and less creative. I have been creating, lately, just not as much as I'd like to. With school and such, it is very difficult.

I do swaps over at Swap-Bot and have a few swaps that I need to get cracking on. Yesterday, I finished a dotee doll for a tea swap I'm participating in. It turned out very cute. I'll post pictures once I send the package.

We rose early this morning. I find it ironic that on days that I should get up early, I can't and on Saturdays, I rise without a problem at 7 am. What is that? Torture? No. It's not torture. I think it's just the universe laughing at me.

I'm going to finally start my seeds, today. I've been putting it off. I have to get a shower and go get some soil, first. Before that, I need breakfast, so with that - I'm off.

Yellow Day 7

2009-02-22T12:51:00.001-08:00

Yellow Day 7
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This yellow broom for Yellow Week signifies what Tripp and I have been doing for the last couple of hours.

I also got this great shot of Patsy a little while ago. She is always cracking me up.

Yellow Day 6 and some family visit time!

2009-02-21T18:07:00.001-08:00

Pictures 069
Originally uploaded by themissiah

For yellow week Day 6. This is a sewing basket my mom gave me tonight when we went down to Tullahoma. I already have one, but it has been falling apart for years. This one is brand new with a very pretty design and free swag inside (threaders, thread buttons, pincushions, pins, etc.). Thought it would be a good entry.

Also, went to my niece's basketball game, today, and got to see her make four goals. They are so cute playing sports at that age.

Now, I'm going to go drink some water, and then maybe some tea (I have been so thirsty all day), and then relax and make my mind brain mush with some television.

Yellow Day 5

2009-02-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

Yellow Day 5
Originally uploaded by themissiah

This is the birdfeeder outside our back porch. The cats can see this feeder very well. That's why it was placed there. They sit and chatter at the birds all of the time. Patsy has now started chattering. She previously would just sit and watch Two-Tone and not chatter. I think he has taught her something as a big kitty brother.

Yellow Day 4

2009-02-19T05:43:00.001-08:00

Yellow Day 4
Originally uploaded by themissiah

Here is my entry for Day 4 for Yellow Week.

This is the quilt on the guest bed. I love how quilts look when they age.

Brushfire Appeal and Donations

2009-02-19T04:40:00.000-08:00

Just wanted everyone to know that from February 19 to March 1, 100% of profit from any sale in either of my shops (minus shipping) will go to the Australian Red Cross for the Brushfire Appeal. The victims of the brushfires are still in need. You can read a more eloquent commentary on Betsy Greer's Craftivism page. There are also some donation links to some helpful people at the bottom of the post.

Links to my shops:

Sweater Girl Vintage
Cow Kitty Designs

Yellow Day 3

2009-02-18T05:23:00.001-08:00

yellow day 3
Originally uploaded by themissiah

Today, I'll get this in early. This is my yellow for day 3 of Yellow Week.

This is last season's schedule of Crabtree Farm's Farmer for a Day series. I need to clean out my kitchen!

Yellow Day 2

2009-02-17T20:44:00.001-08:00

yellow day 2
Originally uploaded by themissiah

Here is my late entry for yellow week - day 2. I was a late joiner, so I rushed to get my entry in. Bananas and lemons - a rare thing around the house, lately. I've been craving lemon - which I never do. Must be something to do with my being sick recently. Need that vitamin C!