tales of a fabric ho - arder

In order to make room for this

and a few other things like a changing table/dresser, which I don't have yet.

I have to get rid of this



What 'this' is - is a lot of fabric. Some large pieces mostly small yet usable scraps. It's about 5 or 6 years worth of collecting and saving from larger projects. I still have so much but as long as it all fits on one set of shelves I'm ok. I mean I have my own permission to keep it.



The bottom line is that is needs to go! It's free and I will happily transport it to your house or storage unit. (Local shipping only... sorry)

More snow pictures

Well the snow continues to fall and fall and fall. Today was supposed to be the 'good' day which, I think, means no snow but ..it's snowing. It's actually a very tranquil type of snow. Not driving or blizzard like just falling gently and light. I figure that appreciating the falling snow and all it's many forms is a much better pastime than cursing it. Yes the transportation issue isn't great but I find it interesting that people seem to be much more helpful. Getting out to help a neighbor just feels good. Although I'm sure there are a lot of people who have helped their last high-centered Honda or shaken a fist or two at the guy who thinks he can blow past you in his giant truck because, well, he's in a giant truck - duh. Anyway, we'll get through it and possibly come out appreciating our neighbors and our community a little more . And maybe, just maybe appreciating the fact that going to the mall for last minute Christmas junk isn't that important.

Here are some new snow images - mostly by dear Richie.

SNOW DAY

The local news people are going to start looking a little tired because they've been reporting on the snow non-stop since about noon yesterday. I guess that's a good way to describe the snow 'non-stop'.

Officially, I think we're having one of those once every 50 years kinds of storms. Yesterday morning we had no snow at all and as I sit here writing this we have about 25-30 inches.
It has basically brought the city to a complete stand-still. Richard has dug the car out at least 3 times and helped a few stranded people who had more ambition to get out of the neighborhood than their car did.

We did go for a short walk to the ridge and to check on my neighbor. Here are some photos from today's outing.



The car is in there




Visiting Stella and Nita


On the ridge




Tall Chester


Our neighbor Liam


I had to make a snow angel


Hopefully, we'll get our tree up or at least off the porch

100 days - give or take a week

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a count down of sorts.

Tomorrow will be 100 days - give or take a week - before the arrival of our baby.

Richard and I will attempt to post a photograph from each day. One from my perspective and one from his.
The photos will be posted here.

Tomorrow is day one.

Holiday ECO link fest and a local update

I am inspired lately by our little local craft movement here in Spokane. It may be larger than 'little' but in my corner, more than one person making something and putting it out into the public is a movement. With that said I'd like you all to take a look at Megan Cooley's new blog DwellWellNW , it's part of the new Down To Earth site from The Spokesman-Review's online team. Also, don't forget to visit her other blog Penny Carnival



At DwellWell, Megan talks about the local sustainability scene here in Spokane as it relates to home decor and crafting. Megan digs up great ideas for crafting with kids or for kids or for the home, the best places to find vintage treasures and talks about how to keep it all local and eco friendly. What more could you want?

In the same spirit I want to remind all of my local readers about the efforts that Fresh Abundance is putting forth in support of all things LOCAL. Join us this Sunday at the Community Roots Market - 11-4 at 2015 N. Division.



I know we've all heard that it's going to be bloody cold this weekend. But don't let those fear mongering weather people scare you into seclusion this Sunday. Just think you could bundle up in that pair of long johns you never get to wear because they make your nether region sweat after wearing them for five minutes. You can finally pull out that brightly colored giant Peruvian sweater that's always just a little too heavy for our Spokane winter and head on down to Fresh Abundance for some locally made holiday goodness. There's bound to be plenty of stocking stuffer worthy items available and I know you have one or two more things to get before you can check everything off your gift list. I'll be there with my crafting buddies, no doubt ignoring each others personal space in lieu of body heat. There will be recycled bike tube items, cycling hats, a few kleja creations, fabric, ornaments, hot coffee and happy people - hope to see you there!

If you just can't make it out to buy local at the very least consider some gift alternatives this year. After a few simple searches I found these links to some great eco-friendly gift ideas for everyone on your list.

I found these first two through Megan and Daily Danny - there are lots more on his site so check it out!
From HSN this is really great find and totally affordable
Here's something from JC Penny, a great thing for Grams, also totally affordable
From New American Dream - a great list of ideas to get you started
Of course ETSY is a wonderful resource for handmade gifts like this one from Thinking Mama
I love this - I have no idea how long it's been around or if you can get one in the US but all of us tea drinkers, I'm sure, would love one.
I really like this little item from Gaiam
And check out these cool eco web awards - and the shop that goes with it.

If you have anything to add please let me know I'd love to share your ideas and endeavors.

Remember to be thoughtful and kind to everyone and everything - it really is all about the joy of giving.
Have a wonderful Holiday!

is it just me?

These are random thoughts...

Is it just me or are maternity pants designed to make you look like you have a full diaper?

I had one of the worst nights of sleep ever last night and today feels like an extension of that mixed with extra exhaustion and anxiety.

This morning I had a You know the economy is bad when... you drive by an espresso stand and the sign out front says "NEW - Drip Coffee"


photo by Laura Bold

the look of fear

The photo on the left was taken 5 days ago. The photo in the right is today -
Can you say growth spurt! Yes, that is the look of fear on my face and yes Richard has a very large head.