MadGemDesigns

Happy Birthday, Gem!

2011-07-11T13:40:00.003-04:00

Dabbling in Painting

2011-05-06T15:40:00.004-04:00

I've been away too long! It seems like it has been years since I last logged in and even longer visiting blog friends. I am hoping I would find or make more time to post consistently to my blog and to visit my favorite blogs more often.

I have finally picked up painting again after years. I was never really good but since I enjoy it so much, nonetheless, I picked up my brush and painted one. This would be my first one in the series I am calling it 'Waiting for Letters.'

I titled it 'Waiting for Your Thoughts.'

I hope you have a great weekend!

Welcoming 2011!

2011-01-03T11:32:00.005-05:00

The girls went back to school this morning and I am home nursing a cold. As it is the first day of work + school in 2011, I tried to be brave; getting up with gusto, putting on makeup, and realizing that there was no way I could get off the train and walk the 10+ minutes of power walk to my office. So here I am drinking hot tea after tea, loading on citrus, hoping to ward off anything worse that may come my way. I think it's a good time to sort through my mental notes on resolutions. To help myself, I have selected the photo below.

* To celebrate the year of the rabbit, I am working on rabbit plush patterns. The one above is made from a glove. To make more time for new creative adventures like painting with acrylic and watercolor.

* To organize, to organize and to organize better. Include sorting and purging to make more room to breath. Alas, this one appears on my resolutions list every year.

* To relax more, focusing on and enjoying the moment each day. To enjoy the sun coming through the window and concerning less about the dust floating in it. To enjoy Mad's beautiful photos and worrying less about her SAT preparations. To enjoy Gem's beautiful nail creations and worrying less about her Geometry exams.To worry less about things to come or things that might not come at all!

I am sure there are more items struggling to be noticed but the above to dos should keep me busy all year. It amazes me every year how a new calendar makes me think of it as a new canvas to fill. As if every regrettable things and unhappy events and thoughts are cleared off for something better and fantastic.

Happy new year to everyone and good luck with your resolutions!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T15:41:00.000-05:00

A several months ago, I found an old Dylan Thomas book at a used book shop. Although throughout my life I had an odd aversion to used things, even books, I have found new found love for things and books with a bit of history. Merry Christmas to you all from me and Dylan Thomas!

Gifts

2010-12-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

Christmas is approaching quickly and the last of the gifts are wrapped. As I always do at this time of the year, I think about all the things I wanted to do to make the holidays a bit more special. There seems to be not enough time to accomplish all the things I have meant to do. Again as I always do at this time of the year, I think to myself, "I shall begin holiday preparations much earlier next year." We shall see!

One of the few handmade items I have managed to make: rice hand warmers using Kate's pattern.

I am thankful for my family, friends, all the old friends I have reconnected this year, blog friends, and those who gave kind words to my creations. Love and hugs to you all!

First juried craft fair

2010-12-14T12:53:00.001-05:00

I have spent last month busy preparing for my first juried craft fair. The Bauer Drive Community Center holds Holiday Happening Juried Craft Fair annually in December. Although I have gone shopping there before, the "juried" part scared me from submitting my work for the show. Due to communication mix up, I didn't know I was selected until two weeks before the show. So the good part of last month was spent frantically stocking on items I promised to have on my table.

Although I am not cut out to be an outgoing person, the shoppers were quite nice with compliments. I enjoyed oos and ahs expressed over my work!

Chaan of Angels and Anchors had a stall next me and she was quite bubbly, drawing me out of my shell. I have learned a lot from her. It was fun talking to spouses, usually elderly gentlemen, visiting stalls and giving some advice, coming from decades spent on craft shows, to newbies like me!

Getting ready for holidays...

2010-11-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

Creating a bit with a few minutes here and there, sigh, wishing for more time.

Did I tell you I wanted to be an architect as well?

Happy Dots!

2010-10-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

Tania of Indobay Inc. had a contest to name her new magnets. And yesterday, she selected the name I have suggested as the winner. It's here on her post. I am so thrilled to name a product for a fellow Etsian! These yummy magnets are "happy dots."

[Indobay, Inc.]

Aren't they adorable? Click on the photo to the link on Etsy.

Inspired by autumn rain

2010-09-28T09:51:00.000-04:00

As if to compensate for the summer drought, the autumn sky is steadily sprinkling rain for us. I took in some creative inspirations from my front yard.

I am sure my garden feels as refreshed as I am thanks to the autumn rain...

Tie Dye for Little Toes

2010-09-25T09:54:00.001-04:00

I found an unused tie dye bandana in my stash and thought it would be fun to make a pair of baby shoes.

It seems to go well with a bunny made from Mad's leftover tie-dye shirt. The shirt was too big for her so I ended up with the bottom part for a bunny. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Follow me to a give away!

2010-09-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

Ravenhill is hosting a give away at her blog. Her friend, Apol, of La Pomme, is providing the prize. I love Apol's serene home decor items. Natural fibers and muted colors are simple yet quite lovely. The prize is a choice from two of her pretty items in her fall collection.

Personally, I love her pears. So, let's go and tell her about our favorite fruits for a chance to win one of Apol's fruits!

Weddings...

2010-09-09T07:38:00.001-04:00

I have been to a wedding last weekend with Mad. She's at an age when she and her friends are so into going to weddings to see the dresses, decor, and dances. I must say, I love weddings, the festivities and excitement can't be beat. Today I saw cutest wedding cake toppers on Etsy by Red Light Studio's Cynthia Spencer. Sweet, aren't they?

Although it's quite hot still

2010-09-02T10:07:00.006-04:00

... summer is winding down. I have been away from blogsphere busy with college visits, getting ready for girls' school, and getting ready for my first Korean school teaching post!

The Times Square commemorating the end of WWII for America with Alfred Eisenstaed's black and white photograph of unidentified sailor kissing nurse Edith Shain...

Stayed overnight in Jersey City, New Jersey before heading out to Rhode Island and Massachusetts...

The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island...

Looking out from our hotel in Newport...

A very talented gentleman sketching before a statue at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts...

And in the creative department, inspired by tinyhappy's reversible shoes, I made some baby shoes! There is a popular pattern online by Maked along with others sold on Etsy. I started with Maked's pattern but it seem to be small on the heel area. I tried extending the heel pattern and made the front of the shoe a bit more angular. Babies usually have toes that are similar in height making it straight in the front. Had a great fun making them with fabric from my stash!

Do you think I made enough? :)

Getting ready for school...

2010-08-07T17:57:00.005-04:00

Yes, it's my favorite time of the year. Of course, I am not talking about the heat and the humidity of the season but the shopping for school supplies time! Even though I am no longer in the school system, I get so excited about school supplies along with my daughters. They think I get more excited about it than they do. And it's probably true! It might be second best shopping chore, next to book buying. Ah, the smell of new books and new notebooks...

Gem and I were at Staples to pick up some binders and I saw these black and white composition notebooks. I got myself all three different designs. I like the flower one while my daughters opted for the checkered one.
We also purchased some extra items for the county public school's school supply drive.

Yearning for the ocean...

2010-07-29T12:52:00.003-04:00

Our power went out on Sunday afternoon, due to gusty 70 mph wind that swept across the county. Thinking it would come back as swiftly as it went out, I didn't think much of it. So naive of me, sigh. It came back on Tuesday and we were considered lucky since there are still many without power. Not having air conditioning in this heat, you yearn for the ocean breeze and hope for no summer for a few years to come...

On one of the Metro stops from work, I could see the Discovery Channel building with a shark looking at you.

It made me think of other sea creatures...

Enjoying our garden...

2010-07-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

Brilliant sewing ideas!

2010-07-15T09:50:00.004-04:00

I was visiting Flossie Teacakes and found really cool sewing tips which just made my day. The first one is using A4 card, marked in 1/4" intervals, as a hemming guide instead of using pins all around the hemming area. I am not sure what the dimensions are for an A4 card. I am thinking an index card would do.

[A photo by Flossie Teacakes]

She also has a tip on top stitching when altering a pair of jeans. Like most petite people, I have to shorten my jeans. I didn't know how to get the factory hemmed look. Florence found out and she kindly posted on her blog. Use top stitching needle and top stitching thread on your regular sewing machine. See her revelations here. You will enjoy her humorous, good writing.

[A photo by Flossie Teacakes]

Black cats, anyone?

2010-07-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

Mad bought a black T-shirt that is too long for her. In her innovative endeavor, Mad cut her T-shirt short and modified it to fit her better. I was thrilled to have her remnant. But what to do with it? Black cats!
In the shop...

Goodies from tinyhappy!

2010-07-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

I have been admiring works of Melissa of tinyhappy for years now. I couldn't resist ordering a pair of baby shoes before her move to a new house. I know, my daughters are way too big for them but when the pair came and needless to say we all loved it. She included a card made of her watercolor drawing and some mending threads. Sigh, they are all lovely!

Happy Birthday, Gem!

2010-07-11T22:39:00.004-04:00

We celebrated Gem's birthday today! She didn't want a huge party but a smaller one with the family. She selected her flowers and came up with a menu. A menu of Korean food to be prepared by her mom - me! It took yesterday afternoon through the evening to all day of cooking today. Sigh, achy body... I am only posting her favorite dish, gimbap, here.

Happy Birthday, Gem!

Scoutie Girl's Zoomed Local

2010-07-09T18:29:00.005-04:00

I was so thrilled get an email from Linda of a la mode stuff , who writes for Tara Gentile's blog Scoutie Girl. She featured my small embroidered pillow for her Zoomed Local segment. It was great way for me to see others who create from my area! Thank you Linda...

Postcrossing!

2010-07-08T01:15:00.004-04:00

This may be an old information for many people. Has anyone registered with Postcrossing? If you like receiving snail mail, sans bills and advertisements, you might want to try it out. It is a neat outlet to send and receive postcards from all over the world. I love receiving mail but with the advance of communication technology i.e. Facebook, twitter, and all other social media out there, I get less and less each day. Last two party invitations were evites! My girls receive birthday invitations via Facebook. No more pretty envelopes or cards spilling out of our mailbox.

And then I came upon Postcrossing. I have registered and received an address in Germany.

Here is the card I have already written up and stamped...

It is a postcard I picked up at the Brookside Garden. It is quite pretty all year around. I hope Carmen in Germany likes it!

Hello, it's been awhile...

2010-07-05T10:48:00.003-04:00

With the northeast in the sweltering heat, I am enjoying the day off - inside air conditioned home! Hello there, I have been away due to demands of life! I hope I could keep up more often even if it's just to say hello now and then. With the lack of time to create anything these days, I was so surprised by a note from UniqueFiberArts. She included one of my pincushions in her Etsy Treasury list. This prompted me to get my act together to finish some projects and start new ones I have been planning to do. Thank you Debbie!

While I was out, spring went by...

2010-04-22T18:59:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone! It seems like spring has come and gone while I was engulfed by life's mundane things and doings. While we hung out with Neptune on the Virginia's shore... The cherry tree on our yard shed its blossoms
and as azaleas bloomed dad came by and filled the pots on the porch...

Having fun with zippers...

2010-03-06T18:54:00.004-05:00

I have been busy with my pile of zippers, making a stack of pouches. Here are a few I have finished making...

Attempt at upcycling...and zippers!

2010-02-28T19:40:00.005-05:00

Mad has had a zebra print backpack which she really loves. However, it was poorly made and after several months of use, the lining came apart. So I made an attempt to take it apart and make it into zippered pouches. And then having overcome the "fear of zippers," I am having lots of fun making pouches!

Ode to Spring

2010-02-18T20:51:00.004-05:00

Oh how I miss thee
Those gleeful days of spring
My love for you is lasting
Unlike those adolescent flings

As I lay in warm sunlit grass
I hear the birds chirping pounding my ear drums
Why the lovely days so quick to pass
And soon autumn brings sprouting mums

Rosy cheek dawn brings the night a quicker
The moon soars up early, come hither
As the cool season breeze fades away
How my heart longs to swing into spring today

- by Mad

I couldn't remember my favorite spring poem so my Mad offered her own.
I am ever grateful for her creative mind!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T09:05:00.003-05:00

Black & White 2

2010-02-13T20:05:00.008-05:00

To overcome cabin fever, I have been making a couple of pins and coasters in my favorite color combination: black & white. The coasters reflect my yearning for spring weather. Sigh. The pins reflect quaintness I feel when I see a parked bicycle and my love for a cup of coffee with a friend.
The ceramic tile coasters are supposed to be super white but it looks like off white in the photo, due to my lack of skill in phtography. I suppose I did improve a bit compared to last year but...

My Mad's party is swinging downstairs finally tonight with most of her friends! The music and the chatter and the laughter... loud but nice!

Cabin Fever

2010-02-10T12:03:00.005-05:00

Gusty wind is blowing new snow all over... when do we get to go for a nice walk?

The power goes off and on as I frantically cook to last us a few days just in case the power goes out. Pepco has pulled in workers from repair work due to dangerous conditions... We are hoping for a quiet evening.

We are charging cell phones, laptops, and inflating aerobed to camp out in the basement, which supposed to be the warmest spot in the house in the winter. Hope that's true!

Finally, the sun's out!

2010-02-07T12:11:00.003-05:00

With the sun out, the world [yes, I have such a childlike perspective] is so delightfully bright!

Although the snow causes such a physically demanding labor, I love the whiteness of it all.

A job well done!

It's still coming!

2010-02-06T12:39:00.003-05:00

Still digging and still snowing...
It has passed the window sill!

Snow...more to come!

2010-02-03T15:09:00.004-05:00

The school is closed due to snow. I took a walk outside to capture the pretty wet snow on tree branches.

When the girls were up, we baked a pan of brownies and ate some with dollops of ice cream.

As we are eating, my phone rings with a text message from the county Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch until Saturday PM. Expect 12-20" of snow. Mad moans audibly since her major birthday party is on Friday.

I remind her about her actual birth day.... We had historical inches of snow and the government closed for the day. I remember starting out 5 in the morning when the snow pile reached mid-thigh. When she was a toddler, I used to tell her that the heavens celebrated her birthday with lots of pretty snow and government closed to honor her birth. Oh, the white lies we tell our children!

Hearts, everywhere...

2010-01-31T22:30:00.003-05:00

It started with one, the red berries on crisp white heart, to add to the previously made ones...
And then I got carried away.

"the simple things"

2010-01-27T07:26:00.008-05:00

I am participating in "the simple things" event on Christina's blog, found through Pink Purl. Even though it's the beginning of the year, January can be a month of a burden for some. All those resolutions, mostly forgotten by the first of February, at least for me, we strive to list in the hopes of improving our attitudes, the ever imposing need to look fabulously fit...

and of course thankfully there are "the simple things" in life throughout the year.

a hello from a long forgotten friend
laughter coming from my girls after a sibling dispute
listening to the splatter of rain hitting the roof in the cozy darkness
a sniff of air in the bookstore and a stack of newly acquired books
knowing that you could still buy a manual pencil sharpener
a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolate
a cup of coffee any time of the day
reading late into the night while everyone is sleeping
being startled by a chance glimpse of the sparkly star filled night sky
music from your decade on your daughters' iPod; Oh, yes, we were cool!
a good movie i.e. 500 Days of Summer, Amelie, Becoming Jane...
and many, many more to share in the next round

Thanks, Christina for the opportunity to share simple and yet cherished moments!

A FoundHandmade feature!

2010-01-21T15:51:00.006-05:00

Thank you FoundHandmade.com! It was a pleasant surprise.

Bye 2009:: Hello 2010!

2009-12-31T17:25:00.003-05:00

I wish you a happy new year! I am also hoping for a bit more love, peace, and general contentedness for the world around me. From my family to yours, abundant health and happiness...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T00:25:00.002-05:00

Snow covered East Coast II

2009-12-19T21:39:00.004-05:00

It's been snowing since last night and hasn't stopped yet. Although we have made some attempt to shovel the snow, the wind kept blowing it back to the shoveled area. We gave up the fun and stayed inside watching the snow fall...

There was a small bird looking for shelter in our back yard. It scurried from bottom of one tree to another. There was also a bird dodging under our back neighbor's deck. That made me wonder; where do birds go for shelter when the leaves are all gone?

Inspiration:: Delftware

2009-12-17T11:03:00.004-05:00

I have always loved blue and white color combinations. Especially in housewares.

I have Spode Blue Italian collection and have always loved the Delftware, the blue and white tiles. Unfortunately, I don't own any Delft tiles...

Roy Kirkham Bone China pitcher and small blue and white egg, bought at the Sugarloaf Craft Festival... Thinking about blue and white Delft tiles inspired me to make embroidered felt pins with Dutch motifs. Now at the shop.

An old card catalog

2009-12-14T20:37:00.003-05:00

After fixing the legs [with dad!] and cleaning for hours [with mom!], a rescued old card catalog is reborn as our treasure holder. The pencils, erasers, bookmark collection etc. I remember the college days when I actually used the cards held in one of these catalogs. I didn't see one when I visited my alma mater. Sigh, I wish somethings stay the same forever...

A feature!

2009-12-09T10:44:00.006-05:00

I have been too harried to mention that Corra of the Mayberry Sparrow featured my small red bird ornaments! Considering how excited I was having it included in her beautiful layout with other selected items, I couldn't let it go unmentioned... thank you Corra!

Cotton Time Bunny

2009-12-08T12:14:00.010-05:00

Thanks to my sister-in-law in Korea, I have several issues of Cotton Time magazine. And yet I never got around to making one project out of it until now. Although there are so many tempting projects, without any knowledge of Japanese and good skills, it wasn't easy to even attempt to start one. I thought bunny on the cover of this issue was too cute to pass it by.

The gloves - courtesy of my dad who went to Super Q Mart get some for me -weren't as white as the ones in the Cotton Time. I think it's unbleached cotton.

I had to reposition the bunny several times to get it to sit. Mad, who doesn't know Japanese either, looked at the directions and said that it may need plastic pellets for weight. I think she may be right. I'd have to make some more to test it out.

Crafting mood...

2009-11-30T21:33:00.007-05:00

Spending long nights crafting away...

hoping for clear skies...

do chase away the moon covering clouds...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T16:10:00.006-05:00

Taking a break from cooking to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
After preparing vegetables for today's cooking, I made a brooch late into the night.

Although I cherish autumn days, I must be anticipating a snowy winter.

Have a good one!

Holidng on to the fall

2009-11-22T21:18:00.009-05:00

Walking around the neighborhood, to my delight, I noticed remnants of autumn still lingering.
Took some photos with Mad and was inspired to make a holiday garland for the shop.

Busy autumn days...

2009-10-31T17:38:00.007-04:00

The past couple of months have been busy with the beginning of school year for Mad and Gem. The days were spent at work, with so much to do! The nights were spent at schools for back to school nights and PTA meetings! For the fun part, I was invited to participate at the South Silver Spring Block Party as one of the artist vendors. When I first saw "artist" invite with phrases like "cutting edge," I was tickled pink. Then since I didn't check my email until two weeks before, it was pretty intense trying to create enough things for a table! Here are some samplings...

Umbrella Pines:: Galleria Borghese Park

2009-09-18T23:48:00.014-04:00

Although Rome's known for many beautiful things, I was taken away by its beautiful umbrella pine trees. One of the first things I've notice as the taxi pulled out from the airport into the city and one of the last things I longed to get the last glimpse of as the taxi returned to the airport to bring me back home.

Sesame mill!

2009-08-16T00:31:00.007-04:00

I've been wanting buy a sesame mill I saw at Chocolate & Zucchini. I surfed the web to see if I could order one. The online shops with the sesame mills were mainly for restaurants; you have buy 12-16 at a time. I only needed one. I was at Super Q Mart in Maryland and found it there. Indeed, simple things and finds make me quite happy.

I am back... with homemade ice cream!

2009-07-14T18:09:00.013-04:00

It has been really busy [work + home + travel] in the last couple of months. I am hoping I'd have more time to create fun things, to paint some [picked up some acrylic paint awhile ago], and to organize!

To celebrate summer, we made some homemade ice cream today. I have gifted my young chef, Gem, with Cuisinart Automatic Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker in red for her birthday. She opted for strawberry ice cream and it turned out so delicious! Even though we used slightly less sugar than the manufacturer's mini recipe book recommendation, we could have used lot less. Still yummy!

Goody bags for the last day of school...

2009-05-14T08:14:00.002-04:00

I didn't want to use regular plastic goody bags...

A walk around the house...

2009-05-12T00:01:00.005-04:00

Azalea by the dining room window...

An oak tree on the front lawn...

An Asian pear tree in the back yard...

Next to a persimmon tree... harvested 7 two
autumns ago and 5 last autumn.

Spring onion flowers... reminds me of Korean

vegetable gardens.

A pine tree from a sapling Gem received from school

when she was in 3rd grade...

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T19:21:00.004-04:00

Finding happiness in small things...

2009-05-05T08:55:00.005-04:00

A recycled glass bowl filled with salt water taffy...

Small Gift Packages

2009-04-30T23:07:00.006-04:00

Before April is over, I thought I'd post a couple of gift packages I made for my nephew and niece last month. It seems like it's been so long... when did the months of March and April go by?

A chick and a pencil cup decorated with pretty cupcake cotton fabric...

A hedge hog and a pencil cup with denim cover plus button magnets...

Had a wonderful time selecting the fabrics and making them. If I just had some more time...

However, I cleaned out my closets [well, just the ones in my room] after moving the furniture around in my room for a more streamlined looked. I feel very accomplished considering how I run out of time for everything...

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-18T01:36:00.004-04:00

It's been too long since I updated my blog last. I have been quite busy with many tasks at work and home. In many ways, it's a good thing. It's been awhile since I have felt rejuvenated and motivated at work. I actually love what I do at work! My, did I say that?

Of course, this is all good but there are many projects and to dos I want to accomplish along the way as well. I have been meaning to take some time to organize my thoughts and my home to create environment to put some order in my hectic, energized life. So what do I do?

I watched a movie, Twilight, with Mad, keeping up with the sort of "FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE" bonding time. It all began with Casablanca, which apparently was mentioned in one of Gilmore Girls episodes. Mad had to watch it with me and loved it. I enjoy watching movies with her because she loves to make witty and silly comments about the scenes, sets, costume etc. Ever since the movie came out, we had discussions, even though I haven't seen the movie yet. Rob Patterson? What were they thinking? Edward Cullen supposed to be devastatingly beautiful in a very elegant way. What happened here etc. Hm. I must admit I have to take back some negative things I have thought. He does have very nice voice. Many times, a person's voice could either repel or attract despite everything else.

Now, here I am before my laptop, close to 2:00 in the morning, thinking: how to organize, sort, weed, and organize again my thoughts, work, creative projects, and home. Spring is here, finally, and it is a fine time to do all those things. And of course, get the dust bunnies out as well. I am going to give myself about two months to put some order all around me. Sigh. Now to bed. Good night...

Lost flowers

2009-03-23T21:43:00.006-04:00

I took these photos before a deer came by and wanted to play with them...with her hooves...

Lonely one...

2009-03-14T09:59:00.004-04:00

Mad took a picture of this lost mitten on the Metro...
We saw the guy leaving it behind but it was too late to alert him.
We looked at it all the way home. Looks lonely, doesn't it?

Pompeii in D.C.

2009-03-10T20:21:00.009-04:00

One Saturday in February, Mad [an art buff] and I ventured out to the National Gallery of Art to see the exhibit, Pompeii and the Roman Villa. We saw scuptures, paintings, mosaics and luxury pieces for Pompeiian homes. We were amazed by the intricate details and elegant use of colors on the walls. Even though the exhibit opened last October, it was packed with people and we were sweating, although it was freezing outside! We still mangaged to read the captions and historical backgrounds and saw a 10 minute narrated film from the beginning to the end.
Of course, we then hit the gift shop. We thought about Gem. She loves gift stores but the exhibit wasn't tempting enough for her. She opted to hang out with her grandma. We purchased: a dolphin ring for Gem, a serpent ring for Mad, a bracelet for grandma, a makeup bag and a miniature Roman soldier in pewter for their cousins.

After seeing the exhibit, we had nice lunch at the ground floor cafeteria while watching the water fall. Mad offered to use her Starbucks gift card [one of her birthday gifts from her friends] for dessert. We braved the cold and walked over to Chinatown, looking for a Starbucks [not so difficult since there's one on every corner]. We found one across the Metro station there and Mad got her chocolate concoction with rice crispies bar while I opted for hot coffee with almond biscotti. While sitting there, we were fascinated by passing mob of green lanyard wearing young people swarming the streets. It turned out that there was Power Shift 09 rally that day. Young people from across the country and around the world gathered to bring attention to climate change and dirty energy. Mad and I had eyeful of different fashion; everyone seemed to have a cool hat on!

Afterwards, we went over to Urban Outfitters so Mad could check out some cool looking clothes. She ended up getting two dresses with her birthday money. They were really trendy and super chic looking dresses. I also knew that she wanted a lot more but I was trying my best to let her handle and learn the value of money. It wasn't easy for... ME! I felt like grabbing those skirts she was putting back to the racks and just get them for her! I took a deep breath and treaded away to different displays. She handled it much better than I did. After putting some items back, Mad purchased two dresses and a couple of key rings. She gave one [donut shaped one]to her sister. [Good job, Mad!].

Black & White

2009-03-05T23:03:00.005-05:00

My favorite color combination...

Snow covered East coast

2009-03-02T20:50:00.009-05:00

Winter didn't want to leave...
Wanted to spread its character a bit...
So overnight, it snowed and snowed...

Covering my azaleas...

Recovering the car tracks...

Blanketing the hedge row below the windows...

Covering the front porch...

Covering the back yard...

While we were dreaming of the coming spring...

Looking out for sun...

2009-02-27T22:13:00.007-05:00

It went up to 60 degrees today; although not exactly balmy due to overcast, it was still very pleasant. However, the forecast for tomorrow is 38 degrees! Bummer bummer... While taking a break from work [luckily at home], my house plant [fortunately taken care by mom who has green thumbs] and I peeked out the window. I have no idea what it's called, even though I saw the same plant with an identifying tag at the U.S. Botanic Garden near the Capitol. Theirs were nestled in two huge pots near the entrance one summer. I made a note of the name and promptly forgot it. In any case, I thought it was quite endearing how the short stalks all leaned towards the sun, just as I was, looking out for the spring to arrive.

A humdrum day...

2009-02-21T23:00:00.006-05:00

As days seem to blend in together, as we wake up and do the same old things, we wonder and lament about repetitions in life. However, at times we take a moment to shake it off and think, "Hey, wait, there was something..." Usually at the end of the day, when we sigh and think ah, there goes half of our humdrum weekend... But when we take a moment to reflect this is what we forgot about the day:

Bright neon index cards:: made Gem's Health Class flashcards quite awesome!
A set of colorful Uni-Ball pen set:: got Gem to write flourishing words in Korean+English!
Left eye glasses in the car after forgetting to exchange them with sunglasses:: checking out blurred faces during Mass was quite interesting. Couldn't see frowning or dozing faces and had fun trying to figure out "who's that?"
Picked up Mad from her best friend's house after their work on a project:: Mad did a hilarious impersonation of Favee cradling a lacrosse stick when we got home. She loves her best friend; we could tell.
Chocolate cupcake made by Gem:: with a cold glass of milk made my tummy happy!
A bowl of goldfish crackers:: had a whole bowl all to myself after girls went to bed and not thought about calories or expanding waistline.

Well, what do you know? I couldn't possibly call today a humdrum kind of a day, after all, could I?

Thinking of spring

2009-02-14T19:18:00.011-05:00

Due to the fair [considering it's still February] weather, the daffodils are trying for air. Our daffodils are among the latebloomers in the neighborhood. I didn't notice them until I searched for their tips, less than 1/4 of an inch above the ground. I searched for them only after I overheard a lady before me at the supermarket line talking to the cashier about how much her daffodils came up.

I want spring to be here soon... really soon.

In that vein, I made two pincushions for my shop. One with an iris to bringforth the spring and another of a basket, inspired by a similar one in a Japanese zakka magazine. Perhaps the thought of a basketful of irises prompted it...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Although I've always loved these conversation hearts, I haven't bought one in years. My girls never liked the taste [I don't either] but I was totally happy to find a box of it in my mailbox at work. What a pleasant surprise from a co-worker; she gave one out to everyone!

Pincushions

2009-02-12T18:21:00.006-05:00

The gusty wind is rather threatening outside... We are comforting ourselves with chocolate [never fails] cake. Mad's birthday cake leftover... ^.^
I also made some pincushions over the weekend. An inspiration [well, of sort] came to me while driving at night, thus titled it "night street." However, the street light looks like showerhead. And the median strip looks too large compared to the street light. Okay, I could say this is a prototype. ;)

I also made a medium sized one to resemble a traditional Korean thatched roof cottage. People used to grow large, round gourds on the roof top. In the olden days, these would be halved, emptied, dried and used as bowls. I always liked the look; just as I always loved the climbing roses on the door way of an English cottage.

Valentine's day treat for my class...

2009-02-08T21:33:00.018-05:00

Since today is the Sunday before Valentine's day. I decided to put together small goodie bags for my First Communion class [skipping sugar high party]. I have the largest class this year with 34 students!
I made some reusable fortune cookies with stiff felt. I was hoping for red, pink, and white but the craft store ran out of red and pink! Added a fortune with special note from me...

Added some candy and notebooks...

Packaged in favor bags and tied them with two different cotton yarn to distinguish boys' notebooks from girls'...

Kids loved them!

Is this an addictive behaviour?

2009-02-03T22:23:00.012-05:00

I can't seem to stop myself from making matchbook notebooks. I love the combination of rescuing the unused portions of computer printouts before recycling the rest and making some cute usable notebooks out of them. Since the supply never seems to run out, I can't seem to stop!

[These are not all!]

There are many tutorials available on the web like here and here. I made my notes square because it was just easier to measure and cut with my paper cutter. For the cover, I used cardstock quality paper gleaned from old calendars, greeting cards, and even snack boxes. I add them to gifts or favor bags [especially girls, young and old, love them!].

Super Bowl!

2009-02-02T09:14:00.011-05:00

I actually watched Super Bowl last night. Okay, okay, I initially watched for the ads [huge disappointment] and then for the half time show [so so]. However, the fourth quarter got so exciting to watch! Even though my girls were so skeptical about my wanting to watch Super Bowl...

A few days before Super Bowl:
Me: Hey, Gem, are we watching Super Bowl this year too?
Gem: Super Bowl? I guess. What do you mean this year too?
Me: Gosh, don't you remember last year we were up till 1:00AM or so to finish watching the game?
Gem: Um, umma [mommy in Korean], that was baseball. World Series, remember?
Me: Oh, it was?

Tune to conversation with Mad at the Giant [local food market] on the day of the Super Bowl:
Mad: I don't understand your sudden interest in Super Bowl umma.
Me: Well, I think we watched it last year. [My family was never football watcher.]
Mad: Are you sure? Oh, maybe you like the ads. I liked the ads I get to see afterwards on YouTube.
Me: Yes, that's it. I LOVE THE ADS!
Mad: Why are you getting so many [two] bags of Tostitos and bottles [two] of salsa?
Me: I think you are supposed to eat these when you watch football.
Mad: [Rolling her pretty eyes] Well then. I think we need Mountain Dew to go with them. [A big grin - knowing she could get away with it!].
Me: Oh, okay, sure.
Mad: BTW, do you know the rules? [She doesn't know them].
Me: Yeah, of course... You just have to run the opposite way to take over the other team's territory. Um, isn't that right?
Mad: ?!?!?!?! [I think she was chortling...].

In any event, it was truly exciting last 10 minutes of the game even for a novice like me!

Covered with ice...

2009-01-29T09:16:00.011-05:00

With two days of no school due to snow and then ice in our region, we were ready for normal day. However, it was two hour delay school day for the girls and slippery ride to the Metro station for me! Argh, I was holding on to the steering wheel like a mad woman. If I had a magic wand, I would have been wielding it to move the parked cars on to the yards. I was in fear of slipping into them. The main roads were pretty much cleared up but I had to maneuver through a few small roads littered with parked cars and icy surface... Now that I am in the office, I should be thankful for not losing the electricity, having to work from home for two days, seeing pretty snow scenes...
To alleviate her immense boredom, Mad took her camera outdoors and took some pictures for me, capturing the prettier views of snow and ice storm...

Happy Lunar New Year!

2009-01-26T14:02:00.011-05:00

I almost forgot about Lunar New Year until last night. I was watching Korean news via internet as the news stations showed congested traffic all over the country as people visit families and relatives in the snow. And it brought back memories of visiting grandmas when I was a little girl. Luckily for us, it wasn't a long journey and both grandmas lived pretty close by. However, it meant a train ride for us. I can't remember why but the Seoul station would only open the gates to the platform after the train arrives. Perhaps, it was for safety reasons... In any event, the gathered crowd would merge to the gates in a mob fashion. As I remember it, nobody got hurt but I think it was stressful for everyone; no one wanted to miss the train! Men, who are traveling alone, would help other families by lifting the toddlers over head, myself often included, and break the wave of people. In some ways, it must have been nerve wrecking seeing your child lifted by a stranger and carried along. I remember looking down at my mom and making sure not letting her out of my sight as they did the same. Times were different... considering how overtly cautious my mom was and still is. Other moms back then wouldn't have given a second thought, fully knowing that it was safe.

The day means feast on dduk-gook [rice cake soup] and bulgogi!

Happy New Year!

Goodies from across the Pacific pond...

2009-01-23T14:06:00.011-05:00

I received a batch of goodies yesterday. Unfortunately, since I was working from home, I had to wait until evening to go through them! Needless to say, it was a very long day of work...

I love these craft magazines from Japan, cooking and home design magazines from Korea. I discovered the Cotton Time and Cotton Friend from sewing and crafting blogs I was checking out, in my renewed sewing fever. My brother and his wife, who live in Korea, are indulging me with these magazines, which are not easy to find in the States. Can't wait till I try to make some of the projects. Of course, I don't read Japanese... So, this would take some time to decipher the steps, but it would be lots of fun!

Um, of course, the cooking trials has to wait. I am not much of a cook. ^.^

However, the photos look very delicious and mouth watering though...

Celebrations!

2009-01-20T21:46:00.016-05:00

Unlike thousands of people, we celebrated Presidential Inauguration in comfort and warmth at home. My daughter and her friends gathered at a friend's house and celebrated with chili. She took some Korean Chocopie and Meiji chocolates, which apparently were quite popular.

Speaking of celebrations, I wanted to show a birthday cake I received on, yes, my birthday a few months back. It contains no calories, no fat and I still have it! ^.^

It was sent by my brother and sister-in-law who lives in Korea. After taking a peak inside to see how it's made, I repackaged it to keep its shape. The cake is made up of two towels, one almond colored and the other chocolate, rolled like a roll cake. Matte plastic strawberries top the towel cake... At first I thought they were just decorations but they are magnets. So dorable and practical too!

Washington D.C. is getting ready for Inauguration...

2009-01-16T21:17:00.008-05:00

Excitement is in the air, along with chilly weather forecast, as our Metropolitan area is getting ready to welcome our new President. Getting ready the Capitol steps began early in the fall. My friend and I walked around it during our lunch time walks; marveling at the workers builiding the podium even before the election. Today, however, as I noticed the porta potties lined up at my Metro station, all the way out in Maryland, I wondered 'How is the move managed?' You know, I am very practical-minded person.

Remembering all the hours spent packing and unpacking for our move to the current home thirteen years ago and swearing never to move again, I wondered how they do it. I mean the Bushes are there until the last day, participating in the Inauguration ceremony, aren't they? After a brief search, I found an article from America.gov titled "January 20 Is Moving Day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue" It says that "from the time President Bush, President-elect Obama and their families leave for Capitol Hill until the time the Obamas come in from the inaugural parade reviewing stand," in those six hours, they pack and ship Bushes' things and unload and unpack Obamas' things! If only moves for us commoners are done like that...sigh. ^.^

For those of you who are coming over for the festivities, welcome!

Getting ready for Valentine's day...

2009-01-10T12:05:00.014-05:00

Having cleared away the Christmas decorations just last Sunday, I wrote a few new year's resolutions. Among items which I see as chores and burdens, I added one item that would be fun! I would love to give out more presents and try to make them. I hope to create, unique, pretty, and functional things...
The stores are already setting out their Valentine's wares. I see the usual chocolate boxes, stuffed animals, faux flowers [personally never liked them], and heart plates. I have spent a few nights making some pincushions with Valentine's day twist... to give out as gifts and to add to my etsy shop.

I was up until 2am last night, reading the New Moon. I am not usually young adult novel or vampire novel fan but I ended up reading the first book of the saga, after my daughter saw the movie. She complained that the lead actor didn't fit with Edward she had envisioned in the Twilight. She thought Hayden Christenson would have been better Edward. So out of curiosity, I read the first book and I must agree with her. The second one is rather tediously slow in the beginning but eventually becomes interesting. I can't say that the quality of writing is awesome but it's very imaginative...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:12:00.005-05:00

Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!
We celebrate with bubblies... ^.^

Happy New Year!

After Christmas

2008-12-27T21:38:00.015-05:00

After spending two mornings looking for bargains, I was ready to settle down to some hot tea. Frankly, even as I venture out like others thinking that there will be real good bargains, I don’t usually find much. I fared better this year than others… I bought a suit, if you know me, you’d say, another black or gray? Black. I bought a sturdy looking bag from Talbots that looked functional; it could probably hold a couple of hardbacks, lunch and more. Yes, black again. In the practical things for home category, I bought two ice tongs in the shape of autumn leaves from

Pottery Barn. Cool. Much better than the run of the mill ice tongs I have. I know, it doesn't take much to make me happy. From Crate and Barrel, I bought some ornaments Gem wanted. As the department stores clear away Christmas decorations discreetly, I am ready to wrap this year and get ready for the new one. Working on my New Year’s resolutions list…

As my photography skills are still wanting, Mad, taking advantage of a sunny day, took some pictures of pincushions I have made. Here are some of my bottle cap pincushions.

Clothesline, music note, trees, cupcake and raindrops...

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.023-05:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!
I wish everyone joyful and safe holiday.
Here are all of our Christmas trees I have mentioned...

Mad and Gem's trees:

Wishing you a peaceful holiday...

Blustery Monday

2008-12-22T21:06:00.013-05:00

Today must have been the coldest day so far this winter! It was also very windy, adding extra chill in the air. People literally stood still to steady themselves from the gusty wind this afternoon. With the Christmas just three days away, the Metro trains were filled with people and their loads of shopping bags. There was hardly enough room to relax your shoulders as you pull yourself in to make more room for others.

Before I get myself lost in the festivities, I thought I post some photos of our Christmas decorations. I managed to get photos of garlands but for some reason, the photos of the trees [we have three; one for me and one each for the girls] didn’t download but the close ups did. Hm. Perhaps tomorrow. As you can see, past decade or so has been my “opulent extravagance” [for lack of a better phrase] period when it came to my Christmas tree. Deep burgundies with elaborate ornaments. However, my taste has evolved to simpler lines and designs. I was seriously contemplating not putting up my tree this year at all until my Mad and Gem practically jumped on me in protest. Perhaps one more year of “opulent extravagance,” until I sort out my changing taste… So here we go and if things go accordingly tomorrow night, the photos of actual trees will surface.

Dipping my toe into blogging...very carefully.

2008-12-20T09:28:00.004-05:00

Hello.

I've wanted to start a blog of my own for sometime now...
I have startled everyone this summer by picking up sewing again after not doing it for fifteen years or so. It began with making mini pincushions out of bottle caps. Initially I copied some of the designs I saw on the web, mostly on the blogs. And then I had so much fun creating designs of my own. I surprised myself with incredible display of patience that I didn’t have before. Is this age thing, I wondered.

I have been reading many, many blogs and was surprised by so many talented and creative people out there who write beautifully and candidly. It was a whole different world of creative buzz and I thought, “I want to be there!” I’ve come a long way from carrying sketches of my future couture dresses to carrying a portfolio filled with drawings to be submitted to an architecture school. In the end, my love for English literature won out and I became an English literature major. Not wanting to join a line of unemployed but Yeats quoting intellectuals, I went to graduate school and became a librarian. I have been and am still a government librarian. But now, I sew at night delighted with fabrics becoming pretty skirts, pincushions, cover for hair pins and brooches. Overwhelmed with the number of them, I gave them out as presents and opened an Etsy shop.

As I learn to hone my non-existing photography skill to a more tolerable level, I hope to share some of my works on the blog. Welcome!