Merry Christmas!

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

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!

Getting ready for holidays...

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 Valentine's Day!

Bye 2009:: Hello 2010!

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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!

Happy Lunar New Year!

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!

Getting ready for Valentine's day...

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!

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



Happy New Year!

After Christmas

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!

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...