shellebellecreates

Applesoft?

Oh I would love to have a photo here but my version of aperture is not compatible with my new OS. After speaking with the nice guy at apple he pretty much said I need to upgrade aperture or wipe my drive to downgrade the OS. This would not bother me had it been user error but this did not make it to the spec sheets for snow leopard. Tomorrow the nice genius bar workers will have the joy of wiping my drive and reinstalling everything!

Why are you doing this to me Apple? You ran whole campaigns mocking Vista lack for compatibility and then play follow the leader. I know technology is changing fast but really support your older software. Not everyone wants to upgrade every bit of software annually!

inspiration

Originally uploaded by shellebellecreates

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." -- Mother Teresa

Today is Mother Teresa's birthday (1910-1997), when I was a girl at the catholic school I wanted to join her mission. I am still very inspired and humbled by her work with the poor. I always admired her true vow of poverty.

first day of school

This morning Mo and I walked J to the bus stop. We were almost there when we watched a bus roll on by. I nearly panicked and starting walking home when the right bus stopped!

Mo and I have the  mornings to ourselves which I love but then off to school we go.

It was cute to see all the little ones lined up at school. 

Mo was not content with the first day of school she needed something bigger...

She yanked out one of her loose teeth! The tooth fairy is visiting her tonight, I can not remember what the going rate is at our house. Sadly the new tooth is coming in the wrong way but that is an adventure for another day!

I am so grateful that they enjoyed school. And that they arrived home safely on the bus. That part had me worried and the bus was 20! minutes late but Jacob sat with his sister which I think is fantastic.

monster feet

I know they are totally ugly but oddly the most comfortable "shoes " I have worn. I am now reading the book that fuels the craze and am thinking I need to run. Not just run but run for miles, Leadville  is not far away. I guess the next logical step is to actually run in the shoes, I have been wearing them around the house and out gardening to adjust my feet to the weirdness. Wish me luck!

Monday's Inspiration

Originally uploaded by shellebellecreates

"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." --Gandhi

I saw this quote over at Craft Hope and it really spoke to me. I think I am about to make my very first sock monkey!

school supply rant

 

Just back from buying the school supplies and I am in shock, I spent $130 and we have more to buy!  Why do we have to buy so much? Why does my kid lose his scissors every year? Can't kids use old crayons? What about an old notebook that has not been filled? I will admit I love the newness of it all and have fond memories of my trips for school supplies, it screams freshness and beginnings, but I know better now. I would prefer to teach my kids it is ok to use things until they are at an end. I would never in a million years use hand sanitizer but I have to buy two bottles of the stuff, same with clorox wipes. I think we need to teach proper hand washing and go back to basics with sanitizing. Just think of all the trash not created when we use a bar of soap that comes wrapped in paper or a one gallon jug of clorox or even vinegar diluted with a reusable rag. Rant over.

unexpected knitting time part 2

J man and I found ourselves in the ER again waiting... His cast was too tight or his arm was too swollen and his fingers were looking like sausages. We had fun watching crappy tv, bits of movies and knitting my sock. I just finished turning the heel and so far it is a fun knit.

I have named it the waiting room sock.

pattern: yarn harlots vanilla sock recipe

yarn: koigu 

I am pretty sure I will have at least one pair complete while this cast is on. This is my first pair with high end sock yarn and wow what a difference. It is so springy and soft I can't see how they feel on and finding out how well they wear.

unexpected knitting time

Last night J man flew off a merry go round and did a number on his arm. It changed our plans from library and ice cream to a visit to the ER. He was amazing through a very long wait and his strength inspires me. Even before pain meds he kept making sure I was ok. We tried to think of the good things that came out of the experience. Here is what I can remember:

-I got several inches of knitting done on my sock

-Chris did not have to make that late trip into the office

-j man got to stay up past bedtime

I pray for a speedy recovery and that this is the last trip to the ER for a very long time.

list: goals: august 2009

lavender fields forever
Originally uploaded by shellebellecreates

-finish sewing produce bags (started in june)
-photograph and list knitting projects on the go
-run 3 times per week!
-draw one fish per day for thirty days, inspired by Summer book of Days
-bake bread
-try new eggplant recipe
-pick out paint for back deck
-smile more
challenge: keep kitchen counter clean, no dirty dishes waiting for morning to be washed!

I think that is a good start for the month but I know I am forgetting something...
-yes hang inspiration wire in office
-get and install clips for art display board
-start kids on projects for fall family gallery night

harvest 8-07-09

harvest 8-07-09
Originally uploaded by shellebellecreates

I am pleased to say my garden has made a good recovery. The yields are definitely lower but I am still able to harvest. I worked hard yesterday pulling out the finished plants to make room for the fall veggies. So far, I have started cauliflower and broccoli seeds inside. I think the end of August is when I can plant the other fall crops from seed outside. I really have to embrace the fall crop if I want to make my 1000 pound challenge!