My craft room

As it was a rainy day Monday and today, I cleaned and organized my craft room. Moved around fabric, got the little things in groups such as premade handbag handles, ribbons for making cards, went thru my patterns from quilting and pulled out all the applique ones to destash and sell over at Etsy. Over the last 6 - 8 years I get these beautiful applique patterns and then they sit and sit and sit.

I really do not like applique quilts. Sad but totally true. I counted the patterns and had over 20. I tried two of them. The rest the seal isn't even broke. Hopefully I'll be able to recoup some of the money I paid for them. Most have been retired by the designer or company. They ranged in prices from$6.50 to $12.00. Not cheap. Looks like over $200.00 just in patterns. ACK thats LOL an illness.

As I'm not in mood for sewing bags or aprons...I think I'll work on some Holiday Items. I have lots of Halloween and Christmas fabrics I think I'll make up pillow cases. They are always a big hit!

My feet and legs have been cramping today...not sure if the weather change or if I need to go eat a bunch of bananas. My electro's might be off. Soooo Off to eat a banana. Maybe I'll heat one up and then dip in chocolate

Baking Muffins

Testing out some yummy muffins tonite. From a few recipes that look totally awesome. Until they are baked and tasted can't give away the kind I'm baking up! Then have a few cookie recipe, cupcakes and yes Tortes I want to try out also.

I'm going to test these on my family LOL. I'm evil I know. Tomorrow is Bake day soooo if my testing works I have new desserts for CoveredinChocolate.

Last nite went for a longer bike ride. My dear sweetie went along with me but HE added another several long blocks onto my ride. So I'm a tad tired tonite. Haven't really been sleeping very good last few nites...not sure why...but every since my OHS I go in cycles of not sleeping. Which means at least once a month or so NO sleep at all for a night. Not good for a person who is Not a late nite owl.

The Sun is Out!

Okay all week its been cloudy, had rain twice; today: SUN! Was one of those days you say 'oh wow its so beautiful'.

Been busy making kids aprons, cooking up new recipes, and making cards. CoveredinChocolate had a busy week! 4 orders all in the same week! Can't believe it...the listings sat with folks looking but not purchasing and then all of a sudden its been a whirlwind! Thank you - Thank You -Thank you for making me so happy by purchaing fantastic gourmet desserts!

Please remember if your in the Portland area to visit the shop BELLE SIROTA in the Janzen Beach Center where my modern handmade cards are being sold! They range in price from $5 to $2.75. Great deal for ultra cool cards.

Tomorrow if remains Sunny will be taking pictures of my newly made items. They just show up better in natural light.

Today my neice was married. She lives in Kansas City Missouri. I was not able to attend the wedding, but most of my family went over from St. Louis and New Jersey for the happy day! Can't wait til my Mom sends me some pictures.

Thats one of the problems living in a state so far away from everyone. I miss a few things like weddings, and showers for babies and funerals for old neighbors. Maybe the money fairies will bring me my million dollars soon from the money trees that I know grows somewhere!

Wednesday - Rain, Doctor Appointment

Today it started with clouds and more clouds. As the day is ending its raining. Smells so good when it rains! But I'm getting ahead of myself ---

It was my final visit with the OB for my surgery. 6 weeks post-op!

Yay I got the release I can do anything I want now, everything looked good inside and out. I healed very nicely the doctor thought! My surgery scar looks very nice I do admit! Nothing like bikini cuts for those who have surgery in the tummy region.

Although Fathom pain is something I'm experiencing. My nerves at the surgery site seem to think that a problem is there so they sent my brain a message 'warning warning pain on the right side warning pain pain pain'. So was told to place Ice until area is chilled pretty good, then massage that spot. It will relax the nerves and help to decrease the fake pain messages. Otherwise he said that scar tissue could develop there and the fake pain messages become a lasting effect AND we don't want that. Since its also where the tumor was its just also very sensitive area.

For anyone in the Anchorage area needing a great OB-Gyn I highly recommend:
Dr. O. Bell is a super wonderful OB-Gyn doctor. And his staff are really friendly! I had mentioned to him before my surgery "What if I decide not to do this surgery?" Facing slicing and dicing was making me a tad nervous...His reply was "I would have to worry about you and I don't like worrying about folks that need to have surgery". His kindness and gentle words of course helped me get the surgery, remove the tumor (which was Not ovarian cancer another YAYAYAYAY), and is making me healthy once again.

To celebrate I got the cutest fabric at the quilt shop...either a new handbag or two aprons! Will decide tomorrow.

Cooking

Okay I'm totally into making Aprons! I just made the sexiest little number. And the COLORS omg it shouts "BUY ME".





Now I'm not a trained model and I'm just a ole lady but here is the newest member of Aprons on Parade!

Gotta love it! I have several others over at my Etsy shop. Just click on AlaskaSews2 button (ya just to the right of this post and take a look!)

I just love bright colors and esp if its a blue/green combo! I am a die hard cooking show fan and this is inspired of course by Paula Dean - she big, bold, and beautiful just as this apron is!

Bike riding is going good! I do feel like its helping! Seems to have cut a pound or two off of my hips already! AYAYAYAYAYayyyyyyy

Tonite I made a pizza for dinner. Had everything on it...and it was yummy. Used the grape tomatoes and cut in half, put on the pizza with all my other stuff and they really added a whole new flavor to the pizza! LOL now tonite bike ride will be working off that those 3 slices I ate!

Friday and the lights are shining!

I decided I needed to get more exercise than walking. Been riding my bike all week again. I go thru the high school into a quiet neighborhood and ride down the streets. Some homes have flower gardens that make me weep they are so pretty!

Last night the mister tagged along to see where I go and how far I'm going. He is a die hard rider. He rides 14 to 20 miles every day. He is one of the first Winter bike riders here in Anchorage. LOL he started riding in the snow over 25 years ago and he was one of maybe three others. Now winter riders are seen all the time. Just like cars the bikers get snow tires with spikes on them to get traction in ice and snow.

I don't believe I will ever become a die hard...I like looking at things as a ride and stopping to smell flowers and watch dogs yawn.

But thanks to my sweetie's mile thingie its says my route is 4.25 miles and my average speed I ride at is 6.5 miles an hour. With top speed at this point in time 10.50 miles per hour. I feel thats pretty good for an old folk like me! Esp since I had major surgery just 5 1/2 weeks ago.

Alaska wild flowers and Messenger Bags

As I had mentioned I would post a few more pictures from my little adventure! I love taking pictures of nature. Flowers are one of my favorite to photograph. So a trip thru my eyes!

Alaska at it's best! Pic's from a rare sunny day!

I'm so bad! I haven't blogged for over 2 months. But that is what happens when you are facing surgery, have the major surgery and recover from surgery.

This has been one of those Alaskan summers. More like Seattle LOL. Cloudy, chilly. Boring. Old timers say this is what they remember Alaska summer being like, I've live here since 91 and up til 2005 the summers where Sunny, beautiful and fun! Now it is rare that a beautiful sunny day is around.

Also I have been busy sewing. I have been making more "Messenger Bags". Also I've done something I said I would not. I'm adding zippers to my bags. ACK I dislike zippers. They usually are the first thing to break or stop working. But customers want zippers so items don't fall out of their bags. And they want to be able to keep "pick pocketers" out of their bags. So to make folks happy I've added zippers. Check out my http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com shop to see my new items! Even have some Halloween bags there! One of my favorite holidays.

Last week my dear sweetiepie took me for an adventure! We took his old RV and drove down to Gridwood and around Turnagain Arm to see the Glaciers at Portage.

And the day was SUNNY omg it was beautiful. It takes your breath away when you see Alaska in all its glory!

Its an 40 mile drive along the most awesome inlet! The tide was going out as we drove - looks like a vass wasteland that you can walk across; we would stop every few miles to take pictures.

I made up a wonderful picnic lunch: Real Crab salad sandwiches, cold fresh watermelon, and my homemade Triple Orange Truffles. We stopped about 1/2 thru our drive to have our lunch looking over the water which had the most awesome reflexions of the mountains!

The pictures are of that wonderful fun day!

More to follow in the coming days!

Handcrafted

This past week I've been sewing like crazy. Two special orders done, one almost done!

Plus just my regular sewing. You gotta love my new 'recycled bag' Its sooooo cute! And omg its big...could carry a baby in there . I double dare you to go look and not go "awwww that's cute I want it."

http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com

remember its a dare to go look!

I've been asked to write a small article about being a person who does bakes and what that is like...the permits, the insurance etc etc. here in Alaska.

On the card front my package arrive in Portland, Or. The shop is open. Things should be selling. So mid May I should have a check! Keep your fingers cross. The owner said they loved the cards I sent so hopefully her customers will also.

Alaska's Spring has sprung! My grass is brown, this is the first step in Alaska springs. I know it looks and sounds funny but that is how it is. The snow melts, the yard is puddles of water for days on end and boom its totally dried. Everything looks brown. No green. Then slowly in the next two weeks you will see little baby buds on the trees. Grass is looking a tiny bit green. Then Bam Everything is green and lush! Then you know summer is here LOL. Yep two weeks of spring and summer. Summer goes til mid August. Then fall for a month and then winter. Ah the seasons of Alaska.

I miss my midwest springs and falls. Nothing prettier than St. Louis in March or October!

I have no family in Alaska, so I've adopted a few folks I have meet or worked with as my family members.

Today I had the pleasure of being "grandma" to a friends two year son. I had him from 9am to 5pm.

IHOP shall remember the little monkey for a long time, I think his missed the paper with his crayons cause he like the table better, and Don't get the pancakes they have on the kids menu OMG gross. But he called it a birthday cake and then preceeded to eat the whipped cream off my blueberry pancakes.

Then we went to Lowes to look for flowers for my yard...had none yet too early in Alaska. Walked around there for an hour ...best part He loves the ceiling fans we spent 20 minutes there!just looking at the fans!

Then home for nap and quiet time. Then after 2 hours of napping up to High School to get some fresh air and sunshine...guess who did something awful in pants just before we got in to car to go up to school? Yep back into house, quick change of diapers.

At the school we did the track since that was the only Non snow or mud area for a two year old LOL. But you could tell spring is here, the Canada Geese where in the next field (soccer field) honking and playing in the mud puddles. Little kid got all excited about them and ran off across the field trying to get to them...course I had to run after him to haul him back to the runners track. Mud is not something I like playing in anymore. When I notice his nose running and no kleenex in my pockets we made a mad dash back to car...After a screaming fit about having to have nose wiped, I decided we shall move on the the park play ground.

Thank god other parents where there and surprising 5 little ones all two. He had a blast playing with the others and I got to have heart attacks as he climbed and jumped off things. At 4:30 I decided it was time to head home and esp after he decided that that foot deep puddle he could not resist any longer. Yep right to the middle of it he ran. Water up to the little guys knees. I'm sure his mother is saying bad things about me right now as those watery shoes are drying out.

All in all it was fun. I decided every week I'm borrowing this little one so I can be a Grandma for the day!

The Alaska Women's Show was this weekend. I must admit it was one of the best that I've attended in the last 8 years.

There were more vendors selling items esp for women and more 'handcrafted' but as always; lots of stuff imported which some is fine and some is just junk.

But even the usual 'womens non-profits' booth where much more interesting this year, had better health information flyers and seemed very much geared to women who are looking for better health information, buying information, business information, just in general I found more appealing in quality of show.

Watched a fashion show. The woman made clothing from size 0 to 5x and most of the outfits that walked the fashion lane where for women size 10 and up. In fact I would say most outfits where size 14/16 with several in the 3x-5x size. And they were stunning! It was cool to see clothing with a lot of style for the big woman. Not everyone is small, medium or large. I grew up with several members of my mothers family in the XXXlarge and beyond group. They wore the classic mu-moo dresses. They looked like tents. As I said very refreshing to see a woman in the big sizes with outfits that made them look sexy and beautiful.

I thought maybe next year getting a booth for the 3 day affair and seeing just how my items would go.

I've been busy working on several Special Orders for Alaska Sews 2. All handbags but each is different that what I normally sew so its been learning experience and fun. Plus brought in a nice development of future sales.

Tomorrow off to watch a friend's child while they move from one apartment to a new one. This will be a learning experience for sure! Will post how I do. Plans are simple breakfast at IHOP, park to play, then library to get book to read and maybe a video to watch. Then lunch thinking McD's (ya I know they are bad for kids and esp for adults) Then should be nap time for them. Then maybe snack, park again to play, or read again. Then mom should call saying We all moved in bring him home. This is how I have it planned lol and we all know plans are just that plans.

Oh yes this child is two. Sooooooooo I'm sure I'll be pulling hair out by mid morning LOL!

Busy Working

I haven't posted all week. I've been busy sewing. Gotta check out the new items over at http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com several Messenger Bags, some quilt tops and other fun things.

I also made a few cards. So take yourself over to http://www.TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com

Also at CoveredinChocolate there is some Gluten Free items that have been baked up and just waiting for someone to order. http://www.CoveredinChocolate.etsy.com

I'm thinking of going back to work Ya in the real world of weekly pay checks. I love doing crafts but life right now says "gotta pay the bills and gotta get a new place to live". You would think at my stage of life things would be different. But they aren't so I must take matters into my own hands. I've been playing too long. Tomorrow its off to several places to drop off applications, and get serious about being a person who isn't dependent upon anyone except myself.

I will still do my crafts in the evenings and when not working. One must do what they love also! And besides I have folks who look daily at the things I have crafted with my two little hands! Heck can't let my fans down LOL!

It's Friday

The sun has been shiny last few days! Makes you feel full of love ! Spring is coming...snow is melting the ground in my yard is showing through!

As my health goes down the toilet...Spring is a welcomed friend!

Tonight I'm making a dish I love to cook...my one pot meals...throw in several things I like to eat, is healthy to eat, and goes good together seperately so Why not in one pot? Plus its a time saver! LOL

Chicken breasts, yams, green beans, bussel sprouts, and onions and sweet peppers. I also added about 1/4 Volka. LOL don't worry it cooks down and leaves a mild favor.

Had to also buy a new mouse! The other one the poor little ball was all worn down. A ballless mouse is a sad thing to see New mouse has no ball. And works like a Charm!

Okay off to enjoy more of the sunshine! Have a wonderful weekend!

Consignment for your Crafts

My cards will be in Portland, Or! Yes...a shop is taking a bunch for consignment. I just mailed off about 30 cards. So keep your fingers crossed her shop which opens March 31 is a total success and my cards are a smashed hit!

I did consignment with my fleece blankets and small items and those sold very well. But unfortunately the Alaska shop that carried them in Homer closed. :-( In fact they didn't even return the last 10 blankets they had taken on consignment...thats the part of during business on consignment is the tricky part...you can lose your items and not receive payment for them either. Not much you can truly do because the cost of hiring lawyers is more costly than the $200 to $300 in product lost. I ate my lost on the blankets, and was a bit weary for the last two years on trying consignment again.

I've notice in the last few years at Anchorage's Saturday Market that fleece has become a slow seller. This year I have about 15 - 20 blankets made up and will see how they sell. I love doing them...so easy and my finished design is so nice. Plus they are an inexpensive gift for tourist! Of course most of the fleece is very Alaska theme...what else!

I have also been bidding on Etsy to do 'special orders' for folks wanting a product made for them. So far I've seen more thank you but we selected someone else. I have one person still deciding on what color she wants her item and size made so that will be finalized by weekend and I then can say YAY one bid won! And there are several still out accepting bids so....

I could get very discouraged and for maybe 5 minutes I'm down in the dumps for someone not accepting my bid but then I go 'Ohhhh thank goodness I don't have to drive myself crazy to make that!' Thick skin helps also

Ohhhhhhhh I brought a bunch of wonderful fabric! Going to be making Messenger bags, laptop bags, and some totally awesome placemats!

Visit my AlaskaSews2 shop in the next week to see the new additions!

Acts of Kindness

Each of us should do an 'Act of Kindness' daily in our lives. I have been brought to tears by someone's thank you for a simple thing I've done to brighten a life.

During the winter we buy extra gloves and hats to hand out to homeless or just someone who is walking along who looks cold and needs a bit of warming. My dear SO rides his bike and is the main one to go out and give these items to those who need them. This year we also got Fleece scarves to add to the "warm you up items". He also hands out an item called HANDWARMERS
these are little packets that once exposed to air heat up and last from 7 to 10 hours in your gloves and they also have ones for feet. If your a winter sports nut or hunter you most likely know about these! They might be adding time to live for the folks who he has given the warmers to. Neither of us care that the person drinks, drugs, are homeless, or just dang poor but they need a person just to say "I'm concerned that you need a bit of warmth and here you go for at least today."

I also will bake something for someone who needs cheering up. It makes them feel good and honestly I just melt with the joy I feel when I see their eyes light up that they are getting something special just for them.

Anyhow may you all do a 'Act of Kindness' just because you can.

Horse Handbag is Made!

Finally I finished the Horse and Square Block fabric handbag! The colors I love!

Plus you can turn inside out and have TWO different purses! I also made it with a full flap cover that will help protect the pockets that are there. I put my cell phone there and glasses to show you all that the pockets are there LOL. Each side has the two pockets.

Today was a very hard day for me. I've learned a very very dear friend that I totally adore is now in her final stages of life. Hospice has been brought in to ease her days. Her hubby of 50 years is doing his best to cope. I feel their pain and brings back the final weeks of my own fathers life. You pray for the end to come soon and you pray that its a mistake and for them to jump up and say "April Fools" I'm not dying. Even with my background in Social Work specializing in working with Seniors Citizens and Death and Dying when its someone you know and love it still a shock to learn time for them is drawing to a close. The past few months I knew this was to be expected but just like anyone else I was unprepared when told. I could only cry and its still makes me cry to think this wonderful person has to go through this and how it feels so unfair.

All I can do right now is gather up my strength to still send this couple all my love and happy thoughts as they face a new stage in life's progress. Its so much harder for them and their family. I can step away and not think about it...they are living through each moment.

I also got to go to the Providence Imaging Center today. My yearly Mammogram. Nothing like getting both sides squished and smashed. Two years ago I had to have a biopsy done. So now I also carry inside my left breast a little metal marker showing "this was the spot we removed some cells and we must watch it every year" I won't say what it feels like because it truly is personal for each person. I was scared, it hurt, and the relief when told benign to this day instills a panic in me when the Tech pushes the buttons to take the picture of that breast.

I bet I'm fun to watch when I go through an airport screening stall. Pacemaker, breast marker LOL and breast bone rib cage wired from my Open Heart Surgery - they must go WOW that's a lot of metal in that gal!

Just to let you know Yes I have set off the Walmart anti-theft screening stall. Now I walk very fast through it so I don't set it off!

Wow Easter is this weekend. May God bless you all if you believe. And for those who don't may you receive Tons of Chocolate Bunnies! Some days I do and most days I don't. I think each of us have the ability to be the power desired for a higher form. I don't believe there is just one who we answer to... but I'm not going to talk about all this tonite. Its for another day of posting!

Has been a busy weekend for me! Tested out new recipes for my bake shoppe, made some awesome 'Steampunk' cards (more on this in a moment it rocks!), went to the Anchorage Home Show - saw too many items I want done to house! And then I also cleaned up my work space LOL!

If you haven't been to a Home Improvement Show they can be a bit overwhelming - They want your dollars to fix up your home in way you can't believe.

My first stop was: some awesome siding but the guy was like "well it's this and this and this" wouldn't really go into detail of what Item is made, process of them putting it up and if I wanted this or that it's extra but wouldn't say prices. Sorta made me mad I paid $8.00 to get into this home show I am looking to buy. Well this company won't be getting my business because of that employee's lack of wanting to discuss the product to a woman. Don't these folks get it? Most decisions about home improvements are made by WOMEN? ANd I've done construction work it's not like I'm a dumb dame!

Fell in love with some cork flooring at another space and this guy was helfpful, answered my questions; told me to go over to their brick & mortar store to check out more options since the booth is limited to how much they can lug in to show, and was totally into helping the customer! They got my business. They also have bamboo wood flooring which I also want. So After leaving show I did stop at the b&m store and found some tile for my kitchen - now I know sometimes I have taste way beyond my means and this time it was a whopper LOL the tile was $127.00 per 9" x 13" block. LOL I would have to sell my soul for a 10feet area I wanted tiled. This would cost $1,300.00--- Oh ya come to momma!

Yes I did look at other tile and found something in the $30.00 range for a 12"x12" block. Which for what I want to do I could cut into 6"x12" and spend only about $150.00 total.

Now on the Steampunk! This is something I can really sink my teeth into!

Here is my version: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10287956

Steampunk was influenced by, and often adopts the style of the scientific romances of the 19th century, by Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mark Twain, and Mary Shelley. Steampunk focuses more intently on real, theoretical or cinematic Victorian-era technology, including steam engines, clockwork devices, and difference engines. While much of steampunk is set in Victorian-era settings, the genre has expanded into medieval settings and often delves into the realms of horror and fantasy. Various secret societies and conspiracy theories are often featured, and some steampunk includes significant fantasy elements. There are frequently Lovecraftian, occult and Gothic horror influences as well. ****Wiki

Anyhow if you haven't heard about this genre Its fun! I'm enjoying it! I've always thought I belonged in Jules Vern time! And how could you not love Mary shelley!

Over at Etsy just put in the search "steampunk" and all kinds of wonderful items will be there for your buying!

Neighbors who do construction work without permits

We live in a nice west side very desireable area of Anchorage. My neighbor is a two story duplex. The place is really pretty but they have been doing additions to place without any 'city construction permits' . Any work done to a home esp on outside MUST have a city work permit, this permit MUST be posted in a area seen from the street. So that inspectors know you have it and that city approved your plans and inspect the work.

I like my neighbor but I am tired of them pulling this Non comfirming of permits for their construction work.

I feel as if I should call the city and say "hey they are doing this this and this without permits WHAT gives? How come they can get away with this crap?

I'm normally not bitchy but I've done construction work and Had to have those permits on any job I've been done and been at...Yes its a hassle but its the law.

Vote should I turn them in or just walk away and say "they will get theirs down the road?"

Plus Anchorage has a zone law No closer than 4 feet from your property to mine shall have any part of the construction into that area... well they have built stairs from one level to ground that is clearly imposing into another yard....

Okay I'm just going to grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr now LOL!

Stay tune!

It SNOWED!

Well we had several days of false hope of spring LOL! Snow was melting away like crazy, roads where free of ice, had paddles of water lining low areas in parking lots and the sun was beautiful!

Well It snowed about 2 to 3 inches last nite. I love fresh snow...makes the world look so bright and beautiful! A winter wonderland when you first see it!

Just tells you Never think its spring Until you see the green on trees and flowers blooming lol!

Oh I think several of you are wondering who is the RavensTrinkets (over on the left side) LOL thats ME ya ME on my en.dawanda.com site! Its a Europe based 'handcrafted' site. No fee's until item sells and then sold fee is very reasonable. Sells mainly to Germans, French and English. Everything is sold in Euro's so I'm learning about that market for money. But I'm going to be listing all my crafts there! From cards, to sewing, to jewelry. That way all my crafts are covered LOL.

One more craft and I could go to the looney bin! Thank goodness some crafts just do not appeal to me LOL!

I'm so visual and also I love the sense of touch, love love touching things! Textures of nature and man made things just tickle my need for the pleasure of touch! I always said if I owned a museum that everyone would be allowed to TOUCH the items. Well they would have to wash hands first ... and then throughout the tour LOL... guess I would have those 'sani' stands at every entrance to a room.

On a side note: I made another yummy dish last nite! It was a take off of a vegatarians soup...Kale with potatoes and onions, I added diced stewed tomatoes & slice chicken to add body.... omg it was super! Kale is a green that is cock full of yummy flavor! Its sorta like a spinache when cooked but the flavor is ten times better! Its great in soups! Anyhow all the colors: red, whites, green made the dish exciting to look at and eat!

Spring breakup is it here?

Was blogspot down yesterday? I could not sign on again all kinds of error messages...this is one thing that drives me nuts - when you can not get to a site that you want. Had a heck of a time again this morning but at less was at the main page just would not let me sign in grrrrrrrrrr.

Very warm again here in Anchorage...low 40's and the snow is just puddles of water all over town. At this time of year it gets mixed with runoff with dirt and YUCKY looks nasty....sides of roads will have piles of snow but covered in black yuck. Looks like the end of the world has hit. We call this "Breakup" lasts for a month or so then gets back to healthy looking again...then the city of Anchorage gets busy sending out the big huge street cleaner trucks. They swept up all the dirt and grit they used on the roads during the winter and the city is then dusty as heck for a few weeks and then The city transforms into this beautiful city again.

Through out town there are gardens at corners, along long roads and each 8 square block of downtown has planters hanging full of flowers of any kind.

I'm so ready for spring and summer this year. Been a winter I could do without. And last summer was overcast also so We are really do for a sunny summer!!!!

Today I must enter cards I've made into my inventory & bookkeeping system ... that way I can keep track of what is sold vs cost and all that other stuff.

I love making my cards, I just sit and vision what I would buy and then make them. Have several really cute (at least I think so and so does the person I live with) series made up. Have ones with butterflies, ones of modern theme, a pack of what I call "just life" and several other kinds! Wish I could list them all but yipes that would cost a small fortune LOL.

I really need to get back to my sewing...I've let the card making take over and my big ticket items are the ones that sell during the summer! So off to sew, glue, cut and twist with all my crafts!

Oh do you want to see pics of jewelry I've done also? Simple but elegant is my line! I wear my pieces every now and then just to show them off. I have this one necklace that I'm very fond of.

Cooking for the weekend!

Yes today I'm trying out a few new recipes! I love to cook! Nothing is more fun than to get a bunch of different fresh items and throw them together to see how they taste.

Tonite I'm making a Yam, cabbage soup. Sounds weird doesn't it but omg I just tasted it and its sooooooo awesome tasting! Its perfect!!!!! Can't wait til dinner! a Chopped peeled yam, cole slaw mix (this has silvers of carrots which I love, and green/red cabbage) a bunch of sliced up green onions, some of my yummy spices, red sweet peppers and simmer away for a few hours (can't tell how to do it all otherwise you might steal my recipe! Yup I'm going to enter this one in a food contest ITS a WINNER for sure!!)

Also made a salad with fresh pearl size mozzella cheese, black olives, green olives stuffed with garlic, basil chopped up and tomatoes chopped up then dash of Pear Vinegar and Light EVO and some spices too. This was good but I've done better LOL but still super tasty!

Omg I could weight a ton - I love food! Thank goodness God saw that I needed to be thin so I could try out all kinds of foods!

Now having a soft food and liquid diet for basically 3 weeks I did shed over 10 pounds! and I just lost another 3 this week. So mostly that is not eating MEAT. I've never been much of a beef fan anyhow but do live with a person who likes it and so we were eating it at least 2 - 3 times a week...but I've gone back to my chicken and fish and I'm feeling better and I could eat veggies non stop daily. Plus I've had to add more Fiber in the grains and fruits area sooooooo we added those items daily and its a great days worth of food for me! I'm feeling so much more alert and healthly again!

As soon as I get to my mid 40's weight I'll be dancing like crazy!! With the heart meds I take esp the beta blocker it does not help your weight...in fact you can gain a bunch while on them :-(

In a way having to visit the hospital for lower inside problems again got me back in track with my diet! Sort of a blessing LOL!

My dream is to teach cooking! This is my biggest passion!

If you live in the Anchorage area and want cooking lessons EMAIL ME!!! All my websites have my emails listed so, Or you could leave a comment here about your wishes! I do groups or private! I also can do cartering for you!!!!!

Tuesday is Trash Day

On Tuesdays our trash is picked up...usually we have one to two trash bags. This is one of the few jobs here at home that is left to the 'man' to do! Although there have been many times I've gone running out to the curb with the bags because someone forgot it was Trash Day.

They are offering for a trial period in our neighborhood to give those who want trash containers to be broken down by recycle-ables. Great thing to do but I'm not disciplined enough so I don't think I would remember...glass here, paper here, and others here. Most of our trash is paper, food waste, and once a week plastic gallon milk carton. Maybe I'll do better with a compost garden! Our summer's are awesome for gardens if its a sunny summer but last summer was rainy and just more clouds if it wasn't raining. I think we got maybe 10 sunny days here in Anchorage all summer. But I think I'll give composting a try this year cause I love playing in the dirt and seeing my flowers grow!

I would love to be totally green! We recycle other items in our home (except trash but truely 2 people don't make for lots of trash) and thinkrecycling really would help worldwide!

You must visit my shops! New cards listed at http://TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com and http://en.dawanda.com/shop/ravenstrinkets

I am feeling much better after my visit to hospital and had my followup visit yesturday and she said I'm doing good and could now go back to normal diet. Yay! I can have my veggies and salads back now! Love my doctors! They are young and newly trained and are so "with it" for new advance ways of medical ideals and etc.!

Dial Up Sucks

I've tried every nite this week to blog but when I try signing in I get this message : page not available. Grrrrrrrrr drives me crazy. Plus it takes 5 minutes for this to finally appear also.

My puter is old yep I have a 2000 model. And dial up is what we hav here. Its all we can afford :-(

Wish I had a rich sugar daddy! Heck I'll even take a rich sugar mommie LOL!

I did see a Acer laptop puter at Walmart (ya groan and groan again) for only $398 I was like WOW thats a great price. Looked to have everything I could need and then more! Just don't know is Acer puters are any good? If you had any experience with them let me know! Then they also had some models from $598 to $798 HP and Toshia's which I do know about them.

The offical start of the world famous Iditarod Dog Sled Race was yesturday! Crazy folks who mush...you would not catch me chasing a sled pulled by dogs a 1,000 miles through Alaska wildness...I'm afraid of the dark toooooooo many boggey men out there! And you are totally alone if something happens...wolves, caribou and moose can cause accidents way to easily.

My all time favorite musher who I also got to meet in person: Susan Butcher! Susan passed away in 2006 from cancer. Last nite they announced that from this day forward "March 1 is known as Susan Butcher Day" kinda cool and keeps her memory alive. She was a very kind, quiet lady who loved her dogs, and was one of the first women to go out and kick mens hindys in this race! I admired Susan hugely and think of her often...esp when I go thru some old things and find the scarf she signed for me and my dog at the time Denali...a red mackenzie Siberian Husky. Denali was a wild crazy dumb dog. We called him our 'dumb blonde' NO affence meant to anyone Please!! But this dog thought nothing of chewing on logs for fun, table legs, or wooden stairs. He also thought he should be able to jump over the fence while chained...of course this wasn't a very bright thing to do! He was drop dead beautiful but his brain was a tad on the low side! I miss him but also don't miss the things he did. You also could not leave the door open for any amount of time cause quicker than lightning he be out and running. He loved to run! Hope he is on Susan's team now!

You must go over to my http://www.TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com shop! I just listed new cards that are sooooo pretty!

Anyhow pictures coming tomorrow if I can get log in again!

They're Back!

Ha - made you look didn't I!

Well remember me saying lower region area hurt? Got to spent 5 days in hospital. Yikes! But I am better now although my diet will change in the future LOL! No more things with seeds in them...yep Diverticulitis.

At the Hospital on Saturday Nite was the official kickoff for Fur Rondy! My room was on the 5th floor looking towards downtown and the Fireworks display was totally awesome!!! So maybe someone had their hand in my illness so I could get the best seat in the house for the fireworks.

I was also just a short distance from the hospitals helicopter pad for delivering hurt, sick, and accident victims. So every day and nite it was exciting to see the medical team run out, jump into the helicopter, take off and then return with a passenger - got to see all this from my hospital room! Help to pass my days of just laying around.

Got a couple of new handbags made before I left for my little side trip LOL and some cards that I will be posting for sale!

Bless you all for reading my blog and remember if you have questions or comments just post them!

Anyone Notice the change?

Two days ago I changed the look of the blog site. Did you all notice it? The pink was a bit nerve racking...I'm not a girly girl LOL. Plus I really like my products on the left seems to draw you eye there better. But maybe that just me since I'm a left brainer person.

A few weeks ago sent a friend a yard of the fabric I had highlited here...she loves it! The funny thing is she said she wasn't going to make anything with it, she just collected things like that cause she likes them.

Yesturday and today I was down with Tummy flu. Not fun- my lower half of my interds feel horrible. So I'm just posting a short amount tonite.

Still is very warm, yuck lol Fur Rondy starts this weekend and alwasy get warm like this...wish they do Rondy in January its cold then!

I will be going out and taking lots of pictures so make sure you come and look at the pictures!

Chinook Winds

Anyone living in Alaska will tell you if you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes and it will change. Well its true! Last nite the chinook winds (Alaska's verson of Californai Santa Ana Winds) Hot windy air blows up and down and all around. Today it was 40 degrees...so of course this makes for snow melting and then freezing into super little Ice Skating Rinks on you walkways and driveways. OMG the parking lots are dare devils delight!

These things make my Bells Palsey act up...because I just stress going out in it. In October 2006 I thought I had a stroke but it turn out to be Bells Palsey. Effects your facial muscles/nerves. I no longer can blink my eyes. So I have to remember to close them all the time, I also have to use a special eye drop to keep eyes moist. Luckily my eyes will remain close at night...I did have to tape the right one for a very long period. And my smile is now a little off center. It took over 4 months to get back muscle control for face. Its a very very scary thing to happen. Its caused by the Shingle virus and also mainly by the HERPES SIMPLEX 1; just abotu everyone has been exposed to this as a child and then like Shingles just hangs around til you are down or totally stress out. You can't give it to anyone, but I sure felt creepy for the months my face wasn't acting normal. The doctors say "get stress to a minimum" So this bring me back to what my big stressor is:

I don't like winter driving, I'm very safe and alert but some drivers just wiz thru a red light, drive at 60-90mph in a zone that because of the weather should be like 25.

Since I'm also on a medicine called Coumadin (which slows your clotting time - given to heart patients to help prevent strokes and damage from heart attacks and esp for those who have AFib like me) driving on less than Happy conditions (dry sunny days to me) I become a little less smiley face because if I do become involved in an Accident with damage to me I could be in a serious condition in a very short time. Yes I wear medical ID bracelet and all my infor is in my purse...I should also type it up and put in glove box so medical personnel can see it right away.

Seems someone in Alaska gets really tired of cold and snow and orders up these Chinook winds to warm them up (just joking we all know the weather can not be controlled like this LOL).

I made a bunch of cards the last few days and will be getting all dress up tomorrow and showing off my craft at several shops here in Anchorage. Wish me tons of luck!

Don't forget to check out all my sites!

Twiddle De and Twiddle dum

I must remember to blog! I feel like I run here & there to add an items to sell on all my sites:

http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com my sewn items

http://www.TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com my cards (they are so cute and affordable)

http://www.CoveredinChocolate.etsy.com My baked goodies

And now my newest addition YES YES a new site for you to check out my crafting items I'm becoming a bit of a whore with all my products and selling of them LOL. Hey gotta get those items out there! Summer is coming and Anchorage Saturday Market will be taking up tons of my time!

http://en.dawanda.com/shop/ravenstrinkets

Each of my babies (shoppe's) need lots of love and attention so I really need to select certain days of the week for each of my shoppes! Sitting at the computer for long periods of time is not good for my ole ticker nor my bum (omg its gettttttttingggggggg huge LOL)

Really would like feedback on my posts! Don't be afraid I don't bite - well I do, but you won't notice it!

And I promise more posts this week!

I also wonder anyone interested in reading my poems? I been a writer for ages and ages...got short stories also...been told over and over I should get published but never really persued this avenue but I could if I got enough folks begging me to.

Snow Snow and more Snow

Snowed all day! Its so pretty when it snows. Least it got rid of the bitter cold that we have had the last week or so.

Somehow we have to shovel our snow....sent the snowblower in for repairs and its never come back. Ummmmm wonder if they couldn't fit it...must ask about it again to the man in charge. With his bad back he shouldn't be doing the shoveling of snow.

My friend from Fairbanks is crazy to live up there in the winter time - I keep telling her and her hubby to move to Anchorage! But they are young and their children are also young so I guess thats whats keeping them warm. Oh to be young and in love again LOL LOL LOL LOL

I went to the library and got some books to inspire me for my handbags. I've sorta been in the dumps cause I love making them but seems always to be the same ole bag; if you know what I mean!

So I got a few ideas for some Prom, wedding, and just old fashion romance quilted bags I think you will love.

Have made a handful of cards. Send to bunch to my Aunt in NM and to my MOM both who say they love them...but maybe that just to make me create some more. Never can tell about family do they really tell the truth or just lie to make you happy!

Baking in the Snow

Well tonite I'm going to be whipping up a few of the most excellent excuses for getting FAT! I'm going to baking my famous "It's Not your Mothers Banana Bread" I sold this at the Anchorage Saturday Market and it sold out every weekend. Mine is special and has several things you don't put in yours but Since its a secret I can't tell you what that is! Then I be offering a cookie called "Russian Teacake", triple chocolate brownies (sold these at the Market also oh man couldn't keep in stock either) will be doing a Buttery Sugar Cookie on a stick dipped in chocolate, and another cookie which of course has two of my favorites: White Chocolate and Macadamia Nuts.

But as a person who has my permits and other necessary items for food ... you will be please to learn I'm selling several of my baked goods on etsy.

Check it out: http://www.CoveredinChocolate.etsy.com and see what Yummies are too tempting for you to resist!

As I said I cook and I'm really good but I'm totally awesome as a Baker!

Misssed a few days for blogging

I did not postlast few days because I wanted my valve message board to see my idea for my heart valve block for the quilt project. Well I should not of bothered...I was very disappointed in them. Only 3 dear people even responded to my post about the block and what I was doing now this group has over 1300 members and I would say a good 75 are active and posting all the time. Guess they don't know what an National/International project means LOL. Don't tell me they didn't understand what a Quilt is!!!

Anyhow its cold here! Fur Rondy comes the end of this month Yay for Febuary!!! A long time friend does Snow Carvings every year at the Rondy. Last two years they have won ribbons! Too cool. I plan on attending lots of the events this year and taking my camera just to show you Alaska has fun in the Winter too!

Then My dear Mom's turns 78 this month. Gotta make her something special! What do you give a Woman who is a Power Shopper? Has everything she could possibly want! This is going to require some deep thinking LOL(I laugh because deep thinking is not one of my strong points - - - No thats not true...when I attended college I made Dean's List each semester and belong to a national college 'brainy' group; bet a few of my friends will be surprised to hear this- it's something I don't talk or brag about - so now you know something NEW about me )

Back to Mom: I'm going to really have to go thru my stash to find the right fabric and right idea. She did mention that she like the one bag of mine that is the batik with the Trees, so maybe something using fabric such as that. She does love placemats; so maybe a set of those for her?

Okay here are the two blocks

first one is "Saving a Life - 50 Years of Valve Replacement Surgeries" and the second one is called "Women's Votes Count" Both are triumphs to me.

In one election here in Anchorage a few years ago only 3 votes separated the candidates. Wow it was really close and one of those 3 votes where mine I like to think. I was also the last generation of women voters who had to be 21 to vote, that year it was changed to 18.

Woman outnumber the men worldwide but in many countries women are in danger when they vote, or not allowed to vote. Women need to support each other and voting helps them as well ourselves.

Then in November of 2005 I had open heart surgery. I got a new mitral valve, a repair on my triscupid valve, had a maze proceedure (this is so heart electrical paths stop heart from beating in the upper hundreds which is called AFib - what they do is go in and slice up you heart in crisscross marks so that the electric path hits roadblocks...a easy version of what is really done) and I also then got to be the proud owner of a mechical device my CRT-pacemaker (I still don't like it but I know 'pacerracerdacer' is for my own good. Women need to know our hearts are important and that its very important to always have health checks and take care ourself! Our illnesses are different from mens and at times Doctors don't listen to us. So make sure Yours is listening!

Let me know what you think of these ideas for my blocks and the colors I've choosen.

Sunday and Its cold!

I didn't blog yesturday I tried, but the site was running slow or maybe we need to update to a faster way to internet. Dialup just isn't getting it anymore!

Anyhow I am so excited! A dear person left a comment, another said online that they loved my blog, two emails from friends also encouraging with their love of my blog.

And then ------ I got an invite to do a quilt square for "Tragedy & Triumph" quilt project! I'm jazzed, oh yes so jazzed. I'll will take pics of the fabrics and block as I work on it. Last nite I designed the block, and selected the fabrics, and will be working on it today.

Listed at my AlaskaSews2.etsy.com a crochet needle case and one knitting needle case. These little cuties are so handy in keeping your needles from getting lost! Even though I don't crochet or knit over the years I've brought items to see if I could get my dumbo fingers to work and get something made. Well my talents I must say lay elsewhere!

Yesturday was a fun exciting day. Our neighbor had a huge big ole dog called Rex, who passed away around Thanksgiving time. He was the best ole dog and of course our dear little Lhasa "miss Patches" was dearly in love with him, as he was with her. Well last week I talked to Rex's daddy and he told that NEW PUPPY was coming this weekend.

Dang if that puppy of a few months isn't bigger than miss Patches already! He is soooo cute. Has that little puppy tummy (bigger around than dog is long LOL you know the look) Patches is besides herself, she is woffing and woffing in the house all last nite and today. She must hear the little fellow whining or barking in his new home. Will do updates on this New Love as it happens!
Oh ya his name "Buck". I can't wait to get to know him and let Patches do the nose to nose lookie!

TGIF

It has been 'one of those days' nothing got done, couldn't keep my mouth shut, had to do running around, played way too much on the puter and only listed two new cards on TiffinsTidbits. Didn't sew.

It also snowed the last two days off and on. I think we got a whole total of 2/4 inches which makes on the ground maybe a whole 9 inches. This has not been a snowy year for Anchorage at all.

But here is a pic of front yard for those who not seen Alaska's winters.

In the next week I'll listing a few of my follow Etsy sellers and hope you all are looking over there to see what Handcrafters have to offer - Its really wonderful - Its great to see that in this world so many are talented and have a flair for what they do!

Todays fabric ready to make a handy little purse for someone who is Modern yet old fashion! I love the combo!

This will be a reversable handbag about 11"x13" not sure how I will quilt this one maybe random stippling or maybe in a diamond pattern. What do you think?

What I've done today

Well I'm ready to start sewing some Handbags for the upcoming season!

This photo is the fabric I mentioned that is just so colorful and can't wait to see it as a handbag on my arm! Will be able to turninsideout or as others say reversable Will quilt it and then add to items for sale.

The size of this little gem will be 11"x13" super size not too small and not too big

Last nite the chinooks hit Anchorage making for a very warm and windy day. Tomorrow lol or I should say today I'm must work on sewing several handbags! I got some awesome fabric that I know everyone will love!

Added Paypal mini store to my blog so that not only can you see whats for sell over at Etsy you just select here, buy, and pay!

My first Blog

I've decided to blog about my experiences not only as an Alaskan but more of an Alaskan who passion is handcrafted items.

I quilt, make cards for any occasion, I design and sew handbag/purses, knitting needle cases, crochet cases, and also make jewerly.

So I have my hands in a bit of everything.

I sell many of my items at Anchorage Saturday Market, the holiday bazaars and now I have my wares on Etsy.Com

http://AlaskaSews2.etsy.com

which is my sewn goods Totally awesome spot if I do say so!

http://TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com

which is my Cards spot and love to have you visit either!

I also am a gourmet cook 95% of the time; lol there are moments that a meal turns out badly. Don't know why it just does. I believe it happens to any cook. Maybe I get nervous but I cater small parties (up to 25 folks) and I would be more than happy to do a party for you! My desserts alone are worth the money!