Weather Ups and Downs

After weeks of cold, ice, and some snow, it's warmed to the fifties in my region. I've taken advantage of the warmer weather by getting out in the garage to cut, sand, and stain our new baseboards and door frames. I'll post pictures once I actually get around to installing them indoors.

Now, I'm off for for some sunshine with a four mile hike around a nearby lake!

Recent Projects

Here are a few of the projects I've finished recently.
This is a silk and linen jacket that I embellished with a tranquil symbol. I love how it turned out!




This is an XL men's sport jacket with a tree image in a fabric comprised of earth-friendly messages.



I made this purse for myself the other day. The pattern is from jennalou's Etsy shop. The pattern is a snap as is, but of course I couldn't resist making some modifications. I made it an inch larger, and modified the inside pocket, but would place the straps a bit differently (not on the outer edge, but inward a bit) if I make another.

Thrifting

After hauling some cast-offs to the Treasure Shop, I took a peek inside. Ten dollars later, I have two display items for my next craft fair.

Rather than drop them at the consignment or re-sale shop, I'm listing these babies on e-Bay. I adore them, but they never fit me right.

People Pay to Be a Part of This?

Today's review is of the nonfiction tome titled Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities, by Alexandra Robbins.

To be honest, I didn't fully read this one. I read the first third, then skimmed (exactly as the student who loaned me the book told me she had done).

Interesting? Yes, to a point. I wanted to scream at the featured girls for not seizing control of their lives the way they claimed to want to. I wanted a more fluid writing style. Mostly, I wanted to cry at learning the following:

75% of college women who develop eating disorders are members of sororities.
date and gang rape by fraternities to sororities is so common that it's expected.

certain sorority houses have required replacement pipes due to damages caused by the stomach acid of so many purgers living together.

the charity "work" that most sororities do consists only of fund-raiser parties, not actual in-kind donations or volunteerism.

minorities are "token" members.

strict dress codes exist, as do codes of behavior, conversation topics, and hair styles.

There's more, but why bother, right? I hope that there's a good side to sorority life, but I haven't seen it yet. My own university had a minor Greek presence; peripheral at best, so I'm not well-acquainted with the concept and read/skimmed this book to learn.

Bottom line: I'm not impressed by the information, or the manner in which it was delivered.

Brrrrrrr!

In the frigid weather we're having, my sewing area in the basement reached only 52 degrees today. In that temperature my hands weren't working too well, so I hauled my sewing machine and a few supplies up to the kitchen. Maybe the temporary set up will boost my productivity. I have been sewing more, but there's never enough uninterrupted time to satisfy me.

A Self-Centered Post

Reading LenoxKnits' spectacular post about all the things she loves about life reminded me of a piece I assign my creative writing classes. I tell them to compose something totally positive about themselves, to create a time-capsule of who they are, what they stand for, and what "little things" matter to them.We call it a "Statement of Self" and the assignment was inspired by Sharon Flake's book The Skin I'm In, wherein the main character decides, "who you are is all you've got."
It takes very little encouragement for kids to take this assignment seriously, although all of us have trouble eliminating negativity and focussing on boasts. Former students I encounter often say, "I still have that thing I wrote all about me," and I tell them that's exactly what I hope for.
One tenet of my creative writing instruction is to always complete and share the same assignments as my students because I want my students to see me as a practitioner who understands how difficult it is to share writing with others. To this end, I also refrain from scoring their assignments beyond complete or incomplete, though I provide feedback and develop a written dialog about writing progress with each student.

Enough about my philosophy of education. Here is the statement of self...and no, the kids didn't see the version with photos.

Who I Am and What I Believe

(It’s Good to Be Me)

• I am informed, educated, opinionated and stubborn.
• I am reluctant to trust.
• When people say nice things about me, I suspect insincerity.
• Ignorance, intolerance, and lies anger me.
• I am fiercely independent. I despise feeling helpless or relying on others, yet the mere suggestion of life without my husband is emotionally crippling.

  

• I love tattoos, but tire of incorrect assumptions made because of my ink.
• It may not be realistic, but I believe I could survive most anything. I have the will, the knowledge, and a great deal of stamina.
• I am well-acquainted with depression, but have neve r felt a desire to die. I can’t imagine ever being ready for life to end.
• I resent and mistrust obligatory gift-giving. It would be meaningful and preferable if gifts were given spontaneously and from the heart rather than on designated da tes.
• A gourmet meal with close friends and meaningful conversation…such are the best nights of life. I’m a slow-foodie and a locavore whenever possible.
  

  

• I enjoy solitude. Going solo to a movie, out to eat, or away for a day is refreshing. It’s good to get away and miss (appreciate) the people you love.
• I do not understand how anyone can’t cook. It’s just following directions.
• I used to fear settling down and never wanted more than a backpack of essentials. My perspective has changed. Home is not an albatross .
  

  

• My greatest hope for my child is that he will grow into a kind, empathetic person.
• I can be a cold-hearted person. I have cut people —even relatives--out of my life, and I would do it again. People treat me right, or they don’t deserve my company.
• I never forget how someone has treated me.
• I love being outdoors: gardening, building things, cycling, hiking, and primitive camping.
• I’m very concerned with doing the right thing. Ethics, equity and justice matter.
• Hypocrisy infuriates me.
• I refuse to let fear make my decisions.
• I fear regret.
• Live music is one of the best pleasures of life.
• I love knowledge. Documentary films, thorough and un-biased news reporting, and “how to” DIY instruction are building blocks I can play with.
• 
• I define love as when another person's well-being is essential to your own.
  
• Parenthood has taught me more than any other experience, book, or class.
• Manners matter. I can cuss like a prisoner, but I have only cursed at someone once. I still feel guilty about that loss of control. Words are permanent, even if the emotions behind them are not.
• I believe in the power of words and the ideas they represent. Words can, and do, change lives.
• I read and read and read and read.
• Thinking before speaking continues to be the toughest, most frequent and important challenge I face.

  

• I believe it is wrong to raise ones voice or fist in anger. Violence begets violence. Authentic love cannot bear to cause pain, and that sort of pain should never be endured.
• I believe everyone should know how to drive a stick shift and navigate by a map and compass.
• I believe anyone can change if they truly want to. It’s just easier to make excuses.
• I believe that once obtained, power is nearly always abused.
• I believe that America could be a much better place.
• I am one tough cookie; a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
• Maybe I think too highly of myself.
• I made my life the way it is and I like it. Whenever I don’t, it’s up to me to change it.

A Good Book about a Bad Thing

I bought this because I mistakenly thought it was a new Chris Crutcher book, and because the teaser on the flap sounded intriguing.

Instead, I discovered a "new" author who has woven a complicated, emotionally truthful book that takes seriously how very seriously teens take remarks to heart.

The topic of suicide is handled frankly, yet somewhat reservedly, and ultimately blames the only person who can be justly blamed. The positive effects of the tapes on the lives of the grieving are deftly emphasized, and may transfer to the lives of readers.

I will tell many students about this book, for they deserve good books-- even on topics that frighten us all.

One complaint: If I'd been Asher's editor, I would have axed the intro chapter.