In Which She Makes Up Her Mind...

Yeah.

I wouldn't hold me to that...but, there it is at any rate.

I have made up my mind.
(again)

While walking to the chiropractor earlier this week, I glanced to my left and noticed them unloading a couch at the thrift. I stopped in my tracks and thought, "hmmm...that is a nice couch if one was inclined to like things such as that..." and then went on my way. You see, I haven't had a couch in the house for years now...even since before. When I was married. I am not thrilled with couches in the least, throwing them by the roadside in favor of chairs (I do want it known, however, that I haven't actually thrown or left a couch by a roadside...I am not the person who is abandoning couches in your town) Preferably large overstuffed chairs...comfortable chairs, chairs you can really sink the bootay into. I think having individual chairs in a space is actually more conducive to conversation. Plus? The most recent couch I had was one of those craftsman style futon ones with all the wood. See: not comfortable. So, one could argue, why on earth would I ever need a couch again?

Only...

Only...
(Yes, I'm using that voice)

I've been spending a lot of time in a place that does have a couch (only I don't think that me having a couch will replace that) A couch where 2 people regularly stretch out snacking, watching movies, snuggling under blankets, playing footsie, smiling at each other...And, then I realized something more recently...I can not, no matter how I try, comfortably stretch out on my chairs. I can not take a quick nap in front of the TV, I can not rest reclining when I'm sick...This is not to say that I am all of a sudden anticipating falling asleep in front of the TV or being sick as a common and normal part of my life, but I realized something...A comfortable couch affords a place to flop.

Especially one that only needs a thorough vacuum with a Dyson, and some light sponging of it's microfiber covering or a quick run through the washer of it's zip-off cushions...One that happens to be all curvy, overstuffed, and have nail heads (and I love me some nail head furniture) One that I have a feeling will happen to match the living room in which it will be residing perfectly.

One that was only $65 to boot.

I walked back and snatched it up after a quick phone call to mum to see if she wanted my cream silk and down wrapped Henredon chairs (purchased at the same thrift brand new, years ago) I sadly say goodbye to what may be the most expensive chairs I will ever own, not realizing at the time that I was buying some of the more costly furniture in the USA when I acquired them (but mum was very excited after I told her I had bought them) I had just been looking for overstuffed chairs for about a year, patiently biding my time until they came through one of the thrifts...when much to my delight, I coincidentally bought 3 overstuffed chairs and one ottoman that same week, in quick succession of each other and fulfilling my furniture needs for quite some time. Such it is in the world of the thrift...I've often been able to afford things I never thought I could (and buying silk and down wrapped chairs...cream colored ones no less, in a resale situation makes one feel easier about putting one's feet upon the furniture or letting the cat climb around on them) but, these uber shi-shi chairs are only making a quick exit to mum's house...I will probably still be enjoying them for years to come (I meant to try to have her talk me out of buying a couch because of the reasons listed above, and totally forgot...maybe it is time to get a couch?)

I stood in Snap Snap most of the day, sneaking glances at my new couch...flirting with it, picturing it in my living room, mentally trying to work out it's exact placement, and wondering what it will look like when it makes it's way to Foolsewoode, instinctively hating the pillows that come with it and knowing that the ones I currently have at home will be perfect...knowing that the style of the couch will also match the style of the nail head floral chair and matching ottoman that I will be keeping in that same room, the color will match the colors of everything in the room, giggling inside my head because it's like some kind of What Not To Wear for the living room (congratulating myself that the couch is a neutral, and what doesn't match a neutral?) ...and resisting the urge to yell,

"stop touching my couch!!" whenever I see someone walk by it, stopping long enough to casually run their hands along the arms or the back...willing them not to sit on it, or run up and slyly load it into their car and speed away...ultimately kidnapping my latest family member.

It is currently sitting out in the sun (as I write this) waiting to be loaded into the truck that will take it home for me, and I was feeling a little concerned...maybe it would fade?!?! I decided to talk myself down that ledge and realize that probably not in the small amount of time it has been sitting out there, will it fade...and appeasing myself finally with the idea that only good things can come of the couch sitting in the sun...the most important being that it will magically be disinfected by the suns healing rays. I am also hoping that everything will be rearranged and moved in and out by the time the rain gets here this week...cause' you know if I've got upholstered furniture sitting out it will rain...maybe I should wash the car just to double negative the effects of the weather...

I've made up my mind...I'm taking some of the seriously small amount of my stimulus check, and stimulating my neighborhood economy (I will then be sending the rest back to the IRS in time for my quarterly tax payment.)

It's time for me to have a couch again...

A couch fits with the person that I've become.

For now anyway...

Asking For Help...

I need help.

Or rather, I needed help yesterday.

With something big, heavy and uwieldly...something that I couldn't possibly handle myself.

This is the part about not having a partner living at the house with me that I miss (Rusty blogged about not having someone to heat up a can of soup for her when she's sick...don't get me wrong, I miss that too) I usually ask my mother, but she was busy and couldn't help out...and Rich happily volunteered to come by after work and help.

He said, "I'm always happy to help the Sadira!"

In fact, I quite remember he said that when he called in to check if I needed some ginger ale and soda crackers during the last bout of food poisoning, he's actually offered help a lot during the course of the last year. He's done it willingly and happily...

Sometimes I feel as if I've been trying to do things on my own for so long...and, I'm trying not to take advantage of this helpfulness...because there's this weird voice in my head that is telling me that I need to stand up and be very independent in front of people, "tell him, it's OK, but you can figure it out on your own...you don't want him to think you're helpless" I have no idea where this voice is coming from...I think is it some weird cultural dating standard lodged in the back of my brain...something that got stuck in there after reading a well meaning How To Date Nowdays self-help book.

Lord. When did it become so confusing to just be who you are? I am a woman...which means I'm girlie and strong, Independant and in need of help...I can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan...blah blah... It's like we're stuck in the day and age of the ultimate psychology experement, everyone has a smart theroy and if you do it just right...all will be well in your life. Maybe it's because I'm on the backside of divorce...and I keep thinking somewhere deep inside I did something terribly wrong and if I pay attention to every little detail from now on then I'll be OK (even though that kind of vigillance is exhausting) or that there's some kind of magic club I'm not being let in because I have no idea what is required for membership...Only, I'd really like it more if I could just be myself, try to take care of things on my own when I can, and be able to ask for help when I need it and be very appreciative of everyone who comes forth...and not have that voice in my head pipe up with it's 2 cents worth about playing some game...

Only, I'm not playing around here...this thing is heavy and I need the help...

No game.

End of Story...

Because it's going to rain. And it will get ruined if it sits outside getting all wet and whatnot. And the deliverymen brought it to the house while I was in the shower...I got out just in time to sort of throw my robe around me and watch them climb into their truck and drive away (and now I'm scared we're going to get it stuck in the door way half way in and half way out) I just didn't happen to feel like running down the dirt road after them...the dust sticking to my wet skin, my hair flinging droplets of water all over the neighborhood...my robe flapping in the wind.

Rich should be mightily happy I'm not doing that to him...

Because I don't even want to know the name of that game and what you'd win at the end of that...

**update**

Said heaviness was indeed moved yesterday...there was a lot of grunting, sweating, cursing silently (and not so silently), nervousness, removing of bun-feet and the eventual removing of the front door...but it eventually fit.

Barely.

I was indeed intent on getting this in the house (because it has been raining on and off all morning) and realized that maybe this is how child birth is? "Oh, it's coming out...don't you worry about that...I'll figure it out..." Because I heard myself say several times yesterday, "Oh it's going to fit, it's going in...I don't care how we do it...it's going to work! damnit!"

And it did.

And yes, you get to see pictures...

tomorrow.

Oh Knit...

Why yes Virginia, there is still knitting happening over this way...

Um, well...Not so much by me, but certainly by my mom, Rozz and Kate (who joined us last night) Since I accidentally forgot my camera, you'll just have to take my word for what everyone is working on right now. Rozz just finished a really cute bear, My mother has switched to cotton dishrags (the wool socks are just too darned hot to knit during the summer months here) And Kate is working on a swiffer cover for her mop at home (well, and a pair of really great socks as well)

And I made Hair ties after being totally inspired by Susan Over Here last week.

See? Not so much knitting on my part, but still something creative at least...I realized a while ago when scouting around in the studio, that I have about 4 button boxes. Yes 4. A bit of overkill on the vintage button front? Perhaps...and I apologize in advance to anyone who has been looking for vintage buttons, as I seem to be cornering the market. I have decided however, that I am going to go through said buttons and we may have a little give away here soon...someone else needs a chance with the buttons, don't you think?

Until then, I am quite excited that I have found use for some of these vintage beauties. I mean, usually in button boxes, there are only 1 or 2 of the same special knock-out buttons (you know which ones I mean...the rhinestone, glass, or special shaped ones?) So, this is an almost perfect project for those you wish you could use...I get to enjoy them, and if the hair tie finally stretches out, I can take the button off, and I still get to use it in another project again...And this project was so easy to complete...just hair ties, a bevy of vintage buttons, needle nose pliers, some 7mm jump rings, and about 2 minutes a piece to bring it all together.

I am very excited about this.

Now, if you'll excuse me...I've got to go do my hair.

Meme + More PIctures of the Hike With Z...

I received an invitation for this meme some time ago from Liz...and then yesterday from Dina...so, I thought it would be high time. Plus? I've been all in my head about some things lately, and I'm not sure you want me to be workin' them through on the blog, I'm like semi-weepy, but without the actual water leaking from the eyes part, which is annoying me to no end, really...Oh, and some more pictures of Z on our hike (can you stand her shoes? Seriously, they are KILLING me...they are from Kate's sister, and I want some so very badly...of course, anyone who knows me knows that I would be very happy with a pair of Robeez adult human sized, preferably with the kitty or monkey on them...and these one's totally have no slip soles...good gravy Batman!)

Ahem...

So, here goes:

The rules say you can only type one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? Countertop
2. Your significant other? Wink...
3. Your hair? Long
4. Your Skin? Dry
5. Your mother? Amazing
6. Your favorite thing? Love
7. Your dream last night? Freaky
8. Your favorite drink? Chai
9. Your dream/goal? Travel
10. The room you're in? Shop
11. Your ex? Lost
12. Your fear? Fear
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
14. Where were you last night? Airstream
15. What you're not? Tall
16. Muffins? Blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? Kids
18. Where you grew up? Prescott
19. The last thing you did? Merchandised
20. What are you wearing? Smile
21. Your TV? Hidden
22. Your pet(S)? Cat
23. Your computer? Lovely
24. Your life? Lucky
25. Your mood? Overwhelmed
26. Missing someone? No
27. Your car? Honey
28. Something you're not wearing? Garter
29. Favorite Store? Anthropologie
30. Your summer? Hot
31. Like someone? Tons...
32. Your favorite color? Red
33. When is the last time you laughed? Today
34. Last time you cried? Past
35. Who will/would re-post this? YOU...

I Could Use Another Weekend...

Because weekends seem to be just as busy as the week around here...I keep thinking that I'm going to be able to sleep in, or rest and relax but to no avail.

Saturday was spent catching up on a million errands (because working during the week is really cutting into my free time to do things like that) and then the afternoon was spent with the D-Man...introducing him to Rich, having a bit of lunch and a hang around...You see, the D-Man is once again off and running, and I'm not exactly sure when he'll be back...soon I hope.

But, right on his heels was a phone call from Kate and Z saying they were in town for their annual visit! Hooray...

You see, Rich was planning on moving to a much larger site on Sunday, and we were planning a fun bar-b-q to welcome him to the better space...

Well, the people that were occupying the space pulled out quite early, which had me packing up all the goodies and hopping over to the Airstream to help with the move.

That usually means I kind of stand around and sort of direct Rich...he's really good at moving and backing the Airstream in places, and doesn't usually seem to need my help...but there I was with flapping arms and all.



I helped sweep up the new outdoor carpet, organize the little rocks that were all around...and organize the outside. I also suggested it might be nice to unpack the flamingos finally...he hasn't unpacked them yet...and I thought it was high time! I mean, we all know that flamingos and Airstreams go hand in hand...besides, I've been dying to see the little guys all set up...

(I also happened to get him some outside lights including flamingo shaped ones that he can put up for the summertime in the trees at the new site)






Almost everyone arrived by 5 (Dina, Charlie and Niko were missed as Dina has been fighting some mighty nasty allergies) we sat down and ate and visited...and then packed it all up a little while later so we could hike up in The Dells and do a little picture taking at sunset as well...

Zora is a whole year older since the last time she was here, and was raring to go hiking in the rocks to find lizards...

I remarked to Kate how wonderful it is to have digital cameras in this day and age, so that little ones could take pictures and you didn't have to stress out about "wasting" film...Of course, Kate and Lee are both talented photographers (Lee took almost all the pictures at my wedding) And, true to her heredity, Z got some great shots of us as well...


(except it was a bit windy, so my bangs were a bit out of control...Yes, I am forever picking on myself thankyouverymuch)

Z also totally shredded up the mountain! The girl is a rocking hiker...which doesn't surprise me as I've been on a few hikes with her mom and dad, but it seemed like most of the time she was up ahead of us yelling,

"Be Careful!"

Kate said it's because she was always yelling it out to Z, but I think maybe it was because Z happened to be listening to us huff and puff our way up the rocks...

Z did get to see her lizard and, "...a really pretty bug...and an Eagle!!" (which was of the Dove/Eagle variety...but she was excited nonetheless)

There was one point when we left the boys up taking pictures why we leisurely made our way back down, and Z stopped at the base of a rock cliff, looked up pointed with her little hands and said,

"I want to go that way"

"No...I don't think we can..."

(says the adult in us trying to talk some sense into this baby mountain goat)

"I can!"

I don't doubt it for a minute little one...I think this girl needs some rope and a climbing harness...

It was a lovely day, moving, organizing, almost napping...enjoying the large new space for the Airstream, wonderful weather, visiting with friends...eating great food...taking pictures of a beautiful little girl (does this child take a bad picture?!) and some other great people as well...

I think summer has officially arrived!

(more pictures at my Flickr...)

I've Got Moxie...

I really do...

A huge thank-you goes out to a good friend in town (who happens to be married to someone I used to baby-sit...now they have a little boy of their own...I feel old. Sigh.) who much to my delight, I have just discovered are readers of the blog...Hi guys! Anywho...she came bounding in with this wonderful vintage Moxie bottle last week...which made me giggle immediately...

Moxie.

I've always thought of Moxie as energy or pep...which I have been finally feeling as of the middle of this week...But, I've only been sort of right. Did you know that Moxie is considered by some to be the first mass produced soft drink? (1876) And was bottled for medicinal purposes (tonic) But fell out of favor to Coca-Cola except in New Hampshire (live free or die y'all) yet is now bottled in a plant owned by Coca-Cola...Rich, have you or anyone in your family drunk Moxie? I would love to know what it tastes like...

At any rate, I am happy to be feeling more peppy...believe me, it's like welcoming an old friend back...

Speaking of which...

I did yesterday over a cup of coffee. Yes, the D-Man is back for a bit of a stay...who knows how long, but it's always good to catch up...

Of course, no Moxie to drink at Cuppers...just some coffee, which I suppose is like tonic to some and does afford pep with caffeine...except those of us whom are now restricted to decaf (believe me, if you've ever seen me on regular coffee you'd understand...)

Have a wonderful and amazing weekend all...among other fun and festive weekend activities, I happen to be helping someone move so it's good I got the Moxie back...

Got Wood?

I knew that title would get your attention!

Hey now...

Usually while driving by the little abandoned cabin out in Perkensville, we stop to take pictures because abandoned buildings are like Velcro to a photographer (not that I'm counting myself as a huge photographer at the moment...but, you know what I mean) Plus? Abandoned old buildings are just cool to look at...

I'm usually in some weird Western fantasy in my head about the who's, why's and what's of this place. It is in the absolute middle of nowhere...then again, it's so incredibly beautiful out there, well...why not live out there?

Inevitably the times I've been out there (yes, all two of them) I stop to take pictures of the wood on the cabin. It is soooo cool...all knotty, textury and paint peely...



It just draws me in....all that wood.

Then again...I can't help but think it is exactly what my house is going to look like if I don't save up the money to paint it soon...

So, I guess it's sort of a good thing that I'm drawn to it...

Sigh.