Armies of Martha's Mice

I am about to sound like something I am not...I almost do not recognize my face in the mirror...Martha Stewart has given me the ability to do the one thing I never thought possible---Craft!

I can paint all day long, love to decorate...but you give me scissors and a glue gun and there's gonna be trouble.  However, I (she says proudly) made these all by myself! Well, the hubby made some too....

Here are the Cutest Christmas Craft Creatures EVER--

The ones on MarthaStewart.com, are much classier...they are city mice.  Mine are their country cousins--who still need their candy cane tails--still, I am happy to have accomplished something crafty.

It's as simple as cutting from a pattern, making a few slits in the felt, and glueing on some eyes and ear patches.  It was a terrific gloomy day craft to do, easy and fun.

I am planning on making an entire army of these and taking over the world.

What I am Getting My In Laws for Christmas

Every year we agonize over what to get Jon's parents for Christmas.  I am sure we are not the only couple in America that goes back and forth on this one.

Parents gave you birth, have lived and accumulated years longer than you, and once they retire...ties are no longer acceptable gifts.  My parents are easy--we currently live with them.  So probably the best gift we could give them is to move out!  Actually, they have been great, and really appreciate anything handmade--so for them I will be doing something hand-painted, like the things I put on Etsy.

Jon's parents are wonderful people, but they on the other hand are hard to give gifts to.

His dad is a retired computer programmer--a very brilliant one--one that could have crashed the NY Stock Exchange's flashy screen during his time programming...had he wanted to.  He currently spends his days playing bridge, it has become almost an art form to him.  It would seem here that a bridge tie would work brilliantly--but he doesn't wear ties anymore...

Jon's Mom is a 'foodie' in the extreme.  She has taste buds that can detect a hint of pepper here--a bit of saffron there.  She loves high fashion clothing, and is able to pay the price for it...she has a shoe collection that rivals Imelda Marcos'.  She loves chocolate.

In the past, we have sent Chocolates from Godiva...or things from upscale shops that we could afford...However--

We are po' folk this Christmas, like so many in this economic slump...Jon is a substitute teacher, and I am trying desperately to make a go of starting a business (yes, I am crazy--but that's for another post).   So what to get the in-laws who have everything?!!

Enter an article on Etsy yesterday, from a post by Kittykatherine.  It was all about the artisan foods available on Etsy.  Light bulb!  Since they are artisan they = higher class to my in-laws who appreciate the small batches of cheese or wine or chocolate.  Since we are poor, we cannot afford most artisan cheese or wine or chocolate...but some of the ones I have checked out on etsy, we Can afford!

So this Christmas, I am getting my in-laws something from Breadfarm on Etsy.  Totally classy--completely affordable.

Are they not gorgeous?  I will win best daughter in law ever for these!  :)



The best part is--I might even have cash leftover to pay my bills, and buy myself some expresso shortbread cookies...Yum!

Why I want a Dog Ranch.

I am asking myself if I am crazy for starting a blog among the myriad of voices already in cyberspace...the answer is of course yes, if for no other reason than I am asking myself.  I should have written myself an email.

"They" say the secret of a great blog is to write about what you love.  I will endeavor to do so by beginning with a secret.

I want a dog ranch.  You heard me, a dog ranch...Some people have cattle ranches--I want a vast piece of land with roaming herds of Greyhounds, Whippets and the occasional Dachshund.   I made this decision recently after a forced change in the course of our lives.  After what happened, I wanted to give up on people.  They are, myself included a rather untrustworthy lot, and prone to bouts with self absorption. Not dogs, they are faithful true blue-as long as you hold the dog dish-and even sometimes, when you are dog dishless.  Can you blame me for wanting to be greeted every time I hit the driveway by a chorus of happy voices and wagging tails?

It would be a blessed person indeed to have that level of acceptance in life-- from bi-pedal clothes wearing creatures.

I am that self same blessed person.  I have found, after our recent fray with difficult, unkind people...that there are still kind ones to be known.  I have also discovered that though a church recently rejected the gifts my husband and myself offered --there are places like an old hometown and even an Etsy community that welcome us with open arms. I am learning the old adage that when God closes a door, He opens a window.  All that bantered wisdom, that I forsook easily...I am dusting off and finding good use for.

So I will shelf the dream of a dog ranch--for now, to the silent but unmasked joy of my husband...and instead amaze myself at the acceptance of my fellow man.

Some day, however, I will find a way to 'round up doggies.  Literally.

I have two dogs, whose acceptance is duly noted.