Kiev Observations

I wrote this almost two years ago when I traveled to Kiev for work. I meant to flesh it out at the time, fill in the thoughts with complete sentences, but reading the abrupt thoughts and flow from beginning to end is rather endearing (and a bit like being in my head, I think.)

Find myself single, traveling the world. Unprepared and diving in. Ready to spend some time with myself. Passport fiasco. Two hours before leaving came down with a cold. Charles de Gaul airport – luxury goods, faint smell of toilet. Well designed bathrooms. Amazing food on planes. Great seating. Ride from airport. Stacks upon stocks of apartments of varying versions of the same architectural style. Dissolving around it. Not sure it was ever pretty to begin with. Gas stations. Faded paint. Dreary flowers. Rain didn’t help. Dead quiet airport. Nice woman on plane. Leg cancer scare. Museum advice. Maroon 5, Britney Spears, Michael Bolten, Cirque du Soleil, Ace of Base Churches, golden domes, shining beacons in a sea of faded pastels. Nicer away from airport. Trees. Giant woman with sword. More European in artwork, structures, parks, Guy on moped rumbling down cobblestone street. Beautiful statues. Pastels seem more intentional here rather than color victims of time. I should get a haircut in Amsterdam.

Here Kitty, Kitty

This is Monkey. He is super sweet and very handsome. He lives with his sweet sibling Pippi, and his people Nova and Chris in Austin. We got to stay with them when we visited Austin this month.

To thank them for their generosity, I stitched together a little kitty magnet.

I had to trim some thickness from the felt in order for the magnet (hidden under his patch) to stick to metal well, but I kinda want to make a billion of these now.

Pit Boss BBQ

In the location of the old Harold’s Barbecue on Hwy 54 in Jonesboro is a different BBQ venture, Pit Boss. With an original location in Hapeville, their menu is expansive, including smoked wings, turkey, burgers, and sides like fried green beans in addition to mac ‘n cheese and collards. It’s pretty good food.

We got the babyback ribs, mac ‘n cheese, collard greens, stew and these loaded fries (can’t find the name on the online menu). The ribs had a ton of flavor and were pretty tender, though I’ve had juicier. The collards were cooked just right, and the mac ‘n cheese was addictive. Cheesy, not goopy.

I’m not a big stew person, and theirs is of the potato variety, so I didn’t even try it. The loaded fries were kind of amazing, covered in cheese and chopped pork, and the sweet sauce on the table.

Three cheers for the South Side getting some great grub!

More: 

Project 543

The North Carolina tourism folks have started a blog (via an ad agency I can’t figure out) featuring great state destinations vignetted by beautiful type design. You can see the entire Project 543 collection here. Doesn’t it just make you want to get in the car and go to NC? Well, I already kinda felt that way…

Digi Mandala

Isn’t this incredible? For something so organic and artistic to come from something so functional is a great twist. Technical Mandalas from soldered computer and radio parts:

 

Kat’s Bag

For my mom’s birthday in August, I made her a tote bag. She and my dad love yardsales and flea markets, so I thought she might enjoy something to carry her finds in. Her name is Kathleen – “Kat” for short – AND my parents have chickens, so this linen print was perfect for it!

I used the instructions from Stitch by Stitch and it turned out very nicely. Despite the couple of imperfections, I’m pretty proud of it!

 

 

Inspiring Reminders

Just when I start to feel like the things I’m making are all from someone else’s template or pattern (I am learning, after all), I run across something like Olympia Le-Tan’s collection and am reminded all over again how amazingly unique and clever craft can be.

 

Le-Tan recreates awesome, vintage book covers in felt and embroidery, then makes them into handbags! As a book-sale junky, I recognize many of the beautiful covers and titles. I’m so inspired to retreat to my little world and create.

Remnants.

So I discovered the Remnants bin at Joann while waiting for my number to be called to get fabric cut (good grief they have to have numbers they’re so busy). Oh dear. More fabric. It’s awesome because I got a ton of great fabric at 50% off! Including some great velours, tweeds and corduroys for Autumn projects. ‘Cause, you know, who couldn’t always use more fabric!?!? My fabric trunk is officially full. And fulfilling 😉

Happy Birthday, Sucker

Sometimes birthdays aren’t the bucolic days we experienced as kids. Sometimes that day sucks. Or that week. Or that month.

So instead of celebrating my own unremarkable milestone, let’s see how another blogger, Hey! Jen Renee, reflects on the things she’s learned in her 35 years:

Thirty-five things I’ve learned on the way to becoming thirty-five. 

I’ve learned that we are all in the middle of some kind of story.
I’ve learned that Iowa is not so bad. I kind of like it here.
I’ve learned that if you don’t try, you’ll never win.
I’ve learned to think before I speak. Most of the time.
I’ve learned that you can’t live up to Pinterest. (You just can’t.)
I’ve learned to take photos. You can never take too many photos.
I’ve learned that when in doubt, wear black.
I’ve learned to tread lightly.
I’ve learned that there is plenty of room in my heart for two kids. Plenty.
I’ve learned that everything is going to be alright. Stressing too much is wicked.
I’ve learned to feel pretty. Whether I’m in a Vans t-shirt or a Jason Wu dress.
I’ve learned to say ‘yes.’ And I’ve learned to say ‘no.’ Mostly.
I’ve learned to enjoy. And not to hold back.
I’ve learned that life is too short to waste being insecure.
I’ve learned to embrace my beliefs. And that you can believe in God and listen to heavy metal and support gay marriage.
I’ve learned how to lose.
I’ve learned what true friendship is. And that good girlfriends are pure gold.
I’ve learned how to hold babies.
I’ve learned how to throw birthday parties.
I’ve learned that you can’t always get what you want.
I’ve learned that giving feels good.
I’ve learned that when you find your match, you will know it. And you will be so lucky.
I’ve learned to be comfortable in my skin. As much as I possibly can.
I’ve learned that you have to keep growing.
I’ve learned to give a little.
I’ve learned that no matter how old I get, I can always count on my dad calling me to sing ‘happy birthday.’
I’ve learned that adequate sleep and a hot shower cures all.
I’ve learned to be sensitive.
I’ve learned that the internet is a strange and wonderful thing.
I’ve learned to be the love I feel.
I’ve learned to live on purpose.
I’ve learned that the years fly by but sometimes the afternoons are endless.
I’ve learned that music can heal. The right song can make you soar. Even Pantera. On the right day.
I’ve learned that is never hurts to be great. Especially when you can be badass.
I’ve learned that there is so much to learn. It never ends.

Teeny Tiny Earrings

Aren’t these the most precious little skulls you’ve ever seen? These darling earrings are small enough that they will be subtle, but for the person curious enough to get a closer look, they will be a funny little surprise!

Did I mention I got my ears pierced? As a full-grown adult. It’s been fun finding new earrings to try. And I’m even making some! More to come on that soon.

They came from the Etsy shop Ringostone, which has a ton of cute, subtle jewelry (most of which are not skulls).