I saw the Dr. today, and got antibiotics. Without a lot of icky, mucus filled details, our kleenex supply dwindles, but I am feeling better, finally. I also found out that my last bloodwork for diabetes put it - albeit nominally - into the good range, and I don't have to do bloodwork again until April.
On other fronts, we are in for a cold front tomorrow and have an actual chance of snow. IF it happens (won't hold my breath) we might even get an accumulation of a couple of inches. Mind you, I was walking around today in my shirtsleeves...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
its february
So, it must be time for my annual sinus infection extravaganza. This year it traveled straight into my lungs, and I'm pretty miserable and my brain is mostly mush. My doctor's office is now closed on Fridays, which I found out on Friday, trying to make it in for a last minute visit, which was not to be. Hopefully he'll have an opening Monday morning. I don't know what it is, flying around in the air in February, but it kicks my ass year after year.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
another Coen brothers film
Carl and I just got through watching the movie, No Country for Old Men. It's a Coen brothers movie, and yes, it is strange and watchable and parts of it make you say, "What the heck just happened???" Yes, you should include multiple question marks.
I wrote about Burn After Reading, not to long ago, and it had a more comedic streak through it that No Country does not have. This film is dark and rather bleak, and you want to root for the Hero, but you know, you just KNOW, that things are not going to turn out well. For anyone.
The movie was filmed in Marfa, El Paso, and in Las Vegas, NM. Yes, Dev, when I read that, I got this echo of your voice telling me about them filming this movie up there when they were doing the filming. It is set in the '80's, and they did a really good job of recreating that feel in the sets and locations.
Do I recommend this film? Well, if you like Coen brothers films, you will probably like this one. Personally, I'm going to have to think about it a little more before I decide to really recommend it. The acting and the writing were well done. Tommy Lee Jones is superb. It isn't the bloodiest Coen brothers film I've seen. But the effect of the whole... (with out being more of a spoiler than I already have) I would say that this is a film to be appreciated for the work that it is, even if you don't like or appreciate the message of the film. Its a good film. Its very well done. I don't think I will watch it a lot of times.
I wrote about Burn After Reading, not to long ago, and it had a more comedic streak through it that No Country does not have. This film is dark and rather bleak, and you want to root for the Hero, but you know, you just KNOW, that things are not going to turn out well. For anyone.
The movie was filmed in Marfa, El Paso, and in Las Vegas, NM. Yes, Dev, when I read that, I got this echo of your voice telling me about them filming this movie up there when they were doing the filming. It is set in the '80's, and they did a really good job of recreating that feel in the sets and locations.
Do I recommend this film? Well, if you like Coen brothers films, you will probably like this one. Personally, I'm going to have to think about it a little more before I decide to really recommend it. The acting and the writing were well done. Tommy Lee Jones is superb. It isn't the bloodiest Coen brothers film I've seen. But the effect of the whole... (with out being more of a spoiler than I already have) I would say that this is a film to be appreciated for the work that it is, even if you don't like or appreciate the message of the film. Its a good film. Its very well done. I don't think I will watch it a lot of times.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
inspiration
I was thinking of blogging earlier, but I really didn't know what to write about. Not that my topics are so mindboggling astute or that I have just the right thing to say about anything. So, I played some World of Warcraft, and thought about inspiration. I mean, considering that yesterday I wrote about the crafting studio of my dreams, you would think I knew about inspiration, at least.
Here are some of the things that inspire me, time after time. The list is by no means exhaustive.
First, the inspiration of others. Talking to people about their creative work, whether it is written, or crafted or ??? gets my own creative juices going. That would be one of the reasons that my ideal studio would be open to creative friends. I love being able to throw ideas around, and watch them evolve, and take on the different creative faces of different creative people. I also think it is nice to be able to ask someone "These together???" and get a good answer. My brother Carl is good for that. Believe me, I have put some things together thinking it would be good, then, about the time its finished, decided it was alll allll allllll wrong. It is also really important to be able to say to someone "Look what I made!" or have others say and show you what they made.
I also think the act of creating makes one creative. I made all those little dragons for Christmas, and no two of them were alike. I'm not just talking about color of yarn, either, although I did experiment with the yarns and designs. There is just nothing like being up to your elbows in a project and thinking, hmmm I wonder if I did....
Then there is nature. Nature will get me every time. I know I'm not alone in that, and maybe its cliche, but it is also true. There is nothing like seeing the colors and shapes and varigation that you find in nature to inspire you. The organic movement and lines, the sharp clarity. Sometimes, even the stuff you don't really want to see...
Here are some of the things that inspire me, time after time. The list is by no means exhaustive.
First, the inspiration of others. Talking to people about their creative work, whether it is written, or crafted or ??? gets my own creative juices going. That would be one of the reasons that my ideal studio would be open to creative friends. I love being able to throw ideas around, and watch them evolve, and take on the different creative faces of different creative people. I also think it is nice to be able to ask someone "These together???" and get a good answer. My brother Carl is good for that. Believe me, I have put some things together thinking it would be good, then, about the time its finished, decided it was alll allll allllll wrong. It is also really important to be able to say to someone "Look what I made!" or have others say and show you what they made.
I also think the act of creating makes one creative. I made all those little dragons for Christmas, and no two of them were alike. I'm not just talking about color of yarn, either, although I did experiment with the yarns and designs. There is just nothing like being up to your elbows in a project and thinking, hmmm I wonder if I did....
Then there is nature. Nature will get me every time. I know I'm not alone in that, and maybe its cliche, but it is also true. There is nothing like seeing the colors and shapes and varigation that you find in nature to inspire you. The organic movement and lines, the sharp clarity. Sometimes, even the stuff you don't really want to see...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
out from the ether
I have this idea floating around in my brain. It came from dreaming about what I would do if I won the lottery... you know those plans. They are usually a lot of fun, but not incredibly practical in real life. But this one? I don't know... If I could get my brain around it in the right way, it just might work, and eventually provide its own support.
Part of the idea comes from crafting. I know that really isn't a surprise, is it. That if I won the lottery, I would be free to sew and knit and crochet up a huge storm and buy all the supplies I want to. AND a wonderful, well lit place to craft in, with plenty of storage, and of course my vision also has lots of windows for the sunlight. But it doesn't stop there, oh, no. When I'm having a great time, I like to share it, so this studio would have plenty of room for creative friends, and we could throw ideas around, and give feedback, and generally be "Martha's staff" for each other, and share our enthusiasm with one another. I actually envision rather a smallish store front kind of place, where people could see what was going on inside, and our finished works could be displayed in some fashion. Maybe there would be sales, but that wouldn't be the point of the studio per se. At least not at first. What it amounts to, more or less, is the job I would love if I didn't have to worry about supporting myself, or family.
People support themselves with their creative endeavors, right? Right? Well, my experience is that SOME people do. BUT, if you really had this creative laboratory going, think of the craft articles you could write and sell. Think of the classes you could give (and recieve as well). In this electronic age, you might even be able to find a niche where your creative wares sold for what your time was worth. It COULD happen. Or am I completely off my rocker here?
Part of the idea comes from crafting. I know that really isn't a surprise, is it. That if I won the lottery, I would be free to sew and knit and crochet up a huge storm and buy all the supplies I want to. AND a wonderful, well lit place to craft in, with plenty of storage, and of course my vision also has lots of windows for the sunlight. But it doesn't stop there, oh, no. When I'm having a great time, I like to share it, so this studio would have plenty of room for creative friends, and we could throw ideas around, and give feedback, and generally be "Martha's staff" for each other, and share our enthusiasm with one another. I actually envision rather a smallish store front kind of place, where people could see what was going on inside, and our finished works could be displayed in some fashion. Maybe there would be sales, but that wouldn't be the point of the studio per se. At least not at first. What it amounts to, more or less, is the job I would love if I didn't have to worry about supporting myself, or family.
People support themselves with their creative endeavors, right? Right? Well, my experience is that SOME people do. BUT, if you really had this creative laboratory going, think of the craft articles you could write and sell. Think of the classes you could give (and recieve as well). In this electronic age, you might even be able to find a niche where your creative wares sold for what your time was worth. It COULD happen. Or am I completely off my rocker here?
Monday, February 2, 2009
monday night tv
Hmmm its very odd to feel like watching a whole evening of television. I'm not sure I can do it any more. Monday nights on NBC is a line-up I'll enjoy, I thing. Even if I don't watch them all on Monday night.
First there is Chuck. I don't watch this show every week, but I do catch it occasionally. Adam Baldwin is on it (you know, from Firefly). This week had Dominic Mogn... Moun... OK, I can't spell it... from Lord of the Rings, and Lost, playing a rock star... like from Lost, only not, only yeah it was, kinda... Anyway the episode was entertaining to knit to.
Then Heros. Oh yeah. They started a new book this evening, and I think it's gonna take us for a ride. The good guys and the bad guys are moving around again. I really like Heros, and it is one of the few shows I plan my evening's activities around.
Finally, Medium. OK, I couldn't sit and watch tonight, but I'll be looking it up on Hulu or something to get caught up. I have liked this series and then lost track of it, in the general not watching network television. I'm glad to find it again. Time to set the recorder!
Speaking of Hulu, did you see that Hulu commercials? Now that was a funny one...
Ok, enough lame geekiness for one evening.
First there is Chuck. I don't watch this show every week, but I do catch it occasionally. Adam Baldwin is on it (you know, from Firefly). This week had Dominic Mogn... Moun... OK, I can't spell it... from Lord of the Rings, and Lost, playing a rock star... like from Lost, only not, only yeah it was, kinda... Anyway the episode was entertaining to knit to.
Then Heros. Oh yeah. They started a new book this evening, and I think it's gonna take us for a ride. The good guys and the bad guys are moving around again. I really like Heros, and it is one of the few shows I plan my evening's activities around.
Finally, Medium. OK, I couldn't sit and watch tonight, but I'll be looking it up on Hulu or something to get caught up. I have liked this series and then lost track of it, in the general not watching network television. I'm glad to find it again. Time to set the recorder!
Speaking of Hulu, did you see that Hulu commercials? Now that was a funny one...
Ok, enough lame geekiness for one evening.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
projects 2 (or so)
I had a good weekend, as far as sewing and crafting goes. I got to finish a tunic top that has been sitting around in pieces for months. I'll wear it this week, with the new pants that I bought. (I still haven't perfected my pants making techniques) The top is dark blue and gold and Chinese dragony. I'm very happy with it.
I also almost finished a little girl's tunic top. It will go with a tiered skirt that I made last fall. No, of course Raine won't wear that. The top has flowers on it, and a skirt? Not a chance. I made several outfits last fall with the thought of taking them to Jardin de los Ninos and donating them. I couldn't contact anyone by e-mail OR by phone, to find out if there was a specific size needed, or when would be a good time to take them by, or anything. You would think that a place that requests donations would be a little more... friendly. The finished garments went into Raines closet where they will be perfectly safe from wear, and the unfinished projects wen on a back burner. Today, however, I was reading the Sewing Guild Newsletter, and read about a program called One Dress at a Time. When I get done posting here, I'll be checking out their web site, and seeing if there is anything local to contribute to.
It doesn't make me feel bad that Raine doesn't like every piece of kid's clothing that I sew. I still like to sew stuff that I know she won't wear. I also feel like this is a place where I can contribute happily, and make others happy as well.
I also almost finished a little girl's tunic top. It will go with a tiered skirt that I made last fall. No, of course Raine won't wear that. The top has flowers on it, and a skirt? Not a chance. I made several outfits last fall with the thought of taking them to Jardin de los Ninos and donating them. I couldn't contact anyone by e-mail OR by phone, to find out if there was a specific size needed, or when would be a good time to take them by, or anything. You would think that a place that requests donations would be a little more... friendly. The finished garments went into Raines closet where they will be perfectly safe from wear, and the unfinished projects wen on a back burner. Today, however, I was reading the Sewing Guild Newsletter, and read about a program called One Dress at a Time. When I get done posting here, I'll be checking out their web site, and seeing if there is anything local to contribute to.
It doesn't make me feel bad that Raine doesn't like every piece of kid's clothing that I sew. I still like to sew stuff that I know she won't wear. I also feel like this is a place where I can contribute happily, and make others happy as well.
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