tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82317372011-08-14T10:58:06.891-04:00"Whatever shall we do in that remote spot? Well, we'll write our memoirs. Work is the scythe of time." --Napoleon Bonaparte, on his way into exile.Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.comBlogger3231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-57035546492134542372007-01-16T19:21:00.000-05:002007-01-17T19:23:53.626-05:00

Not in my plans, but I can't blog photos here anymore, so I'm up and movin' :http://photopaperscissors.blogspot.com...unless Fliboogglehoo changes its tune!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-15115805071560326882007-01-12T11:24:00.000-05:002007-01-12T11:28:04.721-05:00

I've been trying to get a really cute picture of Benjamin posted here since last night, but the Flickr-Blogger-Google-Yahoo system has been down, so you'll just have to go here.We don't call him the "Droolmeister" for nothing...

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1168035506979760662007-01-05T17:17:00.000-05:002007-01-05T17:21:31.920-05:00

I Love a Rainy NightOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Life has been throwing me some loops lately. My stomach issues are only a part of it.Last night (this morning?) I woke up in excruciating pain again, despite the Prilosec ("I'm on Day 8," TYVM). NOTHING was helping -- not standing, certainly not lying down, not even on my knees with my head on the couch. Then I remembered a trick I learned

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1167786830866056872007-01-02T20:13:00.000-05:002007-01-02T20:17:59.343-05:00

First secondsOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I was trying to capture the clock at 11:59:59, but I'm glad I got it at 12:00:00 anyway.I have always believed that whatever you are doing on New Year's Eve is indicative of what you'll be doing all year. Not that I thought of that while taking this photo...but taking lots of photos all year long sounds like a good year to me!Unfortunately for

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1167289068777808052006-12-27T23:47:00.000-05:002006-12-28T02:02:56.336-05:00

I had no idea it was so exhausting taking care of a friggin' fish.The water was cloudy this morning, so I set to work changing out 25% of the water and put E to the task of visiting the pet store while he was out with Tess today.In the meantime, Jack started acting weird (why the hell did I let Tess name him and get all attached to him? Dammit). I haven't done all my reading yet, but I'm pretty

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1167183259875100412006-12-26T20:33:00.000-05:002006-12-26T20:34:20.020-05:00

Meet the Fishies Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.My first pet-buying-as-a-parent experience, yikes. I've never kept fish before. I hope they're not as finicky as the literature makes them sound. I found a children's book on fish keeping to be the most useful.I wasn't going to get Tess a fish tank for Christmas, because I know eventually it will end up being MY fish tank, or at least that I

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1167077017988651222006-12-25T15:03:00.000-05:002006-12-25T15:03:38.683-05:00

Apparently... Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Judging by my two very pink gifts this morning. A completely unsuspected Ipod Nano (having way too much fun with that right now) and a new cell phone cover, both picked out by Santa E.I had to change the wallpaper on my phone; the sunset shot just wasn't jivving with the sunburst and hearts on my new cover. The teddy bear makes the whole package

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1166546934129114672006-12-19T11:48:00.000-05:002006-12-19T11:48:54.136-05:00

Season of Giving Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.I think I've told the story of my Dad inspiring me to give blood regularly, but here it is again...I was in high school, and my Dad came home from work, where they'd had a blood drive that day. He had a little teardrop pin on with the number 3 and a red cross. My Mom asked him, "What's the 3 for?" and Dad said, "I've given 3 gallons of blood."

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1166127730415639612006-12-14T15:09:00.000-05:002006-12-14T15:24:24.983-05:00

My picture-of-the-day project is dragging me down today. Tess is getting over a cold, I am just starting it. It's gray and dull outside and I can't think of a thing to take a picture of.Perhaps I'll go to Knit In tonight; although a recent post on the list lamented the fact that no one (except the poster) showed up last week. I picked up my Twisted Rib sock from last fall's Interweave Knits and

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1165335412939944242006-12-05T11:16:00.000-05:002006-12-05T11:43:57.333-05:00

Chocolate FountainOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I'm participating in a Picture A Day challenge over at ScrapVillage...don't know how I stumbled upon it, but I happened to have taken pictures on the 1st AND 2nd and decided to join in.This is our picture from yesterday. Tess has been looking forward to attending Weber's VIP part just for their chocolate fountain (me too, actually...that, and

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1164640651399901952006-11-27T10:09:00.000-05:002006-11-27T10:47:59.716-05:00

All AmericanOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.See? We did get that photo (via email) of E getting his citizenship. I swear, if I promise anyone photos via email or any other format, I will get them out A.S.A.P. What a relief to have this great shot and get it scrapped before too long after the event.And I did get a little cropping done this weekend...just finishing up layouts from the week

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1164402489924466032006-11-24T16:00:00.000-05:002006-11-24T16:21:57.606-05:00

BlessedOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Damn! Ben just keeps getting cuter. At this rate, I'm going to have to beat away the girls when he goes to his first playgroup.I realized yesterday (Thanksgiving, doncha know) that I hadn't yet posted two very lovely gifts from my A2 Knit In pals. Emily made the sweater and hat set, and Ingrid made him the fuzzy little booties (VERY warm and toasty)!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1163728186292490232006-11-16T20:42:00.000-05:002006-11-16T21:07:26.893-05:00

House QuiltsOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I spied this at my local fabric/quilt/sewing machine shop (Viking Sewing Center) while shopping for backing fabric last weekend. A local Girl Scout troop created it; I think they are even raffling it off for charity (it would have helped to stop and read the article pinned to it -- ya think?!).I LOVE house blocks; I like to think my mother's 23+

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1162912209542303492006-11-07T10:03:00.000-05:002006-11-07T10:10:09.576-05:00

Yesterday added a new citizen to our ranks -- my very own E. Too bad he had to be at the courthouse in downtown Detroit at 8:30 a.m.; I couldn't join him to get photos.I can only hope the folks who took his picture with the judge who swore him in send it along; otherwise I have nothing to scrap for the special day.At least work treated him extra-special, with a big cake decorated as a map of the

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1162758314288950002006-11-05T15:18:00.000-05:002006-11-05T15:25:14.363-05:00

Go Fish Originally uploaded by CreativeExile....I will not pick up toys...I will not do any more laundry...I will not grocery shop...I will not cookI WILL get at least one scrapbook layout done, one that has been languishing in my crop bag for (!) over two months now....I will not get online (oops)...I will not write a blog entry (oops again)I WILL keep my blog entry short, so I can go about

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1162394668652838392006-11-01T10:17:00.000-05:002006-11-01T10:38:00.963-05:00

JackOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I can't believe I almost didn't carve a pumpkin this year. What kind of seriously bad luck would that bring us on All Hallow's Eve?Ben is - sort of - getting on a schedule. His long night stretches were obviously a fluke; he's back to waking at 2a and 6a after going down around 10p.I don't mind the early-morning feedings if I can get him to take naps

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1162236282830254162006-10-30T14:17:00.000-05:002006-10-30T14:46:18.713-05:00

SpookyOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.We've had a couple of 6- (and even one 7-hour) stretches of sleep through the night out of Ben; then we'll have a night like last night, where he fell asleep at 7:30p and woke up at 11:30p, 3:30a, and 7:00a. Well, what can you expect from a 5 week old?Lookin' damn cute in his costume, that's what. Tess was a princess again this year, although she kept

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1161200693932307792006-10-18T15:38:00.000-04:002006-10-18T15:44:54.290-04:00

He's not heavy... Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.At least Tess is sweet with HIM. With us, not so much...I know it's natural. She's testing our every limit. She no longer plays on her own for very long (unless it's at the upstairs sink). She wants us to play with her every spare second. She asks 30 times a day, "when will Daddy be home?" then when he gets here she pesters him so that he

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1160594110910079972006-10-11T15:08:00.000-04:002006-10-11T15:15:11.463-04:00

Two and a half weeks Originally uploaded by CreativeExile....and all is well. I've actually been out of the house on my own; Monday night I made it to Stamp Club. Luckily it was a small, coming-and-going group, so I made my 3 cards, placed my monthly order, and was outta there in under an hour.'Cos I gotta rush home and kiss those chubby cheeks...mmmmmwwwahh!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1159722817877670522006-10-01T13:07:00.000-04:002006-10-01T13:13:37.890-04:00

At the hospital Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Looks like he's on a beach vacation, doesn't it?The idea of scrapbooking Ben's return to the hospital -- for bililight treatment of serious jaundice -- helped me keep my sense of humor throught this ordeal.He was very sluggish on Thursday, our first full day home, and when I noticed his eyes were yellow, we made an immediate appointment at the

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1159722360866990582006-10-01T12:59:00.000-04:002006-10-01T13:06:01.350-04:00

Big sis Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.So far Tess has been very interested in Ben...I think the age difference helps. She is REALLY curious about nursing ("why does milk come from there?" and other Deep Thoughts) and loves to help out and hold Ben.Near the end of each hospital visit, she got a bit squirrelly, "bad" behavior, talking back, but we took it for the stress it was. Those

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1159458465552834642006-09-28T11:41:00.000-04:002006-09-28T11:47:46.663-04:00

Here's Ben Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.And his very happy big sis. Only my mom can get her into ponytails that STAY."Benjamin" wasn't even on the name radar...when I first saw him in E's arms Monday night, I told E he looked like a Benjamin. That's the story. Divine intervention, I think.Right now he has his days and nights mixed up -- just like in utero -- but we're working on that.E

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158939379188719062006-09-22T11:20:00.000-04:002006-09-22T11:36:59.933-04:00

Oh, yay, I've been tagged. Gotta do something to kill the time around here ;) Thanks, Eugenia!The rules of the tag are: List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets.Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.1. We have no pets, but my daughter's weird thing is: she HATES to be comforted when she

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158939575535430222006-09-21T11:33:00.000-04:002006-09-22T11:39:50.236-04:00

T.I.L.T. 9/21/06Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.I worked at BK through college...and gained my "freshman 15 (more like 23) eating their cake...and York peppermint patties...oh, and root beer floats with cinnamon ice cream! Yum!I miss BK. They all closed. At least their cakes are still around.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158696281152273872006-09-19T15:58:00.000-04:002006-09-19T16:04:41.263-04:00

Off and running... Originally uploaded by CreativeExile....first day of school was yesterday. Of course, I had some running around of my own to do, including a weekly doctor's visit.Seems I am further along in this, the week of my due date, than I was with Tess. So this one may not be 2 weeks overdue, as she was. Or, as I like to say, he's going to annoy me like his father does by consistently

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158359841629612182006-09-15T18:33:00.000-04:002006-09-15T18:37:21.646-04:00

SO cool. I've wanted to do one of these since reading about it in SJ's Big Picture Scrapbooking. I'm just waiting until we settle into a routine with our new little one (WHENEVER he arrives...and settles down...like, next June?)!Marci did a beautiful job with this!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158355428356626562006-09-14T23:17:00.000-04:002006-09-15T17:25:38.590-04:00

TILT 9/14/06Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Okay, I'm really posting this on Friday, because that's when I made what's known in our family as "Pa Soup" (after my Italian grandfather, who we always called Pa. Now, it's my Dad's turn to be called Pa by his grandchildren...but the soup name always refers to my maternal grandfather, since it's his family's recipe).It's a sure sign of fall.1st

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158266275384956852006-09-14T16:32:00.000-04:002006-09-14T16:37:55.546-04:00

The Kid Takes Pictures Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Here's the various pictures Tess took while wandering around the house with our new camera. Fun to see stuff at "kid's-eye" level!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158183423041946132006-09-13T17:31:00.000-04:002006-09-13T17:39:49.076-04:00

Our little photogOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.E absolutely cracked up when he saw the photos Tess took with my new Canon EOS. Yes, I let a 4 1/2 year-old play with a very expensive camera. Hey, her dad did it first, when they went fishing a couple of Sundays ago (I was scrapbooking).I was so geeked that E isn't uptight about her using the new camera either; they have been fishing together

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1158178983018031442006-09-13T16:22:00.000-04:002006-09-13T16:56:06.820-04:00

I ended up going to "triage" -- not the ER, just a special area at the hospital's Family Birth Center -- Saturday afternoon, after coming home from cropping with a wicked headache that Tylenol-every-4-hours overnight couldn't crack. It was painful enough to keep me up all night, calling the on-call doctor at 2:00 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.The doctor's office was worried about

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1157569943908190082006-09-06T15:00:00.000-04:002006-09-06T15:12:23.926-04:00

First, read this longish post from my brave friend Becky.Now, with all the hoopla surrounding Tom Cruise's apology to Brooke Shields (and her acceptance of his apology), I just want to be sure to point out: he hasn't changed his mind about medication for mental health. Which, in my mind, means he is still a tool (and an asshole...and, well, a guy, and guys will NEVER get what women go through in

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1157507407349171012006-09-05T21:47:00.000-04:002006-09-05T21:50:07.366-04:00

...thanks to Karen D. It makes me happy to note that I'm not geeky enough to get EVERY one of these. Just enough to make it fun.I was (embarrassingly enough) more of a Next Generation fan, anyway.Getting tired, ready to pop. Technically, 2 more weeks to go. Could be as much as 4, though, if my doctor lets me go that long. Probably not.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1157146600709126592006-08-31T17:31:00.000-04:002006-09-01T17:39:25.283-04:00

TILT for 8/31/06Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Things I Love Thursdays strikes again. Why else would I write? Haha.We have a local (not chain) pharmacy with the most amazing gift section (and groceries, but I digress). I found this "Native Herbs" soft-sided journal and had to have it, despite the 3 or 4 blank notebooks I already carry around in my purse.It has illustrated blank and "gridded

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1156445684858794002006-08-24T14:49:00.000-04:002006-08-24T14:58:00.393-04:00

Memories of China faveOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.This is for a Flickr group I belong to; this is the first Thursday I've remembered to post to it!Found this fabric on my Birthday Discount hunt...shopping with Mom at stores that gave me a discount for my birthday...Viking Sewing Center in Ann Arbor offered 30% off fabric that day.I was so delighted to find this fabric; we have friends

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1156445294093185712006-08-24T14:42:00.000-04:002006-08-24T14:48:14.103-04:00

Happiness is... Originally uploaded by CreativeExile....a really cool combo birthday/Birth Day present. E knows not to buy me jewelry. I've been sending him research on digital SLRs; this is what sounded best for my needs.Best of all, he got all romantic in its delivery (this, from the most non-romantic guy on the planet...must be taking lessons from my Dad, who is ultra-romantic to my Mom).I

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1156166655779970992006-08-21T09:20:00.000-04:002006-08-21T09:24:15.796-04:00

Still here, still pregnant. About four weeks to go...Picture me like this: I am in a kayak on top of the very solid rock of my 40th birthday, waiting. Soon I will be pushed into the rushing river below, and I don't know which direction I will head in:Upstream with a very strong paddle, toward the birth of my second child?Or downstream into the rapids, without control, as my father in-law dies

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1155156876351190962006-08-09T16:49:00.000-04:002006-08-09T16:54:36.356-04:00

Ginormous socks Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.I realized a couple of weeks ago, as I was working on the heel flaps at Knit In, that I wasn't doing the customary knit-one-slip-one on the heels. Ooops. That and the fact I made the biggest pattern possible, using the biggest needles possible, and I am possible one of the world's loosest knitters (hey, watch it...) has made these socks just

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1155156744284372812006-08-09T16:47:00.000-04:002006-08-09T16:52:24.286-04:00

New CTMH stuff Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.FINALLY, something to be excited about, Close-To-My-Heart-wise. I have pretty much given up my business, since I hate doing home parties (v. expensive for the consultant, don't ya know) and haven't been able to keep up with all of their "innovative changes" (read: I don' t have the money to keep buying new stuff).But, at last, a few new things I

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1155156308621145962006-08-09T16:40:00.000-04:002006-08-09T16:57:16.546-04:00

New CTMH stuff-up closeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.About dang time they updated their patterned papers. These are double-sided, too, making them even more useful.I also purchased some of their new cardstock; now textured (like Bazzil) and also double sided, light/dark. Very versatile.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1155156257420226682006-08-09T16:39:00.000-04:002006-08-09T16:58:50.780-04:00

Raspberry fingertipsOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.She is very amusing. When we have lunch together at the gym, she loves to pretend to be a rat stealing my food.I have to make a big deal out of leaving something on the table (M&Ms, raspberries, etc.) and raving about how much I love it, can't wait to eat it.She hides under the table during all of this, then while I "look away," she reaches

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1155155834830894392006-08-09T16:32:00.000-04:002006-08-09T16:37:14.986-04:00

Weird coin trail Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.She has this peculiar need to line things up. Alphabet magnets, chess pieces, coins...hey, at least it kept her quiet for about 20 minutes.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1154725905715196712006-08-04T17:07:00.000-04:002006-08-04T17:35:12.146-04:00

Donna Downey project #1 for AugustOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I bit the bullet and decided I need a bit of inspiration for August. Oh, sure, I've got layouts to work on, but I've always wanted to take a class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking, and Donna Downey's all-year class offers a 1-month option.I paid for the month, then saw the first project (a decorated jar) and groaned. I want to

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1154296465456897542006-07-30T17:49:00.000-04:002006-07-30T18:18:53.930-04:00

Never A Dull MomentOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I should have followed Karen's lead and written down more of the titles of quilts as I took pictures of them (at least, I think that's why she whipped out her program and scribbled something each time she took a photo). I'm working purely on memory here, and feel bad that I don't know the names of more quilts that impressed me.A sign at the

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1154215179232400592006-07-29T19:15:00.000-04:002006-07-29T19:30:13.666-04:00

Self-portrait Challenge-July 2006Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Holy cow, I forgot I joined this website. I was reading through blogs (most notably the prolific and stunning work of Joy) and realized I've forgotten about taking a picture of myself every month. I grabbed a chance after E got a side shot of my now 33 1/2-week pregnant belly in the garden to take a few arm's-length head shots

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1154176502075919652006-07-29T08:30:00.000-04:002006-07-29T08:40:55.610-04:00

How embarrassing...Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.The ladies I've been cropping with are never going to get to like me. They've been giving me the stink-eye for months now over the AMM tote I won back at the end of May (mainly because Scrapbook Memories is not restocking it so they can get one of their own). Now I've won a second month-end drawing. And I didn't even have my lucky charm (

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1153861854094632482006-07-25T17:04:00.000-04:002006-07-25T17:13:22.983-04:00

Dang! I thought the Novi Sewing Expo was at the end of August. Now I see it falls the week after my due date.Of course, if I go over, like I did with Tess, perhaps walking around the cement floor of an expo center might be just the thing to set off labor.Hopefully, I will already be dealing with a newborn at that time instead.Went to a Stampin' Up open house in my neck of the woods yesterday. I

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1153673525377575282006-07-23T11:48:00.000-04:002006-07-23T13:01:59.893-04:00

Holy cow, I just looked at the calendar yesterday and realized I'm at 32 weeks, not 30 like I thought. I put E into high gear on the nursery (we still have a loooong way to go there), most likely because I went to a baby shower yesterday where the baby came a month early! Oops!Newborn Jonathan was not at his own shower, but mom was, and I just got to thinking, crap, that could be me in a month! -

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1153506439876664722006-07-21T14:22:00.000-04:002006-07-21T14:27:19.983-04:00

Lady Bug collage Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.It's a terrible weakness, my love for VW Beetles. Kind of like admitting to having a collection of Holly Hobbie or Strawberry Shortcake dolls, or being addicted to Little House on the Prairie re-runs. Cutesy and girly. But -- there it is.Every time I see a yellow one, or one decorated with giant daisy decals (I even saw one once with daisy

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1153354130493844762006-07-19T20:06:00.000-04:002006-07-21T14:33:50.673-04:00

...despite being without power from 11p Monday night until 9p Tuesday!Tess has been in morning day camp at the gym, and I've had a chance to swim (Monday), use the spa (Tuesday...and later I got together with the A2 Knit In gang -- always a good time!), and today I spent the first of three mornings at the Art Fairs. I hit more today than I expected (all of the "original" Ann Arbor Street AF and

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1152898752979077072006-07-14T13:35:00.000-04:002006-07-14T13:56:44.886-04:00

Freak of NatureOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I was sitting in my backyard this afternoon while Tess dug in the dirt and played on her swingset, when I looked up at "my" garden (top photo...and note, I have absolutely nothing to do with anything growing there) and was pleasantly surprised at the colors popping out at me (hard to see in the shade, but popping they were!).Granted, I have no

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1152200926526177952006-07-06T11:45:00.000-04:002006-07-06T12:11:05.380-04:00

Are You a Slacker Mom? Your quiz results make you a... Zen Mom How do you do it? Even when explosions are all around, you are able to take a deep cleansing breath and chant your mantra "this too shall pass." You are a calming influence on your kids in a hectic world.Take this free personality test by going tohttp://www.areyouaslackermom.com/Good thing I'm a Zen Mom, because Tess & I are both sick

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1152133863458036162006-07-05T17:07:00.000-04:002006-07-05T17:13:03.806-04:00

vaca06smOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.There's Tess, steering a pontoon boat, catching dragonflies, and getting a swing from her grandpa...There's grandma with one of her gorgeous applique quilts...me and the "buoy," (hint, hint, haha), and various pics of us on the beach Monday.Sunburned and happy! But glad to be home.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1150661338798093522006-06-18T16:05:00.000-04:002006-06-18T16:12:14.976-04:00

The ShowOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.So YAY! It all worked out. Sort of. Our babysitter's dad rolled up, got out of the car, and said, "I heard you got tickets to the show!" Which, in reality, still left E a bit clueless. We could've been going to the movies, for all he knew.But we went to the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase to see someone we wanted to see LAST year, Elvira Kurt. She had to

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1150492241813320222006-06-16T17:08:00.000-04:002006-06-16T17:10:41.823-04:00

Just a quick, photo-free entry...I am SO GEEKED, my last-minute plans for E's birthday celebration came through. We have a babysitter for tomorrow (!) and I got...um..."what I needed to get" for his Perfect Evening Out tomorrow...More on it later. He knows this blog exists, and now that I've told him not to make any plans for tomorrow night, he's going to start snooping. He is not beyond checking

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1150398397087861112006-06-15T15:03:00.000-04:002006-06-15T15:10:26.593-04:00

Basted moon quiltOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I have discovered a horrible secret for evening energy -- Spanish Drinking Chocolate from Zingerman's. It gives me a gentler buzz than coffee (I'm even avoiding decaf at this point, it upsets my stomach so) but keeps me up well past midnight.I *am* taking it easy with the stuff, though, but MAN. I was up until nearly midnight in some kind of

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1150169666655999592006-06-12T23:30:00.000-04:002006-06-12T23:53:35.386-04:00

Side-by-Side SamplersOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.As if I didn't have enough creative projects brewing (is it a new nesting instinct? at only 6 months?!), I've started a Welcome Baby sampler for the new arrival.The Rocking Horse in Farmington, the only remaining cross stitch/embroidery store around (anyone remember Connie's Corner Stitchery in Northville?), had its semi-annual sale (20%

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1149804298390870052006-06-08T18:01:00.000-04:002006-06-10T19:48:58.910-04:00

Gigantic, or not?Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Does the sock in the middle look all that big to you, compared to the two from my first pair?It feels fine *on* me, while my first pair of socks (the blue ones on the left and right) seem a little narrow in the heels (and definitely short in the toe, but that is not the fault of the yarn or the pattern).Everyone has commented on the Largeness

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1149213894347215572006-06-01T22:01:00.000-04:002006-06-01T22:14:26.596-04:00

RIFF Rocks...Baby!Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Despite having a hungry, tired preschooler in the car on the way home from Meijers tonight, I had to do a U-turn and get a shot of this van. So many memories from my days as a WRIF intern in 1987......single-handedly dealing with the World Bar Tour every Friday night...unknown to my parents, who would have stopped me immediately from

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1149121950057050962006-05-31T20:29:00.000-04:002006-05-31T20:35:35.046-04:00

MiracleOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I came home from knitting last night to this. How pathetic is it that I had to take a picture of it (then blog it)?! No, seriously. This is a miracle on two levels:1. He Knows Where The Soap Refills Are!2. He Knows How To Refill The Soap Dispenser!!Of course, he had to leave the empty bottles out, to make SURE I got the point, that he does indeed have

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1148608971157886102006-05-25T22:00:00.000-04:002006-05-25T22:12:00.433-04:00

Tye-dye socksOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.No, I did not knit these (although I tried...with Kate attempting to enable me by shopping in Germany for an apparently "retired" Regia sock yarn in a similar colorway). I got them at Arbor Farms Market. I've been eyeing them for a long time; they looked so comfy, and they were!I walked Tess to school today (figures, last day of school, and we

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1148608807196995342006-05-25T21:57:00.000-04:002006-05-25T22:11:23.160-04:00

Stash messOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I couldn't go to my Friday night crop last week because of the flu (I'm sure that's what it was, because I'm perfectly fine now...it definitely wasn't the onset of second-trimester blech), so I went last night instead. My LSS just started staying open late on Wednesdays for cropping; they are also now doing (somewhat) hourly drawings on crop nights

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1148220817804276442006-05-21T10:10:00.000-04:002006-05-21T10:15:56.953-04:00

Me & AliOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I look amazingly chipper (must be the red shirt) despite feeling like falling over. Something hit me Friday; I had a fever and chills, body aches all day, didn't sleep from 2:30a on...slept off and on all day Friday, just recovering. You know I'm not feeling well when I skip my Friday night crop...especially on Monthly Drawing Night.I was saving all my

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1148220585074741482006-05-21T10:07:00.000-04:002006-05-21T10:09:45.156-04:00

Cover Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.So...I'll take this down if it's not kosher. Kind of a crappy photo, and no instructions, so it's not really useful anyway. The inside pages can be viewed over at my Flickr account.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147884871814933072006-05-17T12:51:00.000-04:002006-05-21T10:21:48.353-04:00

Waldorf dollOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Who knew she'd be a Minnesota Vikings fan (thanks, Emily!)?! Sorry, I have a thing for this purpley-magenta color. And I was hoping the yellow would look more like hair. I need to add some length...

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147884811251552632006-05-17T12:50:00.000-04:002006-05-17T12:53:31.256-04:00

Doll love Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Tess just asked if pixie dolls like to play outside. Well, of course they do!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147884756024597052006-05-17T12:49:00.000-04:002006-05-17T12:52:36.110-04:00

Doll adoration Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Well, you can't see the back of the doll (my objective in taking this photo), but Tess's expression is too adorable to pass up.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147392738790935582006-05-11T20:09:00.000-04:002006-05-11T20:34:07.086-04:00

Knitted thingy...Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Hang on...a rare knitting entry! Shocker, I know.We visited the Waldorf/Rudolph Steiner "lower" school yesterday, on Elisha's recommendation (one of our rare Knit In members without a website). VERY cool place. I had picked up a brochure on knitted Waldorf dolls for 25 cents at the A2 District Library Book Sale (so addicted) a couple of weeks

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147392441325764722006-05-11T20:04:00.000-04:002006-05-11T20:29:13.136-04:00

We had a very busy day today; last day of Kindermusik (missed last week because we had our ultrasound...only those in the know, "know..." ya know?!), a visit to Ingrid and Finlay (or should I say, a visit to Mowgli and Jester, since Tess was way more fascinated with their cats), a Mother's Day Tea at preschool (adorable), and dinner out at a new place, Carlyle's. Fancy place, but lots of families

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147392325529593142006-05-11T20:02:00.000-04:002006-05-11T20:41:32.256-04:00

May Self-Portrait ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I've been struggling with this, my first self-portrait challenge at the new site...who am I exactly?One of my favorite quotes is, "The most interesting people I know still don't know what they want to be when they grow up." I have been figuring out that very thing since I left my job two years ago. I never thought I defined myself by

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128744485310402006-05-08T18:50:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:52:24.486-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part I Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.So...this is the hole we disappeared into this past week. With the new baby coming, we decided Tess's room was the best for a nursery (one window, front of house so nice and quiet). That meant redecorating the back bedroom to be more...ahh...GIRLY. Yeah. This bedroom was decorated for our seller's young son. We've called it "Texas" for

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128610610121072006-05-08T18:47:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:53:37.523-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part IIOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.The Wall, with the border stripped off. We replaced the old fan (on which we were always clunking our heads) with a shiny new white fan that sits closer to the ceiling, and switched the dark closet door for a natural wood one from our bedroom.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128522676453272006-05-08T18:46:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:48:42.683-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part III Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.E applied a little TOO much steamer to this section of wallpaper; thank God it was only halfway up the wall. He plastered edges and holes on Tuesday, I sanded on Wednesday, washed walls on Thursday, primed Thursday and Friday, and Dad came in over the weekend to cover it all with one coat. Whew!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128352726416422006-05-08T18:43:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:45:52.733-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part IV Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.D.O.D. (Dear Old Dad) hard at work, putting the closet back together. He painted the ceiling and inside of the closet first, when my folks got into town on Friday.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128300401023392006-05-08T18:42:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:55:13.960-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part VOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.My best bud Kris gave this to me when she moved out to Oregon. Given how many %#*! bookcases we have in our house, it's amazing that it's stayed in our garage all this time.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1147128253467937792006-05-08T18:41:00.000-04:002006-05-08T18:44:13.556-04:00

Money/Time Pit, Part VI Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.How girly! My friend Kris will hardly believe it was her old kitchen spice shelf.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145732274603535052006-04-22T14:57:00.000-04:002006-04-22T14:57:54.610-04:00

Granny squares cutie Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Before I took up knitting again in early 2004, convinced it was too hard for me, I tried crochet. I tried it because I really wanted to make a granny squares afghan. Alas, I taught myself to crochet left-handed from a book, and when it came to granny squares (or any crochet instructions more complicated than chains), I threw my hook down

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145731933510336562006-04-22T14:52:00.000-04:002006-04-25T22:23:45.316-04:00

Vintage slide bountyOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.A nice variety of small buckles, or "ribbon slides," as they are known in the scrapbooking industry. Each one was 50 cents at my favorite Ann Arbor Antiques Market booth (sorry, I didn't grab a card, but she's out of Rhode Island and has the most GORGEOUS color-coordinated booth in the whole market. Scrumptious)!Most of these are going into

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145731734303014552006-04-22T14:48:00.000-04:002006-04-22T15:01:32.593-04:00

Quilt top -- Feedsack FlowersOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.We couldn't find the price tag on this, so the vendor decided $40 was fair enough. Here are all the charming 1940s feedsack fabrics I so frantically search for in fabric stores nowadays (they're currently out of style, apparently) -- only these really are from the 1940s. How cool is that?!P.S. It's just a quilt top...not sure how

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145731612041476172006-04-22T14:46:00.000-04:002006-04-22T14:46:52.106-04:00

Quilt top -- backing Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Shows the printing from the sack of sugar the backing was made of.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145709826973502182006-04-22T08:43:00.000-04:002006-04-25T22:25:57.983-04:00

Mary T'sOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.A good night of cropping yesterday. Got there late, AS USUAL (7 p.m.), but hung around until the bitter end (11 p.m.).This was the first page I really thought out while I was taking the photos - usually I just shoot and shoot and sort 'em out later, in the layout stage (and curse myself for not getting just the right horizontal or vertical shot).PLUS I

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1145200619766483142006-04-16T11:16:00.000-04:002006-04-16T11:33:11.656-04:00

Day 11 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Rhonna's QOD is waaaaay back here...While I'm grateful for the kick in the pants this project has given me creatively, I'm starting to think my lateness is not me, it's the quotes. They are all starting to sound alike, and I am having a hard time coming up with new ideas. Hey, at least I'm still working on it and feel like my

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144955595688431532006-04-13T15:13:00.000-04:002006-04-13T15:18:40.016-04:00

Day 10 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Okay, I give up on all pretense of keeping up with Rhonna's schedule. Although I've been pretty honest about not playing along in a timely manner right from the start...really, I wanted to move down that freaky self-portrait a bit!I used Rhonna's actual quote for Day 10, so, no QOD link today. Just her site link.Went to Knit In on

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144768450736418412006-04-11T11:14:00.000-04:002006-04-11T11:23:14.250-04:00

Self-Portrait Tuesday: April FoolsOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Tess had a playdate yesterday and their PeeWee's Playhouse Word of the Day was "cucumber." Whenever either girl would say it, there would be a burst of uncontrollable giggles, the kind you can't help but join in on, even though you don't really get the joke.With my sister, the WOD was always either "banana" or "fanny."For me,

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144716000780981062006-04-04T20:40:00.000-04:002006-04-10T20:41:09.586-04:00

Day 9 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Quote of the Day here.Struggled with this one. Suddenly something goes "ping!" and it all comes together.Still coming up with new ideas, though, on the side, so something's working!

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144635109330199242006-04-03T22:11:00.000-04:002006-04-09T22:14:42.103-04:00

Day 8 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.I'd like to add more but I need to get to bed. Long day, not feeling good (4/9). I've been thinking about this page all day, only just got to it after I put Tess to bed at 9:30 p.m. My mind is reeling with creative scrapbooking ideas; this has been rejuvenating (but not that rejuvenating...not tonight...)!Rhonna's inspiring quote is

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144530280310003192006-04-02T17:04:00.000-04:002006-04-08T17:09:10.233-04:00

Day 7 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.My hand was too big to trace; had to use Tess's. I wanted a left hand anyway, and (being left-handed) it would have been impossible for me to trace my own left hand.Here's the Quote of the Day.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144437942490679482006-04-01T15:25:00.000-05:002006-04-07T15:28:29.496-04:00

Day 6 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Included interesting definitions gleaned off the internet for "proscribed" and "proscribed burn..." VERY interesting, considering the adversity I went through to "blossom."Inspiring quote for Day 6 here (scroll down past the April Fools joke...)

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144345206110913082006-03-31T13:40:00.000-05:002006-04-06T13:42:07.256-04:00

Day 5 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Rhonna's QOD here. Liz Phair's lyrics immediately came to mind. I need a page like this to boost my spirits now and then.I tried an all-digital layout this time. Partly because I was curious to see what I can do with Microsoft Picture It (not as much as I'd like; I'm an old-school Adobe Pagemaker gal) and because I wanted to do this

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144281364018908832006-03-30T19:56:00.000-05:002006-04-05T19:57:25.506-04:00

Day 4 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Deathly ill yesterday (4/4, in reality). Still recovering. Now, further behind than ever. Let my sloppy handwriting go for this one.Quote here.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144096420436827722006-03-29T16:33:00.000-05:002006-04-03T16:36:12.716-04:00

Day 3 of 21-Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Quote of the day here.(19)88 is significant, because that's when I went to Ireland. The QOTD reminded me of the twists and turns of Celtic art, and my trip. At the time it seemed like a major detour in my life, but it turned out to be a great adventure.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144085117135570882006-03-28T13:25:00.000-05:002006-04-03T13:26:48.520-04:00

Day 2 of 21 Day ChallengeOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.The quote for the day is here.It brought a little chick to my mind (chicken legs, chicken heart, big bodies with little legs...) but I didn't want a cutesy chick, so I drew my own. Gah, drawing is hard.Oh, and sorry if you've now got Springsteen playing in your head.

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1144024994255315372006-03-27T20:43:00.000-05:002006-04-03T13:28:05.896-04:00

01dayrhonnafOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.It's been two months since I've had a scrapbooking weekend, and just before I embarked on my crop Friday (it's actually April 2nd as I write this...see below), I looked over the latest newsletter from Farmington Hills' Scrapbook Zone.I haven't been excited about a class -- stamping or scrapping -- since taking a slew of stamping classes last spring

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1142553115720468302006-03-16T18:51:00.000-05:002006-03-16T18:51:55.793-05:00

Happy Birthday tag card Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.Despite having to take the nasty Glucose test this afternoon (drinking a large bottle of sugar water, after which I had to have blood drawn EXACTLY an hour later), I managed to get home while Tess was still in school and get a card done.The small tags say "celebrate" "dream" and "enjoy." I love the Happy Birthday script stamp; just got

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1142344805387607062006-03-14T09:00:00.000-05:002006-03-14T09:00:05.450-05:00

pink fluffly cloud sweater Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.The finishing just keeps on going. I did a simple, single-crochet to finish the neck on this one. Such a relief to work in saturated color after all that white in the wedding shawl.Now I'm off to work on a new, bright-colored pair of socks. As soon as I finish my Yarn Girls sweater.Clicking on the photo above will send you to my

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1142208207429480062006-03-12T19:03:00.000-05:002006-03-12T19:06:59.456-05:00

shawl frontOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.Yes, despite my disappearance from knitting nights on Tuesday, and general barfiness for the entire month of February (slowly fading...very slowly), I was able to knit from time to time on this. Tracey's reception is Saturday. I had a burst of energy this past week and just sat, knitting like mad to beat my deadline.My mom did this shawl in orange

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1140908442263525832006-02-25T17:42:00.000-05:002006-02-25T18:03:08.660-05:00

Although all that coffee over the years is probably the reason for my extremely sour stomach during pregnancy. Swimming, Tums, and finding that box of my maternity underwear (!) has eased (ahem) my discomfort in the past two days.Emily tagged me for this, so now I HAVE to do an entry. Here ya go!4 Jobs I've had in my life:Newspaper delivery girlHouse cleanerHostess at Bill Knapps2 weeks in a

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1139766740157424112006-02-12T12:51:00.000-05:002006-02-12T12:53:47.443-05:00

With props to Ingrid...Ten Top Trivia Tips about Denise! Only 55 percent of Americans know that the sun is made of Denise.Three seagulls flying overhead are a warning that Denise is near.The Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter is made entirely of Denise.Olive oil was used for washing Denise in the ancient Mediterranean world.The moon is 400 times closer to the Earth than Denise, and 400 times

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1139589058796250372006-02-10T11:24:00.000-05:002006-02-10T11:30:58.816-05:00

I was going to keep this under my hat for another week, but I need some sympathy vibes. I'm a little over 8 weeks pregnant (again), and this time -- luckily, I guess -- I'm sick as a dog. I get about 3 hours in the middle of the day where I feel okay (if I eat a decent breakfast, and snack every hour on the hour -- bland foods only), otherwise I'm shakey all morning and sick again in the evening,

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1138283375026168262006-01-26T08:49:00.000-05:002006-01-26T08:49:35.110-05:00

Maple leaves Originally uploaded by CreativeExile.I planned this quilt for my nephew when he was born. He's 14.Leaf blocks with stems were done back then. I sewed up the other three on Sunday. Now I have to remember how I did those stems. Applique, yes, but they're little "tubes" of fabric. I'm pretty sure I know which book has the instructions.I remember I drafted this pattern myself, and I was

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8231737.post-1137871041089959812006-01-21T14:17:00.000-05:002006-01-21T14:28:04.756-05:00

The shawl of shameOriginally uploaded by CreativeExile.It's rolling along. And yes, even I can screw up a simple garter-stitch shawl, by doing really dumb first-time knitter things like adding yarn in the middle of a row (it was late, and I was tired). I have artfully draped away the evidence (hole, and knot of yarn) in this photo. Oh, the shame.I have put this on circular needles at last, and

Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13841962576415144946noreply@blogger.com0