Monday, January 30, 2012

So Much Fun

I made a craft last week. I haven't done anything like this, or this messy (not counting cooking - I'm a very messy cook) in a long time. It was so much fun!

I had been waiting for weeks to try it - saved the link from Meg's whatever blog, bought the supplies, assembled them, and finally, found time to do it. It felt satisfying in an "other part of the brain" way. I've been so busy with words for the past months that it was lovely to immerse myself in pure color.

Here is a link to the instructions, in case you want to make one of your own, or share it with someone else. If you haven't visited Meg's blog before, you might want to spend a little time searching and reading. She is fun, inspiring, kind and REAL.

We went to a couple of parties this weekend. Our neighbors have a backyard that has been lovingly planned and executed; they have a sort of "outdoor living room" concept, with patio, hot tub, different levels and areas to gather. The crown jewel of their back yard is the new "bug hut," a gorgeous, one-room solid-wood building with screens for windows, a wine rack, stereo and propane heater inside. It's a writer's dream. They also have the best fire pit I have ever seen:  it is made from one-half of a buoy - probably four to six feet in diameter, and two or three feet deep. It's more like a cauldron.
File:Iron Buoys Great Barrier Island.jpg
Examples of buoys I'm describing (wikipedia image)
We had chili, snacks and beverages, and sat out under the stars around the fire. Did I mention that the temperature was below freezing? Yes, there was frost on the ground, but plenty of warmth - including food, friendship and conversation - by the fire.

Last night was the birthday of one of our Camp Goodtimes friends, Chad (a.k.a. Putt Putt). Chad's girlfriend Ann Marie hosted about 20 of us for delicious, homemade pasta, meatballs and sauce - two kinds! - at her mother's home. It was fun to meet more of their friends, visit with our Camp buddies, eat, drink and celebrate a wonderful, generous man whose heart is huge. Happy Birthday, Putt Putt!

Now I am making soup and getting ready for the carpet cleaners to arrive tomorrow - HOORAY! - we need them.

7 comments:

A.Smith said...

Busy weekend for everyone this was!
We are having fun planning some escapades to the Coast with puppydom, cooking some oysters and making the best devil's food cake recipe in the history of devil's food cake, Marlene's recipe.

The arborist is coming tomorrow to check and see if we can raise the canopy of my beloved Katzura so it won't rob the Acer Palmatum of the space as it keeps on growing. Miss talking to you, but my throat still hurts so I am not picking up the telephone. Much love to you both as always.

Clippy Mat said...

Karen, I'm a messy cook too. (I bet you're not surrpised). I'm also not a very good cook unfortunately. Not a good combination.
Thanks for the lovely pic of your craft. It looks like fun. I won't try it because I'm an even messier crafter.
You live in a beautiful place. I love reading about it.
Hugs
:-)

Busy Bee Suz said...

I'm going to check out the links....looks so colorful and pretty!
Your weekend sounds fabulous; I need to get some new friends who have parties!!!!
xoxo

ChiTown Girl said...

Oh my gosh!! I SO need to make on of those to hang in my classroom!!

Leslie said...

I just got a phone call "Leslie Leslie Leslie, read Karen's blog!"
That is such a neat craft ;) I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend. So fun to see you and Gregg last night! You looked stunning (as always.)

rebecca said...

thank you for your loving visit at recuerda mi corazon this evening.
you have such an encouraging way.

and your art project? way to rock the colours!

pysanki.blogspot.com said...

I love the artwork!