just one person

I am aware of the saying "even one person can make a difference" but until very recently didn't really believe it to be true.  I guess I was kind of going through life thinking that my efforts in helping others would be useless unless I had a great big novel idea with a lot of money and people backing my project.  My friend Tanya has proven to me that in order to help others all you need is love and a little effort.  Tanya has a dear friend going through a number of devastating  situations: suicide of her father, serious medical diagnosis, housing crisis and the list goes on and on. Instead of saying "there is nothing I can do ", Tanya was able to reach out to the blogging community through a couple of simple emails and start the wheels in motion for some serious assistance for her friend.  Check out her story, progress  and contribute any helpful ideas you may have here on her blog.

bonnet sewing!!!!!!

With a sickish babe laying on the couch and the threat of an April snowstorm I got an itch to do some sewing...... more specifically, bonnet sewing.  I have created 5 of the cutest reversible bonnets, if I do say so myself.  I have listed them all, along with descriptions and pricing in my Etsy shop (also see the sidebar) but I thought I would show them off here as well!

                                               

                                 the interior of the button bonnet

I adore making these bonnets and welcome any custom orders....just email or facebook me and we can discuss your ideas!

today i failed

t

Today I shamed myself.
I did not stand up for the underdog.
I did not do what I felt in my heart was right.
I chose to ignore rather than act.
I chose the cowards way out.
Today I witnessed a woman repeatedly verbally abuse a young girl (maybe 10 yrs old) she was shopping with.
I watched as this young girl with shoulders slouched and head hung down tried to avoid eye contact and the abuse she was being subjected to.
I had tears in my eyes.
I heard others around me muttering but none of us acted.
I imagine this little girl hoping beyond hope that someone would step in and help her and none of us did.  I feel like we collectively let her down.
I so desperately wanted to go over and give her a big hug.
What do you do in this type of situation?  How do you gently and without judgement try to help and intervene.  How do you NOT make things worse for that poor little girl?
I need a solution.  This inactivity on my part is unacceptable.  What is the right thing to do?  My heart breaks for this child.
 I failed today.
My voice was weak today but what I do know is  that as a collective we mothers have a protective roar that can turn this world upside down.  Please help me to harness this roar and make a change.... a change that will hopefully make a difference in the lives of children who really need it!

Any ideas?
Where do we begin?
ROAR with me!!!!!

{this moment}

Joining amanda and friends in "this moment"...capturing a moment from the week that I want to cherish and hold onto.

Have a great weekend! 

ever so proud of myself!

Do you ever make something for someone and then you are so impressed with it that you just can't give it away?  This always happens to me with the cards that I make at my friend Nicole's card making workshops.  Most recently I attended her Easter card workshop and made this super adorable card.

Okay, I really fell in love with this card.  After stamping the outline of the bunny I actually coloured that bunny in using watercolour pencils and a blending brush!  I was giddy proud of myself.  

Nicole hosts these card making and stamping workshops monthly.  I try to attend as often as possible because they are an inexpensive ($15) way to socialize, be creative and end up with 3 amazing looking greeting cards.    As a representative of Stampin' Up Nicole has access to a ton of great stamping ideas, tools and resources.   This doesn't mean that she is trying to sell you stamps and accessories at every turn!  Actually it is quite the opposite, you will NEVER feel pressured to purchase anything from Nicole when attending a session at her house.  The only thing you are sure to walk away with is a sore tummy from laughing, 3 cards and some great new friends.  If you are interested in learning more about Nicole's workshops and live in the Hamilton area, let me know and I can give you her contact details.   

Joyeux Paques

I usually treat Easter like a second New Year.  I make new resolutions, start a new journal, vow to get more organized, buy new skin care products and start purging all of the junk around the house.   This never works for me.  Just like New Years I fall back into my old habits,  practically before the day ends.  This year I thought I would just renew my intention to try to live as simply as possible.  With simplicity in mind, I present you with....

Easter: a pictorial

round here

We've been sickies in this house and believe me when I tell you recouperation has been a very slow process.  This means that I have been slow and totally unmotivated.  There has been lots of laying on the couch, cuddling babes, watching Power Rangers, making snack plates and tending fevers.  
I am basically unprepared for Easter!  Oh ya, my round up of to do projects....NOT STARTED.
Treats bought....NOT YET!
Eggs dyed....NOPE!
Easter dinner planned.... HAVEN'T REALLY EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT IT!
I have 2 days to pull it all together which I know is more than enough time for a crazy woman such as myself... right?


In between illnesses we did manage a couple of outings::

:: the One of Kind Show, where I fell in love with ......

... these beautiful magnetic pieces of wood.  I thought they would be a perfect pin cushion.  For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the artisan so I can buy one online.   I must have shoved a thousand cards in my bag that day and was not smart enough to pay attention to which was which..... BOOO!

:: "candylion" picking.  I am finding these candylions in every pocket of every coat and sweater that we own.

:: on a cruise ship. The kids were inspired to turn the couch into a cruise ship after reading the most ridiculous book....Walter the Farting Dog goes on a Cruise.  It is however most adorable that Anthony calls it "Fawlter the tooting dog".   Sorry about the crazy eyes in the picture.  I tried everything in photoshop to fix them but they just kept getting crazier!

:: Anthony's first fancy dress tea party.  How adorable is this?????


On the sewing front, I have a few works in progress that I will hopefully have done and posted about very soon.   Think bonnets and puppet theatres....get excited!