The Fabricated Goddess

Things I Love.....

-spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen

-old music

-cheese

-hand-me-downs (though I get tragic few these days)

-coffee first thing in the morning

-sleeping in til 8 (hey, a girl can dream big, can't she?)

-theatre - the smell of it, the sound of it, the lights, the nerves...all of it

-really great mashed potatoes

-purging miscellaneous, useless, forgotten, or broken crap from my house

-summer, sweet hot summer

-being warm (since I'm always cold)

-gut busting laughter that comes from the soul

-hugs from my boys

-knowing that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing

-Mad Men (because how could I not?  old clothes, old cars, scotch and fabulous red lipstick)

Your turn.

 

On Being Present....

 

Funny thing about trying to remain present, you suddenly cue in to all this beauty around you.  All the this that you missed before because you were busy worrying about the shoulds and shouldn'ts of the past and the future.  The core of electric current is suddenly and decidedly powered on when you are in the present.  It's kind of like trying to see with your eyes closed - you are forced to use your other senses.  You notice things you didn't before.  You realize that they were always there.  And you are grateful.

 

Last night I went to the most amazing show.  Theatre Rusticle is touring this show.  I had the utmost privilege of seeing not only the show, but also seeing and reconnecting with the very lovely Lucy who plays the venerable ship, as it were, in April 14, 1912. And as it happens, Lucy and I go way back.  Her sister was one of my best friends the last few years of high school.  Seeing Lucy perform was an emotional and deeply gratifying thing.  Being present in the moment last night, I saw such beauty, such grace, such primal power - instinct and memory and power.  Last night I saw dreams realized.  Last night I saw poetry danced.  And it reminded me that I miss painting because, much like Rusticle dances poetry, I paint sounds.  That's what I do.  That's what I have forgotten.  

And if I hadn't been present I never would have picked up on that.  I would have been too busy worrying about shoulds and shouldn'ts.   I would have ignored the persistent itch to hold a brush and find the movement in the music and translate it into colour and texture, shape and form.  And I would have missed the chance to remember what I want.  

 

For Sim....

Brooches! Just for you Simone.  I'm working on more but here's a humble first offering.  

Vintage plaid wool and button flower brooches.  Set of three.  

Cute! 

[hat not included...or made by me...but it's GREEN! so yay!]
 

Recipe....

:: take on old lady-ish sweater

 

:: remake into cute and warm winter hat
 

:: embellish with sweater flowers and vintage glass buttons

:: enjoy!

   

Drum Roll....

Exhibit A :: highly technical, double blind ballots.  Seriously, I wrote your names on post-its, folded them and THEN randomly numbered them so that I didn't know who was what.

 

Exhibit B :: a die was rolled.

 

Exhibit C :: the ballot was opened and the winner revealed! 

Wow Neal!  You are going to look pretty darn cute in that apron.  I always suspected that lilac was your colour.

Thanks to all those who participated and read and commiserated and encouraged last month as I blogged along.  I really do cherish each and every one of you.  And yes, Susanne, I'll gladly admit it's more than 3.  

Traditions...

Things I like to get in my stocking, in no particular order:

• new tooth brush
• a magazing - preferably something fashion-wise that I would never usually buy
• nail polish 
• lip balm
• body wash and/or lotion
• underwear and/or socks
• emery boards
• razor
• hand cream
• kinder surprise
• (and/or) lindt chocolates
• new pens (gel ink)
• a jar of olives (what, it's a tradition from childhood and yes I realize that's odd)

Things I do not like to get in my stocking, in no particular order:

• thong underwear (because that is clearly for someone else's enjoyment)
• bikini wax kit
• facial hair bleach
• anything that could be categorized as an 'ointment' for an 'ailment' 
• crossword puzzle book
• ball point pens

Your turn!

Apron Love...

So you already know that I love shoes.  And vintage china.  But I haven't shared with you my other major obsessive collection.  And when I say obsessive what I really mean is that when I find one that resonates I swoon.  I'm not even kidding.   

I've managed to amass a fairly large number of vintage aprons.  This yellow apron is probably one of my favourites.  It's worn out and thin, but the colours are still vibrant.  The pocket is placed in just the right spot. There are tiny spots of paint near the bottom hem.  It's not evenly sewn.  And I'm quite certain that if you listen closely enough, this apron has stories to tell.  

In celebration of completing NaBloPoMo, this fabricated goddess is going to share some apron love with one of you faithful, generous, lovely readers.  The kind people at CSN have offered to donate a little something something to one lucky reader.  They have lot's of very cool stuff (seriously check out these or these  - oh heck just check out all the counter stools here) and after much much consideration, I chose this pretty and practical apron.

 

It's by Dwell Studio (love) and it's pretty lilac sparrow print is plastic coated.  It's perfect for cooking or crafting with the kids.  And well, it's just darned cute.

To enter drop a comment and we'll draw a random name on Sunday December 6th. 

And to those of you who read along with me this past month, thank you.  You really are a fabulously warm and wonderful bunch.  And I could have done it without you!

 

 

Is It Just Me?

Or does JCrew's 'Cashmere Of The Month Club' (for $1800 US, and not a penny less) seem like the height of decadence?

Not that I would say no if someone decided to spoil me.  

Also, remember the other day I said that Revlon's Mulled Wine was my current favourite?   Well move over Mulled Wine.  

Because this just took your place.

 

:: Love.

Okay, Seriously...

I swear, last pair of sexy shoes and I'll move on.

I like to sum these up with one word: lingerie.   Because, number one, they are seriously the most.uncomfortable.shoes.ever.  Good only for provocative lounging.  Can not be worn anywhere, ever.  I can't really walk in them, and people, as my good friend Shram will attest, I can walk in ANY heels.  So it's saying a lot bad about them that I can't wear them.  

Oh and number two.  Well, do I REALLY have to explain the second reason I call these lingerie?  

Yeah.  I didn't think so.

Things I'm Loving Right Now.....

1. mashed potatoes

2. sweaters

3. real wood fires

4. red lipstick (still) (and not because of Mad Men) (I've always loved it) (my current favourite colour is Revlon's Mulled Wine)

5. my hot water bottle

6. martinis (gin not vodka) (stirred or shaken) (olive or lemon twist) (okay that one is totally because of Mad Men)

7. my Hamlet rehearsals

8. blogging again

9. eggs for breakfast

10. using this every day