In Memoriam--Paul Newman

The world is diminished today with the loss of Paul Newman. It is easy to be a fan of Cool Hand Luke, but Newman's philanthropy is what astounds me the most.

My first introduction to Newman was in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He was quite a Brick--a pretty brave role for any man to play during that time. I promptly followed that viewing with Long Hot Summer and then the rest of his work followed.

In 2003, I saw Newman live in the Broadway production of "Our Town" that moved from his wife's Connecticut theater. He played the role of the Stage Manager and one image of him in that role is indelible for me. After visiting her childhood, when Emily is overwhelmed by all she didn't notice, she begs the Stage Manager to "take her back" to her grave. As the Stage Manager sitting on Emily's grave, Newman responded by holding his arms open wide. God should greet us all that way.

Words Newman spoke in that role are comforting me tonight, "We all know that something is eternal. And it ain't houses and it ain't names, and it ain't earth, and it ain't even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you'd be surprised how people are always losing hold of it. There's something way down deep that's eternal about every human being." Thank you Thornton Wilder.

Thank you, Mr. Newman. For your performances, your humanity, your kindness and your joy. You will be greatly missed.

Ten Minute Headband Tutorial

Ten Minutes--seriously! I know many headband makers painstakingly sew, flip, iron, top stitch and attach elastic. This is my easy way of having a similar effect in 1/3 the time.

Materials: You will need the following: a 4"-6" x 22" piece of material (20" or 18" if you are making if for a child or toddler), a hair band of your favorite variety, thread.

Step 1: Cut your material to the appropriate size and iron flat.

Step 2: Fold in half lengthwise (the hot dog way for those of you with children) and iron.

Step 3: Fold one edge to the center and iron. Do the same to the other edge.

Step 4: Fold the material in half along the first iron mark and iron flat.

Step 5: Top stitch one side of the strip, then the other.

Step 6: Fold over 1/4" of end and iron. Fold that again 1/2" and iron. Repeat at other end.

Step 7: Place the hair band inside the flap created by the 1/2" fold and pin. Repeat at other end.

Step 8: Zig-zag along the casing for the hair band on each end.

Step 9: Wear!

Wristlet Purse Giveaway

I would love for someone to have some of the things I make. . . This little wristlet is perfect for this fall/winter--a rich brocade in a yummy, deep turquoise color. It is fully lined and could be yours. Just leave a comment and I'll pull a name from a hat on September 30th and announce a winner. Free purse--whoo hoo, as my son would say.

Best Kid's Music Ever

http://www.youaremyflower.org/home.html

These songs will melt your heart! You will enjoy them as much as your children do. The lovely acoustic instruments coupled with familiar tunes creatively done will make play time and car rides so much for you and your children. Had to share this one--hope you enjoy!

A Valentine Gift for Cookie

Spiffy dishwashing gloves

My son calls his grandma "Cookie" and you can guess why. She is quite a baker and as a wee one, he would sit in his high chair, which was my high chair, in her kitchen and would roll ginger snap dough in sugar for her to bake.

While out gathering Valentine craft supplies, we found some pink gloves for washing dishes. They needed to be Cookie's and they needed a little whimsey. By looking at these, you'll be able to make them, too. I've never written a tutorial, but since it was so easy, I thought I'd share the "how-to" steps. I hope you have fun with this DIY--washing dishes in style.

1-Cut two strips of fabric 5" wide by 18" long (or adjust--you choose how many pleats or how full you want your gathering to be.

2-Cupt two strips of double-wide biase tape 1/2" longer than the circumference of the glove openings.

3-Press 1/4" back on both ends of bias tape.

4-Press 1/4" back on both ends of fabric stips and top stitch ends closed. Fold in half to create the ruffle.

5-Gather or pleat your strips to the length of the bias tape.

6-Pin bias tape and ruffle to the glove. You will stitch on the bias tape, so you should not have any pulling from the rubber of the glove. If you encounter that, simply reposition the bias tape.

7-Tie any loose ends and flip ruffles up.

8-Enjoy your dishwashing:).

Snowy Day

So today, we have a snowy day in the Seattle area. Now, I grew up in the Upper Midwest, so this snow seems very pretty, but because it fell in the Pacific Northwest, school is out, traffic is backed up and it is the perfect day for an extra cup of Ladro coffee and a cozy day at home. The plans are to clean, read and probably play with some crayons and playdough. I'm reading the following: Garlic and Sapphires, Ruth Reichl and The Wonder of Boys, Michael Gurian.

Wow 2008

Somehow almost a whole year slipped by since I posted. Certainly a toddler, a pregnancy and new baby contributed, but I also find it so much more fun to read other blogs than to post my own. New resolution is to make it fun.