Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Yes, Capes

The boy is going to an Anime convention and he asked me to make him a red cape to go with his armor that he's been making. Being an obliging sort of mother that does that kind of thing, I hauled out my old sewing machine and snipped and stitched. In no time at all I had a red satin cape.

Pretty snazzy, don't you think? I'm half tempted to wear it to the grocery store tomorrow or down at the mall. I would stand with my hands on my hips and let folks admire my profile,

Wouldn't it be cool if everyone had capes to wear on days when you really needed super powers? Feeling bored? Wear a cape. Lethargic? Wear a cape. Need to take on the world? Cape.

Just a thought.








Keep using your superpowers for good,

Marilyn.


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“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” ~ Nora Ephron

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Luxuries

It was a very generous Christmas this year, filled with delights. Here are a few lovelies that I received.


My old food processor was held together by super glue and sheer will. It leaked out and puffed flour out the sides like something from Willy Wonka's factory. I'm besotted by my new one and love the little paddles in the front, simply on and pulse off. I've used it almost every day since it came out of the box.


I've been a vegetarian for over fifteen years and partly due to Mollie Katzen's Moosewood Cookbooks. Her new book is full of simple, clean recipes.  The spicy sesame green beans were extremely craveworthy. The Heart of the Plate is a new fav.


I got two of these cheery red oven mitts. My old ones had holes in them.... ouch! 




My awesome artist friend Annie Rugyt gave me a lovely bottle of Pearlescent moss colored ink. So when my bestie Julie sent me a gift card for Art Supply Warehouse I replenished my set with new bottles of silver, gold, copper, teal and blue. I also received a set of antique dip pen nibs from my friend, photographer Peter Bryenton. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends.




My hub bought me a new pair of Dahle Super Shears, the best scissors on the planet. They are a luxury. Keep the diamonds and furs, I'll take art supplies any day.  And I bet you would too.

So, my friend, what delights you?

Best thoughts,

Marilyn.







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May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.
I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, 
and don’t forget to make some art — 
write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. 
And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. 

~ Neil Gaiman.
 




Wednesday, January 1, 2014

First drawing of the year....

Cleaned my desk. Got a brand new pencil. Start your engines...



 
I have a million things that I want to do this year. I want to paint big canvases, practice guitar and uke, cook more veg and go places... I also want to write and draw a little every day.

How about you?

Marilyn.


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“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats.” ~ Iris Murdoch

Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Big Tidy!

“Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work.”
~ Gustave Flaubert


Time to start the annual house purge...



Every year after Christmas it's nice to do a big "sort and tidy". Out with the tree and decorations, in with the organization. A place for everything and everything in its place.

When in doubt, throw it out... is my motto today.

My office is a disaster!

Wish me luck!

Marilyn


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Making space so magic can happen.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Snowman Counter Attack

At the last booksigning I did I showed kids how to make stamps out of craft foam. It was tons of fun and I was impressed how creative some of the kids were.

I also showed how to fold a piece of paper to make a little book so we could tell a story with our stamps....








Stories are awesome.

Marilyn.

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“Live, and be happy, and make others so.” ~ Mary Shelley