Doodles and Daydreams.

I never really claim to be able to draw, but I do like to sketch a bit and mess around doodling when inspiration strikes me. And usually when the inspiration strikes, if I don't act immediately on it, I can no longer focus on anything else. Yes, I am obsessive.

This would be an example of said messin' around.

I was supposed to be listening to a lecture on coordinate cumulative sentences, but about half way in I could take it no longer. I had to hit pause and do something minor-ly artist outside of sentence structure or I would have had a brain rupture.

After drawing(but not very well, her eyes are like totally different sizes)for 2 minutes I felt better and was able to resume my studious note taking.

Chipmunk Whispering for Dummies

Images via Flickr

No, that isn't me holding that adorable baby chipmunk. (Ha! my short, calloused fingers look nothing like that) But I so wish it was...

I found these pictures and just wanted to tell you that it IS possible

{for those of you who don't know I have tried--and failed--three times to 'train' a chipmunk. The plan was to get them to sit and my hand and/or do backflips on my shoulder. Names; Chippydip, Fifer of Worchestershire, and Fifer of Worchestershire the 2nd. Not sure why I tried this and called myself a "chipmunk whisperer"...? I just like 'em. And yes, I know they are wild animals. If Dave can have 3 talking and sweater- wearing chipmunks in his house, then I can have 1 nontalking one!}

My fifer the 2nd, let go because he was a failure of a backflipper. Fifer the 1st was an escape artist and got away before we ever learned about his potential gymnastic skills...

That lady rescued the little guy from a cat. (Hmm...if I send Tobin outside perhaps he can fetch me a chipmunk... Fifer the 3rd!!) She let him go, but how sweet is this moment where he is asleep in her hands!?

I'm telling you, it has to be possible to tame one. Someone has to have done it! It is just like... a high-strung, striped hampster! One day, ONE DAY I shall train a chipmunk, and he WILL do backflips and you will all be jealous.

The end.

Spring things 2.

In one of my very first blog posts I made mention to my love of striped shirts. Now, don't get me wrong, I do love a good stripe, but there is one kind of shirt -- with no stripes whatsoever--that tops them all.

And it is the kind that looks like this.

White-ish. Gauzy. Some sort of pirate/Shakespearean/Renaissance/belled/puffy sleeve. I enjoy them immensely.

I have quite the collection, as you can see (there is a 6th, but it is not in the pictures because I am wearing it).They might not be the most modern looking thing, but I will have you know they are ALL from normal stores (Express, Rampage, Wet Seal, etc), and not a costume shop.

Every fall, when I swap out my cold weather clothes for the warmer weather ones, I pack them all into a box. Come spring I unpack them, and get excited all over again. They are just too fun! Stick a tank top under 'em and *boom,* we have pirate magic.

I have to admit, I love wearing costumes, or anything that feels costume-like. I think it stems from the fact that as a kid I didn't celebrate Halloween, but my mom said I could wear a costume any of the other 364 days of the year, if I wanted to. And I took her up on that quite frequently. I distinctly remember going to the dentist in a poodle skirt, going to a fall fair in a Native American-type outfit, and attending kindergarten in my "Snow White dress" (wasn't really one, I just called it that). And I was the kid with the HUGE dress-up box in my basement (though, I spent more time telling my sister and her friends what I wear, than I ever did dressing myself up). And then those couple high school years of Shakespearean acting probably added to my issues...

To this day, I will not pass up an opportunity for full out costumage.

Usually I try to not look like a college-kid playing dress up, but it is not unusual for someone to ask me "Wait, is it pirate day?" (to which I respond, "It is ALWAYS pirate day.") or for a person to say,"You look like a pirate." ("I am a pirate.")

*{I have also been accused of being Peter Pan, Robin Hood, an LOTR Elf, and other fantasy-type beings.}

While you may think I look crazy, or that some part of me belongs on a movie set or back in a book, I don't mind at all. I am having fun. And I wait all fall/winter for these shirts. I will take advantage of EVERY opportunity to wear them. And if you don't like it, I guess I could keelhaul you or something...

Spring things.

"...I just like grass. A lot."

This was the end of a conversation I had with my sister yesterday morning, after church.

The full conversation went something like this;

"Why do you never walk on the stairs? They don't want you on their grass, Bella."

"I like their grass. It is very nice. I'd give it a 7."

"You like their grass?"

"Actually, I just like grass. A lot."

And I do. Vibrant green, lush, around 2 inches long grass. Smells good, feels good, looks good. I love it.

Surprisingly, despite my loathing of feet, I really enjoy being barefoot when the grass is just right. That is one of the things that makes spring and summer so exciting; THE green blades of GRASS between my toes.

But, as I have mentioned before, my yard is...wet. Right now we I have more of a wetland/swamp type thing going, and that is just no good for barefoot walking.{ In case you ever wondered *shhhuuuucksmmuucchhyukkk* is the sound a swamp-yard makes when walked upon. Pure nastiness}

So currently I am (not so) patiently waiting for it to dry up. Then I am going to kick off my shoes, walk/jump/frolic around in it, and perhaps lay on it. Oh yes, I am.

What is your favorite part of spring?

"But this I know with all my heart..."

" ...his wounds have paid my ransom."

Those are the last lines to a powerfully lyriced song called "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" (Stuart Townsend) The song has been running through my head all day.

Here is the rest of the song;

"How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders.

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished.

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom.

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom."

Just something to think about...

Happy Easter, everyone!

An Aria of Amiguruminess

Meet ARIA.

(*her name was Primavera, but to a lot of people that would sound like a pasta sauce and not springiness...)

Aria is a brightly-colored, high energy bunny rabbit all ready for spring! If you'd like her to hop your way this season, she can be found in my Etsy and Artfire shops for $15!

She might be my last Amigurumi for a little while, as I am currently tackling a custom request that involves extensive sewing machine use, multi-colored anchors, very large pirate skulls, and a soon to be born child. Curious? Pictures yet to come!

*and remember, I love custom orders!!!!!

I'm just joshin' with ya...

...Apparently today is April Fool's day...

Honestly, I had totally forgotten about it until a 10 year old girl reminded me... (I thought today was the 31st, but yet I knew tomorrow was the 2nd...hmmmm).

I've never been much of a April Fool's-er. On the pranking, or being pranked side. I am just into humor 365 days a year... Mean pranks do not make me laugh. They are just mean.

**And April Fool's day always reminds me of that Nickelodeon show from my childhood "Fairly Odd Parents" and an episode where they had a guy called the April Fool on it (You know the one..."Cosmo laughs at everything. Watch. 'Pudding'" "PUDDDINNGG AHAHAHAHAHA." Man, I used to love that show)

But anyway, here are a couple things, besides fairies with green hair cracking up at pudding, that DO make me laugh. Always.

Skippyjon Jones books by Judy Schachner. They are more aimed at small children, but I cannot lie, I love them and personally own them all. And I am NOT ashamed.

The most classic movie of all time, The Princess Bride. I've been watching it my whole life and STILL think it is funny. *and this DVD case is amazing because the words read the same upside down as they do right side up. Love it.

This movie, which is made for people more of the 12 year old boy type...but...whatever. It is just...horribly ridiculous. Jack Black is just bizarre, and yet hysterical. I also love Kung Fu Panda...

Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes and his crew at Charm City Cakes. (and if I had an award for 'best laugh ever' this dude would win. Just so you know.)

This kid. My amazing littlest sister, Avi. She is a constant comedy act.

Other crazies I am related to. They are the comedy act side shows.

This other kid of my relation. She is a whackadoodle to the maximum.

These 3 people who wish to remain nameless and faceless. *actually, I am in the middle and don't care if you know I am insane. But Mopeeps and Emikel do care, apparently...

Cats Tobin James and Hope, and their love/hate relationship.

My cat Kissbaba, weirdest cat ever, and her hate/hate relationship with everything/everyone... unless they are asleep.


*ignore my crazy laughing face... This girl, Emily Michael. Oh the things we have done together....

And for your viewing pleasure, some other pictures that make me laugh;
A band photo of some crazies I know. I just crack up every time because one is limp across the hood and the front man of the band is scratching his head, looking like he is wondering where he will find another drummer.


A 6 year old brother of mine, wearing high tops over footy pajamas.

That marshmallow with melted gummy worms on it... lonnnng story...

An epic phale. P. H. A. L. E.

Evil and sneaky me, at like age...4ish?

Playgrounds. And friends who will go play on them with you.

PRETENDING we are lying in oncoming traffic/sleeping in a parking lot


Bizarre people doing bizarre things all for a camera.

***As hard as I have tried, I can't find a good picture to wrap this all up, so I am going to just stop now...

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY, EVERYONE!

What makes you laugh? Think of it now and LAUGH LOTS!