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April Update

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 0 Vintage Postcards No tags Permalink

The most important April update? Spring is here! It actually looks and feels like spring now, and I feel like myself again. It surprises me how much of the year I don’t feel like myself at all because of the weather. I was meant to live in a world of 72 degrees and sunshine.

Bob and I were actually sick in April, for the first time in a long time. I was off sick from work two days. I also started the Aimovig self-shot for headaches and migraines. And guess what? It is working! It’s reduced my number of days with headaches by 2/3 and most of the days when I have a headache, it’s not a day-long thing. I’ve had two migraines in April, compared to 7 or 8 in March.

We snagged Tuxie #2, got him fixed and got him a home. Since then, we’ve seen two black cats and a tortie, but as of yet they are not coming around for treats.

With the reduction in headaches, I’ve had a weird mental clarity. This is how normal people live! I made this bracelet for a coworker, and will maybe make similar for the Mutt Market craft fair along with purse charms and lip gloss key chains.

I crocheted 11 cup cozies for the coffee pull for the upcoming Whisker Mixer. Then I worked on a shell-stitch sleeveless top which, when completed, will probably be too ugly to wear. Now I’m working on some crochet head kerchiefs for the Mutt Market craft fair.

I put together a basket called Blind Date with a Book for the Whisker Mixer. It has a bottle of wine, wine mug, two pairs of cozy socks, two packages of cookies, coffee, one of those thumb holder book openers, and a cute cat bookmark. The centerpiece of the basket is the blind book, pictured above. I had so much fun putting it together, I’m going to look at my book shelves at home and make six or so blind date books, and may put a few up on my Etsy. The bits and pieces to decorate it are inexpensive and I already have the books and would normally just donate them to Goodwill. This way, maybe I can make a few dollars and enjoy my creativity. I also have a pattern to make some box-shaped pouches for the Mutt Market, so I may give those a try.

Prep for the Whisker Mixer has been a nightmare with the venue. We actually had to change the date right before we sent out the invites. Ticket sales are slow, so I’m not really sure how everything will turn out. Fingers crossed.

It is nearly May. Cass’s 10th birthday is coming up May 6. I miss him so much. Looking forward to greenhouse day and cemetery day with Mom. I’m so glad spring is here!

Mid March Update

Friday, March 14, 2025 0 Animals, Art Projects, Crochet/Knitting, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Painting, Weather Update, Zines No tags Permalink

It’s mid-March, and so it’s time for a Mid March Update. I’ve been working on various projects, and experiencing some bits of joy in between some mental issues most unpleasant. I’ll focus on the former here, and obsess about the later in a destructive manner of my own making.

Art

I’ve been making more Artist Trading Cards, both collage and some small paintings as well. My goal is maybe three painted ones a week, quick studies. Will I improve if I do this type of practice for a year? Probably not. The first three are pictured above. I rather like the one with ink on the right. I’ve used both the neocolor ii and gouache paint for them.

I finished the full-sized Who is Who zine and had 50 of them professionally printed. They are up in my Etsy store, where no one has purchased one. I have sold a couple more of the Cats zines though and might need to consider printing another round. Maybe I should just make zines about cats.

Crochet

I have almost finished the crochet baby blanket for a Board member who is going to be a grandma for the first time. It’s Lion Brand Ice Cream Baby Yarn, waffle stitch using a 5.0mm hook, and has a ripple edge. If I had yarn left and some ambition, I’ll make a hat to match. I also signed up to make eight or so crochet cup cozies for the Whisker Mixer coffee pull May 15. I can just about finish one in an evening.

Substack

I joined Substack. So far, I’m posting “interviews” with some of the shelter cats. I got one of those kiddie cameras that prints thermal black and white images for something new to play with, above. If you are interested in that kind of thing, check out my Substack here.

Misc. Other Stuff

Mom had cataract surgeries the end of February/beginning of March. She did great with the first one and hopefully will heal up with the second with no issues (we’re only a couple of days out). She can’t bend over for a week after each eye, so I’ve been on litterbox duty with Fanny, pictured above.

The weather has been a bit better, though still up and down. In the 70s today, very cold and maybe snow tomorrow. We are less than a week until the spring equinox, so the cold won’t last forever. The maple tree buds have started to pop and the pussy willows are out on the CWBP trails.

2025 Academy Awards

Monday, February 24, 2025 0 Streaming TV/Movies No tags Permalink

I said I wasn’t going to go crazy again this year and try to see as many of the 2025 Academy Awards nominees as possible before the ceremony. I said that most of the films nominated are so depressing, I can’t stand the misery. And yet, I started watching nominees. As in every other year I’ve done this (click on the links for 2024, 2023, and 2022), I don’t watch all of the categories or even all of the films. In the case of the films I rented, I used my Visa points to do so. I straight up paid for the Vimeo rentals. I plan to pick up an Apple + subscription in May to catch the new Murderbot series, but that’s neither here nor there. I’ve watched enough films to again be kind of burned out on all of it, and will go back to watching School Spirits or Yellowjackets tonight. I can’t believe I didn’t watch a single Best Feature Documentary, but I just didn’t think year. Anyhow, here are my thoughts for the 2025 Academy Awards.

Best Picture

Anora – rented on Amazon Prime
I was not expecting to enjoy Anora, nor was I expecting to keep reflecting on it weeks after I watched it. It has been compared to Cinderella or Pretty Women. A stripper dances for and falls in love with a young foreign man who whisks her off to a fantasy life. She allows herself to fully fall into this new life, but he is just playing around until his parents come in and put a stop to his foolishness. The character Anora is strong and emotional. It’s absolutely R rated, but I think it’s one of the best films I’ve seen in some years. I hope this one wins for Best Picture.

The Brutalist
I wanted to watch this one, but it wasn’t available for streaming in enough time for me to catch it.

A Complete Unknown
I don’t have much interest in watching this one, to be honest. So I didn’t.

Conclave – rented on Amazon Prime
I wanted to talk about Conclave with my Dad. I think he would have found it interesting. This film is a fictionalization about how a pope is chosen. I don’t recall it received points for accuracy. It’s not a “heavy” film. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, but I wouldn’t say it was the most touching or revolutionary movie I’ve ever seen. I don’t expect it will be one that will be remembered in five years.

Dune: Part Two
I tried to watch the original Dune (1984 version), which really had the most interest for me. But I just couldn’t get through it. I didn’t watch the remake, and I won’t watch the part two of the remake, either.

Emilia Pérez
My cousin Syd watched this one and didn’t recommend it. The main star had some horrible comments as well, so I didn’t watch it.

I’m Still Here
This one is pre-order only from Amazon, and so it didn’t make it into my viewing though I do want to see it. I’ll wait until it is streaming for free now.

Nickel Boys – rented on Amazon Prime
The way Nickel Boys was shot is really interesting. The view point is, like Bob said after I explained it, a first-person shooter video game in that you are seeing out of the protagonists’ eyes. The story, and the viewpoint, goes back and forth between the two main characters. This one is based on a book (I haven’t read it yet but will add it to my list after watching the film). I think this is an important film to see. I don’t expect it to win for best picture, but I encourage everyone to watch it.

The Substance
By the time I got around to this one, I was too burned out to rent it. I expect it will come to one of my streaming services at some point and I would like very much to see it. I am glad to see Demi Moore getting some much deserved praise for her work after all of these years.

Wicked
I read Gregory Maguire’s book when it came out and enjoyed it. So far, I just can’t get enthused about the movie although I’m not sure why except I don’t love Ariana Grande. I’ll probably see it at some point, but I’m not going to pay for it.

Best Animated Feature

Flow – Rented on Amazon
This film is also up for an International category for Latvia. So, I am indeed watching it, mostly in ten minute segments because that is all I can manage. This is a ME problem, not likely to be a problem for you. From what I’ve read, all of the animals in the movie survive so this isn’t one where the cat dies. Everyone loves this movie. I’d like to love this movie, too. I think this is just one of those things that working at the shelter has me at a disadvantage. I hear the cat’s noises of concern, worry, etc. and it stresses me out. I look at the cat and it reminds me of Silas, currently at the shelter. This is a post-apocalyptic film where only the animals survive. And I see the black cat and it goes back to what was its home and its person is dead and gone and the cat is left abandoned and alone. And it makes friends, but I can’t manage it. The cat is abandoned. Like I said, this is a me problem. And this is the last film I wound up on, and therefore it was the final burnout. I just can’t.

Inside Out 2
Didn’t watch Inside Out, the first one. Don’t have any interest in watching the second one, either.

Memoir of a Snail
While this one looked very interesting to me, I ran out of time/energy.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
I like Wallace and Gromit, but I don’t have the time to sit and watch this one. It’s not a top priority.

The Wild Robot – Peacock +
This film actually looked quite good, but I spent my money on other streaming services at this point and didn’t purchase Peacock.

Best Animated Short Film

Beautiful Men – Rented on Vimeo ($2.99)
This short film is just under 19 minutes. It looks like stop motion, but a more realistic version than claymation or something similar. The knit of a sock falling against a wall looks very detailed and textured. This film needs English subtitles to enjoy, and there is animated nudity so it’s absolutely not for children. Three Belgian brothers go to Istanbul, Turkey for a hair transplant. Upon arrival, one brother realizes a mistake has been made, and only one appointment is available. The brothers are nervous about their appointments, and become confrontational with each other. Because of a fire at the hotel, additional appointments open up. The film ends with all three brothers at home, each with a full head of hair. The quality of the animation is excellent. The story is a little unusual, as are most foreign films. Out of the ones I watched, this one is my favorite for Best Animated Short.

In the Shadow of the Cypress – rent on Vimeo
Animated shorts are not for children. This one is not for children. A father with PTSD destroys everything around him. His daughter loses faith and leaves. When she walks out, they discover a beached whale and work to get it back to safety. When the man lets go of his old comfort, he and the whale are released. I guess it turns out ok in the end, but it’s not a very nice journey getting there. 20 minutes.

Magic Candies
Not available for streaming.

Wander to Wonder – rent on Vimeo
Yeah, this one, just over 13 minutes, is another animated short that has me wondering WTF did I just watch. There’s some animated nudity again, and other…mature themes. Yeah. This one isn’t for me.

Yuck!
This one is available to rent on Vimeo but after watching Wander to Wonder I decided to not spend any more money, even $3.99, on animated shorts.

Best Documentary Short Film

Death by Numbers
Not available for streaming.

I Am Ready, Warden – Paramount +
This excellent film clocks in at 37 minutes and follows the last hours of life for John Henry Ramirez as he waits for execution for the murder of Pablo Castro. Castro’s son, Aaron, and Ramirez’ son, Israel, are both affected by the execution. District Attorney Mark Gonzales, struggling with the moral implications of the death penalty, asks that the sentence be commuted to life in prison; the appeal is denied. Texas has executed more individuals than any other state. I Am Ready, Warden, is a must-watch and will have you confronting your own thoughts on the death penalty. This was excellent, and I think it is my choice for Best Short Doc.

Incident – free from The New Yorker
This 30 minute short doc uses police cam footage to show what happened during a police shooting in Chicago in 2018. This one is hard to watch. The lack of hustle to get the victim EMS care, leaving him alone in the street bleeding. Yes, police officers have a hard job. But if they don’t have compassion or empathy, they are in the wrong profession. Not everyone they encounter is a criminal, and they need to remember that. A man, who had done nothing wrong and was just out walking on a hot summer day after work, was shot and killed by police. The only outcome was a 60 day suspension, and that was not for the officer who had killed the innocent man. The shooter received a two day suspension for not turning on his body camera in a timely fashion. This was a closer runner up for my choice for Best Short Doc.

Instruments of a Beating Heart – free on Vimeo
This short documentary, from the New York Times, runs 23 minutes. It follows a group of first grade students in Tokyo as they audition, practice, and perform Ode to Joy for the incoming first graders. We watch as student Ayame tries out unsuccessfully for the bass drum part, but then is successful for the cymbal audition. She struggles with her part, practicing, and her nerves, but in the end she plays her part in the concert. It is a lovely little short, subtitled in English, as it gives a brief look into Japanese education and the emotional struggles all children endure.

The Only Girl in the Orchestra – Netflix
I don’t currently have a Netflix account. There’s only so much money and so many different streaming services.

Best Live Action Short

A Lien – free on Vimeo
14 minutes, this film shows the reality of what happens when undocumented individuals are summoned to their green card interview. It is a kick in the stomach to watch. Half of our country thinks this is good. Spoiler alert: it is not.

Anuja – Netflix
Again, no Netflix account.

I’m Not a Robot – free on The New Yorker
22 minutes. I love this Dutch film. You’ll need the subtitles on. I have a feeling this one will stay with me. You know when you try to solve the captcha on a form to submit? This is what can happen if you can’t make the captcha believe you’re a human. Delightful!

The Last Ranger
Not available for streaming.

The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent – rent on Vimeo
This film is 13 minutes and is devastating. It is a Croatian film, dedicated to the memory of Tomo Buzov who was murdered in the Štrpci massacre of 1993. So much is packed into this film. Although I really loved I’m Not a Robot, I think this one should win Best Live Action Short.

Best International Feature Film

I’m Still Here, Brazil – HBO Max
I don’t have a HBO Max subscription.

The Girl with the Needle, Denmark – Mubi
If you’ve been with me on the previous years of film review, you’ll know my thoughts on international feature films. They are not like American films. When I started this one and was taking notes, I jotted down “what did I get myself into with another foreign film,” and “good Christ, the plot on this one.” Good Christ indeed. Jesus himself would be made uncomfortable with this film. It’s shot in black and white, and of course, subtitles. Is it good? I don’t know how to answer that. It is incredibly well shot and the story line, which is noted to be based on a true story, is more than memorable.

Emilia Pérez, France
See above.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig, Germany – Rent on Amazon
This may be my favorite film altogether this year. A family in Tehran faces generational divisions between parents and teenage daughters during the student protests in 2022/2023. Distrust grows on both sides, until the unthinkable happens. This film made me wonder what Iran was like before the theocracy took over, and wonder if young Iranian women will ever have the freedom they deserve.

Flow, Latvia
See above.

February Update

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 0 Art Projects, Etsy, Good Reads, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Zines No tags Permalink

Holy cats, all of January has passed. Time for a February update. It has been a busy start to the year. I’ve kicked up my exercise routine, made significant changes to my eating, been reading and working on various projects. The weather has been rough for me. January was mostly below-average temperatures, including some single-digit highs. February is also expected to have mostly below-average temperatures. It is wearing on my soul, as often happens. I have seen flocks of robins here and there, and I suspect they aren’t enjoying it any more than I am.

Zines

So far in 2025, I’ve sold three zines on Etsy. I created the 2024 Year in Review zine (Detroit Lions had a great year, zine illustration above). I also made a fast mini-zine, Alternative Things to Celebrate in February Other Than Valentine’s Day that I included in my pen pal letters. I’m working on a mini zine on haikus, and I started the full zine about the World Health Organization. The Year in Review was professionally printed, and I will do the same for the W.H.O. zine.

One of the zine purchases was a lovely person who purchased my Cats mini zine and a sticker for her mom for Valentine’s Day. I wanted to do up a really nice package, so I made a little mini-journal as well:

If you would like to help me pay for my printing costs and receive a zine in the mail, check out my Etsy store here. All purchases get a few fun bonuses added. Maybe you’ll get some stickers, or a bonus zine, or an original Artist Trading Card!

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

You may recall in the past that I used to make and trade Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs. Or you might remember that I often make altered playing cards collage-style as a stress relief tool, and I even made a zine called Collage for Motivation (available on my Etsy store!). I am in an ATC group on Reddit and one on Facebook, and a few folks asked for trades so I sent out a few including these two (of three) from the series called My Blue Heart. The third one went in the Valentine’s Etsy order.

Valentine’s Projects

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I always put together small packages of items for my staff members. I had been seeing these keychain charm lip balms on social media and on Etsy, and I decided to make some. It’s really fiddly work that requires good manual dexterity and good eyesight. I don’t have either of those things these days, so there’s a fair amount of frustration and swearing in the creation. I think they are cute, though. I hope the staff members like them.

Reading

Finally, the February update for reading. I’ve listened to two of the Murderbot series audio books by Martha Wells. They are sci-fi and really short, like four-hour listens. I love them! They were recommended to me by a pen pal and I recommend them as well. I also picked up Shadows in the Ward by one of my pen pals, Katherine Anderson. It is a super fast and fun spooky read.

Misc. Thoughts

January again was a rough month. We had lots of anticipation as to what would happen after the inauguration, and the results have been even worse than I could have expected. Each day reading the news is a new horror. We are living in some weird timeline, a Star-Trek mirror universe. It is not good. So for the end of this February update, I encourage you to take time to take care of yourself and feed your soul. Just like on Twin Peaks (Twin Peaks Day is February 24), each day give yourself a present. Don’t plan it. Don’t wait for it. Just let it happen.

Year’s End 2024

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 0 Animals, Misc. Blatherings No tags Permalink

Suddenly, we are at year’s end 2024. Mid-week New Year’s is odd, really. It gives a feeling of just wanting to get on with it already. Last night’s meltdown was remembering that, although I start the new year, Cass will remain forever in 2024. Nothing I can do about that.

The handsome buff cat above, wearing the bandage, is Bagel. He was a stray, feeding at a colony since October. In December he showed up with some pretty severe injuries from a likely dog bite, and we admitted him to our shelter. Since then, he’s had surgery to clean him up and neuter him, and he’s had his bandages changed out every other day or so. He is the world’s sweetest, softest cat.

I’m working on my bujo for next year. It won’t be completely ready by the start of the year, but it seems like a lot of things will work out that way for me. Year’s end 2024 just came up sooner than I expected. Maybe it was the late Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s that I’m older and time just moves like that now.

In 2024, we had the glory of breakdancing in the summer Olympics. A huge part of the maple tree fell on our roof. Biden halted his campaign for president, Trump was shot but survived, and Kamala Harris lost the election. I taught a couple of craft classes, sewed a bunch but sold very little for the Mutt Market, and made and sold zines. I did a great job with exercise and continued to work on not eating garbage all the time. The word of the year for me in 2024 was CREATIVITY and I think I achieved what I was looking for.

In 2025, I expect Trump will continue with policies and appointments that baffle the world. We will likely stop our support of Ukraine and that war may stop as a result. If that happens, it will be a win for tyranny. I hope to make more YouTube videos and make more zines. I hope to have a better sense of calm around me, as CALM is my word for the year.

If there is someone, anyone, out there continuing to read this blog and not just bots, my wish for you is a year of health and happiness.

It’s December!

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 0 Bullet Journal, Misc. Blatherings No tags Permalink

Holy crap, we missed all of November and now it’s December! This year, I really tried to get ahead on my tasks so I could enjoy some of the month. I started addressing work holiday greeting cards the end of November and had almost all of them written by December 1st. I’m about 3/4 of the way done with gift purchases. I’ve addressed all of our cards at home and have sent a few as well. My goal is to write four of them each night. All of that work has kept me from working on YouTube videos or, apparently, blog updates.

Slow Stitch Meditation Roll Class

The slow stitch class went well. A few of the participants have kept up with their scrolls after the class, so I consider that is a success. I continue to work on my own slow stitch rolls as I have time and energy. The process is so soothing.

Family Time

Mom and I met Martha and Marlene for lunch in Marshall. It was so nice catching up! There’s always more stuff to talk about than there is time to spend.

Reading Journal

I have been listening to audio books, and I though perhaps I should start a reading journal to write them down so I don’t forget what I’ve listened to. Plus, it’s a fun creative outlet that looks a little different than my regular bullet journal. I’ve added pages for all of the books I’ve listened to this year, which is not a lot. I will be starting my 2025 bullet journal after I finish holiday greeting cards.

YouTube Videos

I have plans for a few YouTube videos that I will record as soon as I have time. I had planned one on autumn fountain pen inks; all the inks are out on my desk but autumn is now over. I may wind up recording it soon anyway, because you can watch videos whenever. I will also be doing a video on the reading journal, and then a year-end bullet journal review with the preview of the next year’s journal.

The Election

The election did not turn out well for our side. The side that supports women’s and minority individuals’ rights. The side that is in favor of fact and science. Trump’s appointments have all been horrific, tied to the Project 2025. The next four years will bring much change, for the United States and likely the world.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Bob said he’s never had to take care of Thanksgiving dinner with a shovel before this year. We made dinner for Mom at our house. The turkey was done, the stuffing looked amazing, gravy ready, mashed potatoes ready. But when I took the dressing out of the oven, I briefly put it on the hot burner while trying to figure out where I had counter space to rest it. I then picked it up and it exploded tiny shards of glass everywhere. All of the food was ruined and there was glass all over the kitchen and out into the hall and eating area. We wound up serving turkey burgers and quinoa. It was a complete disappointment.

So yes, it’s December and time is running out on the year. Hope your December is off to a great start!

October Recap

Monday, October 28, 2024 0 audiobooks, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, watercolor, Zines No tags Permalink

Spooky season and the month of October has gone so fast; time for an October recap. This first photo reminds me of a stained glass window or an oil painting.

I was hoping to do something to, I don’t know, celebrate spooky season. But Halloween is three days away, so it’s all kind of missed me. I haven’t even watched a horror film. I did manage to put staff gifts together, which is always kind of fun. And I sent Halloween cards to family and friends.

I’ve been thinking of my 2025 goals and starting to think of putting together my new bullet journal. This thinking has led me to shut down my Etsy except for zines, and end the whole Feral Cat Crafts Facebook, Insta, plans for craft fairs, all of it. I did manage to get two mini-zines done this month. One is a memory zine, and the other is an instructional zine for the upcoming Slow Stitch Meditation Roll class I’m teaching at the senior center November 6. Both zines were colored with Caran D’Ache neocolor ii crayons, which I am absolutely loving. I guess you would call them watercolors, or maybe pastels?

We’ve been working on finishing up the roof project, and have started cleaning up the leaves. Soup day went well enough. I finished listening to the audiobook of “Slewfoot” by Brom, and started listening to “Fantasticland” by Mike Bockoven. Slewfoot started out pretty good, but I didn’t think the ending was great.

November will be busy, with starting to write out holiday greeting cards for work and home. I’ve got the aforementioned class I’m a bit worried about. And then there is Thanksgiving. I hope to have my holiday gift shopping done entirely by the end of November. Not sure what the election results will be, though everyone is a bit on-edge.

What are you working on?

Spooky Season Memories

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 0 Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings No tags Permalink

I love Halloween and all of spooky season. Mind you, I don’t like being scared. But I enjoy the costumes and the creativity of coming up with spooky themes and ideas. I haven’t had a creative outlet for this side of myself since the pandemic. So, now that it is October, I thought I’d share some spooky season memories from my glory days.

Costumes

I love a good Halloween costume. For the second year of the Trail of Terror, I had all of the guides dress up as ringmasters. It was awesome.

2019

In 2019, I dressed up as the character Agatha in the 1986 classic movie The Worst Witch, played by Charlotte Rae. It was an easier option, considering I had to put together the whole Trail of Terror – Nightmare Circus that year as well. Note, my rosacea was in an outbreak stage at this point.

2018

2018 was another year of regular costume and Trail of Terror, so I dressed as Catman from the Band Kiss (Peter Criss).

2017

2017 was a super fun year. I sewed the purple dress and green sheer overlay myself, and purchased the wig from a specialty shop (high quality) to recreate Endora from Bewitched, played by Agnes Moorehead. My Aunt Gini didn’t recognize me when I sent her the photo.

2016

I was sensitive about my weight in 2016 and could kick myself now for not taking a full body photo of my costume. I dressed as Mr. Dark from Something Wicked This Way Comes, with cat and dog tattoos on both palms.

2015

I got to live out my favorite character dreams from Mortal Kombat in 2015, with my Lord Raiden costume. Didn’t get a full body on this one either as I thought I looked like the Michelin Man. Note to self: take the photo anyway.

2014

I was recovering from my ACL repair surgery in 2014, and was on crutches. I went easy with the costume, though I designed and painted my own mask, to be one of the background dancers on What Does the Fox Say:

2013

It’s hard to find non-sexualized costumes for women for Halloween. In 2013, I dressed as Robert Smith from the Cure.

2012

This is another costume I sewed myself. I got a pattern that was supposed to be an exact replicate of the original jumpsuit patterns for Voyager. It was a bear to sew, very complicated, and it was a touch tight in the seat when I sat down. I know I must have dressed up before 2012, and I know for sure I dressed up at Community Action, but I don’t remember the outfits or years.

Trail of Terror

I really wish I would have take more photos from the first year of the Trail of Terror so I could share them on these spooky season memories. We had a section with giant scarecrows hoisted ten feet off the ground. There was a path of baby doll heads stuffed with lights to make them glow. We had a little story to go along the trail, with hostile neighbors and actors. Students from Albion College did the thriller dance at the end of the trail.

The second year was Nightmare Circus. I had so much fun designing the props. We had a long tunnel with a mirror maze. I designed and painted carnival signs. We had a fortune teller with a literal third eye, acrobats, carnies, and side show acts. It was amazing. Everything was coated with paint to glow under black light and the tour guides/ringmasters all had black glow flashlights.

We keep the lights out at our house due to our location, and we no longer have the trail of terror or the kid-and-dog Howl-O-Ween event at the shelter. Each year I put together small fun Halloween gift bags for the staff members at the shelter, and I’ve been collecting items for the bags for this year, too. I also send Halloween cards and maybe some small gifts to my pen pals. All of my props remain at the shelter in the pole barn, just in case things change. I don’t have room at home for all of it, and there really is a lot. Maybe, someday, things will change.

What are your plans for Halloween?

September Recap

Wednesday, October 2, 2024 0 Animals, Crochet/Knitting, Garden, Kitty, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings No tags Permalink

It’s October, yo. And so fast! Time for a quick September Recap before we start on spooky season.

Cats

In September, we managed to snatch the cat we had been seeing since early spring, aka Tuxie Gilbert. He turned out to be really sweet. We had him neutered and I was fortunately able to find placement for him in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, this guy wound up kicking me into a compassion fatigue meltdown literally 16 years in the making. Spoiler: I’m doing better now.

This guy is Jett. He is having an eye issue of unknown origin, so he went with me to see Dr. Ben. He’s on new medication, but the prognosis is still unknown. I’ve been spending extra time cuddling him.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

I made a quick trip to Matthaei Botanical Gardens. It is glorious.

Crafts

Mom and I stopped by the Craft Queen craft fair. It was a nice day and I supported some local arts and crafts businesses, which is always a win. I took a break from sewing to work on a couple of scarves for a local Facebook group that makes scarves and hats for Battle Creek children who don’t have appropriate winter wear. I’ve also been working on a super fuzzy lap blanket for a friend who needs a hug. I didn’t intend the colors to look like candy corn, but there you have it.

Misc. September Recap Stuff

We went to see cousin Evan in Urinetown at the Great Escape Stage Company in Marshall. It was really good. Charles Burr and Kelly VanRyswyk were also in it. It’s a lovely little theater and they really did a good job.

The mushrooms are now making an appearance on the Bark Park trails. We worked on the roof and indeed, finished the lower back half. Hopefully the upper portion will be done quickly, before the weather really turns. On a rainy day, I cleaned up my craft space some so I can paint my new zine (Clean Slate) when I get the opportunity. I’m ready to be done with the crochet projects so I can also get back to sewing some. I did get my Covid and flu vaccine, so hopefully I will avoid any sickness this autumn. The gardens need cleanup, at least to some point. I like to remove the leftover mess from the vegetables while leaving the perennials for the critters to use for overwintering. It’s been so dry I’ve had to work on keeping the birdbaths full.

Coming in October

Spooky season is upon us, and has me reminiscing of my glory days of Halloweens past. October 31 is on a Thursday this year, and the lobby is open to the public, so I could dress up. I’m not sure I have it in me though. I will do a post in October about past costumes I think. Before the pandemic, I had collected some parts of a Mrs. Peacock costume. For work, we will have our State inspection and Soup Day! I’ll send out some Halloween cards and small gifts to pen pals. I need to prep for the first class I am teaching at the senior center, “Slow Stitch Meditation Rolls” taking place the beginning of November. No Etsy sales in September, and my social media stats were down, too. Hope your autumn is off to a great start!

Late Summer Sewing

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 0 Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Sew Cool!, Weather Update No tags Permalink

The Mutt Market is over. It rained. A lot. Mom sold more than last year, and I sold less. Overall I sold two zippered pouches, two keychain wristlets, two quilted bookmarks, and five stickers. No slow stitch brooches. None of last year’s scrunchies or leggy froggies.

Since the Mutt Market ended, I’ve been doing some late summer sewing. I had fabric to make some more zippered pouches, and so I did finish some and put them up on Etsy, where no one is looking at them either.

I also sewed this pouch and matching wristlet keychain for Beverly as a birthday gift. I absolutely love the fabric!

With my late summer sewing, I have also been interested in quilting. I did put together this larger quilted tote:

Which isn’t straight enough for sale due to wonky sewing on the top bias binding. But I’ve been collecting some fabric to make an actual quilt. I’ve just struggled a bit with the energy to start it. I’ve got a huge mess in my sewing room right now.

It feels 100% like autumn now. We’ve still had some heat spells here and there, but the past few days the morning temps have dropped to 47. Leaves are turning and dropping. I’m pretty much done with the garden, though we’ve had a bumper crop of rutgers tomatoes. Honestly, after 16 years compassion fatigue has set in and I’m just tired and struggling.

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