My Sister Day

Last Saturday my sister and I got together for a fun 'sister day'. Other than a few hours here and there, it had been way to long since we spent almost an entire day together (without kids). We had so much fun! We did a little shopping, lunch, and CRAFTING while watching one of our favorite movies from when we were kids. 

I had been so depressed after loosing Gunnar, and the grey dismal November weather didn't help. A sister day was just what I needed to get out of my funk and recharge the creativity!

After finding this cute vintage reindeer on Thrift Store Crafter  we decided to do some felt crafting. You should check out her five days of felt and sequin ornaments, super cute stuff!

My finished reindeer

We also got creative and made our own pattern for these adorable Santa's. Message me if you would like the pattern. 

My finished Santa's

A successful, very fun, sister day! Can't wait to do it again. If you want to see how my sister's crafts turned out check them out at Look at the Birdie.

Now it's time to get busy making my Christmas gifts. Stay tuned for photos!Probably after Christmas... I don't want to ruin any surprises.

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, holiday season.

Jennifer

Giving Thanks

Seven months ago I started The Looney. I started my blog more for me than anything. I wanted a journal to track my creative endeavors and vacations and any other memorable moments. I never expected anybody outside my family to read it. Then I had a couple people start following me which I thought was pretty cool. Then last week something happened that I never expected! I received an email from Heather. 

Heather is an 8-year survivor of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. At the time of Heather's diagnosis she had just given birth to a baby girl. The Dr's told Heather she only had 15 months to live. Heather beat the odds and is one of few long-term mesothelioma survivors.

Heather received her diagnosis in November and every year she gets what she calls the "November Blues". In an effort to stay focused on the value of life and the value of gratitude she created "30 Days of Thankfulness" where she acknowledges something in her life that she is thankful for every day throughout the month. 

This year Heather decided to take her idea to the blogosphere. This November, she is asking bloggers to post about something that they are thankful for, along with sharing a little bit of her story.  When I got Heather's email asking if I would help spread the word of mesothelioma I read her story and read her blog.  I was so inspired by her strength and the support and love from her family. I was honored that she would ask me to help her. I'm not sure exactly how she found me, but I believe things happen for a reason and her request came at the perfect time.

I'm thankful for so many things, thousands of things!! But I'm going to focus on one...this year I turned 40. Turning 40 was something I was looking forward to. I know most people meet 40 with dread and thoughts of mortality. I felt like turning 40 was a new start. I'm thankful that I got to turn 40, I've lost many friends that never got the opportunity. I'm thankful that my birthday is in January so I got to start the new year with a celebration of me. I'm thankful for the awesome 40th birthday party my wonderful sister organized. I'm thankful to all my amazing friends that attended and contributed to my 40th birthday party. I'm thankful for the many vacations I was able to take this year. I'm thankful for my independence which allowed me to pack up my 10 year old and two dogs and take a road trip around Lake Superior. I'm thankful to have had my dear dog Gunnar for 13 (almost 14) wonderful years. I'm thankful that Heather found me at the time she did. 

I hope you will take some time to reflect on your year and the things you are thankful for. I also hope you will read Heather's story and help spread her word.

To read more about Heather please go to http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. 

Peace,

Jennifer

Gunnar

I lost one of my best friends yesterday. He was by my side through thick and thin for almost 14 years. What a blessing it was to have him in my life. I will miss him every day!

Gunnar

2/1/2000 - 11/5/2013

Rest in peace, my dear sweet friend

Pillows for The Looney

My bench seat in The Looney is in desperate need of some pillows!! Not only will they look cute, they will make sitting there much more comfortable. 

When we were on the Circle Tour I started making all these little hexies. I had no plan for the little things when I was done with them. But by the time I finished I knew they would make a perfect pillow top, so that is what they have become.

 

 

As I was thinking about what to do for my next pillow I came across this adorable 'Pugly' pattern from Sublime Stitching. As a pug owner I understand the whole 'ugly and cute at the same time' deal... I couldn't resist, so I whipped this up last weekend. 

I will need to make one more pillow and I'm thinking it might be crocheted, we'll see. I've got all winter now to finish these up so it might be spring before you see the final product. I have a tendency to not finish something until I need it.... hence the stack of UFO's in my sewing room closet!!

Fall Wall Hanging

Happy Fall!!! I'm making progress on my fall wall hanging. I started the embridery this summer on our trip to Huddles. I just got the top finished and am preping it for quilting. 

 

Last camping trip for the year

We had some very special guests with us for the final trip of the year. My sister and two adorable nephews, Lucas and Nolan. Unfortunately The Looney isn't big enough for all of us so the guests pitched a tent. My oldest nephew Lucas started Cub Scouts this year so he was happy to be sleeping in the tent, cause that's what cub scouts do!

Friday night by the fire

We had a beautiful weekend! A little drizzly Friday night but Saturday and Sunday were perfect! We hiked to geological potholes which are an amazing site! My sister surprised us with a couple stunts... not on purpose! Man did we laugh!! We played on the river banks, painted rocks, and made s'mores.

Kids playing in one of the pothole

Me and Eleanor hiking along the St. Croix

Eleanor and Nolan on the hike

I'm glad I could get my sister out at least once this year, it's not her thing  but I think she had fun. 

The Looney is getting cleaned up and ready to go into storage for the winter. We sure did have a fun summer, lots of great adventures and memories to last a lifetime. I'm already planning trips for next year!

A little Saturday Stitching

For me back to school means busy evenings and busy weekends; home work, reading, play dates, and after school activities. All this running around has not left much ME time. But, I actually don't mind. I love being so involved with my daughter and her friends. I'm afraid it's not going to last much longer so I'm trying to enjoy every moment, even the ones when she acts like she is 16 instead of 10!

I did recently take a Saturday evening to relax, watch a movie and whip up these beauties. I've been wanting to make them for a while and this was the perfect evening to do something super girly and fun. 

Wig Wonderful pattern from September House

I bought this pattern online from September House. They sell unique contemporary embroidery patterns. They also happen to be a local company which makes me happy!

I have the perfect spot for these beautiful ladies in my new sewing room, that's right, new sewing room! Yippee.  I'm still getting things set up so stay tuned for photos soon. 

 

Have a wonderful week!!

Jennifer