twelve twelve twenty-twelve

Because I couldn't let the last last repeating date that is ever likely to cross my path again go by without a little nod.  

Celebrating those double number dates has been a fun part of my childhood... I think I'll kinda miss them. :)

Plus, twelve twelve twenty-twelve was just rather a nice day.  I hope it was for you, as well.

11/11/11

{Designed by me}

My family never needs an excuse to celebrate.  Any day is a good party day!

That said, we have always had a little 'party' on the triple number date since 01/01/01.  Be it a simple "It's one one one today!" or making a cake and enjoying it together. 

Like this evening.  Just because.

Hoping your day was lovely!

A Perfectly Lovely Party.

On Monday, my dear friend Tasha came over for a long-awaited Wall Tent sleepover.

And since I love lists so much, here's what I scribbled down days before for inspiration:

Menu~
roasted marshmallows
fire-roasted popcorn
cookies
potato chips
hot tea
a surprise in a glass bottle

(yes, we consumed copious amounts of less than healthy edibles. No, we did not have indigestion.  Yes, we enjoyed ourselves immensely.)  The surprise in a glass bottle was some darling French pink lemonade I picked up for the occasion =)

Things to do ~
Chicken Run
firelight
snickering
look at old pictures from my hard drive

piles of ginger snaps and chips
listen to the soundtrack from Wallace and Grommet
The Importance of Being E.
Roast things on sticks
poke the fire
more movies?
late.  early rather...
hairstyle tutorial photoshoots?

hot chocolate
*happy sigh*

Movie Night!!

We fell asleep around 1:30am - not bad, considering the amount of fun we squeezed into that time:)  Our non-stifled giggles and chortles echoed into the night woods.

*Edit*  Tasha just reminded me that I forgot to mention the smoke! =D
So, we got out the old fashioned popcorn popper to see if we could make some over the fire.  In went the oil and popcorn kernels, and I wiggled the whole contraption into the stove.  Lo and behold, in a few minutes a kernel exploded into fluffy golden popcorn!  We all squealed with delight, and I guess I kind of got distracted.  Because suddenly the stove was belching smoke - I pulled the popper from the flames to see that most of the popcorn was a blackened mass in the bottom.  We tied back the tent flap and did what we could to get the smoke out, but there wasn't much we could do for the poor popcorn...

------------------------------------

The Importance of Being Earnest - One of my favorite books when I need a good laugh. This adaptation was stellar and Tasha and I concluded that Colin Frith is inestimably more charming as Jack Worthing than... *horror* Mr. Darcy! There are a few scenes that we hastily skipped, so please use discretion if you watch this.

I took a collection of screen shots that I will be sharing some time, and Tasha is planning to make some delightful wallpapers and such to go with them=)

Chicken Run - OK, I just saw The Great Escape last month. I have long loved Wallace and Gromett.

This in mind, Chicken Run was so funny we almost died laughing.

Tangled.  

My family have never been Disney fans, and, in fact, I have never seen most of the animated films.  But Tangled is pretty magical.  

(Ouch.  But it really is! =)

Next morning, I groped out of bead to start the fire... and put the kettle on!  We had hot chocolate in bed, while my sisters swarmed in and amused us with their antics.  Quite the perfect way to start the morning, I assure you.

Tasha made me this beautiful crocheted afghan, which is in my opinion the most beautiful creation in the world.  Not to mention, it's so warm... =)

Once up, we decided to try making some hairstyle tutorials!

Some of the pictures didn't turn out that great, but I'll see what I can do for them...  For now, here's a sneak peek.

In our Grey Sweaters.  And yes, I do look like some sort of overgrown giant... no comment.

Happy trails!

P.S. be on the lookout for an enormously exciting announcement coming soon!  

It's going to be big. =D

Cath Kidston Adorable

There's adorable - then there's Cath Kidston Adorable.

I finally resigned myself to the fact that no Rich Scottish Uncle is forthcoming,  so I treated myself to not one, but two Cath Kidston notebooks.  Because, really, how could you choose between them? 

I declare it impossible.

The smaller notebook is absolutely perfect for carrying about with me wherever I go.  Just the right size, flexible, and loaded with inspiration.

The larger one is my new diary in the front, and scripture journal in the back.  The spiral binding makes it ideal for sitting up in bed and jotting down notes and references from what I'm reading.

We seem to have been designed for each other.

Off to the fair today!  I have a big basket of home-baked goodies for a picnic lunch on the green.  With friends.  And music.  Maybe a blue ribbon or two! =D

Blessings on your day!
~Kellie

P.S. News flash - we've reached eighty followers!  I am so delighted!  Now, only 20 more to go by the 1st of Sept for the ModCloth giveaway to be activated.  We can do it easily, eh? ;)
Thanks so much, friends, for joining me on this journey.  I am so blessed.

Experimenting

{Via}

I'm so excited to journey out into the bigger waters of Blogspot blogging!

I just recently signed up for a super neat blog service - Business2Blogger by name. I can't wait to see how it works for me. Basically, Business2Blogger finally levels the blog playing field by giving you firsthand notification of paid review and posting opportunities in your inbox, collaborating with business who wish to take advantage of this unique blog-based market campaign opportunity.

Sounds pretty nifty-slick to me.

Sketches from My Notebook

I've been cleaning out my belongings, getting rid of ancient twisty ballon relics, old receipts, and handmade clay dice ( hey - it never fell on six.  Bad dice:)  and consolidating things generally.

While engrossed in this undertaking, I stumbled upon some of my old sketch books and scanned in some of my favorites.  The following is from '06 up to last year.  Enjoy!

This was the first prototype of what later became my Retro Sailor dress.

Here we have what appears to have been my dream room at the age of fourteen.  See the snow on the window panes?  I like it. =)

This was my entry design for the Own Your Look dress design contest by Jo Ann's Fabrics.  I wasn't able to enter, but it was lovely to sketch out!

A ruffled variation with lace overlay and handmade opera gloves

Design for a tote pattern I envisioned - still planning to make this someday=)

A view of Camelot from a fourteen year old's perspective.

In keeping with the Mediaeval theme, a dress fit for Maid Marian herself!

These I did a couple weeks ago for fun - this is the house plan for my dream straw bale cottage.  Pretty, isn't it? ;)

Cutaway view of the bedroom. . . inspired by this picture:

A pictorial sewing list from last year - everything crossed off expect that tote bag, a swimsuit, and my Mediaeval gown.  Have to get on that. . .;)

Well, that's all for now.  I'm off to a house-sitting job tomorrow - then Graduation on the weekend!  Excitingness=)

Have a lovely evening!

~Kellie~

Meet Petrov

"Elegance is a question of personality."

- Jean-Paul Gaultier

I have recently acquired a friend I would like to introduce to you.

His name is Petrov.

I met this charming gentleman on my birthday last month, whilst browsing through the antique shops downtown.  By some chance, I forgot to bring him home.  Next time I went in to town, however, I marched in to Wiggett's and strode purposefully down to the basement.  There my little friend resided, and, much to my relief, I found him exactly where I had left him hanging from a safety pin along with his two companions.  I picked them all up, and carrying them to the front counter, flung them down in front of the clerk in the most approved fur-trader method I could muster.  He raised an eyebrow.  

What else could he do, when a determined young lady strode into his shop, disappeared in to the basement without so much as looking around, and then emerge carrying three weasels? =D

At any rate, I was tickled to find my little friends.  I ran out to the car where my Mom and sisters were waiting, and before I was even in my seat I was attacked by hands reaching and voices clamoring to see my treasures!

I chose the middle-sized one to be my very own.  Ma got the biggest one, a rather ungainly fellow, nearly two feet long, with enormous yellowish eyes and a clip fixed to his mouth so as to be able to "bite" things.  As of yet he has no name:)  Ellen selected the littlest, a furry brown thing with the most cunning wee nose and beady green eyes.  He has been dubbed Perchik.  

Neither Ma nor Ellen wear their weasels in public.

My weasel is the most darling of all;)  

So of course, I wear him proudly around my neck. . . driving home from town, for instance.  

Oh, my wicked sense of humor.  Have you ever seen a girl wearing a red leather coat, white sunglasses - and a tawny  colored weasel with a bushy tail and beady eyes draped around her neck, driving down the road?  If you have, perhaps you made a face similar to the ones I saw through my windshield.  

'Twas highly amusing.  And delightfully hilarious.  And slightly naughty of me. . . sigh.  We stopped by Tasha's house on the way home, and she gave me a face similar to the ones I had seen through my windshield - oh, it was rich.

His name is Petrov.

He's soft.  Warm.  Furry.  Cute.  Impossibly long and flat.

He keeps my neck nice and warm.

He looks pretty stylish, too.

He's an excellent music connoisseur.

And faithful companion.

Ta ta for now!

~Kellie~

P.S.  In spite of my impish sense of humor, I have not the slightest wish to offend anyone by wearing a real weasel around my neck.  I would be truly grieved to do that.  

I strongly believe in taking dominion of this earth God has entrusted to us, and a large part of that trust is being good stewards of the animals He created.  Thanks for understanding. :)

7 Random Things pertaining to me

My dear Tasha has Tagged me.  What to do?  Nothing, save comply with this "command performance" per say. ;D

 

~ Presenting Seven Random Things About Myself ~

(or, some things you perhaps never knew about Kellie)

 

 

1).  I love {love} love accents.  Listening and speaking.  Scottish is my favorite, naturally.  But I'm best at doing the Australian.  I got myself into a funny predicament one day from using my Aussie accent with a perfect stranger... or so I thought!  Sorry to be so tantalizing - I'll share the story some day. =) Promise.

 

2).  The only bone I've ever broken was my collarbone, when I was five.  I tripped over the dog.

 

3). During my horseback riding adventures over the years, I've fallen off four times, been bucked off twice, and bailed once.  Pretty good, considering some of the horses I've ridden...:D  During this time, praise God, I've never been injured once!

 

4). I've ridden approx. twenty-three horses during my life.  No, twenty-four.  I think.  That took awhile to count... ;)

 

5). Hmm, let's see.  I used to detest computers unmixedly.  Now I detest them occasionally, and with reservations... I think they're fabulous, and I dream of the day when I have my own 15" MacBook Pro, and then again I sometimes wish they were never invented. . .

 

6).  I can span 11 keys on the piano,

 

7). And, lastly, I wear a pith helmet in public.

 

How'd I do?  Random enough?

 

I hope you enjoyed! =)

 

Love,

~Me~

 

 

P.S.  Oh, and I very nearly forgot!

I pass this tag on to my lovely followers (at least, those who are very brave and are willing to participate! =)

Thoughts of Spring {Blog Party}

 

 

 

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?

I don't really know how to answer this one. . .

However, I do know that there are two basic impressions people usually have of me - the one being a first impression, the other a more gourmet character.  (yes, I keep a journal, and yes, I am a Studier of Character;)  

I try. . .  

 

Now.  What I would like to know is what word comes to mind when you think of me.  For that is the crux of the matter!

And, do you think - that is, could I... please... be an alliteration?  Nobody ever called me an alliteration before - and please... could you spell it with an e?  :D

Who is your favorite blogger? Why?

Well, I love all of my real life friends, whose blogs I love to visit just to keep in touch and share inspiration, not to mention my blogging friends, whom I've been so incredibly blessed to get to know in the last few years, but - it would take a very long time to list them all out.  (I appreciate each and every one of you, dear friends! =) 

So, for this question, one blogger came to mind that I absolutely adore.  She is inspiration incarnate.  Her sense of style is gorgeous, and her sense of humor just right.  And her house. . . ooh, let's not talk about her house.  Suffice to say, if I ever have a house of my own some day, I think it will have a very similar aesthetic. . .;)

 

 

Her name is Alicia, and she blogs over at Posie Gets Cozy.  

Trip on over and see for yourself!

 

 

What is your comfort food/drink?

Piping hot peppermint tea and a homemade cinnimon roll.  Oh, yes. . .

 

 

 

Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.

Random - if I were to put on a pair of two-inch heels, I would stand about six feet tall.  (Um-hm, I'm 5'10" :)

Weird - I really can't think of anything at the moment.  I'll let you know. . .

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?

Oh yes.  I have dreamed for years of packing up my clothes, musical instruments, and a brave-hearted friend or two, and seeing how far I could make it across America by playing at each stop.  

We would wear trench coats, shades, and pull out the harmonica at one place, then we'd get all jazzed up in western wear for some good ole' bluegrass at the next halt.  On the way we could see all those places in the great country of ours that I would probably never get the chance to otherwise...  Perhaps this counts as something weird about myself - Want to join me?!?  =D

 

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?

I adore watching Period Dramas, Comedy, Musicals, Westerns, and Creation Science lectures, to name a few.

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?

Anything amusing, informative, and edifying!  A great many are listed here, on my library page.

 

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?

I think music one of God's greatest gifts.  And haunting Celtic, sparkling Classical, soul-stirring hymns, foot-stompin' Bluegrass, emotion-grabbing film scores, and toe-tappin' swing are my idea of a good representation!

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?

Well, if I inherited it, I suppose the first thing I would be doing is giving a hefty amount to the IRS in the form of inheritance tax. . . Oh. Goody.  Then, I would build my family's dream home, continue to develop our property into a self-sufficient homestead, and invest a bit in launching my dream design business.  So's I could make more. ;)

 

Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).

I have an unaccountable weakness for devilish, small, bucking and rearing, indescribably handsome, deep red chestnut Morgan horses.  

A very dangerous weakness, but a fulfilling one, I assure you.

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?

Right where I'm at, actually!  I thank God every day for allowing me to live with my family in the most beautiful spot on earth - north Idaho.

 

Strange Talent? Can you juggle basketballs, put your legs behind your head or perform some other strange feat?

Well, since you mentioned it, I can wiggle my toes in a most uncanny way. . . =D Does playing the accordion count? :)

 

 

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of? 

Horses.  And leather.

 

 

Also fresh sunshine, lilacs, clean babies, a wet summer thunderstorm, and almond extract.

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?

Let's put it this way - If money wasn’t a factor, I'd shop at more stores! =)

More specifically, I'll say myriads of Etsy shops, Cath Kidston, Hmm... Amazon? Yes, Amazon and Costco!  Victorian Trading Co, Fabric.com, antique stores. . .

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?

I'm a rather cool and calm under pressure sort of person, but the one time I was anesthetized (to have my wisdom teeth removed) I felt absolutely wild.  Before I went under, that is:)  I shiver every time I recall that awful, helpless feeling.

What are your favorite animals?

Beautiful, caring horses (chestnut Morgans for me:), loyal dogs (a scottie, a cowdog mix, and a Berneese mountain dog, please!) naughty river otters, black-capped chickadees, good-natured milk goats, sonsy, bustling chickens, cuddly barn kitties... giraffes are rather facinating, too - I love animals.

Are you a hopeless romantic?

I like to think I am.  It's the romantic in me - to quote Louis Renault from Casablanca;)

Though I wish whoever coined that phrase would define it a little better.  

Me?  Romantic? Of course.   Hopeless?  Why no, thank you.

What movie or book character can you most relate to?

Have you ever read The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer?  Well, Sophy is really me.  Indeed.

 

 

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

 

Well, it's been fun, and I must now bid you all auf Wiedersehen.  

Thanks for reading, and if you'd leave me a note, well, quite simply, I'd love it!

 

A beautiful Monday evening to you all!

 

~Kellie~

 

 

P.S. No, unlike Sophy, I don't carry a handgun in my muff.  Yet...