April 2012 – Karla's Cottage

Flocks of fun

By Karla Nathan / April 30, 2012

What fun! I loved every minute of our Birdsong weekend from the silly ones, to the crazy ones. From the sweet ones to the touching ones. There were tons of laughs, fun projects and great friends.

the ladies (or Peeps, as I like to call them) were asking me if #3 was in the cards for next year. Well, heck, yes! How could I say no, if they will come here to play with me at the cottage, I'd love to have them.

Our 25 Peeps flew in from all over the country, and it meant a lot to me that they were using their vacation time and budget to visit us in Kansas.

And not only did they come in from all corners, most of this bunch were 2nd timers, or friends of last year's Peeps. I know I've said it before, but that really means a lot to me. I hope to see our fledglings from this year back again too, they were a lovely addition to the group.

Twinkle loved it too. She got more than her fair share of attention. We both miss everyone now that they've gone, but I have to tell you, I'm ready to lay down right on the floor next to this pup for a few days! I'm worn to a frazzle.

I'll be back with more photos of the weekend as soon as I recover.

Birdies, birdies everywhere!

bird song art event

By Karla Nathan / April 28, 2012

Earlier this week, while avoiding getting the studio cleaned up for Birdsong, I took a break and did some birdie decor.

This chandelier is one that I got years ago when I was the designer for the music room in a show house. It didn't sell, and I was kind of glad, its really unique, made up of actual musical instruments! I painted it (I'm not fond of brass) and covered the light tube thingies (what are those called, by the way?) in sheet music, then drilled holes and added crystals.

Now, for my Birdsong friends, I've turned it into a giant nest of little clip on birds meant for the Christmas tree.

This chandy has been graced by a bird made by my pal, Mercedes.

You can't throw a stone without hitting a bird in the studio now.

This arty party is very casual and laid back. I don't buy tons of decorations to fit the theme. I try to keep it simple so that I can enjoy the weekend as much as the guests do, and am not stressed out.

I happened to have a boxful of birdies, and it was fun to take a break from more serious prepwork to nestle these little creatures around the room. Most are so little, that they won't have a big impact, but I hope they add to the over all atmosphere of the weekend.

This is the bird I am using on some of my glue labels. I thought maybe you'd like to save and print it. It comes from old French advertising cards.

PJ Day

Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / April 26, 2012

Recently, Sugarwings had pj day at preK.

She had a pair of brand new JayHawk jammies that her Pop Pop picked out for her and couldn't wait to show them to her friends.

Cute, huh? Of course, around here, lots of days end up being pj days. If my husband is out of town, I sometimes work in my jammies all day. They aren't as cute as hers, I tend to go for old tees, but its a comfy way to work!

And at the end of a jammie day, no matter how little I've gotten done, it still feels impressive to accomplish much at all since I look like such a lazy butt.

Sweet things arriving

bird song art event

By Karla Nathan / April 25, 2012

Pretties are still arriving in the mail from Birdsong sponsors! We've had some generous donations to the goodie bags. The latest are this pack of vintage supplies from Mitzi and a sampling of Sealah tapes from Kay Ellen and her mom, Jodee.

And I got a pretty too! My pal, Dawn sent one of her sweet little needle books to me. It was a nice pick me up last week when I was having a bad day. Beth brought me some thougthful, "I'm sorry your dog died" gifts too, but I haven't have got a photo yet, my studio is in turmoil and is topsy turvey getting ready for Birdsong.

Tomorrow the ladies will be arriving for Birdsong, I just can't wait to see them all! I'll have lots of photos for you soon.

Dew Drop, fairies, family, games, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / April 23, 2012

I had some much needed Sugarwings time over the weekend, and as always, she brought lots of smiles to our house.

She helped me with some sugar cookies, although she doesn't realize that her batch never made it into the main pile of goodies. I wouldn't call myself a germ-a-phobe, (then again, some people do think that), but I'm always really careful about stuff kids bake. I separate the dough, give her some of her own to work with and do whatever disgustingly fun stuff she can think of to do to it.

I think our littlest fairy will be enjoy baking with us too. Dewdrop got out of the tub the other day, saw me making cookies, and ran naked as fast as she could to her play kitchen to get a spoon, and zoomed to me demanding to help!

Sugarwings and I also played dress up with the wedding gowns I found in a closet and got out to sell at Birdsong.

(bad photo, sorry)

The train was her favorite part of the gown.

She also helped me with my latest obsession, Drawsomething.

She likes to add the finishing touches to my pictures.

On Saturday, I took a break from working on Birdsong set up, and spent the entire day with my handsome husband.

We cleaned our old, beat up pontoon boat and got it ready for the lake. On the way there, we tried to save a few bucks by filling the tank at the gas station instead of paying Marina prices.

He wasn't quite sure it was worth the effort, but did it for me. I'm the cheapskate in the family. But hey, that extra dollar a gallon adds up!

We also ran errands around town, went out for a sushi dinner and saw Hunger Games (my second time, and I'd be happy to see it a third time)

Beautiful weather, accomplishments made, great company, good food, and a handsome man by my side. Not a bad weekend.

He's a pretty hot grandfather, huh?

There was even time to play a few more games of Drawsomething.

Not as many as I would like, though.

If I didn't have Birdsong to get ready for, I think I'd be playing this game way, way too much!

By the time I'm set up for Birdsong, I hope I still have energy left to play, but I have a feeling I'll be doing more of this!!

When the dish ran away with the spoon, where did they go?

cottage, parties

By Karla Nathan / April 21, 2012

Last week, we planned a dinner party and had some of my husband's work friends over. It was a good excuse to get the house all spiffed up, and also to buy some new silverware since we didn't have quite enough forks. Who knows where they go? Forks are one of the things that seem to slip away into the atmosphere, like lids to sippy cups, and single socks. Every once in a while, coffee cups up and vanish too.

One day, we'll have so many that I am trying to force the cabinet door shut without an avalanche of mugs. Then, a couple of weeks later, I realize that the the shelves are half empty.

I guess its some sort of Hickory Dickory Dock variation where the forks run away with the cups.

So, I hit the stores in search of some new, and affordable silverware. I didn't want to spend much, but wanted something that felt good to hold and eat off of. In the past, I've picked up handfuls of Walmart forks, that are sold individually. Or bought partial sets at estate sales.

But dang it, I'm almost 54 and I wanted a whole, brand new, grown up set of silverware!

On the other hand, I'm cheap and didn't want to pay grown up silverware prices.

I checked out Target, World Market, Pier One, and TJ Maxx without much luck. Next, I tried Tuesday Morning, and found just what a needed, a full setting for 12 people, only 50 bucks, and they were a little old fashioned looking, plus felt good to bite down on.

Part of my search required biting down on the silverware while I was shopping. My husband thought that was awful, that I'd spent the morning out at stores biting forks, but I found some that felt good, looked good and were not too expensive.

The party was nice, the company was good, and we had matching silverware to eat off off. That is the only time that has ever happened in my home. I've always been a mismatched silver setter. This was nice!

And my house is clean. Now, if only I can keep it that way till Birdsong, but I have a feeling that I'll have to give it another going over. We tend to mess things up quickly around here.

Well, I’m glad that is over

Music, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / April 20, 2012

The dreaded demise of Picnik occured and it was no big deal for me. I won't miss it at all since I found Picmonkey,. They are adding gadgets and tricks and making improvements weekly and its already just as good as Picnik ever was. Easier to use, even.

What I do miss, is my Sugarwings. I haven't seen her ALL WEEK, which is unusual for us. Its not easy being without her for that long. So, I have to post a photo of her to make myself feel better.

Its been a long, long, rough week, with many bad things and heartbreaks, but I am not going into the depressing details. I'm not trying to whore out my sadness for comments, so please don't think I'm one of those people. I'm just being honest about life, its an up and down process and some weeks are hardly bearable, some are joyful. That's how it goes.

But this week is ending, a new one is beginning and it will bring Birdsong buddies for me to play with. Things are looking up!

Somebody That I Used to Know – Walk off the… by PayeTaChatte

I've kept busy all week, getting the studio and yard cleaned up, played Drawsomething, and baked, baked, baked. My freezer will be filled with more cookies than a ton of ladies could devour by the time they all arrive for our little arty party weekend. Heck, I might send them all home weighing a ton each.

While I've waited for this week of hell to end, I've kept this song going in the background. I've played the original version, the one from American Idol (with darling Phillip Phillips), and the one from Glee. The only one I don't care for is the one from the Voice. (Yes, I've been watching a lot of TV too….)

You can find all of those versions of this song here.

Things are coming together for Birdsong. Well, it might not look like it, but this is in the process of sorting and organizing.

This side of the room is not quite as far along. But its getting there.

drawsomething

drawing, games

By Karla Nathan / April 17, 2012

Thanks for your kind words about Agnes Rosebud. She will be greatly missed.

No, we don't have chickens yet. I honestly hope that we don't have our new family members move in till after Birdsong, I am swamped with getting ready for that. Adding another daily chore wouldn't be much help right now. All this prep work for Birdsong has been good for me, with Agnes Rosebud gone, I've wanted to keep busy.

But I'm not ready to take on new pets after losing her.

I've also been playing this game.

These are pictures that Beth took of our Drawsomething matches. I'm not a game person and don't even know what an Angry Bird game looks like and never will.

But I enjoy the word scramble in the Sunday paper and love to draw. So, when the Other Karla and Beth told me to try this app, I gave it a shot and got hooked immediately.

You draw with your fingertip right on the screen, and then you can watch your drawing as it loads on the other person's screen and follow them trying to solve the puzzle.

The drawings disappear fast as a blink of the eye as soon as you finish the puzzle, but Beth (who solves them all fast as lightening) discovered that if you fill in all the blanks but one, you can take your time and watch the picture develop and even take a photo of it.

If you have trouble guessing the word, you can use your points to take away extra letters that try to confuse you. That is, if you have plenty of points. Sugarwings likes to use my points to buy extra colors to draw with. We own all the color palettes now, but no letter bombs to help solve clues.

Some are a challenge. Like this one. Can you guess it?

And its not that easy to draw with a fingertip, but I sure have fun trying.

Wanna play? You can reach me at my email address:

Karlanathan@sbcglobal.net

or my user name:

karkiejo

As addictive as this game is, and as much as I want to play it right now, please forgive me if I don't jump in and do dozens of back and forth games right away, because I am desperately trying to restrain myself and get ready for Birdsong instead. I don't think my guests will appreciate a studio knee deep in junk and no place to sit while I doodle on my ipad.

But, I would like to get some more partners to play with, and if you'll request a game with me online, I can play one, then keep the info and play more with you after I get everything ready around here.

Although…. there are lunch breaks when I can play…. and at night in front of the TV when I am done with work for the day…. and when I go into the house to get a drink….. and when I am sitting in the car at a stop light… and when NO, I will NOT squeeze in more games. I will go and make my kit and clean the studio!!

But I am a little hungry right now and I think the IPad is laying on the dining room table. Maybe a quick game with lunch….

Poor Twinkle

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers)

By Karla Nathan / April 16, 2012

Thanks for all of your caring comments, emails, and phone calls about little Agnes Rosebud. I'm sorry I didn't answer them all, I just really didn't want to talk about it much, but I did appreciate your thoughtfulness. And thanks for trying to make me let go of the guilt. I'm still just sick about my carelessness.

As much as I miss the tiny pup, her Dog Mom misses her even more. At first Twinkle was in a panic and searched everywhere for her. I hate to say this, and must warn you to skip this next sentence if you are squeamish, but we had to disinter Aggie to show Twinkle where she was. That really did calm Tinks down and stopped her frantic searching.

Then, she was extremely needy for a while, but now, this is all she does. No more scampering around with her little best friend, the two of them at my heels no matter where I am or what I'm doing, both looking up at me with those inquisitive, terrier eyes, wanting to know what fun thing will happen next. Will I sit at my desk? Will I be turning on the TV? Oh, heavens, could I be opening the DOOR????? Could I be eating something that has crumbs??

Yes, they were so funny and so happy all the time, and thought that any move I made was endlessly fascinating. They even appreciated my singing and couldn't wait to hear the next line of any song I made up.

But now, Rosey is gone and Twinkle won't leave her pillow. Its so sad.

I'm not ready for a new dog, a "replacement" dog just doesn't feel right. But even if I'm not ready, I think I need to get a dog for Twinkle. She is lonely and depressed. We'll see. I don't know if I could give my heart to a puppy yet.

We'll lavish lots of extra love on Tinks for now, and I'll keep my eye out for a new pet for her.

Agnes Rosebud

dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers)

By Karla Nathan / April 14, 2012

Sweet little Agnes was killed by a car last week, on her 2nd birthday. I miss her terribly.

Yorkies are a fiesty little breed, and often think that they are big dogs. Well, not this sprite. She always knew she was a teensy thing and wanted to be near me to watch out for her. I let her down by not making sure she was safe, we were in the driveway, carrying stuff to the garage and she ran down the drive way, and right out in front of a car.

Here she is on last year's birthday.

A few months ago we had four little furry kiddos, Bookie was put down in the fall, due to canine dementia. Sparkle's kidney's failed while Sugarwings was in the hospital after surgery for her broken arm.

But those two had led very full, very happy lives. Tiny Ages Rosebud was just at the beginning of hers.

This picture is when she was about three weeks old.

There is something extra special about raising a puppy from the day they were born. I've had lots of dogs in my life, and know they give boundless love, whether they are a full grown stray, or a rambunctious baby when you get them. But I've had two dogs that were born here and that makes such a strong bond. Agnes never knew any other home and I was her "person" from the moment she could waddle out of her nest and into my hands.

Being everything to a pet is a big responsibility, we had a deal that I didn't keep my end of. She gave me her full and complete heart, and I was supposed to keep her safe and treasured for a lifetime.

She was certainly treasured, but I failed to keep her safe. We have 10 acres and I tend to let the dogs run around outside with me, never alone, but I do let them out when I'm in the yard and let them visit their neighbor, Holden, who Agnes had a big crush on.

She'd never had a leash on in her whole two years. I always knew she wouldn't leave, that she and Twinkle would not run off, they'd visit their friend behind our house, they'd sniff for bunnies, they'd joyfully run back to me to tell me with bright eyes and pouncing little bodies, all about where they'd been.

I took for granted that they'd both always come back.

I shouldn't have. Since a stranger picked up Twinkle a couple years back and she was gone for over a week till returned, I vowed to be a better pet owner and I really tried to always keep my eye on them, and they did not ever go outside without me. If kids left doors or gates open and the dogs were loose, I'd throw a little hissy fit and tell them to be careful.

But I spend a lot of time outdoors, and the dogs always go with me. Never with a leash. And this time, she dashed out to the street. I didn't protect her.