Monthly Archives: August 2015

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

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Today was a lovely day. The kind of day when things just all go right and the biggest argument in the backseat is about chewing gum trading. The kind of day where friends are fun and sisters are great and laughing is the perfect answer for everything. The kind of day when the sun shines, the wind blows, you get seats on the subway and the car still gets you home, despite the noises you’re hearing from under the hood.

With Papa out of the house at bedtime, the reading fell to Mama and all the shooting stars seemed to align, making tonight the night my girls met Harry Potter.

And Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagle (who Catherine ‘just knew’ was a woman, even before transforming from a cat), and Hagrid and the detestable Dursleys and You-Know-Who- whom they have already learned is Voldemort.

With just two chapters under their belts they have so many questions. Top of the list: What, actually, is a Muggle? Others include: Is Uncle Vernon’s face really purple? How can a Put-Outer turn the street lights back on? (It’s a Put-Outer not a back-oner!) Why is Aunt Petunia so horrible? Wait, why is Harry famous, again? How, exactly, did she turn back into a cat???

There is so much more to come for my eager little ones. I will not spoil it for them by answering their questions prematurely! “Wait and see,” I’ve told them. “The author had a reason she wrote the story this way. We need to trust her.”

They’ve gone off to bed now, dreaming of flying motorbikes (if they’re lucky), but not before one looked back at me as she was leaving the room and said, “Brazil, here I come…..Adios, Amigo.” Our first Harry Potter in-joke and I couldn’t be more proud. It was an emotional read for me, in ways I wasn’t expecting. They’ll never read Harry for the very first time again and I am so glad it happened on such a lovely day.

Made for Me (1)

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This denim skirt, made from an old pair of jeans, marks the first project in my self imposed “Made for Me” series.

Most of the things that I sew and knit are destined for other people, kids mostly. I love to give handmade things as gifts and really don’t want for anything personally, so it has never been a problem.

But lately I have been feeling the urge to make for myself. To put a little effort into choosing and preparing things that make me feel good and that are unique to me. I want to try new techniques and take chances that I normally wouldn’t.

So, for the next year I am challenging myself to create at least one piece a month for myself. It can be an item of clothing or jewelry or an accessory, it can be knit or sewn or strung or hot glued! The pieces need not be extravagant or runway ready, but I am hoping that they will all be finished enough for wearing in public.

I liked these jeans, but they were wearing out in odd places. I was able to cut them up, saving the waist and pockets, and use the bottom of the legs as the center panels in the front and back. The ribbon trim was a bit of a departure for me. I love the ribbon, but tend to wear far less decorated items (often just single color). It is a small touch at the bottom and it is definitely growing on me.

{jeans found at Savers, handed down ribbon from a friend}

Friends

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A very happy reunion, ten months in the making.

Three hours at the park and I had to chase them down to get a photo. They spent the whole time hanging out in bushes and laughing and talking and making fairy vacation homes. I don’t think their smiles could be bigger!