Call Me Crazy

I do a lot of crazy things.  The one that gains shock from others is when I tell them that the most relaxing thing in my life is cross stitch.  It is even better than hot cocoa and purring kittens although it does go well with both nearby.

There is something so renewing about taking a pattern, a needle, colored thread and a white cloth and turning it into a piece of art.  It is very methodical and while my mind often wanders it is frequently forced back to the careful task of making each stitch perfect.  There isn't much need for a good imagination, although I think it does help. 

Maybe this says something about the way my brain works (or doesn't).  Maybe this is a proof that I am crazy but sometimes I wonder if the world wouldn't be just a bit more relaxed if everyone could enjoy a bit of cross stitch.

Go Golden Globes!

I love men in scarves!

I'm really not into the award shows.  The usual people win and the unusual people sometimes get to make a speech that later gets taken out in editing.  Just not really my thing most of the time although I do fondly remember the days when Billy Crystal lit up the Oscars.  But this time I have to give a shout out to the Golden Globes for nominating some of my favorite new faces.

Yes that is a um, well one of THOSE kind of dolls.

Somehow Ryan Gosling is now Hollywood's new stud.  That is great for him and I don't mind getting in a few glimpses of what he has to offer.  However if you haven't seen it yet take a step back and watch Lars and the Real Girl.  This is when I became impressed with this amazing actor.  It was at times difficult to watch but a moving view of how lonely some of us can feel.

And of course the whole reason that I even noticed who was nominated this year, my new favorite actor, Michael Fassbender, is now in the running for his role in Shame.  I have not yet seen this dark film but am now even more excited to watch it.  Could this be the year that I have an underdog to cheer for at the award shows?  That hasn't happened in years!  Happy movie watching and happy holidays!

It's Over!

November was a VERY long month!  My Grand Opening, my failed NaNoWriMo, the remodel of my craft room, and everything that happened in between really took it out of me.  A quick update on each...

Wire Willow had a pretty good grand opening.  I sold quite a few items, all of them were sold to friends and family, but I now have a site that looks more experienced and popular.  My only disappointment was that I still can't seem to break into the Etsy clientele.  Just means that better marketing and research is needed.  Why are they important?  There are WAY more of them and the hard core etsy shoppers spend a lot more and shop more often.

Failed NaNoWriMo.  I was about 6,000 words into my book when I decided, it sounded too much like a romance novel.  No, there wasn't any hanky panky, but the mood and POV wasn't a sharp enough contrast to what I've written before.  I want to scrap the whole thing and this time REALLY try to make something different.  That means I need to slow down, really think about it, and then tip-toe ahead.  NaNoWriMo is fun, but not everything can be done at a sprint.

My room.  I know, still haven't taken pictures of it.  Well I have but they didn't turn out very well.  Until my husband has time (hint hint) to get some great ones taken you'll just have to take my word for it.  The room looks wonderful.  I've already begun to retreat to it more often.  And while I haven't gotten much writing done in the small closet retreat that I made, my cat sure does love it!

So what does December hold?  If I survive the holiday then I'll call that good enough.  I need some time to just relax.  But I wouldn't say no to more etsy sales!