decoration success!

My decorations are turning out really great. I'm especially proud of the little tree. Each "leaf" is sewn on individually. And it looks awesome. 

new traditions

This is our first holiday season as a married couple. I've been very interested in the idea of creating a historical record (written, handmade items, pictures, etc) in the last year or so, and with this first holiday season together, my interest is becoming an obsession. Obsession is a strong word, but you get the idea.

So Jesse and I went to the fabric store last weekend and picked out our own fabrics to make stockings with. We enjoyed it quite a bit- not just me, Jesse enjoyed it too. I swear. It may be because he got to pick his own stuff, and he picked a great chinese dragon print in black, gray and red. I got fuzzy green fabric. 

So anyway, as I was saying, we're getting stuff together to make holiday decorations. I cut out some red and green felt mittens, stockings and hats to sew together for tree decorations, and today I went to Michaels to get little add ons, like jingle bells and pom poms. I told Jesse that I may be in nesting mode... I was talking with Jesse about how our kids will remember these felt mitten and stocking decorations forever- I remember similar items my mom made early in my life. They are such a strong memory for me. Jesse has similar memories. I think that's what I'm so interested in creating.

So I'll certainly post pictures of our progress, but what I'm really interested in is your ideas. What kind of traditions do you have? Are there any you wish you'd started earlier? What traditions do you remember as a child? Do you have any traditions your tried but that didn't stick? Any other suggestions, stories or ideas?

My Own Worst Enemy

I haven't posted much lately. I guess I've been busy with school and I feel like there isn't anything post-worthy going on in my life.

But tonight, the night after our historic election, I had a post-worthy event. Most unfortunately, I did not have my camera, so don't anticipate any more pictures other than the one above (not mine).

I went out into the field a couple of nights ago and there were some structural changes to the nearby wall. I talked to a couple of security guys around there and found out they were going to do some filming for the new tv show "My Own Worst Enemy". As in Christian Slater. He was one of my teenage heartthrobs. 

Anyway, I came back tonight (and ended up trapping 4 flies!), and the security guy, Robert, gave me a tour of the set! It was very cool. He showed me the firearms that will be used in the scene- they were all in a padlocked cage, and a car that would be exploded. It was specially rigged with steel pipes to direct the flames, and the seats were missing, but all wired for dynamite. There were lots of landcruiser-type trucks (some burned out) that would also be used in the scene. Also, about 5 huge trailers for set and props. There were about 7 other trailers for makeup, lunch, actors, wardrobe, etc.

There were about 200 people around; some building the set, practicing stunts (fighting, etc), a lot of people in line for catering, and a lot of people just standing around talking. There were also some actors sitting around in blankets near heaters waiting for their scene. They were all made up with bloody lips and dirty faces. There were huge, powerful lights up making everything look like daylight. We stood there for a few minutes so I could look around and take it all in. Just as we started walking away, Robert stopped and said "Oh, I think that's Christian Slater. Yep, that's him." He was walking about 20 feet away from us to where we just were. So I got to see Christian Slater walking to his set. We were bummed because if we had stayed where we were another minute, he would have walked right past us! But very cool that I saw him and especially the hustle and bustle of a working action set. What a treat. Can't wait to see it on tv (in December, apparently).

That's it for now. 

Obama!

Oh, I am so relieved.

What an amazing time.