Today's WP Bloganuary question reminds me of a typical hypothetical I'd ask a group of ESL students. Most of my students would answer with ideas such as, "Buy land" or "Invest in the stock market," which are very smart ideas, indeed, but that's not what I think of first. My answer might be a little… Continue reading Bloganuary: “If you had a billion U.S. dollars, how would you spend it?”
Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly
I'm a little behind on the WordPress Bloganuary challenge (this question is from a couple of days ago), but really fortunate to have a few digital photos to share. It is hard to keep up with these Bloganuary questions, as they deserve much, much fuller responses than I can give in one day. The short… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How far back in your family tree can you go?” + New butterfly
New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk
My new alpaca basket buddy is finished. I just put the final stitches into him last night, and he is ready to hold pens, hooks, or odds and ends. From toe to tail, he is about 20cm (8 inches). Compared to most other amigurumi I've made, this one was technically a little tricky - not… Continue reading New alpaca amigurumi + market visit and walk
Bloganuary: “What brings you joy in life?” + crafty bits
I'm on a roll now with five Bloganuary posts in a row, and five really meaty prompts. It's a breakneck pace, I know, but I'll try to keep up... The things that bring me joy in life really boil down to simple things. Meaningful connections with other human beings and animals; creating something beautiful and/or… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What brings you joy in life?” + crafty bits
Bloganuary: “What’s a treasure that has been lost?”
I try not to ruminate on losses, but I do sometimes recall people, places, and things that I wish were still around and accessible. Looking back at what's been lost, without dwelling - just appreciating - helps me cherish what is now. One treasure I miss is life before the digital age. As I sit… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What’s a treasure that has been lost?”
Bloganuary: “What is the earliest memory you have?”
Today's Bloganuary prompt is another one that made me pause. I've always known that I don't have a very sharp memory for specific past events. What I do remember well are feelings and more general summaries of happenings. Photos are a great memory jog for me. From ages 0-8, I lived in a small duplex… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is the earliest memory you have?”
Bloganuary: “How are you brave?”
Today's Bloganuary prompt is "How are you brave?" I like how the year is starting off with positive questions. I had to think about this one a bit. To the casual observer, my currently unconventional life (single, 50-something, childless, self-supporting woman in a foreign country) might seem "brave," risky, odd, exotic, or a number of… Continue reading Bloganuary: “How are you brave?”
Bloganuary 2023 – my first post
Happy New Year! This is my first post in Bloganuary, a month-long WordPress challenge to publish more frequently in the blogosphere. The first Bloganuary prompt is "What is something you want to achieve this year?" I've never been someone to make New Year's resolutions. I think it's all too easy to fall short of them… Continue reading Bloganuary 2023 – my first post
Dad’s 2022 Christmas ornament + year-end bits
Before the Christmas season is over, let me share with you my Dad's adorable tree ornament for this year. It's a miniature Starbucks specialty drink, inspired by the off-menu, best-kept holiday secret: the Santa Claus Frappuccino. If you want to know more about how to order one of these scrumptious strawberry latte creations at Starbucks,… Continue reading Dad’s 2022 Christmas ornament + year-end bits
Holiday visitor – new cockatiel amigurumi
Just finished a new friend to add to my crochet menagerie - a life-sized cockatiel (nymphicus holandicus). This little plushie has captured my heart so will be here to stay for awhile. He's made from a brilliant pattern by Tanya at TNGifts, who I now refer to as the amigurumi bird lady 🙂 She is… Continue reading Holiday visitor – new cockatiel amigurumi
The Frill Seeker 