Reader Paradise

It arrived today, and I am totally in love! I ordered the Nook back in December from Barnes & Noble. It was scheduled to ship on January 15, but it shipped Monday and arrived today - the 14th! There were instructions on how to unpack it, for heaven's sack! And they were totally necessary, too! Getting it out of the package was really the hardest part. Everything else about it has been easy peasy, so far! In fact, I just bought a couple ebooks online, touched the screen where it said "check for new B&N content", and the books were there! Just had to touch "download", and I was able to start reading. Nothing to plug in, nothing to connect. How amazing is that? It's like magic! (Okay, I know there is a simple explanation involving WiFi and all that, but it's magic in my mind!)

Now, I can take my happy little Nook with me wherever I go and look totally hip and cool while I read. And it's much lighter than carrying around a full-fledged book. Now, I admit that I went into this purchase rather blindly, so I am still finding out all the details about this little gadget. Turns out I can put pictures and music on it, too! And pdf files. So, if I have a crochet pattern that's a pdf, I can load it on the Nook and carry it with me, too!

My next plan is to design a comfy little cozy for my new friend! Just gotta pick the perfect fabric!

Why Mess with Perfection???

Why, oh, why do they DO this to me? Over and over again they're taking my precious childhood memories and vamping them up! First it was Strawberry Shortcake, and now, it's Rainbow Brite! What's next?? Holly Hobby in a tube top?

Project Wreck

365/5, originally uploaded by BeckyKay Designs.

This book has been around for a while, and I've been intrigued by it, but never picked it up. Today I was out looking for a new datebook and ran across a copy. I decided to purchase it. You know, new year, new projects, new inspiration, all that. Every page gives you instructions on a unique way to mark, destroy, maul and generally wreck this journal! The instructions are quite simple and yet actually stimulate creativity.

I figure when I'm all done with the book, I'll want to keep it forever. And, you know, if I'm going to keep it, I want anyone who finds it to be amused by the clever ways in which I've wrecked it! (Yes, that would be the egomaniac in me. We all have one.) But, I think that drive to be interesting will stretch my creativity and encourage me to think outside the box.

Lil' Kay was fascinated by this photo of my new book and wanted to know all about it. I sat down with him and read all the instructions. I could tell he was intrigued by the ideas that were presented. He giggled and puzzled and questioned. I asked him if he'd like his own copy. Definitely! I'm glad, because I kind of want someone to accompany me on this creative journey.

Crochet Progress

365/4, originally uploaded by BeckyKay Designs.

So, I've been teaching myself to crochet and it's going pretty well! I think I've got the hang of it.

I'm currently working on an afghan. The pattern is one of those freebies that you pull off the pad at the store. This one is from Lion Brand. Basically, it's a giant granny square. I started it back at Thanksgiving. I'm still working on it, but I don't work on it every day. Mostly, it's what I do to kill my lunch hour since I don't drive all the way home for lunch. It's getting pretty big, and I think I'll actually finish it!

The next project I want to do is another scarf. I have my eye on several potential patterns.

As I'm learning, I've found that there really isn't a wrong way to crochet. Everyone has their own style. My sister in law was watching me crochet and commented to my mom, "Hey, she holds her hook the right way, like a pencil. I hold mine like a pitchfork!" And guess what? Even though she holds her hook "like a pitchfork", she still makes lovely things! So, I'm not going to feel bad about the fact that I use my left hand to pull the yarn over my hook.

Project 365

I've decided to try this crazy Project 365 photo thing that all the kids are doing these days. I'm going to take and upload a photo for everyday of the year. These are my first three. And, guess what! I've already cheated! That second photo of the clock was taken by Mr Kay. But it was on MY camera!

If you're interested in seeing how my project goes, here's a link to My 365 Set. I've also joined this flickr group. They seem pretty laid back without all the scary rules and what not. You know, if I fail, I won't be kicked out or whatever!

I don't really have any big reason or master overall plan to why or how I am going to do this. No theme, just whatever catches my attention. I'm more curious to see how the project evolves on its own. Will my photography improve? Will a theme appear? Will I get past this week? I'm not very good at doing the same thing every single day. Heck, Brushing my teeth daily is a challenge. I kid. I kid.

I've been busy!

Even though I haven't been blogging much, I have been busy! I was scrambling a couple weeks ago to finish all my well-intentioned Christmas gifts. And, let me say, I got the essential ones done! Hurray! This dinosaur was one of my most favorite projects and was made for a friend's daughter.

I'm just starting to try my hand at making some stuffed animals. When I'm learning a new craft, I find it beneficial to learn by making projects from patterns that have already been created by others. No sense in trying to reinvent the wheel, right? Once I've learned basics and become comfortable with a form, I can branch out from there.

This dinosaur pattern is from Morrissey Dolls. It was a very fun project to put together and the instructions were quite easy to follow. It didn't take me nearly as long to complete him as I was afraid it would! And, of course, Lil' Kay is convinced that he needs one, too. He wants his to be green. And, he thinks Sally needs a purple one!

Cute Kids

I know I haven't blogged in weeks, and the fact is I have lots of stuff to show you, but I'm terribly behind 0n my photo taking. I've been busy sewing for Christmas and going to Christmas programs and all the other things we do at this time of year.

This is Lil Kay and Sally this morning before work. They're wearing their matching Godzilla tees. Can you tell that Spongebob was on while I was snapping this photo? Neither of them is paying attention to me.

ONLY 2 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!