the sally dress

Horsey Girl wanted to be Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas for Halloween.  Unfortunately we got kind of a late start on it, and I was too exhausted to do much research.  Reluctantly I gave up an assortment of unwanted articles for her to slash and stitch.

I always underestimate this girls' creative drive.  In less than an hour, she had whipped out this little Breakfast at Tiffany's meets the Haunted House dress.  A little bit sexy, a little bit spooky.  I was impressed.

All the details were hand stitched, and I love it hanging here on our spooky front door.  Too bad it was a teensy bit too small (and a smite too revealing for the trick-or-treat crowd.

Tres chic though.

creativity

A friend came by with some craft kits her kids never used before they out grew them.  The shiny sticker project was an instant hit and became several hours of amusement last weekend.

The final projects were less intriguing than the process, like many good crafts.  Let's just say my house is now decorated with quite a few holographic stickers in the most unlikely places.

I'm glad my kids like to make stuff.

autumn hat

I made this pumpkin in honor of Fanny May.  It lit up so nice, and when it flickered it looked like she was running.

This one fits much better.  I used size 8 circs to start and then bought 8 dpns, that I only used for the last four or five rows.  Knitting is expensive!

 The fiber is cotswald (very soft) in a colorway called Gold Leaf.  It's very, very autumn and I enjoyed wearing it with my skeleton sweater on Halloween night.  I think I may have enough yarn for fingerless gloves or possibly another hat for gifting.

Now to spin up the purply blue merino I scored last month.  Very excited!

i *heart*

Still getting a couple of tomatoes, the last ones being a little bit weathered.

Someone gave out their old Valentine's candy last week.

Roasted squash for butternut soup.  Sweet seeds in a heartish cavity.

The first pumpkin spice soy latte of the season.

My sweet Halloween pumpkin got to stay on the porch, glowing in anticipation of Thanksgiving.  Big ol' swollen orange heart.

What do you *heart* today?

the headless horse man

Little P. brought home a book at the library:  "The Headless Horseman."  She was fascinated, reading it over and over in the car.  "Mom, I think it's a true story."  She specifically calls him the headless horse man (two distinct words).

I told her that when I was a child, there was a mysterious rider who would dress up as a headless horseman and tear down the street on his big horse, scaring us to death (true!)  Noone really knew who it was, year after year.

After endless readings and repeated discussions of the story, she finally decided to write her own version.

My favorite part:  he wos scire.  he has no heed.

Love it!

That horse looks a little like our Nelly.  See how she started out drawing his head, but then erased it?  

The excitement has worn off of the story, but I will keep this book forever.

horsey girl

Horsey Girl had her last home game last night.  She is a sophomore playing JV.    She makes lots of points.

She is a fast swimmer.  But last Spring she quit the swim team (encouraged for WP players) because the coach was very cruel.

I can't help feeling proud when I see these pictures.  I was so glad ND came to the game to watch too.  Then I ate pizza.

When I first saw this one, I couldn't detect the second girl.  Horsey Girl said, "That's 'cause I'm drowning her, Mom."

That's my girl.

And you should see her ride a horse!

pick a punk

I can't believe how long ago I took these pictures.  The annual Pumpkin Patch saga.  It happens every year.  I like these Baby Boo's.  

It's always hard to pick just the right one.  Which of you cuties wants to come home with me?  Little P. always coddles her punkies up until their fatal end.

Happiness is a wall o' squash.  I love this girl.  She is so enthusiastic!  She made even this little understated roadside farm stand feel better than Disneyland.

Note the homespun, hand knit hat.  This was the Witch Hair hat from long ago.  I'm currently on my second hat and will be done upon the purchase of size 8 dpn's (any excuse to shop!)

She rode this big pumpkin all the way home.

The fire was close, but we were not evacuated this time.  Thank the Goddess for looking out for our farm, and prayers for those who lost so much.