From Coast to Coast

Jim was in LA for two and a half weeks doing a commercial shoot for Capital One. I decided I would go visit my folks with the kids while he was away. That meant me on the plane with four kids. Let me assure you that screaming was a major factor on both flights. "Really! She's usually such an easy going baby. Must be cabin pressure?" It was all great once we got there, though. We had a wonderful time with my parents and many great days at the beach. Here's a picture of all of us in Woods Hole. Woods Hole is such a cool place. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is there, which gives you the sense that there are all these really interesting, smart people walking around, probably studying cool stuff. We are at our favorite restaurant in town, Captain Kidd. I don't know why the photo looks all misty like that, but I like it.

The day after we got home Jim called to tell me part of one of the commercials was going to be in a toy store and they needed toys that were not "branded". He asked if I wanted to send out some of my dolls or stuffed animals. Yeah! But when I looked over my things, I realized I haven't made much that would look like a "toy" if it were shown real fast on TV. Hmmmm. Patrick had been asking for a monster doll, so I thought this would be a good reason to get that project done. Patrick drew this design.
So I got to work and knocked out the monster doll pretty fast out of some old felted sweaters. As I was working on it, I started to (guiltily) remember that the director of the commercial had a baby not too recently and I neglected to send a gift, even though they have always sent the most beautiful gifts every time we have had a baby. So I thought Ha Ha! I will make another toy! Robot! As fast as I could and with every spare second I made this robot in an afternoon and shipped it all off to "Hollywood". It was so last minute that I didn't have time to take proper photos. I strapped all the kids into the car, propped the dolls up against this moldy tree, snapped a few and then zoomed off to the Fedex store.
Now that you know, keep your eyes peeled for these guys in an upcoming commercial. From what I've seen, the robot might be the one you see most clearly. Jim does this stuff all day, but for me it was very exciting to be able to contribute something.

The Ocean

Like moths to a flame they are drawn to the ocean. It has been so wonderful to see them enjoy the rare moments these midwestern kids get to spend at the ocean. They love everything about it. The water, the sand, the waves and seaweed for hours of constant movement. Collecting shells and glass and rocks fuel endless imaginations. Warm sandwiches, sticky lollipops and sandy cookies have never tasted better.

Wool camera case

Like the ulterior motive photo of my new camera case? This blog has a lot of roles to play. It just happens that the piano is on the other side of the room where I sew. Patrick has just started to take lessons and I so look forward to the day when I can sit and sew and listen to my kids practice. He's already doing so well.

Sometimes it happens that I have an idea to do something and then before I get a chance to make it I see someone else has had the same idea. And done it way better. None-the-less, I still think it is important to follow through on my own idea because no matter what, when it is handmade, I think each person has a unique take on the same idea. I've held off on quite a few ideas because I feel they may not be "original". But really that is silly. Look at teddy bears. People still make them all the time. Anyway, back to the camera case. Vacation is fast approaching and the new camera needed some protection. This was such a super easy and fast project, but really I don't have time for anything that isn't right now. Things will slow down one of these days, right?