making happy

us2

It has been a hard week in these parts. Our little Ila has not been well. There have been many sleepless nights (for all, this child is LOUD), trips to the hospital, scary fevers, no eating, crying… so much crying,  and much heart break on my part. She seems to be a little better today after getting worse this past weekend.

I’m sitting here trying to make myself feel happy, and thought a free download might help. I made last week’s bonbon small fancy into a downloadable PDF colouring page. I hope it brings some smiles to some little faces.

(Above photo from happier days… I’m afraid if you saw a picture of us today you might never return to this site!)

colourbonbon

download

little bunny

bunbun

My barn paintings have been put on hold while I have been tending to little ones. In times like these, when I find myself with no time to work, I always turn to knitting. Knitting can be done just about anywhere, sitting on floor playing lego or playmobil or holding a feverish clingy baby. It always gets me through, and  helps me to hold on to my sanity.

These bunnies were supposed to be Easter presents, but when you are knitting something this cute and fluffy right next to the person you are making it for, it  is pretty hard to hide it. This little bunny (pattern free from RebeccaDanger’s site.) is  a huge hit with Sosi. For Ila, I think I will make a Tofu dog (how can I resist that name?).

gnomes and leprechauns

gnomes

If you are wondering what has happened to me, I have been busy with gnomes and leprechauns… (and flying eggs on toast. Visit Mia’s gorgeous new photo blog to see Sosi’s inspiration for the egg on toast)

leps

postcard from my dad

dad

In 2000 my dad sailed around Newfoundland with his brother. He was gone an entire summer. I found this postcard he sent me while working on my Small Fancy for this week (isn’t it gorgeous?).

On the back it reads:

“Tablelands, From Photographer’s Lookout in Norris Point (photo by Terry Parsons)

23/6/00

Dear Lori/Paul,

Having a great time, have had enough adventures to last the rest of my life! We are not moving very fast because of bad weather and stopping to enjoy the sights. We are now in Gros Morne Nat’l Park, Spectucualr! Leaving tomorrow to go North and cross over to Labrador.

Letter to follow,

Love Dad. “

some sketches

sketch01

We got out to the country this weekend and I got some more wonderful photos of barns. (More paintings to come!)

You might be wondering what’s up with all the barn paintings. Last summer, I was feeling particularly sad and like I didn’t fit in here. My favourite part of driving all around with the girls doing all the typical summer stuff,  was seeing barns. Not the beaches or lighthouses or quaint towns… but these sad and adorable barns.  Somehow they make me feel better about living here.

sketch02

“it’s a love you don’t give words to…”

love

The Small Fancy’s theme this week is “favourite song lyric”.  I’m sure there is a lyric out there that is more of a favourite than this one, but this is what jumped in my head and wouldn’t get out.