the Death of Duckie

Today marks the passing of a dear friend, a trusty companion and loyal servant. My umbrella of 25 years Duckie has seen his last walk in the rain. Today when out walking in the ( freezing cold) rain, as I was trying to fix one of his spokey bits that has come undone, I noticed tiny little holes littered all over Duckies magnificent blue shield and realised that this would be our last outing together because unlike jumpers holes don't quite work in an umbrella.

It's a sad day, I've had Duckie since I was 4, and he has outlasted all new umbrellas, braved many storms and kept me dry all this time. To be honest I thought Duckie would last forever, but things rarely do.

Thank you Duckie for your fabulous years of service, for sheltering me, for keeping me company on my walks, always being there and above all your duckiness. There will never be another umbrella like you.

love

Jess xo

PS Please don't think for a moment Duckie is going anywhere near the bin. No! He is off to join all no longer functional or use by huge sentimental things in Jess hall of loved thing past (the cupboard)

He's back

With a slighty more clean shaven look ( due to yet another yellow yarn being discontinued-thankfuly this lovely yellow alpaca wool mohair mix from Bendigo came to the rescue) but indeniably still very much Kermit.

Now it's this one instead

I have this song stuck in my head

Probably doesn't help that i've been listening too alot the Smiths today.

a yella fella

May I introduce Rudolph, a yellow bear potholder. Who's a bit of a dreamer and one day dreams of becoming an Olympic shot putter.

Finally the world is right again

this morning I got these babies thanks to the good old South Melbourne Market. In my opinion no winter wardrobe is complete without a pair of uggs, they are essential to surviving the winter and general foot happiness. It's been a long two years since I mysteriously lost an ugg boot when moving house. How someone only moving literally across the road could loose 1 ugg boot, but I've held out hope all this time that it's missing partner would show up ( Never did) Then then was the death of Wally and Bruce last year ( my reindeer slippers) and while Vic sent me the most wonderful pair of slippers, because of my freakishly small feet and the size of the slippers they were strictly only wearing when seated sort of slippers.

Anyway I finally came to terms with the fact that ugg boot no 2 would never show up and I had to get a new pair. I was a bit shocked by how expensive ugg boots had become, and this may sound a bit anal but ugg boots are one thing I don't want to buy secondhand or preloved. Especially since to get the full uggy pleasure you need to wear them sans socks. A few people suggested the market and bingo, these guys cost me $20 which is a lot better than $75.

So I'm a happy girl, and looking back over how much I have managed to write about ugg boots a rather crazy girl, but I guess I'm not telling you something you don't already know.

PS Rather good news, I've had a few moments of thinking Colin is OK, which is progress and realized he has an appealing smell, sort of caramelly, probably from being dyed in some many different combos. thanks so much for all your lovely and encouraging comments.

My creative space

Is not an entirely happy place today.

I finally finished that bear, and I'm less than happy with him. I've spoken about the anti-climax scenario, and I'm feeling that big time. I wish i liked him more, and I really thought or more hoped that i would get "there" on this one.

I'm feeling a little discouraged and frustrated, as this bear well he means alot me to and i've put alot in. He's been entensively aged, stained, plucked in hope of recreating the "old bear" look and like Gus ( bear on the left whom I didn't make), my old steiff bear he's been inspired by and based off. His name is Colin by the way, and I think he's a very quiet gentle and patient bear.

For more creative goings on vist Kirsty.

Feeling Doggy

photo from here.
Like one might suddenly feel clucky, I have suddenly come down with a big case of the doggies. It's been brewing for a while I think, but the final straw was meeting Kate's beautiful dog Pixie, and now I feel I must absolutely get a dog within the next year or so. I guess it was only a matter of time, I come from a Dog Family. This isn't a case of puppy love though, it's full blown grown up doggy love. And I know exactly what I want, as much as I do adore Staffys, I know in my heart of hearts I want a Kelpie cross, Australian Cattle dog cross or the classic undefinable "black dog" or "brown dog".
One like Reggie above would be just perfect.
That's not to say I don't adore my Turtle McGurdle, but I do miss the boofy, wonderful enthusiasm of dogs.
It won't be until next year I think, as I've got a bit of traveling later in the year which wouldn't be fair to a nice dog, but a girl can dream in the mean time..

These two other pictures are of our Mo, our last family dog, who left us 4 or 5 years ago. Possibly the most revolting, ridiculous and lovable dog there ever was. WHo i still miss, who whenever I think about him, I can't stop laughing.

Bear potholder

Here's my first bear head potholder in a more completed form than on Thursday. Of course he has a wonky nose, though honestly no intentional, i sewed it and only noticed it was wonky til half way through, at which point i decided I liked it better wonky.

Thank you so much for all your advice on the ear question. I always love and hugely value your opinions. And I didn't ignore them, I was all set to do the brown ears and I ran out of yarn, and that particular yarn was one that was discontinued many moons ago, so I had to start again. I didn't want to use the same as the nose, and ended up using a bit alpaca yarn I had floated around which was not enough for bear, but too much to chuck, which I was the best next option. It was super quick and fun to make, I think I'll be making more of these and I'm getting exciting about all the colour combos I could do and even the possibility of a froggy one at some stage. And equally am in love with the suggestions of hot chocolate/mug coasters from Thursday. I just have to get used to using the 4mm hook, which feels HUGE and awkward and clunky for me after my usual 3mm and 2.5mm hooks.

EDIT- Lovely Beck pointed out, I didn't give a name- he's name is Marmaduke, duke and lover of marmalade and marmite and all other foods beginning with mar that I can't think of . He's grows Marigolds too, yellow are his favourite.

he's double thickness too, in case I didn't say. Like he has a backing.

My creative space

A rather haphazard week of life and making stuff has left me feeling I've not got much done in the way of getting on with stuff I was working on. I'm struggling with the "two many ideas/things to make , too little time" scenario, but well what else is new and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this boat.

Anyway here's the very rough beginnings of my bear potholder ( a new thing I've become quite excited about). Its feeling slightly less exciting at this point in time after doing the head bit three times and now indecision about ear colour ( opinions are very welcome)

Speaking of opinions, thanks so much for all the encouraging, kind comments re head of last week. After a few crazy early morning session of obsessing, stuffing, shoving and wonky, he's going to make it, and I 'm feeling a bit more positive about him and now has acquired all the rest of his body parts which are awaiting the whole ageing treatment. Something you guys know I love.

I may be a little odd in this way, but I actually really enjoy making bears and this that take a lot of time and small detail, there's something soothing and a bit mediative about plucking, painting and sanding.

FOr more creative spaces pop over to Kirsty's.

Remembering

Sometimes it easy all excited about the next project, the next idea, and all the unmade things and get frustrated or want to rush what you are making.
But then sitting there working on this little guy, I remember that this little guy is an order, that someone has picked this bear out of all the bears in the world, that they feel they need ( or know someone who needs him).
A bear that I have made or are making, in a way a small piece of me and which I love to make. It's a pretty special thing. And something I want to honour
A bear who is new little soul and being that shouldn't be rushed needs his own time and pace to come into the world.

Why?

Kate talked a while ago about inspiration on her blog and the mystery of it. It's not something that well I feel most of the time I have any control over. I feel inspiration or ideas come and go as they please to me, with no concern to whether it's a good time or not, and is hardly ever around when I really need it. it's really rather rude.

Like right now, when I have 3 bears on the go , and VUWO ( very urgent Wombok order ) 6 bears more in my head I want to make, my store and Mikes are looking rather bare ( pardon the pun) , this week is crazy for me in terms of work, Why do I have to get extremely excited about bear potholders and amigurumi eye glass cases. WHY?

Entering the zone

I've been meaning to take a pic of this sign in my local shopping village for ages. I love it.

Proud daughter

On Wednesday night my dad's collaborative dance / music (opera) opening.

I know it's going to sound biased by I totally loved it, it was beautiful beyond words, the dancers took my breath away and the music and the fact that that sound actually is coming out of the singers mouths and is not fiddled with amazed me. Her voice was utterly beautiful ( and believe you me, I'm a not huge fan of opera)

the ease at which both the dancers and singers do their movements/singing is incredible. My dad had done an amazing job navigating them and bringing them together.

If you are at all interested , it's on until Sunday.

Seven Sequences for Dancers and Singers
Dance Exchange with Jessica Aszodi
Direction: James McCaughey
As Part of a Season for Choir, Singers & Dancers with the Astra Choir

Dancers: Nicole Jenvey, Linda Sastradipradja, Stuart Shugg, Jonathan Sinatra and dancers ofDance Exchange Musicians: Jessica Aszodi, Soprana; Hana Crisp, Soprana; Peter de Jager, Piano/Harpsichord Music By: Saariaho, Lully, Scelsi, Berio, Monteverdi, Messiaen and Weill

James McCaughey and Russell Dumas explore new dramatic possibilities when the dancers ofDance Exchange work with Jessica Aszodi. Russell's dance is usually performed in silence, but has a profound musicality. Here it is combined with musical structures to create imagery suggestive of a new whole. This performance will present work in progress to inform future explorations.

'Dumas’ imagination and intelligence are profound. So is his grace….profoundly inevitable and breathtakingly unusual.' - Deborah Jowitt, Village Voice

Jessica Aszodi 'is one of the finest actress-singers in the country' - John Slavin, The Age.

The dance material in these performances forms part of the cycle "dance for the time being" being developed with support from Arts Vic, Dancehouse, Victoria University and Speth-Hilton Studio.

Gasworks Theatre
Tickets: $23 Full/ $13 Concession
For Tickets click here or 3 9699 3253
Wed 9 & Thurs 10 June at 8pm; Sat 12 June at 8pm; Sun 13 June at 5pm
Cnr Graham and Pickles Street, Albert Park
Ph: 9699 3253 www.gasworks.org.au

My creative space

Work on the bear head from last week has been progessing rather slowly, due to another chicken order. said sickness last week, and all my usual head wobbles. Some moments I think he has potential and the next I'm ready to check him in the corner and feeling frustrated with my lack of ability to get what I want. Right now i'm full of the latter.

Any way he has some ears now at the very least, been aged a bit and he's even in the process of getting limbs and Ive been hitting the dye pot again this time in regards of felt for paw pads.

Pop over to Kirsty's to see what amazing thing she's been making and others too.

Good friends

At first after Howie's departure, Posswonk was in consolable.

He drowned his sorrows in too many cups of tea

and over indulged on Pizza.

But then Posswonk remembers. With good friends it isn't a matter of how often you see each other or whether you live close. It's more about caring and celebrating the person they are.

Thank you friends - for the well wishes and your response to knowing a bit more about me. It means a whole lot.

xo

Goodbye Friend

Tomorrow Howie sets off for his new life in New Zealand. Although Posswonk is happy and excited for him finding a new home, he's also sad, he will miss his best mate.

They've promised to write though

Eight Answers

I'm playing along with the lovely Kate's Eight Answers. Although I'm not sure I can do as fabulous job as she has here's my eight answers to some questions she was asked.

( One I can't really answer properly but you'll see why .)

1. Favourite Meal to eat?

Like our host, I fall into the eat to live category of eaters, I don't enjoy cooking or baking ( baking scares the bjesus of me) and do it more for the fact that well quite frankly you have to eat to survive. Because of being single, living alone and working strange hours My dinner's are often thrown together in a what's quickest soonest scenario. So there is alot of toast going around here. Ad I'm a big fan of toast , so versatile so easy so many varieties of toppings, the options are endless. That's not to say if i went out to a restaurant i would order toast but it serves me well at home. I don't think I have a favourite meal to eat, although breakfast would have to be possibility my favourite meal of the day, I have the same thing every day fruit, crumpet and toast and I never get sick of it, I even miss it when I go away. ( and because of the toast eaten at dinner dinner really is quite like breakfast) But then again I love nothing more equally than a huge bowl of vegies and miso soup for dinner ( perhaps with toast if I feel a little peckess) , and I'm very partial to to a cupcake at afternoon tea. So that's not much of an answer except pratically a whole blog on toast. I would tend slightly more towards sweet I guess, but even that I think I sit somewhere in the middle. I have favourite foods more than favourite meals if that makes sense, which are peaches, fruit in general, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, noodles, vanilla cupcakes and of course aforementioned toast.

2 Do you have a quirky eccentricity?

Hello, this is me we are talking about, more the question of do I not have one. Some examples that spring to mind at this time eg - I really have a problem with men with long hair- ( totally hypocritical since i have long hair myself - although I'm not a man), I love broccoli but don't like the flowery bit so chop it off, i name everything and think everything has feelings from lighters to shoes, old jumper, kitchen aplliances, when I'm working on a bear head I hardly sit down i walk around stuffing it wonky it and looking at in all lights, also when I'm making a bear I sort of nuzzle it's head or bring it up to my face constantly ( i didn't even realise this mum pointed it out to me)

are a few

3 My middle Name is. Mary. So I'm Jessica Mary McCaughey. Named after my aunt ( Mary obviously) but also too a bit her aunt, my great aunt. Both are wonderful and i think I've inherited my aunt Mary's passionate loyalty to a football team- though not the same one.

4 I'm passionate about

Bears ( sorry) especially old bears, old loved wonky bears, slightly wrong but oh so right. Bears with souls and life and spirit. And also making bears, trying my best and hoping/aiming to recreate bears with soul, life, love and personality so seen in the old bears. It's my lifeline, i love it so much if someone took it away from me, I feel like i would die.

But I'm all round I'm a pretty passionate person, I really DO things when I do them if that makes sense. I'm passionate about love, friends,my family, people being treated with dignity and acceptance, integrity,wonkiness, people feeling able to be themselves and different, music and animals. ( I hope that's not sounding too vain or something) I'm also passionate about AFL and my Swanny Boys.

5 Thongs or Birkenstocks?

Thongs all the way, but only in summer when it gets really hot. Otherwise I'm very much a Converse girl.

6. Who was i before I had kids?

Well the same person I am now, because i don't have kids. But here's something about me, I hope i haven't shared before. I was born with a clef pallet and two nose bones, so I had a really wide nose. I got teased alot because of the scar split on my wide square nose and was called "Bum Nose" .Up til the age of 15 I couldn't breathe through my nose. I had an operation at 15, and now only have one nose bone and can breathe through my nose.

7. Have I ever been arrested?

Like Kate , I was also arrested a few time protesting at the Save Albert Lake from the Grand Prix.

8. This weekend I will.

Clean my house, work on a bear head, stuff an amigurumi chicken, watch the Wire Season one, dance and sing around my house, smoke, go to hear Tim Flannery speak at the Wheeler Centre as part of the Deakin Lectures on Climate Change, spend time with my mum and dad, watch the footy and hopefully feel better all the time.

thanks so much Kate for inviting me and others to take part in what was directed to you. To see her Eight Answers and others peoples pop here.

PS Please don't ever call me Jessica. thank you.

My creative space

The past two days I've been sick in bed ( or couch) so work has sorted of halted on this new bear head i've been working on, who is actually a bear i've been trying to perfect for ages . ( Made from the 6 times of dyeing mohair from last week) I'm hoping I might be getting somewhere.

I guess i know I'm not well when I don't feel up to working on a bear like this , who usually in any spare minute I have takes up my total attention. That and also the fact I've been asleep most of today. I think today I'll be lucky if I get a little crochet done.

For more exciting and well creative spaces visit Kirsty.