The medium nowadays is v/blogging and the power behind it is just so resounding. I want to spotlight this entry on an amazing DB advocate, a beautiful human being, someone who really cares for humanity and travels all over the world.
Miss Coco, known to all as Tactile The World, YouTube'stactiletheworld and to ours (hers and mine) DB family, Miss Coco Chanel.
She's something I tell you. I have never been so moved, inspired, in awe of something beautiful like I was last night. I cannot lie, fib or embellish. Yes, I stood besides the elevator in the Royal Cheshire Apartments Social Room as the OUSA Christmas social was held.
Lord help me, I know I was blocking the elevator access but I wanted first access to Coco all to myself!! As soon as I felt the air pressure change on my right, I knew the elevator door opened, I looked to my right and there she was!
Misty Kehler brought Coco in and I just beelined right to her, well... more like jumped right in Coco's arms!
I properly introduced myself and Coco introduced Misty to me "This is Misty.." and I ended her sentence as " ... Kehler." Coco was surprised and I signed "I remember Misty Kehler from either Xanga or Wordpress.. one of your blogs. Blogging is so powerful!"
If I can recall.. Misty replied "Yes, wow.. so powerful!" Coco and Misty bid their adieus.
Back to the point of this entry, after a great evening with Miss Coco, I arrived at a realisation. I actually had inspired other people at the CNIB's Christmas social. I admit I was bashful and shy at the comments when others came forward to me and exclaimed to me "You wrote all those words in your blog?!"
I'd reply "Yup, I love blogging, great way to express my feelings." Others would say "Wow, you express with those words!"
Now that I think back about it, a few people at last week's CNIB Christmas party were inspired by my blog. I mentioned to them that I am constantly inspired by everyday people doing everyday actions. Those people inspire me.
My DeafBlind family inspire me with their determination to live life fully. Miss Coco inspires me to advocate for equal rights between DB and sighted/hearing people.
This is how beautiful this medium is, the strong power this is. The tsunami effect within the communities. To call it a ripple effect would not do the beauty of the hard work justification but to call it a tsunami effect absolutely perfects it.
Just for you my dear Miss Coco, Namaste.
90 love
Patty oXoX
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
I did a very terrible thing..
I really wish I would learn more about patience.
I did a terrible thing to my husband and I feel awful about it. You see, DH has the best intentions at heart.. always. At the heat of the moment, I know I can bite his head off with a scowl, a snap or a bark.
This time, I did the worst. I yelled at him and hollered "WHAT?!" way before he even was going to say or get my attention. I don't like it, I don't even like me or myself now. I don't like what I see in the mirror. It's ugly.
I can't wait for DH to come home from the store as I need to apologise to him.
I did a terrible thing to my husband and I feel awful about it. You see, DH has the best intentions at heart.. always. At the heat of the moment, I know I can bite his head off with a scowl, a snap or a bark.
This time, I did the worst. I yelled at him and hollered "WHAT?!" way before he even was going to say or get my attention. I don't like it, I don't even like me or myself now. I don't like what I see in the mirror. It's ugly.
I can't wait for DH to come home from the store as I need to apologise to him.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The real meaning of patience
Patience- "pay-shunce" as pronounced by me. I "Wiki'ed" up the meaning if patience and got this,
Sometimes I wonder if my patience is being tested these days. My husband, bless his heart, I know I test his patience when I'm whining or being cranky. Chris, what a real gentleman, he listens and encourages me to think positive.
If you recall the last entry, I went through quite a challenging visit at the hospital as I didn't have an intervenor to interpret for me. Chris was able to interpret for me in between us using the pen and paper with the on-call emergency neuro-ophthalmologist at the E.R.
Today I got an email from the ophthalmologist's secretary as the ophthalmologist was away on holidays but wanted to know how I was doing and how everything was going. It is nice to know that the doctors do care about how things are progressing.
I do have an appointment to go to London, ON to see another neuro-ophthalmologist as the visual fields test I had was drastically different than the one I had less than a year ago.
This does teach me a lot about patience. Movies with subtitles are much more appreciated than movies with Closed Captioning because subtitles are much more easier to read than Closed Captioning.
I love my quality time with Chris and our furkids. When we all sit and relax, this is when I do really unwind. We have a standard bed and it is really small for all 4 of us. We all want a king sized bed and this would be amazing for all of us. We could live in our bedroom!
Patience (ˈpā-shənz) is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.
Sometimes I wonder if my patience is being tested these days. My husband, bless his heart, I know I test his patience when I'm whining or being cranky. Chris, what a real gentleman, he listens and encourages me to think positive.
If you recall the last entry, I went through quite a challenging visit at the hospital as I didn't have an intervenor to interpret for me. Chris was able to interpret for me in between us using the pen and paper with the on-call emergency neuro-ophthalmologist at the E.R.
Today I got an email from the ophthalmologist's secretary as the ophthalmologist was away on holidays but wanted to know how I was doing and how everything was going. It is nice to know that the doctors do care about how things are progressing.
I do have an appointment to go to London, ON to see another neuro-ophthalmologist as the visual fields test I had was drastically different than the one I had less than a year ago.
This does teach me a lot about patience. Movies with subtitles are much more appreciated than movies with Closed Captioning because subtitles are much more easier to read than Closed Captioning.
I love my quality time with Chris and our furkids. When we all sit and relax, this is when I do really unwind. We have a standard bed and it is really small for all 4 of us. We all want a king sized bed and this would be amazing for all of us. We could live in our bedroom!
Friday, November 14, 2008
I'm staying here but my eyes and mind's going places!
It's been an overwhelming week safe to say. I've been staying put but my mind & eyes have been going places without my permission and I'm not a happy camper about this.
Trying to deal with a constantly racing mind and diminishing vision is something for me to learn about myself and my patience. I can appreciate how I can tolerate how much I can go as far as I can without showing my frustrations. It's hard, believe me.
Wednesday, I went for my ophthalmologist appointment at 2 pm and I thought it was routine. Check my vision using the Visual Fields test and a couple of simple tests with the student teachers and off I was on my way. Nope, it was totally opposite. Since I failed the visual fields test, my left eye compared to the last test I had, it shows rapid progression of my failing eyesight.
The doctors tried a newer prescription that I was going to have filled but decided to wait out because with my history of diminishing eyesight, I elected to wait. It turned out my decision to wait was best. The newer prescription didn't work for me.
I explained to the ophthalmologist that for the left eye,6 months ago it was like looking through sheer drapery, right now, it is like looking through silk drapery. Just so hard to try to make out who is who. Faces I cannot do, shapes I can if they are white shapes.
The ophthalmologist jotted down on paper with such seriousness on his face, "I am very worried about the high intracranial pressure. We must send you to the hospital for more testings now."
I was puzzled because I normally have an intervenor from the CNIB with me at my appointments. My regular one is on her honeymoon and the substitute replaced her called in sick & tried hard to find a replacement but to no avail. I went ahead without no intervenor.
Hubby and I arrived at St. Mary's Hospital around 4:30 pm. A battery of tests and by 10:30 pm, the doctor wanted to transfer me to another hospital for an MRI. I was way past physically exhausted and now to the point of being emotionally exhausted.
I was praying and hoping to be released first before I was transferred to another hospital because I needed to really sleep in my own bed and get a lot of rest as well. I was medicated already with Ativan and a strong narcotic that just knocked the senses out of me.
Hubby and I got home after 11:30 pm and I just wanted to crawl into bed but before we did, he made us something light to eat so I could have something in my tummy.
I slept until 10 am and was exhausted. The hospital called and informed I had an MRI appointment at the other hospital so I had to phone CNIB to make sure I had an intervenor for this appointment. Safe to say, I slept the whole day and night away.
Today, my CNIB intervenor arrived and drove me to the other hospital for the MRI. I was just still tired, groggy-feeling as well. At the hospital, I had to fill out forms, make sure that I was aware of the MRI machine, I informed the technician that I was going to take Ativan because I'm terribly claustrophobic of small enclosures.
The MRI, is a small and tight enclosure for me to be inside!! Ativan and an injection dye into the IV , 45 minutes long, pretty much I just slept inside the MRI enclosure. Today is just an odd feeling of not being present with the surroundings.
Today is Mosey's Happy Gotcha Day and we went to Bark and Fitz to get him presents. I just wasn't feeling well so Chris did most of the things for me. Bless my family! I don't know what I could have done without my husband and our two furkids!
Hubby did a wonderful thing for me to show how my vision is. Before I used to see (both eyes) it used to be like looking through two toilet paper rolls. Now for me, my left eye has no vision. The right eye is so limited. It is like looking at one toilet paper roll right in the middle of the face.
With this setback and all the hospital testings/visits, I hope there's nothing serious with the high intracranial pressure. All I do know from the ophthalmologists, the optometrists and the doctors I saw in the few days, I have been told to take it easy. I am due to go back to London, ON for the Ivey Eye Institute because this is a very serious concern.
Hugs to you all my dear friends. I have been checking you all on your blogs.
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
Trying to deal with a constantly racing mind and diminishing vision is something for me to learn about myself and my patience. I can appreciate how I can tolerate how much I can go as far as I can without showing my frustrations. It's hard, believe me.
Wednesday, I went for my ophthalmologist appointment at 2 pm and I thought it was routine. Check my vision using the Visual Fields test and a couple of simple tests with the student teachers and off I was on my way. Nope, it was totally opposite. Since I failed the visual fields test, my left eye compared to the last test I had, it shows rapid progression of my failing eyesight.
The doctors tried a newer prescription that I was going to have filled but decided to wait out because with my history of diminishing eyesight, I elected to wait. It turned out my decision to wait was best. The newer prescription didn't work for me.
I explained to the ophthalmologist that for the left eye,6 months ago it was like looking through sheer drapery, right now, it is like looking through silk drapery. Just so hard to try to make out who is who. Faces I cannot do, shapes I can if they are white shapes.
The ophthalmologist jotted down on paper with such seriousness on his face, "I am very worried about the high intracranial pressure. We must send you to the hospital for more testings now."
I was puzzled because I normally have an intervenor from the CNIB with me at my appointments. My regular one is on her honeymoon and the substitute replaced her called in sick & tried hard to find a replacement but to no avail. I went ahead without no intervenor.
Hubby and I arrived at St. Mary's Hospital around 4:30 pm. A battery of tests and by 10:30 pm, the doctor wanted to transfer me to another hospital for an MRI. I was way past physically exhausted and now to the point of being emotionally exhausted.
I was praying and hoping to be released first before I was transferred to another hospital because I needed to really sleep in my own bed and get a lot of rest as well. I was medicated already with Ativan and a strong narcotic that just knocked the senses out of me.
Hubby and I got home after 11:30 pm and I just wanted to crawl into bed but before we did, he made us something light to eat so I could have something in my tummy.
I slept until 10 am and was exhausted. The hospital called and informed I had an MRI appointment at the other hospital so I had to phone CNIB to make sure I had an intervenor for this appointment. Safe to say, I slept the whole day and night away.
Today, my CNIB intervenor arrived and drove me to the other hospital for the MRI. I was just still tired, groggy-feeling as well. At the hospital, I had to fill out forms, make sure that I was aware of the MRI machine, I informed the technician that I was going to take Ativan because I'm terribly claustrophobic of small enclosures.
The MRI, is a small and tight enclosure for me to be inside!! Ativan and an injection dye into the IV , 45 minutes long, pretty much I just slept inside the MRI enclosure. Today is just an odd feeling of not being present with the surroundings.
Today is Mosey's Happy Gotcha Day and we went to Bark and Fitz to get him presents. I just wasn't feeling well so Chris did most of the things for me. Bless my family! I don't know what I could have done without my husband and our two furkids!
Hubby did a wonderful thing for me to show how my vision is. Before I used to see (both eyes) it used to be like looking through two toilet paper rolls. Now for me, my left eye has no vision. The right eye is so limited. It is like looking at one toilet paper roll right in the middle of the face.
With this setback and all the hospital testings/visits, I hope there's nothing serious with the high intracranial pressure. All I do know from the ophthalmologists, the optometrists and the doctors I saw in the few days, I have been told to take it easy. I am due to go back to London, ON for the Ivey Eye Institute because this is a very serious concern.
Hugs to you all my dear friends. I have been checking you all on your blogs.
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
Sunday, November 2, 2008
O'Canada!
You Are Canada |
 You are a very tolerant person. You appreciate diversity and consider yourself a multiculturalist. You are also very community oriented. You think it's important to help those around you have a better life. You're uniquely you. You have been able to resist bad influences and stay true to yourself. You are usually confident in who you are, but occasionally you have a little inferiority complex. |
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Christmas is around the corner!!
Hi friends!
Christmas is around the corner - 59 days exactly! Here's the official countdown.
Wouldn't you know it, I even googled and found Santa Claus' own blog! If the kids aren't listening, sit them by the PC and have them check up Santa Claus!!
I have my own two personal Kitty Claws helping me with Christmas already and boy they are big helps.. NOT! When I'm busy crafting, they're right in my way helping me. Bless their heart, they just want to assist but sneak off with a craft or two to play with!
I have started on Christmas shopping much earlier this year due to financial burdens. I have to admit that this year has been really hard on everyone, not just us but everyone around us financially. Chris and I have decided to do personalised Christmas gifts.
Our families will be receiving personalised gifts as well as store bought. We prefer crafting because that's where the love goes into. We have two more gifts to buy (clothes) and we are all set! It's really interesting to see people at the store buying Halloween decorations when I just can't wait to get out the Christmas decorations! Hubby told me, more like warned me, that he will toss out the Christmas decorations if I put them out before Halloween is over.
It's a tradition in my family that Christmas decorations are up by Nov 1st. Yes, I know it's really early but we just love Christmas very much. Chris and I, being Christians, we firmly believe Christ should be celebrated everyday, not at Christmas time.
(Hubby next to me is griping like Mr Grinch because I'm acting like an immature little girl, ROFL!)
Christmas cooking can be a beautiful time for the family to share. I do grab this time of the year I admit when I see my nieces and nephews. I just grab each and every opportunity I had and have with them. I would do just about any crafting or cooking opportunities with my special nieces and nephews. It was about making memories and creating new memories as well.
Christmas isn't supposed to be about rushing to grab the newest gadgets or fads. It's supposed to be about creating memories, getting together with families, friends and loved ones. Here's a link for easy recipes for children - enjoy!
Christmas crafting doesn't have to be costly. I prefer saving my money when it comes to crafting and you can be very surprised at how easy and cheap beautiful gifts can be when you find things around the house can be transformed into wonderful gifts.
If you have old tshirts laying around, flannel shirts or old pieces of clothing children have outgrown or damaged. Use those and cut them up into long strips. Here in Canada, we use Dollarama. In USA, it is called Dollar Tree. You will find boxes of string lights that are only for a dollar. Grab boxes of those!! You can find them during Halloween times as well, orange string lights. I grabbed several boxes of those at Dollarama (orange string lights and made beautiful festive Thanksgiving lights)
Dollarama and Dollar Tree will carry white or multi coloured string lights. When you cut the long strips of fabric, be sure to tie the strings on the wire. They make beautiful gifts that children can give to their parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles or teachers. It's such a wonderful sense of accomplishment that children can have and feel knowing they made the gifts themselves.
I posted this picture in my last post and you can see what I mean by the string lights.
This kind of craft is wonderful for multi-dexterity as well, it teaches how to use both hands, use their fingers and it is a wonderful lesson in patience, persistence and perseverance. My favourite 3 P's!
Do take care dear ones and I will keep in touch. The cluster migraines have been keeping me away from blogging. Check for me in the next day or two and I have so much to talk about!
Tactile smile with lots of love,
Patty oxox'ies!
Christmas is around the corner - 59 days exactly! Here's the official countdown.
Wouldn't you know it, I even googled and found Santa Claus' own blog! If the kids aren't listening, sit them by the PC and have them check up Santa Claus!!
I have my own two personal Kitty Claws helping me with Christmas already and boy they are big helps.. NOT! When I'm busy crafting, they're right in my way helping me. Bless their heart, they just want to assist but sneak off with a craft or two to play with!
I have started on Christmas shopping much earlier this year due to financial burdens. I have to admit that this year has been really hard on everyone, not just us but everyone around us financially. Chris and I have decided to do personalised Christmas gifts.
Our families will be receiving personalised gifts as well as store bought. We prefer crafting because that's where the love goes into. We have two more gifts to buy (clothes) and we are all set! It's really interesting to see people at the store buying Halloween decorations when I just can't wait to get out the Christmas decorations! Hubby told me, more like warned me, that he will toss out the Christmas decorations if I put them out before Halloween is over.
It's a tradition in my family that Christmas decorations are up by Nov 1st. Yes, I know it's really early but we just love Christmas very much. Chris and I, being Christians, we firmly believe Christ should be celebrated everyday, not at Christmas time.
(Hubby next to me is griping like Mr Grinch because I'm acting like an immature little girl, ROFL!)
Christmas cooking can be a beautiful time for the family to share. I do grab this time of the year I admit when I see my nieces and nephews. I just grab each and every opportunity I had and have with them. I would do just about any crafting or cooking opportunities with my special nieces and nephews. It was about making memories and creating new memories as well.
Christmas isn't supposed to be about rushing to grab the newest gadgets or fads. It's supposed to be about creating memories, getting together with families, friends and loved ones. Here's a link for easy recipes for children - enjoy!
Christmas crafting doesn't have to be costly. I prefer saving my money when it comes to crafting and you can be very surprised at how easy and cheap beautiful gifts can be when you find things around the house can be transformed into wonderful gifts.
If you have old tshirts laying around, flannel shirts or old pieces of clothing children have outgrown or damaged. Use those and cut them up into long strips. Here in Canada, we use Dollarama. In USA, it is called Dollar Tree. You will find boxes of string lights that are only for a dollar. Grab boxes of those!! You can find them during Halloween times as well, orange string lights. I grabbed several boxes of those at Dollarama (orange string lights and made beautiful festive Thanksgiving lights)
Dollarama and Dollar Tree will carry white or multi coloured string lights. When you cut the long strips of fabric, be sure to tie the strings on the wire. They make beautiful gifts that children can give to their parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles or teachers. It's such a wonderful sense of accomplishment that children can have and feel knowing they made the gifts themselves.
I posted this picture in my last post and you can see what I mean by the string lights.
This kind of craft is wonderful for multi-dexterity as well, it teaches how to use both hands, use their fingers and it is a wonderful lesson in patience, persistence and perseverance. My favourite 3 P's!
Do take care dear ones and I will keep in touch. The cluster migraines have been keeping me away from blogging. Check for me in the next day or two and I have so much to talk about!
Tactile smile with lots of love,
Patty oxox'ies!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Been busy these days!!
Hi friends!!
I've been busy these days making so many crafts, my eyesight also hasn't been with me for the past few weeks as well. I've not been online as much as I used to because the focus is hard on my eyes.
I've been learning Braille and it's very interesting, something that has been coming in handy for me.
I've been going to be early these days which is a big difference for me. I usually hit the hay around 10 pm and wake up around 6 am.
I spend the whole day making crafts, they are usually OOAKs. One of a kinds, sewing, quilting and I have been sewing lavender sachets.
Oh I enjoy sewing lavender sachets for a friend of mine and I acquired her beautiful homegrown lavender. I sewed a personal size sachet for Chris and I to put under our pillow and we just love the healing effects of lavender. They do help with sleeping.
Enjoy the OOAKs and the craft pictures!
This Saturday I will be doing a Purrfect Scents party and looking forward to seeing people's facial expressions when they smell my products and their hands touching the products as well. My products are meant to be enjoyed by smelling and touching not just by seeing them.
Tactile smile,
Patty oXoX
I've been busy these days making so many crafts, my eyesight also hasn't been with me for the past few weeks as well. I've not been online as much as I used to because the focus is hard on my eyes.
I've been learning Braille and it's very interesting, something that has been coming in handy for me.
I've been going to be early these days which is a big difference for me. I usually hit the hay around 10 pm and wake up around 6 am.
I spend the whole day making crafts, they are usually OOAKs. One of a kinds, sewing, quilting and I have been sewing lavender sachets.
Oh I enjoy sewing lavender sachets for a friend of mine and I acquired her beautiful homegrown lavender. I sewed a personal size sachet for Chris and I to put under our pillow and we just love the healing effects of lavender. They do help with sleeping.
Enjoy the OOAKs and the craft pictures!
This Saturday I will be doing a Purrfect Scents party and looking forward to seeing people's facial expressions when they smell my products and their hands touching the products as well. My products are meant to be enjoyed by smelling and touching not just by seeing them.
Tactile smile,
Patty oXoX
Monday, September 8, 2008
DeafBlind Accessibility
I wanted to do a video showing accessibility in my daily life and did a 10 min video however it was cut into 4 minutes, I will have to do the other 6 minutes in two videos. My apologies!
I wanted to share insight into a DB perspective, tactile love to all!
Patty OXOX'ies
I wanted to share insight into a DB perspective, tactile love to all!
Patty OXOX'ies
Sunday, August 31, 2008
New products and silicone molds
I've been very busy these days making a lot more candle products and now it's time to post pictures to show what I've been making.
Green Apple
Pumpkin Spice
Apple Jack
I also make embeds for the candles. I simply pour extra wax after pouring the wax from candlemaking into an unused cookie sheet that has expired its purpose. I use cookie cutters just for candlemaking. You can get them at Walmart's for only 97 cents or at a dollar store. It's just as good as using a fancy shmancy cookie cutter, you only want to have a sharp edge at the end.
Cut the wax when it is semi-soft, not when it is hardened. If you cut when it is hard, you can expect the wax to break. Cut when it is semi-soft and you can peel off the excess wax from the outside. Don't toss out the excess wax. Put it in a ziploc baggie and keep it for another purpose. Want not, waste not, my dears!!
I was so lucky to get a hold of this beautiful "ILY" silicone mold from a beautiful friend of mine. Her name is Michelle Schoppe Dupre and she does candlemaking as well. She does embeds. You can find her beautiful website where you can find her own beautiful personalised artwork of the ILY sign. I was thrilled to pieces when she sold me her "ILY" silicone molds and she kept 2 to herself. I wanted this kind because it is 3D as well. It is just perfect for fundraising for the CNIB.
Being DeafBlind, texture is so important for me and to learn that this silicone mold is 3D, I just had to grab this. This entry is for Michelle as this mold I just know will bring funds into fundraising. Thank you so much Michelle (deaffreckles) Tactile love to you, girl!
9 cavities each mold and I have two.. still so happy to have ordered it!!
An upclose picture of this mold.
Green Apple
Pumpkin Spice
Apple Jack
I also make embeds for the candles. I simply pour extra wax after pouring the wax from candlemaking into an unused cookie sheet that has expired its purpose. I use cookie cutters just for candlemaking. You can get them at Walmart's for only 97 cents or at a dollar store. It's just as good as using a fancy shmancy cookie cutter, you only want to have a sharp edge at the end.
Cut the wax when it is semi-soft, not when it is hardened. If you cut when it is hard, you can expect the wax to break. Cut when it is semi-soft and you can peel off the excess wax from the outside. Don't toss out the excess wax. Put it in a ziploc baggie and keep it for another purpose. Want not, waste not, my dears!!
I was so lucky to get a hold of this beautiful "ILY" silicone mold from a beautiful friend of mine. Her name is Michelle Schoppe Dupre and she does candlemaking as well. She does embeds. You can find her beautiful website where you can find her own beautiful personalised artwork of the ILY sign. I was thrilled to pieces when she sold me her "ILY" silicone molds and she kept 2 to herself. I wanted this kind because it is 3D as well. It is just perfect for fundraising for the CNIB.
Being DeafBlind, texture is so important for me and to learn that this silicone mold is 3D, I just had to grab this. This entry is for Michelle as this mold I just know will bring funds into fundraising. Thank you so much Michelle (deaffreckles) Tactile love to you, girl!
9 cavities each mold and I have two.. still so happy to have ordered it!!
An upclose picture of this mold.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Rosehip & cinnamon wreaths
Last night and tonight I made two cinnamon & rosehips wreaths, oh the scent is so heavenly! One is "Cinnamon" scented and the other is "Grandma's Kitchen" scented.
These will sell quite well when I get my business license and the Farmer's Market booth in the new year.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Rusty stars & rosehips
A beautiful sunny day today! (SMILE!) It's 21 C and how are you doing beautiful friends?
Last night I sewed a model apron/smock for a wonderful friend of mind, Laurie, who works with animals. Oh she's a constant source of inspiration for me. Laurie works with rescue animals and she rehomes them after she rehabilitates them. Bless her heart, I'd want to keep them all to myself. You see, Laurie is the perfect person for me to test the apron/smock as I needed someone to try out the durability of the material as well as the comfort. It's very important for me to have feedback.
Front
Back
Since starting Purrfect Scents, I have been doing a lot of sewing and hand-sewing. Last night I hand-sewed two matching doilies to stuff heavily-scented rosehips into the doilies. Oh the scent is so heavenly! I added a plaid fabric string to hang it up. This will sell quickly!
I love rusty stars and hearts. This particular shape I really like very much as you can see it from a distance especially if you hang it up. You can see my sweet Ashy in the picture and who was I to shoo her out of the picture? (smile!)
My sweet Ashy in all her full glory.. this one is not for sale! LOL
Last night I sewed a model apron/smock for a wonderful friend of mind, Laurie, who works with animals. Oh she's a constant source of inspiration for me. Laurie works with rescue animals and she rehomes them after she rehabilitates them. Bless her heart, I'd want to keep them all to myself. You see, Laurie is the perfect person for me to test the apron/smock as I needed someone to try out the durability of the material as well as the comfort. It's very important for me to have feedback.
Front
Back
Since starting Purrfect Scents, I have been doing a lot of sewing and hand-sewing. Last night I hand-sewed two matching doilies to stuff heavily-scented rosehips into the doilies. Oh the scent is so heavenly! I added a plaid fabric string to hang it up. This will sell quickly!
I love rusty stars and hearts. This particular shape I really like very much as you can see it from a distance especially if you hang it up. You can see my sweet Ashy in the picture and who was I to shoo her out of the picture? (smile!)
My sweet Ashy in all her full glory.. this one is not for sale! LOL
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Hello beautiful friends!
Hi hi hi! How are you and your creativity juices doing?
I'm doing very good and have been quite busy lately. My sister and her family visited us & I've been thrilled to see them as it has been a while since I saw them. My nephew Jake enjoyed himself in Newfoundland for the Canadian Youth Deaf Games and my niece Kaylacame back from Argentina since competing for the World Deaf Volleyball Games. My nephew Kyle will be going to soccer camp very soon. They are very busy!
The past few days I have been sewing and doing coffee-staining. I had been struggling with holding and carrying my cane when I am sitting down on the city bus or visiting family/friends. I usually put my cane inside my purse and it can be awkward so I decided to sew a little carry-on for my cane. It has worked wonders for me so I will sew more for other blind people if they need it or not.
I had several doilies and they were too plain white for me. Back in the olden times, women would tea-stain their doilies or tablecloths because of the food stains. I took it upon myself to coffee-stain them rather than tea-stain for more darker colour.
I used a three step process for this. I used instant coffee grounds, boiling hot water and cinammon in the sink. I pretty much allowed the doilies to "marinate" in the sink for half-hour to achieve the colour I wanted. I washed it with cold water and hang it to dry then rewashed it with vinegar to set the stain. Hang to dry and I then washed it again with water and fragrance oil to remove the vinegar-y scent. The scent was Apple N Oak. Oh it smells good and looks really vintage!
I received a huge box of fabric from a friend I had ordered from. I love her stuff as she is the one I order my silicone bulbs from. I had an hour to spare before bedtime so I whipped up an apron from a simple pattern. It looks cute! The pattern was quite plain so I added flowers at the pocket part and now it looks even cuter!
Do share what you have done! I love to "see/hear" what you have done!
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
I'm doing very good and have been quite busy lately. My sister and her family visited us & I've been thrilled to see them as it has been a while since I saw them. My nephew Jake enjoyed himself in Newfoundland for the Canadian Youth Deaf Games and my niece Kaylacame back from Argentina since competing for the World Deaf Volleyball Games. My nephew Kyle will be going to soccer camp very soon. They are very busy!
The past few days I have been sewing and doing coffee-staining. I had been struggling with holding and carrying my cane when I am sitting down on the city bus or visiting family/friends. I usually put my cane inside my purse and it can be awkward so I decided to sew a little carry-on for my cane. It has worked wonders for me so I will sew more for other blind people if they need it or not.
I had several doilies and they were too plain white for me. Back in the olden times, women would tea-stain their doilies or tablecloths because of the food stains. I took it upon myself to coffee-stain them rather than tea-stain for more darker colour.
I used a three step process for this. I used instant coffee grounds, boiling hot water and cinammon in the sink. I pretty much allowed the doilies to "marinate" in the sink for half-hour to achieve the colour I wanted. I washed it with cold water and hang it to dry then rewashed it with vinegar to set the stain. Hang to dry and I then washed it again with water and fragrance oil to remove the vinegar-y scent. The scent was Apple N Oak. Oh it smells good and looks really vintage!
I received a huge box of fabric from a friend I had ordered from. I love her stuff as she is the one I order my silicone bulbs from. I had an hour to spare before bedtime so I whipped up an apron from a simple pattern. It looks cute! The pattern was quite plain so I added flowers at the pocket part and now it looks even cuter!
Do share what you have done! I love to "see/hear" what you have done!
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Two Things (Tagged by Heather)
I have been tagged by Heather, a very sweet friend of mine that has fiery red hair, she is such a good Mum!
Two names you go by:
1. Patty
2. Sweet Cinnabuns (hubby calls me this)
Two things you are wearing right now:
1. white shirt
2. green pants
Two of your favorite things to do:
1. candlemaking
2. prims
Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. vision back in my left eye
2. some people to be a wee bit more patient about DeafBlind people and the white cane.
Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. Mosey- British Shorthair male cat
2. Ashy- Russian Blue female cat
Two things you did yesterday
l. made Halloween candle tarts
2. cleared up space to organise room for fragrance oils
Two things you ate today:
1. homemade bbq chicken pizza
2. chocolate eggies
Two people you last talked to:
1. Dawn (my interventor)
2. My hubby
Two things you plan on doing tomorrow:
1. make more Halloween candles
2. experiment with scents/colours
Two longest trips taken in the last five years:
1. I flew to see Kootchie from Toronto, ON to Salt Lake City, UT. We drove to several states and enjoyed our time together seeing so many places.
2. Hubby and I drove around to many places together during our honeymoon and we were totally exhausted and it wasn't because of our bedroom extracurricular activities!
Two favorite holidays:
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas
Two favorite beverages:
1. Canada's Dry Gingerale
2. Carbonated water
Now it is your turn!
Two names you go by:
1. Patty
2. Sweet Cinnabuns (hubby calls me this)
Two things you are wearing right now:
1. white shirt
2. green pants
Two of your favorite things to do:
1. candlemaking
2. prims
Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. vision back in my left eye
2. some people to be a wee bit more patient about DeafBlind people and the white cane.
Two favorite pets you have had/have:
1. Mosey- British Shorthair male cat
2. Ashy- Russian Blue female cat
Two things you did yesterday
l. made Halloween candle tarts
2. cleared up space to organise room for fragrance oils
Two things you ate today:
1. homemade bbq chicken pizza
2. chocolate eggies
Two people you last talked to:
1. Dawn (my interventor)
2. My hubby
Two things you plan on doing tomorrow:
1. make more Halloween candles
2. experiment with scents/colours
Two longest trips taken in the last five years:
1. I flew to see Kootchie from Toronto, ON to Salt Lake City, UT. We drove to several states and enjoyed our time together seeing so many places.
2. Hubby and I drove around to many places together during our honeymoon and we were totally exhausted and it wasn't because of our bedroom extracurricular activities!
Two favorite holidays:
1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas
Two favorite beverages:
1. Canada's Dry Gingerale
2. Carbonated water
Now it is your turn!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Candles, tarts and canning
Hello my beautiful friends!
I'm terribly sorry for not posting in my own blog for over a week! Such a bad blogger.. me! Heh heh!
I've been making more candles and now I've also made tarts as well. I've given a candle and few tarts to Dawn, my intervenor, that comes every Wednesday. I have Dawn for three hours every Wednesday and let me tell you this, she is a lifesaver!
Dawn helps me a lot in many ways that I couldn't do with an interpreter. She is both my ears and eyes whereas an interpreter is my ears. Dawn helps me with driving, shopping and this accomplishes a lot more. Dawn is also a good friend of mine now as well. I feel so at ease with her to sit down and chat. This is what I really like. FIKA'ing with her at Starbucks and so on (She has the most incredible animated facial expressions that I adore!) Mosey loves her and if he could, he would pack up his treats and move in with her if he had the opportunity! I kid you not. He lays on his back to invite her for a tummy rub. (Mosey is the cat.. if you were wondering!) :o)~
Yesterday and today I've been doing canning & I just love it. Although the heat in the apartment is hot but I just love the feeling of accomplishment! Yesterday I made 4 plum jellies and today I made 2 crazyberry jellies & 4 crazyberry jams.
I had yellow plums from Food Basics as it was on sale, just did not like the taste of it. It was too sour for me so I boiled the plums to take the skins off and mushed them up to take the seeds out. For 3 cups of plum mush, I used 5 cups of sugar. I also made sure I used lime juice. (I didn't have lemon juice) For this kind of fruit, you do want to use citric juice to prevent fruit browning. You could use Fruit Fresh powder but personally I prefer citric juice as it's much more pure and it's natural. (It's much more cheaper to use any citric juice as well!)
For today I used 2 cups of cherries, 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blackberries, 2 cups raspberries and an apple juice drink box. (Yes, an apple juice drink box!) This way I reduce the sugar content I put inside the jelly and jam. I put only 4 cups of sugar inside the jam/jelly mixture because of the apple juice drink box. The apple juice naturally sweetens when cooked and it is really delicious!
For the jelly, I used muslin cloth to sieve out the seeds and used 2 jars for the jelly. I used the remaining 4 jars for jams but removed the thick chunks and left in the tiny bit of berry seeds.
I'm not fond of chunky jam and seed jams as well. I love jellies more than jams.
The next jelly I will make is cherry jelly and this is very easy to make as I will use apple juice concentrate to naturally sweeten the jelly.
Last week I made candles and tarts. They were quite easy to do. I had Chris take pictures for me because I wanted to show the belly bands I sewed as well.
Belly Bands for incontinent dogs
Front
Back
Velcro Snap
The liner insert
The candles and tarts I made last week
A freebie tutorial for you!
To grubby/grungy up your vases- save metal or glass cans (use spaghetti glass jars)
Wash them up well and let dry. Use Modge Podge as they work best. Coat Modge Podge on your glass really well. Cover the area with unused coffee grounds. (I added cinnamon to the mixture for scent) Do not bang the jar otherwise the mixture will fall off. Allow time for the mixture to adhere. 24 hours is best. Bang jar lightly. Coat Modge Podge on the jar for the glossy finish. Allow 24 hours for the coat to dry. Tie with ribbon.
I'm terribly sorry for not posting in my own blog for over a week! Such a bad blogger.. me! Heh heh!
I've been making more candles and now I've also made tarts as well. I've given a candle and few tarts to Dawn, my intervenor, that comes every Wednesday. I have Dawn for three hours every Wednesday and let me tell you this, she is a lifesaver!
Dawn helps me a lot in many ways that I couldn't do with an interpreter. She is both my ears and eyes whereas an interpreter is my ears. Dawn helps me with driving, shopping and this accomplishes a lot more. Dawn is also a good friend of mine now as well. I feel so at ease with her to sit down and chat. This is what I really like. FIKA'ing with her at Starbucks and so on (She has the most incredible animated facial expressions that I adore!) Mosey loves her and if he could, he would pack up his treats and move in with her if he had the opportunity! I kid you not. He lays on his back to invite her for a tummy rub. (Mosey is the cat.. if you were wondering!) :o)~
Yesterday and today I've been doing canning & I just love it. Although the heat in the apartment is hot but I just love the feeling of accomplishment! Yesterday I made 4 plum jellies and today I made 2 crazyberry jellies & 4 crazyberry jams.
I had yellow plums from Food Basics as it was on sale, just did not like the taste of it. It was too sour for me so I boiled the plums to take the skins off and mushed them up to take the seeds out. For 3 cups of plum mush, I used 5 cups of sugar. I also made sure I used lime juice. (I didn't have lemon juice) For this kind of fruit, you do want to use citric juice to prevent fruit browning. You could use Fruit Fresh powder but personally I prefer citric juice as it's much more pure and it's natural. (It's much more cheaper to use any citric juice as well!)
For today I used 2 cups of cherries, 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup blackberries, 2 cups raspberries and an apple juice drink box. (Yes, an apple juice drink box!) This way I reduce the sugar content I put inside the jelly and jam. I put only 4 cups of sugar inside the jam/jelly mixture because of the apple juice drink box. The apple juice naturally sweetens when cooked and it is really delicious!
For the jelly, I used muslin cloth to sieve out the seeds and used 2 jars for the jelly. I used the remaining 4 jars for jams but removed the thick chunks and left in the tiny bit of berry seeds.
I'm not fond of chunky jam and seed jams as well. I love jellies more than jams.
The next jelly I will make is cherry jelly and this is very easy to make as I will use apple juice concentrate to naturally sweeten the jelly.
Last week I made candles and tarts. They were quite easy to do. I had Chris take pictures for me because I wanted to show the belly bands I sewed as well.
Belly Bands for incontinent dogs
Front
Back
Velcro Snap
The liner insert
The candles and tarts I made last week
A freebie tutorial for you!
To grubby/grungy up your vases- save metal or glass cans (use spaghetti glass jars)
Wash them up well and let dry. Use Modge Podge as they work best. Coat Modge Podge on your glass really well. Cover the area with unused coffee grounds. (I added cinnamon to the mixture for scent) Do not bang the jar otherwise the mixture will fall off. Allow time for the mixture to adhere. 24 hours is best. Bang jar lightly. Coat Modge Podge on the jar for the glossy finish. Allow 24 hours for the coat to dry. Tie with ribbon.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Hello dear friends!
Hello my dear friends!
So sorry for the tardiness in my blogging!! I have been quite busy these days sewing and making crafts. I will have to have DH take pictures of my crafts.
I've been sewing belly bands, making grubby grungy jars and tonight I've been making layered candles. I've made 8 layered candles, 4 is Fall theme scent and the other 4 is Winter theme scent. Ohhh, our flat smells heavenly!!
I'm making the candles wickless so the mason jars can be put on the coffee mug warmer. I use the coffee mug warmer to heat up my candles safely.
The mason jars I use, they are for canning but I love the texture on the jars and the "MASON" logo as well. So primitive and fitting for candles as well. Remind me to post directions on how to do grubby grungy jars as they are just so easy-peasy to do.
So sorry for the tardiness in my blogging!! I have been quite busy these days sewing and making crafts. I will have to have DH take pictures of my crafts.
I've been sewing belly bands, making grubby grungy jars and tonight I've been making layered candles. I've made 8 layered candles, 4 is Fall theme scent and the other 4 is Winter theme scent. Ohhh, our flat smells heavenly!!
I'm making the candles wickless so the mason jars can be put on the coffee mug warmer. I use the coffee mug warmer to heat up my candles safely.
The mason jars I use, they are for canning but I love the texture on the jars and the "MASON" logo as well. So primitive and fitting for candles as well. Remind me to post directions on how to do grubby grungy jars as they are just so easy-peasy to do.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Grand Opening of Purrfect Scents!
We are just so thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of Purrfect Scents!! Chris and I have put a lot of energy into Purrfect Scents. We dedicate our philosophy of no animal testing into this and we invite you to check this out.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Daisy!
My sweet Boston Terrier Daisy is having her birthday and she got a humongous parcel from her boyfriend Stetson, he lives in Arizona. Yes, you read it right. Daisy and Stetson send each other parcels, letters, cards and emails as well. They have such a sweet romance and yet to meet! They look exactly alike only they have different white spots on their face.
DH and I went over my parents' house to give Daisy her parcel and she had a blast inspecting all the toys!
For Daisy from Stetson
"Oh I'm so shy, nervous and excited!"
Fancy tissue paper!
"Woau! Lookydat load of toys! It's my birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and all rolled up in one!"
"Mommy, better help me before I jump out of my skin!"
"Num num, this tastes so good enough to eat!"
*lick lick*
"Better hide my toys!"
"Another one! Dang, I must've been good or something's wrong.. oh heck, who cares! Gimme dat!"
"Tastes good!"
"My handsome man, Stetson"
"Hubba, hubba.. *pant pant*
"Thank yew Mommy for bringing dat parcel for me!" *lick lick*
*suck suck* Dreaming of Stetson...
That's my sweet Daisy, the little sucker.. she still sucks on her stuffies to put herself to sleep. *sighs* Sweet little girl, happy birthday!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A joke
I just wanted to share a joke with you from this book, "Boots on the Ground", authored by Karl Zinsmeister, that DH is reading.
Noticed DH kept chuckling and he nudged me to read an excerpt of the book and I had to share with you all!
"My senior class was eight. I French-kissed seventy-five percent of the senior class girls before I graduated, and sixty-percent of the girls in the junior class."
"Why Sergeant, I didn't realize you were home-schooled."
This book is authored by Karl Zinsmeister who toured with the 82nd Airborne in the Battle for Irar for a month to learn about the soldiers' experiences and what they do daily.
What exactly does it feel like to travel with a spirited body of fighting men? To come under fire? To cope with the battlefield stresses of sleep-deprivation, and a steady diet of field rations for weeks on end? Readers of this day-to-day diary are left with not only a flashing sequence of strong mental images, but also a notion of the sounds and smells and physical sensations that make modern military action unforgettable.
Ultimately, Boots on the Ground is a human story: a moving portrayal of the powerful bonds of affection, trust, fear, and dedication that bind real soldiers involved in battle. There are unexpected elements: The humor that bubbles up amidst dangerous fighting. The pathos of a badly wounded young boy. The affection openly exhibited by many American soldiers--love of country, love of family and hometown, love of each other. This is a true-life tale of superbly trained men in extraordinary circumstances, packed with concrete detail, often surpassing fiction for sheer drama.
Boots on the Ground
Noticed DH kept chuckling and he nudged me to read an excerpt of the book and I had to share with you all!
"My senior class was eight. I French-kissed seventy-five percent of the senior class girls before I graduated, and sixty-percent of the girls in the junior class."
"Why Sergeant, I didn't realize you were home-schooled."
This book is authored by Karl Zinsmeister who toured with the 82nd Airborne in the Battle for Irar for a month to learn about the soldiers' experiences and what they do daily.
What exactly does it feel like to travel with a spirited body of fighting men? To come under fire? To cope with the battlefield stresses of sleep-deprivation, and a steady diet of field rations for weeks on end? Readers of this day-to-day diary are left with not only a flashing sequence of strong mental images, but also a notion of the sounds and smells and physical sensations that make modern military action unforgettable.
Ultimately, Boots on the Ground is a human story: a moving portrayal of the powerful bonds of affection, trust, fear, and dedication that bind real soldiers involved in battle. There are unexpected elements: The humor that bubbles up amidst dangerous fighting. The pathos of a badly wounded young boy. The affection openly exhibited by many American soldiers--love of country, love of family and hometown, love of each other. This is a true-life tale of superbly trained men in extraordinary circumstances, packed with concrete detail, often surpassing fiction for sheer drama.
Boots on the Ground
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Catnaps
Mosey and Ashy just seems to do catnaps the best and when they lay down for their catnaps on our bed, I just want to join them. Usually I do! Their body heat relaxes me and I love how they purr and knead me.
Ashy was a wee little girl when we got her and now she's grown into a little lady. Sometimes Chris has to ask me which one is which! I point and say that's Mosey the little chubby one and Ashy is following suit!
They made great subjects when they were napping, DH went out to get ice-cream as they were still on sale for a dollar. Yes, a dollar! Smarties ice-cream and French Vanilla ice cream! Yummy-o!
If I find them like this, I usually join them! I firmly believe all the world wars would be finished and over with if everyone took catnaps like this. *sighs*
Mosey, my sweet chubby little boy, I love kissing his little feet pads because they're just so soft. I just love cuddling with him and sniffing the feet pads. I'm weird I know. I grew up with Boston Terriers and would always do the same to their feet pads. I guess I have a foot fetish, heh heh!
"Mommy, there's something hiding behind this paw and it ain't a claw!"
Mosey was NOT pleased having his nap interrupted with the constant camera shutter clicking, the light flash in his eyes BUT I wanted to capture the beauty of his eyes.
Ashy, sweet little girl Ashy, she kept her eyes firmly shut!
Of course, being a lady, she sent a much subtle message!!
A picture says a thousand words!!
You can see how much I love my Mosey and Ashy!
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
Ashy was a wee little girl when we got her and now she's grown into a little lady. Sometimes Chris has to ask me which one is which! I point and say that's Mosey the little chubby one and Ashy is following suit!
They made great subjects when they were napping, DH went out to get ice-cream as they were still on sale for a dollar. Yes, a dollar! Smarties ice-cream and French Vanilla ice cream! Yummy-o!
If I find them like this, I usually join them! I firmly believe all the world wars would be finished and over with if everyone took catnaps like this. *sighs*
Mosey, my sweet chubby little boy, I love kissing his little feet pads because they're just so soft. I just love cuddling with him and sniffing the feet pads. I'm weird I know. I grew up with Boston Terriers and would always do the same to their feet pads. I guess I have a foot fetish, heh heh!
"Mommy, there's something hiding behind this paw and it ain't a claw!"
Mosey was NOT pleased having his nap interrupted with the constant camera shutter clicking, the light flash in his eyes BUT I wanted to capture the beauty of his eyes.
Ashy, sweet little girl Ashy, she kept her eyes firmly shut!
Of course, being a lady, she sent a much subtle message!!
A picture says a thousand words!!
You can see how much I love my Mosey and Ashy!
Tactile smile,
Patty oxox
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