Several New Hobbies

In the past month, I have discovered I really enjoy two things. The first, painting ceramics! I went while I was in Texas, and I loved it, then I went again a week or so ago with my grandmother. I had so much fun! I painted a Christmas cookie plate, and it took me 6 hours! I loved every minute though. I almost had a problem, because I finished exactly 8 minutes before the place closed! (Click on a picture to see the details up close) I wish I could go more often. The second thing I have found I enjoy is sketching, something that started in Texas. My mom has always done it, so I have a built in teacher! Here are pictures of my favorites, this first is of my dog, Kirby. I copied a picture we had. The second is of one of the dolls I collect. That one is my newest, and my favorite.

My 16th Birthday!

I had so many pictures I wanted to use I couldn't actually show them all, so if a word is underlined , click on it for a picture. I had a wonderful birthday! The first thing that happened was that when I came into the kitchen, there was a surprise for me on the table! My dad had done it. Nothing really happened until lunch, when we went to IHOP. That's where we always go for my birthday. They bring you a big ice cream sundae, and usually they sing, but we went at 2, so there weren't enough people. That was fine by me! We had a really nice lunch. After we ate, we ran by PetSmart, because we needed to replace a few of our fish. We named the new ones Hoobie (LONG story!) and Tiger. After we got home, I got ready for youth group. (at church) Youth group was great! I had a good time with everyone. The lesson was about Christmas, which was perfect for me! I love Christmas. Once I got home, I opened my presents. I got some money from my grandparents on one side, and my aunts and uncles. I'd already decided I'm going to use my birthday money for my next hobby, quilting. I can't wait to get started! The first thing I opened was a video we had had years ago, when I was in preschool. We had given it away, and I really wanted it back! Mom had found it at a thrift store! I knew it was a video from the shape of the box, but that was the last thing I was expecting! I watched it this morning, and it sure brought back memories. The next thing I opened was the first season of The Waltons. I've never seen it, but I think I'll like it! Then I got some beads (the new ones are surrounded by bright blue rectangles) from my grandparents. They are all so pretty! Then I opened the one mom told me to open next to last. It was a memory card! Sure enough, the next thing I opened was a digital camera! I had really wanted one, but I never actually thought I'd get one! I love it! I can't wait to use it. I told my mom, "Well, it's not a car, but I guess it'll do. (Of course, I was just kidding, I don't have a clue how to drive!) :o) Kirby enjoyed my birthday almost as much as I did! He loves nothing more than shredding paper. Well, after all is said and done, I'd have to say that yesterday was one of the best birthdays I've ever had.

Finally, another KAL!

Being gone most of the summer, I haven't participated in a KAL since June! It's been too long. When I started this one, since I knew I would be working on it on my 16th birthday, I decided to use my favorite color, lavender, which I had been saving. On the second day, I began to think, hmm, wouldn't it be funny if it was a birthday cake? Yesterday, on my birthday, I finally realized that yes, it was! Of all times for it to be a birthday cake! I love the pattern, and it couldn't have come at a nicer time!

Candy Cane

Well, I've finally tried knitting with the intarsia method. I was probably a little too ambitious, because I'd never done it before, and my very first time was on a pattern I was designing! It took a little more coordination than I thought, but I got the hang of it by about the third stripe. I decided to do pink, instead of red, since red would bleed on the white. I really enjoyed it, and I'm pleased with the result! Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and I couldn't wait any longer to start designing Christmas cloths! This, most likely, is the last time I'll post as a 15 year old! My 16th birthday is day after tomorrow. (September 4th) I'll write more about that later.