sewtakeahike

big girl camera and strap

 

 

Finally.  I get to use a big girl camera (well, it's an in-between camera, probably more like a toddler instead of a big girl camera.  But hey, it's a step up anyways).   The first thing I did was charge the battery.  Can you guess what the second thing I did was?  Yep, it's the same thing any of you would have done!  Made a camera strap cover.  I've never had a camera that had the loopies for a camera strap before, so I was super excited about this!

Anyways, this week is my birthday (all week long.  I'm serious.  Not really though) and L-man took me shopping this weekend for a new camera.  I decided on this Canon G-12 (thanks Anthony!) because of it's ability to switch back and forth from auto mode to "whatever my preference is" mode.  I had thought about getting a straight DSLR camera, but think this in-betweeny would be a good step for me.  I want to learn more about photography and I think this will help me to take some baby steps for sure. 

So what kind of camera do you have or dream of having??  Do you have any really cool tips for me?  I'd love to hear!

 

 

On another note, I've recently come to some conclusions.  It's getting harder and harder for me to want to sit at my sewing machine and sew with summer right around the corner.  And since no one came up with a good idea for a solar powered machine that will fit in our pop up, I'm resorting to some hand sewing.  (Thank-you for those of you who encouraged me this direction!)  I really thought I despised hand sewing, but I literally spent the day today making these yoyos from scraps.  I've always wanted a yoyo quilt, so maybe this summer I'll be able to get one made.  L-man and I are planning lots of camping trips so I'm thinking this will be the perfect sewing activity to take along.  We'll see how long my zeal for it lasts......

 

it's time

 

(photo courtesy of our good friend Anthony, cropped by me)

For pop up camping, kayaking, mallows browned to perfection in the fire, sunscreen, and good times with friends. 

Now to find a sewing machine that will fit into the pop-up and is solar powered.  Hmmm.

Friends

 

For the first year or so after I started blogging, I didn't understand.  I didn't *get* how bloggers became good friends with other bloggers.  And then it started happening.  I started connecting with certain bloggers, who have become my friends.  Some whom I've still not met to this day, but talk to on the phone and email.  Others who I have met and treasure dearly.

Honestly, I don't like it when bloggers distinguish between their online friends and their "around the corner from my house" friends.  I don't like to be referred to as a "bloggy friend", "online friend", or "imaginary friend".  I don't know, I just look at it like even though I've never met several of my friends (and may never have the chance), they're just my friends.  Online or in real life. 

 

And I'm always blessed when I receive a thoughtful note or card or gift in the mail from my friends.  Most recently, Alpa, who I've been friends with for a couple of years, sent me this little spice container.  She knows I love Indian food and wanted to sow into that love I have for it.  I am still just totally blown away by such a thoughtful gift.

 

And then, Amanda (with some help from Tara) goes and does this for me.

Can you believe it?  I still can't.  It's not just the pillow, but the time and thought she put into it.  Remember this pillow I made for the last round of the pillow talk swap?  She says she felt bad that I spent so much time on it and then gave it away.  It still makes me laugh because that's exactly what she did for me!  And I love that she did.

So thank-you Alpa and Amanda.  Thank-you for your friendship and your thoughtful gifts. 

And sincerely from my heart to all of yours, I hope you have found the same thing with the blogging community.  It really is full of wonderful, awesome friends at every turn if you will take the time to look!

 

And now for the winners of the Stitch and 101 Patchwork Magazines:

#35-Lisa, who said:  Love the fish mat! Both of these mags look like alot of fun.

and

#97-Lisa, who said:  Luv, luv, luv the magazines, especially the patchwork one. Luv your projects too - so wimsy & fresh!

Congratulations, Lisas!!