When asking my husband what I should name some of my toys he always gives me names in the form of Blanky McBlank. Most of the time I laugh and then tell him to come up with something better but something about Whaley McBlubber just felt right.

This white whale has been a white whale of mine for a while now. I originally wanted to make a whale that ate people after listening  to the Mariner’s Revenge one to many times. Then I realized that would require me to make a doll. I never played with dolls as a kid and I don’t feel right making them now. But I did want to make a tinny cabled sweater…

After three or four deformed whales and one grossly oversized waterspout I finally have a whale I love.

This guy will be for sale at Plush You, October 10th in Seattle.

Some of you might remember my Friday Doodle from a while back. By popular demand, meaning my Mom and the few other people who peeked at my sketch book, he is now a toy.

This guy will be for sale at Plush You, October 10th in Seattle.

I have been working hard the last few weeks trying to get everything ready for this year’s Plush You Show. As soon as I finish touching up the photos I will post three new toys.

Months ago in a fit of office place gloom a co-worker and I started doing list of ten things that made us happy that day. We always did little joys and sometimes included photos. I thought I would share today’s ten things.

1. Going to bed having a conversation with my husband and picking it right up once we wake up.
2. Being on vacation and not leaving home.
3. The way fresh blueberries look on top of white flour.
   
4. First attempt at making scones tasting good but not looking so great.
5. Watching Law and Order and knitting.
6. The fact that you can throw almost anything fresh in a crock-pot and it comes out tasting good.
7. A short afternoon rain shower.
8. Finally getting a good photo of the projects I have been working on. (sneak peek!)
   
9. Fresh nectarine ice pops freezing as I type.
10. New paint job in the hallway.
    

Thanks Soule Mama for posting your own ten things yesterday and giving me an excuse to run around taking photos of everything.

Even on weekends I can’t shake the habit of waking up at sunrise. Hubbie likes to sleep in when he can so I try to keep the house as still as possible those mornings. So no tv or anything else really noisy, just lovely quiet time with just me and the kitties. This Saturday’s project: capture some of those moments on the newly restored camera while tiring to figure out how the whole manual focus thing works. I love how the morning light gives everything a blue sleepy look.

I have been crafting up a storm the last month or so but because I want a big reveal I have not been posting much. So I thought I would share a little about what I have been do while working.

First I have been listing to lots of audio books. Recently I finished off the whole Chronicles of Narnia and have found myself strangely attracted to lions because of it. Isn’t this guy handsome? I love that someone painted his nose pink. While I paid for the Narnia books, many libraries use Net Library where you an check out books, or you can get free ones from Librivox.

The nice spring inspired some gardening. I have planted a little window box off my deck with herbs. Mixed results so far. I am really looking forward to having peppermint or camomile tea that I grew myself. No photo due to dead camera battery and missing charger.

To offset the nice quiet time I have joined the office softball team that is anything but quiet. This will cut into knitting time but exercise and networking are always good.

The weather is nice and pollen has died down some and I can knit without fear of sneezing or turning my yarn yellow. So outdoor knitting is a must right now. A park near my work, overpriced coffee, a good audiobook and a fun project make for a great lunch, even if I am making hats that are completely inappropriate for the impending summer heat.

Who could resist those eyes? Not the fine judges over at Softies Central. My little blue guy was just nominated for a softie award in the cutest face category. Voting last until May 6^th so drop on by to show your support. VOTE HERE.

Made this little guy foe a commission. He looks almost exactly like my original Kitsune but in a smaller more pocket size. Hope Esther enjoys him.

snuggle time with grandma

drifting off

note: photos and baby are not mine and used with permission of my sister