Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Kamen, the Ninja Hen


Hatched on March 12, 2011, which also happened to be in the middle of our FIRST Robotics Competition regional event. So, naturally, the five chicks were given FIRST names. This tuft headed black chica is Kamen. I think the resemblance speaks for itself.


Kamen is the smallest of the babies. We call the rest of them the Mini-Bots. They are not easy to tell apart. Two are light gray and puff headed, and two are medium gray and puff headed. My initial impression is that two of them are roosters. When all of this is sorted out we will settle on one Mini-Bot, and then there will be a Louisa, maybe a Cora... yes, Geeky Chicas!


Zelda has been an amazing mother hen. She protects them. There have been hawk attacks! No losses, thanks to Zelda's vigilance and doting. Now they are too big to slip out of the side yard, a good thing, and maybe getting big enough to be less enticing to the small hawk that spies and swoops. None of the new chicas is the least bit tame. They are near impossible to catch, and very suspicious of us peoples. Quite a difference from the chicas we raised, but still worthwhile to see how nature manages.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Dressing For The Faire...


My parasol! Isn't it lovely? Yes, it is.
This was one gift from my children on Mother's Day. It will be the crowning touch to my Maker Faire ensemble. It inspired Maria to immediately compose a letter to Santa... the first of this year. "Dear Santa, may I please have a parasol, and a Mary Poppin's hat, just like mommy's?"

My own mommy is in Corvalis, with Ronnie, who is busy with dragonflies. Delia has been calling me regarding our Maker Faire plans and attire. She found goggles, which may replace the ones broken on the flight home (insert sad face for Alex.) She found a skirt, and some kind of a bodice or blouse, and also fabric which she is sure could be made into something lovely. She wants me to look for feathered birds, which perched on a hat would be steamy indeed. This has gotten me very excited, because it's nice to have a girlfriend to chat with about these creative fancies, these artful flights.


Here is the skirt, mommy. The one I told you I made last year. I wore it to a Chrononauts' event. I think it is less shiny in person... hmmm the flash is playing with the gold a bit much too. I should have been patient and waited for daylight.


This is a better representation. I am thinking of cinching up the hem, and letting a lacy petticoat show...


So, check out my thrifted lace stash! It was still in the thrift shop wrapping, and I finally broke it open tonight. I was happy when I thought it was one bundle of wide eyelet trim, but there are six different and generous lengths of lacy, vintage looking trimmings, and I paid 4.95$! Oh! Bargains are so. much. fun.


Maria wants to trim this tiny straw hat, then affix it to a headband... a darling idea. She has her dress all picked out, and plenty of hats to choose from. I need to settle on a top, and whether or not to lace up in a corset... a look that I love, but time (and nerve) may not be on my side. Hat, or fascinator? Feathers, or a bird? A band of flowers? I do want my rebozo, a touch of Adelita. Hmmmm... know where I can get a bandolera?! I could load it with chocolates, or other treasures.

Mommy, thank you. Even from afar, you have given me inspiration, and rekindled my play. You knew I needed that, didn't you? I love you.

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Every Mother Counts



Every Mother Counts
Because Every Mother Matters

I am blessed, to have a beautiful mother, who had a beautiful mother, who had a beautiful mother. I am blessed to know many beautiful mothers, and many who mother beautifully. I am blessed, because I am a mother.