I am a dork

Here is proof.

Dear Ellen,
You know how to crochet AND knit? Isn't that like...illegal or something? Or like being good at Geometry and Algebra? I was told if you're not good at one you'll be good at the other and I sucked at both. Are we talking about math or yarn now? I don't know! I'm terrible at all of it.

But, I'm glad you had a lovely day with ladies and yarn and wisteria. What's up with the cicadas? I think that might drive me bonkers!

I've been meaning to say something about your pallet coffee tables: cool! I have been seeing pallets everywhere now. Also, I loved your cozy clutter images. I've been meaning to say that. Pay special attention to what makes the clutter work. Those rooms had some serious architectural BONES, man. They give off the old English vibe. Also, there was still a color palette. Should I finish the job and talk about palates?? Pallet, palette, palate. You gotta love our language. Anyway, as far as the PALETTE goes, there is some serious warm and cool going on in all of those rooms. Do you see it?

Lastly, here are some before and after photos. You are going to have to provide the 'after!'
xoxo
H

Knitting: round two

Dear Hannah,

Technically, I should have called the last post crocheting: part one. Anyway, these pictures are from a few weeks ago. I meet with several awesome ladies on Sundays to knit and chat. This time, we met at Tina's house where her wisteria was in full and glorious bloom. It was a gorgeous afternoon and cicada free. I can't believe you never got to fully experience the Nashville cicada experience - more on that later this week.

love you,

Ellen

knitting: round one

bunny cake

Dear Hannah,

On Easter, I made this (with a little help from my friends):

My mother made this after I publicly admonished her on Facebook for saying she wasn't going to make one this year:

No, it's not a bloody tooth, it's bunny ears. It reminded me of the creepy book Bunnicula.
Mine was cuter and more accurate, but hers was tastier, so I'll call it a draw.

Love,
Ellen

You need this

From Target.

xoxo,
Ellen

Friends Who Like Cookies

photo credit: designmom

You know Me!

Gush gush gush!!! Love love love! The plate! I love squares, and white, and natural. So so rad. The spoons, well, see what you saved me from? A little 'before' and 'after.' Did you remember I needed a nice set or did you just get it because you new I'd love it? Because I do! And the EARRINGS, WELL, thank you so much for remembering!! I am still so smitten with them. And please tell me to whom I should send a thank you for these previously discontinued (right?) earrings. Did she get the parts to make them again or was this a special op?

Thanks so much, Ellen!!

Ella

Wow, I think I like the second beginning better! I like that she started with things she liked before she decided on her favorite things. I liked how I might not have to completely redo all the illustrations. Ha! I liked the setting; I feel like I'm sitting there on the blueish industrial carpet with Ella, thinking hard. I can see all this happening. Nice!

Funny, I thought Cile was spelled like you say it, Seal! I don't like the way it's spelled now, and I think half your readers will get it wrong. By the way, it's a good thing that I'm getting so attached to my own notions about your book. It means I like it...when we like a book, we get attached to our own interpretation of it. Also, it felt bit awkward that she did NOT think about Kate, because now we're all thinking about Kate except Ella. I get what you were trying to do...bring up the conflict, and you did it very deftly. Get a second opinion on that, I might just be in a weird mood. Keep writing, pleeaze!

Tube Map...and Starstruck

Dear Ellen, I just found this in (okay, NEAR) a scrapbook from college, when we were in London for the Queen's Jubilee! All the royal wedding stuff had me pretty starstruck, which is why I dont' get sucked in to People and celebrity stuff too often. I would never escape!
Living in Nashville, I did have to learn the restraint that comes from living with the stars. You're just supposed to pretend they don't exist. Rascall Flatts, Wynona, Vince and Amy...I spoke to NONE of them, so there. But I am still embarassed by a memory of me going completely gaga over Nina Cardona from Nashville's NPR station. She was our neighbor, we later saw them at Costco. But when I first met her at the Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Christmas Party..."Girl Macking" was what you accused me of. Well. Excuse me. I'm blushing!