Shabby Miss Jenn

Monday, July 14, 2008

Starting to grow!


YIPPEEEE
I can't wait to be able to eat these! LOL

The first yellow bloom


I had a rough start to my little container garden....we got hit by frost twice and I had to replant a few things. I went out a few weeks ago to the sight of this little lone yellow bloom!
The fun has now started!

I've named it..... SID


At the Theme Park on our list of rules/instructions to follow for the Artisan's House.....it says... "Watch out for the Chipmunks"
Hmmmm
The squirrels and chipmunks have become so used to people giving them little samples of whatever they might be snacking on in the park. We have benches in the back area of the house for folks to sit and rest awhile.
You will be inside sitting behind the counter and "hear" something in the hallway......yup...... its come inside to see if someone will feed it! It knows it really shouldn't be there as it sort of strains its little neck out to peek at you from the door frame. Ypou stomp your feet and he scurries back outside to the garden. Only to return again within the hour to peek at you and try again for a little morsal of whatever you are willing to share.
The other morning I arrived to the Artisans House for my shift. I unlock the doors and take my bags inside our little kitchen area. I then hang the signs out and write on the chalkboard todays message. I go back inside and am reading the messages from the days since I'd been in last.
FROM BEHIND ME.......I hear little feet scampering across the wood floor!!!
Sure enough.....a chipmunk has been inside the house all night long! The broom is in the room with him so I can't get him out that way. He is nervous to be inside that far! He is all over the place and I am trying my best not to scream or swear! LOL
I finally shake some papers at him and he races by me into the hallway. He notices the door is now open and scoots right into the awaiting gardens. I can then hear all sorts of chitter..... his family has been wondering where he spent the night! LOL

Thru the Glass



While wondering around the yard taking snapshots of whatever caught my fancy.....I heard a sound. Buttons Kitty was scratching on the glass trying to get my attention. Wondering how I managed to get outside without her I bet! heehee

I thought she looked so cute framed in the glass.

Wild Rose


The wild rose bush at the front window has grown so much over the years that it acts like a curtian. The roses no longer appear pink....they now all bloom in creams and whites.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Little Bit Rusty


Another of the newest primitive dolls that I've made for my display at Upper Clements. She sort of came to life slowly. I was moving some things around and found my jar of rusty nails. Hadn't done any dolls in awhile with a nail nose so gave her one. Which then lead to a rusty bell for an eye and the X for the other.
Her hair was a bit tricky as nothing I was laying down seemed to work. I then laid 2 different spun wools next to her and POOF.....she totally finished in my mind. I am so pleased with how she came out.
Her sweet doll pattern will ready very soon!
Blessings!
Tracy(cedara)Dunn

Sunkissed Gold


One of the newest primitive dolls that can be found at Upper Clements in my display. The spun wool was wonderful to work with and she makes me smile.
I am busy working on her doll pattern right now!
Blessings!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

L.K.Yarns INC



Something as simple as what is used for hair on a doll can make a world of difference in her final outcome.

I have found an incredible spot to purchase my doll hair! I had been ordering online and getting wonderful stuff but really wanted to find a place in Canada that I could do dealings with.

On a trip to Halifax, I had Eric drive me around to a few places that I had done some searching for. With my fingers crossed I really hoped that one would turn out wonderful.

L.K.Yarn Inc

The Hydrostone Market

5545 Young Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 1Z7

(902)431-9633

This shop is on the far end of the Hydrostone Market and looks so tiny when you first glance at the doorway and window display. A sheep and such are painted on the glass and I just wasn't sure what to expect when I walked thru the door.

Opening the door, I heard the chime ring and my heart skipped a few beats! The array of yarns and wool that is in this shop is sheer heaven!(ok so that was a bad pun!LOL) Walking around the shop and trying to take mental pictures of it all to relish later on....oh my! The colors are like none I have seen before. I had an armful of wools in no time at all! LOL Eric was laughing at me as I would spring forth to yet another nook and come up with another color and a smile from ear to ear. Doll ideas were floating up at me as I ran my fingers over spun wool hanging on hooks.

If you are in the Halifax area.... stop in and escape for awhile in their midst!

MAGICAL!

Blessings!

Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

http://www.thrutheatticdoor.com

http://thrutheatticdoor2.blogspot.com

Primitive Doll Display


When you arrive at Upper Clements Theme Park and come thru the main gate.....the big Blue House is right in front of you. You really can't miss it!
Walk thru the main door of the Blue House and my primitive doll display is in the very first room you come into. This wooden cupboard seemed the perfect display area for my dolls and creations. I am very pleased with how it all has come together. I enjoy sitting back at the counter and listening to the folks discover the display. Some people walk right by with not so much as a second glance. Others stop right in their tracks and start talking about the fabrics, the dolls hair, their expressions. I am very pleased to be taking part in this Blue House. Who knows what may come from it!
Blessings!
Tracy(cedara)Dunn

Upper Clements Theme Park ~ Nova Scotia


You can now find an array of "Thru the Attic Door" creations at Upper Clements Theme Park!!!
Was watching tv when the the phone rang. I didn't know I watched so much tv till all my stories start with me doing that! LOL
It was a lady that I didn't know and yet she'd heard of me and was calling to ask if I'd like to join them.
A group of crafters use this blue house at Upper Clements to showcase their handmade wares. They were looking to add some crafters to their mix and had been told about my primitive dolls.
I work there at the park one day a week and its been wonderful to have the "one on one" interaction with folks.
So if you are in the area....come check the Blue House out!
Blessings!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

Yoga ~ Finding the Balance


BUMP
BUMP
I feel like I have just been wandering around the last while bumping into unseen walls. The sensation of being off kilter is too much. Need to refocus and I find the best way for me to do that is thru YOGA.
A friend shared snapshots of herself doing different yoga poses in her kitchen (Thank you Mary Linda xox) and it was just the gentle nudge I needed.
My mat has been dusted off.
I was reminded that big studio space was not needed. Instructors are great but not a must have.
As simple as a spot on the kitchen floor was perfect.
I am now ready to.... bring back my Zen!

The Calmness of Water



My friend Tammy had this photo in a mix that she and her family had taken back at their camp. I just thought it was such an interesting snap.....wanted to share!

Pocketful of Sunshine


Pocketful of Sunshine~ Natasha Bedingfield
This song is being played all over the radio here and I've fallen for it. I had to get this album to here the whole thing.LOVING IT!
A few years ago I was watching tv and an ad came on. You know how we tend to zone most of them out as lets's face it.....they can be so lame and nothing special.Not many make me think I need to jump off the chair and race into town to spend my money on whatever they were pushing.
This one ad had such a catchy tune playing in the background....I went around singing it for days! I just loved it and went online to see what I could find out about the song/ songwriter.
That was my first introduction to Natasha Bedingfield's songs and music. The ad was using her song "Unwritten". I have been a huge fan ever since! When this newest album came to light.....I have been loving all of it.
Just the perfect sound to have floating thru my creative space!
Go treat yourself!
Grab yourself a "Pocketful of Sunshine" today!
Blessings!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

Monday, June 30, 2008

Friends on Facebook


When I happened to stumble across this cartoon I laughed so hard! I am on Facebook and am one of many that LOVES being on it. It took me awhile and a number of invites from some friends before I started. I just didn't want to devote time to yet another place online. Little did I know the sheer joy it would bring me.
I have managed to find so many wonderful friends from my past. Just when I think I've "found" everyone that I could think of....someone else seems to walk out of my past. I am not a fan of all the crazy applications that can very quickly take over your page if you aren't careful. I don't need to be a cyber vampire or pirate etc.
My joy comes from seeing their albums of snapshots showing me glimpses into their lives again after so many years. I love the writing quick messages on the walls.
I have even created my own "Facebook Page" dedicated to my website!
It was very easy to set up and folks can become "fans" of my website.
I share snapshots and let everyone know some of the latest things happening with the website.
Come become a FAN of Thru the Attic Door!
I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

If Ants had Cameras......


is this what they might see??? LOL
Spent some time at my sister's home and I was outside with my nieces in her garden. I was sitting on the grass with my camera on the ground in my hand. I looked down and thought....hmmm....if I snapped a photo, what would be seen?
We then spent an hour having fun snapping different angles in the different flowers.....just as if we were ants with cameras! heehee

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Antique Wooden Spools


On my last trip to Kansas City, MO to attend Primmart's Convention, I was lucky enough to score some antique wooden spools. I'd seen them in jars before in snapshots that folks shared of their prim styled homes. I wanted some. I really had no idea what I was going to do with them once I had them...I just knew I wanted some.
While checking out all the glorious antique shoppes with some Primmart sistas....SCORE! Inside a shop filled to the brim with just about everything you could imagine from every era that comes to mind...... was a shelf along the floor that held about a dozen very large glass jars. Inside the jars were these spools.
Sherry of http://www.anniescupboards.com and I freaked!LOL
She and I split the jar full of goodies as there were so many in the jar. I've now had them over a year and have just recently brought them out again to start looking at. I have a few ideas for them that I hope will come to fruit soon.
I promise to post pictures!
Hey Sherry.....what did you do with your spools??? heehee
Blessings!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

Birthday Blessings

A very special person in my life has a birthday today.
I wish great joy, kindness and laughter in the year ahead.
Always there for me when needed.
Forever holds my heart

xo

Mahjong


Do you play?? I have it on my computer and find it a wonderful way to relax my mind. Endless games have been played. I love the look of the tiles and can escape into this game for hours.
A friend has an actual antique Mahjong tile set and I always forget to have him show it to me closer. I'd love to play a game using the real thing. He was showing someone else and I was busy in a conversation with another person. Must remember to mention it next time I'm over there.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

And the skies opened upon us......


We had been needing the rain and well ....wow....we got some! The skies darkened quickly. You could smell the rain in the air before a single drop even began to fall from the skies. I have to admit that I love that little window of time just before a storm strikes. The energy in the air.
The drops started falling and continued to fall for almost 24 hours straight! The gardens around the house greedily drank it all up.
We had some wicked snaps of thunder that literally shook the windows of the house. Buttons Kitty was NOT near as impressed with the storm as I was. She'd have hid under bed if I had space there! LOL
Even managed to lose power for a few hours.
Somehow the storm brought about a calm to me that I didn't even know I had been needing.
Blessings to Mother Nature for stepping in when needed most!
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Computer Area


The finished result!~LOVE IT ALL

My "Geek Squad"


Eric and our friend Calvin working on all the pieces.
Then we spent the better part of the day switching files from old computer onto it PLUS all the new programming that Eric had picked up for me.
This new set up is smoking! LOL
Thanks fellas! ya rock!

Computer Upgrade



My computer was on its last breath. It had been a hand me down from Eric when he had upgraded his. It was years out of date. I use a computer for so many different aspects of my life. I needed a new computer.

So....it was my birthday! ;)

A trip to Dartmouth to see Eric for a few days(while also seeing my sister and her family so it was a win/win situation for me in all ways!) Eric bought me a new computer.

To start we picked out a laptop but took it back within 48 hours once we really looked at things.It really wasn't what I needed. He opted to get all the pieces and build me a system from scratch.

*INTEL Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz FSB 800MHz 2MB LGA775 Dual Core

*ASUS PSK-SE P35 ATX 3PCI/2PCI-EX 4 DDR2-10066MHZ,1PCI-E16X,SATA,LAN, eSATA

*Super*Talent T8UX2GC5 DDR2-800 2GB(2x1GB)CLS5 S-RIGID

*Sapphire ATI Radeon HD3450 512MB DVI/VGA PCI-E Video card

*WD Caviar SE-16/SATA-ll 2500KS 250GB 7200RPM,16MB,SATA-ll

*LG GSAH55N Black DVD+RW(20X+)Dual layer OEM w/software

*NIKAO 1285B(Black) Mid-tower case with front USB2.O/Audio ports 450 P.S.

*LOGITECH Cordless Desktop EX110(Keyboard &Mouse)

Which I am sure means something to those of you that are computer geeks cause it all made Eric's eye glaze over.....but to me just means I ended up with a computer that is wicked awesome again!

And the price was good enough that I also managed to get a new computer desk/hutch as well. I was beyond spoiled for my birthday! heehee

Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

http://www.thrutheatticdoor.com

Birthday Wishes


heehee
Today is my 37th birthday!
I have been going around the house humming "its my birthday" all day and driving family crazy. Am celebrating low key this year. No big family gatherings or anything.
Subway sandwiches for dinner and going to watch a movie that caught my fancy on tv.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Staring at the ceiling


INSOMNIA
I would not wish this on my worst enemy! I've heard folks say that they suffer with this from time to time. I actually used to think....well just sleep....how can you not be tired enough to sleep?
I was beyond tired and yet could NOT get any sleep. I'm not sure why it started. I am fairly used to staying up till midnight or 1am. Always able to fall right to sleep soon as my head touched my pillow.
Something snapped! Laying on my bed, tossing and turning. Fluffing pillows and shaking quilts.
Wearing jammies. Not wearing anything. Talking to myself about being able to get to sleep.
Reading in bed. Listening to soft music for an hour or so before heading to bed.
WIDE AWAKE!
Or I would fall asleep only to awaken like every 40 minutes all night long. UGH
When I can lay in bed and watch the sun RISE.....that is a huge problem! LOL
This went on for about 2 weeks and then as strangely as it came on.....its now left me.
I am back to a wonderful nights slumber........zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

Ready...Set.....BLOG



So I let some time slip by and before I knew it.....I was actually nervous about starting back up with my blog.

Did I really have enough to still talk about and have folks be interested in reading?? Had too much time gone by? Where would I start? Did I need to catch you all up on what had kept me away?

I figured that I was just going to jump right back into the mix. Over the next while you will no doubt hear bits and pieces about whats been happening.

I'm just going to get into my usual rambling and hope that enough of you still opt to read it all.

Tracy(Cedara)Dunn

http://www.thrutheatticdoor.com