Little Scotia is the Cat's Ass

All the Good stuff is happening on the Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/littlescotia/

This is basically telling you that I am too busy / lazy to update this blog at the moment.

L

Art Room, Little Scotia, Elizabeth Street Midland Ontario.

I moved 2 more buckets and 2 huge garbage bags of material into the Art Room yesterday. I haven't even begun to create anything! Finding tons of projects that are half finished, or just waiting for some finishing touch. Goodness.

It's a small room. Nothing like the one I had a few years ago. But it's a spot, and I will make it work.

I was having a sugar crash when I took the pictures. The last one is all blurry... I was one foot out the door, and overly eager to get some food into me.

It felt good to be in there, folding up material to fit the cupboards, and laying out finished products. I'm putting a pile of stuff on sale, to make room for new creations. Also, for rent money. heh.

L.

Little Scotia Art Room

So, a tonne of art supplies are stuffed into the new little room that will be where I design and create my little dolls and Badly Behaved Cross Stitches. It's a strange room so far, because I haven't worked out where everything will live.. and the maintenance fellow tried to clean a stain in the carpet with some sort of cleaner, and the smell bothers me. (Not sure how I'll deal with that, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. )

There are no windows. I can live with this, if I can listen to music while there. Mostly my head is down into the machine anyway...

It was SO nice to touch all the things, while loading them up. I STILL have so much here at the house that has yet to make it over there, but I must organize what is there first, you know?

I haven't taken any photos of the space, because it's still a bit of a disaster (it's how I work. I seem to creatively thrive in an environment where there is chaos... or I can SEE everything I'm working with, all at once.)

Pictures soon, hopefully!!!

Too Hot. TOO HOT

It's been really hot.
Like, stupid hot.

I know, it probably gets hotter in other places in the world. But, Gods. I don't like it.

I'm usually a happy happy person. Joyous. Optimistic, even.

But the head makes me cranky.

What have I been doing for fun lately?

Why, I've been filling the tub with cool water, and sitting in it while playing Slither.io. Making sure my phone is hanging over the edge of the tub so if I sneeze or something, my phone falls OUTSIDE of the tub.

Ain't no stitching happening around here lately.

L.

House Cleaning Midland

House Cleaning in Midland

Yes yes yes. I designed this site! I'm pretty excited about it. It's for a cleaning service in Midland Ontario. I kept the site clean and neat, and the lady who does the cleaning is getting leads for her business already. We are both excited!

http://www.HouseCleaningMidland.com

She is professional and on time. She does house cleaning as well as office cleaning.

Check her out if you are looking for a house cleaner, but also just to look at the pretty site I made.

House Cleaning Midland Ontario
522 Elizabeth Street Unit 9
Midland , ON
L4R 2A1

Phone 705-243-7575

House Cleaning Midland Ontario

Midland Ontario Art Studio

Have I mentioned that Little Scotia is all set to have it's own little room in September?
Yes. I'm excited. And freaking out. I don't feel very organized. My crafts and are supplies are currently all over my house.

The Little room is down the hall from my Tarot office. And it's sort of a glorified closet. But it will work for what I need. To get the stuff out of the house, and organize it so I always know where the glue sticks are.

I'm still producing, and doing markets and some shows. The producing is small scale and slow though. I'm so excited for my new room. It means getting busy!!!

l.

Georgian Bay Renovations

Georgian Bay Renovations

I met a down to earth fellow last week, and he runs a local contracting company. He's the contractor that's been working on the office building where I have my office, and where Little Scotia will be in September. I was surprised to learn how well rounded his business is.

The renovations they do in Georgian Bay (and even further south) include kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, and office or work renovations. But they also do brick laying, and will build houses from the ground up. Small renovations to the whole house. I was impressed!

His website has some photos on it, showcasing his company's former jobs. There are some great pictures of the dream house exteriors, as well as some fantastic interior kitchen and bathroom renovations. 


http://georgianbayrenovations.ca/

The website is simple, but you can call and ask all the questions, get quotes, (with no obligation) and meet this Midland Ontario contractor who is also the project manager.

check it out!

L.

Georgian Bay Renovations
522 Elizabeth Street BOX 9, 
Midland , Ontario
L4R 2A1

(705) 243-0604 

Midland Ontario Reflexology, Massage, Waxing

It's been a busy summer. Already.
I'm sneaking in levity when I can! But, still there's work.
Wanted to share some of my Summer relaxation links in Midland Ontario.

Midland Ontario Reflexology

That's me, ofcourse. it's very relaxing to give Reflexology, believe it or not!

Midland Ontario Massage - This lady knows her stuff! And RMT in Midland that absolutely rocks.

And then, this.

Midland Ontario Waxing  - so... Midland Ontario Waxing helps me look nice and smooth all summer long. As relaxing as waxing can be... really, it's more about not shaving everyday. Now THAT'S relaxing. hehehe.

There you go!

L.

Chipmunk Loose in Stackers Pancake House, Midland Ontario.

Seriously. This is how I'm spending my time.

It's The Most Silly Fun. YOU TUBE!


I am creating like furious for the Buttertart Festival. But these little gems happen.


L.

Seven Hour Gaps.

I do this thing. I've always done it. I'm feeling like I MUST catch the reigns on it soon.

So, this morning I had an appointment at 9:45am. That took me to 10:30. I was out of the office before 11am.

My NEXT appointment isn't until 6pm.

It's currently almost 4pm as I write this. Now. Ask me what I did all day.

To be fair, I did pop into the office to change my window display from Winter to Spring, took stock of what linens I needed there. I popped into the bank. I came home and put a load of laundry on.

Other than that, I've been sitting here, in my work clothes, surfing, listening to music... and watching the clock. Waiting till it's time to leave for my next appointment.

I have always done this thing. I feel like I can't get into anything at home, because I will miss my next appointment. Even though today, there was SEVEN HOURS between appointments. A seven hour gap with nothing in my dayplanner.

I could have sewn something up. This money, for example, took me 2 hours yesterday. I could have been sewing this whole time.

But no. I managed to make a tea. To peek in the cupboards. To do a few dishes.

I have an entire work space to move into my bedroom. (This is a long story for another time.) And I am sitting here. Waiting.

What is UP with that?

The answer could easily be that I put in my dayplanner: "Sew monkeys."

I wonder if it would make a difference?

L

Gardening update, and Global Warming.

I've been taking a lot of my blogging energy out HERE lately. Quick pictures and commentary of the things I've been creating. Which are badly behaved. But SO MUCH FUN.

It's SO CLOSE to the time where I put up the shelf and start my seedlings. It's actually been quite warm for a few days, and I'm itching to put peas in the ground, and maybe some greens.

This winter however, was bizarre. Every year it gets stranger and stranger. Less snow, for less period of time... maybe that's not entirely true. It stayed fairly mild until about mid January? We got some snow, then we got DUMPED ON at the end of February, and the very beginning of March. And now, March 11th, it's gone mild again.

Climate stuff. Earth rotation. It's all happening. I've noticed the summers where we are, haven't been as hot as they usually are. These things are a big deal for not only farmers, but everyone who relies on the food farmers produce. (So, that's EVERYONE, just incase you were confused.)

Anyway, This year, I'm feeling ambitious. All that I successfully got out of my garden last year, really, were tomatoes. (a handful of carrots, a bowlful of peas, and I don't think anything else really.)

Most of the snow has melted from the dumping we got last week, and if I hoop a raised box, I should be okay to put some greens in. (I've never done a hoop house before.. mainly because in my head, I'm convinced it will cost too much...)

Also, tomatoes go into little pots for me, somewhere around the 20th.

I really to love this time of year.

L. 

December 14th.

It was warm today. Like, +10 and raining. but not cold to be in.

I asked the Boss Lady today at the thrift store what her plan was for January, and at this point she doesn't think she's going to do layoffs. This is good. But also, I want more time to sit and sew swears.

It's not quite Holy Tits cold yet, but it will be soon, I'm sure. I've noticed the seasons changing the last few years (and mostly because of my gardening habit.) It's strange for it to be so mild, this far into December.

I'm having too good a time with the embroidery.

L.

I Freekin' Love Impending Winter

Aside from the shovelling of snow, ofcourse.

I freekin' love impending winter, because it's CREATIVE time!

Also, my lovely bride Lillah is settling in. We've done a few videos, but there is definitely a learning curve. Filming the videos takes me 5 or 6 minutes. Then an hour to upload it from my phone to Youtube... and tonne of time to edit it, and then Youtube takes at least another hour or more to format it.

This little creative play is really trying my sense of patience.

(Is patience a sense?)

Anyway. I have been stitching swears.

L.

Mail Order Bride.

My Mail Order Bride is on her way.

We connected online, and I was charmed by her.

She travelling through BC right now, and should arrive by the end of the week.
I'm completely thrilled.

She's not going to require too much space, which is good. She's going to sleep in my bed, anyway, and hopefully her clothing won't take up too much room.

I will post her photos as soon as she arrives.

Her name is Lillah.

Fairy Tale Life.

The house is somewhat clean. There are a lot of things I could do to improve what's going on here. I still feel like I can't have company over in this.

My living room IS my art/craft room. I can't see how I can change that at all.

But I finally laid the groovy gypsy carpet on the floor. That involved a lot of shifting of heavy furniture, and getting the old carpet out. Also, I bought a vacuum.

I love this time of year. I shift more into being able to be creative more. Creative in my art, creative in my writing, creative in my thoughts, day and night dreams. Creative in the kitchen. (although that last one is mainly because I HAVE to be! lol.)

I started a writers page on facebook. Because I felt like I probably should, as I'm doing more writing.

I also have to figure out Youtube. Because there are some creative things I want to do in that forum. I'm excited for them.

I have a few craft shows I've been invited to this year, although I don't have anything NEW to offer, I do have a bunch of crafts ready and waiting.

I'm making some shifts.

I have dreams of running away to Nova Scotia and living a fairy tale life... I've come to realize I have to just live that life here and now, where I am. Make it happen.

L.

October. Already?

How is it that I haven't written since April?

Well, I've been working nearly every day since then. Today is the a second day off in a 3 day streak. Which I am so thankful for. I was beginning to feel exceedingly burnt out.

Since then:

• I signed a lease on a new office space for my tarot readings/energy work. 
• I've done some writing that has been published on Elephant Magazine . (I have a few pieces, however you'll have to look up my name to find them there. Or join my Writers Facebook Page.
• I've been paying more attention to my writing in general, submitting short stories to different places, and working on the pieces I've left to collect dust. 
• My garden was planted, and then didn't look at it again. You should see the tomatoes rotting in the yard. Ugh.
• I was working 4 and 5 days a week at the thrift store, as well as doing tarot house parties, tarot in my office, and reflexology
• I made the last payment on my car!
• I did no sewing, or painting, or crafting of any type. I think those things are for winter. 

Anyway, it's October now. I'm down to 2 days a week at the thrift store (because I asked to be...) The kids are back into the school groove.

Today I am cleaning the house. I did NO cleaning all summer. And it shows. Right now, I'm taking a break because my sinuses are angry with all the dust I'm kicking up.

I've told the Universe that it needs to make sure I can still pay my bills and continue paying down the credit cards I lived off of all summer, and give me the time to clean the house, write the stories, make all the foods.

Seedling Time!

It's seedling time at Little Scotia! 13 days ago I put tomatoes, peppers, and beets in to start. (I've never started beets indoors before, but it was suggested to me that I do, so we'll see.)

This is the first year I've used these Coco seed started pellets to start my seedlings. It's also making me a little nervous. The idea is that they hold water longer, so you are supposed to be able to water less. I'm watching them closely. 

a little container with some herbs.

coconut expanding seedling growing pellets.

The beets are in the square containers with coco filling seedling starter. The square (is it peat? I can't recall, they are from last year.) have started to develop mold. Ugh. so today I'll be spraying that with a peroxide mixture, and covering the whole thing with soil. I'm wondering if they have to go out earlier.

In OTHER news, Here's a BUNCH of free information to help your garden this year! Information for beginners and old pros! :) Enjoy! I'm watching a video or two a day, while doing other things around the house (or during the time I would normally be brainlessly playing facebook games.)

Home Grown Food Summit - Click Here

Technically, The Doll is On the LIST.

Today my Reflexology client cancelled. Which left me with a 'free' day. Free Days aren't REALLY free days. We know how this works. There's a list.  It looks like this:

The Big Tall Boy when he was still a little squishy cute boy, as well as the list.

Today, I ignored it.

And instead, finished THIS little beauty.

Technically, she's on the list under the category "Make all the things."

Also, the "Your Mom" at the end of my list MIGHT be an insult, scribbled there by one of my daughters. Their nanny may not be impressed. Except that I'm sure neither one of us will know exactly what it means.

L.

Little Ginger Babushkas

Isn't she lovely? Isn't she Wonderful?

the Irish Russian. Hanging out with the Native Russian, and the Old Sleeping Russian. Party Time.

My boss at the Thrift Store texted me just as I was putting the finishing touches on this little mama. She's a Ginger Mama, and I was thinking of her! It's an Irish Russian Doll. Oh yes I did.

She's just so flippin cute. It is going to be hard to see them go, but a pleasure that they'll bring someone else joy too!

I have a sale at the Native Friendship Centre on March 21st, and I'll bring these beauties. All the others you'll be able to find at the Tiny Art Shack in Tiny Ontario in May 2015. 

L.

Russian Dolls Have The Best Advice

I've been making a tonne of these ladies over the last week. They take an enormous amount of time for stuffed dolls, but I just ADORE the end results. And they SPEAK to me. In the times of quiet when I get to embroider little faces and aprons, I get the best ideas.

I have about 4 more cut up and in various stages of completion. However, it's slow going. My sewing machine is at the 'end' of the kitchen. And I have to completely dig out the machine and desk, spreading the crafting joy all over the dinner table. I also open up the ironing board to sit in front of the buffet and hutch that houses all the practical and impractical dishes. (I have a bit of a Pretty Tea Cup problem. And a vintage set of dishes, complete with tea pot, creamer, sugar, dishes... that I do not let children touch without supervision.)

Creating in Chaos. It's a thing.

Anyway, it feels like it's time to tidy up to make dinner. (if that's what you can call piling all-the-things back onto and around my sewing machine.)

Still, I adore the process of seeing them come together. These little beauties for the most part will be available for sale at the Tiny Art Shack in Tiny, Ontario, in May 2015. Unless I manage to get it together enough to attend a craft show myself sometime soon.

Little Scotia Lives!

Lori