The Week in Review

I know what you're thinking. This is only your second blog post. Why a "week in review" now? Well, I'll  tell you. It's Friday, and it makes sense to do a week in review post on a Friday (Saturday if you want to get technical, but c'mon.). And a week in review is easy-ish. I don't have to think so much to generate ideas about my week. I have a lot of ideas about my week, but I will only share a few with you.

Craftspace

After several weeks, I finished a coiled rope basket that I made from clothesline and crochet yarn. About halfway through, I realized I should've been using a basket stitch, but I still like the end product. This was a simple project that I could work on with a 4 year old running rampage through the house.

I've also been working on a macrame wall hanging, using Niroma Studio cotton rope (the softest, loveliest rope) on a copper pipe. All that's left is the fringe, and then she'll be ready to photograph. Most of my process shots aren't great because I've been working in the foyer and there is little to no natural light.

Close-up of current wip

Now about my actual craftspace. I dream of a day where I have my own little perfect studio. (A tiny house art studio, anyone?) For now, I make do with what I have. My current space includes a little sewing corner in the kid's playroom, the aforementioned foyer, and the garage, which I have been transforming into a space to make stuff (and hideout when I need some alone time).

I will post about the garage transformation another day, but here's a little update. Yesterday, the kid and I went to Lowe's for galvanized pipe and plywood to build a worktable. I've stained the wood, but must return to Lowe's to exchange pipe for different pipe. Once the table is complete, I'll share with you how I built it. 

Read Watch Listen

I have been in a bit of a reading drought this summer. But, this week I read Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I needed to read something powerful and inspiring this week, and Adichie's book fit the bill. Every new parent should read this book. Every person should read this book. An excerpt: ​

Tell her that kindness matters. Praise her when she is kind to other people. But teach her that her kindness must never be taken for granted. Tell her that she, too, deserves the kindness of others. Teach her to stand up for what is hers.... because her consent is important. Tell her that if anything ever makes her uncomfortable, to speak up, to say it, to shout.

• The kid and I finished The Fran with Four Brains (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist series) by Jim Benton. The kid loves Franny K. Stein. If anyone has any suggestions for a similar books, please comment below.
• I finally got around to watching the Bachelor in Paradise premiere. All the dudes are bros. Big beefy bros. So glad they brought Wells in as the bartender. Wells for the next Bachelor? Hmmm.
• The kid is all about PJ Masks and Puppy Pals this week.
• The kid is listening to the Sing! soundtrack. She loves "I'm Still Standing" and she loves Johnny (the singing gorilla). Her dad introduced her to the original Elton John version, which she also loves. If she had her way, we would listen to "I'm Still Standing" on repeat all damn day.
• I am listening to some relaxing instrumental playlists on Spotify. I also re-discovered Marshall Crenshaw, who's Good Evening album I discovered in a bin at a dollar store back in high school. I listened to that tape over and over again. One of my favorites is "Cynical Girl."