Friday, November 13, 2009

Fun Friday

I remember growing up and being allowed to think, dream, play and make a mess creating!!!
My Mom would let me sew (yes, I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine at about 6 or 7).
On his way home from work, my Dad would stop at the butcher's and bring him a huge sheet of white paper so I could draw on it. I would lay on the hardwood floor and draw to my heart's content. I could look at anything and copy it : ) If any of you are old enough to remember the pirate on the back of book of matches...that was one of my favorite things to draw. I remember imagining what a pirate's life would be like : )
I am going for a fitting on December 1st for a brace for my left leg. I had a stroke when I was 24 and the muscles in the left leg atrophied; I was very fortunate as it is only about 1 1/2 inches difference in my legs. I was paralyzed totally for about 6 months yet with the assistance of friends, doctors and the wonderful staff at U.C.L.A.'s Neurophysiology ward I am pretty okay. The physical therapy made me cry and cuss yet I have lived a normal life for the last 36 years because of it. Now the past comes back to haunt me physically; I have been walking, rather painfully, with a cane for some time and I am bending over to relieve it : ( Yesterday I sewed a black, red and pink tulle net tutu for my youngest grand daughter Lil Malaika. I have made tutu's before and I want her to grow up knowing she is special and that magical times can be anywhere, any place and any time. My oldest daughter asked me why black? I have no answer : ) I wanted it to be different and not just pink. It seems most of her clothing is pink or has pink in it : )

This is the tutu...the black tulle is the bottom layer, then red and the pink is on top.

I took the photos on Shana's antique rose velvet settee.

It is so layered and gathered you barely see the black tulle. There are 3 layers, 6 yards gathered tulle in each color and the waistband is a 2 inch wide black Victoria's Secret elastic.
So, it is very full and sticks straight out like a ballerina's short tutu : )
I wanted to show you what I ahve been up too as Shana, will take it to Lil Malaika on Sunday Novemeber 15th and I am sure they will take photos of her with it on then.
There is a lady, Karla Nathan {Karla's Cottage} who has chronicled her Grand daughter Sugar Wings and I want to give Lil Malaika a sparkly life too : )
I suppose I am like all Grandma's and want my grand children to have a charmed life. It is so cool having this little girl so close as my other 3 live in Cleveland Ohio and I am in Southern California.

This is Lil Malaika the other day in her Halloween green velvet with white velvet wings fairy costume : ) She is close to 3 months old in this photograph. The hands are my youngest daughter, Malaika, proudly holding Lil Malaika up for auntie Shana to take the picture : )
I am living a wonderful life and wanted to share with you : )
Peace
carole

19 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness she is soooo cute! I can't wait to see pics of her in her tutu! I bet that she will look tres chic! I love sewing and it comes in handy when you can't find what you want. I think the tutu is a great idea. My youngest is into the tutus. She calls them her dancing skirts and loves to twirl in them.

    You are such a strong and amazing woman! I admire you for that among other things. I have yet to find a bad quality about you. I get so thrilled when I see a comment you leave for me or a new post here. I just love hearing your stories about being younger. My mom taught me to sew but did not trust me with a sewing machine til I was much older. Like 11!

    Have a great weekend my sweet friend!

    Lucy loves ya!

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  2. Hello, my new friend, Carole. Where do I start...the tutu for Little Malaika is just adorable. My daughter just bought a tutu on etsy to give to her friend's 2 year old daughter. The one you made is gorgeous as is your sweet grand baby! And that rose colored sofa...wonderful! I love your blog and your story today! Good luck with your new brace! I hope it helps with your condition and pain! You have had to be very brave in your life. I admire you!

    I will back to visit again and will put you on my dashboard too!

    Stay Cozy, Carrie

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  3. Oh Carole...your walk down memory lane just warmed my heart. How sweet of your father to bring you home the butcher paper. The world should have more fathers like yours who consider not just the bond with their sons special but with their precious little girls as well. Malaika is getting so big and growing up fast! I loved the tutu and can't wait to see some photos of her wearing it soon. I do hope you are able to find some relief with the new brace. You are such a remarkable gal and you are truly and inpiration Carole! :)

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  4. Wouldn't it be great if we could capture a moment in time that means so much to us and be able to fully explain how precious it is to us? The stories of family, past and present give me a little insight into a persons soul. Just think you are making memories for your family that some day your baby girl will say, "Granma, remember when" with as much passion as you recall your fathers love.
    What a precious tutu but the picture of Malaika is the BEST ever! Thank you for sharing such sweet thoughts with us,
    Sharon

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  5. She is the CUTEST little fairy ever!! I love the pink & black tutu you made her - every little girl should feel the magic of life :) You're a good good Gramma!

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  6. Carole, I truly enjoyed reading about your childhood creativity... you remind me so much of me as a young girl!
    I loved to sew, embroider & draw at an early age too.
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tutu.. the black added the perfect touch to it! What fun...
    How adorable Lil M looked in her green outfit.
    Sorry to read about your leg & all the problems.. hope the brace makes it much better. Hang in there sweet friend!
    Blessings ~Mary~ :-}

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  7. Love your blog! The tutu is adorable but takes second place to that precious baby!!! Special Times!!! Enjoy!
    Mama Holli

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  8. Oh! She is just darling! I hope you will share a pic of her in her tutu. I hope your brace will bring you some comfort Carole. My youngest son was born with multiple problems with his feet. His right foot is partially paralyzed and he has no muscle in his right calf. I worry that he will have problems when he gets older too. So far though...he wasn't supposed to ever walk and he does anyway!!

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  9. Carole, you've overcome some tough challenges in your life and look what you give to others! I adore your blog and your stories, and this precious little sweetpea and can't wait to see her in her tutu! I also enjoyed reading about Kayla, although my time is limited. I could spend an entire day reading just your blog and the wonderful people you introduce us to!

    And today is the 15th, somebody's going to be dancing!!

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  10. Hello Carole I guess you were on my site when I was adding a new silly post.
    These pictures are darling and I love the your sweetie.You are such a sweet lady and loving grandma.
    Thanks for sharing this and for stopping by may place.
    Maggie

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  11. Oh my, you were so young to have a stroke. Your attitude seems wonderful though. Your little granddaughter is a doll, and what a pretty tutu you made her! I loved the magical childhood memories you shared. I hope you don't mind if I add you to my prayer list. I'm praying that your new brace will give you relief from pain and allow you to walk more easiy. laurie

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  12. Carole, you are so sweet! I really love that you come visit my blog and leave such nice comments! I love your blog too. What a wonderful little tutu you made! I love that pink settee...I want one like that.:)

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  13. just found your blog! what blessed grandchildren to have a talented, as well as loving grandmom! your story of coloring on the butcher's paper is so touching!

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  14. Carole I hope this finds you feeling a little better. I reread your post and you are so thoughtful and I know what you mean about wanting so much more for your grandbabies.
    I am so sorry you are going through this again with your leg and that you are in a lot of pain. Keep us updated on that. As you can see we all care about you hope for the best
    Maggie

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  15. Oh not fair!!!
    I want to be the one to take the pictures and dress her in the tutu!!!!
    Hurry up now and show us...I can't wait!

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  16. I just had an idea...do a silhouette of M's little head like Mary teaches us...do it out of black fabric and then stitch it onto a onesie to go with the tutu!! Add a pink and read bow above the silhouette :)

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  17. Hi Carole, Your precious Malaika is a little doll and she is getting so big!! I can’t wait to see her in the tutu you made for her!! She will look so adorable in it!! :) She is blessed to have such a loving Grandma!! :)

    Carole dear, I hope that the new brace will work out well and that you won’t have to suffer with such pain any more. I admire you so much and I wish I had more of your courage and strength. You are such a giving and kind person who is always there with an encouraging word & helping to lift the spirits of anyone who needs a little cheering up. You have done that for me so many times!! :) I just want to thank you for being the sweet & dear lady that you are...you are such a darlin friend Carole Ann!! :)
    Love & Hugs, Carol Anne

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  18. I am so glad to see the picture of the baby! She's getting so big, and she is beautiful!

    You're a trooper! I hope the brace works well for you...the pain is relieved...and you're able to gain some more mobility!

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  19. Hello dear Carole,

    What a precious gift you have made for the grand baby. Those are the things that children remember as they grow into adults and she is so lucky to have you so close as well. I wish I could wear a tutu, too! Well, I do hope your brace makes everything good for you. How difficult that must have been for you but you have persevered through it all and look at what you have... wonderful children and grandchildren and a whole lot of friends in blogland who care about you, too!

    Take care dear one,
    Sharon :-)

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