Aviatophobia: the fear of flying

22 days until our big vacation and I'm becoming overwhelmed by my fear of flying. It's not like I haven't flown before - we usually get on a plane at least twice a year to go out east and visit the family. But that doesn't stop me from losing sleep over my paranoia of a plane crash or a laptop explosion (have you heard about those sony batteries?) or even worse a terrorist threat. The flight from Vancouver to Heathrow is 9 hours, then we have to make a connection to Munich. Ug...my stomach is in knots already just thinking about how long I will have to endure sitting in a tin can thousands of feet above land. So, to help me prepare, I thought I would try some art therapy.
Here are my major fears: crashing into the ocean or exploding in the sky. Both are equally horrifying to me - although falling from the plane without a parachute sometimes takes the cake. I am a nervous mess when we land and I'm even worse when we take off. There is something just completely unnatural about humans wanting to fly in the air. So why do I put myself through this??

And the new restrictions do nothing but feed my anxiety. To top it off, I am clausterphobic and during our trip to the Dominican last year I had a bit of a breakdown halfway through the flight. I felt like the walls were closing in and everyone was breathing in my face. That was horrible - imagine everyone in the cabin asleep while I was locked in the teeny tiny bathroom trying to catch my breath. What a nightmare!! But now there is no extra comforts to soothe me... no water, no chapstick, no knitting?? Well, ok, the knitting has been banned for a long time - but it would do wonders for my nervous energy. The only solution here is to knock myself out completely - unconscious. Seriously. I don't know how else I'm going to last!
I wish with all my might that Europe was only a lazy afternoon river boat ride away. Please note the calm water, the blue sky, and the narrow river where green grass is just a hop and skip away from the boat. This is the proper way for humans to travel...if only travel were this easy.
Well, it would be way cool if someone would hurry up and invent the star trek transporter. That would solve all my problems with travel. Sigh...
Until then, I will just breathe and pray...breathe and pray. I can do this, people fly every day! Just breathe. Think about Oktoberfest, castles, French pastries and Van Gogh...it is so totally worth it!

A Sweater for Kale

This is such a rare occurance in my knitting experiences that I had to post these pictures with just a tiny bit of pride - a sweater made by yours truly that actually looks wearable! I am so pleasantly surprised with the way this one turned out - a little cable cardi for my nephew in Alberta. He turned 2 years old over Labour Day weekend (yes, we are late sending this to him...fortunately this has become the norm for us and the family now expects us to send stuff fashionably belated.) But I'm just about to send it off to him and I hope that it keeps him cozy all winter - it sure does get cold in Alberta! And look at this perfect hoodie - complete with cute little tassel which I'm sure will be ripped off within a week of wearing it.

In other Sally updates, our European Adventure is only 23 days away now! I've been dreaming of Oktoberfest beer and Parisian pastries - we can hardly contain ourselves! Today we headed out to Vancouver to seek out durable backpacks and happened to pass by a huge rummage sale at the United Church down the street. Of course I had to make hubby hubberson stop so I could nose around. And what did I find among tables of old typewriters, glassware and knick knacks? 2 full bages of yarn for a loonie each! What a steal. I know they are all little leftovers from some grandmas stash - not really enough to make a sweater or pair of socks, but I love the variety of colours and weight. I can make many many cupcakes with all the colours (more on cupcakes later...they are in progress right now!). I must say, I cannot pass up yarn of any kind. It is a hopeless addiction!

Issues with Blogger Comments?

Since I've upgraded to the new beta Blogger template, I've noticed errors with giving and receiving comments. These are known issues with blogger; unfortunately, I didn't do much homework on the subject before upgrading. My normal reaction of getting really excited about something and jumping right in before researching was inevitable with switching to beta blogger. Now, I must deal with it. So, here are some work arounds that they have posted on the "Outstanding Issues" beta blogger page:

For those with current blogger accounts:

Users are seeing errors when posting comments with current Blogger accounts to blogs on the new version of Blogger in beta. Until we fix this, the workaround is to preview the comment before publishing. (You only need to preview once per account.)

For those who have switched to the beta blogger account:

Users who have switched to Blogger in beta will not be able to login to comment on blogs that have not switched. Commenting using the “anonymous” or “other” options will still work.

If I hear of any updates I'll post them, but it sounds like this will be a work around for the next while.



Until then, I'll leave you with this colour exploration that I did in my first year of art school many moons ago. The season is just beginning to change over here and I am looking forward to seeing the leaves change colour. (Oil and pressed leaves on Rag paper).
Happy Friday everyone!

Illustration Friday {Farm}

At the time it seemed like a genius idea for the farm animals to run away and join the circus - the fame, the fortune, the glamour! Somehow, it just didn't turn out the way they planned and they aren't so sure anymore. Although, it looks like the barn mice have finally found their true calling :)

My Newest Friends

Got my camera back and I'm absolutely trigger happy! I'd like to introduce you to my new friends, Wee Bunny and Pointy Kitty! I found the patterns at Wee Wonderfuls and finally had time to make them. They are both meant to be gifts, but the pointy kitty is a bit wobbly and not so well made since it was my first go at it, so I think he will stay with me. I can't quite figure out how to attach the head properly. Any advice?


Here's the cushion cover I finished ages ago...and the little rascals just couldn't stay out of the picture!

I'm a Happy Blogger

I just discovered the latest beta blogger and *yay*, I can now change up my template simply by clicking some nice GUI windows and adding stuff. Finally, the solution to those of us who lack the computer language brain cells. I am totally pathetic when it comes to any HTML. I think my brain just goes to mush when I look at the text and I'm sure that my eyes completely glaze over. I've gone to my happy place and hopefully I don't start to drool.

Anyways, the other day I came across this helpful article about starting a craft blog and found it mighty useful. One of the author's suggestions was to have a profile and post an "about" page. So, with the happy new blog options, I've finally added one! There is a link in the right margin, but you can also click here to learn more about me :)

Illustration Friday {Safe}

Babies always look safest when they are in their mother's arms.