A Fresh Start

Ordinary Enchantment has a New Look!

(Before I go on, let me say this to you:  PLEASE don't mention to Miss Zoe that She has been left out of the new banner.  I know that She will notice eventually, but I'd rather try to get through just a couple more hours, so if you could just keep that on the down low....I would appreciate it.)

A couple of weeks ago, we announced here that a Year of Savoring was to begin.  It's a year to try New Things.  A year to work on new projects or resurrect old ones as long as they are FUN and I feel like working on them.  A year to enjoy what life has to offer without worrying what it will get me or where I am going.

It is a Year to Enjoy Life.

The Chick thought that in order to mark that Year, The Rabbits and I needed a New Blog Banner to celebrate.  A Banner that represented some of the things I like to do or like to have around.  And so, she made us a new banner and changed the look of our blog a bit.

50% of the Rabbits in the Lilypad* agree that this Blog Banner is perfection!  Let me tell you, it is hard to get 50% Rabbit Approval.

The other 50% of the Rabbits in the Lilypad have not exactly seen the New Banner....but...well, you know.

Wait!  Are you suggesting that those Fresh Willow Balls** are some kind of a distraction or bribe!?!?  Certainly not!  Miss Zoe has simply been busy and has not looked a the Banner yet, that's all.

Ahem.

At any rate, besides the new banner, you'll notice the Cool Star Background and some tabs forming at the top-- so far just two:  one called Lilypad! and one called Lilypad Residents.  More tabs to come later, which will include one about Sparkle Pond and one about Art that is Made at the Lilypad.  Keep your eyes peeled for those.

In the meantime, we will try to forget about the fact that there is a Gnome in the banner instead of... Miss Zoe.  We will try to forget it.  We will try to live life in spite of that fact.  Or until "someone" changes the banner.

We will try to live if we are able.  Are you able?

* Miss Zoe would tell you that this is a faulty percentage if you consider the fact that She is the Senior  Rabbit and therefore gets 66% of any Rabbit Rom Vote, with Blueberry getting only 33% until She earns a bit more seniority.


**  There are no actual Willow Balls.  This mention of Willow Balls is purely fictional.  Any resemblance to Actual Willow Balls is unintentional.

Flip Friday!

Somehow, last week, we did not post a video.  How did that happen?

Well, we won't make that mistake two weeks in a row.

This week's movie stars your Two Favorite Lilypad Inhabitants.  You know-- the ones with the longish ears and the puffy little tails and the hoppy little walk?  Do you know the Ones?

In case you need to refresh your memory, here They are!


Two Buns in One Rabbit Room from marcy hall on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!  

Don't forget to eat your Salad!

Old School

A few months ago, my mom asked me to donate a painting to an art auction she was organizing for one of the millions of volunteer things she does.  She needed it for an event that went down last week.

My mom had asked for a cityscape or a cafe scene.  My first inclination was to paint something totally new since I had so much time, so I set to work.  But, I immediately wasn't pleased with what I started.  I worked on it a couple of days for a few hours each, and then decided to give up because I just wasn't feeling it.   I mostly paint animals nowadays, so it just felt strange.

When I first started painting, I painted a lot of cityscapes and scenes of cafes both here in Erie and also other places.  Before I met her, the Chick had gone to Paris, and she had a slew of black and white prints that I loved to paint from.  I liked painting from the black and whites because then the basic shapes of things and the composition was all laid out for me, but the colors could be anything I wanted.  There were no preconceived notions.  It was fun to paint things colors that they would never be, or at least colors they would never be under normal circumstances.

When I needed this painting for my mom, and I wasn't feeling like painting something fresh, I thought through the paintings I had sitting around.  There aren't many left, as (fortunately!) I've sold most of them over the years through various venues.

There was one painting that I never sold, I guess for sentimental reasons.  I don't usually feel that attached to the art I create.  I think of it as something I want out in the world, not in the Lilypad crowding up the walls. 

This was the painting I decided to give to my mom.  It was pretty much the first painting I ever made.  It's just a random street scene form Paris.  I call it "Red Car:"

As it turned out, the painting didn't end up getting bid on in the auction.  My mom said none of the bigger paintings were bid on or purchased, sadly.  It's a small town (Titusville, PA), and these are hard times, so it wasn't a surprise that no one wanted to fork over a couple hundred buckos for a scene they didn't recognize.

And, I have to say I'm glad. 

I thought I wasn't attached to this piece, but it turned out that I was, and that I'm glad it didn't sell so it can go back up on the wall in the Rabbit Room.

I think that's where it belongs.

Sock Alchemy

Recently, I've come to realize that I am easily obsessed.

I get an idea in my head, and I can't let it go.  I would guess there's lots of people out there like this.

Of course, Rabbits let things go quite easily.  They might have an Amazing Idea that forms between Their Ears, but then a Salad comes into the room and all Ideas are lost and They move onto thinking about Important Food.  They are probably able to forget because They are so constantly and consistently coming up with Fresh Ideas that they don't need to hang on to each and every one.

For me, it's different.  I hang on.

For about 2 years, I've been obsessed with making stuffed animals.

I saw a book at the library about Amigurumi.  These are seriously cute little animals that you crochet and stuff.  I wanted to learn to crochet JUST so I could make them, that's how cute the pictures in the book were.

Let me add that, in addition to being obsessive, I am also a bit impatient.  Making these Adorable Creatures meant acquiring a skill that I didn't have, namely crocheting.   I tried.  Really, I did.  Crocheting and knitting are in my genes.  But, for some reason, I couldn't make it happen, and my Big Dream to make Seriously Cute Amigurumi Creatures faded away.

The obsession stayed with me, though, and a couple of weeks ago, it manifested itself in a similar yet different form:  SOCK ANIMALS!

I saw another book at the library, and this time, when I looked through the book, I felt like I could handle it.  No new skills required!!  These sock animals pretty much require some cutting and sewing!

Sewing is a skill I already have.  Now, don't get me wrong-- I am NOT GOOD at sewing, but I at least know how, and I know with practice, I can get better.

Therefore, armed with a few new pairs of cheap socks and some ambition, I attempted my first two Sock Bunnies (well, you knew they were going to be bunnies, didn't you?) over the weekend.  They are not great Sock Bunnies.  They are not even good Sock Bunnies.  But, I had a blast making them, and that is the whole point of my Year of New Things.

Here they are  (be prepared-- they look a little like mug shots):

First (DUH!!!),  I made a Zoe.  I used markers to color her fur, and I didn't particularly like how that turned out.  It kind of looks like Her, though.

Second was to be a Blueberry, but since I didn't want to use marker for coloring, I decided to make a Zany Green Bunny instead.  The Chick named Her Petunia, and Petunia got to help out with planning the Chick's upcoming writing classes.  Petunia was very helpful.

I am excited to make more Bunnies (and other animals like.....cats, but don't tell) in the coming weeks.  Not for any purpose, but just because it's Fun and I like it.

What have you done for fun lately?  By the way, if you have suggestions for Sock Animals or if you feel compelled to share any sewing tips, I'd love to hear them!

Here's hoping your week is off to a great start!

Flip Friday (EXCUSES!!!)

What?  Oh, right.  It's Friday?

You're right.  It IS Friday.  So what?

Ummm....there's not anything that usually happens on Friday.  NO!  We, Rabbits and I, don't know to what you are referring! 

We don't!  SERIOUSLY, we...hey...what?  Wait, I-- OUCH!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Zoe and Blueberry here.  We have taken over the keyboard.

We'd like to say this about humans:  Sometimes, humans are lazy.

We were perfectly willing to make a Rabbit Movie last night for Your Viewing Pleasure today, but do you know what?  THE HUMANS WERE TOO LAZY TO MAKE IT!!!

Instead, what did they do?  They drew pictures on themselves with pens.  Ridiculous, however, I suppose when you don't have Beautiful Lovely Gorgeous Fur, you have to do something to make yourself more presentable.  We wouldn't know.

A word the Chick asked for on her arm.

 The first drawing on the Chick-- trying out the tattoo pens.

The Celtic Rabbit that our mother drew on herself.  

At last-- something worthy of drawing on your skin!

We shall see when we feel like making a movie now.  We would stay tuned for a Monday Movie if We were you. 

And, thank goodness we are not you, human.  Thank goodness We are not.

Now go eat some Human Carrots.

Human Carrots

Yesterday, my morning Facebook status stated the following:

Marcy Hall would like to know this:  When was it decided that it was acceptable for carrots to look like humans?  It's weird.

And, truly, it IS weird.  TRULY.

On Sunday, we went to the Whole Foods Coop to get carrots and other veg for GUESS WHO (if you guessed Two Rabbits who live here, then you would be right), and we came home with these:

"Here we are.  Just hanging out."

"Psst.  Hey, buddy.  Wanna buy a watch?"

(Carrot on the right to Carrot on the left:) 

"You look like you have to pee!"

They totally look like people.  I mean, what is the world coming to?

And so, I posed this question on Facebook, and some of the responses I received were rather interesting.

• Don wrote that "those" carrots were extra delicious.  (To Rabbits or humans, I wonder?)
• Emma chimed in to ask who DOES make those decisions?
• Lory wrote that they grow specifically like that for the Bunnies-- we have Animal crackers, They have human carrots.

Everyone tended to believe that Lory had the Actual Answer contained in her comment.

The Rabbits would like to commend Lory for a job well done.

What about you?  What are your thoughts on the phenomenon of human carrots?

I'll bet you know what the Rabbits are thinking...

 "Hand over the carrots.  

Munch Munch Munch."

Monday Tidings

There are so many things to write about today that I almost can't decide.

In reality, it's not an almost.  I really can't decide.  Instead of picking, I'm just going to write about a bunch of stuff.

The main things I've been doing lately is taking pictures.  Like on Sunday, we got home from a little adventure and I put the Chick down for a wee nap and unloaded 101 pictures (not Dalmations) from my camera.

I said to Zoe and Blueberry, "What will happen when I'm in Italy?  Think of all the pictures I'm going to take while I'm there!"  (Newsflash:  in case you'd forgotten or didn't know, I am going to Italy in just a little over a month.  Ummmmm.....SQUEAL!)

So, here are a couple of highlights from the most recent picture taking extravaganzas.

First, we have some pictures of water like things and water loving birds.  I work at the Erie County Public Library, which is right on the bay of Lake Erie.  It is a lovely place to be, especially at lunch or dinnertime when I get to go for a stroll with my camera.  Here's a few shots from last week.

Next are some cats.  I haven't posted any cat pictures in awhile, so I'll just let you gaze upon their beauty.  These pics are of the Fresh Cats.  Miss Emmie (who is not so fresh, honestly) wasn't feeling like being a star.  You know how it is some days.  Your hair isn't quite right or whatever and you just don't want to be the star.

This next set of pictures is from a cemetery that I used to be quite fond of when I was younger.  My best friend, Ann, and I used to ride our bikes there and hang out with a particular (dead) chap named Hiram Augustus Bell, who was some distant relation of Ann's mother's.  We would picnic there and sometimes even sleep.

Next is a Grasshopper that was not so hoppy that I found on our mailbox.  He was missing a leg.  Anyone know a maker of prosthetic bug legs?  Contact this fellow:

Finally, here is a picture of a couple of Rabbits who live in this Lilypad.  You'll notice that one of the Rabbits has longer ears than the other.  Don't worry.  That's normal.

Flip Friday

Last week, you got a great Rabbit Movie for Flip Friday that starred Zoe's terribly cute lips.

A couple of weeks before that, you were there FIRSTHAND, as Blueberry tried to dig Her way to China or somewhere.

Now, this week, you are probably thinking that another Rabbit Movie would be nice. 

The thing is, though, that it is that time of year.

(That time = both of the Girls are molting.)

When They are molting, they prefer being kept out of the public eye.

(Well, how would you feel if you were molting and someone was following you around trying to make a movie of you in which your fur looked....substandard?  Rabbits are perfectionists.  They don't have time to fool around with movies that don't show Them at Their Absolute Best.)

The Girls' suggestion, then, was a Cat Movie.  Zoe said to Toby and Daisy, who were nearby and not doing Anything Important, which as Blueberry pointed out, is totally Typical of cats, "Do something cute, will you?  We need a movie for Flip Friday, and it's not going to be of Us. Get Lilly to help you if you want."

Here, then, is what transpired:

Best Friends from marcy hall on Vimeo.
Well, there you have it. Flip Friday is over for another week.

Don't fret. Rabbits will return next week

With a Vengeance!!

Happy Weekend. No movies if you're molting, now. No Movies!

Welcome to Wednesday

Well, it's Wednesday.

(I know it seems kind of dumb to say that, but you never know who's reading for whom it may not be Wednesday, and that fact would end up making the title of this post seem a little stupid.)

On Monday, we did not discuss anything Remotely Rabbity.  And, much to the chagrin of The Ones who live here, today's post will sadly also be distinctly Non Rabbity.  However, in an effort to appease Certain Creatures, I may sprinkle a smattering of Rabbit Photos throughout.

On Monday, I also told you that I would tell you a little about the projects I've been working on. 

I've been trying not to be too strict with myself about What To Do and When.  That's hard for me.  I am a girl who likes to have goals and end products.  I am a girl who likes to see a culmination to effort. 

Raise your hands, all you out there, if you have a hard time Doing Things Just For the Sake of Doing Things.

COME ON!!!!  LET ME SEE THOSE HANDS!!!

I thought so.

Imagine, then, the difficulty of being partway into the writing of a novel, which I am, and realizing that though you can barely stand to set it aside, due to the simple fact that you've started it, that it's not the right thing to be writing. 

That's what I decided the other day.  I decided that I needed to start a new writing project that is about the issues that the Chick and I are dealing with right now.  Kind of a memoir of our life together thus far, about our trials and tribulations and how we deal with them.  Which is sometimes well, and sometimes not so well.  I've decided to do this because I think that, sadly, the Chick is not that unusual in how she feels about herself and the world, and that people, especially couples, would benefit from reading about our experiences if even through the lens of just having others with whom to identify.

And, that, is the project I have decided to work on now.

That and photography.  And, whatever else comes up.  :)

Of course, I could change my mind tomorrow.  And that's part of the point of my Year of Savoring experiences. 

The point is that I don't hold myself to ideas or expectations.  If I feel called to write this book I am currently working on, then that's what I will do.  If I decide to change my mind, so be it.

I'm trying Something New, and I'm letting go of Expectations.

I'm breaking all my Rules.

What Rules are YOU breaking lately?

The Year of Fun: Pictures of Stuff

I still haven't written about my new camera yet.  I have just shown you pictures that I've taken with it.

Well, today's going to be no exception. 

I'm just going to show you some pictures again, and why?  I've been working on a couple of projects that I will share about on Wednesday, and The Rabbits were not interested in writing about a camera since that would not involve anything Rabbity.

Well, that's what they are like.

The first two pictures are of a thing that Rabbits are not fond of.

A HAWK!!  A baby Red-Tail to be exact.  We saw him while on a walk, and I got some great pictures that really show off his cool pants!

Also, we've made many trips to the waters of Lake Erie lately for refreshing and cleansing swimming.  The last couple of times we've been there, it's been a little stormy and the wind has made waves that make our Great Lake seem more like an Ocean!

Here are a couple of pictures of the water.  I chaged them to black and whites to add a little Drama!

See? DRAMA!

Hawks and Water. That's what I have for today.

VERY UNRABBITY!

"What's the Big Idea?"

If any of you have anything Rabbity to pass on to poor Zoe, please do so....NOW!!

THANK YOU.

Flip Friday

This week, at some point, Miss Zoe pointed out to me this Fact:

There has not been a ZOE MOVIE in quite some time.

Like, probably a couple of weeks at least.  And, what is that about?

Does anyone know?

Because I don't.

In honor of Zoe's question, then, let us remedy that fact with an Old Fashioned Zoe The Rabbit Movie!!!!

Zoe Moves Her Lips from marcy hall on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!

Two Fun Things

Today's post is about...FUN.

That's right.  FUN.

It is also about....RABBITS and CATS.

Well, really, what IS fun if it's not Rabbits and Cats?  Right?

First, we have a painting.  This is not a painting made here on the premises of the Lilypad. It is an out of town sort of painting from Avid Rabbit and Cat Fan, Miss Ashlyn!

Ashlyn is a regular reader of Ordinary Enchantment and a Special Friend to All the Lilypad Animals.  She has dared to render paintings and drawings of even the most elusive of the Lilypad Cats....Miss Emmie.  You may remember THIS POST from when it was Ashlyn's Birthday.  It was a Special Day.  That was also the day Blueberry decided to move in permanently. 

Today, The Rabbits and I feature a painting Miss Ashlyn has painted of the Lilypad's FRESHEST Cat, Miss Daisy.  This painting arrived in the mail the other day.  As you know, we love when Mailman Rick brings good mail, so it was a pretty darned exciting day!

Without further delay, then, I present....Miss Daisy by Artist ASHLYN!!

Nice going, Ashlyn!  

You've captured my beauty exquisitely!

The second thing on today's agenda is and item of the Rabbit variety.  Are you ready for this?

(You may want to sit down first...)

This is my new water bottle:

I'm sure you can't read the bottom.  It says "Rabbits like flowers that smell like poo."

HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

Oh.....Sorry....

(Some things are funnier to me, of course, than they are to Other People.)

At any rate, we hope you enjoyed today's FUN THINGS!!!!  Thanks to Ashlyn for Her Support of Cats and Rabbits!!!

A Fresh Year of Savoring Life

If you have been keeping up with the Blisschick's Blog, then you know that we've had some rough times here of late.  Trying to deal with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its triggers makes for a lot of anxiety, unrest, and an inability to follow good schedules of sleeping, eating, etc.

Meanwhile, and obviously, as I wrote about last week, my creative life has also gotten off track.  I have a hard time focusing on what I want to do.  I also get caught up easily in the "shoulds" and "where will this get me" patterns of thinking.  I have too many expectations.

Not good.

And so, on the way home from a little day trip the other day, the Chick and I made a decision:  That I will take a year and let go of expectations for myself and my art and just PLAY!!!

This is what that means:  I WILL SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE OF MAKING ART, WHATEVER THAT MEANS.  I will explore creativity with no thoughts about where it might get me.   I will do whatever I darn well please:  I will take pictures, I will paint, I will play my guitar, I will look for new things to try.  I just got the greatest book out of the library about making sock dolls.  I'm going to do that.

I'm going to try anything and everything and not worry about it.  I'm instituting a year of FUN EXPLORATION and SAVORING.

WHO'S WITH ME?

And so it began yesterday, August 1st, and it will last for the year.  On August 1st next year, I will look back at my path, not see where I got to, but simply to see what I've done.

So, first stop:  FUN with my new camera.  I'll tell you more about the camera itself in the not too distant future, but for now, here are some pictures from a hike we took yesterday in nearby Wintergreen Gorge:

Have a great Monday.  Fill it with FUN!

SAVOR IT!!