Donna the baker

Hollywood is shit! Useless garbage. I remember this incident, I didn’t realize that only 20 years later things would get much much worse. I want all those wearing this pin to be dropped off in Gaza – with the pin but without their Hollywood creds – lets see how long they survive. There is so much evil in the world, and Hollywood is out there representing most of it.

I went and bought cotton yarn and started a basic doll pattern. Cotton is much better for this than wool. I have body – isn’t as floppy.

Even without a wire armature – it stands, well at this point it does, the center of gravity is still low.

eyes and nose before I finished the top of the head. The instructions are very similar to the previous doll. I paid for this pattern and the instructions were better written.

At first I thought this would stay a prototype. Then I realized, I want to turn this into Donna the baker. My friend Donna is an amazing baker and she has been so kind to Aytan. In the future, I need to sort of figure out the doll before I start. Here I made shoes to fit over the feet, it would be better to start with the shoe and work up, make the shirt while I am making the body.

The first chef hat was way to big, had to start over. Of course there is a Jewish Star, Donna never takes it off.

Donna has grey hair, she is a wonderful Challah baker.

from the back. The dress is made from wool leftovers. I had fun with a fancy stitch for the skirt.

Getting different angles

A closer look at the star.

The Challah bread, on a newly bought thrift store tray! Sure it could be larger, but I didn’t want it over power Donna.

No, she doesn’t have underwear, but I did remember to put my label on her.

I was going to give her to Donna today, but an emergency funeral is happening. (aren’t they all emergencies?) So next week, Aytan and I will go over to her house and give her her twin.

Leah

Puzzles

I won’t be watching, because I’m trying to imbibe the least amount of politics as I can, but Kudos to Johnson for inviting her and keeping the hostages in the news. Meanwhile the Cabal behind Biden (the senile man who eats ice cream while talking about serious issues) have decided that Hamas deserves a ceasefire without returning hostages. OH and the Huthis hit an American owned boat -crickets from America.

My friend gave me this crazy puzzle, its’ called 299 dogs and one cat. Can you find the cat? Took me a while. I of course was using the picture to put this puzzle together. Did’t take long.

Then I handed it one to my son – they don’t look at the picture. Within a day he sent me this:

Cameron had figured out that the border dogs all had a wide white edge (he may have looked at the picture – so that really got them going.

A few days later – it’s done! Julie just gave me three more puzzles, One is a puzzle I think they have already done. I’m not interested in it – they can pass it on through their puzzle porch – which is a lending library for puzzles rather than books

A friend gave me this a few years ago, I finally have started.

Going well, I have trained my eyes to see the pieces – practice makes everything easier.

Leah

Ragatha -(I think)

“Although the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, police said Friday that Abdulkareem was a former patient of the dental office. Investigators added there is no indication “at all” that the incident was a hate crime.”

This is what our media does – a minority person is murdered – hate crime! A Jew is murdered – oh some disgruntled patient – who probably was never treated by this young man – since he just joined this family practice. I’m not calling victim here – I’m just pointing out – as Jews – we live in a different world – not by our choice but by the choice of those who hate us.

I’ve been wanting to make an amigurumi doll. I found this free pattern, decided to start here.

I worked with the yarns I have on hand.

At this stage I sent a picture to Shira. She immediately said it looks like one of her favorite anime characters, Ragatha.

Shira then asked if I made this for Einav. No, I just made it. So I told her – you can have her!

She is sort of floppy, which is why I photographed her on the grass.

Her she is from the back.

I found a frog charm, Shira really likes frogs.

Not a great picture, but I got her stand up by The Rock.

Do you think she likes her??? Yes, she loves her. We briefly discussed her Talit bag for her Bat-Mitzvah in late summer. She mentioned my using a frog charm as the zipper pull – what a great idea. She like purple and rainbow (as seen in this shirt) I told her – no rainbow, but shade of purple will be a lovely idea.

Leah

Its my Birthday

I wish I could stop posting these, but I can’t, antisemitism isn’t going anywhere and the hatred only grows.

But it was my birthday this past week, so celebrations happened – not too many pictures, because I was busy living life.

On Saturday, Marsha brought this beautiful homemade cake to the Minyan. It was a very big hit. Chocolate and marzipan. By the end there was just a very small sliver left.

Then it was down to the desert for a few days with friends. the backdrop looks fake, but it isn’t it is very real.

The women took a daily walk in the neighborhood. There is a murder of crows at one specific house, not sure why. We suspect a buried body.

We also walked along El Paseo in Palm Desert. There is something so wonderful about shopping with girlfriends, going into high end shops and just browsing, I did buy a kitchen tool at William Sonoma – a friend bought a cute sweater – but really it was just fun to wander freely through the shops – no time limits -no stress.

This was from the fancy dinner. Which was lovely. the night before there was a less fancy dinner, but it was great as well.

The special dessert.

More chocolate, yummy and so rich, everyone got a bite. One of the couples had just come back from Costa Rica where they learned that without mosquitoes there is no chocolate. Finally learned why we have those nasty critters.

One couple was staying at Shadow ridge, we had brunch there before driving home. You know me, I love mosaics!

Another friend sent me this adorable knitting kit. With everything I need to make a hat and a cowl. As cute as the needles are, I will use my own circulars – I haven’t knit on straight needles in years and if I am making a hat – it really doesn’t make sense.

And that is that, another year around the sun and it’s been a good one.

Leah

Another museum!

Also, how much money is being paid to these people to come out 4.5 months later. And many have no clue what happened on Oct. 7. They stepped into the river after that and have no interest in real history. It just feels good to be openly antisemitic – even if some of them say they just care about Palestine. That is all an excuse.

On a rainy day I drove by the flags that the city of Beverly Hills put up honoring the fallen in Israel on Oct 7. One flag for each dead person, mostly Israeli, but representatives of 70 other nations as well. While many cities waste their time with resolutions calling for ‘ceasefire’ (meaning Israel must lose) BH does the right thing and honors the real victims. Bless this city.

Did I mention the kids are over pictures. I think my eyes are closed as well. We went to the Peterson automotive museum on a rainy Presidents day. Us and a few thousand other people who had the same idea. This area is cars from movies. The kids did enjoy seeing a car from Cars.

How about that paint job!

Of course, Einav loved the pink car.

Thank goodness for the kids room, where they could touch and play.

building with lego.

Then racing them down the track.

Playing with hotwheels!

Some of the old cars, that I love

Style, color and design.

Leah

A visit to a museum

The left has been trying to segregate us forever by skin color, nationality or religion. Turns out there are good people – regardless of that shit.

My birthday is coming up. So my son suggested we go to the Norton Simon. My favorite museum of all in the LA area (next is the Huntington).

Although Yishai doesn’t remember this. When he was about three, I had a book of shapes colors, numbers. All the images were fine art. While looking at the book, I see that for the number three this is the painting, by Zuberon. So I took the book and him to the Norton Simon and we looked at this painting. Didn’t do much else. So I can’t blame him for not remembering. But he did want to come here – so it must have been in his subconsciousness.

I miss being a docent, but most museums are so woke these days. Although the Norton Simon isn’t – they only hire professionals. At least I have grandkids to share my love of art with. Eyal really enjoyed looking at art.

Einav counting the fish, Eyal at 6 had more patience. Which is fine.

I’m not a fan of modern art, although it is hard to call Braque modern these day. Yes, Eyal saw musical instruments, some that weren’t there – like a piano.

They do have a nice garden, and Einav did love running around.

I could hav spent more time. But it was about the kids. We did go downstairs to see the Indian and Asian art, the next day when I asked Eyal, he remember the ‘head looking in all directions’ A four faced God. And the people with multiple arms. Which is why you show kids art from other cultures – the strangeness of it sticks in their mind.

The kids are over smiling for cameras. Which is who they are. They are very cute, and I’ll take them without smiling for cameras

We stopped at a playground so they could get some energy out. There I saw a one legged girl who was hopping and climbing all over the place. I spoke to her parents, they were enjoying CA sun – since they live in Minnesota. They have 4 kids, two older boys, this girl and her twin sister. The mom just said she lost the leg at birth – oy. But since she never had the leg she is just living her best life. I wondered it because of that her center of gravity is different – so she can hop on on leg – something that people who lose a leg latter in life can’t really do. Anyway, the mom thanked me for coming over and talking and not just staring at her.

Then it was back through the Arroyo to have dinner in town – lovely way to start off the birthday celebrations.

I’m on a puzzle kick right now. Sharing between Elk and my friend Julie.

This one is from Elk and going off to Julie. It was a very satisfying puzzle. not hard at all.

Leah

Stringing pearls

Miracles happen, even though most take a lot of very hard work and in this case, two soldiers died rescuing these two men. Which is why I don’t wear the Bring them home Dogtags. I want the hostages home very much, but the families are willing to pay too high a price. In other words – anythings. Which gives Hamas the cover to demand so much more than what the losing side should. We released 1000 prisoners for one Soldier – Gilad Shalit. One of those was Haniya Sinwar – who is the architect of Oct 7. I too would want anything in return for a kidnapped relative. But what is being asked is future hostages. It’s a hard ask. So the war will continue, and more soldiers will die. And that is the life of Israel right now.

For many years now we have been told that hate is very very bad. That didn’t make hate go away. What happened instead is that once Antisemitism became acceptable again – it exploded everywhere – especially in the West. I’m proud of everyone who fights back, I’m proud of every non Jew who stands with us. I have my own level of hate for Jews who stand against Israel – from the ultra Orthodox Neutai Karta who side with people who would murder them in a moment. To the far left -whos’ progressive religion is more important than the Jews. Such is our life these days.

I have many talents that I have cultivated over the years. And yet, I keep learning. A friend came back and asked me to Serge some items for her. I did it gladly, then she mentioned that she is looking to restring some pearls. I can do that. And I did.

I bought a new tool, an electric bead reamer. I have tried to use my manual one – it’s a piece of garbage.

I know that it is much better to be able to string the first and last pearl twice- rather than have the last knot after the last pearl. So I took my time and ordered an electric reamer.

I tried it first with a glass bead – easy peasy. Then I moved on to the pearls. Nature is so much stronger than man-made. Yes, I had my little bowl of water, because the reamer heats up quickly and must be cooled down often. Here you can see that I reamed through. It took a long time, and often the reamer would stop, because I could feel the pearl getting hot. So I only reamed three pearls. Although I was advice to have at least 2 pearls with double cord, I gave up.

the first two pearls with double cord!!! Yay! I made a knot between the first two, then a knot after the second, put a dab of glue and cut the short tail.

Not a great photo. In my research I found a YouTube that gives really good instructions on getting the knot tight. A problem I often have had. There are one or two points were the knot could have been closer to the pearl – but only I know where that is.

I am thrilled with how smoothly this has worked.

Beautifully done!

Don’t look closely at my neck! The pearls though – are great!

Ready to give to my friend to mail off to her daughter. Yes, I will do this for friends. Other people, I’ll charge you.

Leah

The Beach

Two soldiers leaving Gaza, the one facing us, is Jewish Rudy, he is hugging his Muslim soldier friend goodbye. This steams the world more than anything – unity, not division – which is what our elites want – divide and conquer.

Another thing they’d love to hide, the respect between Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs, singing this wonderful song at the Grammys. Initially all I heard was ‘cultural appropriation’. Turns out Luke paid full royalties, Tracy won best song writer at the Country music awards and they clearly like each other. But our naysayers hate that, hate the fact that normal people get along. More of this please. Btw, I first heard Tracy in the late 80s’ and was amazed by her voice and songs.

Finally, got Westley to go down to the beach with me. Cameron stayed home. It was so wonderful to be back at the beach, seeing the waves brake over the Redondo Beach breakwater. Not quite as high as during the storm.

I bet the girl volleyball players even came out in the rain. But now, they get some sunshine.

I love the ocean! so peaceful and relaxing.

We weren’t the only ones enjoying the beach. This is Naya, a cute puppy who came down to the beach for the first time.

We ended up collecting garbage on the beach. filled the bag full. Every little action helps.

Back at the house, I drew with Cam. He has some wonderful books, and I followed instructions.

Very good instructions.

I tried for the anime girl as well, I don’t think it is as good as the boy. Then I sent these to Shira – who now has a phone. She was very impressed, she does a great job of drawing anime.

Leah

Learning new skills and a day trip

Go watch this video, the amazing Douglas Murray being interviewed. Things have gotten very depressing. Biden wants Israel destroyed – because this war is inconvenient for him. most of the world openly hates us – so having this kind of champion makes all the difference. Although my social group has shrunk a lot, there are people that have never bothered mentioning what is going on. Should I think of their silence as a good thing or a bad thing? In my mind – it’s a bad thing. Because of the lockdowns I learned how few people will stand by my side – so I’m not surprised – just sad and amazed at those who do what is right.

I’ve never wanted to learn Mah Jong. I have my creative groups, the knitters, the stitchers. But when some very good friends asked me to join – sure because spending more time with good friends is really important.

Thank goodness for Westley – he has taught me so many games and how to strategically play them. So yes, there is a lot to learn. But like all the games I play with him, this one will keep my brain sharp. Oh, and I won the first game I ever played!!!

Chicken hawk, sunning in the neighborhood. He then flew up to a telephone pole. At this point he was eye level with me. Quite the beauty, but I wish the hawks and coyotes weren’t on my streets in the middle of the day. We have plenty of open spaces nearby

He is magnificent, he is beautiful, but as I said, plenty of space for him and the coyotes that aren’t on our streets. I hope he ate a squirrel and not someones’ cat.

My friend Julie mentioned a nice restaurant up in Santa Ynez. Lets go! It was a full day trip – so fun.

Cute little town and thankfully the rain came a few days later. It really is wonderful to be able to take a day with friends and go on a mini vacation.

This isn’t where we ate. Just a cute sign. We at at Bar La Cote, a lovely seafood restaurant in Los Olives. The food was great, the company lovely and the service! That is one thing that the lockdowns destroyed – service. It was so nice to have a lovely lunch with really nice service.

We popped into Solvang, the clouds are gathering! Solvang is a cute Danish town, but it is getting rundown. Sure, it’s midweek in the winter. But a lot of stores are closing. Thank you Grusom for destroying California.

The little mermaid in America.

the Kitsch is still here.

We stopped for a Danish and coffee and then drove home. A full day of fun.

The next day, clouds gathering in Hermosa Beach. Since then, we have had 24 hours of very hard rain. Now it is raining, but not bad. The sun will return, if not tomorrow, the next day.

Leah

Framed!

Thank you to the city of Beverly Hills. As the war drags on – it is no less hard then it was when it all began. Most people have moved on, except for the Jews and those that hate us. The hostages are still not released. I wonder how many are still alive. Turns out UNRWA, the UN organization that is dedicated only to the Palestinians – actively participated in Oct. 7. Of course they have been part of brainwashing their youth for over 50 years to hate Israelis and Jews, or maybe its’ the opposite – first the Jews – then the Israelis.

meanwhile, at home:

I laced up Solomons Temple.

I’m embracing the imperfections. I didn’t block this, I didn’t mark off exact lines. I love it – it is handmade by me, maybe I can see where it is a little off- but that is just me.

Went to the framers. This is not one to order online. We tried out a number of frames. I forgot to get a picture of the bright red one – awful, made the red completely dominate – and that isn’t something I need.

Too much texture in this frame – it competes with my work.

Like the dark brown trees that frame the building, this dark frame works. yes, there is texture – but in this case it compliments – doesn’t detract. Can’t explain why, just is.

Here it is, on the wall and I am loving it!!!

Leah