25 October 2006
American pansies, these. Because that's where I am. I saw these blooming up out of the fallen leaves and thought, 'How amazing. It's practically freezing, and they still survive.' And then I picked them.
There's a lot to do when you move to another country. So far I've bought an electric kettle (phew) and set up my new computer, which arrived this afternoon. It's a fantastic machine, and the monitor is slightly unbelievable. A 24" wide screen -- definitely the biggest I've had the pleasure to use, and it'll be perfect for working on book covers.
Later, I have to try to set up a bank account. I've got loads of statements and printed matter from my UK bank, so I can prove to them I'm worth their time. Getting the money from one place to the other will be trickier, though, because apparently nobody ever has to move funds between countries in a timely, affordable manner.
And also I need to be approved for a mortgage, and then I should probably find a house to buy (I'm staying with my parents at the moment).
And then I'll get a haircut. Possibly before the house thing.
Yay! I'm glad you got to the other side of the world all safe and sound. Is it really freezing there already? Have a good time settling in, and make sure to post everything you buy from Target so that I may live vicariously through your purchases...
posted by Joy at October 25, 2006 10:36 PM
Welcome back, Anna! I hope things settle down very quickly.
posted by Mariko at October 25, 2006 11:21 PM
welcome back to the US! I wanted to tell you I got my preordered copy of The Crafter's Companion in the mail today (UK-CA in record time!) and it is glorious. what beautiful work--i am blown away at the care taken to explore the inspirations of each contributor, and the wonderful projects. congratulations and thank you for bringing it into the world of craft books!
posted by Nancy at October 26, 2006 12:15 AM
Hi Anna, I, too, got my Crafter's Companion and am really excited. It's soooooo lovely. I'm skimming right now while the kids are awake and will delve deeper when they are asleep. Thank you for having the inspiration and the follow through--a job well done. P.S. Did you notice Mariko has a halo in the leaves above her head --a crafting angel.
posted by michelle at October 26, 2006 02:47 AM
Do you think if I haven't yet received my book (I'm in London) that I should start to worry? I'm so sad! I know Royal Mail can sometimes be slow...
posted by Joy at October 26, 2006 09:00 AM
Hi Anna
I received my book this morning from Amazon.
It is SOOOOO lovely. The photographs are fantastic and it is like meeting up with friends again (I read most of the blogs).
You'll have to plan another one... The Crafter's Companions's best friend.....
I'm going to be speaking to Krys (Stitch In Time) and Kylie (Antique Angel) later and make sure they have a copy......
Good luck settling in.
Lesley
posted by Lesley McCormick at October 26, 2006 11:39 AM
Dear Anna--I was thinking of you the other day, knowing it was your moving day. I hope you're settling in well and haven't forgotten how to speak Minnesotan :) Best wishes kiddo and keep in touch.
posted by Laura Phillips at October 26, 2006 07:43 PM
I love pansies!! in portuguese, the pansie is called "amor perfeito", which means "perfect love"... Its the most beautiful name a flower can have...
posted by Anita at October 26, 2006 11:30 PM
First, welcome back to the states!
Second, there was a bit of joy in my mailbox today and I'm so happy to have it. I would like to purchase a second copy to use as a giveaway on my blog.
Really, it's just lovely. I can't wait to eat it all up.
posted by Heels at October 27, 2006 02:07 AM
received crafter's companion today. oh, thank you! thanks to all of the girls, that took part in this project! haven't read the book yet, but i was so very very touched when just browsing through it. one can sure feel the big love and passion that has been put into it.
although i read blogs of the girls almost every day, the book brings completely other feelings. that is something, that you can feel and touch by hand and it makes the virtual blog world real. it made me cry tears of hapiness really! :)
that is a wonderful thing to know that there are people on the planet earth, that create sweet and magic things. i believe crafting makes us more human and it helps to spread the love around!
thank you once again! you've done a wonderful job! :)
posted by decorabbit at October 27, 2006 07:29 PM
Hi Anna! Welcome back to the the states! I just wanted to say that I, as well, have received my pre-order of the Crafter's Companion and it is truly lovely! I haven't even thought of attempted a thing yet, but I've been reading through it page by page over tea and cookies the past few days. I think the projects are going to have to wait after Christmas, when I can splurge on something cool for myself. Or perhaps some of Cassi's scarves for my girlfriends for the holidays? Hmmmm...anyways, brava lady ;)
posted by geek+nerd at October 28, 2006 01:52 AM
Hi Anna! I received my pre-ordered Crafter's Companion last friday. What a wonderful book. Congratulations! I love it!
I wish you a great new live back in the US.
xx
posted by Gisela at October 30, 2006 09:18 AM
Welcome back to Minnesota! I'm hoping that my Crafter's Companion will get here soon. (Expect a package in the mail...I know I promised it ages ago and it's long overdue. I hope you like it anyway!)
posted by sara at October 30, 2006 02:13 PM
Minnesota is lucky to have you back, Ms. Anna. And I'm glad you picked the pansies: if Mnpls is anything like Moorhead today, they'd be frozen solid by now.
Welcome home.
posted by Jennifer at October 31, 2006 03:48 AM
I got my copy in Sydney Australia. Halloween afternoon. The best craft book of the year. Just lovely.
posted by Judy- Craftaroo at October 31, 2006 06:24 AM
Suddenly realised it was November, and then panicked, "wasn't Annaq moving in October?!". So so sorry I missed the move, wanted to wish you well, wanted to make you a card, wanted to send you a leaving gift...
I'm ever so slightly getting on top of things again, but clearly not quite as on top as I'd hoped. So lovely to see your pics of the US and for you to be blogging so quickly after the move, you're amazing.
I'm trying to only look at each fave blog once a month as time is slipping into winter and I have lots and lots to do on the house. Night temp was below zero last night so I'd better crack on.
Email me your parents address, or your address when you get a house, so I can still post you a package. Happy house hunting.
posted by cally at November 2, 2006 03:56 PM