Into the Void

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

The boys' father returned from Cameroon and is not expected to leave until late July, so I'll have help for a month or so.

The boys finished school and are home lounging about for the summer. Today we went to the library (which was packed!). I have been playing games (Monopoly, Connect4, etc.) with them and doing arts & craft hour and doing strength exercises and stretching. We go as a family of four to run around the little lake Monday-Friday before breakfast.

Today, I assigned Minisculus the task of designing and ink a tattoo on my left shoulder using tattoo pens I got for the purpose. Minor had a bookmark project for the library to do.

Minisculus needs new shoes. Again. I do believe I spend most of my life unloading the dishwasher and buying shoes for little boys. Wednesdays are shopping days so we'll do it tomorrow. But, you know, you have to take him which is always an extreme stressor.

Not much exciting. I was underwhelmed mostly by some craft supplies I got from Stationary Pal, but I did enjoy watching the package on the tracker journey from China to my doorstep. I did make 4 cards for the boys' teachers and bus driver. I got some white flowers on transparencies but I can't figure out how to get the backing off (or if it comes off), and something I thought was a magazine of stickers turned out to be a tiny packet, mostly of movie quotes I would never in a million years put on a collage.

The BTS greatest hits album Proof arrived. I am going to keep the CDs for the car. I do want to listen to the whole thing through (as SUGA recommends) The rest of my BTS stuff (ARMY bomb, magazines, keychains, notebook, albums) are in a box in the closet. I actually need slightly larger box because it won't close due to the ARMY bomb, so that's on the list for tomorrow, too. Sigh.

That's all I got. Hope everyone is doing okay.

Comments

[smallhobbit]

I can remember when I seemed to be buying shoes every six weeks! I presume everyone had the same idea about the library. And I like the idea of you encouraging the boys with craft projects.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yeah, the boys' father showed me Minisculus' shoe this morning and there's a big fat hole in the toe I hadn't noticed. I was, like, 'Damn!' I thought we might have to do it before school started but it isn't going to wait that long.

Yes, Arts & Craft Hour is a going to be a thing. I just have to brainstorm a list of things. Like Brownies and Dare to Drabble, I suppose!

Yesterday was a federal holiday so the library was closed so, yeah, everyone had the same idea! It was 100x more crowded (for mid day on a Tuesday) than normal.

[malinaldarose]

Some of those stickers are a bear to get apart. I saw a TikTok video where the woman recommended creasing a corner or edge, then she says you can get the tip of those really sharp tweezers (if you have a pair) into the raised section of the crease once you flatten it out again. Didn't work for me, though. I generally just roll them until they come apart...or I give up.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Holy cow! This worked. Thank you so much! I stuck a pin (safety pin) in the side and it worked like a charm. This was after I mutilated one trying to split it with my fingernails. I am so relieved. I was so disappointed I couldn't get the thing to work at first and since everyone on Youtube seems to do it so easily and gracefully, I thought there was something wrong with me. I might actually buy more of these now that I've figured it out. Thank you, thank you. I've done so many. Tomorrow will be a bumper crop o' collage.

[malinaldarose]

I'm glad it worked for you! I get the impression that the people who do it on camera already have it loosened, so they can just peel it back -- cheating!

[firecat]

Should I tempt you with a new source of washi tape I found?

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yes, please!

[firecat]

https://www.paperblanks.com/en/catalog/washi-tape/

[malinaldarose]

Wow -- those are gorgeous!

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Ooo! Very nice. All those notebooks and pencil boxes look like fun gifts too. I think I shall plan an order with that in mind :) Thank you for alerting me!!

[dr_zook]

I've been living with a kid for a few years, so I really applaud your entertainment program!! Ha, did you like the tattoo? :)

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Yes, I think a daily Exercise Hour, Arts & Crafts Hour, and Game Hour will stay. It's enough structure and expectation. And we can adjust given the day.

I liked the blue flower. I wasn't so keen on MOM scratched above it but that faded first thankfully. Minor did his own today, a crossed pair of swords!