Something practical and something inspirational

My day has been split between fun and watching something truly inspirational.

So starting with the fun! I have finally made something practical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Simple things make me happy. Here it is, a little frog pincushion. It was ridiculously easy to make, and I think quite cute?

I made two versions: one which was sewn on to the lily pad; and one which stuck to the lily pad with magnets.

The magnet one works....if you don't flail your hand. If you flail your hand it rains cats and frogs....

But you can use the lily pad as a pincushion on its own and the frog as a stationary pin cushion so all is not lost even though my magnets are a bit rubbish.

If anyone is interested I can put together a tutorial; he was scarily simple to make.

Now moving on tho the inspirational. My brother sent me this link for a talk by Randy Pausch called The Last Lecture. If you haven't heard about Randy he is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who is also struggling against pancreatic cancer. The lecture is about achieving your childhood dreams, but more than that its a guide to living, a guide that makes you want to be better, have fun, and more than anything learning to appreciate and love those around you.

I found it completely inspiring, you don't realise how much we just move through life without really thinking about making ourselves and those around us happy. If you have a free hour, use it watching this. It has genuinely altered me, which is truly astonishing.

I also watched his lecture on Time Management which is a great condensed guide, with all the best bits from 7 habits and the 1 minute manager perfected. Its like a crash course in leadership, business and achievement. I think its relevant for everyone and really pulls out some crucial life lessons that mean you have more time to have fun!

I was moved a lot watching them both, but wow did I learn. One of Randy's objectives was to help others realise their childhood dreams, and I for one definitely feel more on that path! 

Comments

[Anne]

I just love your designs. If you can find the time, please write down the pattern for the frog pincushion. It's adorable. Thanks.

[Rabbit]

I agree, it's so adorable especially with the lily pad addition.

[Gina]

So adorably cute! AND useful!

[mille]

I am so amazed by all the cutsie little things you make! You are great at getting the different characteristics right! But where do you buy the eyes??

[Queen Bee]

I love love love this little frog! So cute. I'd love to see a tutorial for this please!!!

[Tara]

I third the request for a tutorial. I adore that froggy pin cushion, and I'd love to make one myself.

[Tricia]

Another great plushie!!! I just love it!!
Two Thumbs Up!!!

[SilverNimbus]

it's adorable! A pattern would be greatly appreciated!

[Sheila]

I love your patterns! I made a greek tortoise and he is one of my favorite projects! I'd love to make a frog pin cushion too, if you have the time to make a tutorial I'd be so grateful!

[donna]

Thanks for pointing me to Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. I really needed to hear that. What a remarkable legacy for his children!

[karrie]

Have mercy! It is so cute it hurts. And the magnet is genius. I would love a tutorial!!

[kelebek]

Oh gosh that is so cute! If you have the time to do the tutorial me and my frog loving best friend would appreciate it!

[Idoru]

hi, i've been admiring your designs for quite some time now - you're amazingly talented!

i'd love to make a little frog pincushion (he looks soooo cute!), so if you found the time and put together a tutorial for him, i'd be really delighted...

[even-star]

excellent!

[isabelle]

What do you mean "if anyone is interested" ? Are you kidding us ?!?!

[Tasha]

Joining the ranks of the "interested." This would make a fantastic present or just to keep for myself. Adorable!

[Tricia McDonald]

Oh, the cuteness! That is fantastic. :)

[Heather]

Please post the tutorial. I love all things frog and would love to add this little critter.

[Lauren VanSickle]

i loveloveLOVE your crocheted work!

[clare]

i also have been admiring your work for a long time, you just perfectly capture their cuteness
oh wow he is soooo adorable !!! i would love to make one :)

[val]

pattern? YES YES YES! Thanks! I love your stuff.

[val]

pattern? YES YES YES! Thanks! I love your stuff.

[Tabitha]

cute cute cute.

[LizzyJo]

This is so cute! I would live to see a tutorial when you have the time! This combines three of my most favorite things, Crochet, Ami, & Sewing!

[LizzyJo]

This is so cute! I would live to see a tutorial when you have the time! This combines three of my most favorite things, Crochet, Ami, & Sewing!

[Donna]

Thanks for pointing us to Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. It is life-altering.

[Cocoa]

I think I may have left a comment on this over at Ravelry, but I still think this little guy is adorable and practical!
By the way, you've been tagged as one of my favorite bloggers. Don't feel obligated to participate as I know you are very busy. But I wanted you to know I enjoy reading your blog and seeing all your work! :o)

[Michelle]

ohh please post the pattern. he is adorable.

[Monique]

pllllleaze I would appreciate it if you'd go through the trouble of tuting this cuty!

[Claudette Hill]

I love your work!!! I also love the little pin cushion and the polar bears and the little fuzzy begging dog.Especially. Would love to see tutorials for these three things.

[Donna]

I just found your blog and I LOVE your stuff - so cute! It's so nice that you are generously sharing your patterns with us. Thank you!

[Denise]

If you are not convinced yet .. yes a tutorial would be great!!
THat is too cute to pass up!

[Mindy]

He is flippin adorable!!!

[susan]

put me on the list for wanting a tute!! i would love to make one of these for my girlfriend that loves frogs and one for me!!!
he's adorable!

[Katja]

Very very adorable. HOw would one go about getting a tutorial? Cheerio from Down Under.

[Kristi]

Yes, please post the pattern. (Say that three times fast.) My sister is a frog freak and I'd love to learn to crochet and make one for her.

[tatiana]

I think it would be a lot easier to ask if anyone's NOT interested in a tutorial. Anyone with a shred of heart or brain can see that frog's just amazing!

[rouli]

très jolie bravo

[Ssan]

oh I just love your little frog.. Please do a tutoral I would LOVE to make one myself How clever you are. Good for you 2 thumbs up!

[SHIRLEY]

I love your little frog on its lily pad and am waiting impatiently for your tutorial. I want to make one for my daughter.

[Ruby]

This little green one ist so cute!!...please put down a tutorial.

[christine]

i love and I like if you make a tutorial

[zabacorporation]

The frog's absolutely stunning! You have my admiration:-) Go on