Whimsy & Delight

Taking A Nap

2008-06-11T14:43:00.002-06:00

This blog is temporarily closed as of June 2008. We hope to be back at the end of the summer, energized and ready to share more snippets of life.

My Life...

2008-06-08T11:58:00.004-06:00

is about to get a whole lot busier. After looking off and on at houses for the past year, we have finally found one we like and are moving (just up the road a bit) next month. So now my attention has turned to packing and decluttering and staging our current home for (hopefully) a quick sale. Our new home will be a project house. Many, many things to fix and improve. Yes, folks, Jim will be laying more hardwood in the new house. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it. It's like George Jetson running on the treadmill. That seems to be the state of our lives these days. It's hard to believe that the peanut patty is now 3 months old. She's at that cute, squishy stage.
We are having so much fun together. She and I ventured out to a local antique mall the other day and picked up this vintage nightlight for her nursery.
Jessi sent us another surprise package: a darling name plate with scrabble tiles and all kinds of girly, fairyland trinkets. Isn't it just darling?! I love how she painted the stand with blue and pink and the peely effect. Yes, dear Jessi...you most definitely should open an etsy store. Your creations are perfectly wonderful and sweet. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift. We love it and will treasure it!
I also want to thank all you generous and talented artsy women out there who have visited my humble blog over the past year. Your comments have encouraged me and supported me more than you will ever know. And thank you for sending all of your baby love toward my daughter. Jim and I are soaking in this precious time with her. It's moving by very quickly. In the great pie chart of life, I am now focusing on a different wedge. I know there will be a time when I can focus more on blogging and creating, but for now, I must sign off and focus on getting our family moved and settled in. (Oh dear, our beloved 14 year old cat just lost her upper canine. Time to find a good cat dentist!) I know I will be back at some point. Until then though, be well, be happy, and have a wonderful summer!

Squeezin' In Some Crafting

2008-05-12T21:49:00.006-06:00

If you live in a state that had Recollections, a paper crafting store (much like Archiver's) that was a subsidiary of Michaels, you might have been surprised that they closed all their stores earlier this year. There have also been two wildly popular scrapbooking stores in the Dallas area that have sadly closed their doors. What to make of all this? Are we indeed in a recession? Is scrapbooking a fad that's on its way out? Are the WalMarts, Targets and Hobby Lobbys making it difficult for others to compete? Personally, I think that we've all shopped ourselves into satiation. Our craft rooms are bursting at the seams. I know that my quest to purchase the latest and greatest new sparkling supplies has surpassed my need to create. So while I'm sad to see all these wonderful stores close shop, I know that the universe is karmically helping me to "shop" in my own craft room and use my own plethora of supplies. But then...(sigh)...there is the Internet. And Candice Carpenter's fabulous new website/shoppe Peacoats and Party Hats.
Before I could say "Stop the Madness" my finger double clicked on this cute Birthday banner. Candice is a genius at putting together the cutest craft projects. I love that her kits are relatively simple, i.e. doable, and they don't contain a thousand moving parts.
Candice's banner was so much fun to put together and I was easily able to incorporate a few embellishments from my personal stash.
Can't wait to decorate with this banner for a certain someone's birthday next year. Hopefully, the MousePie will approve.

Favorite Childhood Toys

2008-04-29T15:18:00.007-06:00

Thank you Scrappy Jessi for being our lovely hostess for today's post: Favorite Childhood Toys. I grew up in the 70's and loved all things related to Snoopy and Hello Kitty. I carried a purse that was filled with Snoopy pads and colored pencils and Hello Kitty papers and erasers. Of course, like our hostess, I was a huge fan of Barbie and all her peeps. I had the Farrah Fawcett doll and the Marie Osmond doll along with Barbie, PJ, the obligatory Ken, and a host of others. None of them escaped the scissors, except for Ken who was saved by his plastic molded hair. I also had a love affair with all things miniature: plastic farm animals, Liddle Kiddles, Weebles, and Fisher Price people. I spent hours playing with these tiny Disney characters. As you can see, they are scratched up a bit but I'm so glad that I still have them. (My parents' house and all our belongings burned when I was four years old so I have only a few cherished toys and even fewer childhood photos.) As for outside play, I loved my Big Wheel and my red Hippety Hop, but nothing was more exciting than playing in the treehouse or exploring at Grandma's farm or making mudpie pizzas in the street and watching cars run over them. One year, I decided to start my own business - a Shrinky Dink Club. I made Shrinky Dinks all afternoon and then wrote a letter describing what you would get, for a nominal fee, if you joined The Shrinky Dink Club. I was so excited about this idea. Each member would receive new Shrinky Dinks every month. I packaged about ten of these envelopes and then took off on my bike, placing the sacred envelopes in random mailboxes. Oddly, I never received any orders.
Oh, and I loved the Upsy Downsy characters shown here. These were kind of related to Liddle Kiddles but more on the funky, psychedelic side.
Probably more than anything though, I loved any kind of imaginary game. My older brother and I engaged in rich imaginative play where our dog, Sniffles, was the General in a make-believe army and we, The Doggies, had to fight off various foes who all had special powers. Before we engaged in our battles, we, the Sniffles Club, convened in the garage. My brother was the President of the club; alas, I was only a mere member. Anyway, the Sniffles Club met on a regular basis and we had secret rituals. For example, before we could begin our battles, we had to sing the opening song, then we conducted our business, then we battled/played, then we sang our closing song. And believe it or not, I can still, to this day, remember the words to those songs. We never told one adult about the Sniffles Club. Ever. Wow. I hope Baby A has as much fun in the magical world of play as I did. So many wonderful memories. Thanks Jessi for taking us down memory lane!

What Can I Say?

2008-04-22T20:35:00.009-06:00

I've been hypnotized by an 11-pound peanut patty, which is my excuse for not making a post in so long. Well, that reason coupled with the fact that my life, which is pretty much about baby bliss and mind-numbing sleep deprivation, does not make for the most artfully scintillating fodder these days. I considered blogging about my blocked milk duct (Oh, the adventures of breast feeding!) but decided to spare you guys the ugly truth. Honestly, I've been trying to find my groove in this new life of mine and have been at a loss on what to post about. But, when my mail lady arrived today with this package from one of the sweetest girls in blogland, I knew I had my post.Jessi, I am speechless. This is such a wonderful surprise...Look at all this pink, yummy goodness.
Check this out. Jessi has her own custom tags and buttons. Adorable!
She included one of the cutest custom tags from the talented Kris Hurst. I can't believe Jessi was willing to part with it...I love the pixie holding her balloons.
Oh my goodness! A bling bling princess crown pacifier holder! So fun. So precious. So Jessi.
And...oh, I cannot believe this...an adorable black and pink tutu dress. Wow!!! This is so cool. I love it all! I feel like Jessi is preparing Amelie for Silver Bella. The peanut patty was sleeping while I opened all of these goodies but I couldn't resist dressing her up. She couldn't quite keep her eyes open but I had a ball taking pictures of her. Jessi - you made my week, girlfriend. Thank you for your very generous and thoughtful gifts.

Things I've Learned As A New Mom

2008-04-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

Revelation #1: First, we have never experienced a love so powerful, so immediate, and so pure as the love we feel for our baby. Everyday with her feels like Christmas.

Revelation #2: Newborns make a lot of different sounds. If you close your eyes, you might think you are in a zoo rather than a nursery. She mews like a kitten, eeks like a dolphin, grunts like a pig, screeches like a monkey, and squeaks like a mouse...all in her sleep.

Revelation #3: Husbands (at least mine) can sleep through all of these noises while moms seem to be hardwired to listen and respond to every peep that comes from their sleeping noisemaker.
Revelation #4: Just because a baby has wet and/or pooped in her diaper doesn't mean that she can't wet and/or poop in her diaper again in the next five minutes and then again five minutes after that. (see Revelation #8)

Revelation #5: Babies don't smell like baby powder and baby lotion because they're wearing it; Baby powder and baby lotion were made to smell like the natural scent of babies. (Jim's Revelation)

Revelation "#6: The purple/black cord thingy makes both mom and dad a bit uneasy. It's been almost a month now and that little booger is still hanging on! Still hoping that Cosmo doesn't eat it like Miranda's cat on Sex In The City.
Revelation #7: When changing out the diaper, it is critical to immediately place a new diaper under the baby's bottom. (see Revelation #8)

Revelation #8: In the middle of changing out an explosive poo, note that additional projectile poo can be sprayed at least two feet from said baby's behind. (Yes, folks, I have cleaned bits of poo off our bedroom wall and off the dry-clean-only velvet curtains.)

Revelation #9: My embarrassing record of not bathing/washing my hair for five consecutive days (initially set years ago at summer camp where they only had communal showers) has now been broken. Gross, but true.

Revelation #10: Must. Sleep. Now.

Introducing...

2008-03-10T13:59:00.003-06:00

Amelie Sky August. Born March 4, 2008 at 3:55 PM, 6 pounds and 13 ounces, 18.9 inches long. Here she is!!! I feel like my heart has both melted and expanded with all the love I have for her. Jim and I are completely over the moon. I ended up having a C-section, but am now recovering at home and feeling pretty good. It just doesn't get any better than this. Will post when I can. Right now I'm running on fumes (baby scented) and bonding with the bunny.

3 Days Overdue...

2008-03-01T11:56:00.002-06:00

and still no baby. I am quite the emotional ball of nerves these days. Well meaning friends and family are calling on a daily basis to check my status and it seems to be adding to my stress. Jim is taking me for eggplant parmigiana for lunch (and I don't even like eggplant). I have been reading all of your comments and just have been completely blown to the moon with all the love and good wishes and kind thoughts you have been sending my way. I am very much a shy/introverted person and have just been overwhelmed (in the best way possible) from all the love and support I feel from each of you. Thank you all so much!!!

We've Come A Long Way, Baby

2008-02-19T20:23:00.012-06:00

I've always been a late bloomer, and didn't really consider getting married until I was in my mid-30's. After kissing more than a few toads (and a snake or two, for that matter), I found my prince and married him at the ripe ol' age of 39. We both wanted a family and knew we weren't going to waste any time in that department. Little did I know there would be a snag. Enter the world of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and the land of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

As a newlywed couple, we were faced with a daunting situation. (The statistics, for a girl my age, just aren't very optimistic.) And Jim (God bless that man!) certainly stepped up to the challenge of supporting me through, easily, the hardest thing I have gone through thus far. And so began the process of administering shots, egg retrieval surgeries, and a long emotional rollercoaster ride.

Long story short: Our first IVF cycle resulted in a pregnancy, but sadly, I miscarried early on. Our second cycle produced even fewer embryos - only two. But, happily I got pregnant again. I'll never forget the first time we heard the heartbeat. I think I was in shock. We were both crying and my doctor and nurse (heroes in my book) gave us big congratulatory smiles and hugs. The doc then asked, "So where do you two want to deliver?" And I remember thinking, "Deliver? Deliver what...a pizza?" It was just such awesome news I couldn't digest it right away. One of the two embryos below is our soon to be born daughter. I'm just amazed and humbled and so incredibly grateful.

I don't even have words to describe how happy, fortunate, and grateful I feel. We were lucky. So lucky. Many couples go through these treatments and don't end up with a baby of their own. Of course, there are many alternative ways to have a family and, believe me, I don't think any one way is "better" than another. This is a lifelong dream come true for us though and it truly feels like a miracle.

Some of the highlights of the infertility journey are:

Over 100 injections (in the thigh, stomach, and hip)
A fully stocked liquor cabinet that was quickly depleted by one stressed out husband
An extreme mix of faith and fear, high hopes and shattered dreams
Multiple runs to Costco for Kleenex for one emotionally distraught girl
Countless prayers and conversations with God (also some begging and pleading on my part)

Here is an excerpt from my journal:

Well, tonight was the night for the big Kahuna shot. An inch and a half needle! Poor Jim-a-loo...he is not a medical kind of person. He prepares the shot while I'm in the other room. (He told me later that's when he started getting nauseous.) The time has come. I walk into the medical room, aka kitchen, and say, "Put that shot behind your back...I don't want to see it!" He gets the ice pack and slaps it on my butt. "Longer...longer," I plead. Several minutes later, he plunges the needle in my rump, surprised at how easily the needle slides in. I'm doing okay. I can handle this, I think. I am a bad-ass-woman-hear-me-roar-type trying to protect the home and survival of my future specks. Until...I feel his hand leave the shot and now, (huh?), he's sitting on the kitchen chair.

"Jim, are you done?"
"No, baby." (long pause) "Just give me a second."
"What are you doing?," I say in a panicked voice, sweat beginning to bead on my forehead and upper lip.
No response.
"Is the shot dangling out of my ass?!!!" "What are you doing?!!!"
"Just hang on,", he says. "I'm about half-way done."
Oh, my God! This is starting to hurt. I moan. Now, I feel the thick medicine dispersing through my body. I think I am going to be sick. I hunch over the kitchen counter, with my weight on the non-shot leg, now sweating profusely. He pulls the needle out. I slump into the chair and immediately put my head between my knees. Jim staggers into the hallway and collapses onto the floor. He is drenched in sweat. I join him on the floor, stepping out of my fallen pants and collapse next to him. We did it.

And now here we are... just seven days from Baby A's due date. Thank you all so much for checking into my blog now and then, and for all the sweet comments you've left. (Many times I will delay reading your comments because I want to savor them like little jewels.) I'm very appreciative of our creative community - what a nice and fun and supportive group of people! This will probably be the last time I post until the bebe arrives. Wish me luck. Hope to be back soon!

Hospital Swag

2008-02-15T17:59:00.008-06:00

As my due date approaches, I thought it would be fun to prepare a few tokens of appreciation to hand out at the hospital, kind of a modern day cigar. For the past, oh...nine months or so, I've been doing something that is probably not in my best emotional/mental interest (other than eating French fries, peanut butter, and any dessert within a half-mile radius). I've been watching those birthing shows on the Discovery channel. I tell myself I'm "educating myself" but really I think I'm just working myself up into a lather on all the things that can go wrong. Like the epidural not working. The baby gets stuck in the birth canal. You get the drift. My husband just shakes his head at me. (In fact, I've caught him deleting several episodes off of Tivo because they were "too intense.") Anyway, what I've picked up on in these shows is how the labor and delivery nurses are the ones who seem to do most of the work and provide most of the care. The doctor just breezes in when the baby's head is crowning and does his or her thing, but the nurses are the ones who are around to encourage and support and, more importantly, page the anesthesiologist when it's time for drugs. Let's just say I want to have a nice, friendly relationship with my nurses.
One of my favorite gift ideas for someone I may not know very well is a really fun pen. I love these Tornado Retro 51 pens and have given them as gifts many times over the years. They come in all kinds of colors and designs. I actually buy them at a local store (at a better price) and keep them on hand in the gift closet. And they come in a cool metal tube with the motto, "Life's too short to carry an ugly pen."
Since Baby A should arrive in February, I thought a box of Mrs. Field's chocolates might be fun to give as well. I hope the hospital staff will enjoy these. They have such an important job and they affect so many people's lives (when they're at their most vulnerable!) that they deserve to be thanked and appreciated on a daily basis. If anyone deserves a little swag, they do.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T21:20:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone is indulging in a decadent treat tonight and enjoying time with your sweetie-pie, good friends, or even solo time with yourself.
Jim and I are avoiding the restaurant scene and picking up take-out instead. A low-key night at home. In fact, he is taking a little snooze on the couch as I write this. We are such live wires these days!
Even though I gave him a free pass this year because of all the home improvement craziness, the boy still came home bearing hot food, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, a little gift (amy winehouse cd), and a card with the sweetest sentiments written inside. This is our second year of marriage and we are still very much in the lovebird phase. If I had known married life could be so gratifying, I think I would have considered it years ago. So...James Andrew, thank you for being my valentine. xoxoxo, k.

Scenes From A Nursery

2008-02-12T21:02:00.008-06:00

Hello, Friends, Fellow Bloggers, and Artists! I'm still alive and pregnant, due to give birth any day now. Initially, my OB was going to induce me early next week (he'll be out of town the week of my actual due date), but that plan has changed. After doing some research on induction and the positive correlation with C-sections, we've decided to let Baby A choose her own birthday, that is, unless I gradually begin to dilate and show some progress in that area. It's been an interesting decision. There is no medical reason why I should be induced. Baby is doing fine. She's not too big. I'm doing fine. Part of me is very attracted to the idea of knowing when the big day will be and being able to rest the night before, arrive calmly at the hospital, etc. However, it's very important to us (for reasons I'll post about another time) that we avoid a C-section, so it looks like we are going to let things happen on their own schedule. For the last two days, she's been squirming and kicking like crazy. I feel like she's communicating with me and letting me know that she's pretty cramped in there and really wanting to busta' move and come out soon. Wishful thinking on my part perhaps.
Home improvement continues at a steady clip. We now have fluffy new carpet in two rooms and Jim is almost finished putting hardwood down in the family room. Thank you so much for all of the baby love and hardwood compliments. (I have passed your sweet comments on to one weary and exhausted husband.) Our motto now is: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." My parents have come to help me clean the house and my mom made the bed skirt for the crib. The fabric has images of classic fairy tales, so I guess that is sort of my theme. Or, maybe my theme is no theme...too much pressure, you know?

I did give this art piece by Cheryl Kuhn a place of honor. I really love her work.
This old creme colored hutch belonged to my Italian grandmother. It's pretty shabby and has been sitting in my garage, unused, for about nine years. The wood is warped and splintered, but yet I think it has a certain charm and the extra storage is useful. After putting out numerous bags full of stuff for FIVE consecutive weeks for donation pick-ups, I am really trying to utilize what I have instead of going out and buying something new. Vintage animals and the Mouse Family are ready to welcome Baby A to her new environment. I cannot believe I am about to become a mom. It still hasn't sunk in yet. And, I've got my girly, tactile-liscious Cake bag ready for diaper duty. A big THANKS to my Silver Bella buddy, Carmen for encouraging me to keep this over-the-top purchase. I do love it and this bag will have its own special place in the purse timeline of life. Well, folks, the tummy is tight as a tic and the nest is full of twigs. I'll let you know when the stork arrives!

Home Improvement Progress

2008-01-21T18:09:00.000-06:00

Well, I have the donation dispatch number on my speed dial now and they have made two pick-ups this months to the tune of oh, twenty-five plus large shopping bags full of stuff. This is the first layer of many I need to make, but at least I have started and made somewhat of a dent. The ridding of clutter can be a very emotionally painful as well as a joyfully freeing process. I am really feeling the pain and the cost of all that I have accumulated and am trying to "stay in the feeling" a bit so I don't go out and repeat the pattern. At some point, "stuff" keeps one from living and enjoying life, and that is certainly what happened to me. My creativity chakra was so incredibly blocked, it would have taken more than a box of laxatives to get me moving again. I want to spend more time doing and less time gathering, more time creating and less time shopping. I want to have less and use what I have. It occurred to me though that as we attend art retreats and make things, our creations do have to go somewhere. Collecting other people's art is always fun, but I'm not so keen on displaying my own. A bit of a conundrum. Perhaps, as I spend more time on my craft, I'll improve and eventually be able to sell some of my work. That's the goal anyway. I'm curious - what do you do with your creations? Is it all about having an etsy shoppe these days? If you are a part-time hobbyist, do you price your wares to make money or just to get them out the door?
To assist me through the tedium of this massive decluttering job, I ordered this audio book. What a great read...er...listen! (And I immediately sold it on Amazon when I finished in order to keep the feng shui karma clear.) Audio books are so wonderful when you're sifting through piles of rubble. Anyway, I digress...here are a few nuggets I have learned about myself these past few weeks.

1. I do not like to unpack from art retreats. Case in point: have just now unpacked supply bags from Art & Soul two years ago.
2. I will never have to buy adhesive of any type as long as I live. My unborn daughter will have enough adhesive to last her lifetime too.
3. I should have bought stock in EK Success since I have more Jolee's stickers than I care to admit. (They were just so darn cute when they first came out, dang it!)
4. I have a freakish and twisted addiction to vintage Christmas decorations (including shiny brites, plastic reindeer, and anything small, cute, or sparkly.
5. I am a sentimental girl, a nice way of saying "hard-core pack-rat." Case in point: found a box filled with Snoopy pencils, fruit shaped erasers, Hello Kitty stationary, and a plastic Farrah Fawcett fan club membership card from the 1970's!
6. My love for paper and ephemera has existed since childhood. Case in point: As a child, every time I flew in an airplane, I kept the what-to-do-in-emergency folder AND the barf bag. I have a whole collection of these things. Why did I want these??? Turns out, one of the barf bags is from Pan Am and my husband (aviation nut) says it might be worth something. Go figure.

I am trying not to beat myself up over all the excess accumulation and waste of time, money, and energy. (This painting from this cool girl always makes me smile.) I am making a conscious decision to be more of a producer and less of a consumer, a lifestyle change that I know will bring more joy into my heart.

As you can see above, the hubby is making good progress on the floor. Notice the unkempt hair, unshaven stubble, and maniacal grin on his face. (Yes, he admits...he would NEVER do this again.) We are crazy. We are possessed. He with the floors and me with my art room. Personal hygiene is suffering, people. But, it's all for a good reason: Baby A. One last photo to leave you with: a basket of vintage millinery flowers, lo and behold, I had more than I thought I did which makes me hap, hap, happy.

What?! Pregnant and Baking!

2008-01-10T17:16:00.000-06:00

Those who know me know that I'm a little behind the eight ball when it comes to domestic duties. I like to think it's because I was the fourth child and my mother lost any interest she might have had in teaching me how to cook or clean, but the truth is, I've never been that motivated to learn. It's actually quite embarrassing to not know how to perform simple tasks such as correctly sewing on buttons or say, baking a pie. It's never too late, right? At the ripe ol' age of 41, I baked my first pie. I am a true late bloomer in all respects. Yes, it looks like a 5-year old did it, but it tasted reaaaally good because it was made with lots of loooooove. The recipe is from my sister Caron, who was the only one in our family who received any domestic and culinary fairy dust. (The rest of us just eat out.) Here's the recipe:

Blackberry Pie

1 box piecrust
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 bag frozen blackberries (or go to Costco and buy fresh like I did)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon, lime or orange juice
vanilla ice cream

Follow the directions on the crust box. Mix together sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour berries into the crust. Pour sugar mixture over berries. Chop half the butter up into little pieces and sprinkle over berries. Pour lemon juice over berries. Cover with top crust. Sprinkle the rest of the butter over top crust. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, turn oven down to 350 and continue baking 45 minutes. This pie tends to overflow so place a larger pan on the oven shelf under your pie.

So, other than pretending to be June Cleaver, I've been in a big time nesting mode. I'm 33 weeks and the upcoming arrival of Baby A has led me into treacherous, shark-filled waters...yes, I'm cleaning my art room and it is not a pretty sight. I know many of you have tackled this dreaded project and, in fact, may be doing a little spring cleaning yourself these days. There's just something about January and new beginnings that makes us all want to hit The Container Store. Anyway, I've basically pulled everything out and am slowly sifting and sorting and trying to put only that which I need, love, and and use back in. The carnage is just too bloody to show you now, but in my frenzied excavating, I did find a sack of junking goodies that I had never unpacked- some vintage baby cards and gift wrap which I can use in Baby A's book. Yea! So that's a glimpse of what's happening in my neck of the woods: hardwood is being laid, art supplies are being sorted, organized, and donated, and there's a little bit of sweet pie thrown in the mix. Kinda boring, but kinda good too.

A Good Read

2008-01-01T12:51:00.002-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, I came across this little jewel of a book! In the same vein as Victoria's The Business of Bliss, Country Living has published Crafting a Business - Making Money Doing What You Love by Kathie Fitzgerald. Full of eye candy and inspiration, it showcases several artists/entrepreneurs (many whom we know and love) and how they came to do what they do. I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of this stuff. I wish someone would publish a monthly magazine that simply focused on following your dreams, how to start a business, and give plenty of examples of women doing just that, with lots of colorful, dreamy photos of course. I love to see how people live, their studios and shops, what drives them, what they are passionate about, and of course, how it all manifests in the world. And it all begins with a tiny thought, just a spark of an idea. Isn't it awesome that we have the power to create! Happy 2008, everybody, with wishes that you will be empowered this year to think big and create what your heart desires.

She's Gone Underground

2007-12-31T12:35:00.000-06:00

Well, my blogging habit (which was never all that great to begin with) has moved from the back burner to off the stove completely. The treadmill is going pretty fast these days and I'm struggling to keep up with life as I know it and preparing for a life I'm about to know in less than, oh, two months. (gulp!) Jim has finished laying hardwood in the study and is now leveling and sanding the living room floor. He's doing a great job, but it has been a slow process.We are definitely in worker bee mode - he with the floors and me with decluttering, organizing, and making lists of what we need for Baby A. We've signed up for Lamaze classes, breastfeeding classes, and baby care/CPR classes. From what our friends say, we'll forget all the information anyway but, as new parents, of course we're going to sign up. So, all the creating is going on in my belly now and not in my studio. No antiquing. No flea market junking. No glitter and glue. Do you know how there is sometimes a fine line between sheer excitement and overwhelming anxiety? Well, I seem to be vascillating between the two emotions on a regular basis. I have always wanted a baby ever since I was a little girl and now it is coming true. I wish the world could be perfect for her. Or, at least I want the house to be semi-dust free. It's coming. We're getting there. Bear with me.

Christmas Frames

2007-12-06T11:26:00.001-06:00

Just a quick post here to let you know that I have three Christmas frames listed on etsy. Here is the link to my shoppe. Have a great day!

A Few Good Things

2007-12-04T23:53:00.001-06:00

What is it about the month of December that makes it just fly by? There's the usual hustle and bustle to buy gifts for loved ones, attend holiday functions, gear up for family get-togethers, and feel merry and light in the process. I love Christmas, but this year, we are gearing down a bit. In the midst of a major home remodeling project, we decided to skip the outside lights and Christmas tree. Next year, with Baby A in the house, we'll bring it all out with gusto, but for now, just a smattering of Christmas decor will have to suffice. One of my favorite decorations is the above vintage ornament wreath I found on ebay a couple of years ago. It's loaded with color and vintagey goodness and really, with a great stash of ornaments and a hot glue gun, would be fairly easy to recreate. This is another spectacular wreath from a Dallas based store. Anything sparkly and glittery captures my attention. I'm so easily entranced. Recently I saw an eye catching gift idea in a magazine - a clear container filled with pretty foil chocolate covered oreos. Does anyone really need this? But, what a cool gift...it just looks so pretty. Now, I'm the last person on earth who needs to be eating chocolate covered oreos, but when I saw them (a pack of 12 for about $8.99) and a mini clear glass container ($9.99) at HomeGoods, I buckled. That glimmering foil is just so darn pretty. But I'm just lookin' at 'em...not eatin' 'em...yet.
Another good thing at this store caught my eye recently. Baby A needs a small flock of sheep to watch over her or maybe she'd like to count sheep to help her go to sleep. These sweet and super soft lambie pillows will look great in her nursery, but for now they wanted to graze in the backyard and soak up a little sunshine. (We had a high of 71 today.) Hope everyone is having fun gearing up (or not) for the holidays. Hard to believe the year 2008 is almost upon us. Seems like yesterday, my sister and I were dancing to Prince's 1999 on the eve of the millenium. Time sure does fly, but I have a feeling that 2008 is going to be a very good year.

Hello Again...

2007-11-28T10:39:00.001-06:00

Long time, no post. Everything is fine and the baby is kicking up a storm. After attending Art FiberFest and Silver Bella back to back, I came home feeling absolutely exhausted. My husband and I had lunch and then I headed straight for the couch where I slept the entire day! Both retreats were incredibly different but equally fantastic. I had such a blast at SB meeting all of the talented attendees. It was truly more magical and fun than I expected it to be. I only wish that it would have lasted a little longer so I could have met and chatted up more folks. I'm still ooohing and aaahing over all the beautiful and whimsical swap items I brought home. Amazing. And vendor night...be still my heart. What a shopping experience. I was most impressed with the quality of merchandise and how every vendor set up her own uniquely designed table. Truly, the tables and how they were designed were art forms themselves. I've slowly begun decorating for Christmas, bringing out a few treasures that were acquired in Omaha. The JOY banner above is by the sweet and talented Tracie Lyn Huskamp. I know I will treasure this banner for years to come...it is timeless. Amy Powers' whimsical sugar houses are such a delight to the eye. I flipped when I saw her booth - it looked like it was plucked from a Willy Wonka movie. So sweet and mesmerizing. The crowned and bejeweled snowman on a stick is by the talented Colleen Moody. I adore her work and am inspired by her meticulous attention to detail. There is a lot of love (not to mention time, money and energy) poured into all of these handcrafted items. I am grateful for all the people in the world who make creating a priority in their lives. Just seems to make the world a better place. As for my own creating...well, let's just say it's at a standstill right now. We are in the midst of a big remodeling project. Jim, aka Mr. Fix-It, has begun his venture into the wonderful world of laying hardwood. When the carpet was pulled up he realized that the floor was very uneven and had to be scraped and leveled before the hardwood could be laid. Translation: this is going to take a lot longer than we expected and there is a fine coat of white dust on every surface of the house. Okay, so I'm not and never have been the neatest freak about the house, but there is a ball of anxiety beginning to churn in my gut about this whole thing. It's probably just the pregnancy hormones. I am entering the third trimester now and am feeling sometimes a little panicky about getting everything ready for Baby A. So a couple of days ago I scheduled a prenatal massage to help calm my nerves. My massage therapist (who I'm sure meant well) proceeded to tell me about her 22 hour labor, the stitches she received, and how it was the worst pain she ever felt in her life. I know it is going to hurt. I'm prepared for that. But, it is scary not knowing what exactly to expect. And, being the neurotic girl I am, of course, I am worried about stupid things like, "Please God, don't let me poop on the table." and "Please God, don't let me throw up on my husband or something equally disgusting." And more realistic concerns, "Please God, let my dear husband finish these floors before the baby arrives and I don't completely lose what's left of my sanity." I know I'm focusing on the wrong things. It's all about having a healthy baby and women have been doing this for thousands of years. It will all work out, right? So, just to let you know, I am unsure of my blogging potential at the moment and may be posting even more sporadically than usual. Bear with me. My creative life may go into hibernation for a while, but I won't let it be extinguished completely. Right? Babies do sleep through the night eventually, right? Deep breath. Inhale. Hold. Exhale - one, two, three.

Silver Bella Bound

2007-11-07T16:30:00.000-06:00

Here they are - my aquabella ornaments are finished and fed exed to Omaha! Yea!! I totally underestimated how long it would take to make these Victorian cones, but I really like how they turned out. When I arrive in Omaha, I will fill them with creme colored shred and chocolate Christmas candy. Once they're all poufed up, they'll be ready to hand out to the bellas. I made extras for any side swaps. Time to pack now. I am soooo excited!!! Will of course post about all my classes and the merriment that ensued when I return. Happy weekend, everyone. And, if I don't see you in Omaha, be sure to do something fun for yourself this weekend. We're all in the creative spirit no matter where we are!

Maxine's Floral & Gift - Part 2

2007-11-05T17:44:00.000-06:00

I am currently on a mad dash getting ready for my Silver Bella weekend and finishing up my aquabella ornament swap. I'm feeling all swapped out at the moment but it will be fun to see everyone's interpretation of the task. Hope to show you a sneak peek tomorrow before I head to FedEx. Meanwhile, here are a few more picturesque snaps of Maxine's killer cool floral and gift shop in Seattle. What a fun store!

Silver Bella Tags - Swap #1

2007-11-02T08:46:00.000-06:00

Here they are! They've been cut, glued, Stickled, crepe papered, sewn, sequined, beribboned, and beeswaxed...and they are finally done. Yea!!! I think they came out pretty cute. I hope the other Bellas approve. Now, I have exactly one weekend to finish my other swap before it all gets shipped to Omaha. Time to get busy.

Cosmo Tries the Crib

2007-10-31T15:18:00.000-06:00

This is how Jim and I get our kicks. After the crib was assembled, we just had to try it out and who better than Miss Priss herself. She thinks it's a little over the top for a cat bed and was wondering where the crunchy dispenser was but, overall, she approved. Now, if only the onesies would fit her. Happy Halloween, everybody!!

Maxine's Floral & Gift

2007-10-29T16:25:00.000-06:00

Another highlight of ArtFiberFest was my trip to Maxine's Floral & Gift in Seattle. What an amazing store! Proprietress Maxine Nicklos, pictured above, along with Michael Peterson, designer extraordinaire and upcoming ArtFest instructor, are the magicians behind this magical candyland of a shoppe. Filled with beautiful, whimsical gifts and artful vignettes at every glance, it's easy to forget you are in a full service floral shoppe. Maxine is warm, generous and truly talented. Her shoppe is a must see!

Maxine's Floral & Gift
8811 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115
tel: 206-523-4200
www.maxinesfloral.com

Sew Fabric Journal - ArtFiberFest

2007-10-29T15:50:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of what I made in Pam's Sew Fab(ric) Journal class. I was a little out of my element in this workshop although I thoroughly enjoyed it. I brought along my portable Sew Mini machine. It was my first time using it and I was still trying to figure out how to thread the needle and bobbin, etc. The class had 25 participants which was huge for ArtFiberFest numbers. Many of the women were accomplished seamstresses who made the most beautiful creations. Picture a room full of laughter and Edward Scissorhands activity with fabric flying at every station and you'll get an image of the day. Although it was a challenge for me (nicked my finger with my new scissors and bled on my fabric right away AND asked the ever patient Pam about 50 times how to tie a French knot and still didn't master it) I ended up kind of liking the finished product. Of course, I've got baby on the brain and plan to use this as a baby journal. This is the back cover.
This is the inside. If you look, you will see all the imperfections and how the entire fabric book is lopsided. The miracle of the day was that I left with all ten fingers still intact and didn't manage to break my little machine. All in all, it was great fun and I'm glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone a bit. With so many gorgeous fabrics and trims out there, it's very tempting to try to get better at this craft. Meanwhile, I am madly working on my Silver Bella swaps. Stay tuned for a sneak peak!