windows to *ME*

This is why Portland is called The City of Roses

Last week when our Ohio friends were visiting we knew we must take them to see the Rose Garden.  This time of year anywhere around Portland you are going to see roses in bloom, but the Rose Garden is an amazing sight.  I have visited the Rose Garden at various times throughout the year.  Mostly while walking on the many trails that surround it and the Oregon Zoo.  I had never been when it was in full bloom.  Words just cannot describe the beauty of these roses and this garden.

The heat is on . . . . .

It is officially summer now, has been for a few days and it looks like we are in for some hot summer weather.  Did the weatherman say 100!!  Now, before all of you start to moan about how hot it is going to be, remember this:  we've put up with all of the rain and gloomy days for months now.  Enjoy the summer and all the beauty that it brings.  It won't last long.  Besides, we have friends coming from Ohio for a week and we are excited to play tour guides. 

If you are tired of receiving all of those phone books on your doorstep (a girl can only use so many phone book pages for artwork), I just came across a way to stop them.  I just signed up myself so I'm hoping it works.  http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org./

Now, if I can just get the Oregonian to stop delivering the Foodday . . . . . if any of you know how please let me know.  I don't want it.  It goes directly into the recycling every week.  What a waste.

This is June?!?

 

This weather is unbelievable.   I went for a walk the other day at lunch.  This photo was taken along the eastide of the Willamette River, looking towards downtown and the Burnside Bridge.  The calendar says June but it's in the 50's, gloomy and rainy.  I am ready for some springtime weather and really tired of being cold.  I considered turning the heat on last night and then thought how crazy that is and just put on another layer of fleece.

I guess this is a good time to show you my recent charms created for the Oh So Charming dangles swap.  The task was to fill a headpin with beads that were represenative of where you live.  It was easy for me to choose something that said Portland.  The rose quartz beads represent Portland's notoriety as the City of Roses and then of course I had to add some raindrops which are represented by the blue teardrop beads.  The charms have all been swapped and I should have some returns to share soon.  I can't wait to see what others have come up with.

On to happier thoughts . . . .

Thanks to everyone for your emails and comments.  In keeping with the positive theme of this blog, we are movin' on to better subjects.

I've finished my charms for the Oh So Charming Dangles swap and shipped them off to hostess Donna in New Mexico.  I took a photo and will share soon.

The Tangled Yoke Cardigan is coming along nicely.  I've finished the sleeves and am now ready to attach them to the body and continue on with the Tangled yoke pattern.  Very exciting!  My goal is to finish it by mid-June, I think that is going to happen.  I'm planning on some serious knit time this weekend.

I am working on a soldering tutorial for the Oh So Charming group and hope to have that up in June so we can all work on our soldering skills and make some amazing artsy charms.

For those of you in the Portland area you know that it is Rose Festival time!  Not only because the Waterfront Village is up but also because of this weather.  Dreary, gloomy, and misty rain.  It never fails.  But the roses are blooming and they are fantastic this year!

We are on a plan of decluttering, downsizing and getting rid of stuff.  It is amazing how much stuff two people can accumulate.  Now, most of it is because of the Antique store, which is full on it's own but then we have all the extra piled into our garage and overflowing into our house.  Enough!  It's time to live with less.  Much more to come on that . . . . . . .

Absolute Overload! EDITED

EDITED:  We were not chosen as the adoptive family.  Thanks for your good thoughts and well wishes, it really means a lot.

Today is THE DAY - we find out if we will be adopting the two children we have been waiting for.  Our wait has been nearly one year.  We first saw their child summary and immediately requested to have our file sent to their worker in June of last year.  We have gone through questions, plans, issues, they've had evaluations, exams, we've talked with their foster mom several times.  We are so committed to these two children and it will just be heartbreaking if we are not chosen today.

Our journey to have a family has been over 4 years so far.  From failed and oh so expensive IVF to not being chosen for the last group of siblings, which brings us to today.  In my heart I know that what is meant to be will be and that whatever the outcome we will make the most of it and move forward together.  Whether we are chosen or not, this isn't the end of our journey.

Needless to say, my anxiety level is through the roof.  I can concentrate on nothing else and every single speck of positive energy is being directed to this afternoon and the committee's decision (pick us! pick us!).  So many emotions that I simply cannot put them into words right now.

I have been keeping my hands busy with knitting the Tangled Yoke Cardigan, which is about 60% done.  Just finished one sleeve last night and started on the next.  It is a fun knit that seems to be going quite well.  Probably faster that normal because it is the only thing I can do while my head is spinning about the adoption - what if we do, what if we don't.

I did sign up for Summer of Socks 08, which starts June 20th.  I've been adding sock patterns to my Ravelry queue and plan to make a dent in my sock yarn stash.

Keeping positive thoughts throughout the day - the committee is set to start at 1:00 pm PST

Playing Favorites at The Altered Page

A few weeks back there was an open call on The Altered Page for the next issue of The Pulse.  I sent in my information and was chosen to participate in Seth's Playing Favorites installment of The Pulse.  The task was to choose a couple of favorite pieces of my own work and tell why they are my favorites.  It was very easy for me to choose them and a wonderful process to think about why they are my favorites.  It was nice to revisit the time when I actually created them and think about what was going on in my life and what motivated me to create these specific pieces.   So what did I choose?  Well, you will just have to follow along with The Altered Page and find out.  Seth will start posting on Monday, March 24th.

Wearin' Of The Green

Do you have something green on today?  It's a simple fun way to add a little St. Patrick's Day spirit.
I decided to wear my funky, retro green flower necklace.  I've been into big necklaces all of a sudden.  I have a few that I've worn off and on but lately I want to wear one everyday.

I've been wrapped up in turtlenecks for the last few months so I'm ready to bare my neck and add some big bling!

Today I've been trying to make some faux dichroic glass.  I found some clear tile squares that were headed for the trash.  In my usual fashion I decided to try to repurpose them into some art work.
The first example is using UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) and Pearl Ex Powders.

The second example - and my favorite is using the UTEE and Twinkling H2o's.

Do you think either of these look like dichroic glass?  I think I need to add more color variations and practice with this a little.

Birds and nests for Spring

I packaged up several birds and bird nests for the antique show this weekend.  I'm hoping these little guys will find some new homes.  I'm trying to go through my stash and see what I can purge, these birds are ready to fly the coop.  They are so cute in a little compote dish or crystal bowl.  If you'd like one, email me and I can get one to you, they are $6.

Progress on the hands . . .

Still working on the hand pages for the collaborative hand book in the Altered Artist's Guild.  Here's another peek.

What a life?!

Can anyone say "lazy cats". 

I like to think they are re-charging their batteries so they can continue to purr.  Especially Lulu, the black and white cat.  She will lay in the sun and just soak it up into her black fur.  Like us, they take every opportunity to soak up some sun here in the Northwest where it rains so much.  We've actually been having some wonderful sunny days lately . . . . . just getting us through until spring . . . . . . we are almost there.

Thinking of Hands

I've got hands on the mind today.  My own hands and the hands of the other artists in the Altered Art Guild.  I'm working on my pages for our collaborative hand book.  I came up with this digital scan of my own hand and plan to incorporate this into my pages.

Yesterday, we had our first meeting with a local art group and what a fun day it was. 
Marci, Denise, Melissa (Melissa promises she is starting a blog soon!), and I met and had an art filled, laughter filled, inspiring afternoon.  I can't wait to do it again.  I worked on my large sheet of background paper for my hand pages and came up with a bright combination of purples, pinks, yellows and blues.  I can't wait to complete these are share them.  I also started on several small canvases that will become collages soon.

I had a peek at Lynn Perrella's new book
This is certainly one I will add to my collection of art books.  Lots of inspiring projects and ideas.

Denise made us the sweetest goodie bags complete with polymer clay hearts that she has been making.  I love the colors and textures she is giving to her hearts.

On the way home Marci spotted a Dollar Tree that neither of us had been to, on our search for the illusive "Anatomy Man" that Michael DeMeng uses in one of his projects.  Well to our surprise they must have just stocked the shelves.  We each filled up our baskets with the plastic men and then picked up a few other items to alter for fun.

I came home last night with my head full of ideas and inspiration for new projects.  What a very fun day.  I love getting together with other artists to share, create and laugh.

Valentine's Day

We are planning on seeing Fool's Gold tonight complete with a big bucket of buttery popcorn!

I loved these two in How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, great chemistry together, so I'm anxious to see their latest movie.  I've always been a Goldie Hawn fan and I think Kate looks just like her in her younger days.

We've been planning to see this movie tonight for about a week and then today I won two movie tickets at work!  It was a Valentine luncheon door prize, two movie tickets a bottle of sparkeling cider and a balloon.  Perfect timing!

Hope you are having a great Valentine's Day and spending it with someone you love.

Since I am on the subjects of Valentine's Day and movies, here's a list of favorite romantic movies that come to my mind - what's your favorite romantic movie?

The English Patient

Chocolat

Breakfast at Tiffanys

Shrek

Groundhog’s Day

Moonstruck

Pretty in Pink

The Bridges of Madison County

Doing the right thing

Today I'm working a bit in my visual journal, working more on backgrounds and textures.  Last week I bought some water soluble oil pastels and this page is made from using them, some with water and some without.  The orange section at the top was colored and then I went over it with a water pen/brush, then blotted the water a bit.  The rest is just water soluble oil pastels rubbed into the paper with a dry paper towel.  I really like how this came out and will probably continue to layer on top of this to create a page.
We are having an icy day here today.  Freezing rain and then we'll get the snow.  That's never a good combination.  We've already had a 3 car accident in front of the store this morning and then the guy took off - didn't even stop, after sliding and hitting a parked car.  I got his license plate and waited for the woman who owned the car to come out of her yoga class.  The police came and took a report and seemed confident they wouldn't have trouble finding the guy with the plate number.  I guess another person who saw it happen followed him for awhile, the police have probably already found the guy.  The back of her car was smashed, she was grateful for everyone's help.  I was just glad to be able to help.  It's all about doing the right thing - and karma. 

Glorious!

The only word I can use to describe the sunny, clear, crisp weather we’ve been having.  GLORIOUS -  After the gloomy days we had been having, this is such a treat.  These are the days that keep me going through the winter.  The forecast is for some possible snow this weekend – we’ll see.

I have been spending most of my lunch hours this week sitting at the nearby Starbucks next to the big window, soaking it all in (it hasn't been above 40 degrees all week).  It has given me a great chance to work in my visual journal here and there, nothing really finished but several pages have been progressing.

A few things have been going on this week.  First of all, my fabric book has returned home!  This book was sent off in March of last year and has made the rounds of 9 fabric artists.  You can see the progress of the Fabric Book Round Robin on the blog here.   I’ll be scanning and posting a slide show of my book soon.  It is just amazing and I am so happy to have it home.

I discovered this blog by Susan Lenz by following a link from Corinne’s blog.  Susan has a wonderful project in the works for fabric/fiber artists.  You can read all about it on her blog.  The purpose is to bring fiber artists from all over the world together via the internet and show their work in a gallery showing in Columbia, South Carolina.  I’m quite excited to be participating.  I’ll be trading for postcard number 59.  In turn, the postcard that I send to Susan will be posted on her blog and also in the gallery showing in 2009.  So very exciting!  There is also an ATC swap going on too, take a look at the links in the sidebar of her blog.

While you are there, be sure to check out Susan’s other work, she is an amazing artist.

My one word this year keeps popping up in various places.  Today I was reading this blog post about slow cloth and Elaine Lipson has put into such beautiful words the way I feel when I create something made of cloth and fiber.  Well, check out the third one on the list “skill” and “mastery”. 

I will refer back to her list as I work on various projects, I think she really brings it all together for me in a way I hadn’t conciously realized before.

Looking ahead in these dark gloomy winter days

It has been so dark and gloomy here lately.  This time of year is always difficult for me.  The holidays are over, the rains are non-stop for days on end it seems.  It is dark when I come to work and dark when I leave.  I feel like I’m spending every waking hour either working at my computer or driving on the dark, rainy, windy highway.  I have been getting up a bit early to exercise in the mornings this week, it does seem to help a little.  It is difficult to not be outside in the fresh air and sunlight.  I am anxious for spring, but it is months away.  There was even a tornado yesterday, not a common occurrence here in the northwest.

I did spend an hour last night working in my new visual journal.  Painting, stamping and collaging, it was nice.  Tonight I’ll be meeting with the Art Tarts.  I brought a couple of projects to work on so I’ll see what I feel like working on tonight.  Maybe more painting in my journal – I’m trying to get a nice base of backgrounds so that I can write words as they come to me and add photos as I find things that speak to me.  This process is nice so far, I am enjoying thinking about it and working a little each day on it.  No pressure to finish anything and no worries about it.  The other project that I brought is my paperbag book that I started several weeks ago, I haven’t touched it since.  I’m anxious to see what the others have done in theirs and I’m thinking it might motivate me to work on mine.  I haven’t really come up with a specific theme so I think that is my issue with this project.

Some happy news!  The Altered Art Guild group was going to be closing down because our leader Michelle is having some difficult health issues.  This is the group that produced the amazing bird book.  Well, several of the members have stepped up to help out while Michelle works through her healing process.  This is a small group of amazing, wonderfully talented artists and I am honored to be part of this online group.  I am so happy that it will go on.  I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately and about Michelle.  I am hopeful that all will go well for her and that her recovery will be faster than anticipated.

I have a few swap projects that I’ll be starting soon.  Most importantly the FBRR is almost at an end.  I have one more book to work in – Lenna’s – the theme for her book is Passion so I’ve been pulling some fabrics and trims together and formulating a bit of a plan for her book.  Once I receive it I’ll be ready to work on it and get it home to Lenna.  My book should be finished soon as well and back home to me.  I cannot wait to see it.  I’ve seen some pictures of the pages but pictures can never capture the true beauty of seeing it in person and feeling the textures of the fabrics, trims and beads.

Valentine charms – yes I’m still working on these!  Almost finished and must get them done and in the mail this weekend!!!

Fabric Bag Swap – Part II, I may make 2 bags for this . . . . . . still deciding.  I’m making one for sure!

White Quilties – Not due until spring but I am looking through images and pulling together my fabrics and trims for these.

A new collaborative book project is brewing in the Altered Art Guild, details are still being put together.

The Art & Soul Portland Charm Swap is also brewing.  As the classes and instructors are being posted soon, everyone is thinking ahead to October.

So even though these days are dark, gloomy and sometimes stormy, it helps to plan ahead.  Thinking of projects to work on and spring flowers that will soon be poking up through the soggy ground.

Working through the process - One Word

As I posted here, I really want to focus on narrowing my scope of projects.  Rather than doing many different things I want (and need) to be really good at less.  I've been thinking a lot about this in the first few days of this new year and I came across a concept that makes sense to me.  Instead of making a resolution, which typically lasts a few months and then fizzles out - I am choosing One Word.  This word will stay with me throughout the year as a reminder of what it is I want to do.  So I set out to choose my One Word.  It wasn't easy, I tried many of them on to see how they felt.  I found this blog which helped me work through choosing a word.

Focus - yes, this is part of what I want to do, but it doesn't encompass it for me.

Deliberateness - this was going to be my word.  Each task that I do should be deliberate, meaningfull towards my goals.  I need to stop poking around and move in one direction.

Motion - I liked this one too.  Constant motion towards my goals, deliberate movement, progress.

But . . . . the one I have finally settled on . . . . I knew as soon as I saw it, this is My One Word:  Mastery.  I want to master those few things that I really enjoy doing the most.  Those things that I am good at or want to be good at.  So, there you have it.  Mastery

So, as part of what my game plan is from this point I am going to start doing some visual journaling.  I've been wanting to do this for quite sometime but always think I don't have time.  I must make time, I really believe this will help me to work through what it is I want to master and in what direction I need to move.  I've found some great resources for visual journaling or art journaling.  Whatever you want to call it, it all seems to be the same to me.

Of course, Teesha Moore, she does some fabulous journaling.  Actually, she is having a workshop at the end of this month.  Oh, how I wish that I could go - but the $$ just isn't in my budget for now.  Anyway, she has some great information on her site, including how to make your own journal (which I'll be starting tonight).  Also, she gives some of her journaling techniques and when I read through those I realized - it doesn't have to be perfect everytime and I don't have to finish an entire layout everytime I sit down to journal.  Wow, what a relief that was.  I think this is what's made me realize I can finally do this.

Some other resources that I found are:

Illustration Friday

Artwords Online This has ended but the blog is still up and has some great prompts

Inspire Me Thursday

Collage Sisthars This group is just starting a visual journaling project and has a great list of supplies.  I plan to follow along to see what they do with their project.

Suzi Blu - Suzi does some fun vlogs, she shows you her journaling process and makes it look super easy - another site that made me realize I can do this.  She gets a little wild and crazy in her vlogs but that makes it fun and not boring at all.

I also plan to check out more of You Tube when I can.  There are TONS of video how to's on there.  Just search for whatever you are looking for and there's bound to be a tutorial.  I'm wanting to get better at drawing faces and I did a quick search and found several videos.  I plan to go back and watch them.

So, I'm off to start making my journal - You'll be seeing photos throughout the year of my progress as I work through this process.

Goodbye to 2007 - Bring on 2008!

As 2007 comes to a close be sure you check out Seven of the Strangest News Stories of 2007  - you don't want to miss these. 

I've used some of this holiday weekend time to work on a few projects.  My Valentine charms for the Art & Soul Charmsters Group are about halfway finished.  I won't post photos because I don't want to ruin the surprise for the other swappers.  I'll post photos of all the charms when I receive them back.

I'm working on my beaded fringe bracelet.  Not so happy with it so far.  The fringe is not what I had in mind.  I'll be tearing it out today and starting the fringe over.  It's too long and stringy, needs to be more lush.  The herringbone base is nice and sturdy and I'll be keeping that.  Here's a picture of what I've done so far - see what I mean? 

One of the things I enjoy about art is that there is so much opportunity for variety.  Unfortunately, this is also my downfall.  I tend to be very scattered and unfocused in my projects.  Frequently starting something and then getting bored with it and setting it aside to start another.  This year I have been a little bit better and am actually finishing all of my projects.  Swapping with others helps because it gives me a deadline to finish.  My goal for 2008 is to settle into a groove.  I want to encompass a variety of media into my work but work consistently on projects.  I plan to spend some time over the next couple of months working through that process and deciding what it will look like for me. 

Of course there are a few things that I haven't done yet and still want to try . . . . fusing glass, metalsmithing, stamp carving and painting on fabric.

Hope you all have a wonderful art-filled 2008!

Let it snow!

A white Christmas, what most of us dream of, but it rarely happens here in the Pacific Northwest - well, at least here in the valley.  But this year, what a surprise it was.  Big, beautiful snowflakes drifting and swirling around.  After we ate we went for a 2 mile hike and at times the snow was coming down so hard I couldn't see where I was going.  Doug spotted a coyote, it was running through the field but stopped for a moment to see what we were up to.  I'm guessing it was looking for a little Christmas dinner of it's own.  What a treat to see it though, I love seeing wildlife and spotting a coyote is rare.  By the time we turned around and headed back our footsteps were almost covered again.  Afterwards, we enjoyed some warm apple pie and ice cream.  I, of course, forgot the camera so no photos to share but trust me - it was amazing!

The forecast is for more snow tomorrow - I'm hoping for a snow day I have lots of projects to finish and even started some new ones.  My valentine charms are due in the next couple of weeks for the Art & Soul Charmsters swap.  I was playing around with an embossed metal charm but the prototype didn't turn out the way I'd hoped.  Now I'm thinking of a new idea, bird related.  I will be making 52 charms so it needs to be something that I can manage to do that many times - I get bored quickly.

I started a beaded fringe bracelet, have the base completed and am now starting the fringe.  I hope it turns out like I see it in my mind.  Reds and purples and lushness.  I really need a magnifying light, those beads are getting smaller and my eyesight is getting worse.  Especially in the evenings after a day of computer work.

I picked up the Dec/Jan Cloth Paper Scissors mag today and really want to try the scrappy crow dolls.  I don't think I have any black felt - can you imagine?  Everything else in the world but I can't remember seeing any black felt.  I'll need to double check on that!

It's Beginning To Look . . . . . .

Well, you know - 'tis the season.  We have had some horrible weather here in the Northwest - I'm sure if you turned on the news at all you've seen people being plucked from rooftops in Vernonia, highways and interstates closed due to downed trees and flooding.  The Oregon Coast hasn't had power now for over 2 days.  Thankfully, I am warm, with power and dry, despite the 6 inches of rain that fell in Hillsboro over a 24 hour period.  I had to work today and the drive in Portland wasn't bad at all.  I think the rain has stopped for now.  I even saw some sunshine today!

The pictures are some of the vintage Christmas that is on display in our store.  We've been busy there, the weather didn't seem to keep too many people away.  In fact, brought people in who were stranded in town because their road home had flooded.  What else can you do when you are stuck in town all day but shop! 

I've been knitting away on my Tree Jacket.  I would have finished it this weekend except that I ran out of yarn.  Well, thank goodness the yarn store had more of the same color (different dye lot but hey, close enough - you can't even tell).  So, I'll be finishing up the last sleeve, seaming them and then I think I'll frog the bottom hem and make it a little longer - I'm just not happy with the length that it is.  Then it will be time to block it and finished in plenty of time before Christmas - which was my goal.  In fact, this sweater knit up so quick I couldn't believe it.  I cast on November 6th and will be finished by tomorrow - one month!  That is with only knitting in the evenings and on the weekends when I'm not busy in the store.

I've also been making more bags for the hospital craft bazaar coming up this weekend.  These are made from upholstery fabric scraps and vintage embellishments from my stash.  The images are vintage pictures, printed and ironed on to satin ribbon.  The roses are one of my new found obessessions - ribbon that is formed and sewn into roses and then stitched onto the bag.  I'll have these available this Friday at the Emanuel Hospital Craft Bazaar and then the ones that don't sell I plan to list as I open my Etsy shop - hopefully next week.  We will see how that goes . . . . . .

The first bag is completed, the second one still needs a cord attached to it and the top edge finished.

Where oh where has the last month gone?!?

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I have posted here.  Life has just been zooming past me.   Hopefully I still have a few blog readers out there . . . . . . . 

In my usual fashion, I have been working on lots of different projects and ideas.  Unfortunately, I have no photos to share with you today. 

Remember the fabric bag swap from Lenna's Creative Swaps Blog?  Well, I received a fabulous bag from Amanda Blunden just the other day and we've already "e-talked".  She received my bag and I received hers.  We will both be doing Lenna's upcoming White on White swap.  You might want to pop over to Lenna's blog and sign up for one of her swaps.  She is a great swap hostess and does some amazing artwork herself.  She has four swaps that she just posted.  In addition to the White on White swap I am also doing the 2nd round Bag Swap because a girl can never have too many bags, right?  And head over to Amanda's blog also - I enjoyed her work and following some of the links she has on her blog. 

You can see the slide show from the 2007 Fabric Bag Swap here - check out the amazing work in this swap!

Some of my other recent happenings:  Thanksgiving was wonderful, relaxing and lots of great food.  We are getting the house ready for a Christmas open house (when I say "we" I really mean Doug).  We've been decorating, getting the trees up and the outdoor lights.  We really need to purge the Christmas decor this year - way too much stuff!  I need some good ideas for snacks & things that I can make ahead and serve at the open house.  I made some tasty pumpkin bread for Thanksgiving, which I managed to finish off last night.  If you have any good ideas or recipes please leave me a comment!

There really isn't any new adoption news that is very exciting.  It is such a long process and I just have to trust that things will work out as they should.  I truly believe that and we continue to have hope.  We were not chosen for the two children that we were being reviewed for, they ended up going to another family that was more suited for their situation.  While disappointing, we continue to move forward.  We were just notified last week that two children we had asked about four months ago (!) are finally being readied for committee and their worker is interested in us!  We are very excited about these two children and are keeping our fingers crossed that this will be it.  The system moves so slow it is hard to know when to expect to hear anything. These children are siblings, a girl that is 6 and a boy that is 3.

I am working on completing 52 charms for a Valentine charm swap that will be due mid January.

I have been knitting nightly on my Tree Jacket sweater that I hope to have done in time to wear for Christmas Day.  I am knitting it in a cranberry colored wool and am really happy with how it is coming along.  I have finished the body and am about halfway finished with one sleeve.  After I bound off the bottom hem I realized it may be too short in the waist than I would like.  I think I'll finish the sleeves and then if I have yarn left will deal with the body.

I have two Christmas bazaars coming up in the next two weeks.  One this Friday and one next Friday.  I've been madly sewing tote bags and then came up with a new shoulder bag this last weekend.  I'm going to try to get another one or two completed by Friday to try them out and see how they sell.  I've started an Esty shop but have nothing in it yet.  Once the bazaars are over I will focus on posting some items there.  I have plenty of jewelry and other items ready to sell.

I am putting together some new classes and am thinking that I will start teaching again, ahh but where?  Then if we are chosen to adopt the children will I have time?  Am I crazy?

Next post, photos - I promise!  Although I think that is where I get stuck not posting.  I always feel that I should have some visuals for you . . . . . .

A Whole Lot Going On . . . . .

I've been just crazy busy again and have not had a moment to post any sort of an update lately.

Some things on my list that are in need of completion in the near future (this weekend) are:

Antique Store newsletter - this is something I have been wanting to start up for some time now.  I have several pages of email addresses and tried using a contact list service that requires the receiver to confirm their receipt.  Well, no luck with that so I think I am going to have to re-enter all of those email addresses and do it the old fashioned way.  It still amazes me that there are so many people who are not proficient in email use - oh well. 

I have a couple of one-on-one swaps that are all wrapped up and need to be mailed out.

Finish my Artful Christmas swap packages and get those mailed out.  I am almost finished just need to wire up a few things (hint*hint* for any of you Artful Christmas swappers out there), and get them individually packaged.

Helping out with the set and coordinating the volunteers for HARTs production of Noises Off.  This is a hilarious show and Doug (along with his set builders) has devised an amazing set that comes apart in three pieces and turns 180 degrees for act II and then back again for act II.  I can't wait to see it in action.  But first there's the painting to do.  That will be done during some late nights this weekend.  I'm planning to paint a faux slate floor on the set.  The walls should be painted today and then there is the staircase, trim and floor to finish up.  The show opens on the 18th so this weekend is pretty much devoted to set painting and dressing. 

I am still swirling from my evening at the Art & Soul vendor fair last Saturday night.  I met Jane Wynn and Michael DeMeng (who autographed a copy of his book that I purchased from him directly).  Saw some incredible art work, bought a few things (I'm finally going to try stamp carving), ran into some friends, stayed out late, had a drink and a little show and tell of our stuff.  I had my camera in my bag and never took it out the whole night - can you believe that?!  I was so in awe of everything and everyone.  I also met one of my favorite bloggers Kelly - she is just as sweet in person as I imagined she would be and her art work is even more amazing in real life.  I hope we run into each other again.  I also spotted the work of Beverly Gilbert, which is amazing.  I hope to take a class from her someday soon.  She is a Northwest artist so I am planning to try and pursuade a local bead store to bring her here for some classes.

I am been spending a fair amount of time on Ravelry - lots of fun looking at all the patterns and projects and yarn - oh my!  I am finishing up my Embossed Leaves socks and then have about 4 projects in mind to start . . . . . . which one will it be first?  Probably a quick one so that I can move on to something else again.

Lazy Days of Summer

Oh how I wish I was having some of those . . . . .

I haven't been updating lately as I have been so darn busy.  As I've said before, summer is a crazy time for us.  With antique shows, trying to fit in some fun stuff and now with the store.  But we are enjoying things just the same.

We had a wonderful weekend in Sisters, Oregon at the Antique Faire.  This is truly our favorite antique show.  All of the vendors set up in this beautiful grassy park, surrounded by big pine trees.  And the opportunity to stroll around town when we aren't too busy, is always a treat.  Lots of fun stores in town.  One of my favorites is The Stitchin Post.  This is an amazing quilt store.  I don't quilt but I can so appreciate all the work that goes into these pieces of art.  I enjoy looking through all that this store has to offer, beautiful fabrics and patterns.  They are not only about quilting.  They also have a fabulous selection of yarn and knitting, crochet items, as well as home decor, candles and other fun stuff.  I love to knit and crochet but I'm not very fast and I like quick things that I can finish up for some instant gratification.  I bought this book:

30 projects that you can complete each just using one skein of yarn.  Some are knit patterns and some crochet.  My favorite are these cute little knitted cupcakes.  So adorable, I can't wait to make some.  Also a great little crochet clutch bag with a zippered top.  Fall is coming and I always feel like sitting in front of the tv with a fun little portable project like knitting.  We'll see what I find time to do . . . .

Some photos of our booth at the antique faire.  We had a great weekend and sold lots of fun things.  I always love it when people buy our things.  The thought that we liked it enough to buy it and now someone else is seeing the same beauty in it and will take it home to add to their collection.  It's a great feeling.

This dragonfly was so amazing.  I have never seen one this close up and this still. 

On the way home we had an beautiful skyshow, presented by nature itself.  We have been having lots of wildfires here in Oregon this summer.  It has been very dry and that combined with a lightning storm is always sure to start some wildfires.  This weekend the fire started near Mt. Jefferson and the word is that they are just going to let it burn as there is no danger of homes or towns.  The smoke plume was just incredible last night.  That is Mt. Jefferson in the center of the photo with the smoke plum rising next to it.  The sunset became an amazing pink that I just couldn't capture with the camera.  Once we came over the cascades and back toward Portland there was no smoke.

Trying to catch up

I have not been a very good blogger lately.  Summer is a crazy, busy time for me.  Antique Shows, the store, work, and just keeping up with regular life while trying to throw in some fun.  But I'm back and hopefully back on track for blogging.  I've missed it.

I received two circle journals this week.  Swingin' 60's Chicks and What I Love About Being a Girl.  I also have the local journal to complete - Things That Make My Heart Smile.

Today I'll be finishing the Swingin' 60's Chicks and hopefully posting some pics.  It was fun researching some hip 60's women.  There were so many.  The 60's was such a time of change for women.  From the conservative, at home 50's to the wild, free, independent 60's.

I've been doing some other projects away from scrapbooking for a bit now.  Nice to have some variety.  I've fallen back into jewelry and beading a bit.  Between paper and beads, I'm not sure which would be my biggest passion.  I've also been doing more ATCs and I joined a rolodex card swap - fun stuff.

I finally cut my hair for the locks of love donation.  It feels great!  I'll post some pics of that too soon.  A little before and after.  With the crazy hot weather here I decided it was time to do it.  I do miss my long hair sometimes but I do love having it short.  So very easy to take care of and make it look somewhat styled.  All for a wonderful cause which is the most important part.

I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of the last antique show here in Portland.  Three more this summer.  Our first annual Downtown Hillsboro Main Street Madness Antique Faire will be this Sunday, August 6th.  If you are local and reading this come on by.  Lots of antique vendors and shops . . . who knows you may find something to use on a scrapbook page or art project. 

4th of July Re-cap

We had a wonderful 4th of July.  It started off with opening the store and getting ready for the parade, which I've heard is a big deal in Hillsboro.  So, we arrived early, set out some benches for people to sit on and our own chairs and just watched all of the activity as other people arrived, searching for their spots that they had previously scoped out and marked off with tape, chalk, ribbon, chairs, various things.  Main St. filled pretty quickly and the parade started at 10 am.  This town knows how to have a parade.  There were so many entries and tons of candy was thrown.  All the kids ended up with bags of candy like it was Halloween.  I've been to a lot of parades in my life and this by far was the most candy I've ever seen being thrown.  The Reser's float even threw pepperoni sticks.  I also learned to watch out for the cub scouts and boy scouts. . . . those kids have arms.  I was pegged by a peppermint candy right in the arm.  I think I have a bruise.  After that I started ducking when I'd see a bunch of them coming with their candy ready to throw.

After the parade, dowtown cleared out fast.  Everyone vanished.  We knew it would be a waste of time to try to keep the store open for the rest of the day so we cleaned things up and came home.  I enjoyed a nice long nap and then my mom & dad came over for a barbeque.  We had some wonderful steaks, ribs, corn on the cob and a nice fresh salad made from the veggies we found at the farmers' market last Saturday.  After dinner we sat out on the front walk and visited with our neighbors who had set up their fire pit.  We enjoyed everyone else's fireworks, which were everywhere you looked.  We enjoyed some red wine and the beauty of all the explosions.  I stayed up way too late and will be making it an early night tonight.  But I wanted to share some of the sights of my 4th of July.  I took many photos but these are some of my favorites from yesterday.

I'll leave you with a great vintage photo postcard that we have.  I just love this . . . . . . .

I have been so out of it all week long.  Haven't even had the energy to post here.  Last weekend we went to an out of town auction and I actually wore myself out buying, packing and loading/unloading stuff.  Fun . . . . . but very tiring.  I finally feel like I'm getting some energy back.

I hope to work on some scrapbooking projects today so I'll have some fun stuff to post.  We are having record breaking heat here in the northwest.  101 in Portland yesterday and 102 forcast for today.  I may have to walk down to the civic center fountain and "just get my feet wet" later today.

I found this fun blog  I totally share her love of vintage cookbooks and check out her great vintage kitchen.  The cookbooks of the 50's and 60's with there crazy recipes and fun presentation of food.  I love it when people actually cook and present something rather than the pre-packaged, pre-cooked, heat it up in the microwave stuff that we have now.  The 50's was all about entertaining - barbeques, parties, themes.  Mid-century was a real time of change from the depression era of the 40's to the freedom and wildness of the 60's.  You've gotta love all the jewelry from the 50's . . . . sparkling rhinestones galore!

A LONG list of month long observances

Some of these are interesting:

Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month www.aspca.org

Cancer From the Sun Month www.ppsinc.org

Celibacy Awareness Month www.celibateinthecity.com

Child Vision Awareness Month www.ppsinc.org

Children's Awareness Month

Dairy Alternatives Month

Effective Communications Month www.springboardtraining.com

Entrepreneurs 'Do It Yourself' Marketing Month

Fireworks Safety Months (June & July) www.preventblindness.org

Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

International Accordion Awareness Month www.ladyofspain.com

International Men's Month www.menstuff.org

June Dairy month

June is Perennial Gardening Month www.perennialplant.org

June is Turkey Lovers' Month www.eatturkey.com

National Aphasia Awareness Month www.aphasia.org

National Candy Month

National GLBT Book Month www.lib.ci.tucson.az.us/glbt/bookmonth

National Iced Tea Month www.teausa.org

National Rivers Month

National Rose Month www.rosesinc.org

National Safety Month www.nsc.org

National Soul Food Month www.culinaryhistorians.org

National Steakhouse Month www.mortons.com

Potty Training Awareness Month www.pull-ups.com

Professional Wellness Month www.WordsofWellness.com

Rebuild Your Life Month

Sports America Kids month

Student Safety Month www.TellCarole.com

Vision Research month www.preventblindness.org