Happy Halloween (Almost)

Well, I'd like to be able to tell you that the reason I didn't get my Halloween decorations all out and put up, is that I actually got sidetracked cleaning house, like I did when I first started dragging stuff out. But that is not the case. I do have a lot of cleaning to do, but mostly I have been cleaning closets, and trying to keep up with the never ending chore of organizing things around here. I did get a few more things put out, but at this late date I just threw my hands in the air and said "oh well". Remember how quickly the year flies by, I'll just start earlier next year. I do feel a little disappointed in myself for not getting more than a few cards made and sent out. Mainly because Halloween is almost my favorite holiday and I just couldn't get it together this year.

Door hanging


Bare branch tall tree that gets decorated for different holidays.


This was a Luminary that I cut apart to use the pieces for window decor.


Autumn wreath

Who hit the Fast Forward button?

Whoa, what's going on here? What happened to October, how did it get this late so quickly? One of my favorite months is slipping through my fingers, and I can't make it stop! I unpacked my Halloween stuff a couple of weeks ago, and usually have the house decked out totally by now. Have been doing too much multi-tasking, and nothing ever gets completely finished that way, I have found. Ever notice how in order to get something done, usually something else has to be done first? You know, I started to hang those bat banners, but realized the window needed cleaning, then saw that the curtain could really use a washing, then there were some fingerprints around the door latch... then that made the whole door need cleaning...well maybe what it really needs is a fresh coat of paint. Hmmm. Well, I am not as good at cleaning house as I used to be, Oh well. Oh yes, now I need to run upstairs and get that other box of Halloween stuff I forgot about. Oh heck, maybe what I really need is another cup of coffee first.

Storage boxes of Halloween stuff


A cute box that shortbread came in. From about 5 years ago.

Hooray, It's October

October has always been one of my favorite months. Mostly because of the cooler weather, especially as a child living in the Pacific Northwest. Getting new coats and boots, Mom lighting the fire and fresh crisp apples straight from the tree in Grandma's yard. But also because it has Halloween, one of my favorite holidays to decorate for. I adore the spooky, ghoulish, downright creepy style of decoration. I love the Martha Stewart decor every year. I don't think anyone can beat Martha when it comes to Halloween. I think I want to decorate RIGHT NOW so I have the entire month to enjoy it. I have tons of things to decorate with, so I try to limit the amount of new things I buy each year. I usually end up getting another Bat or two though, or a gargoyle.

So far this is one of the few new Martha items I bought. There are two, I can't decide where to hang them just yet, but it is still early. I love the larger standing ones, but the 32" one is $99. and the 60" one is $199. Ouch! But they do come pre-glittered. LOL Marthas new Halloween magazine has a lot of cool ideas in it.


Yesterday at Target I spied this card that fairly jumped into my cart. For those of you who know Michelle Ward, doesn't this just scream "designed by Michelle"? The skull and crown, especially her trademark Trefoil design. I love it. I can't help but think if she really did designs for Carlton cards, it would be even cooler. This one is kind of plain, but it sure is classy.


I will entertain myself for the next week or two as I drag out my Halloween decor. Happy October 1st!

Funky Blue Malaise

That's what I've been in for the past week. First the allergies kicked in, mold, oak pollen, etc. whatever else, it does me in. So that makes me feel like sleeping all the time, even though I don't, I still feel like I'm moving in slow motion. I am a task driven person, so when I don't get my stuff done, I feel bad. Add to that not being able to do even a wee bit of art, after a few days I feel the effects, and get a little cranky. So I decided to do a little work in the garage, organized, cleaned off an old shelf, decided to paint it. All the moving about did a number on my damaged shoulder, so I haven't been able to sleep comfortably. Don't like adding pain killers to the allergie meds so have just been suffering. Poor hubby.......when I am cranky he gets cranky. Friday night he came home and saw what a mess I was in, so after dinner he grabbed me and fairly tossed me into the car and off we went on a drive downtown, a walk and photo shoot.

Some of the results.

Inside a darkened closed Carpet Gallery.


Us, reflected.


Discovered a new shop that had amazing things that were just our style. How cute would this little green cafe set look on my front porch? Even with the pink table.


On the way home, the skies are amazing. The Frost Tower and reflection of sky.


Back home, on the porch with an iced tea, and the sunset.

Anthro Obsession

No trip would be complete without searching out the local Anthropologie. It's an art experience in itself, like going to a museum. This one was in a mall, and was a really large store, so had an overwhelming array of eye candy. Not only would I love to just live in one of their stores, I think it would be so much fun to be on one of their design teams. Imagine playing with all that recycled stuff they use!

Their wall finishes are divine, here's my "blue" again.


Love these staghorn ferns and the wall finish.


This tree was awesome, it was a real trunk, and the strips hanging down were pleated and gathered fabric, and there were some light globes in it also.


Collection of mirrors.


One room was decorated with vintage wallpapers that were torn and peeled and the effect was really great.


This was pieces of cardboard painted different colors. Have seen similar in my local Anthro.

Peace Lantern

Here's the photo that blogger wouldn't let me upload earlier. Since it is working now, I'll add a couple more of the garden. This is such a beautiful and peaceful place. There were only a few other folks there when we arrived, but even as the place filled up, I still had the feeling of being there all alone. It is very easy to cocoon oneself in the hushed serenity and I got the feeling most folks felt it as well.

09/09/09

Month nine, day nine, year 09...I love these repeating numbers. There is a name for that, but it escapes me right now. I am not really into numerology, or doomsday prediction hoaxes. I just like repetitive things. Years ago I did have my chart done, for numerology and astrology, but have forgotten most of it. Other than knowing that today is the release date for the remastered Beatles collection, and the Beatles Rock Band game, and that 9 is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and UNlucky in Japanese culture, I couldn't tell you much about these numbers. This year I have been more focused on double digits, as this is the year that the hubster turned 55, and a week ago I turned 66. I did do a numerology look-up and here's what I found about those two numbers.

55 It is extremely freedom-loving, and likes to travel. It is social, but can also be selfish and lonely. It represents success for anyone in sales.

66 Generous to a fault, this number brings financial ups and downs. It is extremely loyal and loving. Often successful in spite of itself.

But this morning,in keeping with the 9-9-9 hoopla, the hubster did leave the house at 9 a.m. with a promise to call me at 9 p.m. tonight. I have the day to putz around artistically, maybe get a journal page finished to commemorate the day.

I leave you with this photo I took of the Peace Lantern in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if there were peace in the world in my lifetime and yours? It seems doubtful some days, but I still cherish the hope that it will one day be a reality. Hmmmm...I am having an internal blogger problem right now, and can't upload any photos. So the Peace Lantern will hopefully come later.