Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas Week-end

I hope everyone is recovering from whatever way you celebrate your holidays. Hubby and I had what was probably the most relaxing Christmas ever this year. Most years we like to keep it pretty simple anyhow, but with this past years challenges, we were really determnined to do so. We stayed home, watched a few Christmas movies, and just enjoyed quiet times. Sounds boring I know, but it was very restful. Lots of coffee, chocolate, and snacks, so we both still have a sugar rush. Ever notice how once you start eating sweets it is hard to stop? We haven't set an actual date to stop yet, but we have discussed cutting back. Ha Ha

Sammy T.Squirrel says Merry Christmas


On Christmas eve, while watching The Nightmare Before Christmas, I strung this little garland. The papers are from the Ferrero Rocher candies hubby brought home. Thankfully I have other people eating these and saving the cups for me.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Solstice Greetings

Mid 60's today. We are cozying in early tonight, with a supper of soup and bread, candles and Christmas tree lights glowing. I am happy to still be sleeping with the windows open at night even into the low 40's.

Blue skies finally, and some pretty swirly clouds. Some are contrails.


The birds were very chatty this morning, and the ones that weren't in the trees were busy swirling around,preparing for winter.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Even I'm Getting Tired of Grey

As much as I don't really mind grey, rainy weather, even I am getting tired of it. We've had what seems like weeks of it, even though we have had a few days when the sun has peeked out for half a day or so. I love the blue skies of Texas and the fluffy white of the clouds, so I miss them. It is a good day to be at home, and a good day to cook soup and bread, so I am going to do both those things. I have the Christmas lights on and I am burning candles and listening to music. I have a few projects to finish up by this week-end, and then I am taking it easy for the rest of the "holidaze".

Through the window and screen

Monday, December 7, 2009

Misty, Rainy, 51 Degrees

Since I last posted we have had wind, rain, fog, and yes even snow. The weathermen were so excited to be able to predict snow, and then talk and talk about the few little flurries we got here. I didn't even get enough at my house to get a photo shot of it. But it was exciting just the same.

Today has been really foggy. I had to go out early to do a few errands, and it felt colder as the day wore on, plus it is still pretty foggy. It's always nice to come back home and settle in with a nice hot cup of coffee, and plan my activities and shenanigans for the rest of the week. I hope I can squeeze in just a little artwork this week, including getting a few Christmas cards mailed.

Visit my other blog http://theinquisitivemagpie.blogspot.com/ for catch up on the festivals of the past week-end and where I went, what I did, and who I saw. Fun Fun Fun...oh and of course a few football games on the telly. Both my teams won, and got their bowl game selections. "Hook em Horns" and Hooray for Coach Pete, and them Boise Broncos!!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

All Day Rain Event

That was the weatherman's forecast for yesterday. He was only off by one day. We did get some rain yesterday, but not all day, like we have had today. It is cold, 42right now, and windy. I had to go out for a bit early this morning, but hurried back home and I'm glad I don't have to go out again. I much prefer a day like this to be spent indoors, with some candles lit, music, maybe reading a book or watching a movie. I worked hard yesterday so I think I enjoy a little relaxing, sitting here drinking a latte' and watching it rain. Tomorrow I'll pack away the Thanksgiving things and start preparing for Christmas decor. Three of my neighbors on the street already decorated this week-end and have their outdoor lights going.

Misty Morning

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hubby Sweety Brings Home Art Supplies

My everlovin' sweetie is my loyal supporter, my enabler, and bringer of found items and ephemera. He also on occasion, complains that I have too much "stuff", and wishes I would use it up faster...or find a better way to store it. But when it comes to candy foil, he is always happy to assist in any way he can. Of course I get the pleasure of opening and smoothing the wrappers out and he gets to gobble up the contents. That is not to say that a few of these won't find their way into my mouth, especially the hazelnut ones.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Show me your Junk Drawer

Holy Crap! How embarrassing is this? This is my lovely entry table that I try to keep cleaned off. Our "landing strip" as it were, when we come in the door. It stays cleaned off for a week or so, but then one of us puts the mail there, or keys, or the camera, then slowly it attracts more stuff till it is an embarrassment again. Well, speaking of cameras...this is what I found inside the drawer, which was stuck closed because something had gotten jammed inside and it could not be opened. I finally UNjammed it while I was talking on the phone with a pal, about the fact that neither of us could find our "lomo" cameras. You know, the ones we just had to have when they were all the rage a few years ago. Well, I did find the lomo there, and now a few days later, it has gone missing somewhere else. But also I found all this stuff!! Cameras galore, old film, a few cell phones, etc. etc. A keychain digital? Where'd that come from! Fun and possibilities, and reminders of many more unfinished things I have started. Oh, Oh, theres the little Polaroid i-Zone my friend from Ohio brought me a few years ago...they don't even make film for it anymore, do they? I know there is a flickr group that shares photos taken with expired film...I never even knew that expired film was still usable, but then why the heck have I been saving it???

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Love That Anthropologie

After coffee at Whole Foods in the a.m., the Hubster and I took our first of the month stroll through the home goods section of Anthropologie. They were in the process of changing the displays out and getting the "Christmas" stuff up, so things were kind of everywhere and they were all busy little bees.

This bed had some of the pillows on it that we saw in last week's episode of Man Shops Globe.


I love their mirrors


These were very old mirrors attached to one another, kind of leaning precariously...wonder if that is where they are going to stay or were they just waiting to be hung?


After that we strolled through the new West Elm store for the first time and pretended we were just starting out and had bought a loft and were furnishing it with all contempary stuff. Totally opposite of the style of Anthropologie. HaHa Then we came home and admired our own 35 year collection of mix-matched stuff with all it's history attached.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Oh Bats...Halloween is over

Time to pack away the Halloween stuff which I barely got out this year. Here's a cool postcard I received from a fellow bat (and owl) loving pal. I am still searching for the cool bat I bought for her and then poked away, then couldn't find...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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!

Monday, September 28, 2009

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.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wheres My Link?

Geez...I feel really dense. I tried to put a link to those Mechanics lights in the last post, but it did not show up. A friend has explained to me how to do it, but I guess she is going to have to physically come over here and do it for me. Still so many things I want to learn about this blog thing.

I am still crushing on blue though. I came out of a store a few days ago, and parked right next to me was this adorable little car. First one like this I had seen. It was stopping traffic, in fact a lady almost ran me over while gawking at it. A lot of peeps were stopping to take a gander, I guess they had never seen one either. But I was the only one who had a camera.



This close up fills 3 categories. The color blue, the reflection of my car wheel, and the shadow of my hands.



And then there is my ever favorite blue, right above me. I never tire of the changing blues of the big wide sky.

Those Hanging Lights

I couldn't stop thinking about those lights I saw last time at Anthropologie. Husband hinted that he might buy me some for my birthday in a few days. "Some" as in two or three, as where would you hang just ONE that it wouldn't look odd. He knows me so well, as I never buy just one of anything, but a cluster or a group! HA
So I take a peek in the catalog and can't quite believe my failing eyesight, so go online and yes it is true, they are $148.00 each. The real name for them is Mechanics Beacon light, but they aren't vintage, just "Inspired by Vintage", and imported...but it does not say from where. I don't know why I was surprised by the price as it is so "Anthro" but actually I have gotten some accessorie things there that seem quite reasonable in price. But I could never justify that price for a few hanging pendants. Sooo..glad I have a photo of them. Take a look...

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

That Fine Blue Wall

Every time I go into Anthropologie I am drawn straight to this blue wall. They change the display every month or so, and I love seeing whatever they put in front of it and the shadows that are cast upon it. Today they had a collection of hanging lamps, very low tech...they look like cages just hung on brown extension cords. Interesting, kind of like bare bulb shop lights. But the wall...hmmm. A photo just does not do the color justice. Even w/o a flash it looks more washed out than it really is. It is kind of a chalky blue, that looks like gesso was the undercoat in places. I keep imagining how I can duplicate a color like that as a background for a canvas or a journal page.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

More Stitching

Still having fun with Hello Kitty. Decided if I left her out on the table I could stitch stuff daily. Hopefully scraps and thread won't end up in the small space I left for the hubster to sit down and eat his dinner. LOL Note to self: Must clean work table off again, so I don't spread into the kitchen!


Work table scraps over magazine pages, randomly tossed and stitched.


I like the simplicity of this one, but yet it doesn't feel quite "done". Can always toss some paint at it later.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Happy Birthday to My Sister

Today is my Dear Sisters birthday. I called her yesterday, and again today. I may call her again tonight. I miss her. I wish we lived in the same town, like we did so many years ago. We could go out shopping together, or to Starbucks for a treat, or just hang out. Here is what I made and sent to her.

A hanging card.


Back side of the hanging card.


Paper quilt with ribbon hanger.


Back side.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Me And Hello Kitty



I've finally been getting some projects done. A few things that I had started here and there. I decided to spend the month of August just focusing on actually "finishing" some things. For far too long my brain has been scattered, and I have just been starting things, then moving on to starting more things. We shall see how long I can sustain the momentum. Got my wee sewing machine out over the week-end and just started stitching stuff. Playing really, but with several things I had started earlier then set aside. Finished a few things to send to my sis for her birthday next week. Still didn't find one of the pieces I started for her B.D. last year and didn't finish. Hmmm...this is fun. I think Kitty will stay out for awhile.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

This Island Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us



Yesterday, the Hubster left early and said he'd be home late. So, as I usually do, I started several projects at once. Actually, I'm trying to devote this week to finishing some of the previous projects I have started. However, having previously covered most of my working space, I spread some out on the kitchen island. I figured I'd be able to get it finished before he came home. Well, I fluttered about all day, from one project to the other, and actually got a lot done, even though one can't tell by looking. Well, what happens, he comes home several hours early, I am next door visiting a neighbor, and he finds the island covered. While driving he decided to come home and make fajitas for us. How sweet, huh? But he finds projects all over his working space. He says (jokingly of course) You have to clutter every single flat surface in this house!!! Can't you leave me a little space to cook? I even had a basket of paints sitting on the stove... Well we had a Tuna salad, made by me.... Tonight will be Fajita night and the island is cleared and the kitchen is all his again. It's so nice to have a man around the house, isn't it? Especially one who cooks.

Monday, July 20, 2009

I can resist anything BUT temptation

Well, I can usually resist most temptations, but having that big ole 50% coupon from Michaels is a hard one for me. I have been a really good girl, at least for a week, and stayed out of there. Well, then I get a 50% in my e-mail. OOOH the drama!!! For the longest time when I had a coupon, I would go in, buy the one thing I needed and then leave. But sometimes if I spend any time looking around I buy other things, which is of course, what they want you to do. Well here's the item I had been thinking of:

Which is really kind of funny, since I am not really a glitter kind of gal. I bought several large jars of Martha glitter last year, and did a few Halloween things. I haven't done a thing with them since, but take the jars out of the cabinet and admire them. Chances are that is what I will do with these new ones as well. But being the Magpie girl that I am, their sparkly goodness just kept calling to me every time I passed the Martha display. This time I was just overcome with greed and had to make them mine. Only at half price, understand? Just look at all those colors,if you enlarge you should be able to read the names of them. Oh, and can you also read that they are the Essential colors? Well of course they are. Now if someone could only keep reminding me I should actually use them to make something sparkle!!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Yes, I did

Dropped by one of my favorite places for inspiration again. Anthropologie. I haven't figured out how to add a link yet. Sorry.

Isn't this cool how the shadow plays on the wall? I'm in love with shadows and look for them everywhere.


This is a really great display you see as you walk into the store, it's just a bunch of pieces of recovered wood, and they have turquoise paint on the ends of each. Wow, this is why I'd like to live in a warehouse, to be able to display large pieces like this.