Jersey Girl

A delightful evening...

I just got home from the pool, and finally have breezed through the photos from yesterday to share! Yesterday I went into NYC to visit my old and and dear friend Margie. She is one of my favorite people, so fun, interesting and a touch subversive, just like me! Even though we do not speak as frequently as we used to, or spend as much time together as I would like, hanging out with her is just like coming home.

The biggest difference between our time together now, and our time together over the past eight years is that she has a BABY...not just a regular ole' baby, but a SUPER ADORABLE ONE!

So tell me, do I look good with a baby????

 

My answer: NO....but the baby, she's purely cute, and clearly not genetically related to me because she was happy, content and well behaved, LOL! Now if she were tearing apart all the shelves, and cried for three hours straight, there may have been some confusion, LOL.

I am so happy to see what a natural mother Margie is. I think it took me a while to get the hang of the whole thing, and to settle into full time baby care! Perhaps one of those reason was that my first baby stone cold refused to take to any schedule. In spite of some efforts, he marched to the beat of his own durmmer (and still does), which made it a challenge to have a life. So I had none, outside of my playgroup. Anyway, Margie looked just beautiful, with the same smile that can light up a room. Seeing her only makes me want to see more of her, and I hope to spend a lot more time with her this year!

Also on my agenda has been creating some more etsy designs for The Lobster Pot. My sales have been brisk lately, and my friend Scott (my guest blogger from a few months ago) suggested a Michael Jackson print....so I created THIS!

I created an image of his sequin glove and used that....and I'm happy with the results, honoring the King of Pop!

Anyway, I must cut this post short, as I'm going out walking with my friend Marjorie (not Margie, but someone ELSE with the name!!!). I have to exercise the hip!

XOXO

And the summer begins...

It hasn't seemed like much of  a summer. Almost constant rain over the past month and a half, and the deluge that was the end of school. Now that we are planning out summer, it has become clear that I have given this way too little thought.

First, the loss of two figures in one day. RIP Michael Jackson...

 and also Farrah....

 With the summer knocking on the door, I want to set some goals. I want to work through the book I recently purchased, Zakka Sewing, over the next month or so. I don't have so much time to sew, but I want to make the most of the time I do have. In order to do this, I must rethink my organization. I have a lot of unused space at home. I also have to consider taking my machine to the beach, where I have more time, but less of a set-up to sew. The book, by

This book is delightful, and shows typical Japanese stitching projects in English. Win/win! I've only made one of the projects so far, and haven't yet photographed it...but hopefully will soon.

For now, I'm signing off. Summer is a time of more blogging, and more time. I hope that some of these initial goals get crossed off the list. I haven't done a blog list in oh so long, so perhaps I should end today's post with one!

1) Sign up for course (topic to be stated later...bit stuff in the works here)

2) Pick up photographs from photographer (disc)

3) Make beds (or have kids do that)

4) Begin considering vacation and look into schedules

5) Pay Bills

6) Dinner Plans

7) Get Summer Clothes from attic

Now to begin.....

XOXO

I'm back....

Good morning, and I have survived the last two crazy busy weeks! I'm finally in the right mind to get creative again. I finished a project yesterday that was months in the making. This past winter I made a few silk screens for market bags...and this is my personal favorite.

Here's the lining, a cute linen floral print...

And here's the other side...

And another doll project I just started...excuse the blur, it was dark in the kitchen and I only had my point and shoot camera!

 Not much time to write today, but I wanted to start a new blogging era with a morning post! Thanks to anyone left reading this since I've been remiss in my updates!
XOXO

Quick Update

I'm in the throws of planning, and will talk about my myriad of issues on that topic later, but I wanted to drop in and give a quick update. What am I doing now??? I am creating party things, such as the candy tins sticker......

 Also I've been working on some new typography projects for my etsy store...including this father's day print (which I am having framed for Father's Day, from my kids).

I wish I had more photos on my laptop to share, but alas, I will try to add them later. Also in the news, the season finales of some of my faves already happened, sadly. My personal fave, Lie To Me, had a great finale last week and the season's end to Gossip Girl was also darn good. If you missed any of these, I'm sure they'll turn up on Hulu dot com.

My etsy store, The Lobster Pot still keeps me relatively busy these days. I'm trying to keep it stocked with new designs, but with the party planning, I'm falling a bit behind. The hip update is also a mixed bag. It's been a long time (my guess is around 7 or more weeks since shot) and I am struggling a bit but still okay. The muscle relaxers help the spasm and I'm all-in-all pretty pleased. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless.

I'm off to meet with my printer for my photo quality labels...hoping she is in early! Have a wonderful day all, and enjoy the moment.

XOXO

What I've been doing...

My Etsy store has taken on a new life this past week. The Lobster Pot is taking up a little more time, and I'm making sales every day, and expanding my designs and my products. Fun, fun! Sorry if the pix are a bit blurry, but I am using the low-res files here....

Also on the front burner, raising money for ds' race he is running in Late May. He is looking for sponsors, and doing a good job, as he is running to raise money for DOG AND ANIMAL RESCUE! He is running for 2nd Chance Dachshund Rescue, The Human Society of NJ and Clete's rescue, the Harmony Hounds Rescue in VA. He is so excited, and he has been doing quite well raising money for the cause. Let me know if you are interested in sponsoring him. EVERY CENT counts, and no amt. is too small.

Rumor has it the weather is going to get a LOT better this weekend. I even heard that temps may reach the beloved eighties! WOOO HOOO. I can't wait to get rid of the jackets and sweaters and embrace the heat! What are your plans for the weekend????

I'm baaaaaaack!

The bad news, I've taken way too much time away from blogging. The good news, it's because I'm busy and doing a lot more now that I have had some steroid injections for my psoas tendonitis! I'm into some fun stuff these days between all the work.....

I got myself a pair of these awesome Hunter Wellies in forest green. I've only worn them once, but they are a silver lining to a rainy day! Since I haven't done too much shopping during the past year, I have done much designing. My etsy store, The Lobster Pot is now fully stocked with my posters, many fun takes on the Keep Calm and Carry On poster, originally created in England in 1939. I blogged about this a few months ago, and now created a fun line of my own personal interpretations...like this one...

    I'm also preparing a few auctions for dachshund rescue, and will donate 100% of the profits to rescue! I'm working on some new things just for that purpose. What fun!

I don't have more than one more moment, but I promise to be back sooner this time. I'll leave you with a few photos of this past week, when the kids were on vacation.

 

TTFN! Have a great Tuesday.

XO

       

Totally Airbrush!

So today I picked up my airbrush paints and supplies and I'm ready to roll. We'll see how it all goes. But before I show my projects (if I produce any) I will share a few of my digital designs. I've made some photoshop brushes and graphics out of my own designs and out of some old (1800's) drawings (one of those). I love to personalize old royalty-free graphics to make them my own.

And the revised old drawing:

Also on the weekend agenda is baseball practice, Falcon chain administrative stuff and more airbrush and art. My goal is to learn the basics today and then complete the project (which I will reveal when it's done) tomorrow. That's a tall order, considering the magnitude of the project. I'm very excited and hope I have what it takes to do it!

In the news this week was the decent effectiveness of last Friday's steroid shot in my psoas muscle. I actually have had the most function I've had in a long time, and had another yesterday, and hope that it works even better. Not sure since no results yet!

On a lighter note, I want to share a few of my fave TV shows. As always I totall still love House.

I also have been living Lie To Me, the new awesome Fox show about a man who can interpret facial expressions and body launguage and is a consultant to law enforcement and the US Government.

He questions suspects and knows instantly when someone is lying. In between  "scenes" they flash examples of famous figures that illustrate the expressions or behaviors he's discussing (i.e. clintons, obama, other politicians and stars). The show is based on the research of Paul Ekman. I just ordered his book from Amazon and I can't wait for it to arrive today! It's a great show, and it's not too late to catch up. You can find catch-up episodes on Hulu so click and you can watch all the Lie To Me episodes you need to get you ready for Tuesday's new eipsode!

Anyway, I'm off to begin my adventure into airbrush art. Please wish me luck b/c I know I'll need it! Later, gators. XOXO

Today is the day...

So last night I purchased what I am now affectionately calling the "craft cushion." It's a slip-proof cushion for my kitchen chair, where I paint my wood figures and do my silk screening. I find it hard to sit on the hard wooden chairs for long with the hip, so this could open up a world of possibilites for me. A steal at 12.99! Today I am determined to work on my wooden figures that I owe my friend Tina...and I still have a ways to go. We made a swap, and I can't wait to share photos of the knitted, felted Cletus that she created by hand for me. I will post pix of that on St. Patty's day to celebrate (will explain why on that post).

I've been enjoying my new camera and truth be told, I am now free of that oppressive flash. The new Nikon performs at high ISOs with virtually no grain. I shot my dauther's haircut at 1000 ISO in dim light with no flash and virtually NO retouching.

I'm in LOVE with the camera, and even created a custom strap out of Japanese fabric. I'll take some photos of that later, with some directions if you are intersted in that.  Now I want to share an outdoor photo, shot at f 2 with the new camera. Here's Camilla....

I am also determined to restock the etsy store this week. Aside from working on the graphics projects I have to finish, and several sessions (3 six month olds scheduled as well) I wish to get my act together and create some new stuff for etsy. I'll post here when I finish those projects.

First I want to show a few of my fave artists. Here's Teencie's Woolie Wonders, which only has two things in stock now, but rumor has it, she's upgrading her shop shortly. She's working on some custom orders, but hopes to finish soon to get back to her shop.

I've also created a digital etsy, which is The Lobster Pot. I have a few posters up there now, and can't wait to get some photos with my new camera of some of them hanging in my house! What fun!

More later, when I get my lazy behind out. Rumor has it I will have another guest blogger. He said he was going to talk about the stock market, but I think he can come up with something FAR more interesting. What do you want to hear about?

Blog Post Overload!

Before introducing Jersey Girl's Guest Blogger, I want to introduce you to my new HAIR. For those of you not on Facebook, you may not have seen my NEW HAIR. My amazing stylist Rosa, has now moved from Bumble and Bumble to Mizu Salon on Park Avenue in NYC. I'm so excited for her, since she is such a gifted stylist, and I'm proud to say, a good friend. I've followed her like a guru for almost 20 years now, since we were both babies, LOL!

And here is me in one of my NEW HEADBANDS I'm sewing for my etsy (which will be updated soon, hopefully by Tuesday).

Even though my hip is still proving to be standing in my way, I'm trying to get things going....so without further hesitation, I will introduce my close friend and personal advisor, Scott!

Hi, I have been invited to guest blog today for my pal Jersey Girl.  Wasn’t sure what I would write about, since I’m neither artistic nor a woman.  But Jersey suggested this list, that I am pretty certain many of you know has become an internet phenomenon.  (Not my list, but the random things).  I really like this idea, because it will let you know a bit about me, and I can blog about one item that has particular meaning to me. Jersey Gal ruthlessly shortened my list because she was bored by some of it. So it's been taken down from 25 to 15.

1. I married the perfect person for me and  have no clue how she puts up with me.

2. I like to cook.

3. I hate throwing things away.

4. I think that the word potential is inherently wicked.

5.  I love traveling just about anywhere, and I love meeting people when I'm away, yet am shy when I'm at home.

6.    I can be a misanthrope, but I am striving to change.

7.  I can keep a secret....very well.

8. Bears 13 and 0.

9. I saved someone from a grisly death. *see below

10. Have lost 50 lbs and want to lose at least 50 more!

11. I don't understand how people think that all schools can be above average.

12. I drove cross country in 3 days, with 2 cats.

13. I would rather chat on AIM or Facebook than talk on the phone.

14. I think that people are in charge of their own destiny, and personal choice is the greatest gift that God has ever given man.

15. I really enjoy learning, about almost anything.

** I saved someone from a grisly death.

I had recently moved out of my parent’s home into my first apartment in Park Slope.  Everything was new and exciting.  It was 12 o’clock, almost lunch time, and I was on the D train, returning to Brooklyn from Manhattan. Mid-week, the train was fairly deserted.  In the subway car there was me, and a young Asian woman, and a couple at the far end.

I am not the type of person that talks to people I do not know.  But I do love to people watch.  I noticed that the Asian women seated diagonally across from me just didn’t seem right.  She seemed limp, unable to hold up her own body weight.  This isn’t that unusual, as the motion of the NYC subway can put you to sleep.  For all I knew she was just getting home from a night of partying.   

We arrived at the 7^th Ave. Station, and I got up to leave, as did the woman.  At some level I must have known something wasn’t right, because I kept my eye on her.  As her feet reached the platform, she paused, and crumpled to the ground, falling backwards, hitting the subway car as she fell to the ground.  Her legs fell between station platform and the subway car.

I lept towards her, bent down, and tried to pick her up.  I heard the wheels of the car beginning to screech, but I couldn’t pull her clear of the train.  Her limp body in my arms, the train was leaving the station, and her legs were vibrating back and forth between the platform and the train. My hands were shaking, and I feared she would be pulled out of my arms and dragged down the platform to her death. I pushed her legs away from the platform, careful to avoid getting sucked in myself. The train cleared the station and I put her down safely.  Someone must have called the police, as they showed up moments later.

Epilogue:  About a month later, while walking in the neighborhood, a different young woman approached me.  She asked if I was the one that had helped her friend.  (I have no idea how she knew it was me)  She thanked me, and told me that her friend had been fighting a virus, not eating enough and living on cold medicine.  It seems that she had passed out, and was completely unconscious.  Because of that her legs remained limp, and she had only suffered severe bruising (I thought they would have been broken).

That’s my story.  I hope you liked it.

Scott

 

Stuff is goin' on!

It was supposed to be today, but alas I haven't gotten around to putting it up yet - I have a guest blogger tomorrow....so surprise, surprise, we have something new here. Today will be all about getting it done. That's the theme for today. I will first share a few recent images, and show you a bit of what I'm going to be uploading to my etsy shop. But before I can do that, I want to show you another shot of Cletus. I just can't stop myself. This was taken Friday afternoon.

The first line of items I have made for etsy are some retro 60's headbands with a modern twist. As I could not take photos of myself, I had a model that was a bit short of adulthood - so they appear larger than they are. Here's my skull and crossbones headband...

The bands are SO comfy - and I wear these all the time without a big imprint on my forehead!

I have a whole collection, but won't bore you. I also have just photographed a few sets of these:

This is the Witt family, my first wooden etsy set. I have several, but only have photographed this first one. I particularly enjoyed making the men's tie! :)

  I will now share my list for today, to help me focus and drill down on COMPLETING it. What are the odds that I will??? Slim???

1. Work on invitations

2. Order Magnets (design done, yea!)

3. Send out Falcon email

4. Walk on treadmill for Physical Therapy

5. Photography orders

6. Everything else!

Have a fabulous day everyone...Check back tomorrow for my guest blogger surprise.

XOXO

It's cold, it's windy & it's MONDAY!

So after school drop-off this morning I raced over to Tracy's and worked out on her eliptical. I'm trying to get in at least two to three additional workouts over PT every week, to strengthen my hip muscles and get my life back! Very exciting indeed. The rest post-workout provided me a little time to update the ole' blog.

So we went down to the beach yesterday to check things out, and spend a few hours at the house. We ended up choosing the worst day of the vacation to do this, as it rained all day.  During a brief low, we got outside with the dogs.

  And how could I resist this darling pic of the lil' guy...

Since I have been decently successful with my list making on my blog, perhaps I can bore you with another one. I'm trying to be realistic. I welcome any additions to my list if you are so inclined.

1. Confirm poster proof & place order

2. Pay Bills (at least ten)

3. Put all dates on calendar

4. Start with ONE PILE in office (to sort)

5. Complete Little League Designs

6. Drop off Tae Kwondo Check

I can't get enough of looking at this little Japanese iPod case. I bring it to and from Phyiscal Therapy with my iPod and blackberry. It even has a little pocket for money or cards. LOVE this, and just looking at the dangly monster makes me happy.

Time to begin the list. Staying at home when it's cold out isn't a big deal - but I will have to brave the winds at some point today to do errands. Happy Monday!! XOXO

Blast from the Past...

Happy Wednesday. I was so excited about my digital projects, as well as finding one of my favorite blast from the past products at Walmart, that I just had to schedule a mid-week post! I decided to test the hip (and buy a poster frame) this morning, and came across this in the promotional area at the end of the costmetics aisle.

Any child of the 70's remember the huge advertising blitz surrounding this amazing product. I remember it, and having the beautiful pink bottle with the pink cologne inside, sitting on my green dresser in my room (WHY did my mom decide to paint that dresser this bright awful green anyway?). I loved the baby-powderish smell, the color of the bottle and the fact that it was inexpensive. Today I paid less than six dollars for two small (pretty small, more like pocket size) bottles, which wouldn't even cover the packaging I would think!

Now looking back, perhaps the advertising campaign could have been a bit more politically correct.

That girl looks all of 12 years old. Scary. This old advertisement is a bit more, well, acceptable by today's standards since we don't know if this person is of age or not.

Since I was relatively successful in doing my list items once posted, perhaps I will share today's list with you.

1) Follow up on Falcon Magnets for baseball

2) Call handyman about bed frame

3) Print out valentines

4) Upload items to my etsy store

5) Confirm vendor for poster printing

That's enough for today considering I haven't even finished yesterday's list...or the day before. Hope you all have a wonderful day and think back to your favorite 70's memory! Share if you are so inclined!

XOXO

Monday

So underwear. On a few blogs they're talking about the undies TREND....as if underwear were a trend, LOL. Well, I think back to years ago when I did a painting of L's Hello Kitty underwear with her quote about "Underwear, Underwear, Don't forget your underwear!" I have the canvas in my office, taken down from her room when it wasn't exactly cool to have undies on your wall. I'm sure the time will return when it is, but that time is not now. Anyway, I never posted my painting years and years ago back when she actually wore said Hello Kitty undies, so I cannot claim authorship of said trend. But if we want to go back even further, my Mom painted underwear before we were even born, so underwear has always been a topic in art, so none of us are really creators of the trend! I will, however, pay mention to one scrapbook artist who brought it to the online pop-art community, Elsie.  I really like her blog, because she lives a lifestyle that is based in creativity, which is a far cry from where I was in my 20's in graduate school, residency and raising kids. I admire the decision to make art a career, and make a living out of it. I really enjoy reading about a much "free-er" life than I have created for myself, seeing how her crafts and projects (like pop-art meets folk art) are interpreted.

Seeing that I have done a lot of digital art lately, I decided to create some underwear photoshop brushes. I created the above based on the combination of American Apparel undies and some old Monday-Friday undies I had. So today is Monday, time to celelbrate it with underwear!

Today I am going to try to attack the Monday List! I will make sure that at least the most important things are covered.

1) Bills, Bills, Bills - PAY THEM

2) Call bus companies for kids party

3) Get accomodation calls made

4) Return Guitar for fixing

5) Return emails

6) Walk

7) Make PT appointments

8) Cut pattern for vespa belt

9) Mail donation to dog rescue

I won't keep going on my list because if I feel overhwelmed, I won't even start. So here goes - have a wonderful day and please post a comment if you have stopped by. I keep hearing "I read on your blog..." but then don't see a comment from said individuals! So tell me you've stopped by so I don't feel like I'm talking to myself.

XOXO

February First!

Happy February. So there is some controversy in the Groundhog community as oft there is. Phil saw his shadow while Staten Island whoever did not....so who is right???? I'm going with Staten Island...which is a first.

February also brings Valentine's Day.

 

The best of V_day gifts this year....

1) Toast Imprints (or Toast Brands) - which I just love. I don't know if I can justify the shipping on this one, but I LOVE it. This gem is from fredflare.com and it rules, along with their other stuff. I love that site, and do order from them frequently.

2) This speaks for itself. They have a cute box at Target, that appears very juicy couture with the pink and black!

3) Also from Fred Flare, these adorable band aids. I can't buy them because one lil' girl would use them up in the first two days....so that's not gonna happen.

4) This great dachshund canvas tote is really a fashion must for anyone. LOVE this.

5) Bestie Neckace I own, and of course purchased from Fred Flare.

6) This beautiful ring is from Blue Nile - and I love it. Nuf' said.

7) Sushi rules, on V-day or any other day. A few years ago we went to Nobu 57 for sushi for Valentine's Day. It was unreal.

I haven't given any thought to my own gifts yet for V-day. Any ideas????

Cupcakes and Hearts!

I just love Valentine's Day - the colors (pink, red, white), the exchanging of cards, the candy! Each year I go overboard making Valentine's Day stuff like cupcakes! This year, even with the hip, I was able to do this....

 

And here's my favorite part...the stuff that goes on top!

 

 

 

I can't eat the cupcakes (gluten and dairy thing) but alas, everyone said they were fantastic!

XO

Inauguration 2009

To celebrate Barack Obama's Inauguration Day, I will share some fun images.... first there was this:

 

And then, came this...

 

And who could resist my personal favorite,

 

And will close with a few fun takes on the poster...

 

 

Today I was going to discuss my near-miss with three of my favorite TV shows last night and how I tried to avoid taking my TiVo to a screeching halt by trying to watch more than one show at once, but.....in the immortal words of my brother, I decided to be a pig, but not a hog...and keep my TiVo on Gossip Girl, and go downstairs to watch House and The Bachelor concurrently. It wasn't easy, and truthfully I shorted House because the plotline required more attention...but there's always Hulu...and perhaps I'll stalk to site to find last night's episode.

Happy Inauguration Everyone...and don't worry, I'll see that House episode at some point, if you were worried. XO

Catch up...

Good morning. I want to do a catch-up and catch-all post of what's going on. First I want to finish my silk screening endeavors before I move on to image transfer (something that has recently piqued my interest)....

  This was the fabric I made, when I was just starting to print. Turned out I made a wonderful apron out of my custom fabric, and I will photograph it one of these days to show you the finished product. I still have a few unfinished silk screening projects going that I must finish soon.

So my resolution of trying to be more on time is working partially. I have been much better, but slip occasionally. I think the overall improvement a few weeks into the new year is something, but will require more work I know.

 

I'm considering making paper cuttings of the kids silohettes. Here's one I am working on for matt in Photoshop. I could potentially print and cut, and mount it on a white background, but who knows if this project will go to fruition. It may take a back seat, and rightfully so!

This week I want to take some studio photos using my new afro wig from Party City.

 

Have a wonderful day, and I'm off to try to at least get something meaningful done! More catch-up later. 

XO 

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year to all. I am happy to have 2008 behind us, and am hoping for a better 2009, or at least improved health and mobility. I'm trying to remain positive, and recognize the improvements that I have seen.

I want to share a few photos from our Vermont trip.

 

 

 

Vermont was great. It was peaceful, freezing, and full of fun, friendship and food. I stayed behind for the skiing part, but alas it was still wonderful.

My list for the new year:

1) Live healthier, find new ways to work out even with the hip. Stick closer to my gluten/dair free lifestyle.

2) Be more timely!

3) Address things earlier, and when they come up!

4) Train dogs better!!

5) Promise less, but deliver on whatever is promised.

6) Stay in better touch with friends - pick up the phone more!

7) Live more in the moment!

That's it for now. Any suggestions?? Happy new year and wishing everyone a wonderful 2009 filled with happiness, health and luck.

XOXO

The weather outside is frightful...

so it makes me less upset that I am indoors alternating between working, resting hip and puttering. My to-do list is so large that it spans like three notebooks. I want to begin with sharing some things that have caught my eye for the holidays... I cannot post the gifts I've gotten for family and friends already, but I can post some eye candy that can get almost anyone into the holiday spirit, even me! Compliments of Martha, here's the cutest wrapping EVER.

So it got me thinking, in this new year, I want to get that "faux wood" tool thing that they have at Lowes, and make me some custom wood wrapping paper (and yes, I said wood!).

Thanks to martha for the fresh inspiration and some decent tutorials on her website. I'm also taken with home made decor for the holidays, like these adorable little trees. I don't care if you celelbrate Christmas or not - they're ADORABLE...and so easy to make. I got this photo off of the Flickr group, and you can join up and make these great holiday projects by downloading the pattern HERE!

   

All of these gorgeous crafts were inspired by the pattern. How festive, and potentially a terrific and budget-conscious gift.

Also on my brain, my favorite saying. I don't use it once a day, I use it at least FIVE times a day. I'm not saying I always verbalize it, but I THINK it. It's inspired by someone I"ve blogged about before...

 

The quote "If it doesn't make sense, it isn't true!" My mentor, Dr. Phil also says this, but no one does it better than Judge Judy. Sigh, she's just so right all the time. What's not to love about that!

I have so much to cover, but because of my crazy business this time of the year, I have to go deal with biz. I'm off to limp over to the printer to pick up clients' envelopes. Enjoy the day and remember - if it doesn't sound true, it's not! XO

Happy Monday...

I like to post on monday because I find it sets the tone for the week and organizes my thoughts.  This weekend was a whirlwind. Between the holiday parties starting and the work being non-stop, I did manage to find a few moments to breathe between driving M from one event to the next. I wanted first to share a bit of the work I did over the weekend.  I did some outdoor and some studio work, which always give the variety I need not to go blind during the post processing phase!

 

For some odd reason the next photo appears to have wonky eyes...no clue why because in full res, they're fine. I tried two proofs up here, but can't spare more time perfecting this, so suffice it to say, on my screen, the eyes are fine. :)

This time of the year, the mad rush takes on a

new dimension. I had family, friends and M's math project partner here last night, all creating a din that could probably be heard by for miles. I cannot believe it but all the work was completed, with a few "Call of Duty 4" breaks in between. I'm glad it's Monday. Perhaps a new start, new week, new focus??? I can only hope so.

Enjoy the week and start strong! XO

Coming to fruition

I was going to post on my week, but decided instead to post about a book, an author and how my relationship with the author has led to bigger things.

I was twelve when we met - as seventh graders in the two "A.T." classes. About twelve of us were put into Academically Talented math and english, all from the four feeder elementary schools. I knew close to no one, since my elementary school was not known for producing the movers and shakers.

I met Kirsten at a time when perhaps girls do not forge the most loyal and enduring friendships. Twelve was hard. Very hard. She came to the middle school with a good friend from elementary school and I was an outsider. Yet we still forged a friendship. But I felt she was unique, interesting, creative and fun.

Middle school was a long two years. We covered the ground from close friends passing notes in class to typical adolescent struggles. Pretty normal twelve year old stuff.

Then came high school. We were in all the same classes, studied together and even embarked on a few creative writing projects together. I was always torn between my AP group of friends, of which Kirsten was a member, and my other group which consisted of my close friend Sue and my artist/musician and private school friends. After reading "Queen Bees and Wannabees" this year, I realized that this was the best medicine for an ailing time - diversifying friendships to hedge against any downturn.

I am not exactly sure why it happened, except teenage angst. Her imagination was brilliant - even when I was the recipient of its sharp edge. I see no need to rehash the past, but even though I knew what was going on, I didn't much react. We still were writing together, friends at school, and occasionally friends outside of school.

So I can't exactly remember what happened next. But we were able to move through it. With limitations.  My mom always says "through fire to perfection." Going through the kiln really helped me develop my own sense of self and others. It also allowed me to focus on building relationships in different circumstances.

We still trick or treated together, still hung out at lunch together and still called each other. I still occasionally sat in that leather hammock chair she had in her earthy ranch style living room. I loved that chair, as it was in stark contrast to the victorian furniture that sat in my more traditional colonial home living room. 

 Now seeing what middle school is like as a parent, I can say that I get it. As children, we make decisions that may not be based on anything but whim. We are influenced by so many emotions that we have never experienced, and have to deal with their consequences. I am grateful that even in my teenage wisdom (oxymoron?) it was simply situation, and I look back on high school as a learning experience.

Facebook. I get a friend invitation and see her name, and her photo. She has barely changed, except she no longer had that hybrid bob style with one side spikey and one side hanging in her face. But the face was the same, with the same warm smile.

We began corresponding on Facebook, and I found she had a young daughter just starting school. We talked about the impending release of her book and the challenges of getting a child used to the classroom. I always knew she'd be a writer. She was too talented not to be. I wasn't sure how it would go, but I sure as hell knew I wasn't sixteen anymore.  I have been changed by life - in both good and bad ways. I now see her for who she is - and even for perhaps who I always knew she was.

So last night it came full circle. I had read her book when it was released in October. It was BRILLIANT. Click HERE to order it - you will NOT be sorry.  It's called Dr. Olaf van Schuler's Brain and I don't just like it because I'm a doctor. I like it because it's beautifully written, with characters that are complex, conflicted and in many ways beautifully flawed.

After my review, my son decided to read this book for his honors english class, and present it as his project. After receiving approval from his teacher, we emailed Kirsten to ask if he may interview her for his class project and an article he wanted to write for a newspaper. She said yes.

So the interview happened last night. He was nervous, excited, and poured over the questions. He had never interviewed anyone before and this was a famous author after all! It went well, and he warmed up to even ask a few ad lib questions toward the end. He immediately began writing his article, and is thrilled with how it is coming along.

The moral of this story - you never know. You never know when things come full circle. You never know when seeing the true person and not simply the surface can come back in such a positive way. It made me feel particularly fortunate to have such an interesting group of people touch my life. After a 20 year hiatus, reconnecting with the past can deliver some unexpected color into our lives. I wish Kirsten success with Dr. Olaf and I am completely sure that she will meet with great reviews and reach her limitless potential as a writer. I also wish her lots of happiness with her daughter and may she know the pride I felt listening to Matt ask questions that I would never have had the nerve to ask at his age. Life has a way of coming full circle.

Thanksgiving recap and so much more...

Good evening. First off I hope you all had a wonderful and meaningful Thansgiving. As in years past, we had a glorious Thanksgiving meal with my sister-in-law's family in New York City. Ironically enough, we don't seem to hit much in the way of traffic going in to or coming out of NYC on Thanksgiving. It's a beautiful thing when you can cruise through the Lincoln Tunnel without as much as a slow-down for the EZ Pass lane!

  So we got there fifteen minutes early to take some photos on 5th avenue, across from the park. It really was a lovely day, even though a bit cold, so we were able to get some fun photos...

  I took pictures of us, and pictures of other families, and relatives of relatives. It took a while, but I finally got through all of the photos. Thanks to Kim, I even got one of us. Very rare!

  The day after Thanksgiving I had an "unofficial" high school reunion. The organizer, a friend from high school, used Facebook to hook up with a lot of people from our class, and get emails, phone numbers & addresses. She did a great job, and the turnout was decent.

It's strange going to a reunion. Not just because there I am, chatting with people who I didn't even chat with in high school....but also because you realize that it's the similar life experiences that bind you together - and without them, all you have in common in the same graduating class of the same school. Not that there aren't some great people - I'm sure there are. But even though I'm getting the updates from their lives, I feel like I could not identify less. However, there were a few people who I really am so happy to have caught up with. My friend Sue who I really think is pretty neat, Robbie who is such a genuine and happy person and a few that I didn't even know would be there. It's strange b/c otherwise, I wouldn't have called them all up to hang out, yet I did have a good time just spending an evening with people I haven't seen since my ten year reunion and probably won't see again until the next (with the exception of probably Robbie who lives in the area). There was a reason I felt the way I did about high school - mixed feelings actually - the reason is that the chasm doesn't go away with time, it becomes more profound, but for tremendously different reasons. It's hard to explain, but catching up with old classmates has almost made me feel more distant. I'm glad to see everyone doing pretty well...but also thankful for my community, my friends, and my life the way it is. Of course there are always things we'd want to change. But at this time in my life, I have the least number of things I've wanted to change...ever. Well, that does not include my hip - that has to change! :)

Thanks for going on this trip through memory lane. It was very apropos to go to the reunion after having a really particularly special Thanksgiving. The juxtaposition was strange, and pretty interesting. It's been a good weekend.

Mustaches, and I don't know why.

So I saw a photo of people with fake mustaches and then one with mustaches on a stick. I thought it was funny. Then it stuck in my mind. So I went into photoshop and designed my own mustaches. You may ask, "why?" The answer, I don't know. I'm thinking of doing a linolium block print, but so far, I'm all digital.

I've designed three high resolution mustache brushes for photoshop and once I get to my desktop, I'll upload them to share! I just haven't loaded my FTP program onto this computer to upload them to my website.

So I'm also furiously working on holiday cards for people. It's going to get VERY busy this week, which is great! I love keeping busy, and using the combination of my photographs and designs. What fun! I also have been sewing more. I have to photograph the apron I finally finshed with the fabric that I silk screened myself. It shaped up to be pretty cool.

For those of you who read multiple craft/art/design blogs, do you notice how the same photos/post topics appear all over the web? House tours, etsy finds, etc. appear on one blog and then on everyone else's blog. I think it should be called "blogcest!" Maybe that's a new and fun word to end up in Webster's. I love the posts individually, and my guess is that I'm not liking blogcest too much because I look forward to reading the blogs and getting new ideas and inspirations.

So today I will NOT post about a cool house tour, someone's adorable etsy items, a new thrift item, or the color orange. Not that all of these things aren't super cool, but I'm going to take a one day break from blogcest - RIGHT AFTER THIS: (I'm actually going to do a very common design blog thing - a collage of my faves...gosh I'm so hypocritical).

So I have a few new things that I'm really into now. This is rampant in the blogosphere, but all blogcest isn't redundant, is it????

   

Excuse the lackluster appearance of my collage, but no time this AM to do much in the way of design extras.

What I'm into:  The Tudors (LOVE THIS SHOW!!!), My Bernina sewing machine...how can I express my love for this machine????, Barq's Diet Root Beer, My new Photoshop brushes - silverware and mustaches...so much fun, silk screening (I'm just so into this), online shopping (I've already finished 25% of my holiday shopping while lounging with two lazy dahchunds, shelf designs (working on my family room), The Preppy Handbook (how could I not love our 80's bible?) and finally Japanese Puppets and Figurines. Ooooo, fun!

I'm off to get ready for a crazy day! Have a good one.

XO

A recipe to share...

Starting with a little Cletus eye candy! Who doesn't love a couple of boys mugging for the camera! Now for today's thought...

 

So last night I was chatting on AOL IM with my friend Scott (sorry to out you on here, man) who said that he loves my blog but "can't relate" to some of the stuff on here. So I asked "is it because you're not an artist?" And he replied "No, I like the art stuff." Perplexed, I asked, "so what is it?" And he IM's "the girlie stuff!" That left me thinking - but I'm a girl, and I would consider myself reasonably girlie. I love shoes, clothes, patterns, pillows on the bed, stuffed animals (still), cute stationary, Hello Kitty, pop music, text messaging (sigh, I love this), hair accessories, PINK, polka dots, cooking, shoes (yes, again) and so many other uniquely girly things. So Scott - I don't know what to tell you - try to relate, purely to flex your feminine side! Maybe you'll be using expressions like "I just looooooove this!" or "XO XO" ! HA! Okay, for Scott, and other people here who like a good and easy meal, I'm going to share a very sought-after recipe. The relevance of this recipe in this economy has risen, seeing that it's a total budget-conscious recipe...and delicious to boot. It's my famous...

RICH & THICK SPLIT PEA
1 - 1  1/2 package dried split peas (depending on how much you want to make)
about 5 cups chicken stock (you can use water for this, or a bullion cube or two in hot water, or you can make your own chicken stock or buy it)
2 medium onions
4 humongous carrots peeled, or if you have smaller carrots, do 8 smaller ones
2 medium cloves garlic, crushed (I use the garlic press)
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper (add some salt early on, but not much. If your stock has salt, then hold off on the salt until you're seasoning to taste at the end of cooking)
2-3 stalks cellery
2-3 Hebrew National hotdogs (my favorite brand)
I put in leftover roast beef from last night, cubed into small pieces (but you can also add leftover chicken, ground beef, steak, or nothing!)

Place all ingredients into the crock pot, stir, set on high, and keep an eye on it. Add more stock or water when it gets absorbed, if necessary.

Once the soup is soft, and all the lentils and peas have fallen apart and the soup is thick and smells awesome, REMOVE THE BAY LEAF and then use a HAND BLENDER to puree smoothly (I have the braun one that costs very little, from Bed Bath and Beyond) or you can use a regular blender. I blend the entire thing, until it's a beautiful thick puree. If you find it too thick, add more hot stock and blend again. For the kids, I take another hot dog and slice it into pieces and stir it in when I'm done blending. I forgo the hot dog for myself...but that's another story.

This recipe basically costs only a few dollars...including everything. In fact, per serving, it costs probably CENTS. You'll have plenty of leftovers too, so my guess is that it's good for two meals for four, depending on how many bags of peas you use. It freezes well too!

Here's a photo of the soup BEFORE I use the hand blender. You can see the pieces. Some people like it like this, but my family prefers the blended version.

  Here's the soup in its blended form...

    I hope you can use this recipe. I am a big crock pot fan, as it can remain on all day, and not risk fires or burning (most of the time). Then dinner is ready by the time everyone is home and wanting it. My goals for today - as perhaps if I share them, I will be more likely to achieve them (hip permitting).

1. Paying bills (some of them)

2. Calling to make 4 appointments: a. With K b. With ART c. PT d. M

3. Finish odd apron

4. Email clients

5. Call printer for specialty cards to see if they can fill a client order for some fun cards

6. Call Printer for client brochures

7. Call Local printer to see what they charge for custom shaped cards

8. Decide what to have for dinner and defrost/begin prep.

Wish me luck. If my hip holds out I have high hopes! If not, then, well, it'll be a total loss. Have a good day all, and let me know if the receipe works for you! YOu can always substitute lentils for peas if you don't like pea soup!

XO

All things design...

I took a break from work yesterday to duplicate a WWII poster that is showing itself in all the design blogs and retro home online tours lately. I don't necessarily wish to use it, as my decor (as you can see a snipet of it below) isn't exactly retro...but my blog readers know that I really have been retro-focused and I'm now redecorating my family room and considering a retro-inspired feel. I see some fusion of Mad Men and English Country - Okay I know that's not possible, but I wonder if I can make it work? I have to ask a decorator friend of mine if this is at all possible.

Anyway, I was inspired to recreate this poster. It's close, and I created ALL of the digital elements in Photoshop. The font is about 95% compliant with the original, and the crown is similar. I changed a few small elements by choice. What do you think?

Not sure if I'll change colors yet or if I'll even use it at all. I may make a few gift enclosure cards, or something like that, with this on the front? I don't know yet, but I am happy I was able to do this. I like to exercise my Photoshop and Illustrator muscles once in a while to keep my skills sharp.

I also wanted to share my Wednesday's session. This is for their holiday card. Please excuse the proof marks, and number. My client wanted to see how a photo looked on her card, so I used this random color dot background. This is NOT a card I've designed, so excuse the simplicity.

   

Sorry about the fuzzy low-res look of the photo, but I made it for web, so that's the way it goes! :)

Anyway, I'm off to start the day. Wishing you all a happy day - and to STAY CALM AND CARRY ON! Maybe it's high time for this advice with Wall Street and all. XO

A window to the soul...

I think a peek into the home is a window into the soul of sorts. Okay so I don't believe my soul is as cluttered as my house, but then again, perhaps it is! Maybe it's not the soul, maybe more the mind. So a window into my mind here today will start with my message board in the kitchen. I think that will give you a very small window, perhaps more of a peep-hole.

  1) I put this at number one for a reason - it's my newspaper clipping of my second to last race...when I won first place in my age group (and for those of you who wonder what age group, it's 35-39). I only ran one more race after this one, but that wasn't in the paper. I cherish this newspaper clipping. What I say when I think of my bad hip is "I'll always have that race...and that medal." It's true.

2) Two of my fave photos - one is of the 2007 Cross Country Team at the national championships in Virgina. What an amazing day! The one below is actually a postcard of a black and white photo of adorable smooth coated dachshunds, which is as you know, my favorite variety! My mom sent that, and I've loved it ever since.

3) This is a test sheet from a linolium block of a pear that I carved a week ago. I wanted to test out how it printed on paper before going to fabric. I love it!

4) Birthday party invitations! It's hard enough keeping track of them, and I even forget to look at the board - that's the worst part. I haven't even RSVP'd yet!

5) Various and sundry school papers - assignments, projects, handouts, etc.

6) A gift from my Mom's friend Lucille - it's a pressed rose that is from a rose garden that is declared holy! I'm a big fan of this, as it is supposed to bring about healing. I've had it on my board in two homes, for the past 12 years.

7) Paint Brushes and silk screening supplies. I did some silk screening and ink mixing today, so the supplies of course are still sitting on the table!

8) Halloween Candles - STILL HERE. I know, it's been a week, but alas that is the LAST thing on my mind right now. So here they are, my spider candles. And it's November!

Now I'm going to share another of my favorite parts of my kitchen (since I'm all about the kitchen today). it's the mantle above the stove. I love it, because I use it as a place to display some of my antique finds. My Mom gave me the plate in the center, as well as a few of the other items.

 

Some of the chickens are vintage, some are only 10-15 years old. I love each one though. Since I'm vertically challenged, I can't always SEE the mantle (it's pretty high up since the humongous stove hood is under there) but I love it when I do.

The next photo is a detail from the shelf next to the sink. I keep some of my treasures there. I have photos of the two of us, taken over the summer which remind me of my absolute favorite time of the year. I also have an antique mirror, compliments of my Mom, along with a mom-gifted Ganesh statue. In the back on the right (not sure if it's visible) there is a small painted iron figure that Matt found digging in the woods a year or so ago. In the front are some sushi figures I made from paper clay (and the shrimp is out of Fimo). I'm a sushi fanatic, which you know from my banner! Finally, you can see the edges of my pencil cactus that I rooted from a cutting at an arboretum workshop on propogation. I love each of the plants I took home from that session. This is my favorite!

I hope you enjoyed my window into my diverse, a bit cluttered but complex mind! :) I enjoyed taking my point and shoot camera around this morning, and taking some pix to share with you guys!

What's in your home...and your mind?

The First Walk...

And only a month late! My ART practitioner told me to walk for ten minutes a day - not with a dog, or shopping at a mall...just walking. So today I did it. I took my old running route, making a left off my street. It felt foreign (I haven't run since the day before my surgery in March) yet so familiar. It was damp, and the brown, orange and yellow leaves littered the ground. I put on my iPod on, and called up a few of my old running songs.

  So I walked five minutes down the street, and turned around and did five minutes back up. Here is my five minute playlist: Jimmy Eats World: Big Casino, Franz Ferdinand: Take Me Out....then the walk was over! Then I went home to grab the ice pack. I'm really thrilled about having experienced the sensation of being outside, iPod in my ears, seeing the turning leaves and breathing in the humid air. I hope this is the beginning of a lot more walks, and some regaining of my life and my hip.

When you don't do much, you savor what you CAN do. Today I hope to do more than yesterday (which wouldn't exactly be too hard since I think I already surpassed yesterday). I even hope to include an errand in my day. With some luck and some hip strength, maybe it'll happen! Have a wonderful day and my advice for the day - pay closer attention to what you CAN do. Don't lose it in the shuffle of the every day. XO

Election Day 2008

So I just got home from voting - and waited a record 20 minutes (with the bad hip) on line. I know some people will wait a lot longer than I did, but for my district that is a LONG time. The place was packed. Should be a very interesting day. I hope everyone out there voted!

Today I will recap the magical Sunday, which was the State Championships for Cross Country - Junior Olympic States! Both kids ran, and did fantastically. The final results STILL are not posted, but hopefully soon.  M broke into the five minute mile pace for the two miles, and L was in the seven minute pace. I am very proud of both kids. M will continue on to the Mid Atlantic States Regional Championships which is going to be held in upstate NY. L won't progress because she has other plans that day - she did qualify for regionals, it's all good in that regard.

The weather was perfect - not too warm, not too cold. The sun was shining, and the course was relatively flat...runner's dream.

This photo below isn't that great, but I have so few of M that day, because he likes to go off by himself before races, and I do not disturb him for photos. Plus, I don't photograph him when he runs because I'm too busy cheering and giving him advice in the final 100 meters.

Congratulations kids...it was glorious.

Have a terrific Tuesday. Time to get back to work!

XO

Post-Halloween Wrap-Up

Hello! I think yesterday's blog post could have been my most boring yet! So I will post something way more interesting, photographs from yesterday! Here is a photo-essay of my day.

First we carved some pumpkins. I was going to carve both Barack Obama and John McCain. However, once I completed McCain, I ended up tiring out, covered in Dremmel-kick off pumpkin dust from head to toe. So...the second pumpkin was done old-school.

Next Tracy brought the kids over and we did a few kid photos with my kids and hers.

Then there are the details that I love about Halloween...like the front doors...

So the kids trick or treated with their respective friends, and then we went to a party!

It was a crazy full day, and add into that Physical Therapy in the AM, and getting the place together in the afternoon. We only had like five trick or treaters, sadly. I guess it was a slow year. But it was a great Halloween! Hope you all had a wonderful day.