Saturday Fly By, You'll See Why

So Far

So far I've watched Gene Hackman and Mikhail Baryshnikov in Company Business. Love them both. Good spy movie.

Worked on finishing a logo design, available as a premade.

[caution: shameless self promotion.....remember I also offer custom logo designs that are one of a kind for you and you only, as well as business card design]

Chatted with my supervisor. 

 Stepped outside and check out my pokeweed berries....the bluebirds will love them come September.

Take in my pink phlox.

Smelled the roses.

And looked up.

It's glorious out.

No more computer for me today.

Heading out to the back 40 to do some weeding. Vegetable garden, flower garden, either or. Then pool time.

Oh how I love a bright sunshiny summer day.

Later, lobster bisque around the campfire.  Doesn't that sound just awful?

What's happening in your corner of the world?

Ciao for now,

Snapshots

Juxtaposition

I brought my geraniums in this year. I often do. Number 1: I love geraniums. Number 2: It makes me happy when they bloom despite the season. A touch of Summer in the midst of Winter.

I love the light and shadows playing off the geraniums too.

Proof of Winter despite blooming geraniums? This morning's snow.



It's over now. Just enough to coat everything in light fluffy, cotton-like white......the trees in the back yard, the holly, the lilac bush outside the bedroom window, all dressed up in Winter white.

Sunset

We unexpectedly ventured out last night. My parent's invited us to go out to dinner at The 401 Tavern and who are we to say no.  On the way to their house the sun was setting and there was the most gorgeous cloud formation.....just like a spread-winged eagle. Try as I might, I just couldn't capture it for all the trees in the way. 

None-the-less, I ended up with moody and mysterious sunset pictures.

 

This is the only picture that you can see the eagle cloud at all.....well, the wings at least, the head and tail are behind the trees in the middle. Can you see the wings streaking up from the trees?

Of course, the car was moving too, but I wish I could have gotten a better picture. It really was something.

In other news, we did catch a bit of the hockey game. My Bs gave it away in the 3rd. Such a bummer. Can't complain too much though, the season has been underway for about 3 weeks and it's only our second lost. Can't win them all. Onto Sunday in Winnipeg.

Have a great weekend. Ours includes margaritas tonight. 

Who says you can't enjoy margaritas in the Winter?

Ciao for now,

A One, And A Two

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday

Now I'll have Elton John stuck in my head the rest of the day. I can think of worse things.

Last night we enjoyed our Christmas Eve Eve with our friends the Harringtons. We began our married life in a studio apartment above their garage. We had some good laughs last night retelling old stories.  The neighborhood they live in is like some universal 'how weird can it get' vortex that is filled up with stuff you can't make up.  It's a black hole of crazy-a** sh*t of the highest denomination. We're never short handed on stories to reminisce and have a good laugh about.  

What? You want me to illustrate the Mary Batchelder Road Vortex Black Hole theory?

Our next door neighbor's name was Helmut. Oh yes it was.  Well, Helmut, and his entire family used sit in his Cadillac, which he'd conveniently parked in the middle of the back yard. Just sit there. For quite a while. With the car running. For no apparent reason. This was a 'normal' occurrence for them. We never did figure out exactly what they were doing.  Were they enjoying the air conditioning? Were they listening to music? Were they pretending that they were the next Clark Griswald and family heading out on Vacation? Personally, I don't think there would ever be an explanation that was you and I would call reasonable.  Helmut and his family are long gone, but the 'weirdness' continues with each new round of neighbors. 

Back to the Harringtons. Luckily they have survived the Vortex Black Hole so we can still celebrate Christmas Eve Eve.  We started celebrating Christmas Eve Eve when we lived above their garage.  It's tradition. A couple of years ago, we decided to put it off until January, after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays was done. This way, we all get one more night of Santa glory, where we spoil each other silly and enjoy ever single second of it. Last night was no exception. 

I'm happy to report they loved their custom camp picture I made for them.  I framed it in a great old vintage frame my Mom had given to me. It went perfect.

The only sad thing about having had Christmas Eve Eve last night is, now Christmas is really over. No more gifts from Santa.  It had to happen sometime, I guess.

The dog loves Christmas Eve Eve too because he gets to see 'Auntie Terese and Uncle Thomas', who both shower him with lots of love. In fact, so much love that, being his 13 year old self, it poops him right out. Out for the count.

He was 'you'd think I'd run a marathon' pooped out.

Then again, it may have had nothing to do with all that love, it's kind of just his usual m.o.

Point in fact. Take two. This morning's photo session.

Only difference, last night he claimed a corner of the couch and a pillow and this morning the futon was all his, along with his new penguin pal.

Ah, it is a dog's life after all.

This little guy was a wee bit more active than the dog. Do you have these guys where you are? We call them Pumpkin Bugs. Like a lady bug, except orange. They really come out in the Fall, and then sometimes they make their way into the house to 'hibernate' and hang around all Winter. They're harmless.  I even had one one in my hair when I got to our neighbors on New Year's Eve.  This one was making his way around the window in the lounge this morning.

 He was very busy.....is this the way to Amarillo?

On the kitchen windowsill, something completely different. A geranium, reaching for some Winter light. Check out the whiskers.

And now, the veins.

I have to a do a quick pick up after Christmas Eve Eve. Then maybe some more organizing or designing at my desk and probably a game later with the Gman.  What about you? Any big Saturday plans? Or are you just taking it easy?

If you're in the party mood and haven't checked out the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party, stop on by. Peruse the shop and blogs who are taking part and if you have a shop or blog, by all means--link up.

Enjoy the weekend.

Ciao for now,

Beauty And The Beast

Noses & Roses

Have I told you lately that I love..........Saturday? Gotcha. Didn't I?

I love the slow, don't have to do anything pace that Saturday brings. Well, some of the time.

Today is one of those Saturdays.

The hound is busy doing what he does best. Napping.

Dang I love his nose. In fact sometimes I call him Nose. And Meem (don't ask because I will not be able to give you any reason for this).  And Cotton Ears (that one I can explain...because sometimes he has to stick cotton in his ears to prevent ear drum damage from my bad singing........no, no, no....not really........his ears just feel like cotton).

Those of you with pets will confirm (please. pretty please?) that it is completely normal to have at least 50 nicknames for your pals, half of which make no sense at all.

Anyways, like I said, he's busy sleeping. Well, he was. I swear.

Lucan only opened his eyes for a nano second just to try and prove me wrong, then he went back to napping.

On the opposite side of the room, twenty feet away from the beast.........beauty.

Cue the music......."He still brings me flowers..........evermore".

Yeah, I know those aren't really the words. Just humor me, OK?

Did I tell you that due to the constant noodging and nudging of Ms. Cari-Jane Hakes of Hybrid Handmade fame (sorry Mrs. Mojito, I couldn't resist), I signed up for The Sketchbook Project this week? Yup. It's true.  I signed up. The part about the noodgery isn't exactly true, but kinda sorta.

You see, my pal Cari-Jane has participated in The Sketchbook Project before and blogged about it. Then my other etsy pal, Ashleigh from Bleu Oiseau Photography facebooked that she had signed up as well and was pulling her sketchbook together. Then Cari-Jane blogged that she had yet again signed up for this year's Sketchbook Project. So, you see, there was no way I could not take all of that as I sign that I too should participate. Follow? Sure, it might be a stretch just like any 6 degrees of separation, but my three-degrees-to-sign-up ensured that I did. Sign up that is.

If you haven't heard about The Sketchbook Project it is very cool, or like, oh my god, totally tubular if you were a Valley Girl in the 80s.  People from all over the world participate, it is not juried. It's all inclusive.  Sketchbooks are sent out, people fill them up and send them back, then they (the sketchbooks, not the people) go on tour, and finally return to their new permanent home at The Brooklyn Art Library. Click here for a little video about it, if you're reading by email.



The Sketchbook Project, London 2012 from You and I Films on Vimeo.

I can not wait to get my sketchbook. I've got all sorts of ideas running through my head.

Not that that is anything new.

Last night the neighborhoodlums had an impromptu campfire. Cold? Who cares when there is a campfire involved. I layered up.......tank top, t shirt, flannel shirt, fleece vest, warm sweat shirt jacket, two pairs of gloves, winter boots, Bruins hat, scarf and I was good to go. It was toasty warm by the fire.

What's happening in your corner of the world?

It's cold, but not freezing today. There is snow melting off the roof. However, it is wicked windy. Later, some Italian Chicken Soup from the freezer that I will add some dumplings too. At least that's the plan.

Have a good one.

Ciao for now,

This Week: Quick Review

What's Happening in My Corner of the World

Happy Saturday. Oh how I love Saturday. Wish I could say I took advantage of one of the good things about Saturdays and slept in, but I woke at about 6:10 and was not going to go back to sleep so I got up around 6:20 am. I reserve the right to take a nap later if I want.

This week was packed with good stuff. You gotta love that. 

My husband bought me Calla Lilies for being his best friend. Yes, he can be quite sweet. He's been buying me flowers since we first met. Usually roses, but he wasn't happy with the roses at the store so he opted for Calla Lilies this time. I have to say, "Good call Gar." Simply gorgeous. Plus, they still look fabulous. Of course, Calla Lilies always make me think of Katherine Hepburn in Stagedoor. Have you ever seen it? Classic and full of famous actresses just starting out in the careers, which mirrors the story. When Katherine Hepburn says, 'The Calla Lilies are in bloom again', is at the end of the movie and it's quite emotional. I won't tell you why in case you've never seen it. Put it on your list.

Of course, Calla Lilies always make me think of Katharine Hepburn in Stagedoor. Have you ever seen it? Classic and full of famous actresses just starting out in the careers, which mirrors the story. When Katharine Hepburn says, 'The Calla Lilies are in bloom again', is at the end of the movie and it's quite emotional. I won't tell you why in case you've never seen it. Put it on your list.

OK, back to my week.....I made time for crafting and jazzed up a clipboard. Yes, I just said jazzed again. I know, I'm out of control.

Shipped packages to customers, both vintage and prints.

Enjoyed a night with my Champagne/Bookclub ladies.  We had a little champagne, a lot of water and a plethora of delicious food. Plethora doesn't get used nearly enough, so I just thought I'd throw that in there one more time. Neither does copious. Depending on how you look at it, there was either a plethora of food or a copious amount. Ha!

It started to look like Fall. 

I hosted a party where we all got know each other better. In fact, I'm still hosting a party.If you have a shop or blog, link up and you might find yourself featured as one of my picks on Monday.

I shared the second part in a series on Making the Most of Craft Fairs.

[via emma lamb]

Last night we had a campfire and it looks like the weather will cooperate tonight as well.  

I'm working on things at my desk right now, including this new design. I may have some tweaking to do. I usually have to walk away for a little while before I decide if something is finished. Isn't the Scandinavian proverb wonderful?

I've also been pulling together the next giveaway....great sponsors so far. You guys are going to love it.  There are a couple of spots left if you're a shop owner and would like to participate as a sponsor. Just drop me a line and we'll see if you're a good fit for this one. There's an email button right below my profile in the righthand sidebar.

I'm going to make an Italian Chicken & White Bean Soup later. No recipe. Just winging it. The beans are soaking now and I'll throw the leftover rotisserie chicken in the pot to boil. It's gonna be good around the campfire. No doubt about that.

What's happening in your world?

Enjoy the weekend,

Take A Walk, or Maybe Two, or Three With Us

Open Air

The weather cooperated this week, walk-wise anyways (not poolwise). It was perfect walking temps. This all meant happy ends to the days for me and the hound. Unfortunately, Gman wasn't getting home early enough to enjoy the walks with us. That didn't stop Lucan and I from heading across to the field.

The sky was blue most days, found some raspberries (which I proceeded to eat... you didn't think I was leaving that surprise fall treat there, did you?), there were still flowers in many colors, the trees were barely starting to turn, whispy clouds made their way across the sky, and fall berries beckoned the new season.

Hoping we might get one in later today, if it's not raining. Kind of a rainy gray day here. I have to say though, I like waking up to rain on a Saturday morning. Not all the time of course, but once in awhile. 

Last night we enjoyed a campfire with the neighborhoodlums at Tom and Joans.  Thinking we'll grill a burger later and if the weather cooperates, we'll have a campfire out back tonight.

Off to take care of Saturday errands which included dropping off a check for our space reservation for our first craft fair (Saturday, October 20th from 10-4pm at Stratham Municipal Center in case you're in the area), which supports the town library and is being organized by a fellow etsy shop owner, Lori from BeJewelled NH. Lori and I might finally get to meet each other face to face. I haven't done a craft fair in years. It should be interesting doing one with Gar where we both sell our wares.  Since it raises money for the library, I offered to design a poster for the fair that will hopefully get people's attention. I want people to see all the wonderful handcrafted work available from local artisans.  

Speaking of artisans.....there is only about a week left to enter the Muse September giveaway for $180+ in handmade and vintage prizes. Have you seen what these talented folks have given you a chance to win? Man, oh man I'd really love to enter, but it just wouldn't be right.

I hope you're enjoying the weekend whether you have a long to-do list or are taking it easy.

Ciao for now,



Family Time

Fun Time

Yesterday was the last day of The Bates Of Clonsilla's visit. We took time off to just enjoy the day.

My sister brought our grandniece Sophia over for a swim and my brother's daughter came over again to chill with our Irish nieces. 

Luckily it was a perfectly wonderful pool day at the Bates Estate.

Sophia loved the pool. We all pulled her around.

And around, and around.

She can be a bit timid with new people but she loved playing in the pool with Ali and Caroline.

By the time we got out, we were singing Sir Mix A Lot....'I like big butts and I cannot lie'.

Luckily our family had a late flight so they were able to enjoy the whole day before heading off the airport.

Of course, I had to get our 'traditional' leaving shot of the girls in front of the lilacs. I've been taking their picture like this when they leave since they were very little.

Do not adjust your monitor. That is Carolina's real hair color. She's a Ging. No denying it. We chalk that one up to Granny O'Toole, who nobody knew had red hair because it was gray. That was until one day when Garrett was making fun of the girl next door with red hair and Granny O'Toole set him straight, telling him she had beautiful flame red hair when she was young.  Which he found eventually for himself when his beard grew in red. Just his beard. Weird, huh?

Back to the visitors.

They were all sad to go.  Lucan was sad to see them leave.

Goodbye for now Bates of Clonsilla.

The Bates of Lucan will be arriving on Wednesday for a longer stay.  Yup, Bates of Lucan. It's a town just outside of Dublin's city limits. That's where the hound got his name.

Oh, I almost forgot. The girls got to be the first to put their John Hancock's on our new chalkboard wall. Stay tuned for the chalkboard reveal in the coming days.  Either tomorrow or Tuesday. We'll see how the chips fall.

Monday's post will be my picks from the current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party. If you have an online shop or blog, be sure to link up your stuff. If you don't, you're still invited to the party. Have a look around, you never know where it might take you and what you might find.

Sunset Meadows

I've said it before and I'm sure to say it again. We're so blessed to have the most beautiful sunsets right at our front door. I never get tired of them.

What's hot for your Saturday?  I'm doing laundry and general prepping for the next wave of Dubliners. I'll be heading into the pool later, then we're planning on a campfire and burgers if all goes well. Doesn't get better than that.

Ciao for now,