Second Chance of Inspiration

Not knowing if the storm was coming our way, we went on an adventure. Living in a new home, we're always on the look out for affordable additions. We headed to Second Chance Inc., a place that recycles home pieces like architectural elements, bathtubs and tiles. We found 2 great side tables (for $10 total!), a framed botanical print and lots of inspiration.

Spring fling

A pick me up mid week. Ranunculus are one of my favorite flowers. I've tried to grow with no luck. I love the layered balls of color, ready to pop.

I love how this one was able to stand out from an already scrumptious bouquet.


We were hoping the snowstorm would hit us but I think it is venturing more south. Oh well. Glad to have the spring indoors as the temps over around 17 degrees today.

And we made lemonade...

Actually more like Snickerdoodle cookies.

Gary was sick - on couch (almost) entire weekend. Although we were sad about that, the kids and I kept busy, trying to stay away so he could rest.



Found a lamp combo. at Target (2 desk lamps and 1 floor lamp for $29.99!) I jazzed up the shade with vintage green trim.

Perfect moment: kids playing (happily) in basement while I sewed and watched I Captured the Castle. I read this book per Alicia's (Posie Gets Cozy) recommendation a bit ago and now, the movie is available instantly on netflix. PERFECTion. I made a few pillows with stashed Pop Garden by Heather Bailey. This room, our living/sitting room is starting to feel more like us.

Escaping to England

I wish.

Rather, I stumbled upon an article in Feb. 2010 - Vanity Fair: "A Woman of Substance, Persephone Books' Feminine Mystique" by Christa D'Souza. She describes this series as : 'evok[ing] cozy and nostalgic memories of London train rides, Yardley English Lavender, freshly brewed tea being poured into a proper china cup, a spring popping out of a slightly doggy-smelling armchair.'

take. me. away.

]

Endpaper from The Village by Marghanita Laski

We're expecting a rainy day today (flood warnings) and g has a cold. If only I could get my hands on some of these titles from Persephone Books. The endpapers featured on some of these titles are just beautiful. D'Souza writes that, some of the endpaper designs come from scarves and tea gowns to name a few sources. Really - how lovely. It is a pleasure to discover such a series brought back to life by imprint founder Nicola Beauman, taking such a desire for making such special books - text and book design a delight to savor. In a time where publishers are creating such mass produced formula texts, it is a treat to find such books.

Jane from Yarnstorm highlights many of these books. Until I am able to go back to England and plan a visit to Persephone Books, I hope we can get more and more of these titles via Amazon in our hands in the U.S.

Dear dreary friday,

To be home, cozy, with my doll and hers. Ripple blanket made by Great-Grandma A in such fresh, pleasing colors.

Recycled heart

We did a lot of playing this past Monday. Having the extra day at home we were able to squeeze in a bit more play.

Oliver's buddy Samson gave him this cool making recycled paper kit. o=heart.

We played lots of Uno. I forgot how much I love this game. Looks like Viv likes it too. Not as much as Ollie, but in a pick-up-sticks kind of way.



Oh. I can't forget that we squeezed in some digging for dinosaurs too. Yes, goggles and all.

Weekend plus one

Today is one of those days when you want it to last forever. Had croissants from Trader Joes - we pretended they were from France because they tasted SO good. I've been taking notes from The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen. I love their vintage style adapted to our real days. I am looking forward to some flea market excursions come spring. I want to bring their energy to the East coast. I just need to find it. In the meantime, I am jotting down items to look for - Tv trays, paint-by-number sets, creamers with lids, wooden blocks. I have a tendency to 'freeze' and get overwhelmed when at a flea market or antique store. I'm getting ready mentally.

The gardening catalogs are coming and I am thinking ahead. I've been noting where the sun hits (the most) during the day. I am hoping for a raised bed big enough for some veggies - asparagus, potatoes. I can't wait. Gayla Trail from You Grow Girl is coming out with another book - Grow Great Grub.

G is at work. The kids and I have had a lazy morning (still in pjs). One the agenda: making paper via kit, knitting, blog learning and garden daydreaming and planning.

The Ravens loss brought on the tears in O. As I write, he is trying to teach V (age 2) how to tackle and she's rolling with it. Perhaps this is my time to intervene.

What is the rule?

You can tell I am newbie. I'm trying and learning along the way. It really is a bit overwhelming, wanting to follow blog etiquette. I plan to pick up a few reads on this topic/articles on the web. I think it is time to re-read Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey now that I'm actually in motion.

Weekend Reading: Came across Crafty Blog School: Blogging Photos from Flickr via Feeling Stitchy (what a cheery banner!) And hello, Crafty Blog School - although it is from '07, I'm thinking valuable. baby steps...

Spring Fever

Yesterday we saw the sun and it was wonderful. The last couple weeks, like most of the East Coast, have been chilly plus wind. There has been little to none going outside. Although it was mid 40's you'd think it was a heat wave. We walked to pick up O from school and even wore Viv's spring purple coat. Although we're still hoping for another snowstorm, we filled our lungs with the fresh air.

Spring was peeking in from many places. At AC Moore, they had a gardening book I've read and LOVED on Clearance for $5 - The Way We Garden Now by Katherine Whiteside. I'm drawn to this book for the do-able projects but the illustrations by Peter Gergely are just beautiful. I'm a big fan of watercolor and pen drawings. The fresh illustrations remind me of Sujean Rim, illustrator for Daily Candy. On days when we see more gloom than sun, these illustrations make me so happy. After a week of grumbles on not-so-happy news, I'm finding myself getting lost in these images, enjoying winter while looking forward to spring and escaping.

Take a peek.

I'm here...

Happy New Year



I know it is mid-January but I've been doing lots of thinking about my relationship with me and my blog. I paused to reflect and am now to finally ready to write. I want this forum to be a place for me to learn about myself - especially my creative side. I will try to stay positive but sometimes a girl needs to vent.

I want to write for me. Sounds a bit selfish but not intended. The Internet is a very good thing and I find myself losing hours, perhaps days peeking around at other crafty and creative blogs. It's one thing to get inspired; it's another to get overwhelmed and lose confidence in my ability. I've been hanging out in the later and that just isn't fun. I want to find a creative community 'out there' for support. I need to remind myself of the inspirational things surrounding me. everywhere. walking from the parking lot, waiting at the grocery check out, at the doctor's office, the gaping hole reminding me my baby lost his first tooth.

I get it. It can be difficult raising 2 kids (under 6), keeping our house a home, working inside and outside this home while pursuing creative endeavors and standing, with energy of course. But I also know I need more and try to figure out this balance-thang. So, new start. I want to embrace my every days and capture words and images that will motivate me to find my creative authentic self. I'm writing for me and if I find some friends along the way, even better. SO, rather than wait for the perfect moment when all is quiet and I am in mode, i think now is better than ever. I'm excited. Writing it down makes it more real.