Do you think that maybe I am completely and utterly exhausted from my Halloween weekend? You are correct. Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West graced me with their presence. I even met the ghost of Frida Kahlo. It was a haunting experience, but very exciting. I baked a bounty of desserts and didn't lick the bowl once, I made it another week without contracting the swine flu (phew!), and I started potty training a toddler (now there's a challenge.) I've been a little side tracked and it's taking me a couple of days to clean up, sort, and put away the holiday garb. But not to worry, I have a contest/giveaway to announce in the next couple of days, (it's a new month!) so stayed tuned!
The swap meet was tiring, but great. It was quite a workout following you around and watching you buy, buy, buy. But the little tiny donuts made it all worth while. 
This is why I love turquoise...
What about you?
This glorious month has literally CREPT up on me. It's time for a giveaway...got to start this month off with a BANG! In honor of all the "anklebiters" out there tearing up the streets on Halloween night, gathering goodies and causing mayhem in the neighborhoods, I dedicate this giveaway to you. You make this holiday worth all the gore and sugar. It's because of you we spend our wad on chocolate and sticky treats. And although you may possibly "change your mind" about your costume 10 times before the actual day of the dead, you still make this night worth all the trouble! (Photo circa LA Daily News 1948)
I have a little sister. Actually, I have 3 little sisters, but my youngest little sister has forced me to bring out my soap box. (I'm the big sister, I'm allowed to do this.)
This littlest sister, Anna, is STUNNING. It's the only word that best describes her outer beauty. She's a writer, a Mother, a wife, and a crazy great friend. I remember visiting home and walking into Anna's mess of a room. Magazine clippings, construction paper everywhere! She was busy making a card for someone at school who had a bad day. "Wow, what a sensitive girl!" I remember thinking. That always left an impression on me. She has always remained that thoughtful person. I enjoy reading her posts...until I detect her negative feelings towards herself and the toll time and babies has taken on her body. We all fall into this funk, perhaps. I know I do. But really, her inner beauty FAR outweighs any little pocket of cellulite that the rest of the world can't even see. I don't see her as gaining weight...I see her as gaining experience in motherhood and wisdom in raising sweet children. She is beautiful to me and I know she is beautiful to her children. I know I don't think back to when I was young and remember if my mom had a double chin or not. Things I do remember are her familiar house dress, loving when she permed her hair, and all the times she drove me to piano lessons and ballet. I remember her efforts to lose weight, but I don't recall ever thinking she actually NEEDED to. I just chalked it up to being a "Mom" thing.
So maybe we don't quite have Fall weather yet, but...
Many hours went into the creating of this "Love Cuff". I love building upon silver and layering and layering...until, yes, that's enough! I love hearts and really didn't hold back AT ALL on this piece. Call me crazy, but I think everyone in this world can use a little reminder to just love each other. You might look a little foolish if you were wearing this big bracelet and were acting sassy or rude, grouchy or even, dare I say, MEAN! 
I received this lovely issue of InsideOut magazine in the mail yesterday from the ever-so-stylish Shannon Fricke. A home that she designed made the cover! I read it cover to cover last night and enjoyed every single page - It was a visual feast. Thank you, Shannon!
I am not opposed to any suggestions or ideas...so let me have it. You know my e-mail. I feel like being brave and bold - being subtle just won't cut it.
Whether you like it or not, Christmas IS coming. Along with the fun of Fall and Halloween, I have to start preparing now for Christmas. With eight kids I never know HOW I am going to make them all happy and excited on Christmas morning. Every year I say that I want it simple and special. (And every year hubby goes Santa-nuts and foils my plans!) 
Hubby and I are fortunate enough to have Grandmothers that painted. We have our combined collection on top of the cabinets in the kitchen where we can be reminded daily of these talented, sweet, most generous women. Oh, the stories we could both tell...
Mine, she passed away when I was six or seven. My memories of her are very simple: Tab, Madame Alexandar dolls, yellow, windchimes (mother-of-pearl shells), the ocean, Easter Dresses, Roman Meal bread, Hershey miniatures, jars of collected shells...
I didn't have her for very long, but I absolutely obsess over her and want to be a Grandma like her. I use her pictures in my mailing labels, hang tags, box stickers. (She's in my blog banner...) I wish she was still around because I know we would be the best of friends. Someday we'll have that...
With the decor comes the jewels. Yes, we must be fitted with Halloween jewelry. It's only appropriate in this house. We love the Wizard of Oz. It inspired my "Good Witch, Bad Witch" charm on a a strand of black crystals. Wynnie says she's a bad witch.
I did something yesterday that I'm not sure I should be proud of...I had a weak moment. I was just going to let Halloween start "trickling" into the house, but one box led to another. Before I knew it, I was on a roll and had unpacked 3 boxes of my Halloween decorations. I stopped. This is enough for now. I'll wait until next week to even think about getting another box out.
I love Halloween...it drags in the Fall. By now, we want cooler weather here in AZ. And it comes so slowly, almost stubbornly. Decorating for Halloween makes it feel like there is light at the end of the scorching hot tunnel. That Fall weather is just around the STILL-SUMMER corner. There's hope at the end of the sweaty day. Will we ever be able to wear a light, little sweater? It doesn't ever seem like the day will come...but Halloween takes my mind off of the negative and focuses it on the FUN.
4 Year Old: Whined and tattled. She probably yelled in frustration, "I don't like this family!" five times. (She used to say "hate", but we succeeded in changing that to "don't like". So I'm happy with the progress.)
2 Year Old: She requested "Hairspray" (the soundtrack) over and over. It took a very long time, finally, to convince her the CD was scratched. But she'd forget a half hour later and request it again and again. It's a difficult conversation to have from the front seat.
It was bliss pulling into the driveway. Home. So glad to be home. Today will be a day to let my brain rest, count my blessings, and get caught up on the laundry. If you really listen closely, you may just here my sigh as I send the last child out the door to school. In Big Willy Style I say, "It's all good."
Rings...if you're going to do it, go big. That's what I say...
Tula was my model today. Crazy Tula. I get prank phone calls from her all of the time. It's usually "Sandy McWarter" with a HEAVY Southern accent wanting to talk about my T-Mobile account or sometimes it's "Marie Porter" wanting to take my kids on a hike of Mt. Everest. I don't know where she comes up with this stuff, but she keeps me laughing everyday. Love you, Tutu!
Kim (Kardashian, of course) painted a clear coat french tip. Kind of dresses up the rubber look, yes? I think I will try the straight rubber first and then maybe graduate to a shiny tip... just see where my whim takes me. OPI carries a shade ("Matte What's a Tire Jack") as well as KO ("Flatte Black"). OPI is $9 a bottle compared to KO's $19. I'm heading over to Sephora now to give OPI's a try first.
Flash forward 10 or so years: I understand now what she was saying! I miss those early days! Can we just go back to the time when things were simple? They're favorite place to go was the Disney Store (they thought THAT was Disneyland) and they liked Happy Meals and macaroni and cheese. A time when they held my hand and wanted to do things with me right by their side. Nothing makes you appreciate these times more than having a teenager. Wait, is this the same child? When did everything change? Enjoy the "little" days...they're gone before you know it.
Lightning struck my brain last night...I love it when that happens. When I get an idea, and then I actually LOVE the outcome. This necklace has several strands of chain and handmade charms. The little gold tag says, "Bissez-moi" (Kiss me).
Life can be crazy...
Things also start to resemble the Brady Bunch around here. Only I play the role of Alice AND Carol. Some kids don't mind their name on their bag, and some do. I don't want anyone to have to feel "uncool". But I also have to know which bag is who's because some don't like mayonnaise, some don't like spicy chips, some do, some don't want cheese on their sandwich, some want just a half...it's nuts. But what makes them all happy? A treat. (At least, that's what I think makes them happy. It's my little, "I love you! Have a great day at school!")
I know my mom was trying to feed me what was best, but it definately created a monster in me with a crazy sweet tooth. You always want what you cannot have. And in this case, I constantly thought about where I could get my next treat fix. Luckily, I had friends that would sympathetically trade their hostess for my granola bar. I guess since they had it, they didn't feel desperate for it. They knew there would undoubtedly be another one in their lunch the next day. What a comfort. 
(I've been asked enough "Why" questions to last me 8 lifetimes.) You just clean the Fritos out of the bowl and count your blessings. Be grateful it wasn't yogurt or Kool Aid.
. I thought I'd share the latest necklace I made:
My Grandpa had a cattle ranch, the Milky Ranch, that bordered the Petrified Wood Forest. All his life he had mineral rights to all the petrified wood he wanted. Because of this, petrified wood has had a huge existence in our lives: tables, book ends, bolo ties, spheres, fireplaces...to name a few. His dining room table was an enormous slab - it was an unbelievable sight! Now that my Grandpa is not around, I have a soft spot for petrified wood. I probably didn't appreciate it enough before because there was always so much of it. (It was even in his pool! And my dad's pool!) Once in a while I will make a piece, incorporating the prettiest cabs I have found. It's not a typical type of piece for me to make, but it is more a product of sentiment. This particular piece is surrounded by silver beads and hangs on a chain of pearls and turquoise. I like the mixture of classy pearls and rustic wood. The necklace above it is just a simple crystal cab hanging from a turquoise chain.
Elsita, this is my tribute to you and your talents. Though it may be small, it is sincerely heartfelt! 
Have YOU been blatting? I have. (Believe it or not, it involves Hostess fruit pies...I usually have to find a chocolate one...) My sister took me years ago. I've taken my other sisters and two of my girls. We all took the blatting oath. It's an oath we all take seriously. So I can't tell you what blatting is. I have to SHOW you. (Hubby still doesn't know what it is. He won't just go, he wants me to just tell him what it is. I won't tell him because I took the oath. That really bugs him. But what can I say? I am TRUSTWORTHY.) Wanna go? I'm taking Tula tonight. She's never been - only HEARD about it. She left a comment on my shaving cream post: She said "It was the best day of my life." It reminded me that I need to keep life fun and throw in a surprise once in a while. Those make for the best memories.
Dear C,
(Oh dear, if anyone will BUY a house with a BLUE door! I don't know...it could potentially lose a sale for us...)
I thought you of all people would consider that. So I painted it, in the thick of the humidity, working hard before the sun had a chance to peek around the house and burn my little shoulders.
And, no, it did not hurt the grass. (I was a little worried about that.) It just bleached out the sidewalk.
The Summer jar is filling up, school registrations are sent, the school supply cupboard is getting restocked...school is only a couple weeks away. The kids go back August 12! Back in my day...we had ALL of August to ourselves. What happened? Summer seems so short...too short. We shall milk these last two weeks. Make every last second count!
Still busy making jewelry...
I bought the blue paint for my door...getting up the nerve to actually do it. I need a push...no, a SHOVE. It makes me giddy thinking about it...
Hi, my name is Angela, and I am an addict. I am addicted to doing things to my house that may get me in trouble. I am addicted to doing things considered by others as out of the ordinary. Bold things, very brave things. Things that don't necessarily fall under the category of "better for resale value". I hate the words "neutral" and "match". I know I am not alone.
The next Summer, we married...
(We look like such posers!) Now this Summer, we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Happy Anniversary, Babe! These 20 years have absolutely flown...hope the next 20 don't go so fast! Love ya tons!
VOILA! I finished painting the set of old willow furniture yellow and then made cushions out of pink terry cloth. It is so hard to find cute, outdoor fabric. (I've already done the black and white stripe thing on my other furniture.) So I opted for the soft, beach towel feel of terry cloth. Get your bikini on and come over! It's the weekend!
Photo from the very great Tim Walker
"What's for dinner, Mom?"
! It was great for the girls to see the hard work it takes to make a buck. Thanks to Bakerella, the Oreo Bon Bons were a hit! (I can't remember what she actually calls them.) We had suckers and chocolate cupcakes with white chocolate frosting (So. Good!) I'm so relieved we sold out. These treats were a little difficult to resist. (I have a frosting problem: I like a little cake with my frosting...)
She's adorable!
I am going about my monthly giveaway a little differently this time: As July 4th is speedily approaching, I wanted to give plenty of time for the recipient to receive this one in the mail before the big day. Just leave me a comment why YOU think YOU should be necklaced "Miss Independent 2009". 
Ada and Darcy is a blog I like to visit at least once a day. The images kick start my imagination and creativity. I love inspiring photos. I have never read an entry I didn't enjoy...
( As to not spoil the surprise- no, it is not YOUR sister who did this.)
One of my silver staples. If I don't have any takers on this one, I'm keeping it for myself. It's all handmade chain. Yes, by my own two hands.
I have had some custom orders that I have been working on. One in particular is a SWEET woman who is ordering necklaces for 5 of her sisters for Christmas. She wrote a little something about each one of them and then gave me the creative freedom to design each one. I love these kinds of projects!
I have had customers commission a custom piece made from their mother's or grandmother's beads. I LOVE those projects too! It's so nice to use my art on such a personal level. I will definately share some photos as these projects evolve!
The last time I tried to pick out a blue color, it came out periwinkle. I have a handicapped eye when it comes to the color blue. I love it, but I need someone else to figure it out for me. 
So I was out by the pool today...wait. This is not me and my bathing suit. (Does that look like a Land's End Mom bathing suit to you! I think not.) So I was thinking about this crazy world we live in and how I am going to keep my kids steered in the right direction. It is a complicated job, this Mom job I have. Every child I have born is SO different from the next. How can the same 2 people have 8 so very different individuals. We are the same parents to each infant. We pretty much stick by the same rules for everyone. Or do we? No, we have had to customize our parenting to fit each child. They all have different needs, and part of the parenting process is finding out what those needs are, and then DESIGNING the perfect parenting role to fit. Whew! What a project this life is. I have had a very pensive couple of days if you couldn't tell. It's like lightening has struck my brain a couple of times in the last 48 hours. What does Oprah call it? The "A Ha!" moment? Sometimes it helps to be able to sit back and just take everything in. Let life slow down a little and just OBSERVE. You can learn SO MUCH from doing that. There are definately rough patches or bumps in the road, but most often, those experiences bring about the BEST and most rewarding lessons. It's called the silver lining. Look for it, because it IS there.
I have three little dancers at my house...recital time is a little chaotic. But I love it. I love seeing them on stage in all their little costume and makeup glory. It's exciting for them...and that makes me giddy. When they are having a good time, I'm having a good time. When they are nervous, I'm a wreck. When they are sad, I'm beside myself. Kids become your life..in a good way. 
I don't think I have to say much about this blog, Jordan's pictures say it well themselves. She is so talented and the party ideas and images are flowin' a plenty. Have a great weekend!
I have a very dear friend whom I also called my neighbor for several years..Socorro. (Yes. Go ahead. Roll your tongue as you say it.) She is beautiful both inside and out. She taught me many things: Serving others with a smile (a HUGE smile), work hard - never give up, be the hostess with the mostest (she is THE BEST at this), and, most importantly, how to make salsa. I know, I am kidding, but her simple Mexican cooking HOOKED me! I have always been a very picky Mexican Food eater. I like it simple, authentic, and don't try to fancy it up with cream cheese! 
Now don't go using a bag of grocery store chips...you must make your own from corn tortillas. Honestly, it's the only way to go. Cut the tortillas in little pie wedges and fry in a deep fryer. (I bought mine at Target and it has been the best! Love Target.)
work on. This willow chair is part of a set that I am working on right now. I cannot wait to unveil the final product! Sometimes I do fear that my current project is not going to turn out as fabulous as it looks in my head. Do you ever experience that? A lot of trial and error...just like life, right? If you never go for it, you'll never know! 
I got a sweet little award from Daisy at Daisy Pink Cupcake - thanks, Daisy! Just when you think no one is reading....I'm totally flattered.
I have been a busy Mom...I have paint all over me at this very moment. I am quite excited to show you what I have been working on...all in good time, my friends. The problem is, I have to juggle my project in between laundry (LOTS of it), meals, Primary softball (at 5:30 AM!), swimming, dance rehearsals, doctors' appointments (yes, that's plural), schwew! Is it only Wednesday?
(I was definately going to wait until the bird flu was under control, but I guess some people don't fear the flu...Mom?) Anyways, my mom shared pictures that she took in the courtyard of the blue house and even brought me back a book (all in Spanish) from the museum. I am so excited and grateful you did this, Mom and Dad. Thanks.
It's such a curious thing...we have a new winner for the Dancing Queen Necklace: Amanda from Swish and Swanky.
Amanda, if you're out there reading, please email me your mailing info so you can receive your new necklace straight away.
Happy Monday, everyone. I look forward to a week of projects and inspirations to share. There's so much to do...
Have a wonderful weekend and we'll speak Monday. There may be a new winner to announce...
Did you hear? Today's National Donut Day. After spending 15 frustrating minutes in the dressing room this morning, I opted not to celebrate this one. But I hope you get to!
I type this with a small tear in my eye...my follower/winner has not claimed her prize. The Dancing Queen necklace is hanging in my studio, waiting for her home. A client of mine was eyeing it and I had to turn her away. "No, I'm sorry. This is reserved for my special 'follower' of the month." But where is said follower? I beg of you, claim your prize. Monday, if she is not yet claimed, I will hold another drawing.
On that note...Happy Friday. I hope you have a hot date tonight!
ometimes I just want to scream it, "You are beautiful!" 
I'll share before and after photos so we can evaluate the results...
The Dancing Queen Necklace goes to...Noel Solomon! Just e-mail me your mailing info. and I will get it mailed out to you ASAP! 
Time for my "Swishy Blog" award...
So I had THE most difficult time photographing this necklace. I am not a photographer...I have accepted that fact. I decided to "unveil" the necklace for June first's giveaway before the actual day; I get a little too anxious. That is exactly why I can't save a present for a birthday or Christmas - I just want to give it right then. 
Yes, we are movie buffs in our family. Everything that happens around here seems to deem a quote from a film. I wish I could be Cher and not care about anything but fashion and what I'm going to wear tomorrow. Getting older means dealing with more important issues; our kids' problems, the economy taking a nose dive, being judged by others (I don't like that one). . . I think we all have our quirks and weaknesses and need to focus on number one and how we, ourselves, can be better. I read a quote once that being righteous means realizing that you're NOT (righteous), yet, still possessing the motivation to be better. Life hands out all different kinds of challenges to everyone. You can't pick which show you're going to, but you better believe you're gettin' a ticket! A little thought for the day: Be kind, don't judge, be tolerant, and just love. Until you've walked in someone else's shoes...
I can't believe May is almost over. You know what that means...June 1st is another drawing for one of my friendly followers to receive a one-of-a-kind necklace made by ME!
This Memorial Day is especially dear to my family because we remember Grandpa Bud. He lived with us for 5 years and taught us numerous lessons. More importantly, he gave us the opportunity to serve. We miss him and reminisce A LOT about him. I'm so glad my kids got to be around him for those years. Growing up, I thought of him as a bit of a grouchy, tough, cattle rancher. I remember his hands being cut up from maintaining his barbed-wire fences. I miss those hands. The big turquoise rings and bolo ties. I miss when he'd wear his bright red socks and his same obnoxious polyester Hawaiian shirt over and over. I miss seeing his cowboy hat laying around and his "sunglasses" that were really just tinted safety glasses. I miss the handfuls of wrapped mints he'd grab, day after day, from the Country Club Mens' room after he'd played cards - I'd find them all over; in his car, on his dresser, in the kitchen.... He was really just like an M&M: Hard candy shell, but a very soft center. He wasn't much of a conversationalist, but when I could get him to talk about his life, WWII, my grandma, I loved hearing the stories. He taught me so much about giving to others, especially family. He gave away petrified wood tables like I give out baked goods. I miss him...but I really try to emulate those characteristics I respected so much in him. He was a helluva Grandpa. (That's how he would have wanted to be remembered.) 
This blog is collaboration of several writers, illustrators, bakers, and lovers of all things sweet. I have been wanting to try this recipe because it looks so fun and SO easy.
Go here, and pay Cakespy a visit. You will be thoroughly entertained AND informed! 
Have a great Saturday! 
Who made the final cut into my shrine? Parents. When I was young, I remember visiting my Yaya. In her hallway, she had a built-in cove with a window. It was her shrine. I was so intriqued by all of the little treasures, pictures, and candles (or lights). The only thing keeping my little paws off her shrine was a piece of plexiglass (lucky for her). It was the MOST curious thing I ever saw. Hers was probably a much more proper shrine, it had pictures of Christ. Mine is just light-hearted, don't take it too seriously...
I love these vintage Vogue covers...I think they could definately inspire something: a room's new color pallette, a pool sitting area, even a fun cake! Do you see how random my mind is? It's craziness in here I tell ya...
I love Sunday evenings. It's become a tradition for me and my teenagers to hang out together on these evenings to watch movies or tv together and just enjoy each other. Well, at least I am enjoying all of them. Maybe someday they'll look back and say, "I really enjoyed that time." too.
(Please ignore the feet...I am not a paid foot model nor do I have pretty feet pride. I am merely making the best with what I was given.)
I hate balloons. Not the look of them, but the SOUND. They make me cringe. But if I could have someone blow up the balloons for me, or even transport them for me, then this would be a very fun and festive display. (Of course, if there is no ceiling fan in the room. Do you know, and my mom will testify to this ridiculous fact, that I had a mylar balloon stuck in my ceiling fan for like 5 years!!!!! The ceiling is about 20 feet high, so nobody was too eager to volunteer to untangle it. It's no longer there, of course. And I have not bought a get well balloon for any of my kids since.)
I love, love, love this centerpiece! Roses surrounded by fluffy feathers. (Both these photos from Shabby Chic) The table cloth adds even more femininity - perfect! (It reminds me of a skirt I wore in the 80's.) 
And finally, I love this ribbon frosted cake. (I think I would need a class before I even attempt this frosting job.) Good luck, Katie! 
Oh, I am SO doing this! The paint is on the wall...(Did you DOUBT I would do it? How could you!) I am absolutely loving it. There is so much work to do, but I just wanted to give you a small peek. Hubby's reaction? It was a bit mellow and disappointing. All he said was, "Another pink room? What's for dinner, it smells so good in here?" Wow. I think he's developed some sort of immunity to my shocking projects. Now I can carry on without a care...
(Liquid Sky Art)
Happy Mother's Day to ALL the Moms. I am proud to be a Mom. Sometimes it gets a little old, the comments I have to endure when people realize how many children I have..."Have you figured out how this happens yet?!" (especially love that one.) But, gosh darnit, this is the life I have chosen and I stand behind it 200%. I would never trade it for the world...it is the most gratifying, tortuous, joyful, frustrating, entertaining, splendid thing I have ever done. I love every challenge and special moment. It has grown me into the person I am today. Thanks, kiddies.
One of my memories I have of my mom is her little notes she would occasionally slip into my lunches. They were always written on a napkin and accompanied by a special, once-in-while baggie of chocolate chips. So maybe she always packed crunchy granola bars for me instead of the hostess cakes I so desired and craved, but those notes put the cakes to shame. (Besides, I had a friend who ALWAYS had a Hostess treat and wanted my granola bar - we traded EVERY DAY.) Who needed Hostess when I had my mother's love. Love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day!
Do you have a special little memory of your Mother? I love stories. Do tell...
I am all for making cleaning as enjoyable as possible. Making a room smell nice and clean is invigorating. "It is because of my hard work that this room looks and smells GREAT!"
I don't think I've ever shared with you my very favorite cleaning products. Mrs. Meyers makes the best smelling ones ever. I always tend to go for the lavender, but they all smell great. (The basil scent is yummy too!) I especially love that you can buy the all-purpose cleaner, then dilute it in the spray bottle for counter cleaning. It really goes a LONG way. Try it, you will thank me. (I have found it at Sprouts, Cost Plus, AJ's, and Bed Bath and Beyond. Or you can find her website online )
I was drawn to this kitchen, mainly because of the window, the chandelier, and the black and white floor. I love the shade. The black trim. One of my all time favorites...classic.
(ATTN: B.F.F:) I love the punch of bright pink flowers in the room. Especially in such an "electric" vase.
Just a bed I would not mind sleeping in.
The curtains have it going on.
Pretty wallpaper, 
Wynnie calls it "Frida Day"...we could not help ourselves...it was too easy. She was thrilled that we had an outfit to pull together. Actually, we dress like this all of the time.
Mini Frida likes to blow out any and all candles. Ei, Ei, Ei! El nino loco! 
I found some more wallpaper that I like. It's by Anna French. It's feminine, pretty, and dramatic...all wrapped up in one little roll. To me, wallpaper is a scarey thing. It's more of a commitment than, say, a paint color. You can just re-paint. Wall paper has to be REMOVED. Yikes. Talk to anyone who's had to strip wallpaper and they rarely replace it with more wallp
aper.
Tomorrow is the first of May - it is the day I will randomly pick someone from my friends and followers to recieve a necklace made by myself. My theme was "wish on a star" - with a bit of a nod to Madonna. I know, I can never just be simple. It frustrates some people in my life, but it is, again, part of my genetic recipe. I am so excited to reveal tomorrow...
My poor, poor Mother. Not even home a week from Peru and I have her set out on yet another mission for myself. It is crazy how, coincidentally, she always seems to be conveniently located in the state or country I need her to be in at exactly the right time. Her life seems to work out well for me. It just puts her out a bit.
I love how art has it's own story to tell. When an artist tells it, I feel more of an affinity for the piece and how it may parallel my own life.
But sometimes, I admit, I like to make up my own story...
Not me, nope, I never quite feel like this guy...obviously. This is something that I've had to deal with my ENTIRE life: confidence. Lack of it. I was on Facebook last night and came across this man, who shall remain nameless, and was completely taken back by his grand display of confidence. Where was I when they were passing out the confidence vouchers? I missed that meeting. 
Being that I don't like things too conventional, I am in love with this kitchen, designed by April Tidey. It is such a contrast to me...it basically gives me the chills (in a good way). It's so industrial and modern on the bottom - and then pretty and elegant on top. And the gold guilded frame is GENIUS!
The sweet gals at Desire to Inspire gave me a "WINK". Thanks, girls!
Be sure to check out their blog for PLENTY of ideas and fun links to visit.
While you're doing that, I will be busy gardening this weekend and finishing up curtains for one of the rooms in the playhouse. I CANNOT WAIT to show you. It is such a sweet little place. The little neighborhood girls all love it and that makes me so happy and thrilled. When you were little, did you have a little escape place? I know I tried to make one out of the shed out back - dirt floor and all. It must be the nesting instinct in us females.
Remember Margaret in Dennis the Menace? Trying to decorate the treehouse and turn it into a woman's retreat; curtains, paint, wallpaper, carpet...
That's totally me. But my kids don't seem to mind. 
for this yummy bug. He is the squishiest, softest cookie on the planet - he's "my Ty". Well, not mine, per say; he's my nephew...but that's pretty close to being mine.
And I could just eat him up! 
I have been asking the kids in my art classes to come up with ideas for names for our art school. I LOVE their ideas:
I am feeling so amazing right now...
Did you know I am famous!
This from the only boy in class, can't you tell? It sounds so ahead of our time!
