Beloved Mimi

Well, when I said I was going to try and post more often this was not the kind of a post I was thinking about. I had in mind pretty photos of completed Christmas projects, news about the shoppe, or maybe even some favorite holiday recipes. It never occurred to me, at least not consciously, that I would be writing about the passing of my beloved grandmother. Although let's face it, at 92 years of age I knew full well this day was coming. Of course I'm devastated by the loss. This was the matriarch of our family and her presence will be missed beyond words. But my grandmother, Mimi, as we affectionately called her, lived a long and healthy 92 years. In the end, it was Alzheimer's and a tired body that claimed her. She died in her sleep surrounded by love on Thursday morning. I take great comfort in knowing that death is not the end and that love knows no bounds. She is in my heart. She is in my memories.

On Saturday I leave for Virginia where all the family will be gathered to celebrate the life of Mimi. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a lifetime of love that bind us all.

Note: I drafted this on Sunday morning and then put it aside so that I could gather some photos of my grandmother. I am sad to say that I have very few and the ones I do have are profiles that don't show her face. I'm sure I'll come home with a collection of wonderful photos after the services that I can share with you later. In the meantime, these heartfelt words will have to do.



On a lighter note, and while I'm on the subject of love, I'd like to thank my husband for being such a rock during this difficult time. You are my best friend, my anchor in the storm, and I am grateful for your enormous shoulders and endless supply of hugs! Happy anniversary Clement. I love you BIG!

Princess Rylie

The month of October was such a busy one for me that many things, like my blog, and my house, my garden, and my studio....okay, okay, you get the idea, had to take a back burner. And despite the fact that we're officially into the Holiday season, a time when the To-Do list grows exponentially, I am bound and determined to post something every week. I have lots of new items for the store waiting to make their debut and special promotions to announce. There are just too many things coming up that now more than ever I need to stay connected to all of y'all!

That being said, let me jump right in to some long overdue photos of my daughter Rylie's 4th birthday party. Like many girls at this age, it's all about the princess. As long as it is pink, purple and sparkly then Rylie is happy! So, in honor of all that is sparkly here is Princess Rylie and crew!






And here are a couple of class pix for Halloween. Unfortunately, my batteries went dead and I only got a couple of Rylie in princess mode.




It's hard to believe that my little girl is already 4 years old. I know it's a cliche but it really does go by sooooo fast. Happy Birthday Princess Rylie!

History Made

Wow, what a night! Walls were torn down, barriers erased, and fears disappeared as the American people cast their vote. Turnout was the highest in 100 years. 100 YEARS!Young people stepped up like never before. My 11 year old son watched the entire evening unfold and I'm quite certain that would not have happened under any other circumstances. People of all ages voted for the very first time because they knew their voice mattered. For me, the most important issue was that apathy was replaced by hope. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of optimism and pride that we so desperately need right now. When 90% of the population feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction, we need a new direction. Regardless of your political affiliation, this was a night that America made history and for that I am so proud.

A Little of This & A Little of That

I can't tell you how long I've had the urge to sit down at the computer and catch up. It feels like months. But I must admit my desire to stay sane these days has overridden my desire to write. Sure there are times when juggling all the balls is doable. The kids get to school on time. I get in a good workout. I run my errands, make phone calls, ship orders, and on a good day, spend a few hours in the studio. But then there are those times when the schedule gets hectic and balls start dropping. Throw in a few extra soccer games, birthday parties, out of town guests - surprise! - and that balancing act is a distant memory. The last few weeks have been crazy. Not a bad crazy. Just busy and something had to give. Sadly, blogging has been one of the things I've had to put on the back burner. Unfortunately, things don't look any quieter over the next few weeks so this post will have to be short and to the point. I promise I'll have more to say and more time to say it in soon but for now here are a few photos of recent projects.

The bottles above and below are for an upcoming Holiday Soiree at Blissful Home. I just love the way they look en masse.





A difficult bottle to photograph but one of my favorites. The beautiful blue color of the glass coupled with the bleach white starfish makes me yearn for my beloved beach.




These 2 are already sold but I thought I'd share them anyhow. Don't worry - there's plenty more where that came from!



Switching gears a bit now. Here are a couple of windows that I've repurposed. The window titled "Foundation" was done last year but was recently uncovered in storage. I'll get it in the shop soon. No really, I will. And the window titled "Bloom" is a custom piece for an avid gardener. I hope she approves! And by the way, can I just tell you how hard it is to get a good shot of windows. Jeez, the reflections are enough to make me nuts!





That's it for now. Tomorrow it's a soccer game. A lunch date. A princess party for my birthday girl Rylie. Happy birthday princess! And then a private party with family. I just dropped a few more balls!

Have a great weekend. XXOXOO

Lots of Love

My goodness, there seems to be a whole lotta love out there these days! This week I have been tagged not once, but twice, with this lovely little award. Thank you NJ Tomboy and Divadeb - you girls made my week...no, my month. I am honored. XOXXO

Now for the rules.

1. The receiver can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other bloggers.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you mentioned.

And now for the fun part. These are the places I go on most mornings while I sip my coffee in solitude, to inspire, refuel, and connect. Of course, there are soooo many side trips along the way, but I always come back to these wonderful, creative, and talented women. Thank you girls for the many, many hours of inspiration and smiles! Keep it coming.

1. Kasey of Lola B Boutique
2. Donna of The Ribboned Crown
3. Heather of Pretty Petals
4. Analise of Sugar Sugar
5. Andrea of Vintage Bella Studio
6. Holly of Holly Doodle Designs
7. Karla of Karla's Cottage

I must now go and visit these girls to let them know they've all been bestowed with this happy gift. I have so many posts waiting in the wings but no time to sit and tend. I've been preparing for an event and it requires all of my time so the posts will have to wait a few more days. Hugs in the meantime.

Inspirational Day

Ever have one of those days that leave you so inspired that you kind of float for a day or two afterwords? I had one last weekend when I attended the Tinsel and Treasures folk art show in Danville. It was an intimate gathering of some very talented artists, each offering their own unique treasures. The photo above is from the amazing Donna O'Brien. I've blogged about her before, and have no doubt that I will blog about her again. Fortunately for my wallet (but unfortunately for my heart) Donna had practically sold out when we arrived. I did manage to snag this beautiful crown, however, and it makes me smile every time I look at it. Thank you Donna.



Another featured artist is my friend Ulla Milbrath. She's another one that continues to pop up on my blog and for good reason! Just when I think Ulla has outdone herself she does it again. And again. And again. Ulla my dear, you are scary good!



And then there's Connie Govea Stuart. Such an amazing talent and NO BLOG OR WEBSITE! You're killing me Connie. She teaches workshops, is connected to Somerset Life and Studio, has been published 45 times and did I say this already, NO BLOG OR WEBSITE! I don't mean to be selfish but come on....! Love her stuff.



My friend Sara told me about this store months ago and it defies description. The name of the store is Gardenseed and if you ever find yourself in downtown Danville, it is well worth the visit. Upon entering, the first thing that came to mind (after OMG! x@#*!) was Willy Wonka. It's one of my all time favorite movies so I mean that in the best possible way. My eyes didn't know where to look first. In every conceivable direction there was color and texture and merchandising marvels! It's one of those places that seeps into your pores and fills you up completely. Thank you Gardenseed for the magical experience. You have a fan for life!





And last but not least there is this little number I spotted driving around town. Need I say more?



May your week be just as magical as mine has been! XOXXO

Shop Update

Before my day gets going I thought I would do a quick post on some of the new items in my shop. The next few days are packed (OK, really, when aren't they packed?)so I knew it would be now or days from now. There are more new items waiting in the wings but I can only do so much in a day! Stay tuned girls, they're coming.....! Here's a really quick peek for now.


A beach themed kit....


Bingo cards with seam binding and millinery flower...


A whimsical collaged fairy....


A view from behind....

Have a wonderful day! XOXXOO