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Working today on projects I have neglected. As often happens here, things are stacking up. If only they all looked as pretty as this ribbon cake. Naturally, I only glance in the direction of the stacks that invite attention. And that is precisely how the not-so-pretty ones get so impossibly tall.
Must look over that way.
First thing tomorrow. xoC
What a weekend this was. Neko Case was beyond fabulous Friday night. Her story is a wild one and it comes through in her lyrics some, but even if you didn't know what she was singing about, her voice is so rich and remarkable- you don't need more than that. Though there is so much more because the band is equally amazing. Pedal steel guitar always gets me, old Jerry fan that I am.
Changing gears totally, yesterday my friend, Debbie took me to the ballet. Lincoln Center on another bright winter afternoon. Out of those old jeans, into that new dress coat.
Before the performance we attended a subscribers' reception in a little room. One of the dancers came out to tell us what the three different dances entailed. His friend and fellow dancer was about to debut as a principal in Prodigal Son- which he did with a memorable performance. Knowing what this meant for him made it even more exciting to watch. The choreography, sets and story were so colorful for that piece, more than enough to remind you what the power of dance theater achieves. Long, long ago I was a dancer, not very good but determined for awhile to be so. I know just enough to think I recognize the remarkable form, impossible fouetté turns, perfect grand jeté leaps, exquisite choreography.
And of course, the hall, the architecture of Lincoln Center. Another grand performance to admire.
The magic of New York. Here I am today- back into the old jeans and studio chair, though a little bit different too. Inspiration, daydreams, all singing and leaping about together. xoC
Just back from a very brisk power walk at the river with my friend, Jane. It felt so good to be outside in the cold, windy sun after too many days indoors. My cheeks are as pink as this pile of valentine's kit-ness. Happy to report that almost all the kits are on their way and that there are still a few left over, in case anyone was wondering. Must admit I have had so much fun having my hands in all this saturated color and sweetness.
Going to see Neko Case tonight with Maggie and James, right in the little town theater next door! I love it when life brings you the things you adore, just drops them off right there where it is so easy to dig in- you know, like kids off the train, kits in the mail, sunny days and music to live in.
Which, by the way, we are apparently featuring for lunch too! xoC
This is your favorite image from all my posts over the past year.
How I loved and miss my sweet Jake. That look made me melt every time. I think it inspires you too.
Our blogging friend, Bernie Berlin at A Place to Bark is in a race for a matching grant of fifty thousand dollars that will help fund her amazing animal rescue. In a few days she will get it...or she won't. It's up to us to earn it for her, one small tax-deductible donation at a time. So please head over there with this link and use the badge on her right bar to donate $10 toward her cause. Before the 31st. It's important. For all the sweet brown eyes- desperate for another chance. xoC
Thank you for all the kind wishes sent to Erin and John Paul. Thrilled here, though now fully realizing that a wedding is ahead for us. Yay! and then, yikes!
In the excitement of the proposal, I forgot to tell you about the class at Tinsel Trading last Saturday. I always enjoy teaching there and love seeing how each class takes on its own story and character. This one was the biggest yet- nine really fun, creative students, and the felt bags turned out so cute. I thrifted, felted and premade a bag for each student- then we played Project Runway with a lottery a la Heidi Klum and her bag of buttons. The bags were all so different depending upon the sweaters I found so I was glad that everyone was happy with their pick. And the decorations they added were each as unique as the maker- including the adorable Lia who managed to spell out her name with trims. Just darling!
After class, I stayed behind at the store awhile and discovered more irresistible things to add to the Valentine kits. Vintage seam bindings, charms, Dresden foils, craft candy. And yesterday I hit the jackpot when I came upon a basket full of antique handkerchief lace from France- so added that too. These kits are now officially Gorgeous!
Still selling through my shop, I'm getting them ready to ship. Looks like I have a kit club- faraway friends who buy each offering- which is wonderful because I know then that the instructions work, that they really do come together as planned. So, so good to know- and more than anything, I love hearing that from you. Thanks, everyone- this one is almost on its way! xoC
On a quiet Maine beach at twilight, they watched a fox skitter across the bluing snow. He read a poem perfectly discovered for the place and time. And then John Paul asked Erin to marry him, to wear the beautiful antique ring he had chosen for her.
She called home, her tears and laughter all bundled up together in the warmth of their excitement. Through the phone- we're getting married!!! we're getting married!!
Delighted, overjoyed! All of us!
I don't know what I was thinking when I set up my post categories. I just kind of threw in random titles for things, but these days most of my posts all fit into one category......what I love.
Along those lines, here is my new craftworks kit for you, for your Valentines, your bright winter rooms and February sweethearts. I used my cherished studio stash of vintage fabrics, felts and trims to outfit each one with those special extras you love too. Speaking of extras, this kit makes 2 projects, the second one a last minute brainstorm that perfectly completes the idea I think. Adorable! Valentine's Day always makes me feel so inspired. Over here, it's all about handmade, home-made just like the days in school, carefully cutting out pretty hearts to decorate and share. Make this mobile to hang nearby and when your sweetie walks by, even a whisper makes the little hearts dance.
Kits are in limited supply and are featured up there on the right in my valentiney blog shop. They will begin shipping January 25. xoC
Over Thanksgiving when Mo was home, it got super cold. Colder than her jacket could handle. Going out one night she asked if she could wear my black dress coat. Sure- I wasn't going anywhere, and I was flattered that she thought my coat was even remotely trendy enough to be seen in. Somehow, that coat never came back home. It was about a week before I realized as much and when asked- already back at school, she was completely unaware that it wasn't here. She thought someone may have picked it up at a party and worn it home. Hmmmm. Imagine our discussion about what she wore home.
It has not turned up.
But today while out looking for felt-able wools, I found this. Sage green, hand-tailored, beautifully lined, deep pockets, perfect condition, 24.99 at Salvation Army. O, and a sweet, sweet label that just makes me not miss that old coat so much.
Meet my new dress coat, so safely vintage/old lady that she will never even consider it. And if she does, I'm pretty sure she'll be old enough to have the good sense to wear it home again. xoC
{And for a totally bizarre note on this amazing thrifted discovery, check out what my lovely friend, Rebecca found in her part of the world, months ago! I only saw-touched-tried this one coat off the rack of 50. Did I instantly love it because....?}
Beginning last night with Persuasion, Masterpiece is airing the Complete Jane Austen, adaptations of all six novels. Fantastic winter entertainment! And do check out this link for Monday morning amusement too. (My girls alerted me to this little extra. Makes a mama proud!)
Also, the site link for class sign-ups at Tinsel Trading has not worked for a week or more, so there are still a few spots left for this Saturday's felted tote class. Email Terri to sign up or call the store. I must say, it's way more fun than a drawing room tea party at Mansfield Park. The tote is adorable, and we don't have to dress up! xoC
Already home again after my quick trip to the Atlanta Gift Show. Quick being the best word to describe all aspects. The flight there was a pre-dawn departure into rough, turbulent skies. Flying through stormy headwinds surprised all of us...some with audible gasps....dramatic ups and downs, side-to-side. I was beside a chanting Buddhist and behind another man under a prayer shawl. The woman behind me just moaned. It would have been nice to have someone nearby to laugh it off. Thankfully, it didn't last too long and after landing comfortably in sunny, friendly Atlanta, I bolted forward to the train, Mart, showrooms, meetings, research, meetings, visiting, etc and finally back to train, hotel and a heavenly bed. Somewhere in that daylong adventure there was food, I think.
The following morning, everything was better and another top-speed round before heading back to the airport. I had a chatty visit on the train with my seatmate, a shop-owner and buyer from Illinois. We exchanged notes on the show and chuckled about the overwhelming abundance of new merchandise and the amazing fact that it is actually consumed by all of us, season after season. Like fashion, X starts out on the design table, X sold to the manufacturer, X presented at the market showroom, X bought by the shop, X sold to the consumer, X adored, X finally donated to the church sale, X rediscovered by a designer, X cleverly restyled and X.2 picked up by the manufacturer who shows it at the market....X.2, so appealing, so essential, so new, so current. Until X.3 shows up next year. Happily neverending.
At the airport food counter near the gate, I waited for my order and stood beside a pilot anxiously waiting too. I said something about making my flight on time and he asked where I was headed. New York. He, too...apparently Captain of my flight. Jokingly, I asked him to please choose the soft air this time, the smooth ride, that I had almost considered driving home after the flight down. Okie dokie, will do. Off he went.
I was one of the last to get on board and as I fumbled that carry-on bag down the aisle toward the way back of a fairly empty plane, the flight attendant stopped me. The Captain wants you up front. Ack! Sorry to be a straggler, didn't mean to hold everyone up. O, no, he wants you to sit up front. In first class. He asked us to be sure you have a comfortable ride home.
Seriously!?!
Juice in a real glass, a toasty, chocolate-chip cookie on a china plate. Acres of leg room and endless soft, smooth air in billowing, picturebook skies. My new favorite airline - heavenly! xoC
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