May

May's turning out to be a month full of opportunities for me. I found out last week that I'll be teaching a workshop at Inspired in North Carolina the 13th & 14th. It has always been my dream to visit there and I'm excited to be teaching two large classes.

In addition to that I have a project and article coming out in Altered Couture magazine. It will be my first time in this particular publication.

Last and certainly not least, Jenny Doh contacted me about being a guest curator for her new endeavor, Art Saves. I'm looking forward to working with her. Her enthusiasm for creativity is so very contagious.

On a completely different note, tonight my 9 year old had a singing program at his school. I felt like the mother of a celebrity. I mean, he's mine so naturally I think he's a doll but make that me and every girl in K-3rd. The whispers, the giggling, the sweet looks of adoration, I didn't miss a thing. I shook hands with more than a handful of mothers who said, "So YOUR Jake's mom..". It made me look at him in a whole new light as he stood there singing with a huge smile on his face. All of a sudden I realized, my hard work in shaping him to be a kind, sweet and caring young man is paying off. That's so good for a mothers soul isn't it?

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I Knew I'd Love Them

I realized I hadn't shared a picture of my inspiration board and chalk/magnetic board I posted about a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE them. They are on the wall opposite my dressers & cubbies. The room needed something dark, something to balance out all the cream and soft colors. {I know, I need to iron the burlap pockets, it's bugging me too}.

I had some dark baskets in the closet that I swapped out in a few of the cubbies to sprinkle some of the dark color to that side of the room.



I'm crazy about this little Valentines box that I received from a special friend. A friend that is very kind. A friend that I always enjoy visiting with.



I had several emails about my post earlier this week when I mentioned a camping/art weekend. I will very likely be picking a weekend in June {before kids are out of school, graduations, etc.}. I'll announce a date soon and get a head count. Maybe my friend Valerie will organize a fun swap of some sort. And if she wants to go too maybe my friend Connie F. will fix us up with a pretty make n' take. I can smell the BBQ and see the sun sparkling on my scissors as I type....

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A Sweet Picture For You Today...

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A Great Find

Sometimes there's nothing like the real deal but other times a good reproduction is just dandy. I found this french bathing rack in my current Pottery Barn catalog for just $60. It comes with a hook that it hangs from because it doesn't sit flush against the wall. I thought it would be perfect for over my bathtub in my master. Like it?

I always enjoyed the cold weather {cold for us in CA is when it drops below 50 degrees} but this year summer can't get here soon enough for me. As soon as the rain passes and it gets just a tiny bit warmer we're off to go camping. I love to sit by the campfire, day or night, and watch the kids play, work on some small craft or make meals with my Mom. I'm thinking of renting some cabins this summer, making some menus and inviting some friends to go away for an art weekend get-a-way. It's wonderful to sit at a picnic table with a pretty tablecloth and create with a soft breeze and the smell of a roaring fire. Anybody want in?

I'd better run. My 4 year old just asked me if I'd get his security pillowcase out of the freezer for him. He mentioned a long time ago that he likes it when it's cold. My Mom, accomodating Grandma that she is, decided to keep the one at her house in the freezer for him when he stays over. Of course now it requires me to do the same if I want to keep up. When I give it to him he puts it over his face and laughs hysterically, it's too funny.

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Valentine Garland

Yesterday I had a lovely bunch of ladies over for a workshop. It's hard to believe that I ever had doubts about converting our old family room into my studio. If I had known how much I would enjoy teaching in my own space I would have done it much sooner.

My friend Carole brought two friends, Maureen and Gayle, and they were every bit as sweet as Carole herself. Also in attendance was my friend Laura that can always be counted on for her cheerfulness. Rounding out the group was my friend Val that I haven't been able to see as much of lately as I would like.

One of our projects was the Valentine garland above. I love pink and red together but I couldn't help adding in a bunch of other colors as well.

I just heard it's going to rain all week. I think I'll take my lunch and a small project to work on over my lunch hours. If I close my blinds and lock my office door I'll probably still get a few knocks. Maybe I'll put a sign on my door that says "Crafting!".

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What a Day!

I don't think I've ever posted twice in one day but I wanted to share this photo that I took of my sister and new brother in law. We basically celebrated all day and just got home from a big family dinner for the two of them at a great italian restaurant we love. They got married at the court house in the heart of Oakland and we'll just say it's not the best area...however, I took some great shots of them in the streets and in front of old buildings, etc.. If you know my sister you know she's a hilarious nut so she's always up for something different.

Well it's back to work tomorrow!

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Court House Wedding

I'm off today to be a witness for my sister. She's getting married at the court house. I'm really excited for her! She and her husband to be are a perfect match.

I'm looking forward to a bit of creative time between the nuptials and the celebration dinner tonight.

Happy Monday!

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