Easy Saturday

It is an easy Saturday night.  Perfect Fall weather and on top of it all I think an outdoor cat has adopted me.  She is a sweet little grey and white tuxedo and has visited us three times so far, but this time she sat with me as we watch the moths flutter around.  She reminds me of my cat Spike who passed away three years ago.  He was my love and it is so nice to feel his presence in her.  It may sound strange, but I do believe that sometimes our angels come back for a visit.

On another note, this fine evening is making me think of camping this time of year.  Cool enough for a good night's sleep, but you don't freeze.  This Summer was so great because a wonderful hike at Hawk Mountain here in PA renewed my sense of getting outside. I think after being an indoor Momma for so long, it took little hike and some interesting wildlife to get me back in the swing of things.  That and some great friends who made the hike that much more fun.  It was great as well because Lily got to enjoy watching some hawks fly by at a wonderful scenic view spot.  Really a great day.  One to remember.

I especially like the last photo. It is so simple, but to me, tells a great story.  So, on to my easy Saturday evening with a brew and a great movie.  Have a wonderful evening and peace and harmony to all the world.

-Blessings

The Labyrinth

Today I took my daughter to church and after the Sunday school class we decided to get some lemonade and a bagel.  She asked me if she could eat her bagel outside, so I said sure and we left the building and went to the courtyard right outside the doors.  The courtyard is in its splendor right now as all the flowers are in bloom and the air is just cool enough to want to sit down and enjoy them.  It also has a Memorial Fountain and a labyrinth maze for meditation.

Lillian walked over to the maze with her paper cup of lemonade and looked at it for a moment.  "What's this Mama?" she asked me.  "It's a labyrinth..a maze that you can walk through and you have to find your way in and out with out crossing the lines." I told her.  She started inside the maze and followed its twists and turns and I could see by the look on her face that she became a little confused and frustrated.  "Can you show me how to do this Mama?" she asked. "Sure." I said.  She wanted me to walk in front of her and she followed each step I made. "Do you see how when you think you are so close to finishing, you have to take a different path?" I told her.  "It is so windy and curvy Mama!" she responded.  After about seven minutes of walking and twisting we finally made it to the center of the labyrinth.  "Here we are! Okay, now, do you want me to show you the way out?" I asked.  "No Mama, I can do it myself".  As I walked across the lines and left her to figure it out, it occurred to me that she is starting Kindergarten tomorrow and how incredibly symbolic this was.

For six years I have shown her what I know, tried to show her how to follow a good path and was always ready to have her follow my footsteps.  Here we are, the day before school and she is ready to figure the path out for herself.  I stood on the grass and watched my baby twist and turn and back track her steps and, in a precious moments time, she found her way out of the labyrinth.  All by herself.  She was proud as punch.

So, there it is.  The first day of Kindergarten through 12th grade starts tomorrow.  I am sure there will be many mazes and directions she will need to go.  She may not know it, but I will always be following in her footsteps.

-Blessings

Learning is Taxing

So last night I am up until 1:30 A.M. trying to understand how the federal tax systems work. SHEESH! I am still a little confused, but I am so grateful that there are professionals out there who to understand.  I feel like I am walking on eggshells when I look up the information!  It was a bit of a "pulling your hair out" situation.  So, I think this morning, I need to step away and breathe a bit...literally! What is that phrase?  "Life, Death and Taxes?"  The working man (or in this case woman) working for...well...the Man!

A great weekend

Quite a few things are going on in the Price House today!  We were travelers all weekend and coming home just made me want to jump into work a bit.  

I have been working on a new "up cycled" skirt, which I am excited about...I feel like I am getting ready for the Fall and working with the corduroy has been great.  I hope to finish this by the end of the week!  When I started working on this, I saw so many possibilities for skirts, but I am a sucker for a long patchwork skirt...so there it is!

 

What was great about this weekend as well is that I was able to finish a gift for a friend! I really like how this up cycled pillow turned out.  It is amazing how abandoned curtains and cords can turn out so cool looking!  A nice little accent, if I do say so myself!

With all this wonderful creativity flowing, I have to point out that the best part of the weekend was traveling to see family.  That is what it all comes down too..don't you think?  Putting love into our creations.  Be it a skirt, a pillow, a painting, or, most of all, a family. To make something great, you must first put in the thought, and with that thought, your heart.

I wish you the most blessed week and positive creativity!

Jennifer

 

This has been a wonderful week! I reorganized my work space, I was able to finish a quilt, feeling a bit more inspired and I know in the back of my head that Fall will be here soon.  I have plans to weed the gardens, begin sewing new ideas and to finally settle in to the business that I have been wanted to to plunge in too.

I thought you would like to see the quilt I finished! It is amazing how many thoughts are sewn into a quilt.  Your mind tends to wander as you work and I find that with each patten, stitch and tie, the thoughts are woven in. It is quite a process, but it was very therapeutic.

Here it is..by the way..did I mention this is the first completed quilt I have ever made? I have made tops, but this was the first binding, backing and laying I have done.:

I have to say, I would definitely do this again. But now, I have the desire to work on skirts with corduroy and wild patterns.  Looking forward to some creativity!

Blessings-
Jennifer

Summer brings wonderful things

The Summer brings so many things!

This Summer has brought so many beautiful things! Garage Sale time has been in full swing and I have been so fortunate to find some amazing vintage items!  Everything from cats to dogs to planters to slips..and array of eye candy and glorious treasures!

I know I feel overwhelmed by the wonderful amount of things, but when ever is there enough treasures? 

I am also happy to say that JclaireP has had the best month yet! I am so excited to see the growing number of fans and people who appreciate the beauty of a vintage item or a custom made skirt.  Simple things that bring a nostalgic breeze to our minds or the comfort of a soft cotton that lets us feel just a little cooler in the Summertime.  It is so appreciated and I can not say enough thanks to the family, friends and customers who have made this a wonderful month!

 

So, on that note, I look forward to finishing out the Summer and seeing what the Fall will bring.  Soon it will be time to prepare for the Winter season and the wonderful events that the holidays bring.  Not to rush things of course...But, until then, enjoy the wonderful things that Summer brings!

Open a window

This is how it begins.  You become so exhausted and you are craving creativity...So, you look at the mess in the sewing room and then it hits you..Inspiration. 

I have been able to come up with a new concept for a skirt tonight.  I don't know how, but I think when I am so tired, a window opens up in my head and it allows some ideas to flow through.  Good thing too! I think I get entirely too busy with the stuff that life is made of and I forget that I can create my own moments.  So, I thought I would share in this new concept.  It is far from finished and I have a lot more "cutting and pasting" to do.  So, until tomorrow...

Let your windows open! Sometimes you just get too tired to open the entire door.. :)

Blessings-

Summer feature

Happy Summer!!!

So, a lot has been going on at JclaireP! New vintage items, new skirts, craft shows, fairs...So, I thought I would feature some of my Summer skirts in this blog!   Fall is around the corner, when it comes to sewing, and I will start using some heavier fabrics.  But before that, I thought it would be fun to start the Summer off with some fun colors and lighter fabrics!

This is one of my favorite skirts this summer.  The pattern is so sweet with it's checked hearts and little blue bell flowers. Also, it is 100% cotton! It is nice and long and breathes when you walk.  To me, there is nothing better than feeling lite and airy in a skirt and this one definitely gives that feel.

Of course, what is Summer without a patchwork skirt?  What is special about this skirt is that all of the fabrics are vintage or they have been recycled from other linens.  These colors pop and let people know that you are ready for Summer and play!

This Spring and Summer I have worked on some very special custom skirts for clients.  These two skirts were custom order skirts specifically made for each customer!  They were able to tell me what they were looking for and what their color preferences were.  It is so fun and knowing that I am making something special for someone is what makes it so worthwhile!


Finally, what would Summer be without some mini skirts?  This season I have made some bright mini's and some subtle mini's.  The Pink mini is made from new rayon material and is very graceful and soft.  The navy mini is made from vintage floral fabric and has a navy blue corduroy accent in the center and back.  Both are easy and comfortable to wear!

  

 I hope you have enjoyed this little feature of some of the skirts available at JclaireP!  I am so looking forward to creating for the Fall and Winter and I am wishing you the best for the Summer season!  Enjoy the things that this Summer will bring!

Blessings -
Jennifer
 

cracking a window

It is that time of year.  The sun is out a little longer, the days are warm, the nights are cooler and the windows are open.  This is actually a big deal to me.  It is not because I am a Summer lover or anything. It is a big deal because of the windows being open.

I have a secret.  I have a fear of leaving my windows open. Yep, it is true.  I don't feel "like a breeze" when I keep them open, I feel a bit insecure and cautious.  I love the sound of the birds at night, I love the cool breeze, I love the free feeling of the window open.  What freaks me out is the fear of someone intruding on my home. Someone ruining that one special thing about having a window open.  That being said, I have another confession.  For the first time in years, I feel OK with having them open from time to time.  I have moved so many times I can't even count them.  But for some reason, in this spot, I feel OK with having the window open a bit.  I know I would never have them open all night or when I am not home, but while I am home, I do enjoy the breeze a little more.  I suppose I am letting that fear of mine lose and the possibilities of enjoying myself win.

It may sound silly or a bit strange, but we all have our vices.  Mine is the insecurity of home invasion because I decided to enjoy my windows.  But hey, it is Summer, right? So, before I turn in, I will enjoy the fresh breeze.  Then, I will brush my teeth, put on my PJ's and make sure my house is locked up like Fort Knox.  Ah, here is to a peaceful night's sleep.

-Blessings and Good Night!

A good week

It was a week that feels like it has had at least two weeks in it...

But a very, very fulfilling and rewarding two weeks...

First let us start with the Flea Market...

It was a GORGEOUS day!! I was able to meet and greet so many wonderful people, catch up with friends and make new contacts with some extremely creative artists..  My favorite part?  Well that is easy...

I got to share space with my Dad! It is our tradition to do the Macungie Flea Market together..and we always have a lot of fun.

I didn't sell any skirts, but I have never handed out so many cards! Positive vibes...good things...and lots of love...

Yes, that was a great start...then a Mother's Day Celebration hosted by my two favorite people and a field trip to the Mack Truck Museum in Allentown, PA....just a great weekend...and to top it all off, I was asked to vend at another festival in August! I am so pleased about this and I can not wait to get started! 

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day and a great weekend...these are the things that keep the good in life and the good in us...

-Have a great week and blessings to you

Carnival in town

Good Morning World! Today is one of those crisp Spring mornings that make you want to breathe in deep and enjoy the sunshine. The garden is looking healthy and the rhododendrons are blooming.  The birds are singing and the bunnies are hopping in the backyard...luckily, not in the vegetable garden.

In the front yard, the Azaleas are showing off and....oh, wait...what is that I see from my front porch?  Oh! The carnival at the fire station that is only a block from our home! Yes, every year the carnival comes to town and we have a front row seat.  No, I am not complaining about this.  It is FUN. It is a great time!   It is also, it is PURE TORTURE for a five year old to have to wake up every morning and go to bed every night knowing there is a fair with in walking distance from your home.  It would be like living at Disney World and you have no control over when you get to go.  Every day the questions of when we are going and how long will it be here and the excitement of the rides is overflowing and congesting our home with carnival traffic!  The enthusiasm meter is WAY off the charts and all we, as parents, can do in this home is wave a white flag and say, "Don't worry, we are going soon.".

Now if only I could get as excited about things.  The glorious energy that comes with a five year old's anticipation.  The giggles, the laughs, the clenching of fists under her chin because she can't bottle it up.  As annoyed as I may get, I know that it is precious.  In another five years, this element may disappear or become more "cool". Going to a carnival with her parents may not be as fun.   So that is what we shall have tonight. FUN! Rides, games, hot dogs...all of it...then, when we come home, I can take down the white flag and tuck it away until the weekend. 

I think the excitement is contagious!

-Blessings on your day

Benefits of home

One of the best things about being home with my daughter is this...

As I was sewing this morning, my daughter came upstairs and asked if she could sew as well. I said absolutely and so she took some of the scraps from my "scrap tote" and began to cut and pin.  Her imagination began to take off and she wanted to make pillows for her Barbies.  I showed her how to pin the material.  Then she put the pieces together and I sewed a little on the machine. After I sewed the edges together she sat on my lap and I showed her how to stitch for the first time.

I spoke quietly to her, making sure she didn't catch her fingers with the needle.  She was definitely concentrating as she was curling her mouth a bit and breathing quite heavy.  It felt so right teaching her this little art of sewing.  Something she can do for the rest of her life.  There it is...the best part.  I was able to show her a little something that may carry her along.

I think everyone has that ability.  Everyone has their talents and treasures to pass on.  It is in the simple moments that these things happen.  It is so precious and should never be taken for granted.

On that note...here are the pillows for the Barbies! They are some lucky dolls! 

- Blessings

Sun-Day

Today is a BEAUTIFUL DAY!  The sun is shining, the birds are singing and there is not a cloud in the sky!  Ah, yes, what could be better for a Sunday? Wait, I know, Farmer's Market! 

I am so looking forward to the farmer's market this morning. I can't wait to get my hands on some fresh spinach and kale.  I am also quite curious as to what else is coming out of the greenhouses during this cooler weather.  Outside our garden is really staring to pick up speed! The peas have just about reached the first twine tiers, the broccoli leaves are starting to get big and the potatoes are pushing through the ground quite well!  Good things..

Also, there is some sewing on the table!  I have some lovely material that I am so looking forward to putting together and I definitely have a creative urge this morning.  More pictures of that to come....

Here is to a good day...with sunshine, growth...and creativity!

- Blessings

 

stomaching the laptop

I had a rather upset stomach earlier.  It could have been the sweet potato fries, it may have been that I did a lot of driving today, or it may have been the fact that I can't seem to comprehend why people have such a hard time accepting and loving one another.

You see, I went to a great family party today.  Nothing too crazy.  Everyone was happy, mellow, loving and accepting of one another.  It was beautiful.  Children played, adults laughed, memories were shared.  On the way back from the party I had to drop off my Mom.  We got into a wonderful conversation about our views on faith and religion.  We both came to the conclusion that respecting, loving and caring for one another, as human beings, is the most important aspect of any form of worship.  That is the best example and that is the best thing to teach our children.  Well, that with a little fear of the unknown and respect for elders.  So, I felt rather good after dropping her off.  My daughter was happy, I felt at peace and I came home to my husband who had been working all day.  It was so great to see his face. 

As I settled into the routine of making dinner, unpacking the car and so on, I decided to check the news on the internet and see how my Facebook friends were doing.  I opened the laptop, logged onto MSN news and the first thing to pop up is a speaker who offended people and was extremely harsh, the second is about a poor Mother who was asked to leave as a den mother for being gay, the third was about people who abused their children and the list goes on and on.  So much anger and hate. So much bigotry and malice. So much greed and envy.  It literally made me sick to my stomach.  As I looked at this I could hear my daughter asking for me and I felt even sicker.  How can you protect a child from such awful things? How can I, as a person, deal with all this malice?  It was rather disheartening.  It was rather sad. Unfortunately, it was rather real and raw.

I finished dinner, managed to get the wee one to bed before nine and decided I needed to relax.  Hot shower. The best remedy for anything.  I appreciated the water as I realized that there are so many without water.  I appreciated their sacrifice as I indulged.  I felt guilty.  After the shower, I realized that I had to write.  Not for any other reason than to find a sounding board.  So here I am. 

After this I am going to bed.  I am going to pray for better days, for the health of those I know and those I don't.  I am going to ask for tolerance and peace.  I suppose when I ask the question, "what is it that I can do?".... there is the answer.  I can pray, meditate, ask, seek and never stop trying.  I am a Christian, not a very good one, but I am.  So I will say this.."Love one another as yourselves.  Love your neighbor.  Do this." . 

Love one another..that could possibly change the headlines when I open the lap top tomorrow...

-Blessings..no really..Blessings...

House of play

I think it is imperative that I never forget how much fun it is to have a home full of toys.  Think about it. As a child, all I ever wanted was a fort full of toys and sweet things.  Well, here I am!  I have Barbies and stuffed animals, games and coloring, paints, DVDs, dolls and Star Wars action figures. There is chalk and stickers, air hockey and dress up and best of all....I have a friend to play with all the time! Sure she is 33 1/2 years younger than me, but she is so fun! Her energy never runs out, she loves to try new things and use her imagination!  I feel so lucky!

What I have to remember though, is that this little girl will be growing up before I know it.  The Barbies will start to fade and the air hockey may not be as fun.  She doesn't know it, but I do. I know because I saw my Mom go through it when I was young.  But I have a promise to make to her.  I will never be without toys or dolls or stuffed animals.  My fort will always be here for her and I will always be ready to play.  I will keep myself young at heart so she always will have that to come home too.

So, instead of typing away, I think I am going to go and enjoy a lovely viewing of the movie "Tangled" with my daughter.  I am so grateful for this time.  I plan to use every moment of it. 

GO PLAY!

 - Blessings on your day!

Rainy Day

Today is a new day and I am so looking forward to working on some vintage items.  I have a wonderful assortment of hankies that have been staring at me for a week now and I have really been wanting to press them and take some pictures for the Etsy shop.  It is a good day for something like this as cold and rain is in the forecast.  It reminds me of when I was a kid and on rainy days I would set up a pretend shop on the porch and beg my Mom to come and look at it.  Rainy days were so great then.  Board games, making forts, going through your parent's closets.....

It is still a bit like that I suppose. I have my little fort (my house) and I have interesting things that I am selling. However, I don't think my Mom would make the 40 minute trek to come see my "shop".  Lucky for her there is the internet and she can just log on! 

So, off to work.  I mean play...it is a perfect day for rain!

-Blessings

Craft Show Results

It was a wonderful day at the craft show yesterday!  I was able to meet and greet some wonderful vendors, meet wonderful shoppers, a great friend of mine stopped by with her Mom and I was able to hand out a few business cards! On top of all that, a vendor went home with one of my skirts! I am really hoping she enjoys it as much as I did making it! 

I thought it would be fun to post my little selling area from the show.  The show was in a day care center and so it was a little tricky to set up.  Plus, I didn't have the 50 skirts I wanted, so I think it looks a bit empty.  However, there is always room for improvement! 

So, on to the next event for the day. The Hot Wheels Racing weigh in!  Yes, time for coffee and doughnuts I think...

-  Blessings on your day and thank you so much for all the well wishes and support during this event! 

JclaireP

Craft Show Day

Today is a big day! JclaireP is going to a craft show! I have all the skirts in tow and the car is packed up.  Wish me luck today!  Thank you for all the encouraging words as well.  It means so much when you know you have a support system!

- Blessings on your Day!!

PS- I'll be sure to post some pictures! :)

Crazy weekend

The weekend is upon us!  For me, that means preparations!  I am so excited because I have a lovely fundraiser to attend this weekend:


SAND SPRING LEARNING CENTER
Vendor and Craft Show Fundraiser
4480 Spring Hill Drive, Schnecksville, PA 18078
(Behind Schnecksville Elementary School)
Saturday, April 21, 2012
9 AM - 3 PM
Come Join Us for Food, Shopping and Fun!
Vendors include:
Thirty-One, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy, Pampered Chef,
Dove Chocolates, Do You Bake, Mia Bella Gourmet Candles,
Noah's Ark Animal Workshop, Miche, Avon, Mary Kay, JclaireP
Bake Sale  Chinese Auction

I am so excited to see what contacts will be made and to see if anyone finds my skirts interesting!  I am also looking forward to seeing what goodies the other vendors have.  There is nothing more fun than shopping with fellow vendors!

That is not the only event this weekend.  Did I ever mention that my husband loves Hot Wheels cars?  He does..he is a Hot Wheels affictionato.  He is preparing races for an upcoming festival that we are having and this is the "weigh in" weekend.  He sets up a road coarse track and a drag strip track and we have quite a few contenders.  So, in addition to the craft show, I have quite a momentous event at the house!  I am looking forward to seeing friends, family and all the hot cars they will be bringing with them.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63767259/car-show-in-miniature-16x20-fine-art-toy?ref=tre-2671347874-1

 

So, in a nutshell....I will need a weekend for my weekend!  But isn't that the best part?  

- Blessings on your weekend and HAVE FUN!

Pink and Poppy

I love this skirt! Bright Poppy Pinks catch your eye!  Yes, it is a sign of Summer for me and I have to say I am glad for it.  I know there will be bugs and humidity, but I still find Summer a wonderful experience of lounging in the dusk with flip flops on, a brew in hand (or a glass of wine) and the swallows sweeping away the mosquitoes overhead.  Ah, yes...the beauty of a natural bug predator... So, without further ado, here is a little number I whipped up today!  Enjoy and may there be sunshine in your future!

-Blessings on your..night...

Green

It is a cloudy, humid day here in PA and I am LOVING it! I walked outside this morning and everything was so green! Although the garden is in it's beginning stages, it looks healthy and lush. The lettuce has vibrant greens and purples and the peas look as thought they are stretching to reach the first tier of the lattice.  Just breathtaking and I am so grateful.

Yesterday was brilliant as well.  The sun was shining, there was a warm breeze and the barn sales and garage sales were in full swing! I wasn't able to get to as many as I would have liked, but I did manage to hit a few.  The people were so happy to see the sunshine and there was quite a bit of life out and about.  Simple things. A green garden, sunshine and happy people.  I really couldn't ask for anything more. 

Now, I move on to my next challenge.  I have a craft show lined up for this weekend and I would like to finish two skirts in order to have some additional inventory.  So, off I go.  Until the next time...enjoy your day!

-Blessings

Twists and Turns

It is amazing how life can give you one road and then, at a drop of a hat, put you on another.  For weeks now I have been writing about my preparations for a big vending event.  I had put up a challenge to make 50 skirts before the week's end.  I did manage to make 25!  But, as life has it, a twist has presented itself.  We have had a loss in our family.  My cousin's father has passed from a very long battle with cancer.  His Dad was my Uncle at one time and, as a child. I grew up with him.  But, as life gives it's different paths, he and my Aunt set on different roads.  I hadn't seen him in many years, but then my cousin met a wonderful woman, married and had three beautiful children and I began to see my ex-Uncle at birthday parties and special events.   A bit of a reconnection I suppose.  So, with his passing this week, I find it imperative that I am there to support my cousin in his grief and to honor the memories I have of his father.

I suppose we can set our sights on all sorts of things that we think are going to work out.  We can plan and make provisions and sew until we don't think we can pull another thread, but that doesn't mean life is going to cooperate.  The plans of mice and men seem to come to mind.  However, there is one thing that we can do with these unexpected twists and turns.  We can own them.  We can make them ours and find the road that goes with them.  Not everything is going to be OK or fine or how we want it to go.  However, everything has a purpose, a reason and a path.  

So, with that, I hope you have a blessed weekend, I hope you enjoy your family and friends and I hope, most of all, that you don't make plans for life, but you allow life to do a little planning for you.

-Blessings

3 days..

This is the week. The countdown begins.  I had originally set up a challenge for myself to make 50 skirts by April 14th.  If I made the 50 skirts, I would allow myself to redecorate a room.  Well, I am up to 23 and I have 3 days.  Let's just say I made it half way (I plan to make 2 skirts by the 14th) and I can either redecorate half a room or a very small one.  Hey, you can't say I didn't try! Along the way I have learned a bit too!

1- Always give to causes that need it. For instance, JclaireP is contributing to an event in CA for Cancer Awareness and a fund raising event in NH for raising money for abused children.  Giving is better than any sale and that is what makes the world go round.

2- Deep sighs are good when you get overwhelmed. Taking breaks are necessary.  Don't push too hard or your body will push you back.

3- In order to keep the creative juices flowing, don't allow yourself to hate getting up for work.  Let yourself find your calling and then do it.  For me it was material and texture..allow yourself to explore.

There we are, three of the many things I have learned.  So now, I retire for the night so I can wake up and make a skirt!  Glad to do it too.

-Blessings and have a good night.

A little music

I was inspired by some music I hadn't heard in quite some time last night.  I started working on my skirt project and the music completely made me lose track of time.  It was so wonderful because I was able to accomplish quite a bit and didn't even realize I had been working so fast.

I lost touch with music for a while.  When I was first introduced to it I was a child.  I remember placing my ear on my parent's stereo as hard as I could to pick up the beat of the Rolling Stones, Donovan or, my personal favorite, The Beatles.  I remember the soft velvet from the stereo buzzing on my ear lobes when the bass would hit.  They are very fond memories and I absolutely cherish them.  As I grew older, I began to show a little talent for music and by my high school years I was playing the piano, clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor sax.  I was also in training for singing and I sang quite a bit in choirs at school and church.  The love of my music was there, but now it was being refined and trained and I think that is what tore me away from it.

To me, there was nothing like the rawness of chaotic drums or a tinged voice in a song.  When they began to pick away at the music, finding errors in expression, I couldn't help but find extreme frustration.  How could you find error in expression?  I understood the concept, but there was no way I could agree to it. So, by age twenty, all my instruments had been put away and all my training had stopped.  Even to this day, I cringe at joining a choir.  However, I have no problem with bolting out a tune in the shower, on my own time.

Last night was different though.  The music playing was simple, but incredibly inspiring.  It had been a long time since I felt this creative. My old friend seemed to be back for a visit and I hadn't seen her for decades.  I think it is a new road for us and I am glad that it has been paved.  This time, however, she can just play and I can enjoy the ride.

Put some music in your day - Blessings

Spring has landed!

Spring has definitely sprung at the Price house and I have evidence.  As I watered the cool crop today I was witness to gigantic earth worms copulating on the surface of the dirt (which is really weird looking) while the robins waited for their opportune moment to snack on these unsuspecting parties.  Also, in the flower bed, the resident bunny has decided to make it's nest.  I saw it sitting in the hostas this morning looking rather plump and when it tried to hop away, it didn't get very far.  It reminded me of myself when I was 8 months pregnant and trying to run around to get last minute errands done. A hobble here, a hobble there. But, I am sure it was entertaining for the crowd! The Victorian Roses are in full bloom as well.  These are the first bushes to bloom in the yard and they are always a welcome sign. 

 

The rabbit's nest

                                                                 Popping Pink Colors!

                                                                Black seeded Lettuce

                                                         Victorian Rose Bush in Bloom

So, the garden is popping, the bunnies are on their way and the flowers and birds are definitely in full swing. Yes, Spring is here and my senses are so grateful for it!  Get outside a bit today and enjoy these glorious gifts!

-Blessings

A little alone time..

I am officially up to 22 skirts as of today.  Considering everyone has been sick and I am now sick, I think that's pretty good.  Almost halfway there and only 12 more days to go!

It is a quiet house today.  Child is at school, dog is at the groomers and I can hear the hum of the refrigerator.  I think after not being alone for so long the quiet is welcome, but a little disturbing.  How much more inspired I am when I know that life is abounding and chaos is surrounding me!  Even if I do get interrupted with small requests like, "How do I spell, "Once upon a time?", or the classic, "Mommy! Come see what I did in the bathroom!".  I think I am one of those people who need to feel and witness life around them in order to function.  I definitely would not be a good candidate for solitary confinement.  Although, I have been known to lock myself in a closet in order to think clearly.

So, now, in this quiet, I can feel my eyes becoming very heavy. The rarely heard call of the infamous "Nap" beckons me.  I have heard it still does exist in this home, but you can only find it when there is no one around.  My new calling...and since I am feeling under the weather, I must heed it.

Blessings on you day and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Crunching Numbers

It is the last day of March so I am hitting up the books for some end of the month bookkeeping.  It is sort of a panicky feeling when I start to crunch numbers.  Sometimes I wonder why I get so stressed and look at the negative side of things instead of the positive.  Maybe I am just wired that way.  Maybe I just always see room for improvement.  Maybe I just wish I had my own personal accountant who told me what to do and how to handle finances....yep, I think it is the latter of the three.

Needless to say, I can't help but feel so much gratitude for what my supporters have done for me this month.  I think that if I didn't know they were there, self doubt and a lack of confidence would take over and I would most likely give up on this business adventure.  I am so grateful for friends and family and even perfect strangers who go out on a limb and tell me what I need to improve or even just give me some words of encouragement that I would so need in a day.  If I had a drink to raise I would...Cheers and Thank You so much!

As far as my skirt challenge goes, I am up to 19 skirts and I had said I wanted to make 50 by April 14th....we shall see...You never know sometimes! Miracles can happen! I could also grow another set of arms and...well, hey, it's worth dreaming right?

A wonderful Saturday night to one and all.  If you are out to have fun tonight...DO IT.  If you are "In" to have some "Me" time... ENJOY.  If you are crunching numbers and panicking a bit..you are not alone. I am right there with you!  Cheers!

-Blessings

19 out of 50

Have you ever had those weeks where your dreams make you more tired than you were the night before?  Yes, this is one of those of those weeks.  I feel like I need a nap from sleeping!

On another note, I completed another skirt yesterday!  This makes me so happy.  I am officially up to 19 skirts in my "making 50 skirts by April14th" challenge...we shall see!  Maybe that is why I am not sleeping too well...Skirt Pressure! Ha!

-Blessings on your day and a good night's rest!

Lemons

Life sometimes dishes out lemons.  Today was a bit of a lemon day.  You see, my good friend from Oregon flew all the way out here to see me and visit for a day and a half.  Unbeknownst to us, a flu bug also decided to make a stop at the house and infected my husband and child!  So, our reunion turned out to be a quick hello, a breakfast outside and me taking her to her next destination much earlier than desired.  Lemon Day.

The wonderful thing though was that we got to talk.  I think because we knew we were under pressure, we were able to talk about the most meaningful things.  It was nice getting down to it.  I will however miss the time we could have spent.

On another positive note, my sick family was so great.  My daughter was so well behaved and never complained. My husband did what he could (which was not much because of his sickness) and helped out a bit.  They really gave me space, even when at their worst.  My family is a blessing and my heart would not be whole without them.

So, after a crazy day of driving, healing and a whole lot of cleaning, I am going to take a much needed shower to not only cleanse the "sickies" off, but also to cleanse my head for a new start tomorrow.  Be well and I wish you all good, if not great, health.

-Blessings

New creation..

Today I tackle the studio/office/playroom....It has been quite some time and I am beginning to feel the push of the playroom creeping in on my creative space and the pressures of the office taking over the much needed openness of the studio.  It is definitely not a good feeling when "your space" gets overwhelmed.  So, the dust bunnies have been eradicated, the toys are in their "place", and the office will soon be brought back to reality.

 I would sincerely like an entire new look for my work space.  You know, the kind of look from the Martha Stewart magazines where the threads are color coordinated and each piece of material has a perfect spot.  Well, as a good neighbor of mine once said, "We LIVE in our house.".  That is something this family definitely does.  However, one thing that I would like to do above all is at least have the items that I have made displayed for me to see so I can practically go over them and see what additions or changes might be made.  It is a creative process and with out seeing where you have been and where you would like to be, it can be just impossible to get anywhere! So, today I start that little desire with a trip to the Dollar Store to at least get more pants hangers to hang up the skirts in an orderly fashion.  Small beginnings lead to big steps...

So, onward...my your day be filled with more sunshine and less dust bunnies..                                            



- Blessings

The third is complete!

So it has only been three days but I feel like I haven't blogged in a lifetime! The reason for the absence is because I have been working so hard on finishing up some projects and my worldly social life is just completely overwhelming....not.

I am excited to report that I have completed the third patchwork skirt!  One more to go and my patchwork series is complete!

I think it turned out pretty good! I know it is not perfect, but patchwork is patchwork, and perfection isn't real, so I am pretty happy!  I am now off to complete the fourth skirt, empty my home of all Winter clutter and continue with my challenge for April.  I made a challenge to myself to make 50 skirts by April 14th! Well, we are officially up to 16 skirts....so, I best get to work!

Blessings on you day!