Splendid

Back in the saddle...

I finally unpacked most of my crafting supplies and I've tried to be a good little organizer so I can find what I'm looking for when I need it (which was sometimes a problem-gulp.) I stayed up until 1 last night painting and scrapbooking (for me they go hand in hand) and was trying out some new ideas from this fabulous scrapbook Queen.  She and I have similar styles, but I'm always inspired by her wonderful ideas and layouts.  I joined her class here and was very pleased with her tips and tricks.  If she does another class, I highly recommend her.

I have my sewing machine ready to go and will be out this next week or two getting different fabrics to make eye pillows, aprons and place mats and napkins.  Pom poms are going to be my "thing," since they remind me so much of my sweet ol' Granny. She loved them and had them everywhere.

I bought some fabric from this superstar this morning and hope you'll check out her line of wonderful fabric and works.  I was so happy to get her two handmade silhouettes for Xmas from my Hubby (okay, I picked them out and ordered them myself, but they were my present from him to me, sometimes he needs help) and I'm sure you're salivating now. 

Even after McKaylah finished her first part of school this morning, she is doing some collage art with some sticker ribbons I gave her.  She LOVES arts and crafts, and if given the chance, would do it all day (don't know where she gets that from...) I can hear Ava running around downstairs, given the chance, she'd do that all day...

Hope you have a great week 'ya all!

Scrapbook layouts using paint, doodling, ribbons, tags, and other "stuff"-not done, they'll have to be junked up a bit

AM fabulous silhouettes-so beautiful!!!

I know, the white walls are screaming for color-they will be painted this spring!

Little Miss Crafty

There's no place like home(schooling)

Then there's days like today that remind me of why I love homeschooling. I wish I could have had this learning environment! McKaylah is writing a short story and finishing another Oak Meadow book, while Ava is rolling out her ABC's in soft-dough.  We are drinking herbal teas and listening to channel 433 (new age music) wafting into our classroom with Tibetan bells or native American flutes.  Okay, not everyday is so Zen-ish I assure you. There are many days I am stressed out, worried that I am not providing the best for my girls, "Maybe I should have her in school?"  Maybe a teacher would be better suited to help her with her reading?"  But then I look at them, how happy they are to be here, and I am happy they are here with me, and I relax into the belief this is best for our family just now.  Maybe one day McKaylah will return to school, or Ava, but for now we are happy to do our morning routine of Oak Meadow lessons, with a bit of Treehouse classes thrown in, Hogwarts assignments once a month, and of course out full schedule of musical theater, art, tennis and swimming.  We also have been fortunate to meet so many other homeschooling families and attend playgroups a couple times during the week as well.  It's good to be home(schooling...) 

Ava rolling out her letters with soft-dough

Big sister getting to work

Ava's botanical letter cards

The classroom

Dave's black belt

Congratulations Bear!  You've worked so hard to get to your black belt!  9 plus years of many hours a week have finally paid off!  With everything you do, working so many hours, returning to school for your second Master's program, constantly making your family and friends feel important, you seem to be so great at balancing it all! 

Dave flew back to Reno to be awarded his black belt from Charles Gracie and even though we couldn't go with him, we were so proud of him and were stoked to see these pictures taken by our friend Jerry Matsamura.  It was a big day for all these guys. 

For all the jokes and teasing I may give these guys, I'm actually really proud of them, especially David.  It may not be "my thing," but he enjoys it and support is key to a successful relationship. 

I had a surprise party for him when he returned with his Philadelphia jujitsu school. I ordered a cake from his favorite bakery (decorated with a fondant black belt) and made a spaghetti dinner.  He was so surprised and I think really tickled with everyone's congratulations and well wishes. 

Awesome job Bear! 

My new Etsy shop

I've opened an Etsy shop.  I have only my herbal correspondence course in there right now, but hopefully by the end of this week I'll also have herbal teas, aromatherapy bath salts and salves hand-made by me (Harvest Moon Herbs) as well embellished tea towels and aprons, baby onesies and pillowcases (think lots of pom-poms, ric-rac, buttons, embroidery, funky fabric!)  I'm making vintage looking hair pins, rings and earrings that will get you many sideways jealous glances. I'm also working on paper and scrapbook kits and kids art kits, but that will be later down the road.  Please check it out soon!  Tell everyone you know!  Have a great day and peace!

Keeping the good vibrations alive with love notes

I can't remember where I saw this, but for a long time I wanted to write some good messages and anonymously leave them for strangers to find. My best friend Lainie is in town from San Diego and after our regular day of homeschool lessons we wrote out about 35 positive messages for our fellow Philadelphians. McKaylah thought this was so great, so fun and even though each message was a complement or a goofy saying, there was something so sneaky and mischievous about leaving them high and low for unknowing passer-bys to find.  In the coin slots of parking meters, in the napkin dispenser at Starbucks, in a bush by a storefront, tucked in a pipe against a wall, in the cracks of an old building. She (and I, too) loved it. 

This is my BF Lainie holding Ava.  Hopefully the next person coming to use this meter will enjoy the "good vibrations" we left them!

This little tree housed a special fortune for a lucky person.

It was funny to watch people notice the "Read Me" notes, but were scared to pick them up.  We tucked this one under a sugar shaker at Starbucks, and 3 people saw it, looked around, then didn't pick it up.  Finally a young teenager picked it up, laughed and put it back to keep the good vibes goin'!

Some notes were" You look fabulous today!" "You're having a great hair day today!" "Your butt looks great in those pants!" "Your lucky numbers for today are 4, 13, 28." " You have many special qualities." " Someone has a crush on you!" "Your smile is contagious!" " You complete me..." "I am Keyser Soze." "Thanks for always being you!" "The world is a better place with you in it!" "Peace and good health wishes to you!" and many more.

For a biker to enjoy...

in the newspaper stand

a crack in the wall

kickin' back for a moment to gather more strength to deliver more love notes...

We will hit the streets again soon to bring more love...