Friends

As I mentioned in my gratitude post yesterday I received some mail love this past week. I couldn't find the card online but it is similar and from the same series as this one.

It said on the front:

"Awake, my dear.
Be kind to your sleeping heart.
Take it out into the vast
field of light
And let it breathe."

Inside she just wrote a very touching message. I have been having lots of insomnia and her words were a comfort.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful...
1. that my cold finally went away
2. that I heard from a friend I was worried about
3. for Frank & JoAnne giving us their wok that. They didn't use it so asked if wanted it. I said: YES! And I have used it twice this week and plan to use it again tomorrow night.
4. for the wonderful gift that my friend Jessica gave me. It just made me smile and was so much fun! (pictures below)
5. for having several good movie nights with Michael this week
6. for getting my list together for spring cleaning - starting spring cleaning next week. Which probably isn't somethign to clook forward to but I am looking forward to cleaning the house out.

I recognize that I have much more to be thankful for in my life.

I got a present from a friend that was so much fun....it was a big ball of yarn that had a little tag on it that said: "unwind me...all the way" and then as I unrolled it little gifts appeared wrapped in it - buttons, beads, charms, stickers & other little emblishments. In the very center there was a teeny tiny handmade book.








The purple/blue one is mine that Jessica made! It was really the coolest gift. I want to do it for someone sometime.

**photos are Jessica's she said I could use them since I was just so excited to unroll it that I forgot to take pictures!

Insomnia....Surfing Etsy

I am having some insomnia and my insomnia brings me to Etsy.com to surf - which is probably a dangerous place to surf in the first place. Lately my obsession has been pottery on Etsy. Tonight I stumbled on to the perfect little gift - ESPECIALLY for those that need....SPOONS. (my 100 things about me - spoons)

The spoons are made by Scrumdidlyump.

Aren't they just the coolest?

Just a few of the others I surfed tonight...
Magpie Pottery - really love those plates. The style of collage on them seems very me.









Tina Rice - I love this necklace - really all of her necklaces but I am not sure I could wear it because of my skin allergies. But they are so fun that I keep coming back to them.









Cyrus Potter - I love the colors of most of his pottery. They just are colors that appeal to me. The lines and colors of the vases are my favorite though.

Time Lapse

A really good thing that happened this week....One of my very good friend Jessica has been wanting to take a trip so she called together a group of friends (A, C and I) and said lets all get together. So it looks like I am going to have a girls-weekend -- possibly the weekend of my birthday. Jessica is going to fly here and spend 1 or 2 days with Michael and I. And then her and I will drive to C's town since C can't get out of town - we will be having the weekend there. And then A will fly to C. After then Jessica and I will come back here and she will spend a couple days here before going home. So I am really excited about that. I could really use some girl time/friend time.

What else...

We have been up to the Colorado National Monument more lately then we probably went at all last year. Tuesday evening Michael wanted to film a sunset so we went up there to get that. And then Wednesday morning we got up at 4:15 so we could head up there again to film a sunrise. He is going use them as time lapse in a wedding video he is doing.

Tuesday evening before heading up to the Monument we stopped at the library so I could pick up a couple books on hold for me. One really just had me absorbed from the moment I picked it up -- Brave on the Rocks by Sabrina Ward Harrison. I haven't ever read/looked at her first book but of course now want it too. Brave on the Rocks really evoked my emotions, memories and imagination in positive ways. It is a book I would like to own as I am sure it would be a constant source of inspiration through her message and her art.

I finished Breaking Dawn in 2 nights. it is the forth book in the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyers. I have some issues with Breaking Dawn But I think I will just do a review on good reads since it might have some spoilers. Right now I am reading The Post-Birthday World and I really thought after reading 21 pages that it would be one that ended up on the "didn't finish" list. I then got to a dialog instead of the authors long detailed explanations of things that don't have anything to do with the plot. And helped me plug on. But now is confusing me as the author described one scenario 2 ways. Two different ways it happened, two different sets of feelings and reactions. And the plot seems to go back and forth between the those two scenarios so I am not sure what actually happened. Where I ended off last night seems to have moved past that scenario but the book is still hanging in that....wonder if it will end up on the "didn't finish" list because it is annoying me.

I have been battling with a migraine this week. It started Tuesday evening and still hasn't really let up. I hope to at least get some work done today as I don't feel I have gotten much done this week.

Denver Trip

We are back from Denver. Now it is catch up time for work. Being away for so long really makes things a little crazy when we get back.

But we also had a nice time in Denver. I saw my friend DM and her partner. It was great to see them! The time went to quickly for me though. I wish I could have spent more time with them. I felt like I wanted to talk about so much and time just kind of got away from me. But I am still thrilled that I was able to see them even for that short of time. Getting time with them both made my week!

Most of our week consisted of meetings. We got quite a bit accomplished while there. On Saturday morning Michael took a look at some pictures that were ruined. Michael's parents basement flooded and they had been sitting on the floor so they were ruined. Michael looked to see if he could think of a way to salvage them. One was a photo of a stain glass window that Michael's Gram was given for her good works with the youth of her church. That photo was ruined so with some pooled resources Michael and his Mom were able to track the window down. And Michael called to see if we could go take pictures of it. As it turned out the church was open so we went down to take pictures of it. It is a beautiful stain glass window in a very cute little church so I am glad Michael was able to get pictures. They turned out great. We then dropped one off at Wolf's Camera for 1 hour development and then ran to Michael's Arts and Crafts to get a frame for it. And then got another frame for the other photo which Frank took of Maroon Bells. So it was not only a productive day but a touching day seeing the stain glass in person. Michael's parents thanked us many times for helping them with the photos and frames.

Of course while in Denver we always seem to hit good places to eat! Michael's parents took us to Jim 'N Nick's BBQ for dinner. Yummy! I had never been there but everyone else had and Michael kept telling me how good it was and he was right. I didn't leave hungry. We also went to a really good vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Denver with my friends as they are vegan. The food there was beautiful. I had banana bread french toast with toasted walnuts and fruit. I had planned on getting a sandwich but then saw that on the menu and it was calling my name! We also got to have Beau-Jo's Pizza while over -- met family there. Michael's sister needed glutten-free and they had a whole page of menu devoted to glutten-free - even glutten free pizza. And she said it was pretty good for being glutten free --- and now knows when she is craving pizza where to go.

So we are back and busy working. I have several websites going and a logo to work on too. Michael has quite a few projects too so we are busy.

Hitting I-70

Leaving for Denver! Seeing my friend DM and her partner on tomorrow. I can't wait as we haven't seen each other for 7 years.

Artful Weekend

We had a really good weekend. Artspace was having the Open Art Studio Tour. It is where you can tour local artists studios. See them work, see their work hanging in their studio and of course buy their beautiful art work. We usually go to two places because one place has several artists. It is a Bed and Breakfast with a gallery and it has out buildings with studios on the property for artists. The people there are lovely. We have worked with many of them too so know them fairly well. The other artist we go to is a good friend. But this time around she decided to go over and share some space at the Bed and Breakfast. So we were able to see 8 artists there. The feel of the place is just so serene but with this funky fun side too. This year they did a postcard project - decorating postcards. They then hung them up on a clothesline and then people could bid on them. The postcards were AMAZING. I told the organizer that if she does this next year I would be interested in participating.

We ended up buying a 2-tone pottery bowl from Damian Rice. And then a small acrylic piece by our friend. We don't have anything by her because well although her pieces are breath-taking we just can't afford her bigger pieces. She told us she was going to do some smaller pieces for those that can't afford the big pieces. Well she did and they were just as great as her large pieces. It is kind of a different style then she usually does but still amazing and of course we found one we really liked (okay several but picked one). Then the artist she was sharing her space with -- I just love to pieces. She has this energy that is contagious. Have you been around those people that are just up beat,excited and full of goodness/kindness -- and you start to feel everything they give off just by being around them....she is exactly like that. We got a piece of hers last year but I was looking for a piece of hers to give as a gift. And I found a little print but I really want to keep it! When we asked how much it was, she was very sweet and told us to take it. The other day she had been scolding me about not wanting to charge for something and then she was wanting to give us the print free. Michael has a bill for her for some website work for around the same price so he is going to rip it up.

We would have loved to buy from another artist there that we really enjoy. Her work really feels so earthy and warm to me. There was one piece I really fell in love with but we just couldn't afford it at this time. Her postcards she did were so beautiful too. One postcard by Dianna Fritzler was called Hanging Barbie Out to Dry. It was all about the the dislike of barbie because of the image she gives off to young girls about being perfect. But the title and the just look of the piece -- Michael LOVED. After he asked her about it and she explained why she did the piece -- he loved it even more.

There was also another little pottery wall hanging that was done in this technique that I can't remember the name for but you pull it from the kiln while it is on fire. And stuff it in a metal garbage can with lots of newspaper, put the lid on and the fire from the kiln sets the paper on fire burning around the piece. It creates this really interesting affect with the glaze. Michael really like one of those so when we went back on Sunday (to discuss something with Dianna about a project we are doing for her), I urged Michael to stop and see if it was still there. And it was so he picked that up too!

I hope to take pictures of everything soon. I really love filling our house with art.

Quill

I received this for my last birthday from one of my dearest friends. It is called Graphite Object. It is a piece of graphite that is sculpted but is usable as a pencil. It is done by Agelio Batle. I feel it is almost too beautiful to use.

Numi Tea Dance

A wonderful friend of mine sent me tea a while back all sorts of different brands and kinds. It has been a wonderful treat. Anyway today I was making myself a cup of Numi Golden Chai. It is a 100% organic spiced assam black tea.

On the back of the package it says:
"For the perfect cup of tea bring fresh water to a boil and carefully pour over a bag of Golden Chai. As you dance with a loved one one, steep 3-5 minutes, to desired strength..."

So while the tea was steeping I read the package to Michael. And he grabbed me to dance. It was one of those moments that I just always want to remember.

Oh and the tea is very good too.

Christmas Delivery....

We had a knock at our door earlier this evening....it was a Christmas delivery. Friends of ours in NJ sent us cookies from Mrs. Fields! The package though is so cute I wasn't almost wanting to take it out of its wrappings.

It had a lot of sweet treats!

Isn't it cute....

Shared the same Birthday...

Online world...I have been online for over ten years. There are many things about my first internet experiences I wish I could change. They weren't very positive. But I am still thankful for the internet. Michael and I connected that way at first. Many other people I count as very good friends offline were first encountered online. Because of the internet I am able to share my art. And I am not sure I would have ever gotten up the courage to do that offline to galleries and just friends and family if I hadn't had this place first. So there have been some positives too.

I am also blessed to have the internet now after moving from Cleveland where I had big social circle and schedule to a smaller town where I don't - has been a hard thing for me. I love all the quality time Michael and I have but I do need friends and other types of relationships. So right now the internet has been that place where I can stay connected to friends from offline and far away and also with just people I have met online through blogs, forums, elist and such.

Someone I have known online died today. I had known her through various elists and such for quite a while...6 or 7 years but didn't know her well. She shared my birthday but actually 3 years younger. It was just shocking to refresh my daily reads and see her husband's announcement. It sounds like it was sudden - nothing as far as I knew was wrong health wise. Her husband hasn't posted how it happened. My thoughts are with her husband and family but I am just still a little shocked by the news. And I wasn't even close to her -- but... it still is very sad to know she isn't here anymore. My thoughts are with her friends and family...and her animals. She was an animal rescuer and had over 25 animals at her place....so I know they will miss her too.

(image from an ATC I did but don't have on the website as the photo isn't the best)

A Friend for All Seasons

Michael and I have a friend that has just been so supportive to us personally and also with the business. She is amazing at tax information and with a business you know that is imperative to understand taxes and do that correctly. So she has been a remarkable wealth of information for the business. I told her many many times she should write a tax book - because Michael is a very smart man but some of the tax info confused them before he started consulting her. And she made it so clear that often I could understand it and numbers confuse me! I know she doesn't feel she has the right qualifications to write a book on it but I think she is amazing!

And also as I said she personally has been just a great friend. She has let me vent to her before, given me a new perspective and just been there as a good friend in so many ways. I am really blessed to call her my friend.

So Michael and I wanted to do something for her. At Christmas time my family sends us little packages to open each day before Christmas and I remembered our friend commenting on how neat of idea that was and that would be so fun. So I created "A Friend for all Seasons" package - 30 days of little packages covering all the seasons of the year. Also right now she is on bed rest as she is pregnant with her first baby so I thought sending it now would be fun for her since she is going a little stir crazy.

I wrapped each little package and then put labels on them 1 to 30 with little clues of what might be in them. I made labels in word with dingbats and different fonts. It was fun as I love fonts! My sister gave me some perfect little bags recently that worked out good for several of the packages. I stamped them with a rubber stamp, punched holes in them to tie them with ribbon. I wrapped other packages in all sorts of tissues, wrapping papper and ribbons. It was a lot of fun to make this package up for her.

Well she got it yesterday so she started on her first package of the 30 days. I think I am just as excited as she is in opening her presents!

Here is a print screen of the labels I put on them....clicking on it will bring you to a bigger view.

Good Birthday!

We are home (again)!

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful, touching, beautiful cards, emails and gifts. I am so very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you all so much!

I had a wonderful birthday. We didn't celebrate it with cake and singing of Happy Birthday - which was my wish that we wouldn't. But we celebrated with just doing lots of fun things and seeing my parents. It was a wonderful wonderful weekend! I am very grateful to Michael for the words, the gifts, the time he created for my birthday. I am truly a lucky woman!

I hope my sister, April is having a VERY Happy Birthday!

Randomness

This is going to be post of randomness thus the bullet points as nothing connects. That kind of day you know.

• We had dinner with friends last night. Michael made a retirement video for one of the friends and we weren't able to be a the party when the showed it as we were in Shreveport so got together last night. We watched the video last night with them and the friend got all teary watching it again. And he has watched it several times already but still affected by it. I know it makes Michael feel good that his work touches people. It is hard not to be touched by his videos. I know I feel the same way about my parents video.
  
  We all watched the Rockies win so that was fun and had great food. We had really good wine. One wine though I really liked even though I only had a sip as migraines still lingering but it had a grapefruit undertone that was very nice. Of course though I had to do something to make myself blush a million shades of red....I broke a spoon.



• At Frank and JoAnne's last week we watched the first disk from Planet Earth. And that was so amazing! I loved it. But really what was the cutest is when the birds came on to their big screen high definition tv and Caesar immediately jumped from his slumber to go get them. He was reaching up touching the screen with his paw. He finally jumped up on the speaker next to the tv and sat on it reaching over to the tv to try to get the birds. We didn't get a picture because as soon as we would have moved he would have stopped. But it was SO cute!



• Going to get my hair cut this morning. I will be having probably about 4 to 5 inches taken off - it is a length Michael really likes. Then tomorrow I will dye it black cherry. I have been trying to hold out in getting it cut because I wanted to donate to locks of love again. But I am just really getting frustrated with it - the tangles and it is just so dry. So I need to get some taken off. I want it couple inches past my shoulders.



• Talked to my parents yesterday to get plans more firm for what we are doing and staying. We are going to the art museum Thursday. Friday we will probably take a little day trip. And then the rest of the time will be for shopping. I want new shoes - new mary janes to be exact. And there are DSW's in Denver so probably hit one of those.



• Made Chili and cornbread on Saturday. And then yesterday I made a pie to bring to our friends - chocolate buttermilk. (links are to recipes over on my cooking blog)
  

We have a film shoot this afternoon. I am feeling really out of today though so I hope I can snap out of it before then.

Need to find my sister's birthday card to give to my parents....her birthday is on the 20th.

Live from Shreveport...

We have been having a very productive time here in Louisiana. Things have went smoothly when setting up and taking down all the equipment. I needed to update a clients website so staying in the room while the rest of the crew is out with Michael filming so decided to do an update too.

On Saturday we stopped in a town in Southeastern Colorado to see a friend of Michael's - Leo. He was so fun! I really liked chatting with him. And he just has so much respect and caring for Michael. His son looks just like a friends husband it was eerie how much they looked like each other. It was so great though meeting Leo!

On our way out town heading towards the Colorado Oklahoma border....we saw spiders. Now when I say we saw spiders we were driving 65 to 70 miles per house down the highway and we could see them ahead of us on the road. That is how big they were. They looked like tarantulas from the vehicle. We didn't stop to check them out as there weren't really places to pull over on this road. But these things had thick legs and big bodies and we saw at least 20 of them in less then a 50 mile stretch.

I am not scared of spiders normally but I think if we would have looked at these up close I might have developed a fear as they looked scary from the car.

Sunday we arrived in Louisiana and as I said it has been going well. We are getting work done. What I am amazed by here is the poverty. We really haven't seen a lot of homeless but the homes people live in here are so worn and then neighborhoods have apartment complexes that are really run down with boarded up windows and it looks like people live in them. Plus they are surrounded by fences with barbwire and signs that say "no firearms permitted" and "id required at all times." This is apartment complexes - where families live. Most businesses don't have windows and if they do they have burglary bars. And then many businesses are also fenced with barbwire too. The schools are surrounded by fences with barbwire too. It is just a part of their life and that is hard for me to imagine. Filming this type of living condition is part of the project - maybe we are just being exposed to it more then we would if we were here to just visit/vacation. But it saddens me...that people suffer so much and live in such conditions.

What else...

Really we are just working hard so tired and just veg when we get back to the hotel room. I have been reading Outlander and I am LOVING it.

The above was written this morning but the internet went down when I was going to post. This afternoon and evening was long. We did some filming then tried to get lunch but it wasn't an easy process. We went to one place and waited about 8 minutes to get seated and then waited another 10-12 minutes and walked out as we didn't get waited on. Next place we went in and again waiting to get seated no hostess/host in sight and ended up leaving as we were going to be in a time crunch if we waited much longer....so had to grab fast food.

This evening we had 3 film shoots - and it takes so long for the lights to cool between them that it was a rush between each place. Tonight just grabbed subs on the way back to the hotel and ready to crash. We don't need to get up early tomorrow so that is so NICE!

Going sign off and relax!

Siren Song Yarns

A friend of mine is a knitter and started dyeing yarn over a year ago. She is now selling her yarn on Etsy. Beautiful colors. She made me some slippers out of some of the hand dyed yarn. They are so warm and comfy!



SirenSongYarns.etsy.com

(I created the banner for her Etsy shop)