Michelle: Life In The Present

Michelle, a blogger from Seattle has some great links and poetry. A few found there: Archives of Sunset Magazine covers. Rolf Armstrong-The Pin-up Page. Images of the Seventies (scary!).

Surfing Quilt Blogs

One could spend not a day, not two days but weeks looking at amazing works on the internet. I found a few sites today. Allison Aller, You Rock. Take a look at this green purse and this piece.

I found this powerful quilt on slavery posted on Sonji Says (and her work is amazing as well). An explanation of the work: "Yesterday we went to see the Gwendolyn Magee exhibition at the Haggerty Art Museum. It was very powerful. Her topic was the impact of Slavery in America, past, present and future. This particular piece was the one that we both found the most moving because it had state by state lists of African-Americans who had been lynched and murdered through mutilation and horrific violence. It's such a beautiful quilt from a distance...the contrast, the swirling tree branches." Go see the entry and read the rest here.

While searching Gwendolyn Magee found Studio Art Quilt Association.

Liz Berg Quilts.

Self-Portrait Tuesday (8/30)

Looking at Mati's self-portrait Tuesday last week reminded my of a photo I had stashed somewhere. I posed for a fellow-student Elizabeth for a painting many years ago, Angelo State University. I think this was our last meeting at the end of the school year. I wonder if she ever finished it. Painting, Elizabeth and me.



ONE bracelet and Timex.

Sick

My son gave me his cold before he headed off to Whistler for a mini-vacation. Pica and I are fighting over space on the sofa. He likes Animal Channel and I like to watch the Travel Channel. And we switch back to see where Hurricane Katrina has moved on to. I am chilled and feverish, why do we always get sick on our days off from work?

Knowles Scandia And Other Obsessions

Thinking of Nifty Thifts around my house I photographed a few pieces of "Knowles Scandia" and then thought about one of my first entries in this blog. I wrote for msnbc.com (Guilty Pleasures) a couple of years ago exposing my plate obsession. Mainly, that I would collect so many plates, and drive around with them in my car then sneak them in the house when everyone was asleep (oops, did I admit to that?)

Someone Searching Mom

I see my name come up in searches all the time. I am not the only KC out there so I never think too much about it. This was odd, someone was obviously searching my mom, in our town. If you are a handsome, 60-something male. Please call.

Nanaimo Bars

Listen up chocolate lovers, you need to try this recipe.

Nanaimo or Maraima Bars

1/2 cup soft butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg, slightly beaten

Place in double boiler; stir well until mixture resembles thin custard.

Then Add:

2 cups graham crackers crumb (my Mom used cinnamon graham crackers and I thought it was good)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup coconut (mom left this out, we don’t like dried coconut)
Blend well and pack into 9 in pan.

Spread the following on top after mixing well:

1/4 cup butter
2 Tbsp. Instant Vanilla pudding (Mom used chocolate, we did not have vanilla)
3 Tbsp. Cream
2 cup powdered sugar

Let harden 15 minutes. Melt 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate with 1 tablespoon butter and spread over custard icing. Let set. Cut in bars.

Illustration Friday - Dream

This week's Illustration Friday word of the week is DREAM. When I was a little girl fairies would visit me during the night and to this day can remember every detail. They were very tiny and they gathered around my head to talk to each other. They were so small that their words were garbled to me. I would pretend to be asleep so I would not frighten them away. I still wonder why they chose me and if they ever come now.



Later.... As some of you know I love Adobe Illustrator. It is a powerful program but you can make it as simple as you want. I don't like to do gradients and complicated stuff (the guys always like to do that complicated stuff), although I can when I am pushed. This is how long I have used the program - when I started using it you could only draw in OUTLINE (wire frame) mode and could occasionally preview IF you had enough memory. When we were doing gradients on maps and such, it was all in these weird black lines and shapes. You had to visualize what you were doing. Fun, and scary. Here is what my illustration looks like mostly in outline mode. I spent about 30 minutes on this, I used dotted line in strokes to created the blanket, and mask out the eclipse shape, then added more circles to accomodate my fairy throwing her fairy 'sweet dreams' dust. For those of you new to Illustrator, if you ever have a question, I can always try and answer it.

Hot Couture Fall 2005

I think I have been visually bored shirtless with the "been-there, worn-that" fashion mistakes rehashed the last couple of years. Not that I wear couture, but it is certainly fun to look at. And Fall 2005 is looking like a good season. For previews log on to style.com fashion show section.
Christian Lacroix, Style.com: "PARIS, July 7, 2005 – With their beribboned, jeweled-toe champagne slingbacks sinking into a white velvet runway, the myriad creatures of Christian Lacroix's exceptional imagination advanced into winter. Hair dressed in lacquered rolls, black velvet roses, sprays of crystal, and spiked with a carnation, each model wore an outfit more painterly colorful and romantic than the last."



Valentino, Style.com: "His dainty sable-trimmed tweeds and cream-color, draped satin day suits speak to a world the designer and his ladies cohabit in a style serenely untouched by time. Details will come and go—this season it's bows, a smattering of fringe, inserts of crystal embroidered roses, satin rouleaux ribbons, perhaps a hint of Chinoiserie—but essentially it's all a matter of lunch, cocktails, and dinner as usual."



Basso & Brooke (shown below)Ready-To-Wear 2005. Christian Dior Fall 2005 is a little drag-queen? Cirque du Soleil performers in heels, senior prom dresses gone wrong, "Sex and the City" "come-hither" beige dress with midnight lace combo, it is wild, it is wonderful, outrageous, it is a must-see!



Others: Akris, Givenchy inspired by Morticia Addams from the Addam's Family, Elie Saab's collection a breath of fresh air in metal and jewel colors. Olivia Theyskens' stunningly romantic aesthetic with Rochas. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière. I could go on and on but I am hungry, go have a look yourself and tell me which couture collection is your favorite.

Charmed And Bangled

First off, congrats to Erica for entering land of home owners! You need this one for your new adventure.

I am beginning to like charm bracelets more than I did. I bought a little enamel Texas charm to add to my charm bracelet. Searching for vintage, here are some I found and they are rather pricey. A couple of Vintage sterling bracelets 19 Enameled State and Charms one with assorted next to it (down page). Single vintage charms here. Vintage Western Charms. Smile for your favorite dentist. Melodies Memories, Splendors from the Past, Alita's Casita, one with Newfoundland Charms, I like this glitzy rhinestone Juliana Bracelet (not exactly charm but charming), Asian-theme Charm Bracelet, 21 Love Tokens, Bugs, Birds & Blooms Out of My Mind Charm Bracelet, newer Lucky Charms from Style Maven, love this little globe charm, Mended Veil Candy Ball Bracelets, Limited editions from So Charmed, more enamel states charm bracelets. Russian Imperial Egg Charm Bracelet. And lastly bracelet with bugs.
And then bangled: Resin feather bangles here and here from Macy's. Stretch Shell Bangle from Asos.
I would love to have these Affirmation ring charms and Chinese Charms. This is not a bracelet but I must add to my 'I want list' - Iosselliani set of 8 silver rings.

Fiona Leaps Into Her Art

I can't quit looking at these, it is like a potato chip, you can't see just one! I want one and Fiona says she will trade, I am just trying to find something arty in my house worthy of the trade! They are created by Fiona. Some people are just so darmn talented.

Two Cool Groups

Kathleen has started a group called Paper Fetish and Cassi has one for thrifting adventures called Nifty Thrift. Two subjects I am well-versed in.

Faces Of School Days Past

Anonymous told me I should scan some of the old school photos and I did. They are large files on ImageShack so be careful if you are dial-up, click on the image again and it will be the correct size. Something free.

My Precious Son

Happy Birthday to my precious son. When he was small I had a dream that we had won the lottery. I woke up, shook D and said "I had a dream that we won the lottery, it was so real". He said: "We did win the lottery, we have Matt". How true that is. He is the reason I desperately want the world to be a better place, that people respect each others' religious beliefs and culture, that the ozone is fixed, that no child goes hungry at night, that no child has to live without the loving touch from a parent. The reason I give to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, because I felt so blessed to have a healthy child, the reason I cry when I see special reports on kids in Africa living in hell. The reason I donate to environmental groups, to save this incredible world for generations to follow. He is my touchstone, my reason for living, that I did not know I needed when I was 36. When I thought my life was full and exciting, but I did not have a clue how meaningless my life was until he was in it. I cried for 9 months of pregnancy thinking I would be the worst mom. I had never thought of being a mother, never given it any thought. Then I was. We named him 'Matthew' - 'gift from God'. An unexpected gift to two individuals who thought parenthood has passed them by. And speaking of 'Parenthood', the movie should be mandatory for all expectant parents. D and I watched it several times during preganancy. So now, when all three phones are in Matt's room, his bedroom floor is cluttered door to wall of clothes, stuff, candy wrappers. When we have a house full of stomping, laughing, snorting, farting teenage boys, I do remember how lucky we are.

Brian Guilliaux Unique Invitation

My friend Rita sent me this some time ago as a wonderful example of a simple, unique invitation and I ran across it again cleaning out mail. Her neighbor and a photographer, Brian Guilliaux, created this wedding invitation and I love it!

Today's Lens Catch

Self-portrait Tuesday (8/23)

Self-portrait Tuesday, note my beautiful gift from Kathleen.

Faces From The Past

I received some more school photos that I purchased from Vintage Ephemera. I called to thank him for a little "somethin' extra' he put in my package. Told him how thrilled I was with these school pictures and he said he had a few more!

Print From Camilla

The print I purchased from Camilla arrived, just as wonderul as I thought it would be. I was thinking of giving it as a Christmas present, but my husband loves it and says it must stay here.

Pica Takin' It Easy

Pica has a hard morning and must take a little break.

Hornet's Nest

7 layers of intricate paper thin walls of the most beautiful colors and patterns. 4 layers inside. It was amazing. And I feel guilty that I had to do away with the engineers. But the hornets had taken over my neighbors front door.

A Few Free Things

Free cloth doll patterns. Directions to making an eyeglass lens necklace. Simple doll template. Free images from Above the Mark here and here.

Today In My Garden

A couple things are going on in the garden. The hydrangeas are changing! Jacob Ladder's are still blooming. Dandelions here and there.

Illustration Friday - Reflection

This week's Illustration Friday topic is reflection. Another revamped piece! Rather a silly one, but a relief after doing so serious ones before.

The Leaves They Are A-Changin'

Colorful Eye Candy

Blondie Shoes from Mosley meets Wilcox. Maps on pots by Annabel Faraday

Liz Mathews' pots are always characterised by bold textual inscriptions. I would love to see more of the Peace and Love banners, second thumbnail over. Digitally dyed wallpaper at Crinson.com.

Susan Nemeth - Paul Klee-ish handmade porcelain vases and bowls, Helen Rawlinson lighting, Funky lamps from Georgina Dunkley, Rice bowls by Susan Binns.

I love the color of this chair and table and this green cabinet. I love the colors Pinecone Hill in the tufted chairs and slip-covers. And there is noone more colorful than Kaffe Fassett in his beddingCollection

Creative Chicks (Farm And Otherwise)

The Farm Chicks Antique Show in Fairfield, Washington, Septemeber 24 and 25.
Alica Paulson at Posie Rosie Little Things and her sister, Julianna Smith at Parlez Vous Cards in Portland, Oregon. Nanette Wallace design. Green with envy Green Girl Studio. And of course ARTchix Studio.

Creative Outlet

Polaroid alphabet and lots of other font stamps found here. Overstock specials. Going postal. All from Ma Vinci stamps.

CreatorsOutlet is a unique internet marketplace bringing together people who value handcrafted work with those who create it. Linda Finn. Laura Norris Quilts and Wallhangings. Devon Cameron with Gourdaments. Arching Branch Teapot by Bonnie Belt. Johanna Achepohl Creating "Wearable objects of Art".

Spoiled Dogs Who Don't Know They Are (Dogs)

The dogs are spoiled and we all spoil them. They are waiting for my mother to give them a little midnight treat. Pica loves his dad. Spoiled?

Genealogy Online Photo Album

Genealogy online photo album submitted by Jim Bishop. I love all of these hair-dos found here!

Printed Matter Of Passing Interest

Interesting items and some explanation of what it is over at Ephemera Society of the UK. And the US site. Vintage Depot Direct is full of vintage postcards.

Found elements, Ephemera Now, I love this very large die-cut advertising Clark's Thread from Ephemera Net. And this old paint chip example at 1800's Ephemera. Motel Postcards from Lileks. And also money from other nations.

I could not resist buying this roll of vintage yearbook school pictures, over 300 of them, from Vintage-Ephemera.com.

It's That Time Again

The beginning of shopping for school clothes and supplies. And me just trying to keep up with them. New school, new clothes, new year. It all feels very exciting.

Tagged Again

I have been tagged by Jenny on 5 things.

Five Albums on your iPod: (or in my case in my cd player since I don't am the only family member without an iPod):
Chant, The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos
Brandenburg Concertos, Special Value 2 Disc Set
Al Green, I’m Still In Love With You
Bridget Jones, The Edge Of Reason Soundtrack
Vivaldi

Five Movies You've seen recently (Mostly On-Demand!):
Batman, The Beginning
Hotel Rwanda
Are We There Yet?
The Jacket
Hide & Seek

Five nice things that have happened to you recently:
Received the most wonderful package of goodies from Kathleen.
I received the print I order from Camilla and from Penelope.
I had a good review at work.
My son helped me power-wash and re-stain the deck, without much argument.
I got a $50 Amazon gift certificate for participating in a user group and spent it on Modern Quilt and Quilted Memories.

Five mp3’s on your playlist: (I’ll list magazines on my coffee table like I’ve seen some others doing):
Newsweek
Martha Stewart’s Living
Domino
Sunset
Savuer

Now I am tagging Sherry at Cloud Hidden, Tara and Sandra.

Self-portrait(s) Tuesday

I have been so busy re-staining the deck, washing the dog, cleaning the house. Today, I am having a little rest. So I took a self-portrait with my robe on and decided maybe getting dressed for one of these would be nice. This self-portrait, setting timer and running to the location is tricky work!

Drinking coffee in robe.



Deciding to get dressed and watching Today Show.



The strange cricket mirror my husband bought me years ago.

Five Idiosyncrasies

I have been tagged by Katy on five idiosyncrasies.

1. When I clean, I HAVE to clean EVERY surface of whatever room I am cleaning. And usually a toothbrush, toothpick and Q-tips are involved.

2. When I am deep in a project (art or house remodeling) I wear the same clothes for days. Going to sleep wherever I fall, getting up and starting all over, in the same clothes. (my mom calls this gross)

3. I do not eat breakfast. I don’t like to eat as soon I awake, I need many hours before I can eat. Although, I love breakfast food, especially Eggs Benedict.

4. I always pick up stray pennies off the ground. I find them all the time. ‘See a penny, pick it up, all the day you’ll have good luck’. And if it is tales up, I spit three times over my left shoulder.

5. I wish upon the first star I see at night.

Now I am tagging Sherry at Cloud Hidden, Erica (although she might not partake, she is busy buying a house), MeggieCat, Maggie at Designer M and Paula at What-everings.

Illustration Friday - Wisdom

This week's Illustration Friday topic is wisdom. I revamped art from the past. Created in Adobe Illustrator, my favorite drawing program.

Later: Thank you everyone for your thoughtful comments. You made my day very sweet indeed!

Faces Of Meth

This is powerful. Teenagers, all teenagers should take a look at the dramatic changes to physical appearance of meth addicts. Faces of Meth shows the difference from mugshots taken of the same person at different times of their addiction. And more faces of addiction on this CBS News photo essay.

Afterlife

Jonathon Clark's lovely images of the afterlife on flickr. He also has a website.

Christiane Perrochon

I am totally in love with these beautiful ceramic by Christiane Perrochon.

Don't these look like petals?



And these like leaves?

Dream Cottages To Dream About

Osburn/Clarke Productions Inc. Dream Cottages - look at the available designs. It would nice if the price was available too.

I Could Live Here, Here, Here or Here

Mosest Halley Studio or luxurious Cerulean Estate or Alig House or Flynn House, from Deborah Berke & Partners Architects LLP.

Color Logic Search

This is interesting - Color logic search at Beacon Hill Design. Select a color, a shade, the use, the construction (optional), the design (optional) and enter. You get a selection of fabrics from their fabric showroom.

Animal Tracks

This week's Animal Tracks and my favorite photo is Waggin' wagon. Have a look and vote for your favorite.

Roping Gate

Bringing a little of Texas to the NW, my husband bought me this for the gate. Our little western decorating statement.

Mom Is Back

Finally, my mom has returned from Texas. The dogs are thrilled and I am pretty happy too!

Pinch Myself!

Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think I am having too much fun. Especially on days like today when I get to power-wash the deck (in preparation to re-stain - next weekend) washing everything else that will take a high-powered water spray. Thankfully, my son is now old enough to help now (for a price).

Hip Jewerly

Watches, Story Wheels, Pendants, typewriter bracelets, more jewelry at Araceli Silva, more great necklaces from Issa Kyaa, I love this work by Maya Kini's jewelry.

Belt Buckles

When I was a cowgirl, having the right belt buckle is very important. We also had to have our jeans fit over our ropers boots 'just right', meaning, we walked off the backs of the jeans just like they do today. My waist does not support the 'belt buckle' look now (maybe soon)...but I still like to look at them.
Buckles find religion here and here and here at Virgins, Saints & Angels Buckles.
Vintage beltbuckles. I love everything! at the Urge to Adorn and this belt buckle is the one I want. Take a look at the other belt buckles, very fun. Belt buckles with an Asian flavor. An Austrailian take on a belt, very cool! She Rocks belts. Not to forget the LED scrolling belt buckle.