Well?

Well, I am not sure what I have to share! I am (nearly) rested from this fall's busy schedule, which is leaving me a little short on creating Christmas cheer. What I'd really like is a massage, a hot tub, another bottle of wine, someone to come in and clean my house, fill my refrigerator, bake the cookies, and put up the Christmas decorations. Oh yes, there is package wrapping to be done. The two remaining orders I have to fill (yes, yes, I know, I know) I will gladly tackle, just as soon as I get both brain cells functioning - at the same time! The good news is...this year we agreed - only things which will fit into a stocking and the entire thing cannot exceed $100.00. Sounded easy at the time, but, of course, it has proven challenging!
So, for now I leave you with tremendous thanks for all you give to me during the year and for those words of encouragement that let me know why I do what I do! Take care, eat a cookie for me, and take a moment to remember how important you are.

I don't understand

There is just so much I don't understand. Like - when I go to a web address and attempt to navigate I don't understand how I can get so lost! Or, why do I have to take a long walk every day when I probably walk a mile or two just around the house, looking for something I know is somewhere, here, in the house. Or, when you attempt to do something for yourself or your loved ones and instead of helping it turns into a huge, HUGE mess that you do not know how to fix. The list goes on.

As you can see the hours are swiftly passing by until our next show. The final one of the year. After that I just have four or so orders to fill and then I can think about the upcoming holidays. Don't get me wrong, I love doing shows. I love doing the creative side of life. I just don't understand how to not let it take over my life entirely.

I did manage (with Mindy's help) to get three new items posted on Etsy yesterday! That took me hours! Like this probably will. No, it can't I only have three days until the show!

I also don't understand how the individuals featured in the publications show the studio where they create being so neat and tidy. Creation is messy! So, here is my plan. I am taking photos of my studio, where I create. After I am finished (for now) creating I will take photos of my studio cleaned up. I will post the clean studio photos first and then, when you least suspect, I will post the REAL studio photos - complete with thoughts of "why, why, why" and "what were you thinking?" Look for that, coming soon to a Blog near you!

We will talk soon, you and I. I hope to see you this Saturday. Be sure to let me know if you are following this by leaving a comment and if you want to share with your friends or another site, by all means do so. Understand?

Until next time.

Amazed, I am

That Yoda fellow, profound and lovable was he...and he spoke how I often think and I guess, create - sort of out of "order"! It would seem we all do that (some of us more often than others!) and can take comfort in hearing we are not alone in the "disorder" of our mind.

This is the time of year when we begin to slow down and reflect on the doings of the past twelve months. It is also so natural that upon this reflection we find ourselves often overcome by all we have for which to be thankful. Who knew we would be thankful to find gasoline for less than $2.00 per gallon, but we are. Who knew we would be inspired and hopeful because of a young black man many of us had never heard of a decade ago, but we are. Who knew we can reach out, communicate, feel our lives change as we become a part of lives of individuals from across the globe via a blog, but we are.

That is where I am today. I am remembering this past year and all the ideas I have had. Not all of them have materialized into actual physical form - yet - but I am grateful for them. I have seen whales swimming on their way to colder waters. That is something I dreamed of for years (no, not the swimming part, the watching part!). And to think all I had to do is walk across the street one evening and there they were! Thankful I am for that! The times Stella (my daughter Mindy's pug) makes us laugh at things we never knew would strike us as funny. I am thankful for how Stella draws us closer. That is certainly not something I would have ever thought would happen.

I am grateful for all those souls I have connected with during the shows I have participated in this past year. I can feel myself growing and less fearful. I have flung myself off the cliff (so to speak) and my little wings are wildly flapping to save me from plummeting to the ground in certain death. I have faith that whatever has happened is okay and is a part of the order and journey that is my life. Grateful I am that you are a part of that.

The photo on today's post is a collection of hearts I have created. I thought they looked interesting together in a group. They are resting in one of David's wall boxes (I am grateful for his talents in this area!). Email me for details if any of those hearts needs to be in your life or the life of someone close to you.

The wonderful Santa painting included on today's blog is the talent of Emily Hollinger. She will be front and center at the Los Altos show (in less than two weeks). Her work is incredible. Come see it and the works of the other talented folk artists. As if that were not enough the collections available from the antique dealers will make you swoon with delight! Come join us - we have fun, food and live music!

So, here we are. Whatever your journey, now or times past, I trust you look back with gratitude for that which brought you to where you are now and thankful you will be.

Happy Thanksgiving.

It's a New Day!

As surely as morning follows night, it is indeed, a new day! Someone wise once said the only difference between nowhere and now here is where you put the spacing. Makes you stop and think, if I am not here, now, enjoying or making the most of now, where will I be going and will I like the result of things when I arrive.

This past weekend was the Autumn Artisans Faire in Aptos. It was the sixth year and I think it felt like the best one so far. I do so enjoy reconnecting with folks that often I see only one time a year. They share with me the reaction of their dear friends as the gifts they gave were received with great delight. Oh, the bliss of it all for my heart. I always tell people that I do what I do because I cannot not do it! (For some reason it always sounds more intense after a glass of wine...which...no...I've not had yet today nor in the middle of a show...but I often fantasize about it...I am off track...again!) I had folks who have never come to visit my booth before come and talk and take treasures with them. It was so much fun letting folks see the "other" side of me! There are a couple of pictures of my newest creations. The two oval things are pincushions, my newest pattern and the heart I finished the day before the show. It now has a new home. The inspiration for that heart was from Reet's Rags to Stitches (she is something else!).


It is hard to believe, but I am still trying to dig out my workspace to get ready for the next show in less than two weeks. This time it was even worse, as a key piece of furniture left to travel with me to the show and everything that was on top of it is now in piles, teetering on the edge of another pile! I did manage to clear off my computer chair so I could write this, so things are looking up!

Yesterday, David and I took a little drive down to Monterey to look at the ocean. I know, we can see the ocean from our front balcony, but the waves and coloring are different there than here! So, off we went. It was cold and overcast when we got there, but the bench was empty, right in front of our parking space, and off we went to marvel at the wonder of the water. I've included a picture of what we saw.


Time for me to get to getting started with what is rumbling around in my head and transfer it to something someone can hold in their hands.

Have a terrific day, remember to breathe deeply and be grateful for this now moment and be here, now.

Chaos, not just a Theory!

First of all, you just never know how things will turn out and whatever expectations you have, the end result is usually far different than you could have ever guessed. You are touched in ways you never could imagine!
All this to say, we were fortunate enough to participate in a charming quilt show in Lodi, California this past weekend. There were about 100 or so quilts from members of the local quilt guild. Despite the rain folks came and smiled and visited with us and were genuinely nice folks. The best part (I know it is always difficult to focus on just one) was my dear, sweet husband offered his talents (quite unbidden) to play music for the show. They were so grateful for his gift. One of the guild members went home, baked a fresh apple tart and brought it back to him along with a beautiful thank you note. I mean, it is hard to find anything more touching than that!
Now, for the Chaos. Yes, it is in the form of my work room. Oh, my, if it weren't for the graphic horror of it all I'd post a picture, but alas, it is just too much for me to subject the world to at this time! I am supposed to be digging out and moving piles from one place to another to get ready for (gasp!) this weekend's next show! It is like my closet(well, not really as my closet is very neat and organized as something in our home needs to be - but since losing weight my choices of what to wear has declined and I am very happy on the one hand about that but bored with the same four choices as to what to wear, yes, I've gone off course here)...I have nothing done or ready to offer...and only three work days as this Friday I get to spend the day with a friend. You know, I truly feel that is more important than making two more things to put in my booth.
So, having said all this, I am going to get back to attempt to bring some much needed straightening so I can actually find the patterns I created to make some new things. I always have ideas I never get to and items that do not get finished...hey, that gives me an idea....
Until we meet again!

Your Order of Insanity Has Arrived

This will be quick, as I am already tardy in posting! Yes, it is that time of year. What was I thinking, doing so many shows so closely together? It is unbelievable how many things present themselves that take time away from my "work" time! You know, like laundry, dinner, those daily walks that are supposed to keep me from becoming the size of a mobile home, oh yes, and my spouse. Yes, for some reason he wants me to pay attention to him. I cannot imagine why, for I am not always the most sweet and pleasant person to be around when I am under pressure!
All that aside, we leave this Friday for Lodi, CA for the Tokay Stitch 'n Quilt Guild. This year it is entitled "Silver Legacy." They hold it November 1 and 2 at the Zinfandel Hall at the Grape Festival (my kind of place!) Grounds. Come by and say hello!
On that note, it is back to work...I hear those fabrics calling my name! Talk to you soon!

The Week (or is it Weak?) After

Okay, here it is, the 'Week After' my last show! I just wonder how other folks manage it all. When I am getting ready for a show there is very little else I get accomplished. Okay, there I said it. I barely get a shower, laundry and supper done, let alone anything else, like say, mail sorted or email or thinking in general! All this to say, I spent yesterday removing debris from my living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bath. Yes, it took most of the day and that was with David helping! I sigh, because I leave for Lodi next Friday for my next show! We will be there at the Tokay Stitch N' Quilt Guild quilt show, at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, and it is the first one with vendors! I think we will all be in for a treat.

Well, now, with that out of the way, I must share - the show on Sunday (under the big oak tree, next to the Los Altos History House) was wonderful. We are there twice a year, the second Sunday in June and the second Sunday in October - the same dates as California Country Antique show. It was an absolutely beautiful day and was so nice visiting with both old and new customers. If I can figure it out I may have a picture or two of a couple of new things I had to share!

Today is laundry and straighten the studio day. Don't go running to your calendar, as it is not a nationally recognized holiday - yet!

We did take a day and go to the Pacific International Quilt Festival. That is such a beautiful quilt show. There are always unbelievable works of art from all over the world. Not to mention I get to visit some of my favorite vendors who have become friends over the years. Who are they? Well, to mention two - Bird Brain Designs, www.BirdBrainDesigns.com and Reet's Rags to Stitches, www.reetsragstostitches.com. Wonderful folks who bring so much to my life! It is always good to see what other folks are creating and get those creative juices running freely and often in a whole new direction!

Now, I take my direction and do what I have been putting off for far too long. Take care and we will visit again soon!

Blog, blog, blog

Hello all! There is just so much to share. Two weekends ago, David and I traveled to Livermore, CA to participate in the annual event called "Quilting in the Garden." It is presented by Alden Lane Nursery and In Between Stitches. Well, I must tell you, it was magical. Seeing the expression of nature in all its glory and the expression of human in its glory. The old, old, old oak trees had lines which held these beautiful works of art. The weather was very cooperative and the squirrels did not steal anything from my booth, so what else could a person need? This is the show where I introduced five of my own patterns! Yes, I finally did it. People were very enthusiastic about them! I'll tell you what else I got that I really needed...that was meeting a new group of people! I got to talk and hear touching stories and just be open to the treasure that was laid before me. It was such a rich and lush experience. I cannot wait to go back next year!

Many of you may know I work one day a week at one of our local quilt stores. I have worked there for over four years and due to the state of our economy it became necessary for the store to close one day a week. Yes, you guessed it, the day I normally work! As it turns out, that has been okay. I have rededicated myself to my creative work and learning how to do some things I have wanted to take the time to add to my life. I will be posting more things on Etsy.com (if you have never been to Etsy go there now...I'll wait!) and changing from a website to a blogsite, only. All the same information will be there on the blogsite and purchases can be made by either contacting me via e-mail, the telephone, snail mail, or going to Etsy! That way I can save a little each month by not having to pay a web host. Plus, when I am needed at the quilt shop, I still get to go in to fill in here and there!

I am getting a new camera and vow to learn how to use it to incorporate more pictures into my blog and pictures for Etsy. It will be an opportunity for growth, new creativity and a fresh approach to doing what I love the most! Remember, I will be in Los Altos, CA on October 19 for the California Country Antiques Show. We folkartists are located right next to the History House Museum. Stop by and say hello and see what goodies we have to offer you. Until then!

Entry for September 3

Trying to be faithful to my new resolution to blog...somewhat regularly...here I am!

This past week was packed full of excitment! I am nearly done giving images to my dear friend, Jana, to scan for me in the creation of a cd which I will have available, for purchase, later this month. It is a personal collection of photos I have amassed from flea markets and estate sales over the (dare I say) past couple of decades. There are also some yummy "scrap" images I found at a local antique event. Actual scrapbook pages from a young girl's life. The remainder are photographs that no one wanted and have ended up in my collection...I always love looking at the clothing, props, and expressions of the "subjects." There are times when the evidence of a life full of hard work has taken its toll on a once handsome/beautiful face, creating in it's stead a different kind of beauty.

We decided to honor Labor Day, by actually laboring! Nothing exceptional, but still labor! David was off for the day and it was nice to have the extra hands to help do what I do not normally get done...due to the excessive blogging requirement of my life! We did end the day with a traditional cookout and a spirited game of Skipbo. Now, if you've ever played Skipbo, you know it takes a little creativity to make it spirited, but, we rose to the occasion!

Oh, I nearly forgot! Last Sunday was my first Sunday at our new local Farmer's Market. The beauty of the day was incredible. It was for only four hours (except you know me, I had to be there plenty early to get set up and be ready, on time or a little early, which, apparently was not true for the majority of my fellow vendors!) Anyway, it was absolutely beautiful and it made me thankful again that we live in such a lovely place. Talking with neighbors and friends is a great way to pass the day!

I am working on new items and am nearly ready to post them to the website. Be certain to check them out. Speaking of...I need to get to work on those! Take care and have a good day!

Carolyn

My head hurts!

Hello to you!

Hard to believe it is time to blog, again...I know, it is supposed to be an easy thing to do...just tell folks what you have been up to. Well, I think about what I am doing and think, "Oh, I need to blog about this!" Then, by the time I sit down to blog...I've forgotten what it was that I did.

What I do remember is this past weekend I was with my spouse, David, in Cotati, CA for the (yes) annual accordion festival. You heard me. David is a wonderful fiber artist (as well as musician, and well, he needs his own blog page to tell you a portion of everything else he does). So, he was at the festival selling his wares. A wonderful line of tee shirts, hats, wallets, and bags all with pieced accordions and snappy little sayings on them. My contribution is minimal...with the exception of ideas - which I seem to have in abundance. Anyway...I did survive the weekend...and that was in perile at times!

So, this weekend I will be at our local Farmer's Market, for the first time. I need to get a few new items for this crowd to oggle and desire to have one (or several!) of their very own. Then it is just a few short weeks until the Alden Lane Nursery Quilt show in Livermore, CA. I am really looking forward to going there and spending time in this lovely space.

For now, I leave you and look forward to our next "visit".