The Hussies are Coming, The Hussies are Coming!

I am beside myself with excitement. It seems they are too. What started out as a friend coming in town for a craft fair has blosomed into a full frontal Hussyfest.
Let me give you the 411.
Somewhere back in spring of '07, the forums were a dark and nasty place (somethings never change). There was bullying and snarkiness and trainwrecks by the dozens (see, I told you). The fallout was really starting to get to some. A quck-witted and saucy gal by the name of Karmarox decided to send a message. That message rang hard and fast to many and the "hussy" threads have been ringing the bell ever since.
Many a friendship has been born of the threads. Discussion of etsy, family, politics, food, drinks, sex and life's stresses has become a safe haven from the outside dangers of the forums and a common thread to all that stop in. There is even the occasional Cabana Boy sighting, hence the *tittering*
As time passed, Hussies traveled. Some more than others. Some to more exotic locations than others but it was always a topic of discussion which of course led to Hussy Hook-ups (out of the gutter now, I'm old. It doesn't mean THAT!) and eventually what could only be deemed as Hussyfest (04/08), that which legends are made of.
So, when Abitabite asked was there room at the inn, I jumped at the opportunity to help her out for Renegade and crossed my fingers she would be accepted. I mean, let's face it, you get to meet an Aussie with a southern drawl with a trunk full of prickcushions, you don't waste time thinking it over. The news leaked slowly and before you knew it, Hussyfest Part Deux: The Renegade Hussies formed.
In less than 10 days, my house, beds, floors, and couches will be maxed out. The liquor will flow, the laughing will be constant and friends will bond.

This is your National *titter* alert system, bringing you a severe *Titter* warning for the Chicagoland area for September 10th thorugh the 15th. Be prepared for numerous aftershocks, possibly strong, for weeks afterward.


If you have the gumption, you can experience a Hussy live and in person at the Renegade Fair or walking the streets of Chicago. Trust me, you'll know her when you see her and you'll never be the same.

*titter*

Selling for a Good Cause

Tomorrow is April 1st (and DS#2's 11th birthday), but that's not really the reason for this post.
This is no April Fool's joke either. It's a great sale for a good cause. What more could you ask for. The entire month of April, I will be holding a sale in my shop. 10% off all purchases will benefit Culver School and their efforts to raise money for the purchase of an electronic sign.
If you've read my bio or learned anything about me over the years, its that education is one of my passions. I have been very involved in the school for 9 years now. It's no secret that times re tough and money is tight. Schools, especially in our area (taxcaps) are feeling the pinch more than ever. Every cent needs to be spent maintaining programs and providing quality opprtunities for all of our kids. Communication with families and the community is an everpresent concern. What better way to get out important messages than an electronic marquee. How to pay for such an addition to the communication arsenal is another story. Thus, the birth of this fundraiser. The extra benefit of seeing so many groups and people come together for a common purpose, building teamwork and enhancing realtionships is just the icing on the cake.
So, here goes!
Make a purchase and simply write the word "Culver" in the note to seller section. That's it! Done! 10 % of your purchase will go to the school fund for the purchase of the sign. It doesn't get any simpler than that!

More you say? You want more? How about this?! Etsy, being the great, supportive community it is, has seen several other artisan shops step up to the plate and join in. They too are offering great deals in their shops and supporting this fundraising effort. How cool is that?! Just out of the goodness of their hearts, they have similar deals available for the month of April. So, be sure to check them all out. You're sure to find something that tickles your fancy, and again, just a note that says "Culver" is all it takes to help the school. No extra $$ out of your pocket. You just get to enjoy a beautiful new trinket and we will enjoy knowing we are doing all we can to keep the lines of communication open.

The following shops will donate 10% of all purchases. All shipping fees will be refunded and items hand delivered.
kjbeads
ohsewhannahThe following shops will donate 10% of all purchases
ErikaPrice
The following shops will offer free shipping to you AND donate those shipping fees ($2.00-$10.00 per purchase)
yoboseiyo
theplushiefoundry
cameraforkitty

and thank you for your support!!!

Dreaming of the Front Page

Seems it is rare that I make the coveted front page of etsy but when I do it's almost always in the dead of night. I wake to a rush of traffic having sped thorugh my shop and eventually find myself somewhere on Flickr. Thanks to the lovely Miss Erika Price, I have a copy for myself.

Low Fat and Delicious

Not to mention, you are sure to show up with a dip most have never had. This is not an easy task to accomplish. This recipe is easy and if you crave that sweet/salt balance like i do, it is a sure bet.

Advertising, Marketing and Promo's, Oh my!

Ah, yes, Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore.
I have spent enough time marketing one thing or another this week, I think even the Cowardly Lion would be proud. If not, at least Glinda would understand. Afterall, she worked so hard to be ♫Pop-u lar ♫.

When not at the book fair helping all 535 kids fill their wishlists, I was using all the smoke and mirrors I could muster to promote both my etsy and handmade fusion shops. Between you and me, I think the wizard lived an existence as exhausting as a stay at home mom with a colicky baby.

It is no secret that my photography is lacking. However, it is nothing compared to my skills at photoshop. Amazingly, none of the above seems to deter my need to torture myself. Be assured, many a SD card was harmed in the making of my advertisements.

This is where I give the shout out to my great etsy friends. It is their humor, their commaraderie and their pity for me that melts the wicked witches in my life time and time again. This time I can hang my hat on the lovely, talented, effervescent and eyernally cheery Yobo! With the wave of her wand (more likely her mouse), she in no time had a batch of resized photos for me. As if that wasn't enough, the queen of the prickcushion herself, Miss Elli (abitabite) swept in and dazzled me with her wizardry. Before you knew it, not only did I have useable, attractive and enticing ads, they were animated!!
okay, not animated here, but it should be. I guess I need another couple mirrors.


So, you may see me around internet town, flashing on a blog or working the sideline of majaba. Let's hope many others do too. Maybe it will make me a little
♫ Pop U Lar ♫ too.

Memoirs of a Punk

Yep, that would be me, or should I say was me. At times I do actually appreciate that I am not the person I once was. Halloween is one of those times (sort of). That sick, twisted part of me still grins at the thought of my youthful antics but the responsible adult in me cringes as she wonders why I am 1) not dead and 2) not in jail.
As the trick or treaters ring the bell, I am reminded of my meanager days. Yes, along with my "so called" friends, I too rang bells on Halloween. The difference is I usually ran as soon as I did, often leaving a not so pleasant remnant of my visit. These remnants varied house to house and year to year but had the potential to include explosives, excrements and toilet paper among other things.

What was I thinking? well, chances are, I wasn't. I was 14, 16, 17 and stupid.

Now, you may think that a horrible prank and it was. I only wish it was my worst.
Before I go incriminating myself beyond belief, there was plenty of innocent fun to be had as well. Clancy the ghost is definitely a favorite memory. It's amazing what grocery ad dispay soap bottle, a sheet, some chains and fish wire can accomplish. Every kid in the neighborhood became enthralled with Clancy. He was our mascot.
Oh, and there were hours and hours or trick or treating with the biggest pillowcases we couldn't carry. Soemtimes 2, 3 or more hauls in a night. Some years were highlighted by parties with peeled grapes (eyeballs) and oily spaghetti (veins) and a cauldron of dry ice. Cupcakes and brownies amongst the sugar overload finished with a kick-the-can game the size of Chicago or a mass viewing of The Holy Grail. Afterall, it's not really Halloween until someone chants, "bring out yer dead!"

Now back to the good stuff. I will preface with a slight disclaimer. I was never the mastermind and never the instigator but fear not, I was a willing and able sicko just the same. Lastly, if you happen to be my offspring reading this, don't. Don't continue reading and by all means DO NOT do such things. Be a better person. Know right from wrong, show restraint and think things through. For you too may someday sit down to write a memoir and want something positive to reference.

And so it is. My most vivid of Halloween remembrances. The dead man hanging. He was great. A true collaboration. A youthful prank with no limits. Vivid, life-like and memorable.
Ingredients:
1 rubber mask
1 set of clothes
1 sutrdy knife
1 bottle ketchup
lots of sturdy fishline
add:

1 dark, tree lined suburban street
a few semi alert drivers
good tennis shoes (for running)

a recipe for hysterical laughter and traumatic stress. You see, we built the dummy, stabbed and bloodied the dummy and strung the dummy from trees to hang in the middle of the street, just above eye level, dead center. Fish line is NOT visible after dark but a dangling, bloodied body (fake) sure is. It would be fair to say we can all probably sprint at olympic speed still today at the drop of a stopped car. The driver I remember the most was the pair of police officers that stopped, approached, and then laughed hysterically. Of course, they ended our fun, but they admitted it was clever, scary and funny, but dangerous as hell.

so, that was the end of Guts McGee, or so we thought.

Surprise, No Surprise

It's been one of those weeks. Hmmm, do I start all my posts that way? It seems like it, that's for sure. Maybe because so many things in my life are just the same old, same old. Grouching at school about kid issues, meetings, running non stop and what seems like always behind. That never used to be. There really was a time when I was the Queen of preparedness. The gifts bought, the table set, the prep work done, early and well read for meetings. I'm not sure what happened but somehow I became lax. I don't think I like the new, not so concerned me. I am always rushing and hurrying to get it all done. Always forgetting something or going without. Nope, I like the old me. If you see her, please send her back. Plead my case. Tell her I'll be nicer and more thoughtful of her. I'll show her the appreciation she deserves. You can even bribe her for me. I am not against buying her gifts.

Well, aside from the usual, we had debates to watch. Yep, more of the same, just like my life. Unkept promises, unrealistic goals and fingerpointing. I don't like it surrounding me I sure as hell don't like it leading the country I reside within. Now, finances I'm glad to say is not the same old nor is it a surprise. Who didn't see this coming. OMG! We have been hearing this crap for years. Anyone who so "joe" buying that McMansion on a janitor's salary should have seen this coming. Heeeeellllllloooooo?! Not to mention those in charge, those leading the way, those responsible for preventing such a fiasco. I know they may bank offshore but I was not aware that they had to stick their heads under the sand to make a deposit. Someone should warnt hem about the concrete floors in prisons.

Not enough no surprise for ya yet? How about those Cubbies. You would think after 100 years people would stop getting their hopes up. Start to expect that pin pricking their balloon. I do believe I am a Cubs fan for that very reason. Eternal hope. It's like the kid in us. The silver lining, the gumball hidden inthe botton of your ice cream cone. Loving the Cubs makes us happy. Watching the Cubs makes us sad.Like the teenager with the invincible attitude, it kills you to watch them fall on their face but it doesn't mean you don't love them just the same. I have adopted the low bar on this one. Expect nothing, hope for the best and if they do well, good for them. How else can you be at this pont.

So, with all this lack of change, more of the same, I did need a little surprise in my life. Once again,m etsy to the rescue. I participated in this fun little venture and I have to say, it's a real "feel good". I was skeptical, I had my reservations, I was looking for the ole BNR lurking under the surface but nope. It was fun.I'm not sure the seller isn't in a panic filling orders, but hell, that's my kind of panic. The kind with money in the bank. The kind that makes you warm and fuzzy. The kind that brings you into a community full force. I think I might be a part of this again sometime soon. after all, a feel good surprise is way better than watching another depressing ballgame

We Need to Find a Way

to make this work. It is the most common sense I've heard in a long time. Yes, the #'s are flawed but the concept is right on. That's the kind of bail out I could rally behind and support.
I don't know the answer, really, I don't. I do know that lack of accountability and bandaiding the problem is not the answer. Handing over this country's financial freedom to China is not the answer. Watching millions of Americans that borrowed within their means and planned for a financially stable future fall apart and loose everything is not the answer. Mostly, I do know that letting the political cronies and financial terrorists walk away, or better yet, be put in charge of fixing a mess they orchestrated is definitely not an answer that gives me confidence. I think it's gonna be a long, long time, if ever in my lifetime, that we have a warm and fuzzy again.
As an American right now, I am embarrassed. We should all be embarrassed. and ashamed, and disgusted and scared shitless. We are on the brink of a financial disaster of epic proportions, we have those responsible in a position to fix a mess they couldn't prevent and people with the IQ of a Miss Teen America in a position to rule us for 4 long years. I have to say, if I was sitting in Canada, or England, or China, or Iraq or the friggin North Pole for that matter I would be laughing my ass off at the arrogant, wasteful, self absorbed greed mongers that are getting what they deserve in the land of plenty.
Yes. I am truly embarrassed for us as a nation

The Technology Time Suck

That's what I've officially named this week. I have spent more time on the phone with tech help boneheads than Katie Couric has trying to figure out what Palin said to her. I bet that took a few Appletini's and some headshakin'.

The only thing that beats a wasted night on the phone with DTV troubleshooters is spending it with SBC.com script readers trying to get my internet connection back. Wow!, they are about as knowledgeable and experience as Ms. Palin in their ability to do their jobs. Granted, I had a nasty cold, was dead tired and hanging just about upside down under a poorly lit desk in an electrical rat's nest wasn't particularly conducive to patiently interpreting babble and waiting for that snippet of script that actually pertained to my problem, but really, if that's what we have at our disposal why not just leaves us to the devices of the auto help computer guide.

Hmm, maybe that goes for politics too. I mean, at least with Bush we know what we're in for. We see through his motives and know not to trust a damned thing he says or does. We know he's a psychotic whack job with a personal agenda and that his ability to think for himself rivals that of Lambchop.

Okay, back on track, I know way better than to spew politics in public. **just keep whispering, no good can come of this, no good can come of this** See, I should stick to those lovely promos of etsians I love and trivial pursuits of my days, where people can laugh at the fact that the highlight of my week was a dog drunk on Valium just for a $40 manicure. Mind you, I have never even paid $10 for one myself, but then again If someone gave me happy pills and a biscuit, I might consider it.

Yes, leave it to me to have a dog that needs more Valium than Paula just to get a dew claw clipped. I mean, it should be expected, right. Neurosis's seems to surround my life. Why should I expect anything less from a pet. Well, now we have a nice little bottle of doggie downers in anticipation of this lovely monthly ritual.

So, I still have a host of needs to meet this week and it's Friday afternoon. The head cold has packed its bags and relocated in the scratchy throat hotel. Laundry seems to have gained squatter's rights and Lord help me, after a sorely needed coiffing, I have to shop for a dress.
Just shoot me.

Stinky Teens

Yep, I have two. Well, technically one is still a preteen but man he can bring on the stink like a full grown man! Living in a house with three humans of the male persuasion can be an effort in olfactory gland protection on any given day. From sweaty heads to sweaty feet, you have to be ready for even the most stealth attack.



So, I share with you my first line of defense. the Dennis Anderson Soap Company. Now, growing up in a house full of sports playing brothers, I have some experience with offensive odors and let me tell you, this stuff works! Actually I think it should come with a disclaimer for addiction.

I have never been much of a "girlie girl". More of a tomboy. Until recently, dial or Lever were my go to soaps. Whatever was cheap and did the trick. It never occurred to me to indulge or pamper myself in such a way. Well, let me tell you. I do now! Not only with a lovely and subtle oatmeal bar but with the pleasure of the scent of those closest to me.
I finally succumbed to the pressure of others and the admiration and addictions professed by so many others. So yes, now, without the slightest objections from our significant others, Dennis and I shower together daily. He really knows how to make a girl tingle with joy.


If that's not enough, he's great guy.

You couldn't ask for better service and quality. Trust me, he will do you right. How many times can we say that in this day and age? How often can we be satisfied in such a personal and natural way? After all, all those soaps are vegan friendly!

So run, walk, swim, or type your way over to etsy, handmadefuzion, or the andersonsoapcompany that is coming soon and get yourself a little chunk (or jar) of heaven. Everyone is doing it. I mean seriously, the man is so good he quit his day job! I guarantee, this man does NOT disappoint.

Oh Sew Happy

You may be family, you may be a close friend, you may be an acquaintance. Heck, you may be seven degrees of Kevin Bacon from me, but no matter what, chances are you know that I do NOT sew! It's so obvious and out there, complete strangers can probably guess it just by looking at me. I don't do it, I don't pretend to do it, I don't even like to think about sewing. For God's sake, I don;t even like saying the word. It's a mental block the size of the Chinese wall. It could cause an allergic reaction of utmost proportions. Now, I have tackled the ocassional repair or mending if it is a life or death matter, but you'd be hard pressed to catch me at it.

That being said, I have a great appreciation for those that do. The ones that do it well, are truly talented, IMO. Hell, most days I could be impressed with a nice button reattachment. I know several of these people, or goddesses as they may be considered when it comes to sewing. It's a good thing too because everyone can use a good seamstress now and again.

Soooo, what brings me to a subject of such distress? Especially with a happy title. A title that even states the activity that shall not be named? Well, It's this. Ohsewhannah happens to be a great SIL and a wonderful gal. If that's not enough, she sews. She likes to sew. She LOVES to sew, and I still like her. that should give you some idea of just how much I like her. I'm willing to be compadres with someone that sews FOR FUN! Okay, so maybe she's a little unstable mentally but she enjoys it. She actually finds comfort and joy in something that conjures images of the depths of hell for me.

Well, in awe of her talent, creativity and overall "niceness" I introduced her to etsy. Her shop is full of goodies and trinkets for just about everyone. I have fallen in love with these little coin purse/keychains.




I had to have one.


Worried that my hearts desire was already snatched up or spoken for, I had to hurry to stake my claim. Little did I know there were more yet to be unveiled.
I suggest you take a peak and rummage through her shop. You might just get a good portion of your holiday shopping done from the conveniece of that chair your sitting in.

Can You Canoe?

Well, if so, you can probably do it in our yard. Record setting rains of almost 8 inches in 36 hours has left us an island. Barely an island I shoudl say. The dirt levee against the back door (becasue sand is not worth dying for at the local hardware store) is all that's keeping us from having our own private waterfall down the basement steps.
They keep telling us the end's in sight but with hurricane Ike finally doing it's thing on the Chicagoland area I am less than confident. Afterall,how often do you count on the local weatherman for accuracy in reporting? Outside of professional baseball, they are the only other profession that can be applauded for doing their job well 30% off the time and get paid millions! Think about it. The rest of us would get fired for that quality of work.
So, we sit, we bail, we pray to the sump pump Gods, and those of us under the age of 15 make lemonade out of the situation.

The More things Change,

The more they stay the same. I believe that's how the story goes. Well, the more I try to post, the more I just don't get to it. Why, you may ask? Well, let me tell ya......
House, kids, school, bitchwork, dog, doctors, etsy (oh yeah, etsy the ultimate fun time suck), HandmadeFuzion, jewelry making, grocery shopping, working out (HA!)........someone stop me! Please!!

So, most days I go now stop. It's okay, it's who I am. The busier I am, the more I get done. Maybe I am the world's worst procarastinator, I don't know. All I know is, the more idle time, the bigger sloth I become, and let me tell you, man can I give a tree Sloth a run for his money in the lazy ass department if I try.

So, the point of this post? I guess it would be that I have added more to my plate. Someone slap me, hard, NOW! I don't know what posesses me to do these things. I must be a masochist deep down. You see, if you were reading the first paragraph you would have noticed my reference to the most fun, zany, interesting time suck, etsy. I love it. I use it as an excuse for so many things I choose not to do. I make a little, spend a lot and have made some great friends. So, if that's not enough, what have I gone and done but added Handmade Fuzion to the mix.

What is Handmade Fuzion you ask? Well, it's more selling, more promoting, more friends, more chatting and yet another blog (because this one is sooooo overindulged!). I enter this new adventure with trepedation. Cautiously and a little overwhelmed, but hey, i'm usually game for anything. So, come check me out next week and see for yourself how interesting it is.

The Perfect Storm

You know, the perfect storm, where all the elements come together in just the right way, at just the right time with just the right composition and create something phenomenal? Well, my latest creation feels that way to me right now.
Great beads, the kids going back to school, Raku (my favorite), motivation of an upcoming show, nice silver, and the desire for some new bracelets.

BAM!


Now, it is rare that I keep pieces for myself. Especially really nice ones becasue I always think I can sell it. I always convince myself I'll keep the next cool one. The dear old hubby encourages me to sell them becasue we need the money and he hates that I am always looking for a bigger jewelry box. This one I am very tempted to keep. It will be going up for sale this weekend at Septemberfest, but if it doesn't sell, who knows. Then again, it may end up on etsy because I can keep the next one, right?

Routine Memories

Let's see if I can remember how to do this. It's only been a good 6 months since I found the time to ramble (at least on here). This is a week of getting back in the swing, returning to a routine, structure, blah, blah, blah. Bottom line is, the kids are back in school. So, I hope against hope for a little normalcy, a little peace and quiet and a little "me" time. Then again, I though that would happen once school was out and the list of commitments dwindled. Nothing like a lack of carefree summer days to smack you up the side of the head with a dose of adulthood reality.

Speaking of reality, I have an official "meanager" now. yep. Crackling voice, outgrowing shoes before your eyes, attitude filled, myspace obsessed, girl oggling, meanager! Now, I knew this was coming. Afterall, his 13th birthday was in January. I was just hoping it would take a little longer. I wasn't quite ready for a daily dose of guilt-induced craving to call my mother and apologize, and yet I thank the good Lord himself daily that he is NOT a girl. I don't know either of us could survive me raising me as a teen.

Truthfully, he's a good kid. Both of my boys are. I babble on and get fed up like any mom, but in the end, I am lucky. If I could just get them a little boot traiing I might have more time to create and less time playing maid.

I am making a concerted effort to begin blogging more often and get back to some featuring of art I love and am inspired by. Maybe the ocassional funny story will get thrown in. There's no shortage of funny mishaps in my world, why not share. So, stay tuned and who knows, I just might get a handle on this yet. If not, you'll get a good laugh watching.

It's A good Thing!

We all know who's line that is. Yep, the one, the only

Martha.

If you live in a cave and avoid any and all media coverage, maybe you don't know her on a first time basis. Oh, wait, you are here and on line, and most likey an etsy seller, shopper or frequenter, so forget that last statement. of course you know "the Martha"!

Well, now "the Martha" is getting to know etsy. The Martha Stewart Show will be featuring etsy, in all it's glory, this Friday. You can get the full story here. Name dropping is not my usual m.o. but it seems one of our own "hussies" will have the honor of being mention durting this segment. The original "Girl Savage".



I will admit, I have been green with envy of the girls' ability to land on the etsy front page, in treasuries, the subject of endless blogs, etc. However, that envy is always tempered with the utmost congratulatory glee. She does fantastic, custom, special, unique work.
Feltidermy is not something you can find just anywhere!

The hussy's, being hussies by nature, have clamoured with excitement since the announcement. This, of course, includes our own, jump on the bandwagon attitude. I mean seriously, it's Martha!!!!! Etsy on Martha is bound to bring people to etsy in droves, .............packs,.............herds. Creative people, art/craft/dyi people, people whom understand and appreciate the concept of "buy handmade".

This brings us to the heart of the matter. The Hussies are celebrating. Treasuries, sales, forum threads, shop announcements, the works. We have pulled out all the stops and rolled out the red carpet. ( oh, wait, we just rolled that up after the Oscars). We are supporting, cheering and celebrating the wonderful Girl Savage and others lucky enough to get the nod. We are giving great deals on our own items to mark the special occassion, we have shown our best side in our effort to welcom the occassion. Hell, Karma even uveiled a special trollbie.

Martha is a Hussy at Heart

So tune in on Friday, and/or its replay on Monday (Fine Living Network). Support etsy, keep spreading the word about this great site, and check out all the Hussy regalia. Watch this blog for an update of the sale announcements, treasuries and other Martha related news.

Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain

yes, pay very close attention. You see, lately, even more than usual, I have that heavy, weighing feeling that we're not in Kansas anymore. I think they officially call it adulthood, but I myself keep checking the sky for flying monkeys.

Sick kids, fighting the system, tax season, winter doldrums and a serious need to kick my own ass for lacking the self discipline to track my etsy activities ( always goes back to the tax man, always) have left me in need of some ruby slippers. We all know my drum has a different beat though, so I had to go with RubyShoes. Believe me, there is magic in her Kansas! She does things with polymer clay the Wizard would never dream of. No smoke and mirrors here, just plain talent.

I first met RubyShoesSam on the Military Homefront Street team thread. Every Monday they have a little Monday Madness party, and I stopped in for a few. What a fun group ( that's its own seperate post, toot those people's horns) Well, madness it was! I have been "mad" for this and this, and this and this ever since. Imagine, my madness when you check out all the great shops on this team.

So, as usual, I waited and lost out on this lovely.
Take it from me. Don't wait for the house to fall on you to get your ruby slippers, buy them, and fast. Afterall, the yellow Brick Road awaits. I hope to return to Kansas one day soon with a handful of these magic pendants to inspire my own creations with them. Auntie Emm will be thrilled

Me and Netta June

What a perfect match. What a perfect Valentine. After a terrible, "Mom Goes on Strike" day Wednesday, I could not have spent a better Valentine's Day Thursday. Okay, maybe I could have afforded to skip the loveless relationship with the middle schoolers I was teaching all day that day, but then again, they're middle schoolers. If you loved them it would be a sure sign something was wrong, you or them. However, the thought of a night with my Netta was getting me through.

Now, you may be a bit confused. Maybe this talk of "my Netta" is making you scratch your head a bit, well, truth be told, she's not "MY" Netta. She is the 6 month old, permajoyful, cute as a button, fill your heart with warmth, betcha can't help but smile little baby girl of my Cousin and his wife. Yes, I will admit, all predjudice aside, that she is one of the cutest, happiest babies I have ever experienced. And she was mine, all mine for four lovely hours Thursday night.

We played, we laughed, she cooed. I was tired, exhausted really, and looking at another day filled with middle school ingrates, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The rocking, the cuddling, the feeding, even the diaper changing was memorable
(okay, I really need to get out more). It has been a looong time since I had a baby to care for. I think I really enjoy this "other's babies" thing. Knowing you are ( reluctantly) giving her back. Not the one walking the floors, changing millions of diapers, easing her teething, pumping breast milk, unable to find 10 minutes to shower, saving for college and generally responsible for raising a healthy, happy, productive adult rally adds to the joy of the experience. The added bonus of walking in your own front door, looking at your own preteens and thanking God they are fairly self-sufficient, healthy, happy and on their way to that productive adult stage has an extra satisfying edge.

How does this all tie in several days later? Well, I find myself thinking of babies, reminiscing about my own and wanting to indulge others. Where do I start? An etsy search of course. 4,452 items that is. Now, I don;t have that kind of time, but boy, it sure is fun perusing much of it. Yet it all leads back to Pook.
Pook is a very talented half of PookThy. She is hands down, my favorite Canadian gal. She talks a mile a minute, has that great "eh" that rolls of her tongue after every sentence and just oozes sewing talent to boot. Her ability to thrift shop and turn an old table cloth or spread into this is just amazing.

Now, I encourage you all to meet Pook. Talk with her. Fall in love with her. It's inevitable. Her effervescense is contagious. Her baby clothes amazing and her purses stunning. I only wish I could buy her out and dress Netta in all her glory. In the meantime, I wait for those occassion when i can and I keep toasy warm on a Chicago winter's day with this.
Now I'm off to weasle another great babysitting experience out of Netta's parents.

It's That time Again ( I hope)

I have just been under the time crunch forever. All of a sudden, it was here. Home Show time. Then, once again, as usual, my life got in the way.
So I have spent a week vascilating between doing my regularly schedule open house, or postponing til mid April. I fear a postponement for so many reasons. Life, beig the biggest. I just never know what life is gonna bring, or should I say kick my ass with. More often than not, my hopes for a showing are dashed for a myriad reasons. I just hate to take that chance. However, is a week enough notice? A people booked solid? Will I be wasting my time and money?

There's just no telling. So, after frantic printing, shopping, peeling, sticking, stuffing and posting, it's done. i will be having my usual February showing. Now, let's all pray ( novenas welcome. you know who you are) that the snow ends, the bitter cold lifts and the customers show ( and buy)

I have some great new items, and some tried and true staples. the food will be scrumptous, the wine will be flowing and the goods will sparkle. if that's not enough, a coupon for use at my etsy store is the "pies de la resistence" ( okay, sorry, I took Spanish)

For those of you in the Chicagoland area, come on by. Google it, call or just meander aver for a glass of wine, a good hearty laugh, a snack or two, and who knows, yuou may just find that perfect Christmas, I mena Valentie's, no I mean, easter, Mother's Day, Birthday, memorial day, Arbor Day, Independence day, Armitise day, D-day, gift. or maybe just a little sumin' sumin' for yourself.

Give and Take

seems to be the theme of the weekend for me. For the first time in weeks I actually flowed creatively this weekend. Creating new pieces is always relaxing for me. If I could only say the same about photographing them.It seems this piece was both my alli and nemesis this weekend

Now, this led to my first mistake of the weekend (only a matter of time til the inevitable). I should have followed my head and continued on my productive journey, but nooooooo, my heart convinced me to participate in the infamous SNS Sale on etsy. What ensued was a frantic mad dash of photography that proved as uncooperative as a two year old with an purple crayon
(we all know how that one ends).

I know by now there is no need to bore you with the intricate details. We are all adults. We know it always gets worse before it gets better, and it did. Suffice it to say, it did get better. It had to get better. I MADE it get better.

And now we return to the regularly scheduled program. It's Sunday night, beef stew is on the stove, it's bitter cold outside and I am rewarded with this. Oh, there's more, but as usual I have to have things special. I never have been one to conform, why start now.
Jpat is the perfect fit for me. She is the master of non-conformists. She loves custom orders and delights in accomodating the most finicky of customers. Now, I have yet to find an item in her shop I don't like, so why is it that fincky rears it's ugly head? well, becasue it can!
So, I admit to indecisiveness and an order larger than necessary, but that seems to be my M.O. I will spend this busy week awaiting this

, and this(sorta) and yet a few others to arrive. See, that's the thing. Janese will take those lovely, incredible fabrics, do that thing she does ( that no one else does quite like she) and give you magic.
Yep, it's magic.
Why? you ask.
well first off, it involves sewing. Anyone who knows me, knows I consider that akin to magic.
secondly, she does it perfect. time and time again. perfect fabric, perfect shape, perfect quality, perfect service.

So yes, I sold this, and this, and have a few irons in the fire. I made these beauties too. However, the highlight of this weekend will be the arrival of my new purse. On that note, I dare you. Double Dog dare you to go here. You to will be pining for your mailman to arrive.