For the Love of Creativity: Creative Baggage

Some might call this the most romantic week of the year, as we countdown the last 7 days until Valentine's Day. This year I thought I would spend this week talking about creative people whom I love!

Creative people often find themselves surrounded by other crafting people, its our nature to find people with like minds and interests, and lets face it for many of us crafty people, we want friends who tell us its o.k. to buy stuff while we still have 600 half-finished projects, even if our husbands are telling us to finish something before we start another. {Raises hand and nods head in admittance of guilt.}  

First I want to tell you about the person who is as best craft friend a girl can have considering we've never met. You may know her at Quiltsmart Mandy, but before that, she was (and still is) Mandy at Creative Baggage.

As "Quiltsmart Mandy" you may have seen or talked to her at Quiltsmart's blog, social media accounts and even followed along as she walks your through creative Quiltsmart projects throughout the year.

At her blog, Creative Baggage, she takes her readers through a variety of other creative interests as well. Much like me, she is a creative butterfly, floating through a variety of creative worlds such as cooking, quilting, sewing, and kids crafts. Lately she has been taking us on a wild adventure in the kitchen with projects that will make your mouth water, your tummy grumble and inspire you to tie on an apron. 

The only thing she doesn't do it tell you how to get the magically housecleaning fairies to wash your dishes. {sigh} I don't think she's figured that one out yet, either!

My favorite part is that Mandy is very aware of promoting creative kids. Whether her little helpers are crafting alongside of her or she is creating projects for you to share with your little ones, she definitely believes that childhood should be sprinkled with creativity!

Mandy and I collaborate on a lot of things and talk almost weekly unless one of the kids is sick and needs attention and love only a Mommy can give. We brainstorm about projects, talk about fabrics, think up new themes and generally focus on how to help you, our visitors, learn more ways to be creative in efficient and unique ways! Between the 2 of us we have a variety of social media and blogs so it is something that is always on our minds.

I think our husbands may have conspired to keep up apart in real life for fear we'd never come out of whatever creative cave we conjure up. It's probably a good idea, we could go on for days with only chocolate and lattes to fuel us.

If you have some time to check out her blog, definitely pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea {and some cookies} and dive in because you are in for a creative treat!

Until our next cup of tea ...

A Creative Christmas

I am one of those people who get VERY excited about homemade or artistic Christmas gifts. I mean, yes, I did ask for a toaster this year and get one, but I really love artisitc gifts. This year I was surprised and actually turned into a kid in a candy store when our friend and neighbor Kevin brought over presents from him and his wife Jill. 

He came over at the point when my husband and a friend were fighting a reoccurring issue with our sewer line (it looks like a piece of the plastic pipe broke off and is causing a backup. He handed hubby our gifts and started talking to hubby and friend. I came out with the friend's wife at that time and Kevin asked if we liked crosses. Erin and I said "yes" and he came back with a shoe box sized box and dumped out a pile of beautiful crosses made from silverware. 

Erin and I were like kids in a candy store, but was still hestiant to take a whole bunch, but we each took 4 (well, I had already gotten one and got 3 more.)  He was like, "Is that all you want?" but we didn't want to be greedy. It sounds like they made a whole bunch, and they were certainly beautiful. I really loved these ...

He also gave us this beautiful license plate he made with our last name. I didn't even know he was creative - in this sense. He has done a lot of stuff around his house and rebuild my late father-in-law 1935 Harley Davidson. 

I get really excited when I find new creative friends, especially when they are longtime friends to begin with!!

Until our next cup of tea ... 

Life and Crafts: A Balancing Act

What a busy weekend we had! It's been a few days since my last post because we really ran around a lot this weekend. Lunch with my parents, trip to a quilt shop where Grammie got to show off the No. 1 Grandchild to her friends, a trip to the store to start our first ever holiday village, with A LOT of input and advice from the littlest among us. Who knew he was such an expert!?!

I was able to get some work started on a variety of projects this weekend, including some work on the next border row for my Lone Robin which is Quiltsmart inspired this year. I can't show you what I am doing, but I can tell you that I am excited about the technique that I am using for this border.

I actually spent a little time throughout the past few days conversing with Mattie and Quiltsmart Mandy about project notes and ideas. So inspirational when you find friends who share the same interests and passions.

There was so much going on event through yesterday and this morning that I am only now getting to sit down and write it all down. In fact, I am sitting here with a fireside seat at La Madeleine, ready to write a book, but I only have time for a blog post or two. Mmm, this tomoato soup is amazing ... Oh, right. I'm on a time limit!!

I also made some Christmas ornaments this weekend and will post as soon as I take photos.

This time of year is filled with so much inspiration everywhere! The past few weeks I have been out delivering the Winter Issue of TEAinTEXAS and I have visited about 5-7 antique shops a week. Just this morning, I visited an antique shop and found a lost treasure that will eventually find a home at my mom's house, but I'll tell you all about it before then.

My list of Quiltsmart projects is growing, but still manageable. There are some quick projects that I will be showing finished soon, and some that will take a little bit more time as my calendar fills with holiday activities. 

Until our next cup of tea ...

The Caped Crusader

Call me Alfred because I am raising Batman!! 

Halloween is by far my family's favorite holiday. This is the first year we didn't really go all out, there just seemed to be so many things that seemed to keep us from being home long enough to get out the decorations. 

However, this year we also seemed to have a bit of a problem with our little one deciding on a costume, so we got both Ninja Turtles and Batman.

After wearing his costumes around the house for the past 2 weeks, Batman was the final choice!

We had fun at his all-day school party yesterday - a parade, party snacks, movies, games, and so much more!!

Tonight he went trick-or-treating with Daddy while I passed out candy, then he came back and they took over. He was so excited he kept running up the driveway to meet all the kids and was so excited and complimenting them on their costumes. I think that was my favorite part. 

(For some reason, I just think this expression is so funny!)

He finally fell asleep like this tonight. It almost looks like he may have some regrets on how much candy he ate tonight.

We'll, it's getting late and tomorrow I am opening the show at the International Quilt festival, so I'm off to bed. I hope everyone had a safe and sweet Halloween!

Until our next cup of tea ...

What's Your Story?

I had a package waiting for me when I got home today and inside I found this adorable Origami Owl lanyard from my friend, Korin Hardt. First of all, it could've just been a note that said, "I love you face" and I'd be happy but then the lanyard made it even better. On top of all that I'm on a hexagon kick right now, so the boxes were totally a happy bonus!!

As soon as I got my son an afternoon snack, I rushed to my bedroom to find the charms I'd been collecting for my lanyard. Since I wear a Media Badge a lot at TEAinTEXAS Magazine, I knew I wanted it to reflect the journey that had led me  to this place, which qualifies as my dream job (that or book editor).

So I'd been thinking about it and eventually, got these charms, one or two at a time ...

Army Charm: Starting the day I got married, I spent 7 years working with military and military families. I started out as a journalist and photographer with a base newspaper and eventually became the Family Readiness Support Manager for a Military Police Battalion. TO this day I still have treasured friends I met at both of these positions and those 7 years played a pivotal role in making me the person I am today, both personally and professionally.

Blog Charm: It was while I was at the Army newspaper that a co-worker and fellow troublmaker (TC), talked me into starting a blog about my daily life and the adventures of military life. Though that blog is currently inactive, it did serve as the stepping stone for this one ... which is why you are reading this post.

Flower Charm: During the time I was working for the newspaper and for a few years after I left, I was a freelance photographer both in nature and landscape and for family portraits in natural settings such as parks and gardens. It is a reminder to always look for the beauty in life. Even when the blooms are dormant, the rustling leaves across the ground have thier own charms over us, if you just take the time to watch them.

Purple Ribbon: The purple ribbon serves as a reminder by giving of my time, I can help make a difference even if it is one day, in one person's life. The purple ribbon serves as reminders of Adoption, Anti-Gay Bullying, Domestic Violence, and Pancreatic Cancer - all elements that has touched my life. Everyone has a story and by serving others, we may be the weight that tips the scales giving them a better life.

Teacup Charm: That's easy. That one is the reminder of how something I loved in daily life, led to my work at TEAinTEXAS.

Love Charm: A reminder to always love what you do. I am the one who choses to love or hate what I am doing.

Pink Charm: A reminder to always be myself. From an accidental PrettyPinkPrincess login to being named "Viper Princess", the best person I can be is me. Holding true to myself is the best path I can take.

If you don't have an O2 rep, I'd definitely say contact Korin. She'll definitely help you find your happiness!! 

 

Getting Back to Familiar Places

So my little guy is officially in school and now I have to decide what to do with myself during the day. His school is more than an hour from our home via a toll road, so going back home to work is not really time or financially responsible. That leaves me with the task to find a place near his school to work when I am not out meeting with potential clients or the magazine staff.

I've visited a few coffee shops, tea rooms and cafes, but it feels awkward to work on something like research or writing when people are walking in and out beside me. Yes, I know people do it and yes, I have done it at times, but to do it every day gets a little unnerving, not to mention expensive if I am buying a drink or snack every day.

So yesterday, after a brief search I found my way to local public library.  Now I will admit, it has been a while since I walked into a library. I was a regular at base libraries before Monkey was born, and after he came along we did attend toddler reading or play times, but the past year or so his energy is too much to be contained and silenced at a library ... somedays I think is energy is too much for one large outdoor park to contain, but that's a different story ...

I found a public library about 5 minutes from school, so the short drive is a bonus. I think mostly I was surprised with how many people were there. I am a avid reader so books are a comfort to me, but in daily life I run into a lot of people who don't have time to read, don/'t find it fun, or actually hate the idea of sitting down and reading. I really was expecting very few people here, or at least those who were here would be on the computers. 

There were moms here with a few kids at tables in the book sections, some teens filling out collage and job applications, and quite a few people who were "non-traditional" students - people taking classes online, using the free internet or wi-fi for research or studying with someone.

It's great to see people using their local libraries. Though this one doesn't seem to be at the top of the list for updating and maintenance funding, speaking with a few librarians gave me the sense that there was pride in its care.

I think what disappointed me was the number of people talking on their phone, sitting at study tables and Skyping or on FaceTime. I understand if your phone rings and you answer to tell the caller you will return their call later, I did that when the handsome hubby called, but one lady sat in the chair next to me and had a full conversation in another language to include laughing ... and she was NOT using her inside voice. There was also the guy on Skype who was making kissy-faces and smooching and professing his love to the person on the computer ... let me just say that was awkward to stumble upon.

All in all I think I'm going to enjoy this little slice of heave tucked under the oak trees. Today, I managed to find a little corner table and there I sat with a row of books to my back, a window looking out over the busy street and a full view of rows and rows of books being investigated by patrons.

Not a bad spot ... All I need is a nice cup of tea ...

There was is older gentleman who asked to share my small round table with me and at first I thought it would be awkward, but her just sat there for an hour or so quietly writing inspirational poems and such by hand from a book. He seemed really at peace. And when it was time for me to leave and go get Monkey, he seemed sad that I was leaving and wished me a blessed day. I was kind of sad too, because I enjoyed the quiet company.

Until our next cup of tea ...

Got My Owl!!

Yesterday I got a surprise in the mail. Well, not really a surprise, but a treat. Actually, anything that comes in the mail that is not bills or sales flyer is a treat, but you get the idea.

 

Last week I finally ordered some charms and a chain for my living locket from Origami Owl.  I'd been introduced to Origami Owl or O2 at a Women's Conference that my former law firm was particpating in as a vendor, about 2 years ago. I bought a living locket and two charms. I loved it and so did my co-workers and friends who saw it. A few asked me to host a party, but the closest rep we could find was about an hour away.

Recently, however, a longtime friend of mine, Korin, told he she has signed up to be a Origami Owl Designer. I was so excited! Let's the shopping begin!!

 

 

Last week I order two more charms and a chain, and today they arrived! They were even better than I thought! Of course, I had to get a tea cup (or coffee depending on how tired I am) and a white flower to remind me of all of the beautiful places we visited on our 10 year anniversary cruise.

 

When I put it all together, it was perfect! Well, almost ... Within hours of getting the charms, I was back on the website, making a wish list ... I mean I definitely need a blog charm, right!?!

I guess the packaging was right then, happiness found me! {sigh} They just get me! If you don't have a Origami Owl rep, definitely check out Korin's Origami Owl page.

 

Until our next cup of tea ...

Woody Woodpecker Lives in Our Trees

We have some pretty big holes in our trees made by woodpeckers ... Jamie is intrigued by them because he hears them but never sees them.

They are sneaky little buggers, I rarely see them myself but they are always out there just knocking on wood!!

I've made references to Woody Woodpecker but he's too young so maybe we will have to find some old cartoons for him to watch. The holes and lines are pretty artistic but sadly they bugs are killing our poor tree. We've had a few yard maintenance days where we had to trim it back so the dead parts don't affect the healthy parts.

Just another random adventure in our own backyard!

Until our next cup of tea ...

 

Starting is the easy part!

“Winning isn't always finishing first. Sometimes winning is just finishing.”

So it is time ... time to face my "beginnings" and the journey to completion. As I look at my list of unfinished projects, I see that the journey to completion is one less traveled. "Unfinished" is a rare place for me. I am a chronic creator who longs to see the final product when it comes to my personal and professional life. As a "creative soul" a professional career in Public Relations and Marketing is wonderful. I can be creative, I am calm, caculated and methodic as I strive to see whatever project I am deeply engrossed in come to live and eventual completion. My collection of teacups and saucers as well as family glass and china heirlooms are carefully catologed as to the nature of when, why and whom gave them to me.

However, when it come to craft project ... cross stitch, sewing, quilting or scrapbooking ... I am totally out of control. They are my kryptonite ... the Mr. Hyde to my Dr. Jekyl. I am a chronic starter. I see something that catches my eye and it consumes me until I start it. I am axious to see it through, imagining how and where it will be desplayed, but then some other "shiny object" catches my attention and I am like a kitten with a ball of yarn.

So here and today, I have vowed to compile a list of my WIPs and set goals to completion. I can't promise that I won't start another project, but I will try to adhere to for every one start, I must match with two finishes. Now that the terms have been set, let's see what the damage is:

Project List 2010
To Be Completed:

Sewing:
Pink and Blue Baby Blanket
Pink and Blue Doll Quilt
Freedom Wallhanging
Purple Quilt Block (ornament for Rita)
Christmas Wreath Pillow
Blue and Gold Heart Quilt
Jamie’s Quilt
Blue and Chocolate floor quilt

Cross Stitch:
Jamie’s Christmas Stocking
Army Seal
Daisy Tablecloth
Rose Quilt Blocks
God Bless Me Pillow
God Bless Me Blanket
Lindsey Stained Glass
Easter Bunny and Egg
Roly Poly Santas
12 Small Christmas Ornaments (former SAL)
Watermelon Dish Towel

Scrapbook:
Jamie’s Book: Baby Shower
Jamie’s Book: Birth Day
Jamie’s Book: First Bath
Jamie’s Book: Meeting the Godparents
Jamie’s Book: First Easter
Jamie's Book: First 4th of July
Jamie's Book: Meeting the Family, First Road Trip
Jamie's Book: First Halloween

Wow! When you see it all out there, it makes you want to start crossing things off! Right now I am working on Jamie's Christmas stocking. I've got pictures of some of these projects, and will upload by category in the next week. Maybe a little "oohing and aahing" will help motivate me.

Well, I'm off to get some "stitching" done (see already tackling the list!)

Until our next cup of tea ...



“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished 2 bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.”

***Freebie Alert***:Halloween Tea

O.k. So I probably won't do this on a regular basis because I can't promise to always get something posted, but I am deep into holiday mode now that I am stitching Jamie's Christmas stocking.

I came across this Haunted Tea Party cross stitch pattern at Brooke Books Publishing and just HAD to share! I mean as a teacup collector all things "tea" intrique me, but this was just so darn cute!

I don't think I'll get it stitched in time for this year, but if you decide to stitch it, drop me a note and I'll post a link to your blog.

Happy Halloween fellow "witches with stitches",

A Promise of better things to come ...

O.k. This is my promise to be a better blogger friend! With the move, finishing my masters and then getting pregnant, I admit that I have not had as much time as I'd like to read other blogs or blog myself, but I promise to be better.

Now that I am in "mommy" mode I think I have come up with a system to accomplish this. Each time I post on one of my blogs (this one or A Cup of Tea with Friends (Military Life Blog) I will put a colored star on my calendar (a different color for each blog.) My goal is also to visit the blogs on my sidebar weekly. Each week I visit each blog I'll put a different colored start on my calendar. (If I missed you, please let me know. As I get comments I will check to make sure you are on the list.)

I think this way I will be able to see at a glance how I'm doing. Isn't it a bit sad though that I have to revert to the system parents use to get their kids to do chores? I promise it's not a chore, my days seems to run together now that we prepare for ANOTHER move and the baby. I've already done two posts in two day on this blog, so the system must be working!

I hope everyone has a great week!

Until our next cup of tea ...