A little spiral

My life feels a little bit out of control right now... ok maybe more than a little. And the only thing I can think to do about it is to start blogging again! Am I crazy too!? ;) But what I'm kind of thinking is that maybe if I can sit down and write every once in a while I can learn to focus again on the things that are important to me. Most days I am obsessing about my business or lack of business and I start to develop anxiety about it. It's important for me to be able to make a living off of what I do, but more importantly it is vital that I make art. And that, along with nurturing my family need to be the first things I think about and maybe the money will follow.

Just need time to center myself.

I want to:
-Host a party very very soon
-make some clothes... I've seen some very creative pieces that I'd like to add to my wardrobe
-make jewelry... instant therapy if I have a vision in mind
-Do one of my special conceptual photo shoots
-make sock dolls for my kids
-find the sewing machine and fabric scissors LOL it's been a long time

Deer Me

My sewing machine is broken, we've been sick, life is busy, I need a break... all very valid and true excuses as to why I haven't been here lately. But I borrowed a machine from my sister and am debating about whether I should bring my cheap-o machine in for a repair or if money would be better spent on a new machine. hmm I dont know. In the mean time though, I found this HIDEOUS deer at the thrift store this week:

Add a little glossy Krylon spray paint in Blue Ocean Breeze and you get this:

I like her sooo much better in blue! (and I think I might be addicted to spray paint... in the good way LOL! I am making a mental list of other figurines I'd like to find and spray paint; chicks for easter, owls, whales, what else?

In other news, I got pinned!

oh wednesday...

Made this necklace from a new acorn, old beaded belt, vintage gold watch from a yard sale. I *heart* it so much!

Listening to Beirut radio on pandora, eating peppermint butter cream filled peppermint bits from sunflower, toes are freezing (where ARE my slippers?!) house is trashed, tomorrow isn't wednesday though :)

Duke's First Annual Polar Express Party

A couple of days ago, prior to suddenly asking my sister and her family over for dinner, and just before the impromptu Christmas Dinner party (at which 28 people crammed into my home, more than half of them being under the age of 13!) I had suddenly decided to host a Polar Express party.

Initially, I was just feelin' jealous of parents I know with fewer than 4 kiddos who can just drive up to Colorado and buy a few tickets for the Polar Express train ride. Then I read an article about how we try so hard, as adults, to grasp the magic of Christmas. The excitement we felt as we went to bed Christmas Eve. The joy and surprise when we opened our present. The warm yumminess of traditions and objects that would become nostalgic to us later. The article's author discussed how it may be hard to catch that feeling as adults but that really Christmas is about creating that magic for the children in our lives. And so thus the grand idea of the Duke’s First Annual Polar Express Party began.

We played "Guess How Many Bells are in the Jar," drank cocoa (complete with a mini cocoa/marshmallow/peppermint bar), sang carols, played heads up 7 up, gave a bunch of mom's and dad's an hour off, and listened to the Conductor (my very awesome theatrically trained husband) read Polar Express to us! It was by far the BEST evening I’ve had all
December!!!

Clearance boys shirt = cute top for E

daily december (14)

gingerbread cookie recipe

me and e on dec 14

I didnt start the day in this outfit. I was completely dressed in straight legged gray slacks, a geometric patterned blouse with a black undershirt and coordinated necklace. I just needed to slip my shoes on and grab a sweater.

However, I began to feel the pinch of the waistband around my middle and decided a bit too many cookies this month (+ a couple of sodas and a bucket load of cocoas with donuts sprinkled here and there) meant that I would need to pull out my most favorite comfy jeans. I've had them for about 5 years, they stretch more and more as the day goes on. The hems are frayed beyond recognition and in my skinny days these are too big for my bum... perfect! Especially since I planned on making (and eating) gingerbread cookies later ;)

E found me in the bathroom standing on the toilet (as usual) and wanted in on this picture thing. She had on the perfect mixed outfit too! Her t-shirt is a hand me down from a friend (belonging to our miss b)and the tutu is from Target last Christmas. It sparkles and twirls and both girls still fit into them. They wore them yesterday to church. E wore hers with stockings and her brothers Gap navy blue sweater with a big snowflake on the front that he wore 5 years ago! Both my littles have gotten away with wearing it and looking adorable!

On me:

my old reliable jeans

shirt: thrifted $5

purple t: Target

Cardigan: Target

ring: www.smallthingsdesigns.com

enjoying
my new Env3 with unlimited text and data plan
Coffeemate's Peppermint mocha creamer in plain ol' walmart cocoa
Christmas Classic station on Pandora
this gingerbread cookie recipe
Lain's 5 easy handmade gifts
oh and then there's this: