food

I like food. Not in a I'll eat anything way, but in an I like good food way. I'm not a vegetarian, vegan, or non-red meat eater. I've heard arguments for all of these things, and I find myself being in the "all things in moderation" camp. Recently I picked up a book at the library that has me really thinking about food in ways I never imagined. Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is a very worthy read. I'm about 2/3 of the way through and find it in my hands daily.

It's a story about a family that chooses to grow and eat food from local sources for a year. It's a personal story including recipes that make my mouth water. It also tells the story of agriculture and how it has turned into agri-business in a massive way. Some of it is pretty scary stuff. It also talks about the high cost of transporting food, and not just in dollars, but in food value. I never really gave any thought to where my food comes from before.

I live in California where nearly everything is raised, made, or grown. Then why in the heck does the milk I buy every week come from Illinois. There are dairies within 50 miles of here. I read labels today at the grocery store in search of California products. It makes sense to me that I should keep my dollars in my state and that my food will be fresher if it's local. The added bonus of saving the earth is there, too. We can't afford to waste fuel transporting food from other countries and states when it's all available here. Can you believe that the closest made cheese came from Oregon? This is crazy. I did find California milk, but paid almost twice the amount that Illinois milk cost. I bought California tomatoes and passed up the ones from Mexico. California Strawberries and passed up South American bananas. San Francisco bread and passed up New Jersey bread. I can't wait until the seasonal farmers market starts again, so I will have more options.

I really think that our food supply is linked to our health problems. It seems everyone I know is touched by cancer. This was not the case in my great granparents' generation. They ate the food they grew and canned. Eggs and milk came from their chickens and cows. We don't all have the opportunity to grow our own food, but there are farmer's markets everywhere. Take a moment to visit yours and talk to the growers and support them. The only way our food supply will get better is if we demand it with the way we spend our dollars.

beauty

We are on spring break here this week. Of course we decided to spend some of our time at the happiest place on earth. Disney must employ the world's best gardeners. I always attempt to take some botanical photos there. This beauty was waiting for me near Tarzan's Tree House.

The guys are off on a manly desert camping trip, so I've been busy making cards and playing. I'm taking mom to a quilt show at the museum this afternoon. I hope you get a spring break, too.

Stop by Craft Critique if you get a chance today. I reviewed my fave mag...Cloth Paper Scissors.

Playtime

Sometimes I just feel an overwhelming need to run away. Not from my family or my home, but just run away and escape real life. Well, we got word late morning yesterday that Mom was being released from the hospital late in the day, and Dad was taking care of the details. Also it was the 4th snow day in a row for Kyle...no school again. It took us about an hour to get the ice off the windshield and the frozen snow berm out from in front of my car. But, we were determined.

We spent the afternoon yesterday in the magical land of disney. It was cold there and uncrowded and a perfect place for our escape. We rode Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Star Tours, and Thundermountain Railroad at Disneyland. We went to the Bengal BBQ and ate things on skewers...lots of things. We stopped by the Golden Horseshoe Theater and watched the silly Blue grass music show. Then, we ran over to California Adventure and Soared over California, rode California Screaming and the Hollywood Tower of Terror. We stopped by the tortilla factory and ate warm tortillas.

We laughed and ran to rides and ate churros and pineapple spears and played all afternoon. It was just the right medicine in the midst of what felt like a bleak day. We turned it right around and grabbed life by the hair. It's good to do that sometimes. Just run away for an afternoon of playtime. It's good medicine.

~Kyle took this pic on our last trip to Disney in December. He has a good eye. We didn't bother with the camera on this trip.

A Bit Better

Mom is getting a bit stronger each day. It seems that there are some little complications every time we turn around. It's not easy to see my strong independent mom in need of so much care. I'm sure it's hard for her, too. I'll be happy when we can go out to lunch and hit our favorite treasure hunting spots again. We hope she can be home for Thanksgiving. That's a pic of us taking a break at Disney about a year ago.

Thankful

I enjoyed a lovely card swap this morning with a wonderful new group of stampers. This was our second time meeting and first time swapping cards. Everyone did such a beautiful job on their fall themed cards. I'm so happy that we will be meeting monthly to share a bite of food, friendship, learn new techniques, and swap cards. It's been a couple of years since I've been in a local group for card swaps. I didn't realize how much I missed it.

I made cards like the one above for my contribution. The image is a retired psx stamp that I picked up last weekend at GeeGee's in Carlsbad. She has the most fantastic treasure of used stamps from trade-ins. Ooh, it's like Christmas looking through those drawers. My sweet cousin gave me the pretty brads on the cards along with some more yummy stamps. I used mahogony distress ink on this one...it's my favorite color this week.

Since it's November and a time to give thanks, I thought about those things that bring joy to my life. Here are a few of the everyday pleasures that I'm so thankful for: a perfectly brewed cup of tea in the morning, a nice long walk with the pups crunching the leaves under our feet, the chatter of my son on the way home from school, A nice soft robe and squishy slippers, a good book that makes me giggle, and the hug at the end of a long day from my sweet hubby. What brings joy to your days?

Fire Update

We are all ok here. It seems like all of Southern California is on fire. A fire started this morning on the back side of Lake Arrowhead, not far from Kyle's school. School is cancelled today and friends in that area are being evacuated. We are on the other side of the lake, near Rim of the World High School. The car is packed and we are ready to leave if needed. Don't worry about us, we won't wait until the last minute. Hoping all my So. Cal. friends are safe today.

No title fits this post

Some days it isn't easy being married to a police officer. Most days I go along in blissful denial doing my crafty thing, trucking the kiddo back and forth to school, and keeping the house running. Then, on days like today the phone rings too early in the morning, and I know it's not good news. Fortunately it was my hubby's voice on the other end letting me know that he is ok. It was an officer from the agency they were serving search warrants with this morning who was shot in the head. That's all that I know, because I refuse to watch the news on days like this. I don't know if it's a male or female officer, young or old, kids and spouse or single. All of that really doesn't matter, it matters that a good officer was shot today protecting his community. His or her family raced to the hospital this morning praying for a miracle. The job is a thankless one most days, but they get up every day and do it again for all of us. We don't think about the sacrifices they make, the pain they see, and the grief they go through. We're just glad that we feel safe in our homes and that they come when we need them. We have 8 years and 3 months until retirement, and then I won't have to worry when the phone rings. I'm ready for that.

A Project and Recommendations

I had so much fun making this little band-aid tin. It started out as a white metal tin from provocraft. After alot of alcohol inks that included red pepper, wild plum, cranberry, pearl mixative and blending solution this is what it looks like. I added some flowers, a glass bead, and some fibers for texture. The metal embellishment came from a swap over at Fiskateers. It has just the right words for the recipient of this little box. I hope it arrives today. It is filled with some ATC's from a whole group of talented women.


Now for a recommendation. I am reading an amazing book called Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards. It's a TweetyJill Publication, published this year that I ordered from the library on a whim, and am so happy that I did. It has pics and directions for over 500 ATC's by a variety of artists. There is a one page summary of the history of ATC's which is fascinating. Then, there are all the stamping tips. It covers all of the latest inks, paints, techniques, and tools. I'm completely enamored by this book.

And one more thing you need to check out. I was shopping around etsy this morning and found Morning Glory Designs, the most amazing shop. Actually, it's the shop owner that is amazing. Willie is battling cancer and is teaching beading to others going through chemotherapy. She sells jewelry in her shop in order to buy supplies for her free classes she gives to these brave women who are battling the cancer beast. Please stop by her shop and see if there is something you can purchase to show your support for her amazing selflessness. I started my Christmas shopping there today.

Taking Pause

I've tried all day to think of something profound to share about this significant day, but words fail me. I played bunco tonight with my girlfriends. One of my bunco babe buddies has a son in Iraq. I can see the worry in her face when she speaks of him. He isn't scheduled to return home until a year from October. That means that we are still going to be there a year from now. It is truly astounding to me that we are willingly losing our most precious resource. I think there is something desperately wrong with this picture. I'm not very eloquent, but I am sad for our country, and all of our parents who have lost their children. Our politics pale in comparison to the loss we are all suffering. This music video brought me to tears. I had not heard this before and I really think Pink says it better than I ever could.

Dog Days of August

Aren't they just adorable. These two clowns love it when I spend time in my craft room, so they can power nap. They have two speeds...go for a walk insane and this one.

I've been busy over the last week between crafting with house stuff. The last of the new carpet was put down yesterday. Mom and I made new curtains for the living room Tuesday, and today is re-upholstery day. You know how it is when you do something like put in new carpet or paint, then you have to update everything. It's starting to come together.

When I was a kid we always re-decorated in the summer. Dad was away fighting fires for long stretches, so Mom got busy with her time and the over-time money. We painted alot in August. I haven't started painting, yet, but I know if it gets hot enough I will.

Just Stuff

It's been busy around here-so just a little update. Kyle and I went to the fair yesterday. Oh, what fun. A day that includes chocolate covered frozen bananas, cinnamon rolls, the giant slide, baby animals, beautiful arts & crafts, acrobats, and lemonade just has to be the best. It was wonderful.

Today we are having new carpet installed...hooray! It was just about time and then we got that cute little puppy a few months ago, so now it's past time. It's going to be a bit darker than what we have now, so will be very rich looking. Can't wait till they get here.

I'm working on some stuff for my new feature reporter assignment for craft critique. I'm so honored to be a part of such a fun group. And, I finally sent out a package of cards for publication--so keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

Saving the best news for last....guess who I get to hang out with Sunday morning? He's adorable, he's talented, and he's my crafty idol. Give up? Tim Holtz! He's going to teach me all about alchol inks. Woohoo! I am positively giddy with excitement.

Do you follow trends or do you have style?

I read a post at Angie's blog that really got me to thinking today. Basically there are so many new things out there, how to keep up and not become passe. I posted a response and I keep thinking about this topic. It applies to so many areas of life.

Do you have the latest i-phone, are you wanting the newest coach purse? I can honestly say that this is rarely me. I am so very happy stopping in the thrift shop for my weekly visit. Just this week I found the most elegant, classy alligator purse for $1. It needs to have just a little bit of repair, but is overall in excellent condition. I can't imagine any new purse providing me with such joy. It's the thrill of the hunt that gets me I think. There are a few things I always purchase new....like shoes, all undergarments, and most electronics. Everything else is fair game, and is usually better if it has survived all these years.

I feel the same way with my stamps. I don't have bellas, paper trey ink, just johanna, house mouse, or any of the other rage stamps. I nearly fall out of my chair when I find a great old psx stamp. Oh, the psx botanicals are dreamy. I have nothing against all the latest stamps, but they are like most other things a passing fad. If they stand the test of time, I guess I'll pick some up used in a few years. When everyone was clamoring waiting for the new Stampin Up catalog to come out, I was standing by waiting to see what will be sold off as used that will work for me.

So, while I'm off recharging the batteries this week, leave me a little note. I'd love to hear where you are in this discussion. Are you waiting until the newly released set comes out so you can buy it, or do you sit back and wait to see which ones stand the test of time.

Lace & Spiders

I am a regular at the little community thrift shop here. I stop by at least once a week for a visit. This week I hit the jackpot. There were boxes and bags full of lace and trim. I'm a sucker for this kind of thing, especially if it's old. These goodies had been in someone's stash for many years and then got cleaned out for whatever reason. So, I dug right into the first box, filling up my basket with beautiful lace of all sorts. I moved onto one of the bags, and that's where the trouble began.

The very first piece of lace I pulled out yielded a huge brown spider that fell to the floor. After a loud scream and a pounding dance, he was gone from this world. Now, if you are a Charlotte lover, please don't tell me all the good things about spiders. I agree that they are beautiful creatures out there in the wild, but they do not belong in a treasure of old lace. Not a single person in the thrift shop was willing to help me with my delimma. You see there were more bags and I just couldn't bring myself to dig in them.

I finally decided to dump the bags out into baskets and sift through them with a chopstick. But, the spell was broken, and I didn't pick much more from the treasure after that. So, here is my huge haul of many yards of lace. The thrift shop ladies, who are all volunteers, took pity on me. I was rewarded for my bravery in facing my arachnophobia by the price I paid for all this beautiful lace...$2. I think the cost to my peace of mind was a little higher, but I've recovered now.

My Guys

There are events that happen in life that I can't explain, and I don't try. I believe that we have control of our destiny to some extent, but also there are plans for us of which we are not aware. 12 years ago today was my due date to have this very handsome young man on the left. He came a week early because the very handsome man on the right asked me to go to a formal with him 8 years before that. Two of the most important events in my life happened on June 6th. My husband and I found each other and I became a mother. I can't begin to imagine what my life would be like without these wonderful men. They bring immeasurable joy to my life. I love you guys!

I Love Mother's Day

I love Christmas and 4th of July and all the other big holidays, but truly this is my favorite day. I love every single thing about Mother's Day. I love spending time with my mom and making a special card for her. I love the yummy breakfast my sweet hubby makes for us each year. This year it was french toast with fresh berries and crispy bacon. Yummy! I love that the dogwoods and lilacs are always in bloom. I love that the weather is warm and anything can be planted outdoors as soon as this day arrives...no more cold snaps. I loved getting my tea served to me in bed this morning while I watched CBS Sundy Morning. I love that my sweet hubby cleaned the carpets for me on Friday which is what I asked for when he asked what I want for mother's day. I love that my guys sneaked away yesterday to the bird shop and picked out the loveliest hummingbird feeder for me even though I only asked for clean carpets.

Most of all I love that my son made me this beautiful card and yummy hershey's kiss rose. He came home each day secreting away little surprises this week, trying not to tell me what he had been making. I had a clue the day he came home with glitter on his jeans. There is something so sweet and fleeting about those little home-made gifts made in school for moms and dads. I have a whole drawer full of them that are true treasures. A big thank you to all the teachers who help our children honor mother's and father's day with beautiful little treasures. I hope you have a few treasures to bring you joy today.

Take a look at this new blog...

My sweet hubby started a blog this week. He is the true writer and photographer around here. I just pretend I can do those things. There isn't alot there yet, but check back once in awhile. Plus, you can see how cute he is, if you go visit. The name of his blog leaves a little to be desired, but he's a guy and it's his blog. Here is the link.

In other news, I finally got to work out today for the first time in 2 weeks and it felt so good. This recovery business is slow, but every day is better. I'm still hoping to eat a big ole cheeseburger soon. The eating part is coming back slowly. So, I'll post a card soon. I took a day of rest yesterday. I hope you have time to make something beautiful today.

Out of surgery

Everything went well. The doctor is very positive that he got everything. Thanks for the good wishes. I'll check in later when I'm up and around better. So glad to have it behind me now.

The Quilt

I started making this quilt about 5 years ago. I paper pieced the squares and then set it aside when I realized that I did the math wrong and only had about half of the squares I needed to make a queen size quilt. So, this weekend I decided to pull it down and make a throw size quilt out of it. My mom and I sewed together the squares in rows and she sewed the rows together. The tricky part now is that we have to tear off all the little pieces of paper before I can quilt it. I have half of the quilt and she has the other half and we are tearing paper.

It will be a labor of love when it's completed. There is nothing more comforting than a handmade quilt. When I am laying under a quilt that has stitches made by the talented women in my family, I can feel their love surrounding me. I have quilts that have stitches in them from 4 generations of my family, and they are true treasures.

The View

This is the view out my window this morning. Is it really spring? Hard to tell from here. I hope you have a beautiful Saturday.

Find Peace Within

Today is one of those musings on life days. I received a beautiful card today from a very talented friend with this message on the front "find peace within". Wow! It's exactly the message I needed to receive. I know it's in me, but I forget sometimes.

I have been struggling with some health junk for a while and will be having surgery next week. Most days I do ok and see a half full glass, but there are some days when my glass starts to look a little more empty. I am going to frame this beautiful card and put it right here in my play room to remind me everyday that peace is right here in me all the time. It's in you, too.

The pic has nothing to do with this post. I took this pic of my dogs' feet yesterday and think it's adorable.