burlap for president!

I was in the mood for a new tablescape (I really don't call them that in real life), one that was kind of fall-ish, but also one that wasn't too fall-ish.  I sometimes am incredibly difficult.

And as I was reaching for my bin of crazy colorful quilt scraps, I paused.  And then I had a thought: why not do something different this time (we all know I have enough crazy colorful things already), why not something well, sort of neutral.

And so I purchased 1/4 yard of burlap, did a simple zig-zag stitch around the perimeter, and layered a piece of green fabric on top of it.

I asked Evan what he thought of the new tablescape, he said, and I quote, that he appreciated the "lack of pink".  WHAT?!?  Just kidding.  I  appreciate it too.

Festive For Fall: part 2 (felt edition)

Felted candy corn (don't get confused!)

A felt-y leaf garland

Little felted acorns

And Mr. Owl.  A recent dinner guest observed that Mr. Owl looked just like a Furby (he wasn't offered any dessert).

And I know they aren't felt, but my friend brought me these beautiful weed/branch/pods things, aren't they BEAUTIFUL??!

Festive For Fall: part 1

 I know it's still a little early to be this excited about fall....but....so what.  I think it's fun.  I have been making some things to help our little house feel more festive, and this is where it all began.

Remember the Valentine Hearts I made?  Well, this was the same concept, except that instead of cutting out hearts, I traced some leaves from our yard and cut those out instead (smart move!).   I strung them from a fallen branch and hung them in front of a sunny window.

Oh how I love garlands and mobiles, especially seasonal ones.

Hope you have a great (fall!) day!

Weekending

This past weekend, our little corner of the world was experiencing a major heat wave (Fall, where did you go?).  And so we got out of there as fast as we could and spent a few days in the Spanish Peaks (which, disappointingly, were not in Spain).  It was PERFECT weather and we had the place all to ourselves.  Somebody forgot the sunscreen (okay, it was me), and so we showed up at church looking like pieces of fried chicken.  But really, it was a small price to pay for a lovely mountain visit.

{this moment}

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see.

cookies and a little chat

Peanut butter cookies are where it's at.  Evan can't eat peanut butter, and since I'm not bold enough to eat an entire batch of cookies by myself (even I have my limits!), I usually make them whenever I need to take someone cookies.  This is my favorite recipe.  And this is my second favorite recipe (trust me, I've done my research).

A few more things:

::  I got a new job!  I am now a merchandiser at a super classy decor boutique.  (oh you don't know what a merchandiser is?  It's someone who aesthetically displays the merchandise.  duh.)

::  For the past few holidays, Evan has been surprising me with new music (cute!), and on my last birthday he got me this.  I love love love it.

::  Watching this makes me hungry.

::  Our friends have a neighbor who walks his cat after dark.  He also brings his guitar and sings ballads while they walk.  It is something to behold.

I think that about covers it.  Have a wonderful day!

my little secret

A year ago last Spring, I put away my paints and brushes after a few very terrible paintings.  I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel like painting again.  In hindsight, I can now see that I had been putting too much pressure on myself and it was messing with my head.  And so I did other things and other projects, anything to keep myself away form those evil paints!  

Shortly after I finished the flower wall, I decided it was time to give painting another chance.

And so I carried Big Brooke up from the basement and began to paint.

Let me say this: painting is not at all like riding a bike!  I was so rusty!

I told a very small, select group of people about my little secret, my painting-again-secret.  Because I didn't want any of that pressure to create a masterpiece creeping into my brain again.   

And I think my secret idea worked!  Yes, it was both hard and frustrating to be painting again, but more than all of that, it was fun.  And dare I say it, fulfilling.  I had missed painting!  Which were the most surprising emotions of all.

And the next time I decide to pick up painting after a years absence, I must remember to start on something smaller--my poor (weak) wrists almost fell off!

p.s. listening to this helped me not be so scared.  It is incredibly insightful.

{this moment}

{this moment} - a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at soulemama for all to find and see.

Fishy

Sweetie pie Evan got me a fish-eye lens for my Birthday.  

It is so crazy cool!

Deep Thoughts

Ten thousand flowers in spring,

the moon in autumn,

 a cool breeze in summer,

snow in winter.

If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

--Wu Men Huikai

Is it really September already?  How did that even happen?  It felt like fall yesterday, complete with long pants, misty rain, hot chocolate, and snow (3 inches!) in the mountains.  At the start of every new season I find myself claiming it to be my favorite.  Which gets confusing if you talk to me on a regular basis.  I read this quote the other day and it changed my life--it turns out that EVERY season can be my favorite.  Hoorah!

Wishing you a happy weekend  ;)