Three Cat Night

2011-01-17T10:46:00.001-05:00

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Latest Photo

2011-01-12T21:07:00.000-05:00

I'm less than thrilled with the previous photo, although it's all I have to post at the moment (trust me, the others taken today were far worse). Comments/suggestions on anything regarding said photo, even critiques, would be very welcome.

365 Project- Day 12

2011-01-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Decor.

365 Project- Day 11

2011-01-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

Playing with the macro setting!

365 Project- Day 10

2011-01-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

Just a simple picture of bath time today.

365 Project- Day 9

2011-01-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Another cemetery picture, this one of detail on a stone.

365 Project- Day 7-8

2011-01-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

Due to computer complications yet again, another two day post in one. And be prepared for cemetery pictures. Lots of them. There's one right across from my house, and it's the most photogenic thing available to me. So here we go, days 7 and 8.

Day 7- an old pumpkin somebody left outside. The pretty side, not the rotting side.

Day 8- Peeking at the gravestones from behind a tree.

365 Project- Day 5-6

2011-01-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

Blogger was not being cooperative yesterday, so my post from yesterday is being posted today, along with Day 6. So...

Day 5. My holiday star candle holder thingy that hangs out on my front porch. With this one, I was playing around with focus.

Day 6. Taking advantage of having the holiday shrub up, I snapped some more photos of some favorite ornaments. The owl is a particular favorite.

365 Project- Day 4

2011-01-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Playing with the timer on my camera... too bad I couldn't get my feet and my head all in the same shot. Still, it was interesting to see what popped up on the screen afterwards.

365 Project- Day 3

2011-01-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

Attempts at migraine photography.

365 Project- Day 2

2011-01-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Literary Cat

365 Project- Day 1

2011-01-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

So my blog has (obviously) been much neglected of late, which is rather depressing when I have enough time to sit and think about it. Thus my desire to do a 365 photography project, in hopes of forcing myself to take creative time each day and, hopefully, increase my (very) amateur camera skills. Here goes, Day 1!

Two things: 1- hubby seems to have messed up the date thingy on the camera (unnoticed until photos were downloaded). This is 1-1-11, not 1-2. Said date thingy will likely be removed in future photos, as I find it distracting. 2- this was taken from a sitting position, while kiddo was banging his head on my chest in attempt to keep himself awake (he failed). So it isn't by any means what I would call a "good" picture. Yet of all the photos I've taken today, this one calls to me. The bright colors against the pale backdrop and the blur as if the butterflies really are flying. So, for what it's worth, Photo 1.

A Quick Post

2010-11-23T20:12:00.000-05:00

To all those who still take the time to read my rather neglected blog... thank you. I am trying to update myself on all of your blogs by simply going down the list, trying to get to one or two a day. Nobody has been forgotten, and I'm finding more wonderful blogs to attempt to keep up with every day. So if you haven't heard from me in a while, be patient, I'll get to you soon!

And because every post needs pictures and I'm too frazzled to think of a Tuesday's Treasure, instead I leave you with some of my current Anthropologie favorites.

First, some fun wall letters! They're supposedly for a child's room, but they could go anywhere (well, in my house they could).

(source)

This next is a beautiful, flowing blouse that would fit nicely into my closet.

(source)

And because I am all about comfort over style, this little chemise really spoke to me that hey, I could have both!

(source)

Are you an Anthropologie fan? What are your favorite shops?

An Awesome Find

2010-11-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon was spent in my favorite antique store with Kiddo and my wonderful mother-in-law. We browsed for hours, delighting over the always unique finds that neither of us could afford. One of the booths keeps second hand pieces of fashion (and i use this term lightly), although many items still have their original tags attached and are essentially brand new. And it was here that I found the most amazing article of clothing that I've seen in a long time...

a lime green, swede cloak. With fringe, no less. It's perfect. It screamed my name. And it happily hangs on my door, waiting for our first outing together.

Now, I'm not a cowgirl, so I typically avoid fringe at all cost, but this was too good to pass up.

The color of this photo is off, but I love the detailing of the clasps. Simple and elegant.

What did you do this weekend? Did you have any amazing finds?

A Simple Saturday

2010-11-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

This afternoon Kiddo and I took a walk out in the back yard, where I was hoping to practice with my new camera. I bundled him into the Moby-wrap and headed out, where my first sight was...

weeds growing out of a pile of compost that had somehow made its way to the back half of my drive... I'm sorta confused on this one.

Continuing on...

My wind-blown fence

For these next two, it's the same view but the pictures were taken with two different camera settings. The first one seems to be a more realistic representation of the actual colors, but I prefer the richer color of the second, which was taken with a flash. Which do you prefer?

With the following, I played with focus.

This one was an unexpected view I saw in the camera window, but it really drew me in.

A rose. It took me many, many tries to get good focus on this one, first because Kiddo was shifting around in his Moby (for the record, baby-wearing and photographing don't mix very well), and second because every time I'd get a clear image in the camera window, the breeze would pick up just enough to sway the flower. But I'm quite pleased with this one.

One of the beautiful, old trees in my back yard. The deep fall colors that reflect the setting sun just struck a chord in me.

After much fighting with Kiddo to remain still enough to allow me to take pictures, I finally got annoyed and set him down on the ground. His face screwed up like he was about to howl for a moment, then he realized that it was actually pretty neat down there. So, of course, he became the subject for the last of my photos.

What did you do with your Saturday?

Things I Love Thursday

2010-11-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

The Girl Effect

This organization is an amazing community of those willing to help provide opportunities to girls in developing nations, that they might rise above the vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, and even violence that so many face. Thirty-eight percent of these girls are married off before the age of 18, and medical complications due to pregnancy are their leading cause of death. By giving a little to help fund their education, they can earn at least 10-20% more income from a single extra year in primary school, or 15-25% more income from an additional year in secondary school. Watch the video below to see how such a small gift can make such a large impact.

Experience is a riverbed,
Its source hidden, forever flowing:
Its entrance, the root of the world,
The Way moves within it:
Draw upon it; it will not run dry.

The best of man is like water,
Which benefits all things, and does not contend with them,
Which flows in places that others disdain,
Where it is in harmony with the Way.

Bearing and nurturing,
Creating but not owning,
Giving without demanding,
This is harmony.

These three verses from the Tao Te Ching speak of the nature of our connection to these girls who live currently limited lives, and why it is to our benefit to assist them in any way possible. Without harmony in the world, we all suffer, no matter what our circumstances.

Please visit other blogs focused on the same issue at The Girl Effect Blogging Campaign and consider adding one of your own!

What cause or organization are you passionate about? How do you make the world a better place?

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-11-16T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today's treasure is my family. Kiddo is always making me laugh with his exploration of the world, which is currently focused on new vocalizations (he's talking to hubby as I type) and his feet. And my wonderful husband is my strength, who gives me the courage to face the world even when I'd rather not, and takes care of me when I get overwhelmed. Both of them make me a better person than I could possibly be otherwise. What's your treasure this week?

Things I Love Thursday

2010-11-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for, and love dearly, those unmeasurable freedoms that we so often take for granted. And I believe, with all my heart, that this man holds the greatest honor one can achieve in our nation.

(source)

Mosaic Time

2010-11-10T01:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Alli at One Pearl Button for sharing that this (past?) week is/was Polaroid Week on Flikr. I'm not typically a fan of Polaroid photos, but figured I'd take a look and see what people came up with. Surprisingly, there were quite a few that struck my fancy, from portraits (my favorite type of still art) to florals (always beautiful) to the wildly whimsical. Which is your favorite, and why?

1. filoli, 2. dinner, 3. Hello!, 4. ., 5. Kiss me Goodbye, 6. Every ending is a new beginning, 7. cool68_600_1, 8. adrienne in the afternoon, 9. Holes inside

Hand Drawn Caricatures

2010-11-05T20:02:00.000-04:00

Here is a shameless advertisement for a friend who is attempting to make some extra money this holiday season. His name is Bill, he is amazing at drawing comics, and is thinking about making caricatures as a part-time, at-home job. He's done a lot of them for friends on FaceBook (which are awesome, btw) and is offering his services to the public. Here are some examples of his work. Below is one of my favorites; Bill's take on villains. Bill also has some examples of his caricatures on eBay. On the off chance that you, or somebody you know, would be interested in giving such a gift, please contact myself via email (link on right side of the page) or Bill via one of his webpages. If not, then simply enjoy the villains!

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-11-02T22:01:00.000-04:00

It's still Tuesday, so I'll work on getting back into the swing of things by another Tuesday's Treasure. This week I chose a lovely little gift from my mother-in-law, three sachets. What's your treasure this week?

Paper Flower

2010-11-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

Last night, my creative urging combined with limited time, space, and tools had me thinking about a project that Amanda at Ulixis Crafts had introduced me to-- paper flowers. I decided to try one of my own, using the basic supplies that were laying around: scrap-booking paper from the Once Upon A Time stack, a button, paper glue, and crafting Goop (to hold the button on). Amanda sewed hers together, but this was easier for me. Given my haste (Kiddo was starting to fuss) and lack of scissor skills, my flower turned out rather whimsical (as I prefer to call it). What do you think?

It's Been A While!

2010-10-29T17:11:00.000-04:00

But now that things are settling down some, I'll hopefully be back and blogging at least a few times a week. Adrian is 13 weeks old, and the delight of my life. Unfortunately, now that the pregnancy hormones are out of my system, my migraines are back with a vengeance, which really puts a dampener on things. And, as well, Kiddo has taken the room which used to be my creative space, so now my creativity is even more limited by time, money, and space than it was before. So please bear with me since my blog isn't as professional and creatively focused as was originally intended. I leave you with, of course, a few pics of my darling himself. Love to you all!

Sleeping in the Moby

Sharing a Lap

Adrian

2010-08-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

My son has finally arrived! He's almost two weeks old now, and already I've forgotten what life was like before he was around. Exhaustion is now my constant companion, thus my lack of posts recently. Here are a few pictures, though, to satisfy my need to show off my little darling!

WHAT!?

Daddy Love

Well

2010-07-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

It occurs to me that it's been quite some time since my last post. This is largely due to pregnancy complications, hospital visits, and forced bed rest, none of which are terribly conducive to creativity of any sort. So considering all options, most of which end in ill-health, my midwife has decided that medical induction of labor is necessary, to take place tomorrow morning. We had hoped to go all natural and skip drugs of any sort, but no such luck. But I'd far rather have drugs and a healthy son than be stubborn and possibly harm him.

So Adrian will be my Treasure this Tuesday, and no doubt many, many pictures will be posted in the near future.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite "before" pictures.

Adrian, sucking on the umbilical cord
and showing off his little foot!

More Photo Love

2010-07-14T02:59:00.002-04:00

So, as promised more amazing pictures from some lovely blogs I follow. These serve as inspiration to keep playing with my camera and trying new things, that someday I may take lovely photographs like these. Enjoy!

A mossy tree from
Simply Feather

A beautiful water lilly (?) by Tammy from
The Blogging Bradleys

A Table for Two from
Urban Muser

From the Creativity Boot Camp prompt
"smooth" from
zippity pow

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-07-13T16:59:00.008-04:00

Today's treasure is a back tattoo concept that my husband has been working on for quite some time now. I think this is the finished product, although I'm hoping he'll pick less startling colors for when he finally gets it inked. This is a treasure to me because I love when he gets artsy; he creates such beautiful and imaginative pieces that always make me smile. What is your treasure today?

Trinket Box Galore

2010-07-13T14:43:00.000-04:00

In light of my love of trinket boxes, I decided to play around with Etsy a bit and make a treasury of such containers that caught my eye. So without further adieu, my Trinket Box Treasury! Which one is your favorite?

Purple Polymer Clay Tri...
MandarinMoon
$50.00 USD
Sing to me Jewelry/Trea...
DaintyCreations
$60.00 USD
Peace Love and Happines...
rmilliken
$30.00 USD
Mink-lined Trinket Box ...
rrizzart
$20.00 USD
Wooden Box with Ceramic...
MysticPallet
$60.00 USD
Hand Made Trinket Box P...
valentinasvin...
$36.00 USD
Old Timey Halloween Tri...
ghostgirl11
$25.00 USD
Red/Black Jewelry Box
sweetmagnoliade...
On Vacation
The Butterfly Swirl Woo...
SixthandElm
Sold
Kuan Yin Shrine/Gift Box
BethamayArts
$12.00 USD
Floral Stamped Inspired...
EspeciallyMade
$27.00 USD
White Buttons wooden tr...
maiooka
$9.00 USD
Decorated Blue and Whit...
ShabbyNChic
$14.50 USD
Blue and Chocolate Jewe...
KCsCre8tions
$35.00 USD
Travel Memories Keepsak...
EnlightenedAr...
$40.00 USD
Love Repurposed Cigar/T...
ambyfrogs
$8.00 USD

What Not to Wear, Polyvore Style

2010-07-10T09:31:00.000-04:00

So I thought I'd play around with Polyvore this morning, for lack of much coherency to do ought else, and it occurred to me that most people design looks that they wish they could afford. So I decided to design a look that I simply can't see anybody pulling off. And I will say from the start: for most attire, there is always somebody out there who can, indeed, rock it. If anybody can make any of this look good, I'd like to shake their hand.

what not to wear by sheara121 featuring Marc Jacobs jackets

Let's start with the centerpiece. It appears as if it's supposed to be a dress of some sort, but the fabric selection and haphazard piecing together seems terribly unappealing. Definitely not worth the $1350 they're asking.

The smaller dress to the left looks like a splatter of paint on what used to be a pattern of fireworks. I'm simply not feeling it.

The jacket. You'd have to be extra-special to carry this one, which is about the politest thing I can muster the courage to say.

The belt just screams "Talk to me, please, somebody! Why else would I be wearing this?"

The shoes, ditto. Either that or classy hooker shoes, I can't decide.

And the ring. Working retail has put me into contact with all sorts of people, many of whom would adore this ring and wear it proudly. But still, it simply says to me that this person needs attention, not that they have any sort of actual style sense.

So there you have it. Style advice in an incoherent manner from Three Cat Night.

Again

2010-07-09T07:28:00.000-04:00

I've missed both Tuesday's Treasure and Things I Love Thursday due to pregnancy fatigue. Exhaustion. Emotional upheaval. Whatever you want to call it. And due to the fact that my humble abode is rather, well, humble and tiny, I haven't the space to keep crafting supplies around all the time. If I decide to make something, I always have to go out and find supplies for whatever specific project I'm thinking on. Thus, I haven't even the beginnings of my latest idea to share (insert mumbled obscenities). With these thoughts twisting and turning, I'll leave you with a few inspirational pictures from a few favorite blogs. If you haven't already, please check them out!

beautiful watercolor flowers by
anika mari

Adorable kitty page by the one and only
Crafting Queen

A stunning still-life from Mary at
In a Soft Light

A gorgeous take on one of my favorite places,
the Kentucky Horse Park from Jamie at
Lyrical Journey

More of my favorites to come!

Soon...

2010-07-07T18:49:00.000-04:00

The creative wheels are turning...

And just because, some fun etsy finds.

Great chandelier! If only I had a place for it :)
(source)

Just a pretty that caught my eye
(source)

This one made me think of my best friend Alli, from One Pearl Button
(source)

Which do you like best?

Well well well

2010-07-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

Finally, a blog design I am quite pleased with. It seems that so many backgrounds available are quite, um, busy, and tend to distract from the actual content of the blog. Hopefully this one is colorful enough to be enjoyable (I need color, plain white would bore me to tears) yet backgroundish enough not to detract from the actual content (if such there be). Aside from the header being too big (I'll correct this at a later time when I feel like arguing with my photo-editor), what do you think? Too busy or just right?

4th of July

2010-07-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

On this day in 1863, soldiers from the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac sat in the fields surrounding what had been a quiet little town in Pennsylvania, staring at each other through rain and over the some 51,000 casualties that littered the ground between them. The gruesome job of cleaning up the dead soldiers and animals was still to come. Each of the wounded were triaged and those who were unlikely to live dragged over to a designated area, often under a tree known as the Dying Tree, and left to their fate. Those who might survive were amassed and dealt with in almost an assembly line, as medics and civilian nurses attempted to help as many wounded men as possible.

The Dead at Gettysburg

One must wonder at the feelings of the defeated on this miserable 4th of July. Surely they felt something stirring in their breasts as this had been the day their forefathers had dreamed into being, from which their own dreams of freedom sprang.

So while we readily remember and honor those brave men and women who fought in our nations Revolution and, later, painful world wars, let us not forget those who fought and died in our own Civil War, each believing unto the death that they were fighting for the very code that our Founding Fathers set down all those years ago. Let their memories, and sacrifices, not have been in vain.

Gettysburg Cemetery

Tuesday's Treasure & Things I Love Thursday

2010-07-01T04:45:00.002-04:00

So, seeing as how my pregnant brain is refusing to function anywhere close to normal parameters, this weeks Treasure and Things I Love will be rolled into one. This time it's Quentin, our most obnoxious of kitties. He is the middle child, and feels the need to be sassy and rude most all the time. Pictures of him are usually terribly blurry, as in the previous post, as he rarely sits still long enough to get a decent shot. Luckily, he is currently in "cute" mode, where he rolls on his back and smiles. So please enjoy this rare moment of quiet kitty with me.

Don't let the cuteness fool you...

There's an evil streak in there...

And if you think he's cute sleeping alone...

He's more than cute snoozing with Asuka.

Monday's Mayhem

2010-06-29T05:03:00.001-04:00

This series of photos I dub "Kitties in Motion and a Ramen Box." Enjoy!

An Evening Out

2010-06-26T22:23:00.001-04:00

My father is a Revolutionary War re-enactor, and his unit is camping in Williamsburg, VA this weekend, which is not too far from where I live. So while Hubby and I were visiting with Daddy and his friends, I took the time to play around with my camera, and here are the nicer results.

Daddy, talking with some tourists

A wheelbarrow full of tent supplies

Tables in the kitchen tent

Again, table in the kitchen tent

Tent supplies and washing tubs

Spiked deterrents around the Armory

A pretty garden

A New Creation...

2010-06-26T02:02:00.001-04:00

...completed at 2am. I'm still playing around with hemp jewelry, and the results are actually beginning to please me. This one was fun and mindless to make, although I misjudged the length needed and it came out smaller than expected. So this is either a choker for an adult or a nice necklace for a child. Either way, it was an enjoyable endeavor.

Things I Love Thursday

2010-06-24T22:30:00.001-04:00

As Kelly from Blue Frog Legs reminds her readers, it's important to stop and take the time to be thankful for all the blessings in life, big and little. To this end, I will attempt to find (and photo) several things each week that make my life wonderful.

Quentin (sitting still)

Fun TJ Max water bottles (cheap!)

And last, but certainly not least...

Awesome Ashley!
Who is also expecting!

What are you thankful for today?

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-06-22T20:37:00.001-04:00

And another Tuesday is here, reminding me that it's time to pick out a new treasure. This week it's a lovely glass vase that I found at Goodwill over the weekend. What struck me about it is the fact that it's off-kilter and not at all squared as it probably should be.

And it's actually come in handy, currently being used to hold the massive amounts of pennies that we've accumulated...

Thrift Store Love

2010-06-22T13:33:00.001-04:00

This weekend I managed to inspire myself enough to start making macrame jewelry again after a few years hiatus. Thus far I've completed only a small bracelet, which will be disassembled and redone, but the result was still pleasing enough that I'll post a picture.

Not the best shot, but it gives an idea. I've also decided that the wonderful thing about working with hemp is the lack of consistency in the fiber. And the negative thing about working with hemp is the lack of consistency in the fiber.

To this creative end, I also went to a lovely antique store with my mother-in-law, and found some lovely beaded jewelry to take apart and re-use. She was also kind enough to let me rifle through her button collection and take what pleased my fancy.

My last stop of the day was TJ Max, where I found fantastic jars to keep my beads and buttons sorted.

Do you have a hobby that you'd like to get back into?

Tea Party

2010-06-19T18:47:00.000-04:00

Most people don't know this, but I am enamored of beautiful tea cups and pots, despite the fact that I don't particularly care for tea. So every once in a while I'll be posting some lovely finds that I wish I had the money and the space for. Do you have a little known desire to collect something special?

(source)

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 11

2010-06-17T08:31:00.001-04:00

Hush

No deep thoughts today. Just a picture.

Well...

2010-06-16T21:03:00.000-04:00

As I currently cannot upload pictures from my computer, I've decided instead to compile a set of clothing that I'd wear were I accompanying Alli from One Pearl Button to Italy this summer. And, of course, were I not pregnant and had my lovely, early marriage sized body back. Thanks to Polyvore for the help!

To start with, a cute summery dress. Lots of options, of course, but I decided to stick with one that has cap sleeves, as simple straps don't flatter my wide shoulders.

Add a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun from scorching my fair skin, and, of course, set off the fact that it's the only accessory that I can rock without a doubt!

Not sure what it's called, but I love the little shawl thing, to add a slight touch of elegance for an evening out.

Wedges are my favorite for being able to walk and still look nice. Heels, no. Wedges, yes. Go figure.

And two bags, one large one for long day trips and a smaller one for dinner. Both of which have long handles that can lay over the neck and rest on the opposite shoulder. Nothing short that somebody could easily snatch out of my hand!

To top it off, a little necklace, just to add a bit of class.

Wish Alli luck with all of her research this summer!

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-06-16T15:10:00.001-04:00

Posted on Weds, due to uploading problems yesterday... but here it is!

This week I picked a beautiful Venetian mask that hangs in my hall, courtesy of my beloved husband. He bought it for me several years ago while on his first deployment. While it will always remain rather creepy, it is still a treasured piece, reminding me that we've made it through military life and what would have destroyed other marriages. This is a badge of love and commitment.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 10

2010-06-15T13:31:00.001-04:00

Full Bodied

Well, being an avid fan of the ghostly realm, the first thing that came to mind was "full bodied apparition," but the odds of me catching one of those on camera is slim to none. Still, the thought remains. Where do we go when we cease to be a part of this world? Do we become spirits to haunt those we leave behind, or do we go to a godly realm that is beyond our mortal ken? With these thoughts rolling through my head, I took a walk through the cemetery across the street from my house. While both images are in the same style, I rather enjoy the creepier feel of the second. Do you have a preference?

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 9

2010-06-15T12:55:00.002-04:00

Drizzle

Honestly, this seems to be the most difficult one yet. I have no inspiration for this word. This may take a while...

Two of Three

2010-06-14T18:06:00.001-04:00

My little furry companions have been going bonkers this morning, but finally they've settled down and I got some cute pictures of them. Not the best quality shots, as I was working the camera with one hand and trying to get them to look at me with the other, but still fun. So here they are, two of my three cats, Spencer and Asuka.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 8

2010-06-14T04:12:00.001-04:00

Ornament

This idea came instantly. Of all of the beautiful little knick-knacks I tend to collect, by far my most treasured is the cake topper from my wedding. All that can be said about it, about the meaning behind it as opposed to it's physical characteristics, is that it embodies the essence of the love my husband and I share. Here is the original and a black&white version, which I prefer, as it gives it a more timeless quality. Which do you like better?

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 7

2010-06-14T03:09:00.001-04:00

Fly

This one was difficult, as all the thoughts that popped into my head were not things that I could easily photograph. And few words for what I did end up taking a picture of are coming easily. But I found this little dragon, and know that he wishes to soar among the clouds with his grown brethren, but his wings are not large enough yet. Perhaps this is how many of us feel about our artistic endeavors-- we wish to be bigger than we are ready to be, and must take baby steps in order to grow large enough and strong enough. We need to remember that wherever we are, this is where we are supposed to be, and although we may have a lot to learn, we are not less than the big dragons who make the skies their home.

FYI

2010-06-13T11:12:00.001-04:00

This page started as an all-in-one blog, with all my hopes/dreams/desires/rants rolled into one. However, I've decided to post my rants to a different blog, as it doesn't seem right to talk about decorating my son's room right after fuming over racism and gay bashing. And since my rants allow me for some small release over said issues, my desire to continue to vent my frustration won out over cutting said posts completely. So for those who are interested, Three Cat Night Rants Away.

What to do...

2010-06-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

One of my very worst (or best) habits is changing things. If it's not moving, I get bored. Very easily. So my furniture gets rearranged, the pictures on my walls are replaced now and again, only to be dragged back out and put back up. My hair style changes quite a bit, and often colored to the extreme. So, dear friends, pay no mind to my often changing blog colors and themes. Color is a must, as my attention span is quite limited and pretty swirls to look at will keep me entertained a bit longer than plain white. Let me know which styles you like (or don't like, as the case may be) and please indulge my immature fancy for all things bright and shiny. What is it that you continually change?

And...

2010-06-12T21:46:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to follow quite a few of you and add you to my list of links. It's taken a while for blogger to actually allow me to link to you, however. Don't worry! You're still loved!

Taking a Break...

2010-06-12T10:52:00.000-04:00

I've just discovered how to play with iPhoto to enhance images! Yes, it took me a while, but give me a break, I'm relatively new to this whole Mac thing. So I took some basic photos, and played around with them. Any and all feedback is welcome, from staging (help!) to style, to anything. And before we begin, I'm much into sepia tones!

The original picture is a few posts down, under Grow. I like the black&white with this one, with the edges ever so slightly blurred to give it a more timeless look.

This one isn't a great shot, but i enjoyed the light play. It's not terribly visible in such a small frame. Sepia toned. My son's crib, partially together :)

Thank you notes for my baby shower (which really need to be written and sent). Top is the original, which I like well enough. Bottom is antiqued a bit with the blurred edges, again giving it a slightly ethereal quality. Considering my very, very beginner skills, I'm pleased with this one.

This one is slightly antiqued. Again, I'm practicing not photographing everything head-on.

And last one for today, black&white, once more simply working on staging. Not great, but I'm getting better, and better still, recognizing and acknowledging my own improvements. The creative boot camp has helped me take a step forward in not giving up after the first two or three failures. What skills are you working to improve upon?

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 6

2010-06-11T08:02:00.001-04:00

Fluid

This is the nature of some of the most stable things. If an object is too brittle, it will break easily. The things that last have the ability to sway in the wind and accept without succumbing to adversity. Water washing through a gully will eventually create a canyon, for it is the solid rock that eventually yields. The fluid in our bodies must be able to fit through the tiniest capillaries and still have the power to keep us alive. Pumice has the power to devastate when in fluid form, yet is harmless when it hardens, as shown in the picture. Fluidity is strength.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 5

2010-06-11T07:24:00.000-04:00

Grow

A day late, to be sure, but all for the sake of growth. As an expectant mother, this subject is very much on my mind. My son is rapidly evolving, and every day becomes slightly more advanced both physically and mentally. It's astonishing to watch the swell of my belly and to feel the changing textures of my skin as I stretch to accommodate him. Simply sitting and feeling him play inside of me is a constant delight. Along with his physical growth, the growth of my home is also taking place. The smooth silk of varnished wood that makes up the crib and shelves, the soft caress of a knitted baby blanket, and the roughness of tiny leather shoes all add to the beauty of the moment.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 4

2010-06-09T22:53:00.003-04:00

Heavy Metal

So many different meanings... the thought brings up images of hard music, of a barred window, of heavy equipment. Most metals are inherently heavy, thus bringing to our minds these images. Yet what of something lighter, something delicate? What of intricately laced patio chairs? What of a beautifully wrought piece of gold or silver jewelry, elegant and feminine? The variations on this theme are endless.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 3

2010-06-09T22:09:00.005-04:00

Multilayered

Everything our world is layered, from the earth itself to our bodies to the houses we live in. We layer the clothes we wear, the way we stack items to make more room, the decorations we put on our walls. Think of the different layers inside the walls. Then the wall itself. Then the paint or wallpaper we place over top. Then the picture or mirror over that. The foods we eat, too, are layered, giving us different textural flavors, making a dish from many different ingredients, creating a delicious taste.

Here are two of my favorite textured layers, the softness of a skein of yarn versus the strong, whimsical lines of a beautiful basket.

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 2

2010-06-09T21:41:00.004-04:00

Picnic

Baskets. Green, silky grass. Bright flowers. Laughter and stories shared. Watching for figures in clouds. Again, so many textures to see and feel, including those of the heart and soul. What textures do you think of when you hear the word 'picnic?'

Creativity Boot Camp- Day 1

2010-06-09T20:10:00.003-04:00

Ivory

At first one thinks of tusks of some sort, perhaps a neutral color, perhaps something bland. But with the lack of color for the eyes to play with, I first thought that the texture of something ivory is terribly important. Think wedding dresses. The beauty of them isn't necessarily in the color, or even in the outward shape (as the shapes tend to follow a limited number of themes), but in the texture of the gowns themselves. Lace, silk, organza, satins. Beaded, folded, embroidered. It's the feel of them that gives them varied looks, that prompt various emotions when viewed.

In light of the fact that my wedding dress is not here for me to photograph, I've instead picked an ivory brocade sheet set that gives me the same feelings. The texture is what makes it so wonderful, a beautiful feeling to sink down into it and fall asleep, as if in a bed made for royalty.

Tuesday's Treasure

2010-06-08T04:20:00.007-04:00

Today's treasure is a set of amber glass bracelets, a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law. They're delicate, yet when worn all together, make a bold statement, which I love. The color suits me (and my wardrobe) perfectly, and I throw them on to dress up any outfit. What is your favorite "throw-on" dress up item?

Inspirational Pictures... in other words, Adrian is Keeping Mommy Awake

2010-06-07T05:42:00.007-04:00

(source)

Wonderful idea! If only my cats could be trusted not to eat the flowers...

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I love this! And will definitely have to get one for Adrian.

(Source)

Here is something similar to what I'm envisioning in Adrian's room, with the theme of birdies.

(Source)

These are the two prints I purchased as the original inspiration for his room. P. Carter Carpin's work is fantastic, and I could easily spend a pretty penny on her prints!

Life Continues...

2010-06-07T00:05:00.016-04:00

Today was a sleepy day, but this evening I did, indeed, get a few things accomplished. Skipping over the boring stuff... last night, when Adrian was wide awake and bouncing happily around, I created little flat trays for the wire stand in the bathroom. Unfortunately, the craft store only had two pieces of craft ply wood to fit, so I'll have to go find another elsewhere. But after covering them with pretty scrapbooking paper, the top two shelves look lovely.

And, after finding some bizarre stuff that needed to be cleaned, subconsciously (yet with growing awareness) ignoring the whole of my house, I put some pretty glass pebbles in another wedding gift from Adessa. This hangs over the window in my kitchen.

And I finally got some pictures of the lovely, handmade, silk Persian rug that Michael brought back from his first deployment. It's hanging in our hallway, and is one of my favorite treasures.

My photo-taking abilities leave somewhat to be desired, so some of the images are slightly blurry. But the detail is exquisite. And the purposeful flaws are in and of themselves amazing, giving the rug even more character than it would have otherwise.

Alas...

2010-06-04T23:07:00.008-04:00

This was going to be a rant about a specific Arizona school district that is being horribly, horribly racist to their own students, but I am far too angry to write anything rational on the subject at the moment. But rest assured, dear friends, the rant will come.

For the time being, I decided put out some pretties that have been sorely neglected for a while.

Here is the basic setup... seeing as how we need to completely re-do the bathroom before Adrian arrives, due to serious water damage and mold issues, I'll post this "before" picture. Cute little stand courtesy of my mother-in-law and baskets acquired from who knows where. The walls on this lower half of the room will, hopefully, eventually be painted.

And my pretties! The clear set in front was a gift from Michael's grandmother. The fun, colorful ones in back were a wedding gift from Adessa, probably from Pier1 Imports. I'm hopefully going to find a pretty tray or somesuch to set them all on, to lessen the chances of them falling and to better see the clear ones.

I have high hopes that someday I'll have a big enough house to have a craftsy room of my own, and be able to make and create fun things. For the time being, though, I'll likely stick with basics. Such as simply cleaning the house I have and, if at all possible, cleaning the kitty-pee out of the carpets.

And on a Happier Note...

2010-06-04T01:55:00.003-04:00

Here is a preview of Adrian's room! And yes, I know that he won't be able to like it or not in the beginning, I'm splurging (just a little) to make it comfortable for Michael and I, in hopes that he'll pick up on our happy vibes. At the moment, he is very, very happy (it's 2am) and will likely remain that way until at least 5, when Michael wakes up for work. Hopefully, he'll be content to settle and sleep a bit at that point, but I won't hold my breath.

A Real Blog At Last...

2010-06-03T03:57:00.000-04:00

after several attempts at beginning a real blog, with actual substance, hopefully this will be the answer.

with a mere 8-10 weeks until kiddo arrives, we've finally got the nursery painted, the curtains up, and most of the furniture in place. the crib goes up this weekend. and then we get to figure out where to put all sorts of baby stuff (most of which is huge, considering the size of babies) in our tiny little house.

i bought him a fantastic mobile at ten thousand villages, far more interesting than anything babies-r-us has.

this past weekend, my mother-in-law threw a baby shower for us. it was lovely. my parents came down for a few days and we had fun together, despite some rather cowardly person who dented my dad's company car and then left, leaving only a name and number on a slip of paper.

my ability to read and rationalize is rapidly diminishing, which is a rather frightening experience. the history books i used to devour are now far too difficult for me to focus on. my entire focus in life is now my son. and while he will always be the center of my little world, i do hope to regain at least some of my mental faculties in terms of vocabulary and memory and the like. wish me luck.