Dreaming of an old fashioned summer

Here in the South, early summer has arrived, 80's with big fluffy clouds and a breeze to billow the blinds.  A reprieve for the long summer heat and humidity for the next 6 months.  The first signs of summer is the request to buy sweet tea for the fridge (Northern transplant here), popsicles, and drumsticks.  Remember those? Ice cream cones, gooey chocolate, and nuts--all melting at once.  Lick the fingers kind of fun.  The tinkling of the ice cream truck as it rounds the corner wafting through the windows.  Planting season is almost over here with the brutal sun and long spells with no rain.   Dreaming of my hydrangeas--everything this year has pittered out quickly; not sure if it was the cold winter, or hot/cold spring.

These days I spend outdoors, sitting on the porch, sipping coffee and listening.  Trying to be 'present'.  I recently read a blog that spoke of this and it really resonated with me.  Trying to remember its okay for the house to be dusty w/ fur balls and pollen while I go play pre-school soccer in the yard, or sit on the swing and we both fall back laughing.  Running in the hall and giggling like a kid.  Working not to be stressed all the time over work matters, worrying that my art, is well, art.  All the while not physically feeling up to par... I will 'be present' as time is quick running and it would be sad to know I missed the moments not captured on camera. 

As time meanders this summer..I will work on my painting.  I thought Christy's workshop was great--lots of energy.  Two! have been started...but no stress to get them done.  My sketch book, sticky pads, and anything that has a little space is currently where my thoughts go.  I may not get to them all, or it may be years from now but creativity is ageless and I will be 'present' for my sweets little years--she will be all grown up before I know it.

Showing you a few pictures of the items just loaded up in my Etsy shop.

May you have a sticky sweet and drippy Summer ---Enjoy it...moments are precious.

ohh la la

I was in a serious slump after putting together little one's party several weeks ago and some serious long haul time in my day job (can you say crunching numbers for hours as a time--I think I've been chained to my office!).  I was bone tired.  Okay--now you are thinking analytics and creative (yes I do have headaches most days as both sides fight for being front runner in my brain!)  It's not my love, art is but it pays the bills and allows me the luxury of buying my sweet vintage goodies.  Yesterday I slipped into my craft room while she slept and stood there...tick tock...starting moving 'stuff' around --just looking at the little piles I had been gathering and the start and stops of several project.  I haven't been very motivated for Fall projects at all! Very unusual for me as I love this time of year.

I opened the windows, pulled up the blinds to let all that sunshine in, and listened to the quiet...slowly the baubles and trims came together and since I've recently found the new love of 'petite' worked on a Romantic inspired box and goodies--which is now in my Etsy shop.  I decided it was time to move forward and share a few of my creations.  Please let me know your thoughts-- I have sketched a sweet logo but now I'm stuck and need to find a web person.  I am NOT that person--for some reason the computer part of this stuff is work to me maybe its the 9 hours of analysis-crunching numbers-tables that it reminds me off.  Let me know of any recommendations to help me get that little logo computerized. 

Enough brooding--back to the art:

Ohh, la la--Romance Petite Inspiration for you :)

Goodies in the Romantic Petite Set:

A French Inspired tag with pretty bobby pins--also in my Etsy shop

Sweet romantic tags --I just love the natural textures with the softness of lace and linen--also in my Etsy shop.

I feel a little more back on track--well except for this sinus stuff that seems to be ramping up!  I'm off to watch the one goofy show I do watch-Chuck (I am married to the ultimate geek squad)--it's so stupid it makes me laugh most times and some days you just need that-fluffy .  Oh and off to share some pumpkin sugar cookies I made yesterday afternoon too!