Last week my friend, Melissa and I headed over to nearby Bernat Mill Antiques for a quick shopping jaunt.  Every time we get together we have loads of fun chit-chatting while we shop, lunch, walk, drive around, etc.  And best of all, we’re both crazy about all things art so there’s always plenty to share and gush over.

To me, “F” represents friends and fun (naturally these two go hand-in-hand.)   Here’s a pin cushion that I created using “F” as the focal point – this piece was published amongst a few of my other examples in the summer issue of Somerset Life.  And can you believe that summer is almost over?  How can it be that we’re already just days away from September and I’m still feeling stuck in mid-July?  I suppose it’s wishful thinking since I’d love to repeat our family vacation.

Here’s one that  I made with dear Melissa in mind.

And here’s a cute card and jar that Melissa created for me…notice how she loves to use initials too!

My shopping outing with Melissa ended up costing next to nothing.  Even though there were so many wonderful goodies in the store I managed to come home with only a handful of items, which amounted to just three wisely spent dollars.  Isn’t it wonderful that in the company of fabulous friends you don’t need to spend tons of money to have a great time?  Enjoying meaningful conversations with friends has me thinking that “F” is also for favorite.

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A couple of weeks ago on our last day of vacation we set off in good spirits towards home with no real driving plan or expectations in mind.    All we wanted to do was to drive and see…go with the flow.  This feeling of freedom makes me happy in that simple, no worries kind of way.

After about an hour of peaceful and passive sightseeing we drove into some fog.   Immediately my senses began to tingle with excitement as I sat up straight, leaning forward, ready to take it all in…the suspense had me literally at the edge of my seat!

Feeling a gentle yet powerful pull towards the ocean, we drove as if on autopilot in answer to its steady call, obediently arriving at this serene scene.

Against the low-lying shoreline, although veiled by the mist, these trees managed to still stand out…the majesty of nature always shines through. 

After we had our fill feasting our eyes on the glorious shoreline view, it was time to feed our grumbling bellies.   Creamy, yet chunky clam “chowdah”, sprinkled with freshly ground pepper…yum, yum, yum.   It amazes me how several simple ingredients can be turned into something so rich and complex – the sum of its parts is indeed more, if executed properly and with heart (just like with any form of art.) 

We enjoyed our delicious cup of comfort at the harborside where it was still foggy and quiet, except for the fog horns occasionally blowing in the distance.  These dreamy surroundings hovered around us, casting a soft and serene glow, creating a feeling very much like being inside an enormous canopy of sheer organza fabric.   These hazy visions made me feel like I wanted to hold my breath in an attempt to try and stop time…hoping to freeze the moment, to capture its perfection for just a little while longer.  I’ve never encountered anything quite like this before.   My entire being felt alive with the spirit of adventure, as my head filled rapidly with deep thoughts…I love swimming in these waters.

The hours surrounded by fog, with life’s many distractions out of view, I had the time and space to think and reflect.  During those moments I came to a realization: sometimes what we can’t see allows us to see more clearly.  For instance, because of the fog I couldn’t see far into the distance.  My vision was limited to only what was in close view.  Therefore, my perception was focused only on the immediate…all the wonderful things that were happening in the now.  During those stolen hours I allowed myself to fully savor the magic of the moment. 

Thanks to my experiences from that foggy day in Maine, I’ve regained my perspective.  My vision is clear and focused… zoomed in on what’s most important.  Life happens right in front of us, here and now.  Whatever is in the far distance can wait.

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Sending you wishes of:

music and harmony

balance

sparkle

comfort

and LOVE.

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Prior to leaving for vacation, we celebrated my 42nd birthday, starting off with some cake for breakfast…a yearly tradition that I always look VERY forward to.  Having a good excuse to indulge in rich, sweet treats at a supposedly inappropriate time makes the entire experience that much more decadent.

For years I’ve been searching for a particular cake to replicate the one that I had on my birthday back in my 20’s.   I remember this very special moment with utmost fondness…friends surprising me with a lavish cake and champagne to savor at the beach, as the sun was setting over the ocean at Montauk, NY (tip of the Hamptons.)  This marvelous experience fed all of my senses – tastes, sights and sounds, filling my heart with great joy and immense feelings of bliss.  Yes, the cake and scenery were fantastic, but what made me happiest was the feeling of gratitude towards my friends who so dearly organized this amazing birthday treat, just for me.  Ever since, I’ve been looking for that exact cake, which unfortunately doesn’t seem to exist anywhere nearby.  This strange, stubborn quest led me to choose two smaller cakes this year..these two combined almost resembles what I remember eating at the beach decades earlier.

BTW, this year on my birthday, it was also my 1st year blog anniversary (thanks to Bill for creating my blog platform as a birthday gift last year.)  Perhaps these two occassions deserved to be celebrated with two cakes after all.  Even though this wasn’t my original intent, I’m gonna go with this excuse anyway.

While feeling the sugar and caffeine rush, I dove into opening up my gifts.  The first few below are from art friends who know exactly how to make someone feel special…I am so touched by their kind, giving spirit.

First, from Heather, all the way from Australia.  We originally met many years ago after I saw Heather’s amazing artwork on the cover of Somerset Studio (I contacted her, asking her where she found the recycled materials she used for her piece.)  Heather responded with great generosity, sending me a big batch of recycled disks…and we’ve been exchanging all sorts of wonderful packages and emails ever since.

Here’s a look at what I received from thoughtful, sweet Ellen.  I was sincerely moved by all the care and attention she put into creating this package of delight.

And Doreen…look at these wonderful gifts she created.   I love everything, including the translucent pieces of sea glass which I will undoubtedly have tons of fun using in my future projects.

Last year I created this necklace to be worn as a lucky charm, and low and behold…it worked!  I’ve had a fantastic year filled with good thoughts and positive energy, much of which I found online…thanks to all of you.  It’s been such a pleasure getting to know many of you through visiting your blogs and exchanging emails.   Thank you for openly sharing yourselves and for making me feel welcome, as a vistor as well as a fellow blogger.   Thank you for a wonderful year full of heART!

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We just returned from Camden, Maine which is all around gorgeous, both inside and out.   While I’m still percolating the thrilling experience that I had while enjoying the outdoors (a future post,) I thought you might like to get a glimpse of the historical inn where we stayed. 

There were many charming touches all throughout the inn.  For instance, we were pleasantly surprised during check-in to be presented with this plain old-fashioned room key complete with a kitchy tag.   Bill and I talked about how we can’t remember the last time we stayed somewhere that uses regular metal keys.   We’ve gotten so used to the electronic kind that the old fashioned key seems so foreign…everything about the feel of actual keys jolts memories from the past to flicker through my mind. 

Inside our room we discovered another delightful remnant from the past.  We learned that this authentic antique phone is hooked up to the inn’s private switchboard. 

Every morning Bill and I began our breakfast by enjoying a perfect cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream, while Brook was treated to a cup of warm, rich-dark cocoa at the end of  her meal.   

And right after coffee we were served glasses full of  hand-squeezed orange juice along with bowls of  fresh fruit.  All of this bright color early in the morning has a way of waking up the senses, while the natural fruity taste and smells liven up the palette after just one tiny bite or sip. 

In addition to the delicious food and drink, the tables were simply dressed with humble flowers such as this pretty pink carnation. 

The carnations were nestled amongst sprigs of sweet baby’s breath.  Up close, I think they’re stunning!   These quiet buds are normally used as just filler, but perhaps they can stand on their own as well. 

Wherever I am…at home or away, I have to have snacks within easy reach.  So while travelling I’m always on the lookout for goodies to bring back to our room.  For instance, one day I purchased a pint of these gorgeous, freshly picked Maine blueberries from a vendor on the side of the road.   This healthy treat tasted sweet as candy, and as a bonus they’re also very lovely to look at.

In addition to enjoying delicious food while we’re away, we always try to make room in our schedules to relax…put our feet up…maybe even nap. 

During our first afternoon I remember being lulled to sweet slumber while listening to someone playing a piano.  Within earshot, in the nearby music room, sits this antique piano.  The poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay was discovered in this very inn, reciting poems and playing this very piano.  

On the last day of our stay Bill took this impromptu photo of Brook and me.  We were all packed up and ready to head back home…feeling well rested and well fed. 

I hope that you’re all savoring the summer with your loved ones as well.

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Bill recently spotted this teeny tiny empty nest in one of our bushes.  The nest looked to be abandoned so we thought it was probably okay to keep it. 

Here’s another look.  The woven branches are incredibly delicate and intricate…what a marvelous work of art.  I imagine that each piece was carefully chosen and spun expertly into place…oh, what I’d give to watch the actual constuction taking place.  And notice the sparseness of the bottom of the nest – you can easily see my palm through it, making it seem whispy and almost light as air. 

As you probably already know I’m bird-crazy.  To me they represent all things uplifting.  Here are a couple of bracelets that I created using words inspired by my favorite little creatures.  I chose to use minimal materials for my bracelets in keeping with the quiet beauty of a nest.  It also felt right to use clean and clutter-free color.   Lately I’ve been craving all things quiet – some space to breathe and be still. 

And here’s a bracelet that I created using one of Jenny Doh’s (someone I admire a great deal) favorite words, “begin.”   

Being around nature has a way of stirring up thoughts and feelings that normally rest deep within me.   As a show of appreciation, I attempted to capture some of mother nature’s beauty by using mini stone beads stacked in a row, visually hinting at a small segment of branch.   I realize that compared to the real thing my basic interpretation is a mere shadow, but nonetheless I had to try.  And it felt good to try…it always feels great (almost a release at times) to try and create what I see, think, imagine.

For the next week or so I’ll be away on vacation with my family.   This break comes at just the right time since I’m whole-heartedly ready for some old-fashioned fun and bonding time.   To keep things simple and easy, we’re planning to spend a couple of days at our Maine place and then drive over to Camden, Maine for several more days of downtime.   So far our itinerary is pretty open which is perfect since this gives us the luxury and space to casually roam. 

Enjoy the sweetness of summer and I’ll be back in 10-12 days.

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For the last several weeks I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing nature close-up, and now it’s time to say bye-bye to the little birdies who’ve been keeping me company.   Below is an update detailing what I experienced since this previous post.  

Here’s mama bird sitting patiently on top of her eggs.   She remained posed and alert the entire time as she sat, dutifully guarding her precious eggs. 

BTW, mama bird ended up laying three eggs.

And this little guy was the first one to pop out…poor fella looks pooped!

 Then on the next day came another.   These hungry birdies sure kept mama busy. 

 I was so pleased to see that the last one had hatched as well…and don’t they look so cute all snuggled on top of one another?  I was surprised to learn how much sleep they needed.  And if they weren’t sleeping, they seemed to constantly want to eat (anytime they heard me nearby their beaks would open up widely, with heads tilted back and bopping around excitedly, waiting for morsels of nourishment.)  I tried to stay away as much as possible so that mama bird could feed them without interruption.

After all that eating and sleeping they quickly grew.

And look how much they grew in only about a week’s time – so much so that they could barely fit into their nest…what a tight squeeze!

And then about 2 days later, they all left – I suppose they simply flew away.  I have to guess what happened since I didn’t get to witness their actual flight, but had I known that this was going to happen so quickly, I would’ve paid closer attention.  It’s been several days since they left and I keep looking at their empty nest, wishing they’d come back for a visit.  However, so far there’s been no action…perhaps they’ve left for good.  I’m feeling sad (more than I would’ve expected) that they’re gone, but it was still wonderful having them here.  Watching mother nature unfold so close-up was magical and I’m very thankful to have had this opportunity.  What’s been happening in your neck of the woods?

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As a Design Team member for Crescendoh, I regularly get to try out their wonderful stamps…I LOVE this perk!    Most recently I spent some time  playing around with Everyday Expressions stamps created by Christine Mason Miller.   These stamps spoke to me right away since they are in line with what I already love to do, which is to include positive messages in my work.  I think that the simple act of using a few well-chosen and uplifting words can help spread light and happiness all around.

I happily created a “dream jar” using a recycled glass jar and a piece of a paper grocery bag along with one of Christine’s stamps and a few other odds ‘n ends.   This embellished jar is meant to be a keeper of dreams.  Simply jot down specific dreams or goals onto small strips of paper and then place them into the jar for safe (and pretty) keeping.  And then whenever you wish, you can revisit your dreams.  Having little reminders like this around helps me to continue reaching for all that my heart desires.

And speaking of heart, here are some fun heart-shaped projects that I created using Christine’s stamps.  This mini-pocket with a simple ribbon handle was also made with a paper grocery bag – it’s perfect for tucking in a love note or two.

These easy to display hanging hearts are made from the inner plastic bags from boxed cereal.

And do you remember my wax paper flower project?  The centers of these were created using Stitches & Dots stamps by Cynthia Shaffer.   BTW, I just found out that Cynthia has a new quilt book coming out in 2011…I can’t wait to see it!

If you’re interested in learning how to make my wax paper flowers, the directions can be found at Studio Crescendoh.   In this gallery you’ll also find many more project ideas from other members of the Design Team.   And while you’re at Crescendoh, please poke around and browse the wonderful stamp selections as well as all the other goodies.

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Lately I’ve been doing some baking, which isn’t at all like me since I’m not a fan of the precise measuring and timing required for producing baked goods (really, I just don’t like following directions.)  Plus it’s been crazy hot outside.  But when the sweet tooth comes calling, I have practically no resistance.  To keep our kitchen from getting too overheated during my temporary baking binge, I’ve been sticking to simple recipes.  No complicated ingredients or fancy gadgets, minimum time in the oven (30 minutes or less) and no frosting either.  Oh, and there’s another big bonus…only one pan to wash!

Here’s a look at my first attempt at baking Hello Dolly Bars, straight out of the oven.

Close-up view of the layered, sweet-gooey goodness. 

Here’s the recipe just in case you’d like to bake something sweet, chewy, chocolately, buttery, crunchy and totally delectable…and quick too.

Hello Dolly Bars

1 stick butter

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (I add an extra 1/4 cup for a more substantial bottom crust)

1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)

1 cup coconut (lightly packed)

1 cup nuts (I use pecans, chopped roughly into half pieces)

1 can condensed milk

Melt butter in bottom of 13×9 cake pan (you can do this part by placing the butter in the pan and into the oven while it’s preheating.)  In order given, spread each ingredient.  Do not stir.  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.  Mark squares while warm.  Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

After baking a double batch (always like to make one to keep and one to share) I had two mini-tin cans leftover from the condensed milk used in the recipe.   And it just so happens that I needed a couple of small containers for some feathers that I had floating around in my studio, so I recycled these tins into handy mini-storage buckets.   My collage tin buckets were inspired by a project (Tinnies) created by the amazing artist, Lisa Kaus. 

For one of my cans I used a rusty binder clip to attach a wire handle instead of punching holes through the tin.   Coming up with different options is all part of the fun for me.  

It’ s good to get new ideas from other artists and it’s even better to take this inspiration and give it your own spin and style.   Learning and sharing ideas, inspiration, techniques – this exchange can often spark more creativity and good energy to flow.

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I just received the new issue of Somerset Life in the mail.  Inside you’ll see several projects of mine, all of which are fairly quick and easy to create.  If you’re like me and you have a kid (or kids) home from school, finding big chunks of time to create doesn’t happen very often.  So lately, in order to scratch this “I gotta make something” itch, I’ve been  doing simple projects that can be done in roughly 30 minutes or less (not counting drying time.)  This way I get to do it all – keep creating AND spend more time with Brook.

Here’s a look at my projects that are featured in the current summer issue of Somerset Life.   I’ve included the how-to instructions within the articles, but please feel free to let me know if you have any specific questions…thanks.

Pincushions using vintage tart tins and recycled wool as well as other scraps.

Coordinating aprons for Brook and myself – I made these from scratch, but if you’re feeling pinched for time you could easily alter store bought ones.

Creative living ideas like repurposing antique door knobs into pencil holders.

And an altered lamp shade frame (sorry this photo got cut-off.) 

I hope that you’ve all been enjoying your summer so far.  Whether this means sleeping in and lounging around or rushing out to greet the sun, have fun and drink it all in…ahh, summer life. 

I’m thinking about taking some time off to hit the amusement park, spruce up our home (looks like spring cleaning is happening late this year), maybe take some side trips, etc.   If I get too caught up in these activities my blog will most likely be on the quiet side.  We’ll see…I’m planning to wing it these next few weeks.  Summer is calling and I’m unable to resist!

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