Peaceful Day

It's gloomy out, but I have been working by a very nice fire. It's cozy in here, but I'm hoping it's one of the last fires of the season as I'm seeing bulbs already peeking out of the ground. Even some of the succulents out front are popping up. Spring is really on its way and that fills me with smiles! Hope everyone is enjoying a peaceful and happy weekend!

I actually made my first official Etsy sale this weekend and couldn't be more tickled! The best part is that it's someone new to me in another state. I was sort of hoping it wouldn't be someone I knew because then I can't assume it's a friend supporting my new endeavor and not a "real" customer. Though I'd love for people I know to support the shop, it's nice to know that a stranger also likes something I made. That's the best compliment in the world. I just hope it's loved as much upon receipt as well!

Mariner's Compass/Compass Rose

I know it's been a while, but things are moving right along with replacing all of the damage. Weirdest and yet neatest thing happened yesterday. I was in a flooring store where the prices were right and the selection was great. As I was talking to one of the owners, I realized that there was a tile mosaic sitting on the shelf next to me. It was really interesting and beautiful. I asked about it and was told it was one of only two left in the shop. I turned around to look at the other one to find one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen. (Picture below!)  My Dad could navigate by the stars and was a fantastic yachtsman. I have a love for all things genuinely nautical and this is one of my favorite symbols. It comforts me that I will someday know the path to finding my Dad.

Not only does the mariner's compass remind me of my Dad, it's my favorite quilt block.You will probably see this symbol in my work from time to time. It's a pattern I love and will always return to for comfort.

This particular mosaic piece will be in my front foyer here in a few days and I just can't wait!

Small Town Shop Closing

I came from a big city in a warm place. I've had to adjust to seasons among so many other cultural changes. You have this preconceived notion that coming from a big city to a small town, there couldn't be surprises once a person gets their bearings. The truth is that no statement could be more false. The joy of a smaller place is the exciting wonders you find in the crevices that don't meet the naked eye. These are the secrets of a small town. Point and case:

I've lived in the same smallish town for over a decade now. The beauty of this place is bar-none and the winter isn't near as harsh as Canada. There is a historic downtown which warms my soul. In this particular piece of town there are several antique stores. My younger eyes were more focused on the cafes, bookstores and restaurants than the antique shops. Then, I fell in love with quilting and learned a local secret. There was this wonderful antique store with a fabric shop in the back. Quilt guild members get a discount. This was a new found heaven. When you live in a small town, options for fabric are limited. Then you might get lucky and find a godsend in a woman with great taste in fabric and a love for sewing. Best part is that she not only has great taste in fabric; she has a $3 table!!!!!!

A sad day is approaching this small town. Our very special fabric lady with great taste has decided to retire. She looks very young and spry, so the announcement was a shock to all and I keep asking her where the fountain of youth is to no avail.... Needless to say, my friends and I are very worried about where we will go to get advice, take a break from work in our own personal peaceful place and we will so miss the woman who has filled our minds with creative ideas and our hearts with joy.

Thank you Wilma for everything. We will seek your opinion whenever you allow us, I'm sure!

That favorite neighborhood joint where everyone knows your name

Do you have that little local place where all the staff knows your face and what you like? It's a wonderful thing, isn't it? For me, it's a little Mexican restaurant. The folks there know I don't speak great Spanish, but they do know I understand my share. When I don't feel like cooking for an event, either because of too many people or I want to be able to socialize instead of playing hostess (or both), I love this place. The quality of the food is consistent, the employees are warm and cheerful and anyone who shows their face there on a semi-regular basis gets treated like royalty. It is a first class meal for the same price as a dinner at most mediocre chain restaurants. Who could possibly ask for more. Well, I have to admit that I do. I ask that it stay open for many many many years to come.

When I was a little girl, my parents had a place like that. It was a Mexican restaurant in San Pedro. We'd go eat there after a busy weekend sailing or working on our boat. Sunday nights would be my Mom's break from the kitchen. The three of us would go to this Mexican restaurant and be treated like royalty. It was a family place. Grandma would work the cash register and I remember hearing her house shoes go "swish swish swish" across the floor as she would walk between our table and the register. The whole family was wonderful and sweet. It's where I met and fell in love with my first enchalada. That was like the kids meal, but unlike any other kids meal I'd ever seen! I miss those Sunday evenings,  but I'm glad to have my own Sunday Mexican place where the food is good and the people make the experience that much better.

New Pictures of Progress???

Next phase: Water is gone, but so are the floors??? Next to go: Downstairs ceiling.... Did I mention - UGH!

Think you've had a bad day????

So I came home to a huge MESS!!!!!!!!!!!! I've posted a picture for clarification. Below is a picture of the lamp that hangs over my sewing studio table. The upstairs bathroom that sits directly above the sewing studio leaked while I was away at work. Pieces of ceiling are missing and I hear men in the other room with saws and hammers, taking out the rest of what was ruined. My sewing studio has now overflown to the rest of the downstairs. It's been a sad day. A day of trying to save fabric and patterns for current or near future projects. Fortunately most everything else was safely away in the storage areas against the wall, so all was not a loss. Just another eventful day in my life. Never a dull moment as my old 5th grade teacher used to say. Tonight the water suckers clean up the mess, tear out the floors and ceiling where appropriate and tomorrow? Who knows. Hopefully an adjuster and a contractor are in my near future! I'll be ready for anything. Check back for updates... :)

Magical Blooms

So I have to share a favorite shop of mine in Redondo Beach, CA. It's a place called Magical Blooms owned by Jenny Barker. She creates the most beautiful arrangements you have ever seen! There is a personal touch to everything she does. Here's a personal story about why this is anything BUT a run of the mill flower shop.

My Dad passed away on New Year's Eve a few years ago. He always made sure Mom had beautiful flowers. There used to be a little stand on Portuguese Bend called Annie's and Dad would always stop each Wednesday for a bouquet.  He always had a huge bunch of roses and other complimentary flowers delivered on Valentine's Day with a smaller arrangement for me. It made each Valentine's Day very special for both Mom and I. After Dad passed, I wanted Mom to always have beautiful flowers so I started sending them each year. I decided she should never go without flowers on Valentine's Day. Jenny personally has taken care of my orders, delivered them and helps me construct the perfect wording on each card. Because this is such an important phone call for me each and every year, I usually take too much of her time, but she's patient and kind. The most wonderful part is that she sends me pictures of the bouquet so that I know exactly what it looked like though I'm far away. Thank you so very much Jenny! You are not only a gift to those we want to receive a special gift, you are a gift to those of us who want to send something very special and unique.

An Etsy shop worth a visit! Retro Chalet!

Lots of people are using retro modern looks to give a freshness to an old style. If you are one of those types, this site is for you. I love everything kitchen oriented. Retro Chalet has a whole inventory of wonderfully unique additions to any modern kitchen. Here are some of my favorite picks!









Please also check out the Fastest Growing Team on Etsy, right here!

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7316/handmadeology

My favorite article right now on HMET is this one with great tips on making your product pictures look professional. Check it out!

http://www.handmadeology.com/how-to-make-and-use-a-light-box-to-improve-your-product-photography/

Wonderful day for new friends

I found out today that there is a huge support system within the community of Etsy. It's a very friendly place. Not a soul has been anything but kind and helpful. You ask a question, you get an answer. You want to have an event with others and they participate. It's quite refreshing actually. Gives me an inner smile to walk around with. Even got a few new items posted.

Enjoy them and see ya tomorrow!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67400268/earthy-toned-beaded-basket-bowl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67400892/red-and-blue-bowl-basket

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67399611/springtime-tea-coasters-and-small-teapot

New to Etsy

It's funny. I had so much to say while I was setting up this blog. So maybe I'll just ramble along and see what happens. Usually when I'm having to sit down and write anything, it's so different than this. It's not casual at all, so this is a big change. I'm facing one of what to me is a crossroads birthday. I have issues with the 6s, not the 0s or the 9s. When I was 26, I was so sad that I was closer to 30 than 20! Little did I know that the 30s were something to look forward to. The thirties are the best time of life in so many ways. Everyone seems to think that. (I actually ask....) It doesn't matter how tragic events are during one's 30s; they always seem to live whatever comes their way with grace, dignity and wisdom. We begin to truly like ourselves as we reach the age of 30. So, maybe I'm trying to hang onto my 30s with all my might, but I decided just before this "6" birthday that I would try to turn my hobby into a business. I hope you enjoy the trials and tribulations of a very nervous person wondering what folks will think of her pieces. I can tell you one thing. They are created with tender loving care. More to come!

Please come to enjoy this blog and my new Etsy shop! http://www.etsy.com/shop/PieceTherapy

Here are some photos of the latest items posted.