Long lost family...

Actually, this part of the family is not that lost...we just don't get together all that often, more of keeping in touch through my grandmother.

So, this is (clockwise from the top) Rozzie, my cousin Esther, her husband Oliver, my mom's sister (and my aunt) Judy and mom...






They are in town until Saturday and last night we went out to dinner, sans my grandmother, who doesn't go out after dark (hehehe) she is 92 after all! So, we went out to dinner at the local brewing company...which is usually a lovely treat!






It's fun to connect with the family now that I'm older...and hear everyone's stories. It helps to put some of my own patterns and "learned" behaviours in place for me. Plus, it gives me the chance to hear everyone's side of the stories! So, I'm hoping that we get to spend more time together before they leave town.

Rozzie didn't join us in actually eating any food, because she really likes to have her dinner at home, but she kept herself quite occupied drawing on napkins...

Corners of my home

This is currently my favorite corner of my home...In the new studio! I get to see both colors of the room...Green and turquoise, in this corner. I love my little wall cupboard...It stores the little vintage jelly jars I got...That now have different colored buttons sorted in them. And guarding over them is Paul Frank's Julius dressed in his John Deere outfit...Then there is all the fabric I've collected on the shelves, with my favorite 1940's fabric pieces living on the top shelf. And, on the tippy-top of the shelves next to the only remaining spider plant in the room (not seen here) is the wonderful Fuchsia straw top hat! This hat sneaks over my eyes unless I am wearing my glasses...Flanked by the all powerful and beautiful pumpkin guy (who is mighty dapper, I might add) and...Finally, my beautiful vintage floral button tin! Oh, how I wish I had more of these tins, but they seem to be scarce here in N. AZ!
Actually, since I finally got all my materials gathered in one room, this is my current favorite room in the house period...My plan is to go through all the rooms in the house one by one, gathering all the things I don't need anymore, and urging them on to their new lives!
(I'll let you know how that goes!)

Last night I went to see the movie The Devil Wears Prada...loved it! I read the book when it first came out, and enjoyed it, but I can't remember if the movie follows the exact book because it's been so long...and I've decided to grow my hair out like Anne Hathaway has it in the movie...My hairdresser really loves me, I can't tell you how many times I've walked into his salon to announce that I want him to make me look like some star or another!
(I'll let you know how that goes too!)

Don't you love it when...

...when you acutally follow that little voice in your head that tells you to do something? On my weekly journey out to Costco this week to pick up my organic salad mix, and a bit of cheap gas for the car, I was on my way back into town and was almost past the Goodwill, when I had this urge to pop in. I don't usually shop at the Goodwill as I think they're a little pricey...for instance, they charge $7 for dresses, and the dresses in my shop are about that much...and mine aren't donated...I know they work for a good cause...anyway...I was wandering around the store and looked in the wallet bin, and to my joy and surprise, found the above Paul Frank, Julius, red (my favorite color) glittery, key chain ,coin purse...for a whopping 49 cents!

(no, not 50...49)


I also found some fun little pieces of vintage fabrics and some vintage childrens blankets, with cute fabric as well...
so, it looks as though I may be visiting the Goodwill during my weekly journey now...


tee-hee

Self Portrait Challenge

Here I am...In all my shop glory...Myself as...

SHop GIRLLL

This picture was taken by my good friend, and fellow...on the same street, shop worker/guy Keith. I love the picture, I love the way it looks...The textures and color...And am actually enjoying the way I look as well. I am thinking I could do without some of the chins...But one chin on a person, especially myself, is just a personal preference! Keith promised also, to take another picture soon!

So, this is just a small slice of life...Somewhere I go everyday. on this street and into my life...And have been going for about 11 and a half years. That's how long I've owned the shop now...Hard to believe isn't it? I started SnAp SNaP when I was 25 (so yes, I'm 36...For those of you scrambling to add that one up) I am loving especially, the smile on my face, as it's just an incling of the feelings that I've had swirling around about this...this accomplishment...this service I provide my community. When I think back about all the challenges I've faced owning the shop...It's a bit amazing. We've grown up together, the shop and I. Seen births, deaths, marriages and divorces...Success, triumph and fun...Mistakes, little struggles, and challenges. I've been thinking about all of the people I've met and connected with over the years...The shop friends I've made, and it brings a smile to my face. Yes, sometimes working with the public can be challenging...But all the free clothes are worth it! OK...Really, I am lucky to have some really great repeat customers and even one time ones that are passing through town...It's been an incredible "run"! AnD as the face of this small town changes from moment to moment, I'm not exactly sure what my future holds...I'm just learning how to smile about all of this...And love where I am with this...One of my biggest creation!

Sunday July 9th...

We accomplished mucho creativity this Creative Sunday! And all were duly impressed (if I say so myself) especially seeing as I needed to dash off to spend some time that afternoon with some good friends, so we broke about and hour early

!

Participants:

• myself
• Rozzilyn
• Susan

I,

was working on a new bag for myself...which reminds me, I may need to go through my collection of "designer" bags and purge...as I am usually carrying something more fun nowadays...And often even, something that I've made myself!


I bought the floral fabric at a yard sale this weekend for $1 (woo-hoo!) and the gingham checked fabric was some I had for some bulletin boards I made, and then curtains for the basement I also made years ago...In addition, I used a lovely large green vintage button for the closure!












I followed the pattern here...And decided that if I made this bag again, I would make it a little deeper...Maybe 16 inches...And then make the strap thinner. I sewed a double pocket inside the bag, as I like to carry my keys and lip stuff in separate areas (just preference I guess) My friend Angie said that it looks as if it belongs in a boutique...Maybe I'll make some for the shop...It is a quick and easy process...


Rozzilyn,

worked on making more pom-poms...She made 5 at a time this time...After wrapping the yarn around her cardboard 100 times...Without loosing count, I might add...
When asked what exactly she's going to use all these pom-poms for she answered...


Shoes of course!

We broke for a yummy lunch...














Meena joined us too... (I know that black spot on her mouth makes her look a little worried...But she's a pretty happy girl!)














and she had a lovely conversation with Rozzie...since she climbed up into the chair next to her! It looks as if I was eating my buttons from my button box, I know, and although I adore them and could "eat them up" I don't usually make a practice of that!

Susan...aka. Mama,

not only worked on the pom-poms with Rozzie...but designed her first freezer paper stencil as well! She spent a lot of time cutting it, as these more intricate patterns take a lot of concentration!
(and coffee)


This was a design from an anime movie Rozz just watched called Sugar...And apparently had fairies in it! (that is a fairy kissing the little girl!)












I helped Mama with the painting...And went back and did some touch up and more intricate designs with the fabric paint on a toothpick...I had huge amounts of fun doing that!




Putting on this shirt made Rozzie really want to dance!
(of course, being alive really wants to make this girl dance)















I also burned a CD for Rozz sometime during the Creative Sunday...The Putumayo one on the sidebar over to your left...American Folk.

She likes the folk music...

could it be the influence of the hippie grandparents?

I imagine so.

How's the Weather?

Well...It always seems like conversations and letters tend to degenerate with that...

the weather has been...
or
how's the weather?



Like uh-oh we've come to that part in the conversation where there may be nothing else to talk about (not the case here...I'm not that bored!). Well, I live in a place that most of the influx of people are moving here because of the weather. Because it's so mild. And with the advent of Global Warming, it's becoming more and more mild...Less snow, and less diversity. I think it's becoming hotter and hotter actually.

Prescott is one of those places where it's said if you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes. We have such extreme weather in AZ. It's sunny one minute then thundering lightning, pouring down rain and hailing the next...












(notice all the hail in these pictures...It was just last week!)











I actually love that about living here...Which has lead me to carry and umbrella and a light jacket in the car with me at all times. It's much better to layer your clothing here as it can suddenly turn hot or cold depending upon the season. We've been in the middle of a drought so lately, any moisture has been a cause for celebration (although, you wouldn't believe the amount of people who can complain about the rain or snow because it makes it hard for them to drive...Sheikh, the lack of trees on the planet makes it hard for me to breathe)

I was half way into my daily walk this morning and it was lightly drizzling...No big deal...Then the lightning and thunder kicked in...So I figured that I would be more use to the planet alive, and came home to clean up a bit here instead. It started pouring buckets not 20 minutes later...So it was probably a good choice on my part. AND were due for heavy rains throughout the day...With a flash flood warning in effect until this evening!





And being in AZ means that we've been known for our sunsets...but I'll tell you, it's the clouds that are making me stop in my tracks lately. Little fluffy beautiful clouds skipping across the sky. I keep taking ton's of pictures and changing the wallpaper on my cell phone almost daily...I love clouds anyway, and have painted them all over the walls of the shop...And above my bathtub at home.

So, enjoy these...My favorites of the clouds...And have an amazing weekend!

Day 21...

I have absolutely no idea when the 21 day challenge ended!

Sad isn't it?

I guess there was some sort of drama on Rhonna's website...So the challenge seemed to get pushed to the side. I would like you to know that I did complete the challenge...I know that seems weird since I have no idea when exactly it ended...And I created a new habit.

Actually two.

I am still walking for at least an hour every morning...And then doing yoga every night before I go to bed!

Meena is also joining me every night for yoga as well. She stretches with me, and runs under me when I do specific poses!








I am amazed at how I feel when I participate in both of these activities every day. My body is more limber, I have more energy...And I don't have to worry about eating something "bad" for me every once in a while (that I need to work on a little more, I must say!) I have never wanted to be a proponent of exercise, as I never wanted to take the time to do something active...But I'll tell you, it is one of the only way's I'm going to really stay in shape and still keep all the weight off...

sigh.

At least I've picked some activities that I really enjoy...And ones that don't cost me anything...As I walk in my own neighborhood, and do the yoga from a DVD I have! So, I am extremely proud of myself for thinking of 2 things that I really needed to do in my life...and for completing the challenge...and for continuing the challenge beyond the 21 days!

Self Portrait Challenge

Myself as a knitter

I was just telling Kate yesterday...If I was to name and start my own knitting blog, it would be titled:

The Reluctant Knitter
This is because I was not under any circumstances wanting to learn how to knit.
nope
no way...
I did not want to learn how to do one more thing.
not in my busy life...
nope
no way...
Now, my mom and Kate both knit (and, my mom has taken it to the level that not only can she knit...but can also spin her own fibers...yes, with a spinning wheel) so,as you can imagine, I have been asked several times if I wanted to learn how to knit...and was always adamant and was able to walk away. Then...When a friend of mine learned that knitting is an activity that you do that uses both sides of your brain, he was wanting to learn.
I gave in...
I had to
the seduction was too great...
(I couldn't be the only one not knitting...That and I have a huge fear of being left out or missing something)

Now I knit.

And I love it...

I can knit on double pointed needles (hoping to make my own socks soon), on regular needles, and circular needles. I'm learning how to read patterns, and am loving how connected I feel when my mother and I or Kate and I...Or anyone and myself...Knit with each other. Being connected to each other and to everyone on the planet in our history who has knitted...Made things for their families and themselves...Useful and fun projects...Used their creativity and skill to nurture the people in their lives...So, there is a long line here isn't there? And to be connected to them in this way is an amazing feeling. So now I say to knitting...
Yup...
yes way...
gladly...
joyfully!

The Fourth...Cont'd.

Ahhh...the party...

Lot's of drinking (um...Tea and water...)

and dancing...

and dancing...

and dancing...

(do these girls rock or what?)
The big question of the day was "where is the music coming from?" I have these wonderful outdoor speakers that look like rocks...so people were certainly confused!

And eating good food...

guacamole, chips and veggies...Potato salad, potato chips...Peppermint tea and the most wonderful raw chocolate pie with blackberries made by my mother...And an eggless chocolate cake with cashew whipped cream and strawberries (which she left over here...Do you think it would be wrong to eat them for breakfast?)

AND...The whole group at the end of the day...
(doesn't it look green? All the monsoon rain has been helping!)



I had a great time since I also left work early (I was the only store open on my street, so I felt justified) and came home with a little headache. My mom and Rozzie and GG came over early and mom and I knitted...I knitted my headache away, then was able to get ready for everyone to come over...It was a relatively small group of people considering some of my other 4th of July parties...And it was perfect! I remember being a little overwhelmed at the end of those parties, and this one was fun all the way through, and I came in and cleaned up everything and still have time to sit down and relax before tomorrow!

I decided not to go watch the fireworks somewhere, and am noticing that as I look out my living room window I can see them perfectly!
(I thought it was thunder!)

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!





I whipped this banner up last night (yesterday was a very producitve day!) using some fabric samples that I bought for 50 cents a book! I'm loving the idea of having permanent banners made out of fabric for different holidays...they look really sweet!




This happens to be my favorite pennant (the one with the monkeys!) although, I really like all the stripes, checks and flowers all together!








I am having a small party over here today...no bar-b-q though, it's been too hot for me to even think about doing that! AND, it's supposed to rain...which would be really nice too! I will post some more pictures this afternoon...

(there's also a rumor going around that my sister is going to my dad's for the 4th. for a bar-b-q...and making her tiramisu...sigh, I wish I was going to be there!)

Sunday July 2nd.

Well...I had a bit of a blogging break didn't I? So much so...Kate called me (tee-hee...Which lead to a very nice conversation about how much fun we had while she was here visiting...And all sorts of knitting things too!) So, I'm fine everyone, I've just been incredibly busy! I've been out with a ton of friends who've been in town...And then working like mad at the shop during the BIG Fourth of July celebration that we have up here...You know, the world's oldest rodeo and whatnot? Anyway, it brings out a lot of tourists...The kind that eat a lot of fry bread and fried food...(don't worry, I don't have any pictures to post of that!)

So...Lot's has been happening, but I will start with the most exciting news...a project that I actually spent all last week working on...

Creative Sunday Participants:

• Mom
• Rozzie
• Sadira

This is the before pictures of my library in my home...The small back bedroom right next to my room upstairs:
































As you can see...The space wasn't being used to it's ummm...full potential...which is why it is now....

(drum-roll please!)

The Craft Room!






























Isn't it gorgeous?


There is a piece of white molding that runs around the entire room...Dividing the walls up, so I painted the top of the walls in a nice green and then the bottom in a turquoise. Then I painted the rest of the molding white. All the rooms in this house were painted white with grey trim (yikes)
This is also the room where my large closet lives!

In the center of the room, inbetween the 2 fabric/craft shelves is a large table for the sewing machine. This table has a window in front of it that overlooks my beautiful yard with lots of pine trees!



There are baskets for yarn, and felted wool sweaters...Containers for paint, and pencils and brushes...Shelves for art paper and ephemera,all of my fabric, buttons, rick rack, craft books, a ton of vintage Cracker Jack toys (amazing what one has when they unpack old boxes isn't it?) a festive fuschia straw top hat (that falls over my entire face if I take off my glasses)...my tiny feather tree, a wonderful pumpkin guy...a large metal magazine holder for my inspirational magazines, and a soon to be bulletin board for ideas...



and an old steamer trunk I painted with clouds and little stars and shapes, that contains batting and fiber fill (and heavy duty fabric) notice the little lady bugs moved onto the sill of the window in this room as well!






As you can see behind this door is the most beautiful dress in the world (that does not fit me right now...But I can't bear to part with) and some bags that need to be stenciled...And some more hooks that are topped by crows. I moved the scrap bag onto the little door knob in here!






This is a little shelf that I hung on the wall that contains my little vintage glass jars with special buttons in them...And my Paul Frank John Deere monkey in it...And an old Kodak film canister (currently empty...But may be full of something soon!
























This is a view of my Paul Frank clock above one door way that looks into the kitchen! The tiny hallway (which I am very proud of...I have 2 of them in this house) is painted a light lavender...

I love different colors in every room of the house!

I am very excited about the way this turned out...My mom and I worked on it all day, and cleaned out a lot of other stuff in the house as well (isn't that the way it always is?) We were a bit obsessed, and my car is full of stuff to ready to find new homes!

I am happy too that I don't have all the wall art yet, so that I will be able to create my own art...And I am waiting for a print from Black Apples as well (yippee!!)

AND all in time for my little Fourth of July soiree tomorrow!