Lyrical Soul Lifeations

A new day!

2012-01-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

A new year is upon us... heck it's started! I will have a birthday in a few days... not sure how I feel about that yet. I really don't want to get old, but do I have a choice? No matter how young I act or feel, the fact is.. I'm getting old.

Because of this it means there is no time left to sit and relax on the fur lined pitty pot. I am taking a new approach to life. What I have been doing the last 10 years didn't work, so I will try something else.. I call it, the Know... I know things, I know about stuff, I know who I am.. so I will live the Know.

I will take pleasure in ME. If it means that all I do on a weekend is play in my art studio, then fine, I will play.. but I will no longer wait for anyone else to make me feel worthy.
If mr. right, rather than mr. right now, comes along fine. If he doesn't, I can say I loved hard, lost hard and lived hard. He will have to match my passion for life, so far he has not shown up with that passion.

I fixed my art room. I love it! I will be spending more time in there. Alone, and that is okay...

I sew I sew..

2011-10-24T19:42:00.001-07:00

I am SEW excited..

One of my very favorite shops MYSTIC PAPER is having a wonderful event!

I will be showcasing my aprons, pillows and bags!

Mystic Paper is a great shop with a wonderful owner! I love to stop in from time to time to chat and catch up on the latestest and greatest new items to create with! They were just voted BEST IN PHOENIX!!

I hope you that are here in Arizona can join us for this fun filled day of shopping, crafts and friends!

Time to get serious....

2011-10-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

about my selling on ETSY (and sometimes Ebay).
I have TONS of things I keep picking up at estate, yard sales and thrift stores. I buy them and say OH! I can sell this... well it's about time I did! So I am!

My home is FAR from looking like something on Hoarders (THANK GOD!) but if I dont sell some stuff I can't go buy more stuff to sell! I have self imposed this rule. I will be able to buy one thing for every two I can sell. This way I will stay ahead of the "stuff' and not worry about a intervention from A&E! lol!!

So check out my ETSY shoppe:

A day of FUN!

2011-07-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

I know I dont write as often as I should but I do try!

Today was a great day! I was going to stay home and not venture into the hot and humid (yes humid) Arizona day. BUT when I woke up I thought I would take the time to do something that I have not done in a while.. a trip to the GOODWILL Clearance center. I LOVE that place!

It is an amazing store that is the last stop for all things from Goodwill. After this they destroy or trash EVERYTHING! The saddest sound I have heard is all the glass things being broken. I dont know why they dont donate all those things to homeless shelters and such but Im sure there is a business reason.
BUT.. I do my part to save the things I can afford and the things I have room for. I also look for things that I can sell on EBAY. I dont have a store on Ebay but I do enjoy selling stuff I find.
SO today I was there from 10am until 3pm!! It only felt like I was there an hour!
I found some Johnny Mathis records that I think are sellable (I researched them on my phone before buying). I also found a cool waterproof camera sellable, and some cute vintage childrens aprons. BUT most importantly I met a very nice lady who enjoys thrifting and creating as much as I do! We talked for about a 1/2 hour and exchanged our information. I hope we can get together and have coffee or create !
Well time for me to hit the hay.

Easter Saturday..

2011-04-23T22:26:00.001-07:00

Today is Easter Saturday. That is what my Grandma called it. Easter Eve is another alternative. Day before Easter works too. So does just plain ol' Saturday.

Well much goings on around here...

The older folks:

Mom has recovered VERY well (thanks be to God). Dad is still doing okay. We have gotten him to do less driving although he continues to insist he can drive fine.. with my mothers help! Yea, scary.

BUT.. the good thing is .. they (my parents) will be moving to Arizona! They will arrive here on May 22. Lock stock and barrell will follow on a moving truck. They will be moving into a beautiful senior living facility. The nice thing about this place (there are many nice things really) is they will have their own apartment. It is a beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath patio home. A really nice big patio in back that is fully screened in. The patio is almost like another room. They should get great use out of that.

There is a great woodworking studio that has every tool you can think of. It is the size of a garage, all of the tenants can use everything in there.

My favorite part is ... A HUGHE CRAFT APARTMENT.. thats right a WHOLE apartment with nothing but crafts! Even in the kitchen! You can bake there! I am going to be volunteering there just so I can go play with all the toys!

The nice thing is they will only be 10 minutes away from both my sister and I. They are half way in the middle of the both of us! I am looking forward to having them here.

On the younger side of things...

My nephew Brian and his wife Lisa welcomed my 3 Great nephew into the world today (I have 3 great nephews and 1 great niece..so far). Samuel Anthony Coleman weighed in at 6.63 and 19 inches long. A beautiful little guy. So happy I was able to see him shortly after he was born. What a cutie. It was so amazing to watch the men that I remember being born, have children of thier own.

More to come with new pictures too!

Happy Easter!

Long time!

2011-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hello!
It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I apologize.
I really do want to be more organized and focused on my blog.. I promise I will try!

So many things going on around here!.
First ..

My daughter moved back home ..I am so happy to have her here! We are great friends. We laugh, giggle and talk like we are both in high school! But to have something we enjoy, sometimes we must give something else up. SO I gave up my craft room for my girl. Really nothing, and I mean nothing, is more important to me then my children. So with a little clever moving around, I now do my sewing in the living/dining area. I dont mind at all. I did put away all my "other" craft things, I will get to them another time.

I am very thankful that my Mom is doing okay. My parents were here for Christmas and mom was having some issues. When they got back home she talked to the doctor and has had triple bypass surgery. She is doig good. My amazing sister has been there with them since the surgery. I am so happy she retired and is able to be there with them.

As for me well... I am still working (yuck) and still creating. My latest kick are purses. I am selling them here and on Facebook and soon at my Etsy shop. I really would love to be able to stay at home and support myself with my craft. That is my goal and I will make it happen!

I hope you are all well and I will blog again soon!

Long time gone by...

2011-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted. I have not intentionally neglected you my dear blog, it's just that life has gotten in the way.
I am still working at the job I had last year, since the economy is still bad I am told I should be greatful. It is hard to be greatful with having to drive 40 miles each way with gas at almost $3 a gallon, but life goes on.
I am still creating. I have made some very fun purses for gifts for Christmas. I saw these fun faux purses at a large department store and thought " pfft.. I am NOT paying $160 each, I will make them myself!" I did.. with a little help from my mom. They came out great even if one of the people whom it was given to, immediatley turned it inside out thinking that it was reversible! I will take that as a compliment to my craftmenship!
I am now working on anotherpurse and some baby bibs... NO not for my baby! Those days are long gone! (thank goodness!Lol).. these are for my 2 nephews, they are both having babies this year. We know one is a boy and still waiting to hear about the other. I hope it is a girl so I can make things for both!

I will update as soon as possible with pictures.

2010-08-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

What an adventure!

I am not sure if it is a curse or a blessing yet but, I no longer have a car. I am okay with that...I think! The funny thing is I have lived in Arizona for 11 years and had never been on a bus! So yesterday I took the bus... TWICE! It was fun!

I went to an appointment and got there EARLY! That is not very usual for me I am either on time or a few minutes late. It was fun riding the bus. There is life in the desert! There were so many people on the bus.. on off on off. Cool!

Then later in the afternoon when my daughter was here, I said "hmm, I need some groceries" She said lets go.. "really?" "Yep" so off we went again... On the BUS!! Now I must say when I went out earlier in the day it was 104 degrees. At this point the clouds had rolled in and a nice breeze and it dropped to about 85-90. Not bad.

When we reached the supermarket, the clouds had thickened, the wind picked up and there was a smell of...you guessed it RAIN in the air!

Monsoons here in Arizona are either 5 minutes and gone or ALL night. Well this one decided to be an all nighter! We waited out side the store for the rain to let up. And waited..and waited.. well "we will have to make a run for it"... I DO NOT RUN! So I walked with the groceries in the cart and Cherise ran! We made it to the bus stop and waited..and waited.. FINALLY the bus came. We were soaked to the core. We giggled and laughed like school girls. It was an amazing ADVENTURE and I cant wait to have another!

I think I will like not having a car!

2010-08-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

My how it seems that time has FLOWN by! I am sorry it has been a while since I have updated here.

I have been very busy working on me. I have let some things slide lately that I should have taken care of so now I am working on them. Nothing major but none the less things that I need to do to feel top notch! I am off of work until September 7th so that I can do what I need to.

Part of my "feel better plan" is blogging and writing more. I have several books floating around in my head and I know they will be fun reads when I can get them into paper or e-book! I promise myself I will work at least one hour every day on writing. I have also been busy sewing and making some Christmas presents. Since they are presents I wont put any pictures here cause you never know who is trying to see what they are getting for Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a great summer. I will be working more on my blog and hopefully updating it with some new pics soon!

Thanks for reading...
Arlene

2010-07-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth Of July.. I LOVE this Country..

My Awesome Daughter and her Renn and I are celebrating with my Sister and her family.

My son.. The Staff Sargent USAF and my nephew The Captain USMC will be sharing the day with us. SO So happy to have them both home and safe.

I hope your day is filled with laughter and fun and a THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

Anyone?

2010-06-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

If you know ANYTHING about me, you know that I do mostly everything by myself. This is not to get anyone to go .. awww, or anything like that. I ENJOY most of my solitary activities. Truth be told there are time when I am doing things with someone else that I would rather be alone. BUT having said that it does NOT by any stretch of the imagination mean that I ALWAYS want to be alone. I LOVE having people around me. I enjoy chit chat and banter and good deep conversation. BUT I have found that since I work in the type of job I have (and not that I like it but it pays the bills *barley*!), a customer service position in a call center, it does not make for ease of making friends. When we are at work we are working. There is NO time to chat, not even on lunch. You don't have lunch time with any of your peers. SO...
My point in all this is.. If you like what you are reading. Have something funny to share, or are also into the types of things I am, please leave a comment, drop a line anything. I would like to reach out and befriend some people who like the same things that I do.
ALSO if you have ANY experience putting together a blog, let me know. I keep having issues with how this one looks. There has to be an easier way!

Well I am off to do some sewing.. I will post pics soon! :)
Thanks!
Happy Tuesday!

Fun!

2010-05-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

I found this cute background that I think matches nicely with the banner. I am having fun playing with the blog and getting it just right.
If your reading my blog, please leave a comment. Follow me too! It's okay I won't lead you astray!
I hope your weekend is fun! I am going to do some sewing and fixing up in my studio. I hope to have the studio all done by Sunday night.
Stay tuned for updates..

What happened!?

2010-03-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened but my blog is "out of sorts".
Pictures are not showing up, background gone... I will work on this tonight (I HOPE).
Should look better tomorrow.

Listen to BLOG Tunes

2010-03-23T23:52:00.001-07:00

Different.. I like DIFFERENT!

2010-03-23T22:27:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have written... I am so sorry!
I will try to be more attentive. I promise.

So an update:
hmm... not much...
Oh, I no longer have television. Well I have A television but no cable. I only get the weather channel. I figure, I am never watching it, if I do watch it, I don't get anything else done, and I am really not happy with the choice in programing... SO I gave it up! Not really much of a sacrifice I must say. It has been 2 weeks and my house is clean, projects (some) finished, and a bunch of magazines read. I read before I sleep, helps me to relax and much better dreams!
I listen to the radio on line! THAT is fun! I find new music and comedy and talk! So no reason to pay for cable.

I am sad that I did something to my blog that messed up my background! I will work on it this week and hopefully get it back to something pretty...

The title of this post is Different. Well as you can see I am different. I don't have cable tv. My blog is different (not intentionally) and I am unique! Ask EVERYONE who knows me. I think different. I just cant conform. It HURTS when I try to!! lol! I guess my brain is just "hot" wired and I LIKE IT!!

Notice in my artwork, aprons and writings.. its not cookie cutter. I like all the popular and common scrapbook items out there. The "branded" and designer (if you will) stuff is all great and good and even pretty but .. for me (YAWN) boring! Where is YOUR imagination? Sure you put your own color on something but that's about it. How about hunting for the items you put on your creations? Anyone can (and everyone does) buy the stuff prepackaged! I guess this is just my little boycott of SAMENESS.

Okay I am stepping off my soap box!

I went to Whole Foods tonight (some say Whole Paycheck) and got the most delicious spring rolls yumm!!

I will post more soon and I promise MORE PICTURES!!

Pictures are POSTED!

2010-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Okay I did it! I posted the pics I have been promising!
Check them out by clicking the very top picture on the right side.
There will be a slide show of my pics!
Please let me know what you think!
Hope everyone has a happy Sunday!

2010-01-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

DING DONG.. AVON CALLING!!

How exciting! I am now an AVON LADY! I know I know.. it's Avon REPRESENTATIVE but hey I love things old fashioned... I'M AN AVON LADY!!!

Check out my own personal website for Avon.. place an order, browse the catalog, see whats new (and there is a lot new!) order a valentine gift!
Avon has REALLY come a long way! Did you know that they have PATENTS on some of their skin care products? When those patents are up the MAJOR cosmetic companies (you know the ones that are in stores like DILLARD'S, MACY'S etc) they then take the formulas and recreate them and sell them as their own!! THAT'S how GREAT Avon products are! AND whats better .. they are not $120 a jar!
So check it out and thanks in advance for helping me become my own business!!

www.youravon.com/arlelneconklin

2010-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

Wonderful! Simply WONDERFUL!
I am so happy to report that I was able to attend 2nd Fridays in Historic Downtown MESA! What a fun time! There was such great ENERGY in the air!
I got to Mystic Paper http://www.mysticpaper.com/ JUST in the nick of time! Of course I parked in the back of the store. Well not IN the back of the store, but you know what I mean. I went in through the back door and up to the front ... just as they were starting the ATC trade!~ Talk about timing! I made my 6 Elvis themed ATC's all in 45 minutes(this includes finding the proper pictures to use!) and if you know me then you know 45 minutes for 6 ATCs is FAST!
I was lucky to receive some beautiful cards in the swap! Such talented ladies we all are!
I am sad to say that I don't have any pictures. Some day I will get a camera that works!!!! Maybe for my birthday.. hint hint!

I was also able to make it into Domestic Bliss!! I have been wanting to go there FOREVER! It is a wonderfully girlie place! I just want one of everything they have.. well as I told the gal that was working there, I'll just move in there and that will be that! lol!

Such pretty things! But can the mere mortal that is I ever have a home that is all this? Yes and I will to the best of my ability! I WILL DO IT! I am thankful for everything I have and every opportunity I am given!
Are you?

Have a day that is full of blessings no matter how small (even if it is just the fact that you HAVE a DAY~!)

Fixin it up!

2009-12-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! My mom and dad are spending some time with me this week. I was able to get some time off work to stay home and "play". SO I am fixing up my studio and my sewing room! THEN... I will be working on some projects! Im so happy!
I will post pics as soon as I get some!
Stay tuned

The Night Before.. The Night Before CHRISTmas

2009-12-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

... All the presents are wrapped, slim and few that there are. Love was put into each bow, twinkle and star. Money was tight but thoughts were grand, I hope they like what I put in there hand....

I am happy to say that my parents are with us in Arizona this year for the holidays. I love having them around and I know we are lucky to still have them.. they are 82 and 85 and still going strong! My son also made it out of NJ before the snow storm and surprised me a day early. He and my daughter put it together. That was the best present the two of them could give me. We are all together for the holiday. Only missing my big brother and his kids and 2 nephews and their families. Maybe we can ALL be together in one place soon!

I am wishing everyone a blessed and warm CHRISTmas and a New Year that will find us with the strength and endurance to face whatever this mortal life gives to us.

This was a tough year for my family. Today (12/23) was my first Nephew Patricks birthday. He would have been 35. We lost Patrick in March. The demon of drugs, depression and social pressures got to him. He fought a long battle and tried with all his mite. His soul needed resting and he taught most of us a lesson. That was his purpose here. He fulfilled it and now he is in peace. I miss knowing your here but I KNOW your here. Thank you Patrick for teaching ME a lesson.. yea I know.. "Dun worry bout it" (in your beautiful Brooklyn accent).

Thanksgiving blessings....

2009-11-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Thanksgiving day.
My daughter made dinner at her house (apartment). She lives with her boyfriend and a roommate. They all worked together and made an amazing dinner! The turkey was YUMMY! The sides were all great. The company was fun. All the family in Arizona was there. It was really nice to be all together!
Even though both my daughter and her boyfriend just got let go from their jobs, there was plenty of laughter and smiles to go around. I know in my heart that God will help provide. I pray that he provides soon!

I hope everyone had a blessed and happy day!

LOVELAND!

2009-11-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Check out this amazing store... LOVELAND located at Baseline and Mill Ave (s/e corner). It is a cute store with local artists work.. including MINE! Come check out the fun aprons I have in the store. Let them know you saw it on my blog!

I will write more when I am not running to my 9-5 job..

Re-arranging .. again!

2009-11-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Once again I am re-arranging the living area. I do not have enough space in my room for both my crafting/art and my sewing.. so the sewing will get its own area. I will post pictures when I am done.
I am so happy I completed an apron and sold some things on Ebay. I am going to try to take pics and see if I cant get some stuff on Etsy. THey are so picky about thier pictures! I dont know how to adjust pixels and stuff. So I guess we will see... Oh! I found this quote someplace.. I thought I would share it!

Woman is born to create… in creating she becomes herself, accomplishes her destiny. Her whole life is only an initiation into creative power. To create is not merely to produce a work… it is to give out ones own individuality.-Jeanne de Vietingho

Work vs Play..

2009-10-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hi all..
It's been a few days since I have written so I thought I would post an update.
I am working full time now so writing and "playing" have been put on slow. Never stop doing what you love to do. Slow it down okay. But never stop.
I am lucky that I found a job very quickly after losing my last job so I will not complain. I still do wish I could win the lottery so that I can stay at home and play all the time!
I am contemplating rearranging my studio and apartment again. I think Im going to just use the WHOLE apartment as my "studio" why not? Its just me and I like what I do so..it makes sence!
Well I have to go back to work. I will try to catch up more often!

Whatta day..

2009-10-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Wow.. long time, no blog!

Well lets see.. last we chatted I was not working.. I am now. It is an okay job. Pays the bills and I feel blessed to have found one! Thank You God.

Last night I took my daughter and Justin (like my second son) the the State Fair. That was fun! I enjoyed watching them on all the rides I won't dare attempt! Well not now. When I loose a significant amount of weight I might try it just not now. It was fun to walk around and look at all the fried foods and the amazingly outrageous prices!~ $9.50 for a single turkey leg?? I don't think so!

Then today I went to the Park and Swap on Washington St. So it was 100 degrees on OCTOBER 18th.. who's counting.. It was hot and I didn't stay long BUT... I did purchase two three ring binders with TONS of paper that is from the 1950's and 1960's.. they are all clip art! fun!!

Well I updated the blog a little too today. If you notice on the upper right portion, where the pictures are, there is now a slide show of some of my work! I only put the pics that I had stored in the computer there. I am still learning how to do all this. I am proud to say that as usual... I did it myself!

Lovely!

2009-09-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day!
I was so happy to finally meet Beth and her boys ( hubby too!). There are still some truly NICE people left in this world. I really enjoyed the company. Next time we must get together longer. It was nice to see you in Mystic Paper. I can't wait to finish your pink/black apron! I hope you love it!
Got my laundry done, house straightened and now.. I prepare for the new job on Monday. I am so excited about it!.
As for the pics I have promised.. due to technical difficulties (camera mess up) there are none to post. I will get some and get them up when I can!

I wanted to share a little something with everyone. For many, many years, as long as I could remember, I have been a worrier and a stresser. Until... I don't know if I read it or heard it someplace but I learned that worrying and stressing are a sin. That God frowns upon that. I didn't know this! I was raised Catholic and well that's what we do.. we stress and fret! So once I learned to just let it go, trust, know in your heart that it will all be handled for you.. POOF! I feel a million times better! and with my foot work to do the earthly things that needed to be done, God provided what I needed.. a job! and one that is not just work but actual contribution to society!

So publicly I wanted to say THANK YOU to my friend God. And if any of you are struggling with letting go, just think, whats the WORST that could happen if you DO let go? Then cut that expectation into tiny pieces and blow them away like dust. You WILL get what you need.. not necessarily WANT but need.

My First..

2009-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

My first follower! Thank you Beth!
I was so excited to meet my new friend Beth. Thanks to Mystic Paper for getting us together! I think it was meant to be!
Checkout Beth's site here. How fun a great scrapbooking idea for those of us who love Project Runway.. Project Scrapbook 09!

I know I have not added any fun pics latley. I'm sorry. I have to get the pics from the show to upload and I am almost finished with the little touches on my studio. As soon as I am done I will post them.

Have a ArtyFall!

MYSTIC Paper 5 year ANNIVERSARY!! VENDOR FAIRE!

2009-09-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. I booked my space today for the MYSTIC PAPER 5th Anniversary vendor faire!

If you are in Arizona and you have not check out this shop you really should! The lady's here ( Kim and Jennifer) are super sweet, the atmosphere is warm and the creativity just FLOWWWSS!! This is my favorite store (can you tell?).

I was considering moving out of Arizona last year and one of the reasons I really didn't want to go was this store! Seriously, I could not imagine finding another store that would fill the spot of MYSTIC PAPER. When you walk through the doors its like a step back in time.

The journey starts with the wonderfully warm front "porch" of the store. How sweet to see a little wooden bench to rest on before or after you shop. When you open the vintage (old?) glass door you step into the past with all the elements of today's creativity! The floor is wood and it creaks, the ceilings are high and they are surrounded by huge vintage family photos that have been created into wall paper. The display cabinets are right out of the antiques store. It is almost like walking into an old time general store!
Mixed with all the wonderful atmosphere and people are some of the best products around. Everything any mixed media/paper crafter could want! From Tim Holtz/Ranger to Graphic 45 and 7 Gypsies. The mix of "found" objects is huge! From doll parts to door knobs you can find it here! If I don't have it in my stash I know MYSTIC will.
If your a crafter you owe it to yourself to check out this shoppe.

Why not start with the 5th Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 12th!

Craft On..

We all have ROOTS...

2009-08-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

No I don't mean roots to be colored by hair dye! lol.. though we have those too!
I mean Roots, where we came from, why we do what we do and why we are who we are...

I was cleaning up some pictures today on my computer. You know dumping duplicates, extra pics of things you have no clue what or who they are.

I came across some wonderful pictures of my family and my Mom and Dad. When I was fixing the pictures, turning them right side up etc.. it dawned on me .. this is where my Mom creates... ala the Somerset magazine "Where Woman Create". We (the whole family) went to Oregon last year in October to celebrate my parents 60th yes that's not a typo..60th Anniversary! They were married on June 12, 1948! We celebrated in October just due to everyones availabilty from work. It was great to be all together for a change. Two of the kids were missing, my son who was in the AirForce and could not get leave and my brothers oldest son who was ill.

While we were there we were able to take some great pictures. I have posted below some of the pics. My Mom and Dad are very talented people. My mom was a professional seamstress in NYC since she was in high school. My Grandfather (her Dad)and my Uncle (her brother) and my Father had all at one point in there lives owned dress shops. My mother grew up around sewing and creating. She is amazingly talented. She sewed all her bridesmaids dresses, my grandfather sewed her wedding gown and my mom sewed my wedding gown and my sisters also. As a kid I would watch my mom sew. She would work all day at home on the shoes my Dad would bring home for her to make. Dad worked for Capezio Ballet Makers. There he was the forman of the fitting room. He had people reporting to him, they sewed the top parts (uppers) of the shoes together. Dad could make a shoe, fix a machine, soothe some pmsing seamstress and still come home and work again at night as a t.v. repairman!

Well with all this talent in the family, I guess its only natural that I follow suit! I hope you enjoy my pics!

Aunt Darling...

2009-08-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

My nephew David and his wife Casey have three AMAZING kids. They are so well behaved and beautiful! I'm crazy bout them .. and if you know me at all you know that says a LOT! I have to say I am not a kid person. ANYWAY...
David is an officer (Captian I think) in the Marines and was away on assignment (in the states) so Casey goes to her hometown when he is away, on the way back to their home in California, they pass through Arizona and stop and stay with my sister or other nephew (cutie pattootties Brian and Lisa, newlyweds!) So I was intived to Brian and Lisas for dinner when they were in town.
The cutest little girl EVER(well ok since my daughter) is Ashley she is 4. She was calling me Aunt Arlene, but it comes out... Aunt DARLING!! ..... I LOVE IT!!! I think I may make this the name of my Apron line!
I will try to find a pic of the 3 kids if not then at least one of my Ashley!! She is a hoot!

Other than that not too much going on here. I am almost finished with the studio re-do. Gosh its a lot of work. I am exhausted. I dont know if I mentioned before but I am now unemployed and looking and so I am taking this time to take care of my studio and hopefully start a internet business in earnest.

Aunt Darling!

I am Woman hear me.. meow..

2009-08-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

Whew~ what a weekend. I was home all weekend. I moved 75% of the things that needed to be moved into my studio. This is HARD work! My body is screaming! Moving furniture alone is not easy!
I enlisted the help of my daughter Cherise and her boyfriend Larry. They helped to get the final pieces in and Larry was a sweetie and hooked up my puter again! YEA.. now I can blog!

So do you remember I mentioned that I said that I put the little disk thing that is in your camera that holds the pictures, into the wrong slot of my puter and I couldnt get it out? WELL I took my puter apart and got it! It was hiding but I found it. I also cleaned out the inside of the computer... man was that filthy!

Anyway.. I will get more pics and write more as I continue to put my studio together! Can't wait to get to create in here!!

2009-08-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm so EXCITED!!
Today at work ( I call it the cell cause I HAVE to be there not want to be!), one of my co-workers said she needed some fabric to match a top, where should she go? I suggested Joann's, she had been there and they didnt have what she needed. I suggested another place but we discovered they only had quiliting cottons. Another co-worker overheard our discussion and suggested the "by the pound" place. Hmm that sounds interesting. So we googled it..
It is about 2 miles from my house! I had never been there. I went as soon as I got out of work. My co-worker who needed the fabric gets released earlier than me and was already there and gone (she is not much into sewing). She called me and said the place was amazing and she found what she needed.
When I got released from the cell, I moved as fast as I possibly could given I am a "larger" lady! I got there at 5pm! I fell in love!!! I walked into the store, and just stopped in place! I looked around, took a deep breath and almost cried! I wanted to hug the little old lady in the cobbler apron with the tape measure and pen on a cord around her neck. If they ever sell this store, I want to buy it!
I had walked back into time, into the fabric stores of New York City! The garment district! I loved to go there with my mother as a kid. I would love to look at all the boxes and boxes of buttons, trim appliques, spools of ribbons, sequins, lace, and PILES and PILES of fabric rolled around long cardboard tubes. The sound is muffled. The smell, musty, dusty and comforting!
Back in NY there were usually men on the other side of the counter. These men were gruff and sometimes abrupt. If I were not from NY I would have been offended. But you knew this was how they conducted business. They would rip you off if you didnt know what you were looking for.. "what, this ribbon is supposed to be thin the wide then really thin... of course its good.. no no we dont sell seconds! You want seconds go across the street, he will sell you seconds" The ribbon was seconds, it was damaged goods. A wise shopper would say " Fine, you keep it. I'll get better" Then the man would sheepishly pull out the "good" stuff and cut your yardage from that! Only one time did that get done to you. I don't know how they did it but once in the store and they knew you forever. They had thousands of customers, but they remember every face! Those days are sadly gone. I wish there was a way to get them back but they live strong in my memory and in my heart. There is nothing more comforting to my Brother, Sister and I than hearing Mommy's factory sewing machine sing us a lullaby as we fall asleep. Safe and secure in the love that was sewn by my mom the dressmaker and my dad the shoemaker. I was blessed (then and now) and this store today reminded me of that.
Ps. I bought a bunch of trim at AWESOME prices and I will be back early on Saturday for more!

Shopping in the heat!

2009-08-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Living in Arizona in the summer is really tough. Really tougher on the shopper! Usually, in the summer here, we stay inside, kind of like the winters in northern states. But! I enjoy my weekends, I like to go to thrift stores, antique stores, yard sales... so that means.. out in the heat! When it is 110 degrees, your a/c in the car is not very cooperative on short trips. Lots of starts and stops don't help!
ANYWAY.. I picked up some fun things.. I will be making more aprons!

I will post pictures as soon as I can get the little photo memory card thing out of the wrong slot that I stuck it in on the computer!!! ugh!

Well I have tons of work to do in the apartment. I purchased some shelves and angle irons, I hope to get those painted and up this week. I am almost done with the improvements in the bathroom.. smallest room first, it's an accomplishment and once that is done, then I can do more!

Ok off to do some painting!!

Happy night!

Weekend of BUSY!

2009-07-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

This will be a weekend of busy!
Starting with Friday and a shopping trip to Walmart to purchase things that Cherise (my daughter) will need in her new apartment! That was fun! Pots, Pans, Towels, Sheets.. all the little things you dont think of .. till you need it!
Saturday was off to a slow start .. kind of lazy! But off to my sisters house to see my nephews their kids and say goodbye to a dear friend and his family who are moving away. SO it will be a day of little kids, big kids, kisses, hugs, laughs and swimming! No tears because it is a happy move! Also saying see ya.. to my son who will be moving to NJ in a week! Then my studio work begins!
Sunday is moving day! Cherise, Larry and Justin move in the apartment! Of course I will go to help... but Im not picking up boxes! I will point and direct!
Hopefully in this busy time I will be able to do something creative for me! Well I was able to blog and for this I am happy! Have a great weekend.. oh and check me out on Creative Souls! Badge is to the right at the bottom!

SUNday

2009-07-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hot as ususal in Arizona. So I was happy to spend most of the weekend at home in the cool A/C. I am lucky because I love my apartment. One of the things that helps to foster this love is the fact that the A/C is FREE! Yes FREE! However it is done, it is included in my rent. So my electric bill is at the highest $45!! YEAY! Being a one income person, this is a huge blessing. SO having said that..

I have done some sewing this weekend. I am trying to finish my latest apron. Working with Chiffon on an apron is not as easy as I would have liked but it is almost done.

Just a few more weeks and I will have my studio back. I will happily post some pics when it is put together. I have wonderful ideas for it.. just a matter of finding time to do them all!

Well thats it for right now. I will keep things updateded as possible!

Plans for the weekend

2009-07-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

Great! A three day weekend for ME!! I have Monday off and I plan to use it wisely!! Since I am getting my studio room back I will be going through my "stash" and purging. Then, I bought this great paint at Loew's. It is an interior wall paint BUT.. it was an "OOPS" color, so instead of a gallon at $28 I got it for $7!! and it is a pretty "tiffany" blue. I will use it for some ugly black furniture! FUN!!! Now if I can just paint before the temps reach 115! We shall see.

Making more!

2009-07-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all..

Rough week at the 9-5 job! I am still trying to figure out how I can be home and work my craft and make enough money to live on! If anyone has any ideas.. PLEASE let me know!!

Very excited to say a young lady at the 9-5 asked for some specific pieces that I have made! I will also make her some coasters. She is such a sweet young lady. Very fun personality.
I will post pictures as soon as I can figure out how to do it.! Robert won't help me find the plug for his camera and Cherise said she needs software for me to use hers! Ugh.. I need one of my own.
Okay well I am off to play!
Happy night all .. I may post again over the weekend!

I made it!

2009-06-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together some really cute aprons. I needed a body to view them on. SO... when I don't have something.. I make it!

It has been fun putting together a "fit model". First I took a trip to one of my favorite Thrift Stores (no suprise fining me in a thrift store!). I found a very cute dress. It was on "super sale". It was $.99! Then in the same store I found some old pillows, BIG pillows they were the same price! I run home with my goodies and get to creating! I put together the CUTEST dress form dummie display fit model!

I have always wanted a dress form. I just cant seem to find the perfect one. So while Im waiting for one to show up..I will be having Aunt Maggie at all my shows. She will be wearing my favorite apron at each show.

I will have pictures of her on here soon.
Have a happy rest of the weekend!

Sew Sew Sew..

2009-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

I love it! I just love creating. I have been working on some very fun aprons! I can't wait to show them at the Christmas in July sale and the end of July in Peoria. My first real craft fair!
My son who is 24 will soon be moving out .. again.. and I will have me studio back! I have been working in the living room. It works but I miss my space.
I will post some apron pics as soon as I can.
Happy Tuesday~

Edith Head

2009-06-21T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sunday, it's nice and quiet. I did some baking. I baked my mom & grandma's sicililan lard bread. YUMMMM!!
I worked on some aprons today. I love doing these! While I was sketching some designs, it hit me like a ton of bricks. EDITH HEAD! I love her. SHE is a magician! Her clothes are amazing.

So now the hunt is on.. I want everything Edith Head. If anyone knows where I can get pictures, drawings and other things let me know.

Well Im off to create more!!

Putting it all together.

2009-06-20T15:06:00.001-07:00

I guess I may be a pureist. I want to have and do everything, but i dont have the funds or the ability to obtain it all. BUT I do have the know how to DO it all!! (okay, MOST of it all). So having said that.. This is my blog! It is still underconstruction. It's kind of like the roads in Arizona, undercontruction at all times, but some roads are open or detours offered.
So this being my first post I wanted to let everyone know that I enjoy feedback. I also enjoy meeting new people, so please feel free to follow me. I will be adding things to the blog almost daily. Thanks for stopping in, next time, grab a cup of coffee sit and chat!