Little steps

My class is officially over and now the holiday celebration may begin.
The American Festival in Long Beach.
The Vintage Lady in Tustin is having an open house this Sunday.

Baby steps with the wreaths.  Joe was here this weekend and I didn't show him. Mine says, "Boas Festas" and Joe's says, "Feliz Natal."

We all experienced the Rockettes for the first time.  My two favorite
parts were the toy soldiers and the Nativity scene with the three
kings.  Amazingly beautiful.

Glorious Saturday

The Rockettes, thrifting and Holiday of Lights....oh my.

Holiday Art Festival

Holiday Art Festival in Del Mar last Sunday.

Kate Seeley signing the cutest print for me.  Notice the chair and a huge ball of string.  The ball is wearing a birthday party hat.  I walked away from this print on the first pass but the print called my name. Any collector knows the experience I am describing.   Kate says she will eventually write a children's book about the physics of string.  If that chair and that ball of string are leading characters I hope it will be soon.  Artists are, by far,  some of my very favorite people.

Holly having her portrait done by artist Hyatt Moore.
Brother was more interested in observing than participating.
We really have tried to expose the children to a variety of people and experiences.
This was just a jewel of a moment. Once Holly was shown her picture...her smile lit the
up the whole area.  It was a moment to cheer.

Yo Gabba Gabba, eye glasses in honor of DJ Lance Rock.
For all the things that make our family special
and for all the individuals that touch our lives we are truly thankful.

Holiday Week Adventures

We had such a wonderful week.  Retail therapy, cooking, baking, and yes eating.  We also visited enchanted places like Rogers Gardens.  Each day I will post a bit of our adventure.

Happiness

Let's face it, I am the happiest when surrounded by people.  I am certain that is why I have four children with ages that span twenty years.  My plan was to ensure that there would always be someone at home.  It's true I have friends that cannot wait to be empty nesters and that is great for them but not for me.  Isn't it wonderful that there are choices?

And holidays to accommodate the desire for extended family.
We had to visit two days in a row to really explore.

Weekend Dreaming

Found Pee Wee Herman.  Mr. Herman.  Wish I could go.

Want to visit here:  The World Famous Crochet Museum.

AND  we are going to see Charles Phoenix this month.

New Autumn Finds

When you find something wonderful don't you just want to share?  Like when I was commenting, in front of my whole family, that if I ever married again I would marry an artsy type (Lee IS totally artsy).  My little nonsense comment was not lost on Miss Holly who replied, "You are sitting right next to your highness."  Like dah, of course her daddy is the perfect mate.

From Mary Engelbreit's blog I found the loveliness below...   ME has been seriously under the weather
please go on over and leave an inspired Get Well comment.

This amazing magazine....Inspired Ideas.....this event...Silver Bella.......wish I could go and Charlotte Lyons herself....her blog has been added to my blog roll.

Glitterfest yesterday....October's header.  Aren't you inspired?  Crafters, artsy types,  are some of the warmest people.  We love them.  We feel surrounded by kindred spirits and always feel like we fit.  Well behaved children are always welcome and admired.  Holly and Jacob were fed candy and bestowed with gifts.  The next Glifferfest is in March .

Glitterfest Fall

Creativity blossoms.

Glitter dust.

Had to have a crown to add to my collection.

Piecemakers Fall Festival, Costa Mesa

Wrapped up the perfect day with a perfect dinner at Islands.
Jacob was celebrating his student of the month award for Math.
The burgers were the best we have had in a long time and the staff made Jacob feel super special.

Vintage Shopping in Riverside

For a few hours on Saturday we enjoyed the Open Houses at some of our favorite shops.

Old Glory
General Store
4344 Market Street
Riverside, Ca 92504

This is the shop where Joe and I would rejuvenate in between visits at the hospital with VoVo.  It is still one of my favorites.  In some ways it seems so long ago yet the feeling is always the same.  In entering I always sigh and prepare for the visual stimulus. To creative people it is like quiet time.  My mind is not racing but unwinding.

Mrs. Darlings'
6500 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, Ca 92506

Where Holly and Jacob are known by name.    There's Jacob with Mrs. Darling. 
This is one of the warmest shops and there is this amazing cabinet.

Holly feeling at home and munching on Open House goodies. 

Vintage Flair
3778 Elizabeth Street
Riverside,. CA 92501

New to us:

Patina Decor
6510 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92506 (next door to Mrs. Darling's)

 Looking forward to some much needed quiet time in October. 

Outon Outon Outon is Coming

Doesn't that sound wonderful.. Autumn is just the beginning to my favorite half of the year.
Quick trip to the gourd farm.


Gourd fields.

Rivers of gourds. We only picked the tiny jewelry size.

A morsel at the Julian Cafe.

Pumpkin and apple pie.  Oh my.

Cottage Crafty Saturday

Head to Los Angeles for the crafty goodness of the Renegade Craft Faire.

Enjoy the Los Angeles skyline.

Act silly. 

Strike the pose.  

People watch. We love this umbrella. Holly picked it out last weekend at the Urban Barn.

Have lunch at Philippe  be prepared to wait in line but it will be worth it. 

Jacob ate his entire dipped beef sandwich.  This never happens.   

Then check out Vintage Emporium in Long Beach.  This shop is filled with my kind of eye candy.  Lee and I plan to visit again soon.  This wonderful shop is jam packed loveliness.  We didn't have time to scour each and every nook and cranny because we were chatting with the charming proprietess.   This shop is wonderful but the warm hospitality takes the whole experience over the top.

See what I mean?

  

International Quilt Faire, Long Beach.  If you are looking for a show deal on a sewing machine or you just want some inspiration in a beautiful location this is it. 

The shabby chic, all white environment is an appreciated look but we frankly miss a splattering of primitive.  See the skeleton fabric dolls.  You too, can purchase a kit at Pudding Stone Road.   We seek only nice people.

Like these folks...

Screen printing tote bags with the sweet team at diyprintsupply.com

A lovely full day.