Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel...fog is lifting from my head.

I feel so much better today. Still not 100% but instead of the crud bug, I have the creative bug this morning. I am determined to produce something today even if it's a three headed turtle! (I'm not sure what I meant by that) Although I feel stir crazy and a powerful urge to escape my dwelling for a few hours, I am staying put throughout the weekend. I want this cold to be gone with no chance of a relapse. Thanks for the well wishes and kind thoughts, and I really didn't mean to be a complaining baby. I just get so bored when creating is taken away from me.

DS came home with the new issue of Artful Blogging last night and it saved me from insanity.

I needed to read about and see some fresh creative souls,and that certainly did the trick.Thank you Somerset for another wonderful issue(and all creative minds within the pages) When DS was heading out with friends, I asked this favor of him....being sick, he must have taken pity upon me you think? I honestly didn't expect him home so soon and was willing to wait until today to wrap my fingers around the delicious pages. When he came home a few hours later and handed it to me I felt like a child being given a whole bag of candy. Yum! I grabbed a bottle of water, turned on my little chandelier over my bed and dove in head first devouring each page as if it were a sweet confection! Why do these magazines have such a hold on us? Sweet fat free addiction! I love it! I'm sure the publishers do too.

I think its because we all need to take a journey, see pretty things, learn about what drives and inspires others, and just see things we may never have the desire to do but appreciate the process and enjoy the eyecandy. It is soothing in a way, to see you are not alone in making "strange" things, collecting unusual and somewhat useless items,and thinking "outside the box". As if I need reassurance that I can still play among the creative souls even if I don't have art degrees on my wall or have any desire to become famous.

That is a big reason why I enjoy blogging and meeting new online friends. Everyone is interacting in this colorful community. They may not do the same art, some may be more experienced or well known, some may be an every day body like myself who just has the urge to make things and share, but we all just have the same things gluing us together, the love to create,blogging and the internet. As we type each day( or when we can) we offer this part of ourselves openly. After the initial shock of being "read" and the insecurities of acceptance as a new blogger, it really is a "let your hair hang down" kinda atmosphere. Yes, some are more uptight and play by rules, but you know what I say about rules...................
Ok, I seem to be climbing up a soapbox...perhaps I have a fever? LOL. Jumping down, I am off to get dressed and play in the studio.

 I hope you all have a tip top day!

Yucky cold!!!!! Beware! Boring ramblings of a sickie!

I can't complain, but you know I'm gonna. I am relatively a healthy gal, I credit that to country living :-) However I picked up something last week and it has broken this country girl down. I shouldn't have gone out to see the Pink House because my cough worsened after that and has steadily gotten worse. I almost brushed my hair and headed to the Dr. yesterday but I felt so disgusting I decided to stay put. DH called and asked if I needed anything. I told him to ask a pharmacist if there was anything for a horrendous chest cold/cough that won't budge. HE came home with a new product called Mucinex DM..I took one immediately and within an hour I actually felt better. I went to sleep at 7:30 and woke at 9:00 thinking it was morning,LOL. I must have really been knocked out from exhaustion from coughing every 3 seconds. My poor family, I try to stay away from them and isolate myself in my room. Boy has it been boring. I felt miserable yet not able to sew or read with interest so what did I do? I played fish-ville on facebook.Even though the screen hurt my eyes I played...and played.  Oh brother am I sick of those games. When I get well I am burning down my farms , selling my fish, and torching my cafe! I will shut myself in my pad in Yoville and starve to death, and I will never step foot on my paradise island or rollercoaster ride again!!!!

Man can you ever get sucked into those games. I can't imagine the wasted time that I didn't have to spare spent sitting with my laptop anguishing over where I would get enough money to buy air? Sick!!!!

Now, after saying that, I am not judging or thinking badly of my friends who play. Lets face it,it is fun, but I do have many things I must accomplish in the real world,LOL.
This morning I woke up feeling icky but noticeably better so I actually took a bubble bath and put on makeup. Then I went downstairs and straightened a bit. Your house can really change when mom isn't feeling well can't it? I decided to treat the guys to walnut choc chip cookies today. I don't have much of an appetite, but they smell great!

Angell can tell mom isn't herself these days. Poor baby.....although that cushy bed sure looks inviting to me right now :-) Move over chicky!

I looked around for my candle and discovered I was out. Oh no! I love the Beanpod Earthly delight scent and can rarely find it around here because it is so popular. Knowing I wouldn't be going out for a few more days, I decided to try to recycle my old candle. I heated a small pan with water and sat the jar in to melt. Then I used a little pimento jar with a new wick and poured in the melted soy candle. Ta Da! This will satisfy me until next week.

 Last night I did get a little creative and made a "Dotee" style doll stuffed with Lavender. I just needed to create something. You know the feeling when your out of sorts and yearning to get back to normal. Anything works! Anyway, she isn't great, but she smells good!

I had hoped to find homes for all the comfort dolls this week but this cold made talking on the phone impossible. Next week will have to do. I have received so many dolls and I am so behind in posting them. My apologies to those who have mailed dolls and haven't heard from me. I am sorry, and will get things together soon.
Speaking of receiving things, this Capodomonte basket arrived from my dear friend Freda. She thought of me when she spotted it and shipped it right off. She has really enhanced my Capodomonte collection and somehow she is matching everything perfectly! Thank you so much Freda...until you are better thanked!

I also received some fun post cards from sweet Leslie in MI from the Victorian Photo collage lecture at the Art Institute of Chicago which I had to cancel last month. That was so thoughtful and the post cards are delightful. Thank you for thinking of me Leslie.

My eyes are watering so I need to get off here. Maybe there is laundry to be folded? I hate colds!!!!!!!!
Stay well!

I'm baaaaack from the Pink House!

Before I start, everyone put a quarter in the computer for the guided tour.....:-)
 Unfortunately, this is a gray day for picture taking...so sorry.

Ladies, the photos I took do not capture the quaintness and warmth this cottage offers. Stepping out of the car  I knew immediately that this would be a memorable and very awesome experience for all who attend the retreat (s). I was happy my mom was free to go with because she enjoyed it so much. I think many retreats will be booked because it wouldn't be fair for only one group to get to enjoy this "girls week off". I guarantee you will feel like we are having a pajama party in Jr high school...only without parents or zits. Ok, here goes..........walking onto the back deck to back entrance...

There is another door to the right which is off the sitting room.
Upon entering the back door you find the kitchen. Spacious and everything included even dishes.

This is to the right of the door....

this is to the left..you can see mom's head by the phone.

Exiting the kitchen to the right you enter the dining room. Sorry it is blurry. There is a deck off the dining room so we can conveniently grill .

 

Although he gave me permission to take pics, I felt invasive, so I was quick and too selective. I wish I had taken every inch of the place!

To the left is a laundry room but I didn't photograph it. So, there is a washer and dryer for us to use...I didn't know that! Yeah!

Exiting the dining room you find the stairs leading to bedrooms and bath, the door which leads to the front porch off kitchen, the door leading to a bedroom and the entrance to the living room. The living room is so cozy and...

there is a fireplace if needed.

 I love this scroll piece above it.

To the left of the living room is a bedroom and bath.

The closed door shown in the foyer pic is another bedroom.

To the right is an entrance to the enclosed front porch filled with wicker for reading, stitching, chatting, enjoying wine or tea or just a slumber land.

Between the front porch and bedrooom is a small office area with desk for writing or blogging...yes, if you have wi-fi...you can bring your laptop.

Heading upstairs you will find a loft area with two mattresses on the floor (One is mine!) I love sleeping on the floor!!!!The wall is painted with clouds as you drift off to sleep....whoops! Did I say sleep?

 

Turn to the right and there is a window with a civil war era trundle bed (no Pic) then the bathroom with whirlpool. I know there will be a line at that door! It is so bright with two sunroofs.

The nooks and crannies int his house add so much to the ambiance. For a moment  I stopped and pictured myself with nine other ladies giggling, stitching and exchanging stories...I can't wait. Past the bath to the right there is a pretty blue bedroom with sun pouring in  every window, and it is an overcast gray day.

Every room is bright and cheerful. It was almost like magic to walk in from the gloom to find such bright spaces. We didn't turn the lights on either. Oh I can imagine how adorable it looks at night!

Then you have another bedroom in pale sage, again light filling every corner.

This bedroom has a little hideaway seating area to drift away from the group to have a chat or show and tell.

I had to peek through the window to the street below.

Next the owner pulled down the stairs from the ceiling and I tip toed up to the Cupola to see what I could see.

Apparently in my excitement  and exhaustion last Saturday with Laney, my mind played a trick on me and made me believe the house was across the street from the beach front. As you can see, the water is there, but there are many condos, although beautiful, so we will have a small walk, perhaps three blocks and over the marina bridge. In June, it will be a welcomed jaunt. Besides, there will be cars for those who prefer to drive. It is a lovely vacation spot and tourists disappear from Oct to June.Planning a June 2011 retreat is a perfect time. The shops will be open and yet tourists will not have arrived yet....except for us crazies.

Outside heading around front this is the detail you will see.

There is a really nice grassy side yard, I will bring lawn chairs for sure. This is the front which I have already posted.

Looking up you see the cupola.

Now lets go down town, a block away..........We have several restaurants and unique shops.

Ooops! Where did that chocolate shop come from?????

Yes, even a subway!

There a a few really cute clothing shops like this one, Indian Summer. I love their clothes!.

Heading toward the beach......right there is the train station.

Talk about convenience! Just a block and a half from the Pink House.

The beach!!!!!!!!!!! If we find time I would love to show you "my beach" in Beverly Shores.

Heading back over the bridge back into town............

 

Condos galore.

One evening we may have to dine or have a nightcap at Hannah's. It is a hot spot.

 

Well, there is a lot more to see, but you will have to wait and see for yourself. Now, to plan a project...........after all, this is a CQ retreat right?

Time for DH to come home...off to make a salad!

Hope you enjoyed the tour....I haven't received any quarters yet???? Hmmmm .....

A few things before retiring for the evening....

I wanted to share a special card I received a few days ago. It was from a friend and fellow crazy quilter,Pam Kellogg, who has not been feeling quite herself for a while. I think of her often but did not want to "bother" her and here I receive a beautiful handmade card from her.

Pam slipped in some beautiful vintage laces from one of her antique outings. Although the card was beautiful and the laces extraordinary, I really felt happiest  knowing that she was feeling better.Pam, if you are online and reading this, THANK YOU so much for the thoughtful gifts. I am so happy you are doing well and appreciate you thinking of me in such a special way. Big hugs to you!

I received a lovely surprise from my friend Freda also..I must take a photo first, so I will save that for next post.
10 years ago if you told me that I would feel such a bond with women I have never met I would have laughed. These thoughtful gestures I receive makes me realize just how deeply women connect from the heart and this is why we hold our friendships as close as family. Protecting, respecting, and admiring special women we happen to graze wings with during our journey through life is truly a gift wrapped in the finest silken gauze we call our hearts. I hope you recognize these special chances when they are offered to you. These gifts are like non other and should not be taken for granted. 
Thank you Pam...thank you Freda....and thank all of you who have grazed my wings.

Tomorrow is the day!

I just received an email from the owner of the Pink House and he is meeting me there in the morning!!! Camera battery is in the charger ladies! I wish I felt better, but I am so anxious to see it and share with you that I am going for sure. I hope he lets me climb up the Cupola for a pic of the lake.

I tried to work on finishing a purse today but my energy level is low and the sewing machine ran out of bobbin thread so I took that as a sign to forget it today. DH is bringing home dinner and I am going back down to curl up with Angell on the couch and fall in and out of consciousness.

I am so drained but thankfully not sick to my stomach. I can't wait until I step foot in the Pink House tomorrow.......................................

Shopping experiences should be pleasant.....rambling

Friday afternoon Jilly stopped by my house and somehow I found myself heading to House of Stitches with her. She had Avery, her huge sweet St. Bernard with her. Avery is the first St. Bernard I have seen in person and she is the sweetest girl and so well behaved.
At the needlework shop, which is my favorite because not only do they have tons of threads and beads to keep my muse happy, the staff is incredibly sweet and helpful. It is so nice to hear of many new friends have also made House of stitches their own stash resource through the years.

I know many of you share my feelings on my next statement and I'm not trying to be "ugly" but...... not every time,but sometimes when you go into a needlework shop or a specialty shop of any kind that offers "leisure time" supplies, the staff can seem a bit snooty and "put off" until you have "proven" yourself to be worthy of their offerings, you are not treated like one of their own. Whatever that is. I am one who does not believe in the land of "Hoity Toity". I say be yourself, be real,behave, and enjoy life's experiences...which include creating!!!!!! My motto has been and always will be

"Be true to YOU".....and wear jeans if you want.

Without even opening my mouth, I have endured cold stares and frowns at many art and fabric shops. When I have asked about a certain product I would receive the shortest answer possible. Was it my deodorant? Did I need a breath mint? Was I not dressed properly? It must have been my unruly hair.Hopefully nothing was on my face that shouldn't have been :-0 If they only knew I shopped resale shops for fabrics!!! Heavens no!
I first thought I was being over sensitive until I heard of my friends having the same experience.Needless to say, I do not frequent those shops any more, and many are now out of business...I wonder why?

This has never happened to me at House of Stitches. Years ago I started going there for cross stitch supplies. Now I go there for specialty threads,(they carry my Kreinik!!!) charms, etc. A few times I go just for a stash "fix". The staff has always had a smile for me and was welcoming no matter if I just browsed or purchased stash. I don't consider them anything less than friends, and many times I will drop by to share a recent project and see smiling faces. It is like visiting friends instead of shopping. These ladies are just that, "Ladies". I appreciate that because especially  these days of uncertain times when the world seems to be going crazy, we need our hobby to offer an pleasant escape , to comfort and inspire us and if I was greeted with a sour attitude when I went to stock up, it would just ruin my day of stitching and I would certainly not be creating much.

I wish all merchants were as kind and inviting as the ladies at House of Stitches.
Now for the goodies I found.....I always try to pick up some kind of metallic threads, and some new pearl cottons colors I don't have. I spotted a ruler that accepted a needlework insert. Oh yes! Something crazy quilted will go in there. I also needed a pin picker-upper magnet thingy. I always forget to buy one and honestly I wouldn't know where to buy one, so luckily I saw one while waiting for Jilly to gather her project supplies. A few other threads and an adorable angel that needed to come home with me.

 Although I didn't need a thing, I enjoyed my outing and already carded my new threads ready for stitching. On my Michigan outing with Laney last weekend we stopped at a quilt shop and I found some pretty cotton fabrics and larger pastel beads for Inner Child dolls. The new pearl cottons will coordinate perfectly!



I also think I picked up a bug somewhere among the crowd. I have been coughing all night with a sore throat and nothing seems to sooth it.
I am off for a double dose of Echinacea tea and vitamin C/zinc drops.
A cold is something I don't need.Please stay well and
have a great weekend creating!