michelle ward

it's HOT, but he's COOL

Oh my, the temps have been very red recently.  This very second it is 95 degrees here and the heat index is even higher.  It's going to be a very warm week.  So it was a pleasant surprise when Sam shifted his color palette from warm to cool.  The previous batch of cards were reds and oranges, and last week he chose blue, purple, and teal.  I love seeing all the cards together.  This is the stage where he labels the backs and packages into sets of four.  Typically we have selected cards that are similar to be in a set but I'm thinking this time we may offer a variety of colors.  New offerings will be posted this week.

As always, thanks for your support and your enthusiasm for Sam's new enterprise.  We've received many lovely emails about the article in Somerset Studio.  I've been printing out all the comments, notes, and Etsy reviews to put in a binder and we read them together.  It's been a beautiful experience.

 

Check us out on Etsy later this week for these new cards.

ETSY:  ForYourSpecialNeeds

 

today is the day!

 

SAM AND I HAVE BEEN BUSY!  

We are excited to launch this new venture together, and are making our announcement today,

the beginning of Autism Awareness month.   

 

SPECIAL NEEDS is a phrase that has a double meaning. Yes, Sam has 'special needs' in the way most people think. He has autism. But don't we all have special needs? Rather than shy away from the term we are embracing it to remind us that sometimes you just need a little something special. We hope you like our offerings and will choose to purchase when you want a card to send a personal message. 

PAINTING WITH PURPOSE: Our goal is not to make profit but to cover our costs, and more importantly, give us a daily purpose.  Our products may not be perfect, but that's the beauty of being handmade with heart.  We will be donating a portion of our profit to make a difference in the lives of families who are affected by autism.

CREATING OUR OWN DESTINY: After years of working with agencies trying to find appropriate employment we've decided to create our own destiny with the self-imposed ambition to have a daily purpose. Painting with Purpose has become one of our mantras.   Sam loves to sit at the easel and paint piles of paper everyday. Painting, cutting, sorting, counting, labeling, packaging and mailing will be a fun way to insert productive activity into our day.

RIPPLE EFFECT: (And the secret behind our logo)  We hope that our choice to open this shop will have a ripple effect and inspire others to do something similar. If you know of a family that is also trying to gain employment for their adult child with special needs maybe you could suggest they find an item that could be handmade and sold too. When there isn't a clear path of what to do after graduation, this could be a worthwhile endeavor. I welcome any questions on how to get launched.

 

 

See our brand new shop, HERE.

As I mentioned here on the blog, a little while ago I had an epiphany.  It wasn't a lightning bolt idea, it had actually been simmering for some time.  After meeting with our sixth job coach in nearly three years, with grand hopes of finding appropriate job placement for Sam, it was becoming clear that we needed to invent our own plan for daily purpose.  Sam has great skills and has had some work experience, but the applications and interviews were going nowhere.  We couldn't even secure a regular volunteer position.  

My first vision was to come up with a project that Sam could manage on his own, giving him a routine and a schedule - something that he loves.  I purchased a die-cut machine with the intention that he could make sets of gift tags and sell them on Etsy.  I buy tags from there all the time so it made sense.  The endeavor would be a chance for him to be productive, and see results.  Cut, sort, count, package.  We began.  Then, to explain better what we were doing this for, I pulled out some painted cards Sam had made back in middle school with his class.  His teacher, Mrs. Reiss, had her husband make the boys some tabletop easels, and they painted papers which were made into card sets.  The boys sold the cards from a table at school events, and even had a display at the church holiday bazaar.  As I was reminding Sam about the handpainted cards he got really excited, and it was a *sign* we needed to drop the die-cut tags and focus on painting.  So painting it is - and eventually we may circle back to tags, but we also have a few more project plans that will debut later in the year.  Sam has purpose.  Mom and Dad are proud.  Family is supportive, and cheering, and tolerant of the dining room take-over during the painting sessions (he paints 30-40 sheets at a time!).

• Painting with Purpose becomes a mission, check.
• Tabletop easel, check.  
• White cardstock, check.  
• Acrylic paints and brushes, check.  
• New descriptions of assignments on the calendar, check.  
• Goal:  paint, cut, fold, label, and package cards, check.
• Prepare online shop at Etsy prior to April 1st to coincide with Autism Awareness month, check.
• Begin campaign to promote the launch, check.
• LAUNCH, check!!!!  

 

A few photos from 2007 when Sam's class was selling cards.  Thanks to my friend Maureen Reiss, and the other teachers who got the boys started with the process of painting with purpose.  Who knew this would become a daily focus?  Awesome.

 

 

And a re-cap of our adventure - it's only just begun!  Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us.  It's made the process really fun!

 

 

Ready to ship!  See HERE.

EDIT (June):  See my story in Somerset Studio (July/August) HERE

 

 

art collecting

On two occasions while in Venice, Fallon and I visited the home studio of Enrico Orlando Martina.  He is located near our hotel and we enjoyed meeting him and seeing his process of making art using several mediums.  We spied his open door down a narrow alley and were tempted to enter when we saw his paintings in the window.  Like me, he is schooled in architecture but spends his time making art.  He is such a talent and swiftly illustrates local scenes like St. Mark's Basilica below, with a swish of his charcoal which he demonstrated for us as we carefully selected a piece to bring home.  He gave us the sketch too! 

 

I love to fill the walls of our home and my studio with art that I make, and art by others that makes me happy.  Recently I scooped up some very handsome pieces by my friend Julie Prichard.  She's loaded her Etsy shop with very affordable prints from her original paintings - these are amazing!  Not only do I love her style, but the texture she achieves in the prints is stunning.  It's like owning the real thing.  Recently she added miniatures as soldered glass charms - great gift *hint*.

 

 

just arrived

It's a rainy day and I'm in the midst of a studio purge.  A good day to stay in and get organized...but I had to step out the back door and shoot some new spray color through the new stencils that just arrived.  Gah! 

Love them!!  This was a three minute study - can't wait for a nice fall day to get outside and play some more.  For now, it's back to sorting the piles of supplies that had gotten to the point of being dangerous.  Seriously, one might consider wearing a haz-mat suit in here...you never know what you might step on!  It's nearly under control....one more day (she says with optimism).

 

 

Links:  StencilGirlProducts.com, GreenPepperPress.com

 

Also, just arrived....a little treat for me.  I couldn't resist!  This beautiful jewelry is my latest Etsy find from Anne Marie Bottcher at Silvan Arts.  (blogged with permission).

 

 

 

the latest

Obviously I'm a little slow to the scene for this one as it's been hit over 4 million times.  In case you haven't seen it either, I'll share here.  I was just thinking I may own too many scarves....between Fallon and I we must have, well,....not telling....because I don't want to be put on the *don't send her anymore scarves* list.  On the contrary, I love scarves and will never stop collecting.  Would you ever admit how many you have? *wink*  This video is informative, but also very very clever and mesmerizing.  I'm not just impressed with the 25 ways to tie a scarf, I can't imagine what it took to put this clip together.  Wow.

 

 

I updated the Home Improvement page with sample pages of my Alice book.  Click HERE to see, or start the tour by clicking on the right sidebar button.  More kits will be listed on ETSY this week.

 

Last week I posted Crusade No. 57.  FIVE years of hosting the Street Team blog!  Sheesh, times flies.

Come on over and play with us.  We make new friends every month, and love to build connections through creativity.

recent finds

When I scored my poppy pods from ebay some time ago I was pleasantly surprised by how large they were.  This week I felt the same way when a new delivery of pods arrived - but this time they were tiny in comparison but just as fabulous.  Here is a side-by-side to show you.  How cute are these?

 

 

 

 

Another delivery this week - recycled silk ribbons.  The available colors were all lovely and so tempting...I settled on a few bundles of sage.

 

I am always attracted to handsome crosses.  Treated myself to the religious relic by Lisa Souers after spying her jewelry on Jenny's blog.  Then scored the brass one from etsy...always have to wear more than one cross at a time.

 

Speaking of etsy, I am assembling more house kits this weekend - thanks for asking.  And this coming week I will have some stencil news ;)

 

this week

I've listed more House Book Kits on Etsy.  Later this week I will begin adding useful tips and photos of my completed books to the Home Improvement page (link at right sidebar).

 

 

Can you believe we are at the end of Oprah's final season?  I am so bummed to see it end.  Three days left.  She's been an afternoon companion for many many years.  I will look forward to see what happens on her network, but for now, farewell girlfriend.  Thanks for all you have done to teach us, entertain us, make us laugh and cry, and by example, show us how to live an authentic, giving, enthusiastic life.

 

it IS a good friday

This entire spring break has been a jammie wearing lazy affair.  Each day has been spent preparing the house book kits for etsy, and bagging and packaging socks.  I finally began listing the kits this morning.  There are several color combinations to choose from and soon there will be additional one-of-a-kind offerings.  The socks didn't leave yet as I am expecting a few more arrivals.  I'm so excited to launch these - hopefully tomorrow.  Easter decorations?  Oops. didn't get any up this year.  *smacks head*

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

HAPPY EASTER!

deja vu

The boxes of socks are piling up and I feel like I've seen the scene before.  It hardly feels like it was two and half years ago that I had three large pink bins filled with 700 pairs of pink socks in our living room.  We are nearly at 200 already!  I think we're gonna need a bigger boat!  Look at all the love for Japan!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you ladies!  Such great looking socks for everyone in the family - men, women, kids, and babies. 

Another deja vu moment:  I've been revisiting the House Book I began teaching in 2002.  I used to sell the kits but then I dropped it from my GPP site.  Thanks to the oh-so-talented Pam, who showed a wonderful video on her blog of her gorgeous completed book, there is a renewed interest in the kits.  Since I have lots of supplies left I will be assembling and uploading to my Etsy next week.  *waves to the visitors who came from Pam's site*

 

was there an earthquake?

Well yes, in D.C. this morning.  But one might think it rippled up to New Jersey.  You should see this place.  I have taken on the gigantic task of rearranging my studio.  Like moving entire sections of stuff across the room.  Like moving shelves and tables.  I hope to make the space more efficient and declutter by at least 50%.  Ugh.  I am determined to be ruthless and just get rid of stuff that gets in my way.  I am so lucky to have this wonderful space attached to our home but I can hardly find a clear space to work and shamefully end up on the dining table to work.  It's pitiful.  NO MORE.

I promised to show you my roses....here are two of the four gardens:

I've been meaning to show you this lovely scarf I gifted myself with last month.  It is simply smashing.  You can see more of Maria's work on etsy:  SingingScarves.  (She is from Estonia, where HIM played last night.  I wonder if she went?!)

My email hasn't been working....can't even log into the site to retrieve it.  No matter....it can wait.  But if you are expecting to hear back from me you can assume I haven't read anything in two days.  I am not going to get distracted from this project.  It is at least a 5-day affair.....I'm just into day two and you should see the bags of trash and compacted cardboard.  Feels good. 

Have a good weekend.  And Happy Birthday Graham!!

one for you, one for me....

Don't you love when you find something cool and want to give it to everyone you know?  That's how I felt about these handsome and clever flower pins.  I found Lynda on etsy and think she has something really special going on.  I got myself, my mother, and a few friends some of these.  Look how pretty her wrappings and ribbons are too!  Maybe you'll find just the right color for a Mother's Day gift.  Her shop is HERE.

 

While you are there, check out the wonderful prints by Mae.  LOVE this Beatle's lyric.  Love her style.  I want all of her prints!  Her shop is HERE.

What did we do before etsy?  It's a great place to find interesting people from around the globe sharing their unique talents.  I know it's become my default location when shopping for gifts (for you and for me).

spring sing ring

So I'm a little late posting this page.  At least I kept up!  I'm also late with the crusade, but it's up now, whew! 

There is nothing better than working with reckless abandon, and no concern for "what am i going to do with this" - just playing to learn.  Hope you'll join us this month.   

Sam turned 18 yesterday.  Eighteen!  Sweet kiss from his sweet friend :)  Makes my heart sing to see him so happy.

Lots of comments about my custom *lucky girl* ring.  From etsy of course!  Made by Chris at CreativeMode.  In fact, all the rings are from etsy.  See also aprilkawaoka, puffluna, karalmava, aliciasjoy, cherrycreek,  tinahdee, panicmama, and sterlingstones.  Rock On is from somewhere else...can't remember now.

hearts and hatters

Lots of hearts.  Love the love around here.

Last year I was late in finding Stephanie Lee's cool hearts.  This year I scored two!  Aren't they divine?  Had to have the "x", You Are Here, and she made a custom one for me, You Matter.

I ordered this gem from etsy.  Seller:  MudStuff. 

 
  
This was a gift from Laurie Mika.  Love everthing she does!

 
 
Because it's heartagram day - for my HIM fan friends....have you seen this?  Ville on the cover of the recent Metal Hammer magazine (from UK).

The making of video is HERE.  Super cool!  Off to celebrate!

learning new tricks

I'm teaching myself some new tricks.  I love exploring a new craft.  I really believe that trying new things gives you ideas that you can bring to your old things.  The latest:  needle felting.  I can't knit....but in 3 seconds I taught myself how to felt.  You can't stop me now.

It's interesting that you can be surrounded by treasured items that have beauty and sentiment but later take on another role as inspiration just because of a shift in perspective, or an awareness.  Once I started thinking about wool I ordered these handsome acorns from Fairyfolk.  And I opened the Love Book to Kristen's lovely page, and I pulled out my felted bag from Marie.  Then I tooled around on youtube and found THIS.  Who wouldn't want to try something like this?  Sure, it took some supplies....I found those online HERE.

More from youtube:  a video from Rice where she shows you additional things to do with needle felting.  HERE.  It's endless.  I great craft to practice during football games....you can produce many items in one sitting.  When it's too cold to be in my studio I can sit at the table and felt.

Do you felt?  Tell us about it!! 

i *get* myself :)

While I tend to feel guilty buying anything for myself in December, that doesn't count for November!  Some recent cool finds from Etsy:  crocheted lariat from SewJennyJo,  felted scarf from DutchFeltArt, and more crocheted loveliness from ShelbyRose.  Don't forget to visit ETSY.com for your holiday shopping.  To revisit posts I've made about Etsy finds you can click on the category cloud at the left.

Tonight I posted a new crusade on my Street Team blog.  You know I love *signs*.  I am encouraging you to document yours in your journal, and share the story.  It's a cool thing knowing someone else's signs because when you see them you widen the circle of connection.  I know many of you think of me when you see pink socks, which means that Shannon is being thought of too, right?  It's all good.  Share your signs!

I need to make a journal page with pansies.  They are Mom's favorite flower.  Some years ago I got her a press so she could send me dried blossoms and I have handfuls of lovely pansies I've used to make her cards and gifts but I never have made a journal page about it.  I motivate myself to do it now.....and I will include that she turns 70 today!

love metal *

I love old embossed metal.  Love the grungy shabby chippy remnants from past eras.  Check out these cool items from Annette.  Isn't she clever to take these relics and turn them into new pieces?  Discarded tin being repurposed....and they even come with hooks so they are ready to hang.  Her Etsy site is here:  CottageInTheSun. 

 

I have had this ceiling tin hanging in my studio for years as inspiration.  I just discovered it holds magnets!  HCIT?  (Ceramic rose magnets were found online....just can't remember where I got them!)  The items below it aren't old....they are probably from Michaels or TJ Maxx.  I can't resist affordable metal stuff.

I've been meaning to try embossing metal myself, but have never armed myself with the proper tools.  (Lisa is really good at it and steps way out of the box with her tools.)  Someday I will take the plunge over at Ten Seconds Studio and drop a wad on some supplies.  I did develop a class on making faux ceiling tiles from paper and paint that is in the files somewhere.  Here's the photo:

I never taught that class but I use the technique alot...in fact, here is a page from my Stairway to Heaven book (sneak peek):

Love faking out the embossed look with stuff I already have.  Sa-wooon!
 
 

  * the post title is the name of my favorite HIM album.  i crack myself up ;)

see this and see ya

 

XO bowl:  reader Leau gave me the heads up and soon I was the owner of this lovely ceramic piece from Annie at Blissful Arts on Etsy.  Type-adorned bangles:  another reader Joan sent these!!  I love that you know what I love!  The hat:  I'm off to somewhere warm and sunny.  It's just me and he-who-doesn't-like-to-be-blogged-about at an undisclosed location :)  I'm a lucky girl ~ See you next week.

 

P.S.  It's been a busy summer for everyone so I've extended the current crusade to September 1st.  Come on over and Knock Yourself Off.

revealing...

Some recent updates.  (If you are reading through a feed you'll notice I don't approve full posts or graphics to appear so click on in.  I appreciate feed services as a way to be notified that a blog has been updated but it's my preference to limit the excerpt and invite you to come on over.)

 

New crusade is up, come over and play!   I've been working behind the scenes on assignment for my friend Lynne.  She had the impulse to try a slide show and before I knew it she had created 28 new pieces and some banner graphics.  We not only launched a new web page featuring these but we also got her set up with an Etsy shop where you can purchase her original art.

 

And because you asked for it.....

 

When I went in for my Shannon tattoo in May there was time for a quickie 2nd one!  The ankle ink is a repeat of a much larger one on my lower back but since I don't reveal that one too often I thought it would be fun to have it in a more visible place. 

 

 

I'm not going to apologize for showing tattoos on my blog....I know some people don't like seeing ink so I should probably have posted a warning.  I don't like food photos but people never warn you before they visually assault you with their dinner do they?  ;)

 

They say once you start....Of course I'm kidding with these.  Besides, no time for a tattoo, I'm hitting the road.  I've packed some pink socks - I know you are with me.  See you next week.  xoxo

goodie two shoes

 

Finished up a few pages - loving my new carved thorns.  Making tools and using them.  Very fulfilling. Yes, I keep re-visiting this quote.  It's a fave.  Yes, I keep re-using the same colors.  They are faves.  After mentioning that I wear my palette I realize I live in my palette too.  Yep - even have red walls, sage and mustard too.  No, I don't have black walls....just black furniture :)

 

Made an evidence page of my find - even took a rubbing of the sole.  Thanks for all your comments about my boots!  I've been wearing them every day.  I haven't worn suede boots in years - loved those slouchy pixies from my DD* days and wish I still had them as Fallon is dressing in 80s fashion this week at school.  Tomorrow is the Frankie Says Relax shirt.  (It's a repro from Target....my signed-by-the-band original T is retired from wear.)  *duranduran

Evidence of a Lucky Girl:  This perfect cup arrived from Carin - she gets me ;)  And Theresa gave me the heads up on the scrabble thing - Xs & Os glued into place, which I scooped up from ETSY:  RememberMeEmily.  And how about that cute card from Sam?  Priceless.

  

One week to go on the current Crusade.  After Shaping Up, we are now practicing Portion Control.   What I am talking about?  Come see!  Lots of crusaders have already shared their interpretations - so fun to learn from one another as we all try something at the same time.  Congrats to Cath Sheard for being the most recent Top Hat Pick.

some finds

Check out these cool zips!  I scored the turquiose one (in the banner) for a friend and found out I was Elaine's first etsy sale!  Check her out, but save a red rose for me!  Love those hearts.  Perfect for your Valentine.

 

I had a few rings made for myself from Alicia.  Is there a word or two you need?  Order one up!  And how about that Wink?  HAD to have it, made by Heather.

 

My friend Anne found a great "Get You" gift - a watch with the Big Ben face!  HCIT?  We were in England together a few years back.  OMG, nearly 25 years ago!

And a special ornament - I found it at TJ Maxx.  When I saw the packaging I scooped it up as it reminded me of the Angel Shannon gave me one year.  When I read the message on the wing I knew it was for me.  Now that my ornaments are safely put away I will hang this on my dresser mirror with the angel, to remind me to Rise.

drum roll.......

 

i know that they have several meaings - in gesture form it's 'crossing fingers' for good luck or to negate a promise, and the other is 'a-ok', or 'all is well'.  they are letters in sign language too. 

but to me, i see 'x' and 'o'.  in text-talk it's #9 x2, #6 x3.   tina got it first.  she knows me well.  and yes, megan, when they are finished, and on display in our home, it will be a *wink*.  

the clue:  journal pages from here and here.  and one of my graphics, made for inge last january to explain the meaning of "xo".

 

More on the subject, some etsy finds from Renee at PanicMama, and Andrea at SterlingNStones.  (More etsy finds after the 1st.)

 

This is a teeny weeny magnetic sculpture thing that is addictive to play with.  Scored it at Borders on one of those spinners at the checkout meant for impulse buyers like me.

  

And these, from Michaels, will be spray painted as soon as I can get outside to do it.

 

I promise you I'm not already in Valentine mode.  Just testing my camera :)

scoop

  

It's been a while since I've posted about some cool finds from ETSY.  Here are a few things I've gathered as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Shop now and scoop up some terrific artsy items for your loved ones.  Maybe you'll find something (like lists of somethings) you can suggest to Santa for yourself.

 

LOVE these little plates.  They are 3-1/2" inches and Caroline packs them so beautifully.  Visit PalomasNest to find a message that speaks to you or have one custom made.  And look at these lovelies from DGordon.  She has a clever thing going on - I can't wait to send!

 

My wish list from DownToTheWireDesigns is long.  Santa, are you listening? 

 

And check out these earrings from SmilingSoul2 and Gingeroni1.  Pretty earrings make you feel pretty don't you think?  Such yummy beads.  Browse both of their shops.

 

Someday I may learn to knit and felt, but for now I appreciate being able to buy handmades from others.  How about these roses!  I bought a red one to pin to my beret.  I think I need to go back for a pink one too.  Check out GoldiesKnits.

 

SCOOP of another kind.... Judi discovered this Depp photo which was leaked earlier this week.  A few sites have removed the image so I may be in trouble for posting this.  I was hoping Burton's Mad Hatter might look like V.V.  I'm just relieved it isn't Wonka-like, as in the Burton-Depp-Wonka.  It almost looks Wilder-Wonka-like.

 

Anyone see Twilight at midnight?  Me neither, but it's on the agenda for the weekend.  A quick look at the soundtrack:  no HIM.  What were they thinking?  Come on, at least use Vampire Heart.

 

Mad Hatter, yes.  Vampire, yes.  Hippo, what?  I have been watching this trailer with great amusement.  Check out Moto Moto, the large male hippo.  You HIM fans have probably already seen it. 

 

Ever the chameleon, tomorrow he's a birthday boy (32).

 

And congrats to Ingrid Dijkers for being the Top Hat pick for Crusade No. 24.  We're playing with gesso now.  Lots of cool stuff being shared by the teamers.  Come see. 

*launches etsy*

 

After being a fan and supporter of ETSY for some time now, I've finally launched my own shop!  I'm starting out by selling the remaining Marie Antoinette unmounted rubber stamp sets that were created for the collaborative project you read about HERE.  Before I was even able to get this post up some of them sold.  I have more to load tomorrow, and then will be working on painted canvases and maybe some other cool stuff to sell as I get the hang of this new thing.  If you haven't been to ETSY, scoot over there now and check out all the wonderful handcrafted goodies.  See my link, upper right. 

If you subscribe to Stampington's Post Script you can enter to win one of these sets too (by May 25th.) 

W.O.W.

More roses.  EB had a photo on her blog that reminded me of these pretties (actually it's on her banner now but she changes it all the time so you might miss it).  My grandfather, whose name we borrowed for our daughter Fallon, and affectionately called Bumpa, had these in his safe deposit box for years as they are silver, even the food-touching part.  He and my grandmother gave them to me - probably because I was the first to get married, and became a "W".  My silver chest is an eclectic collection of monogrammed silver from both sides of my family, in addition to pieces added from friends, and others found in dusty shops, brought home and shined up.  I cave for anything with "M" or "W".  I love setting the table with all the various pieces - reminds me of all my loved ones.

Some messing around with Photoshop.  Fun to try out the different options.  I've printed some of these on transparency to put in my journal, and will write down the stories behind each silver pattern and engraving.

Speaking of "M"s, scored this custom necklace from ETSY.  It is the coolest bezel I have ever seen on a typewriter letter.  Love when an artist finds a way to Make It Your Own.  And these tags rock too.

 

Visit Elizabeth's shop for all the cool stuff she makes with typewriter keys, watchparts, and....well, just go to KeysandMemories.etsy.com  And then pop over to see Kelly, and scoop up several batches of wonderful patterned die-cut doo-dahs for your journal at The Paper Pixie.

The scene from here.....no school today!  I have the new Somerset Studio, the March Vogue (over one inch thick!), the Oscar Special Vanity Fair, and Illusive 2 (I've already listed 30 sites to visit from this book!)  Who needs food?

i crack myself up

Last February I had a DUH-moment as I was chomping away on candy hearts and reading the messages.  You have to eat quite a few bags to collect this many LOVE HIMs.  Fast forward to last week - I was tooling around on ETSY, as I like to do, and saw the photo below (on the left). 

Duh!  I had to order a custom pendant.  HAD TO.   So I placed an order with Shannon @ rubygirl, HERE.  "LOVE HIM" arrived yesterday.  I knew she must be thinking that it was to honor my husband, or maybe the Lord, but I'll bet she didn't expect that it was about a band.  Love all of them - him, Him, and HIM. 

And love this!  Thanks Shannon. 

Love at my Door

First, some more ETSY love.  Gosh I adore that place.  It's so cool to see artists making and selling their heartfelt creations.  It's like having an indie boutique down the street.  First up:  Art and Ghosts.  The masked girl on the right has arrived from England.  Just charming.  Check her out.

Next, Julie @ Puffluna.  HAD to have that red rose ring.  I see she is now selling black and amber too.  Might need one for every finger.  Check her out....maybe a Valentine gift to yourself?

And then I found these cameos and cabochons from Robin at A2Z Designs....supplies for your heart art??

And last for today, Nicole's custom die-cut paper shop HERE.  Yes, you're onto me....I'm going to use them as masks.  I know what you're thinking:  Better go get some for yourself.

And more lovin' at my door....from Susan Warder, who blew me away with her clever heart stencil on the envelope, mimicking the postage stamp.  And what a delightful surprise to open and see a stencil she cut for me.  THIS ROCKS!  Thanks Susan!

More cool stuff from some love-spreaders who Get me.  I'm such a lucky girl.  And Faye, my mail carrier, gets a kick out of delivering the goods.

And a last thought for the day.  We are heading off to a comedy club for dinner and a performance as a fundraiser for a family we love who lost their son this year.  He battled cancer and was finally C-free but was taken by the angels in April.  I cannot begin to imagine their pain....but applaud them for moving forward by establishing a foundation that will do good things in Sean's name, and to do so with an event where we can all bury sadness for a breif moment, and laugh together.

Laughter, the best medicine.  Write your own Rx as needed.

it's all good

Wishing you all the best for 2008!  This year marks the 100th anniversary of the countdown at Times Square with a brand new Waterford Ball.  I've been there for a few - tonight will be perfect weather for those who witness it (even better for those of us at home watching).   Stay safe, and behave!

Found some artists I want to share with you.  The first is a photographer - I recently purchased a print of her Pierrot.  Isn't it fabulous?  You can visit Lara Jade at her site HERE, or at DeviantArt. 

I first saw Suzanna's work on Etsy.  Then I checked out her website and scored a full wall piece.  She also sells on Ebay.  Isn't she a clever one?  The one I got says "How wonderful life is while you're in the world".  You know you want one of these!

This pendant is even more amazing around my neck :)  Simone is a genius, not sure how she does it but had to have one!   

And how about these earrings?  Lisa has several "eyes" to choose from.  My fellow HIM fans will know why I had to have the Poe Eyes. 

And while many of us found ourselves in this headspace recently, a cousin of mine has been taking treatments of radiation for cancer in her brain.  Thankfully it's over, and we're praying it's gone.  How would you handle illness like this?  Maybe you have, or know someone who has.  If I had to shave my head the first thing I would do is collect some cool hats.  So that's what I did over my xmas vacation...made Kathy some hats.  I'm not so swift at it....but it made me feel good.   When you are long distance and you can't stop over with a meal.....you pray, and make hats. 

I've seen alot this year.  Some wonderful experiences with my family.  Some new friends, and visits with old friends.  Sadly, a few funerals.  Happily, a few births.  Some discoveries, and rediscoveries.  I scroll back through this last year of posts, and I know that it's only part of the life I have, but it's all good.  I am blessed.  And so it goes, into the time capsule for 2007. 

So here's wishing you good health, good times, and good friends to share it with.  xoxo, Michelle

still burning........

Wore one of these last night.  The concert rocked!  Fallon and I had a great time.  We caught up with Seppo who confirmed delivery of the GD and thanked us for the chocolates (offered as thank you and bribe).  It was really special to witness both the opening night (10/18) and the closing night (12/2) of this tour.  Ville was very charming and chatty.  We were even treated to an impromtpu very brief Poe poetry reading after a fan passed off a massive book of Poe's work. 

Bracelets shown above were custom ordered from Mindy Kuen @ Etsy.  Maybe there is someone on your gift list who would love one of her pieces?  Or maybe you have just the perfect word to have custom stamped on a charm to show someone you GET them. 

Congrats to Jodi Barone who was the Top Hat Pick for Crusade No. 14!  We shared the many faces and forms of MUSE.  Tonight I posted Crusade No. 15 ~ Where in the World?  Come over to the Street Team and see the mosh pit we've established. 

Or so the saying WENT

Who said Good Things Come In Threes?  I don't know, do you?  I used to love that saying, three being my favorite number.  But recently I got to wondering how Good Things in 3s became Bad Things in 3s.  Haven't you heard that one too?  Bad Things Come in 3s.  Bleh.  Let's do away with that shall we?

See I noticed this:  G.O.O.D. equals 4 letters.  B.A.D. equals 3 letters.  Shouldn't we change the rules?  Let's start saying Good Things Come in 4s.  That way there will always be one more Good Thing than Bad Thing.

And let's talk about Bad Things for a minute.  Bad is not a place I have ventured on this blog.  I'm not going there, just lightly dancing around it.  Just trying to get some perspective.  Like there are Bad Things and there are Bummers.  Say, for instance, Graham's two-year-old-IPOD-with-a-warranty-that-ended-in-July is toast.  It's not a Bad Thing, it's a Bummer.  But like all Bummers (and Bad Things), there is still something Good to be discovered.  It's a Good Thing he has used it every single day, getting enjoyment from our investment.  It's a Good Thing he can afford to buy another.  It may be toast, but it didn't get engulfed in a California house fire.  It's not an appliance he needs to sustain life.   And it's so insignificant when you find out some terrible news about someone you love.   

Isn't it interesting that we can find Good in the smallest of things if we set our focus to see it?  Have you noticed that Good attracts more Good?  And Bad attracts more Bad?  I wish I could find this article I read online to share with you.  It was about magnetism.  There was a study done where someone discovered you can actually measure magnetism within us.  And Good vibes, or whatever they are called, attracts more of same.  Think about that.  Want to change your path, your destiny, your attitude?  Be good, do good, see good.  Attract Good.

So four good things for today:

1.  Join me in wishing my dear friend Lisa a Happy Birthday.

2.  I met a new friend.  He tagged me, but I don't do tags.  Visit his new blog and his revamped site....and for sure look for the new Grungeboard demo here.  It's a Good Thing. 

3.  Sam and I are off to music therapy class, presented by NJ Very Special Arts for families with Autism.  We are lucky to participate in a program like this.  I look around at the other kids in his class and feel so blessed. 

4.  I heard some Bad news recently, but I can filter through it and find some Good.  I feel Good that I was the one who got the call.  I got to be there for someone.  That is so Good.  I know I can ask you (yes YOU) to say prayers with me.....that Good will prevail.  I know that you don't need the details, you'll just send your positive vibes our way.

EDIT:  Can't stop at 4. 

5. Coffeemate Gingerbread creamer.  Swoooon.  See how many good little things you can find when you're fending off bad stuff?

6.  More Moo.  Laurie shares her cards, the kind we were talking about the other day.  *Note to self:  have some made!*  You DO have Laurie's book don't you?  If not, add it to your xmas wish list!

7.  More ETSY love.....don't you need one of these?  8" high, 1/2" thick!  More letter styles available.  From www.damboisedesigns.etsy.com

8.  And from www.pleasebloom.etsy.com , this terrific piece.

And yes, I know THINGS don't make up all that is Good in life.  I do believe the quote:  "The best things in life aren't things", but sometimes things are just the Rx.  Besides, after shopping this week, at the mall and online, I've got half my xmas list taken care of!

Oh, and Graham's new ipod?  I think he likes it better than his old one.  It has video!

enabling...........

More ETSY love.  Just today this ring arrived.  Do you love it?  Do you need one?  Not only is it a beautiful design, but it feels really good on my finger.  It's so clever to sell rings with an open design so it can be tweeked a little if it doesn't quite fit.  Go visit April on ETSY.  She has many stunning items.....mine arrived lightning fast!

I'm still preparing my post about the grave dirt....look for it tomorrow.