Family News

My Sister is a writer. Her first book (in a series of 3, maybe more) will be out soon.

http://www.amazon.com/School-Brides-Courtesans/dp/0425240509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300545933&sr=8-1

I couldn't be more proud of her. I've read a review copy (no fancy cover and some type-o's)
I recommend it. Funny, adventuresome and a bit racy.

You can see her website here
http://www.cherylannsmith.com/

I'm no quitter!

I haven't posted in almost 3 months!

Mainly because I felt a lot of things I was doing around here, I had already posted about many times before. You know gardening, chickens, thrifty stuff.

Not that we didn't have a great, interesting summer. Cabin trip, we went to the Maker Faire (saw the coke zero and mentos guys (( my girl shot the video)), WE SAW GREEN DAY IN CONCERT! They were incredible. And last but not least... we have a third driver in the family. Yep, my giant little boy is 16 AND DRIVING!

This not blogging thing has been bugging me so I plan on doing something about it.

Since I am no longer doing the craft/art shows (unless through my art group), I need to stay motivated to create some bags, quilts and new things swirling in my head.

(this used to be my sewing area)

During the summer I rearranged my basement. Mainly to contain my work space explosion and also to unearth the pinball machine, Foosball and boccer ball tables from under piles of fabric.

We can actually use these things now. I am the foosball champ of the family btw.

I moved my space behind our wonderful 70's sectional couch to help contain my mess, but it also gave me a great window to look out. (See out the window, it's the little blue coop)

I have shelf space behind me that I have to share with a doll house, and behind that is a dusty treadmill. I haven't organized the space yet but I have worked there and think it will be great.

So my plan from here on out is to show what I have been working on and to get my "studio" in order. I hope to show pics of my progress. I will also be adding a gratuitous chicken photo every now and then.
So of you are an old blogging friend, thanks for hanging around so patiently. If you are new, HI! and welcome.

Freaky Friday (and the pictures to prove it)

Now that I am working, I no longer have the time or inventory to be in the Ann Arbor Art Fair, but I do still like to visit. Friday was my only day to go.

It was busy and HOT!

These tall sculptures spun in the wind.

I am always fascinated by this work.

THESE PEOPLE AREN'T REAL!

So amazing.

*

Most of the art is out of my price range but I did enjoy looking.

One block from the Art Fair is one of my favorite shops in Ann Arbor.

Red Shoes.

How can anyone resist walking in.

Even Fairies are welcome.

Even though Catherine (artist and owner) wasn't there, the gal helping out was sweet.

I bought a few gifts and caught the bus back to the parking lot.

While on the bus, the rain came down in buckets.

The bus driver swiped a car in the parking lot. Oops!

I was trying, sort of discreetly, to get a pic, keep my camera dry and run.

I was soaked to my bloomers when I made it to my car. My lens was steamy.

I drove around to get a shot of the damage to the car.


Trying to get home was tricky in my little neon, but I made it.

*

That evening, we got hit with quite a storm.

My hubby was watching our windmill from the front door. The wind yanked open the storm door. Not wanting to get his feet wet, he grabbed the door jam, leaned out to pull it shut.

Another gust of wind slammed the big door on his hand.

I drove him to the emergency room in our big suburban, avoiding downed trees and debris as we went.

Now I will warn you, the pics I took are quite gross. I made them small, you can try to enlarge them if that's your thing. I did find it fascinating.

The stunningly beautiful doctor burned small holes in his fingernails to release the pressure. As of this morning they are still oozing.

This finger required 5 stitches, but no broken bones!
Three hours later we were home.

That was my Friday.

Around here

Things are growing.

There isn't much wind.

I made a bean trellis from an old swing set frame.

There is the other part of the swing set.

Tomato plants are looking good.


So is the lettuce and broccoli.

The clothes line is up.

I found this giant wok in a freebie pile at a garage sale.

I can picture stir fry on the fire pit this summer.

Little Mama says hi.


Do you see our little treasure?

Here's a better view.

(I haven't weighed it yet for all you egg weighers out there)



Thanks for visiting.

My arts gone public!

Library that is!

I just spent a couple of hours this morning trying to get it just so.

(do not look at my big tushie. I SAID DON'T LOOK!)

The kids liked being all alone in the library before opening hours.

I'll take you on a tour.

The display case when you first walk in has some of my bags and quilts large and small.

View as we pass.

Then we walk up to the book return.

Closer view.

Too close.

Then to the other side.

(don't use your cell phone here)

The wall to the left has this small quilt.
It usually hangs in my living room.

The other has my days of the week skulls.

Do any of you remember the days of the week tea towels?

They were these towels that ladies embroidered back in the 50's or so.

A lot of them depicted kittens or Scottie dogs doing the chores.

Well this is my updated twisted quilted version.

They are pieced, appliqued, painted and quilted.

*I have to give credit to my artist friend Keith for the ribbon display. He had done all the work for hanging them this way when these were at the art center. It made hanging them today for me so easy.

These crack me up every time I look at them.

Then above the CD rack is my "Good Morning" quilt.

I used a wavy lined fabric for the roosters tail to depict movement.

And used music note fabric for his body.

Then in the very back corner (our library is huge),

is another tree quilt.

It usually hangs in my den.




Anyway, that was it. Another quilt artist will be hanging her work soon.

We get the whole month of May to show our work.

I'm a mix of nervousness and pride.