Journalfest Memories...

This post is long overdue but the fond memories of attending Journalfest in Port Townsend are still fresh in my mind. It was a great retreat, as are all events that Teesha and Tracy host. I flew into Seattle where I met up with Robin for the drive over to Fort Worden. I haven't been up there for a few years and I've missed it so much.

We had great weather, as you can see. It was brisk but absolutely gorgeous!

We spent three days taking classes, shooting photos, hanging out with friends, walking around town, and doing some good eating. Oh yeh, and we did some journaling too!

I had a great class with Orly Avinieri--if you ever get a chance to take a workshop with her, do it! Such an interesting woman, and a wonderful spirit--she's a sheer joy.

Karen Michel and Traci Bautista, and me and Vivian Young-McDonald hamming it up for the camera.

Here's Karen goofing off while she sets up for the Artist's sale.

The fabulous mother and daughter-in-law duo, Traci and Marylinn Huskamp.

And Stephanie Lee and hubby, Vince, collaborating during the Journal Jam.

The sunrise greeting us as we packed up to leave...

A 'drive-by shooting' out the car window as we headed to Seattle for an overnight stay...

It was pouring when we woke up the next morning, so we took advantage of our time there and did some journaling in the hotel room.

Once the rain subsided, we wandered down to the Public Market where I got these shots--fresh produce and weathered wall posters.
This fish decor was in the Dahlia Lounge, one of chef Tom Douglas' fabulous restaurants. We had an amazing lunch, then went next door to the Dahlia Bakery. The only thing I remember was the Coconut Pie Bite. I'm not particularly fond of coconut pie, but this was to die for. Seriously. We walked down the streets of Seattle, just licking our fingers and groaning--must've raised some eyebrows! We had eaten at the Palace Kitchen the night before, one of his other restaurants. The food there was impressive as well, so if you're in town, you might want to check out one of his haunts. Good stuff!

Till next year...

An Artful Journey Registration

An Artful Journey July 18-22, 2010--registration opens tomorrow at noon!

I've got a great group of instructors, each of whom is teaching a 3-day class in order to provide you with the luxury of really exploring a project in-depth. Stephanie Lee has developed a brand-new workshop, Foundology, brimming with jewelry-making techniques that will unearth the latent archeologist in you.

Judy Wise is taking her dollmaking/journaling talents to a whole new level in her Storybook Dolls class (can you imagine the cast of characters that will come out of that class??)

The fabulous artist/jeweler Richard Salley is offering a full three days of metalsmithing in his Cold Connection Extravaganza class--a great opportunity to really learn the craft.

In DJ Pettitt's class, Synergy of Forms, she'll share newly developed techniques as well as familiar ones, as you create collage pages that will then be bound into a true work of art.

And Katie Kendrick will help you work from your intuition in her new workshop, Dream Narratives, using fabric, painting, drawing, stitching, and other techniques.
We're going to have a seriously fabulous time at the Presentation Center in the Santa Cruz mountains, hanging out, making art, sharing, talking--maybe doing a little swimming, a little hiking. You know, all that cool California stuff. You should join us!

Check out all the retreat details here...

First up, Houston...

I took a little journey to Houston, checking out the International Quilt Show there. DJ and I went and helped out a bit in Lesley Riley's booth, wandered the aisles, took some photos, and had some adventures in our short time there, including: getting stuck in an elevator (and not even realizing it had stopped); riding a bikecab for the first time; being evacuated from the hotel; taking photos at midnight on the downtown streets; leaving purses and suitcases in various places; having my return flight canceled, etc.




And we ran into familiar (and not so familiar) faces! It was a nice surprise...

Up next...Journalfest

Give-Away Winner

Quick post as I'm running from one adventure to yet another. Houston was an interesting trip--more on that later. Right now I"m trying to get packed to leave for Journalfest in Port Townsend, WA. I'm SO looking forward to going back to PT again; it's been way too long. Maybe I'll see some of you there?

On another note, congratulations to Elke for winning the packet of vintage papers! Elke, please email me with your mailing address and I'll get that off to you after I return next week.

Now back to my packing dilemma--Max isn't making things easy on me. Think he's trying to tell me something?

Sharing the bounty...

Lest you think my 'hunting and gathering' interests lie exclusively with fabrics, think again. I love vintage ledgers, old script, diaries, bookkeeping records, all of them. They conjure up memories of summers spent at my grandparent's in Walnut Grove--a much simpler, slower time.

It's impossible to convey in a photo just how HUGE these books are--they are so heavy that I can't even lift the three of them (and I carry around both grandkids all the time!). They date from the late 1800's to the early 1900's and were filled with layer upon layer of old invoices at one time. Some of them are missing now, but there are still plenty to share! (I can only claim 1/2 ownership of the largest book, due to an unintentional Ebay 'bidding war' with a friend, but that's a story for another time!)

And this gorgeous book from a horse stable has page after page of meticulous handwritten records of "horses bought and sold" from 1901-1905. It was not inexpensive, but worth every penny.




So here's my offer. Leave a comment on my blog and I'll randomly choose someone next Sunday to receive a Provisions packet with an emphasis on vintage papers.

Here's a sampling of what you might receive...

I'll get back to fabrics on my next give-away, as that definitely seems to be Max's preference....

Self-Portrait Wednesday

Sunday Flea Market

We left at 7am for the Flea Market yesterday, expecting fog, cold and wind. Instead we got this--a perfectly beautiful fall day with the San Francisco skyline greeting us. No wonder all these people are heading that way...we just followed the crowds.

I didn't purchase much on this trip (well, except for the 7' tiered, rusted iron garden thingie that now sits in my living room with fabric spilling out of it) but I managed to take a few photos.


Seems like most folks were in a contemplative mood, except for this fellow, who just looked a bit stunned by all the activity.

Stephanie pretty much summed up our mood for the day!

Friday...

The weather here in northern California is so fabulous that it's darn near impossible to stay indoors. So we've all just been hanging out a bit, enjoying the change of seasons. Max and the girls are already feeling a bit sad that the swim season is over, but then they don't know how quickly it'll come around again. Me? I'm loving every single moment of this glorious day, coming inside just long enough for an iced tea and a quick post.

And what do you think the odds are that I can find another treasure like this at the Antiques Show this weekend? This is the first celluloid album I've ever seen in the shape of a fan--pretty cool, eh?

I don't need another darn thing, but that's never stopped me! My goal this time around is to take lots of photos (and partake of the fresh, warm, melt-in your-mouth, to-die-for donuts and the polish sausage--all in the name of tradition...and a bit of gluttony, truth be told) Hoping you have a great weekend as well!

Wide Open

It's been quite a month. This journey I'm on keeps winding round and around, then veering off; speeding along and then slowing to a crawl; narrowing to a pinpoint and then opening up wider than I could ever have imagined. Staying open--to change, to possibilities, to the gifts that are present in each moment--is a challenge at times, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Time to move on and greet the Fall--it's always been my favorite time of the year.

Shedding the old; hunkering down in preparation...it feels so full of hope and promise to me.

The Necessities

I am so smitten with flea markets right now. Luckily, my favorite one isn't held every week or I'd get absolutely nothing done around here! I've been meeting the most fabulous people, finding all kinds of little treasures, and have been taking tons of photos. I fell in love with these yoghurt jars from Hungary--the second one from the right found a new home. It spoke to me...
But this is what makes my heart really go thumpity-thump--finding vintage fabrics and handmade pieces, remnants, and one-of-a-kind bits that have a history. I wonder where they've been, how well-traveled they are, and whose hands they've passed through on their journey to me. And then to be able to share them with others who appreciate them like I do, who will use them in their artwork or garments--well, it just thrills me to no end! Yep, sheer bliss...



I really loved this 'pile of pigs', but couldn't afford the whole gang. And I just didn't have the heart to separate them, so they'll just have to hang out there for the time-being. (That little one on top is such a momma's boy--he squeals whenever she even hints that she might need a few minutes alone!)







And this nice-looking dude was prowling around on his own, looking for new digs. He seemed decent enough, and a bit lonely, so I offered to bring him home and let him live in my little vegetable garden. He seems content with his surroundings, but he's on the lookout for a mate. It could be awhile though... (Just between you and me, he's not as hot as he thinks he is--plus, he's very moody. Who knew?)



And then there's Max...the cat that adopted me three weeks ago (scroll down to read his story). It was easy-going at first, but that all changed a ten days ago. He got very sick and I was at the vet's almost every day this past week for fluids, tests, xrays, etc. After I spent a small fortune and every test came back negative, he had a miraculous recovery! Seriously, two days ago (right after some expensive tests) he just snapped right out of it. I don't know what the moral to this story is (get 2nd opinions? wait longer for testing?) but it doesn't matter anymore. I'm thankful he's healthy and happy now, and VERY grateful that I wasn't forced to make a decision about whether or not I could afford to keep him. So, so grateful...

And Piper is happy too because now she has someone else to play games with! Here she is teaching him how to play a matching game. Max is a fast learner, so I expect they'll be having chess matches before too long. Piper's birthday is today (3 years young), so having Max back to his old self is the best gift ever!