Long Time?

Gosh its been a while! We were thrown back into the dark ages last week- everything digital of ours was out... phone, internet and digital cable. Thankfully, we still had our cell phones and regular cable... but no DVR!!!! (insert scary horror-movie scream here)

So, during that time we went on a nice little drive to a local archaeological site, called Aztalan. There are 2 re-built pyramids-- yes, you heard that right, pyramids in Wisconsin. Ok, so they're really big mounds, but they are pyramid shaped mounds.

We had a blast hiking around, seeing all the nature. But a week later, I find myself fighting some horrible cold that started yesterday with aches, chills, and you-don't-want-to-know-the-rest, and has progressed to a headache, scratchy throat, and still you-don't-want-to-know-the-rest.

I think it's time to snuggle under a nice warm blanket.

Deals, Portfolios, and Careers, Oh My!

As a woman, and I know this is a bit stereotypical, I L-O-V-E shopping, but I particularly love finding things on clearance to re-purpose and use for something else. I found this nifty shower caddy on clearance at Target- simply because it was labeled as "College 2008"- for around $2.50. The same kind of thing is at Walmart for just under $5. While I have no need for lugging around my bath and body products, it's working out great for toting stuff to and from the "studio" (aka basement). It's got the 2 large compartments big enough for baking tiles, and some smaller ones for things like tools, rubber finger cots, and a few lumps of clay. Perfect for when I don't want to be lonely in the cold, damp basement. PS- If you look closely, you can see my latest project- for the PCAGOE Day of the Dead Challenge!

This evening, I was supposed to be meeting with some other women for a networking dinner party of sorts, but unfortunately it was rescheduled. One good thing has come of it- I spent a good portion of yesterday evening formatting and printing a portfolio of my work.

There's so much I don't have anymore, and some of my favorite pieces have found loving homes far far away. This is a great way to showcase those things! Just a small 3-ring binder with page protectors. I had one with the clear plastic cover, so I printed up a nice cover as well.

Lastly, I stumbled upon this fun little test. It takes the colors that you like and dislike and tells you what career path you should take. I was pretty surprised at how accurrate (in my opinion anyway) it was! Give it a shot!

Has it been this long?

Wow- has it really been 2 weeks since I posted last? I'm a horrible blog mistress- I'm sorry. Here's a pretty yellow rose from my garden to make up for it.

I was in a foul mood almost all of last week, and thought it'd be best if I didn't subject all of you to that- it was bad enough my hubby had to deal with it!

So, lets catch up! Since I've been away, Tommy and Caylin have both started school- Tommy is in 4K and Caylin is in 2nd grade this year.

Missy Maya is the only one not in school, but I don't think she minds. She's keeping us all busy with her climbing. What a little monkey! See the skirt she's got on? I whipped that one up all on my own. It's nothing special- just a couple of quarters of fabric, cut in half, and sewn together, with an elastic waistband. Luckily, she's still short enough that I could get away with that!

Speaking of climbing, Caylin has discovered her own climbing talent! Do you see her way up there? She loves climbing to the top of our apple tree and I think she enjoys scaring the be-jeeezes out of me too. Her theory is that the best apples are at the top of the tree. Next year, we may just have to spray so the bugs don't get to them before I do... my husband can already taste the Apple Dapple Cake I'll be baking next year. I may just have to surprise him with one.... one of these days.

Your Mission...

...should you choose to accept it:

Go vote for your favorite textured entry at PCAGOE!!
This month's challenge was "texture". All of the entries are so wonderful, I'm not sure which one will win! Don't forget, by voting you're automatically entered to win one of two fabulous prize packages!



I gave my husband a mission this weekend. It was to clean out all of my son's GI Joe accessories. It was all supposed to fit into one box. In his opinion, we just need a bigger box. But, in mission control's eyes, well... he didn't make it out alive.

So far this weekend, I have cleaned out my son's room and the garage. Still on my to-do list is the basement. But the sun is shining so bright and beautiful outside, I'm not sure I can force myself into the basement for too long.

Wishing Stars

Well, we're still not exactly back to normality, but we're headed in the right direction I think. Last night was the Meet & Greet at Caylin's school, and today Tommy had his bus orientation. And I'm still working on the wishing stars. They're cut out now!

To be honest, I don't have a whole lot to write about today. I would like to show these image transfers I was working on last night.

Also, I drew this a while ago, but colored it today. I plan on making a cane with it, but I'm not sure what color to make the background. I was thinking a faux wood would be really neat, but I'm not completely sure how I would do that (although I have an idea or two). If you have any thoughts, leave a comment below!

I just love these creations. Here's more info on them:
1. Sea Sculpture Brooch Pin with Stripes, 2. Sea Sculpture Brooch Pin, 3. Lynne's Awseome Blossom Earrings, 4. The six images below show items that will be taught at the Sundance Retreat I'm holding in September with Lynne Ann Schwarzenberg. Read more by clicking on the "Sundance Retreat Workshop" icon on the right side of this page., 5. A Checkered Yellow Sunflower Pendant, 6. Yellow, Copper and Brown Sunflower Focal Bead, 7. garden ring, 8. Polymer Clay Pendant Necklace, 9. polymer clay beads, 10. Polymer Clay Candy Hearts - Feb 08 Meeting, 11. Awaken Tree Pendant - Polymer Clay, 12. Broche arcoiris / Polymer clay Rainbow brooch, 13. 'Lavender Water Lilies'

I would like to say I was feeling a bit in a funk today. I meandered over to Oprah.com and found a couple of great articles.

The first is "Are You on the Right Course?" by Martha Beck. She believes that there's a superhero in everyone of us, we just have to peel down the layers to find our spandex-clad super-selves. Pretty good read for someone down in the dumps.

The other is "6 steps to Get Your Creativity Flowing" As told to Jancee Dunn. There are some great insights from Tom Kelly- IDEO's general manager.

Back to normality?

We're back from "up north" and I'm missing it already. Its so calm and peaceful. The cold crisp air is so refreshing in the morning. And the smell of sweet flowers, grasses and vegetables saturates the air.

Even cruising through the fields on the ATV's was relaxing. Feeling the cool breeze on my face was just what I needed.

Even Caylin got to ride on her own- with the help of a speed regulator. She did great!

Tommy caught a blue gill that was about 6-7 inches long. Not bad for a Lightning McQueen fishing pole manned by a four year old. Unfortunately, I was in town when it happened, and the camera wasn't handy. It was the only fish caught all weekend. I do have my own fish story, but you'd never believe me....

Tomorrow the eldest of our brood goes back to school, with the youngest starting school September 5th. This week is full of meetings and getting ready to go back to school. We've begun labeling school supplies, and packing backpacks. For the 2 grade-schoolers, we've made wishing stars, with goals written on them. We'll be hanging them in their room, and as they accomplish their goals, we'll be putting them on a board for everyone to see. Tommy's goals include learning to write his letters. Caylin wants to read 1 chapter book a week. It's been great for getting them excited about school. I'll put up pictures once they're hung.

It's gonna be a loooong night

Can you believe it's almost Friday already? This week has zoomed by! I can't believe I haven't even blogged since we've returned from Disney! Yes, we did survive... although I wasn't postive we were going to get out before Fay hit. BTW- the hotel had the cutest comforters on the bed. I was there almost a day before I realized that the characters from Nemo were on it!

So seriously, it's 11:09 pm here in Wisconsin- and I'm only halfway done with what I need to do tonight. My mother's birthday is tomorrow, which always means a late night for me. I suppose if I started her birthday presents sooner, I wouldn't have to stay up quite so late, but that just takes all the fun out of it!

Thus far, I've made guacamole, made a custom envelope, made her present, and wrapped said present. I'd show it to you, but my mom reads my blog from time to time... Hi Mom!

Still left to do for tonight, and going into this morning- downloading 158 pictures from said Disney trip. I've also got to pack up these letter tiles to go to the PCAGOE Alphabet project. We're making 2 mosaics of polymer clay letter tiles that will be donated. I don't believe they've decided on who it'll go to, but if memory serves, there was talk of a children's hospital. But, it doesn't matter- they were a blast to make!

Oh, yeah, and I've got to pack tonight, because we're going out of town again! This time, we're going to my uncle's cottage "up north", eh. That's Wisconsin talk for even further north than we already are. And we get to behave slightly less civilized and enjoy things like walking barefoot through shallow water with our pants rolled up to our knees. Or catching frogs and turtles and fish. Or getting four wheelers stuck in some muddy spot.

PS- It's now 12:51 am. I was going to make some of these muffins posted on Lisa Clarke's blog, but I'm all out of steam. Get ready to laugh- maybe I'll do it in the morning before I go to work. Hahahaha!