I am running out of places to hang these pretties.  I was able to upload four new Queens of Inspirations in my Etsy Shop.  I am pooping out, though.  My husband and I were able to get away for a couple of  days.  We were able to rest and relax at the Water Club at the Borgata in Atlantic City.  They have the best indoor pool around--very tropical.  I am nursing a cold and excited for my Marie Antionette debut.  I have to change my inspiration board--I think I will replace it with my french Paris trip inspired board for now.  I still have a lot to do.  Tomorrow I will try to upload 6 more Queens of Inspiration.  I listed the newest ones never featured on my blog before today.

Don't Cry because it is over, Smile because it happened

     I wonder if Kaylyn's last play in High School was anything else we would have been so involved in throwing the cast party.  I had never seen the play before.  I liked Dr. Seuss growing up.....but, we have been living and breathing this play for the past few weeks.  Playing the music and making the decorations.  Planning the menu which included green eggs and ham.  We completely embraced it and attended the play all three nights.  Even when we came home last night at about 3:30 am, I could feel the let down of all the excitement being over.  But, the title quote keeps me going.  It is a great play about hope and imagination and never letting go of that inner child that is within us all.  Just keeping the inner child happy and out of trouble at the same time is life's balancing act.  I will look forward to everyone home at 6 pm for dinner again.  Aren't the big hanging hat's great!!!!! My husband made them.  My son did a great job as the dj.....mixing in some songs from the play and everyone----everyone sang along.  What a great group of kids and it gave my whole family complete pleasure watching them have the time of their lives!!!!!!

Lessons on Life from Dr Seuss

     My head is swimming---I want to say so much, but I can't focus on one thing.  We went to see Seussical the Musical presented by Manasquan High School last night.  What a terrific production.  The cast and crew worked really hard and it showed.  They are a great group and should be very proud......now as my daughter said in the play last night......"Enough about them, let's talk about me".    Kidding, of course, but my daughter was Amazing.  She had such a fun part and did the part very well---I am so proud of her.

     On top of that she was featured in the Asbury Park Press.  They did a feature article in section titled A Day in the Life of Manasquan High School.  I didn't get emotional last night, but I lost it when I read the nice article on her this morning.  Today is her day.  She is off to great places.  She is off and away.

     Which brings me to Dr. Seuss....I went to a Weight Watchers meeting about 2 years ago, and the leader read us Oh, the places you'll go.....................life changing moment for me!  Dr. Seuss had it going on.  He is it for me.   I love this play!!!!!!!!  I love the story, music, characters and the lessons learned are the best.

       If you can go deep and find the inner child in all of us........our lives can become unlocked.  The big picture is so easy:  Read.....Oh, the places you'll go.....or better yet have someone read it to you.  It is the perfect graduation gift, too.  

      "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened."   Dr. Seuss

Marie on Parade

     I am getting ready for my Marie fashion month for April.  I will not be listing these lovlies until April.  I am trying to hold a garage sale the first week of April and have Marie make her debut at the same time.  So, anything in my Etsy shop NOW will not be available after next week.  I am trying to move on to greeting cards, tags, magnets and paperweights---but, I keep making the wall hangings.  I will have these available only for the month of April.  I will be moving on to flowers for the end of Spring and vintage beach pictures for the summer.  Each one will be different.  I am not making any the same.  I still hope to host an ATC swap, but I will not commit to it until the middle of April.  I am off to have some fun making some more.  I also will be putting some fun Marie events on my sidebar.

Shell Seeker

     So, at the end of my walk I resolved it was OK I didn't find much--it was mid- afternoon afterall.  Then I saw it, still in the water gleaming (the piece of sea glass in the right corner).  Wouldn't it be perfect with a picture where the oval is with the rays coming from the picture--and soldered.  The lines of the bottle made a SHINE image naturally--I am instantly grateful and love my find and when I bend down to pick it up there is a sand dollar right next to it.  Again a simple walk on the beach is the simplest reassurance that life is good and full of surprises.

      I love the subject of inspiration......I never think of myself as an artist, but I do think of myself as a queen of inspriration of sorts.  I love to be inspired by my family(my husband just brought me breakfast in bed--even if it was green eggs I had to be the taste tester---My daughter's play Suessical is at the end of the week and we are hosting the cast party---serving green eggs and ham, of course), my friends, travels, music, food, stores, nature, my home, wardrobe and the list goes on and on.

     When I graduated college everything came into focus.  I knew what I loved and it really hasn't changed.  Every piece of clothing even if it is 10 years old---I still love it.  I love the blue and white china I picked out when we were married.  I loved the rug I picked out when I was pregnant with a girl and boy twins(it was pink and blue) of course.  I guess what I am saying is when you are truly inspired your tastes don't change much.

     I wanted to share my great week last week and what truly inspired me.  Jodie was my first etsy customer and Pam was my third.  I jumped up and down when I saw an etsy sale on my email.(I was ready to have my daughter order something so I knew it worked).    Jodie and Pam inspire me everytime I blog.  I know they are out there cheering me on.  When I think Helloooooo  is anyone out there---I always can count on them for a nice  and inspiring comment.

     I also love when Artists I follow leave me a comment such as Rhonna Farrer, Janet Hopkins and Sandra Evertson.  I am glad I have been alone in the house when I read this, because I let out a squeal in delight and run to my phone to call my friend Zandra.  She understands my excitement.

     Stacey Panaassidi has inspired me because she started a grateful everyday site on Facebook.  Now, I can write down what I am grateful for everyday----that is the best way to start your day.  No matter had bad things are you can always be grateful for something!

    There are more but I wanted Wanda also to know--how much reading about her etsy endeavors has encouraged me to sell on etsy.  She is also always in the know for the latest and greatest swaps---which I find great fun and inspiring.

      Oh and I can't not mention Lisa Kettel, her book is great......I look at it every night and her 

CD...... I still would be thinking what should I make today---but with that great fashion mode cd I have been creating almost everyday.

    Can you believe this post was supposed to be about Monet and the ocean and how they inspire me??????  I just wanted to let all of my friends know how much your good words, travels to 7 mile yard sales, visits to cities like Cincinnati, house of 3, somerset magazines and oh the awards and tags.  They mean a lot to me.  I am choosing not to participate in awards and tags(not a good feeling ---not happy by my decision,) but whenever I go to give it to 7 more people---- you  are who I would give it to----I should have a boomerang award to thank you for awarding me with a tag or award---I 'll have to think about it.  You know like Ellen akkkka right back at you!   Ok enough----I want to leave you with this.  To all my friends who inspire me:  " you are like  perfect shells--you are all keepers"

Walk on the Beach

I love the beach---the last few years I have enjoyed it by taking morning walks.  Yesterday it was not until noon that I made a venture out of the house to take a walk.  I like to collect sea glass, feathers and fully formed snail or scallop shells.  You really have to take an early morning walk to find some of those things, though.  I have never had a camera with me so I was happy to take a picture of a shell that was heart shaped.  I try not to pick up too much.  I am someone who really has to control her collecting.
This is the view of the beach looking towards the north.  You can see a tower---so much controversy---people referred to it as the eye-ful tower---I with my love of Paris got a kick out of that.  Being that we are pretty much in a natural state at the beach the tower doesn't bother me so much.  The boats could use a landmark and it is not so much of an eyesore.
     I was a little disappointed in my finds...I did need to find some feathers and was able to pick up a few---I didn't take a picture of what I picked up, I will do that when I take some more pictures for my etsy shop later this afternoon.
     I couldn't decide to post about my etsy excitement last week or take you for a walk on the beach.  Since, I had my pictures uploaded already......and there were no links involved-----and it is only going to be in the 30's today----yesterday it was in the 60's I decided to post a walk on the beach.  I am grateful that this is in my town and I am sorry I take it totally for granted and don't enjoy it more.  My wish is always for more time.......my wish for Spring is to get up every morning and start my day with a walk on the beach.

Spinging into Action

So, this is what I have been doing lately,  you can see I did start a 52Q book, and have neglected it for a few weeks....that's Ok---it's ok to do a few weeks at a time...I like that....I finished the Marie above on the violet paper this morning.  I am going to move on to making some bigger wall hangings and greeting cards--feels good to have a focus.
I would think I would be able to wait and put these up on Etsy in April---but, I am just so excited about them I have to do a preview fashion show of sorts.
     Did I mention how much fun I am having making these......they are my Queens of Inspiration.  Every night I try to read some quotes from Marie Antoinette and find them sad---not so inspirational.....but she was the Queen of Fashion and maybe I will just stick with that.  I am working on some greeting cards---thought they would make regal thank you cards and Mother's Day Cards......Gotta get back to playing.......

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Still a thrill to see my son leading the band....this is at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Seaside Heights, NJ.  I love his facial expression.....I can see he is happy his Mom and Nana made it down there to see him.

May the road rise to meet you.....I wish I knew the rest of that and I 'm sure I could find it on the internet somewhere, but anyway I am sending shamrock wishes all your way.

Inspired

     I was able to score some more good buys on ebay.....I was like a little kid at Christmas when each of these boxes arrived.  They were really great buys and I have a lot in mind to get some craftiness going with these Victorian Ladies.  I  just got my last shipment before I got the Fashion Plate CD from Lisa.  When I opened the CD and there were 350 images including Marie Antoinette I was so happy....I couldn't wait to get started.  In the collage below in true Victorian fashion I saw a feather on the ground....resisted picking it up.....but what the heck I was with my mom and she just smiled when I put it in my pocket.  So I was happy to put a real feather on the collage below.
I was so excited to see some pink and green images--I was able to find some paper and ribbons and get right to work.

     So I have been going on and on about the CD from Lisa Kettel and I thought it would take a couple of weeks to have some things made to show you.  I surprised myself and crafted each morning this weekend.  I have a lot more in the works, but I was able to finish two pieces.  I didn't know much about the new magazine launch of Marie by Somerset---I keep seeing some snippets----I can't wait!!!!!!!  In anticipation I am crafting like crazy.  I have decided in April to change from a Spring and Easter theme and devote my banner and etsy shop to Marie.  There is a Marie Antoinette mail art network I joined last night.  Under some encouragement from you I will try to host my first swap.  It will be a Marie Antoinette Artist Trading Card swap so you have time to think about it.  I am off to make some more creations----I haven't had so much fun creating in a looong time.

Up,up and away to the Carnival Soiree

Oh my this might take a long time to get to Lisa Kettel's Carnival Soiree. We can't wait to see what the carnival brings......see you there!!!!! (I am in love with the CD Lisa gave me at our tea-- it is the Images from Fashion Plate, Galerie de Modes and more CD)---these images are from there.  I love love love them.  I have been paying $15 for one vintage sheet--to have all of these images on a CD--I am in for some fun---wait until you see what I am making....give me a week or two!
Bon Jour!  Get your elephant ears here......ears here.....step right up....................

Palmier Recipe

If I would imagine a carnival in France--I would imagine palmiers, elephant ears or bear claws would be as popular there as funnel cakes are here in America.  This is a simple recipe I used from Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris cookbook.   All you need is:

2 cups of sugar

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

2 sheets Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, defrosted

I add some cinnamon to the sugar

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Combine sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Pour one cup of mixture on a flat surface.  Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry onto the sugar and pour 1/2 cup mixture on top, spreading it evenly on the puff pastry.  With a rolling pin, lightly roll the dough until it's a 13" square and the sugar is pressed into the puff pastry on top and bottom.  Fold the sides of the square toward the center so they go halfway to the middle.  Fold them again so the two folds meet exactly at the middle of the dough.  Then fold one half over the other half as though closing a book.  You will have 6 layers.  Slice the dough in 3/8-inch slices and place the slices, cut side up, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Place the second sheet of pastry on the sugared board and repeat above steps with second sheet.

Bake the cookies for 6 minutes, or until caramelized and brown on the bottom, then turn with a spatula and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, until caramelized on the other side.  Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

Birthday Slumber Party

     This is snagglepuss the teddy.  He is holding a picture of my grandmother holding him in the 1920's.  He has gone from house to house----my mom's----on to mine.  He has kept me company when I was little and snuggled with my children.  He heard the news of a slumber party and pretty much just fainted.
     They seem a little stunned you see.  They have been in the attic for years.  They are much too pretty to be in the attic.  But, nothing has really been happening for them.  When they heard about a slumber party they were very excited, but a little timid.  They got as far as this mattress and posed for a picture.  I told them there were beautiful antique cradles, beds, pillow fights and granola.........they are having second thoughts.  They tell me only if snagglepuss the teddy joins them.  OK let me see what I can do......

      I told them they would meet others and stay up all night talking, giggling, having pillow fights, and they are ready to go.  I have packed them pillows and some quilts to keep them company and they are looking forward to meeting everyone.   Oh, and I told them to wish you the very happiest 47th birthday ever.....and they promised to be good for you.  They even admitted they like granola more than popcorn.........HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Put the Kettell on

Put the kettle on......Lisa Kettell is in the house!!!!!!  This tea was a celebration of Lisa Kettel's book Altered Art Circus.  My kind of book---really I love vintage antique papers and I love how she makes objects or really paper sculptures out of these great images.  She has a great section in her book on Artist Trading Cards also.  I am so glad I met her at Silver Bella.  A lot of our conversation was how California girls seem to have all the fun.  It was great to have a gathering like this in New Jersey and we planned to get together again-----yea!!!!!!!!
What a fun afternoon shared with such nice people.  I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did.  My friend Zandra Cudney came in true french fashion with her beret.  Zandra and I normally meet every Sunday to scrapbook together.  This was extra special to share a Sunday with so many fun and interesting women.
Zandra and Keica.  Check out Keica's necklace.  She has a great blog and etsy shop.  I met Keica when I arrived home from Silver Bella.  She lives in the next town and has been blogging for the last three years.  I really admire her.  She has a great style and she makes the type of work that talks to you.  You know the kind of stuff you try to resist......but, you know it is one of kind and you just have to have it.  Watch out, Zandra really liked your necklace.
Marlene and Lisa's mom Joan.  Joan is celebrating her birthday this week.  Happy Birthday Joan.  Joan has a etsy shop selling jewelry with a vintage feel---check it out here.
This is Lisa and Marlene.  Marlene is all abuzz about a new blog she started.  She is involved in a lot of upcoming galas for charity that I hope I can attend.  Marlene is a lot of fun and her blog she refers to me as Queen Ladybug-----love it!!!!!  Also, note her hat vintage springtime yellow with butterflies that fluttered above..........so fun!
Lisa and I met at Silver Bella.  I was so happy because I knew even though Silver Bella was over we could still have some glittery fun in New Jersey.  Lisa made me this great crown in true bella spirit.
These are my first attempt at making Artist Trading Cards.  They were pretty easy using my mistakes from my invitations.  I thought they would be all the same, but as I went along it ended up being a lot of fun making each one different.  I have a couple left if anyone would like to trade by mail.
     When everyone left I put everything together that everyone brought.  That was so unexpected, but really appreciated.  Zandra brought me the buttons from Jenni Bowlin(yea....I have been wanting them).  Lisa was generous as she made me the pink crown and brought everyone one of her collage cd's.  I bought her book Altered Art Circus and her children's book.  Cindy who I used to work with brought me a Yankee candle it smells like vanilla cake.  Marlene gave me the beautiful teapot with the matching box.  Keica gave me the pendant on the right.  It is a Marie Antionette type portrait and it says "to the shore".  And on the bottom right are the atc's we traded.  This was a wonderful day shared with kindred spirits.  What I loved most is we made plans to all get together again. We want to visit a store called Parcel in Montclair, NJ and go out for a nice meal.  This was another one of my dreams come true.  Thank you to all who came to make that dream come true.

Tea Party Preparations

     This was one of the  Christmas windows at Grand Lafayette department store in Paris.  I just realized I haven't posted in a while.  I've been busy making some atc's to trade ( tea themed) and trying to purge and get stuff together for a garage sale in April.  I went for help this week for a new resume.  So, I have been busy writing cover letters and sending them out with my new resume.  Thought I would get one interview from that at least........not happening.....next week I will hope  again.  I should be baking for Sunday.............but, it will be fresher if I bake tomorrow.  That sounds good....right?????  I probably will help my daughter paint the set for the upcoming play tomorrow......after I bake.   I am trying to figure out which one of those mannequins is more like me?   I feel laid back like the one sitting down......but, I probably am more like the one that is upside down........I'll just sit back and think about this for awhile.........I feel lazy.

Marching in Spring..........snow!!!!!!!!!!!

     It's not even a pretty snow---pretty destructive--I think we lost a bush or two.  My son was supposed to march in the St. Patricks Day parade, but the high school withdrew.  He did end up marching and carried the flag for the firemen.  Didn't get to see it by choice......I love a parade.......but not that much.  Last night the fire call went and he ran out the door.  Do I yell out the door---that's ridiculous and so unsafe...........it is 4am.  He is out there for a good half an hour and finally comes in defeated.  I try to tell him not to put his own safety in jeopardy when it comes to answering calls.  He just looks at me like I'm crazy.  I love the snow.  But, that is so I can forget about all of my obligations outside the house and relax........not too relaxing.  My husband got home at 7am and started the snow blower.......better him than me!  It did allow me to take the dog for a walk.  He is a mini-dachshund so the snow is deeper than him.  That was fun!!!!!!!!!! I love the sound of quiet-----no cars-------and just me scrunching in the snow.