Autumn

There was frost on the roof this morning, but luckily it didn't get low enough to nip my flowers. My nasturtiums are in full bloom and crawling all over the garden which is just how I like it. And the Autumn crocus are blooming. It's incredible how many there are... they spread a bit each year. How lovely! They are so cheerful, I want them to last! I'll have to get better pictures tomorrow... but this shows some of the crocus.

Our world traveler made it home safely from his England trip. Jason had a good time and found himself a few treasures. Interestingly, he came home with two tins of tea for me, from Ahmad of London... the same brand as on a tea pot of Jen's I ended up with, although he didn't know that when he bought the tins. I believe he has a new guardian angel. :)
He's becoming quite the photographer... this picture of Stonehenge is one of my favorites.

Cute goblins

I have been going through photos and found the cutest one of my kids on a long ago Halloween. When I actually made their costumes. Jen was a Hershey's kiss, Jason a pirate with a leather look vest. Aren't they cute?

I've been missing my daughter a lot the past two weeks, and know there's nothing I can do about it. I just have to get through. Sometimes it's okay to let myself be sad.
Jason is coming home from his England trip tonight, so maybe having him around will lift my mood a bit.
I am blessed to have friends who care for me, and who allow me to be sad without trying to "fix it". Sometimes being alone is what I need. Sometimes I need to be with others. They reminded me last night that I just have to reach out, and they will be there for me. I am indeed blessed.

Window

I'm using this photo as an entry for an atcsforall monthly contest on windows. It's actually on the fence in our backyard, and trapper John's old rusty traps are hanging there. I took it before he had the walls up on his shop, which now blocks the view of the window from most of the backyard. I know that it's there.

I sold one of my itty bitty accordion books!

I had put it out for display at the store on Monday as a demo for an upcoming class. Am kicking myself for not taking a picture of it. Anyway, I'd left work and our assistant manager came running out looking for me... a guy wanted to buy one of my demo books. So I sold it. How about that!

This is another demo book that has received a lot of comments, for a class I'm teaching this weekend. It's a star accordion, which I'm using as a display journal for mail art I've received.

Family Reunion

We had a family reunion last weekend... it felt more like a chore to go rather than a fun time this year. My energy is in a low place right now, and I need to be around positive people with good good good energy. It was a mis-mash of whiny people who are always whiny and controlling people who take offense when you ask not to be controlled AND some loving supportive energy people... it wore me out.

I'm going to learn how to do this...

Recieved this lovely needle felted bird from an online friend, monarch... isn't she just adorable? :)

Sunshine today

Life is just a bowl full of cherries. Some fruit, some pits. Ya gotta remember which is the one to spit out.

My art has been saving my sanity the past few months. Being able to create something helps me when I feel so sad I can barely move.

I've branched out from ATC's and gotten into trading chunky pages - to make 4 x 4 inch themed books. (I'm collecting birds and nests and garden themed.) I've posted a couple I've made in the past month.

I've been working a few days a week at the Paper Zone surrounded by lovely papers and art supplies and a wonderful manager, asst. manager and co-workers. My work family is so much fun! It's another thing that is keeping me sane.

Although, sometimes, don't you think sanity is over rated? :)