still counting...

Still continuing my list:

20. Good friends are hard to come by.
21. Being on the internet has opened up a whole new world of friends. We touch, and are touched by, people from around the world. It's the most amazing thing to get an email from some one halfway across the globe, that you find you have so much in common with. I may never meet you ladies, but I have been touched by you. That's a gift to me!
22. I am extremely loyal as a friend. Sometimes I feel let down by my friends, does that mean I let them down too?
23. I wish my best friend and I lived closer together. We keep missing each other when we move!
24. Thank goodness for webcams! Now I can see my family and friends live, and it makes a whole world of difference.
25. I am really lucky to have such close relationships with my sisters and mother. Christine and I are true Irish twins. Now that I have children, I can't imagine taking care of two babies, born in the same year! Wow, good thing Mom was 22 at the time...
26. I miss my mom and dad. I miss my sisters. It feels weird to be so homesick at my age. At my age. Shouldn't I be more "grownup" about this?
27. I am getting to know my husband's father and stepmother, stepbrother, and youngest brother- and that's cool. We have not had much time with them, and it's great to see the kids getting to know them too.
28. Both my brother-in-law and my husband like to work with metal. That's great, because I love metal too. I'm attracted to it when I drive by junk yards, or spot things at flea markets or antique stores. I hope to learn about making charms and things this year.

29. There are all sorts of cool metal hinges and things in the barn. I can't wait to go exploring.
30. And our property too- I look forward to the spring, when I can get out and see what's growing here.

31. At my parents house, there are spots in the field behind the house that old household bits and pieces come up out of the ground. I hope to find something like that here!!

OK- 10 more to go...
hugs- Lee

I am 42

I have been feeling the need to be creative lately. Painting and gluing are very soothing for me. They are magical de-stressors. But it's hard to do right now, everything in boxes... but that's why I need to get messy and full of paint and glitter. The other problem is that I have no direction right now.

So, I read one of my favorite blogs this morning, Ornamental, and Nina has embarked on writing 55 things, for reasons of her own. Very interesting reasons... go see. I love her blog, love her writing style. After reading her blog, I often have words and ideas swirling in my head, stream of conciousness, snippets of poems, thoughts. I don't write them here- thinking you, dear reader, may not be interested. But, that may change my friends, I'm warning you...

So, since I am 42, I am going to write 42 things. It may start here and end here. Or maybe not. It might take me awhile.

1. I am 42 years old. I am not happy that my face and body are aging.
2. The changes I see lately aren't pretty. Stress makes my face and lips thin and pale.
3. I am happy, sort of. I like who I am. Like my creativity. Like my profession.
4. I am wondering WHY OH WHY did I agree to move? I am not happy here. No yet, anyway.
5. I have spent a life time making the same mistake over and over again- the idea that I must be fair to everyone. Have I made that mistake again??
6. I need to excercise and workout.
7. It's too cold to even be outside, much less take a walk.
8. Maybe I'll just run the stairs in my house- I have enough of them!
9. I want to really launch a business this year.
10. I want 300 followers, each of them loving my blog and shops, buying up the lovely things I find or create.
11. I am excited about KC Willis' online workshop to help get me there.
12. Is it hubris to want to be a household/online name?
13. I love being a nurse. Taking care of people has it's own rewards.
14. I love taking care of really really sick people. It's an adrenaline rush.
15. My last boss was really awful. It made working painful. It caused all sorts of physical problems. I was scared to go to work every single day. Why is it so many really unqualified people are in management? My last boss should be fired. Seriously.
16. I hated my last job. It was super busy, but not challenging enough.
17. I sometimes think that I should take less-demanding job, so I have more time and energy to be a good mother and wife.
18. I am not getting any younger.
19. I love my husband, really, truly and deeply love him. He is my rock, my solace, my funny bone. I get him. He gets me. Mostly.
20. Good friends are hard to come by.

OK, more later. What's your list going to have on it? hugs- Lee

Happy New Year

Christmas came and went pretty quickly in our house... moving so close to the holidays made it hard to find my decorations, much less put them up! The kids awoke to a tree with lots of presents, and we had a really good morning with them.

I had dinner here for my Maine Family- Chris' Dad Rick and stepmom Nancy, his stepbrother Jesse, and his brother Eric and his girls. We started the festivities with some hot crab dip and chips and salsa. While the two older "boys" Eric and Jesse waged a Nerf gun war, Nancy and I got the rest of dinner ready. She brought ham and lasagne, and I had the fixings to go with it. Our center piece was the gingerbread house the boys decorated. Too bad we can't eat it!!

Already, Chris is headed back to Pennsylvania for the week. It was hard to say goodbye. My mom and sisters, and their children, will arrive for a fast and furious visit tomorrow. The beds are ready!

I hope you're enjoying your week!

hugs- Lee

Merry Christmas to All

And to all, a good night. Rejoice in Him! I hope you all enjoy your holidays.

Hugs- Lee

morning

It's cold here, cold, windy, and overcast and gray. The storm that hit the east coast is working it's way to Maine. It's snowing already. I was hoping Chris would get home today. I'm not sure that he will, though. It's not safe to be travelling with this amount of snow on the ground.

I have to admit I'm depressed. I went blog hopping to all my favorite sites. I soaked up the Christmas decorations and cookies. My house is cluttered and devoid of decorations. I had hoped to get them out this week, but with Chris not here... who knows. I know that the Christmas season is for celebrating the birth of our Savior, but the lights and things make it so much more inviting. Plus, we have two little kids, and Christmas is such an exciting time for them.

I also hoped to go out and shop last night, but that didn't happen. I was too tired, and Adam didn't want to stay at his grandparents' house with Jason. at Least I don't have to listen to fighting today. Not yet, anyway.

It's snowing again. Maybe I'll brave the weather and go buy some lights and some decorations. The cookies, however, will be homemade! At least the smell will perk up the house. Here are just a few pictures:

hugs- Lee

Wooooooo Hooooooooo!

Finally- connected! It's been a long ten days here in Maine. Hubby left the Sunday after we arrived to go to work. So, this week it's been me and the kids, unpacking, cleaning, walking in circles, digging out from snow, salting the sidewalk, breaking in the GPS- you get the picture.

I have to say, I'm exhausted. I cannot look at another box. And that's not even the worst of it. So much dust and dirt and cobwebs. ICK. (Note to self- NEVER buy and old house again, EVER). It seems like wherever I turn, there's still more to do. And there is... BUT, I really have made a dent, with many thanks to my in-laws (mother, father and brother). It's SO easy to get overwhelmed- like every day. But, I just have to keep plugging along.

Right now, I'd be happy to get some Christmas cards in the mail- oh, that's right- I have to order them first... But hey, gotta have some goals, right??

I have missed all of you out there. More than ever, I think you'll be my link to sanity. Julie- your story is hysterical. Lynn- I always love your spin on things. Tam, thanks for checking in, Debbie- I totally need the blessings, and I really hope and pray I laugh about this some day! Natalea- good to hear from you, and I'll be posting pictures soon.

So, to all of you out there- Merry Christmas! And I should have new photos up soon.

BIG hugs- Lee

Another Quick Update

I've been using my father-in-laws computer to check email and give you updates. This saturday I'm supposed to get my cable/internet/phone. UGH. A whole week and a half without any TV and computer.

It's snowing here again. Chris left this morning to go back to PA to work. He'll hold on to that job until I get something up here. So, I'm hanging out with my in-laws tonight. Today I did pretty much nothing- as far as unpacking. I did laundry and read Stephen King.

Thanks for checking in. I'll be posting photos soon!

xoxo, HUGS- Lee

I've Landed!

Just a quick update. We left for Maine on Monday. It was an excrutiatingly long drive, with 2 cats and 2 kids. When we finally arrived around 7:30 pm, it was snowing.

Tuesday STUNK- no two ways about it. We did our walk through and found lots of water in the laundry room- enough to soak the subfloor and lift the tiles off. Oh, a dehumidifier and a heater will fix it- the owner's realtor says. Suffice it to say the 1. he wasn't that bright, and 2. I almost grew fangs and ripped his head off. Finally, the funds came through after 6 hours and we signed the papers. Then we headed over and emptied the u-haul.

We set up the mattresses on the living room floor, and we all slept there.

Wednesday is snowed- BIG TIME- like 10 inches. God help me, I was ready to just lay down and hibernate. BUT- as of today, one POD emptied, house full of stuff. NOT A SINGLE thing doesn't leak, every sink... Filthy. Filthy. Filthy.

BUT OURS.

Back later- xoxo

And The Winner Is...........

Thanks to all of you who entered. Giving away stuff is so much fun! Connie from She Dreams Big is the winner! Connie, email me your address and the goody of you choice!

This will be my last post until after the move, which is set (again!) for this Monday 12/7. I'll try to check in from my in-law's place- so keep coming back!!

hugs- Lee

Where, Oh Where Are My Followers

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeell, don't know what happened to my followers? And what happened to all of the blog I followed? They're missing from Blogger site. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. SIGH. Will have to start over. But hey, I know who you were!

hugs- Lee

I guess it was a glitch. Thank goodness!

Home Alone, Sort Of

Being in an empty house is the pits. The boys are bored. I'm bored. All of our belongings are in a POD somewhere. Now don't get me wrong, I am extremely grateful to have a house, to have belongings, to be wishing for my holidays decorations... but I'm still bored and sick of being in limbo.


That being said, I had to close our Etsy and Lollishops until after the move. Half of the merchandise is packed, so it's not really feasible to keep the shops open.


However... it doesn't keep me from picking up items here and there. Our local flea market is a hit and miss kind of place, and a little over priced, but you never know what gems you're going to find:




So, in honor of my boredom and the fun of flea markets, I'm going to give away one of these items. Yes, even including the mercury glass garlands (I got those on eBay). Now, I have to tell you, the pink and silver seems to be about 8 feet long, but the blue is only about four. There are two vintage picks, a sweet little wooden hot air balloon, a papier mache lollipop, and some tin foil candle reflectors that could be used for anything (I will give you 4).


So, you know the drill. Leave a comment, get one chance. Link me back to your blog, get two. Become a follower, get three. Drawing will be on Friday- or sooner if we get the news we can go to settlement!!

hugs- Lee

Going Through Withdrawal

It has been ages since I've been able to pull out the supplies and play. My fingers are itching to be covered in paint, glue, glitter, rusty metal, paper, ribbon, and whatever else I can find! Alas, everything is packed in a POD, somewhere...

The good things- amongst others- about our move is that I get to pick a room for my studio. It will be a huge blessing to have a place to spread out, and to work simultaneously on projects!

I hopped over to JoAnnA's Art Journal blog this morning, and then hopped again (at her suggestion) to Seth Apter's The Altered Page. Seth has just put together the fourth edition of The Pulse, Welcome to the fourth edition of "The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals."



To share all of this information, Seth will be hosting Secret Sunday on his blog: Over 200 (!) artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented as a series of online and print projects. It is an amazing gift of information for all us artists out here- budding or otherwise! I have been in heaven all day, browsing blogs and seeing what other artists are doing. It has made me excited and inspired again- I love mixed media art!

Now if I could just get to my supplies...

I'm A Little Blue

What a colossal pain the delay in settlement has caused. Jason was supposed to have an eye doctor appointment today. We've been on the waiting list for about 3-4 weeks to try and get in, knowing we were supposed to be at settlement. Cancelled on Thursday. Closing fell through Friday. Called today- nothing open until February. SERIOUSLY?? It's an eye doctor appointment, not heart surgery. Geez.

So, enjoy some blues:

Hugs- Lee

Some New Friends to Visit

Thanks to all of you who stopped by my blog, via Julie, to show support! Getting ready for the move has been stressful enough, and now with closing pushed off, even more so. But I've enjoyed the past few days, blog hopping and reading about all of you:

The Quintessential Magpie, Shelia, lots of pink goodies, great photos and blog links, Blue Mondays, Pink Saturdays...
My Game, Your Move, Blase, unbelievably, funny, frank, very tongue-in-cheek musing from a man. He makes me laugh every single post.
Sadies Silken Threads, Karen, a very talented quilter/fabric artist.
What I Do When I play, Shawna, a paper/stamp artist.
My Grama's Soul, Josette, another vintage goody lover.
She Dreams Big, Connie- a sweet blog filled with goodies and giveaways.
My Faerie Window, Lori- a felting, paper clay artist who makes really sweet things, esp. the bunnies.
Robin's Eggs Blue, Linda K., wonderfully blue goodies.
The Feathered Nest, Dawn, the queen of cream (color, that is!) Dawn is an amazing artist and friend.
Welcome to the Life of Loulou, Hmmmmm, I'm a Christian, a wife to a super delicious hubby, mama to four wild, crazy, and amazing kids, a sewer, a crafter, a snot wiper, a clothes washer.... can you see how funny she is?
Chic Roses, Sally, this lady paints roses on furniture,windows,or anything that is old and needs to be repurposed.
Sweet Old Vintage, Marietta, a retired floral designer with lots of gorgeous old photos on her blog.
WendyKV- come back anytime!! Girl, where's your blog?
Cotton Pickin Cute, Tracey Suzanne , great crafts, and this gal knows where all the giveaways are.
Bellamere Cottage, Spencer, great slipcover tutorial.
Megan Chamberlain, she moved to England from South Africa, and makes bears!
Posted From Home, Deb- a wonderful post on embellishing a lamp shade.
SuZeQ- come back and visit, and ditto- where's your blog?
Sweet Bead Studio, Cindy Wimmer- wonderful beads and jewelry! and cute family too.
Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life, Lynne- a wonderfully written blog about family and every day things. Lynne will make you laugh.
Mary's Meanderings, Mary- wonderful blog full on vintagey things, and she and her family re-do thier house. They moved from NM to CO.
Just Me and Then Some, Rainy- go check out her art. She's doing an online workshop right now, and showing us everything!
Nancarts, Nancy C,- making some really gorgeous Christmas decorations- go look!

Many, many thanks to every one who came to visit and leave some love. The blogging world has opened the doors to so many people's lives, passions, art, comedy, and stories. I am grateful for that!

Hugs- Lee

addendum: a few more bloggers came by:
Sharon from Livewire Jewelry- gorgeous things, earrings, mixed media art!
Brenda from Brenda Bliss- bead and mixed media artist.
Pippi Rose from Pippi's Ponderings.
Riki from Riki Jewelry- really lovely bead work, and a great post on a vintage store to die for! Angela from Miss Molly Cottage- this crazy gal makes some creat paper art and wreaths, go see her and her etsy shop.
Lavender Dreams- a great blog with fun lists and great photos.

thanks gals!

Update

First and foremost, thanks to all of you newcomers who left me comments. I'll be making the rounds this weekend.

Oh, that's right, because closing isn't happening on Monday. Let's hope it gets worked out.

hugs- Lee

I Have Friends in Lots of Places

Julie of Prairie Thistle Life has proven to be a wonderful, online, blogging friend. I "found" her after being paired together for a swap. Little did I know how wonderful a woman she is, and how I would come to cherish her emails, comments and blog.

isn't she cute?

Julie has had her own private stresses this year- nothing compared to mine, and yet she has given me the time and energy by providing much needed guidance and advice in her emails and comments. Julie has moved before, and she really understands where I'm coming from (Tammy too). And in a time when I feel like people around me aren't quite getting my feelings, both women have provided me with words of wisdom and support.

Girls Weekend 2009

Likewise, my best friend Tammy has been struggling recently, and Julie has proved to be a friend to her too. One really can't ask for more than that! I hope someday to meet Julie in person. Between Girls Weekend at Tammy's, and hopefully and art retreat at my Maine home this year, I am sure our paths will cross.

Julie's amazing necklace

Julie is having a giveway on her blog, in honor of this friendship - a wonderful handmade necklace! I know that some of you will pop over here as a result of her wonderul giveaway, but if you are here by chance or choice, go visit and get signed up. I love her pieces, and the necklace is no exception! And while your at it, go visit Tammy too. We all love comments and new blogs to visit.

hugs- Lee

Marketing Mindset

I am proud to annonce that I am participating in KC Willis' online workshop Marketing Mindset. I am getting ready to amp it up as far as Twigs & Feathers goes, so this is the perfect thing for me- lots of information, live chats, and friends.

This workshop is currently offered for $144, but not for long! Once it starts in December, is goes up to $244. Your membership will get unlimited access to the videos, discussion boards where KC will answer your questions (along with other artists at the workshop) and scheduled live chats.

Topics will include:

• Creating a cohesive, signature look

• Working in series

• Consignment vs. wholesale

• Pricing your work

• The differences between approaching a gallery, a shop, an on-line retailer or a catalog

• Using Social Networks

• PR-how to get written about in newspapers and magazines

• Marketing your work without leaving home

• The Pros and Cons of having an Artist's Rep.

• Researching your market

• Licensing your work and your name.

• Blogs vs. Websites

• Selling on-line

• Keeping motivated

• Becoming fearless

If you head on over to Lipstick Ranch and leave a comment, you will be eligible to win a fabulous piece of art. OK- I'd really rather win it myself, but this workshop is going to be so amazing, I won't be upset if you win it!

hugs- Lee

Oh, please let me win this!!

Not too long ago I splurged and bought a copy of Jeanne D'Arc Living from Tracey over at French Larkspur. Well, her divine merchandise has finally arrived, and she's giving away a few pieces. So go check it out, but DO NOT leave a comment- 'cause I need new stuff for Maine!!

Seriously.

hugs, Lee

An Award

Gigi, a seriously funny chick, nominated me for a lovely bloggy award (shhhhhh... don't tell Blase). I've had other awards, and dumped them one day, in a fit of "cleaning up" my blog. So, I've definitely needed one. Thanks, Girl!! BTW, both Gigi and Blase make me laugh. I love to catch up on their blogs. Blase is under the weather, and quite whiney at the moment, but generally funny. Both these gems are southerners... maybe that's the attraction.

Anyway, the award is the loyalty award, which fits me to a "T". I am an extremely true-blue, loyal friend. Go ask Luz or Tammy. Must be the Aquarius in me!

So, I nominate:

The Peach Tart- and tart she is- funny too!

Debbi over at Debbi Thinks Deep - a yummy recipe waits for you!

and Karen over at Observance, because she works so hard to keep sending our soldiers goodies and necessities.

My posting will be sporadic over the next few weeks. Our first POD is full, waiting for the second one to arrive tomorrow. We're leaving for Maine 11/24. Keep your fingers crossed!!

hugs- Lee

A New Old SInk

Bought this:

to go here:

Might buy this:

to go here:

hugs- Lee

Pretty for You

Go buy some, they're going quick.

Fall

I love this time of year, the dampness, the trees, the leaves. This year, the colors aren't as bright has they've been in years past. We had leaves one day, and after a few days of rain, a deep carpet of orange and yellow.


I am tearfull now, thinking of not being here next year. Maine isn't like this, the leaves aren't like this. And already, it's winter coat-time there. And all the while I am stuck in the in-betweeness of it all. Not quite here, not quite there. In-between and no where.


I grew up on a farm that had a creek running through it. Many hours were spent wading in it, throwing rocks. And now my children do it, the nephews do it. And that will change too. There is no creek where we are going, just a small frog pond. But I am sure there'll be lots of wading in it- for the boys anyway...

hugs- Lee

Time to Share

Finally, I'm posting all the wonderfull Halloween goodies that I received from Kath and the Jolie Paquet bag swap. She made me a wonderful black canvas bag, and stuffed it full of magic. Enjoy!

This cool chipboard banner was in the funky skull bag. Can't wait to decorate it.

Took me a minute to figure out what this said !! LOL.
Two very cool tags, full of glitter and details.
Wearing it right now!!

Thanks, Kath!

hugs- Lee