CATCH UP not ketchup

A "Heinz 57" dog is a mixed breed dog of uncertain ancestry- a mutt.

 The name refers to the "57 varieties" Heinz slogan.

Well, you can tell my sense of humor is still intact.

The Holiday has been wonderful 

and all my focus has been on the kids.

Dearest son has returned to NYC,

but will be passing through here 

late January on his move to LA.

Darling Daughter is enjoying  her local friends

and we are being lazy goats in front 

of the tube, catching a mixed bag of films.
This illness/plague whatever..
knocked my socks off and not in the good way
damn.. :D

I have accomplished little,

gone nowhere and seen no one.

Home is where the heart is..
and where my slipper socks and jammies are.

Carole Sidlow is teaching a  fabulous ribbon class here

on January 7th (2 spots left) and

we will hold it in the converted studio/garage,

so since I cannot access my storage boxes,

Christmas will remain up until after the class.

Makes me a mite uneasy,

 ( my organization gene anxious to get back to work),

so instead I am overhauling my studio and hall closet,

and making a big bloomin' mess while I'm at it.

I decided to move all my paper supplies 

closer to me since that seems to be

 where my hearts desire is lately.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday.

I have been reading you all and keeping up,

and I hope that everyone's New Year 

brings them joy and happiness.

I am still debating my "word" or mantra for next year.
In 2011 the word was Begin
I feel I did that one justice,
so what should 2012 be about?
I am pondering these:


bravery
simplicity
patience
industriousness
????
I could use some of all of the above.
I have been inspired all year by 
a lovely young woman Carolynn at
the Anchor and the Bird.
Please visit if you are not familiar 
with her year of good deeds (in process).

Thinking perhaps I could/should 
attempt the same good-deed daily tasks.
I donate 10% of my income each year and it is 
not always easy, but it is easy enough to write checks.


I am thinking I need to give back in other ways, 
where it might not be so easy, 
where I must trod the extra mile, 
 and as I tap this out I may have decided that
this desire should be manifested in my 2012 word.


GIVE
would encompass the other 
four words under consideration
so yup, GIVE it is.
YAY my first decision of the new Year.
What do you plan to do with your next 365 days?
I plan to grow out my hair since
 I got scalped today. 
only pixies should wear pixie cuts
Z

The Ribbon Lady

Goodness knows I can easily find negatives

 about living where I do, 

being a country, four seasons kind of gal.

But there is goodness here.

And luscious, delectable, mouth dropping 

beauty to be found in unexpected places.

Imagine being able to open your

 mailbox once a month to a package

 such as this...

or this...

Or purchase art creations like these pincushions.

I had heard of the "Ribbon Lady" 

for many years and various

 friends had offered to take me there

 and introduce us, but the timing was always off, 

and the "meeting" eluded me. A month ago I finally 

 succeeded in meeting Carole Sidlow,

and today I spent even more time at her amazing home.

I would show home pictures but I cannot. I was there to take pre-view pics for a wonderful stylist considering Carole's home for publications.

Once they are published, I will link you for sure :D

  

Carole's ribbon store is located in her

 over sized studio behind her home.

There isn't a ribbon she does not carry

 or cannot locate for you. 
You can "shop" the store via the web,
 at the Ribbon Store  

or in person by appointment only.

You CA gals who visit here on weekends, 

be sure and bookmark this info!

Even better, everyone can join her

 Ribbon of the Month Club.

This is not like other clubs. Carole and her dear friend Laura personalize each kit to your desires, colors, widths, yardage, usage, vintage, new, trims etc...

Not just an identical box that dozens of others receive.

Each one made specifically for you doll makers,

quilters, scrap-bookers, milliners.

Joining the club, also earns you discount from retail. 

Stop the drooling, it really is that wonderful!

I cannot yet bring myself to open the packages of hand pleated ribbons I have purchased from her.

They are works of art just as they are. 

( be sure and check those out too!)

A small portion of the Ribbon Store

I have an inspirational place to shop,

 two wonderful new friends, and the world is good.

So, where have I been?

just busy...

1.put my design and organizing services on sale,

 so clients signing up for the "discount".

2. repaired most of the broken stuff from 2 weeks ago.

3. Held garage sale Saturday to sell off some extras

to raise funds for DD's apt in NYC this fall.

4. Preparing for photo shoot at the end of July, 

(too many embarrassing dust bunnies)

(actually dog fur bunnies...dust doogies?)

5. Just enjoying the time with darling daughter.

etc etc etc 

Still reading you all, and visiting as I can.

What a summer this is!

Anyone else miss the playlists?

Dang Lowe's for advertising on them.

I miss discovering new songs on your blogs :(

Z