Follow up stories

Additional photos of Sarah's creations
These were designed by Heather French and beaded by Sarah. Those large beads are "beaded beads". For non-beaders...holding these in your hands, you have to be amazed how incredible these pieces are .


I don't just bake cookies, here, I'm baking tags!



My new mattress. It is here under all the linen.
Don't be clicking on this pic and counting the # of pillows,
and yes, I did remove 2 for the photo...Ha!
8 hours of sleep. zzzzzzzzzzz
I may be able to remember my name all day today.

Once upon a mattress

The plan yesterday afternoon was for Pam and I to go check out her new rental house here and brain storm ideas for low cost decorating, since she has beautiful enormous home in UT. Owners/landlords however, were still packing up when we arrived, so plans to walk around and talk about all the changes we were going to make was not appropriate. 

Of course we headed off to eat instead.

Nourishment accomplished, we then trekked over to Big Lots to check out cheap couches and mattresses for her.  One hour later I had bought a new mattress...HUH? While explaining the benefits of buying a queen there instead of full ( because she already has those size linens) as she had planned, and buying last night because of addt'l $200.00 off, I had begun "sampling" the comforts of each bed myself. I have been having some trouble sleeping since returning from Portland and loved the super soft pillow top I had in my room there. Well, one quick hop onto Big Lots most expensive set and.....heaven......just like Portland. Pam and I started talking about our sheet sets and what to do with my extra full size mattress and Ding Ding we have a winner!  We both got mattresses and she is buying my full size guest set at great price to put in their second bedroom for grandson Ryan and she already has sheet set etc. I get some extra money to help pay for my new master bedroom set and I'll move my current queen set from master into guest room to comfort tall son when he comes to visit. So sad to see his feet sticking out end of current mattress. We still have a few hollywood frame issues to resolve (anyone have any unused in their garage?) but by Thursday we should both be comfy cozy in our new beds. The set will cost me just $47o after discounts and sale of full size. Orig price of Serta set is $900 I believe. They sell for $749. Last night we got $200.00 off, and I sold full set for $125. Her deal is better. Hers comes with a man.

We still have couch issue ( again, anyone selling any?) but I'm sure we'll come up with another great plan. This house is going to be a creative challenge but I love it. It is more fun to work with smaller budget, more ideas spring forth. Plus, it just makes sense to save money and small budgets are where I thrive. I already sent Pam an email this morning at 6 am telling her to call me because I had ideas last night. (couldn't sleep again) I will try to post progress pics.

Speaking of decorating challenges....May is another discount month. For May only, my hourly is only $17.00 an hour for most jobs. The job must be completed in May. Spring cleaning anyone?

Listening to flu updates. Wash your hands, wash your hands, friends. I wish they would help calm some nerves by reminding people how many THOUSANDS of people die here each year from other forms of flu. Yes, this is serious, but the %$#@$% media loves to incite fear. One of the local tv stations was interviewing people in NLV asking them if they were afraid to live near pig farms there? That will help, how?

I can't wait to come back and check my email this afternoon, I just know I'm going to find photos from you, my oldgreymare friends.

Enjoy the beautiful day!

  

Talented Ladies

Ask and ye shall receive.

The first photos to arrive were these adorable cakes by Kristin Carns. Kristin has plans to start baking some of her smaller, flavored bundt cakes and selling them through a local bakery. As soon as she can figure out the child care. ( 5 boys under 11) Unfortunately we cannot enjoy her cakes because she lives in Idaho. It just might be worth the trip...




Next arrived these home studio and necklace photos from Sarah Stoddard
Her studio is so sparkly and pretty, all soft blues and greens. This is just a tease of how lovely it is. Sarah even has her Mom's crystal chandelier in there!









The necklaces were designed by Sarah and beautifully created with vintage pieces. Each one is different but with the same birds nest theme. I also own one that I received as a gift last year. Everywhere I wear it, I am stopped by someone and asked where I got it and how they can get one. Yes, you can contact her about one for you. tpicture@aol.com

Thank you so much my dear friends for sharing these photos and inspiration with oldgreymare.

Amy and I and Blogging

My new friend Amy has inspired me to get my creative blog juices flowing and so I have been planning new ideas for the blog and I am going to be dedicating the next few months to finding incredible women artists to share with you. One of the things I intended from the beginning is to connect creative women and to feature their art for others to enjoy.

There are quite a few of you out there already who regularly stop by oldgreymare (and thank you!) but now I want you to get more involved. Please send me pics of what you are currently working on, creating, decorating etc. and I will post pics to share with everyone else. This serves a dual purpose. One, it showcases your work and I will link to your email or website so you can sell your wares if you so desire and two, it just may inspire another visitor to start a project herself.

Talking to Amy today about our blogging and learning by having more mistakes than successes, reminded me how much easier everything is when we support each other. We laughed about each others blogging bloopers and it takes away any of the fears I have about not knowing enough.

Amy is my first follower, but don't let her sit there by herself, even though she looks adorable in her crocheted hat. If you need help becoming a follower, let me know. You can link directly to Amy's blog by clicking on mittens and from her blog you can go to her etsy site. Guaranteed smiles from baby Brooklyn.

This also means I will be posting more frequently, but in order to not become a nuisance I will not send an email each time I post, unless it is for a specific dated event. I may send a weekly email listing blog topics. We'll see how it goes.

I will have a necklace pic from Sarah very soon (right Sarah?). Many of you have admired the gorgeous birds nest necklace she made for me. Well, wait to you see her beaded bead necklace! Her work is simply amazing, so check back often to see her photo.

I hope to have some pics waiting in my email soon.

Ultimate Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Just finished baking some favorite cookies

1 1/2 cups butter flavored shortening
2 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
4 TBS milk
2 TBS vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
12 oz chocolate chunks

Pre-heat to 375

Beat shortening, brown sugar with mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in milk, vanilla and eggs. Mix and stir in flour, salt and soda. Blend in chocolate chunks. Using 2 oz ice cream scoop, space cookies at least 2" apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes for chewy, or 11-13 for crisp. Let cool completely. I was able to make 20 today.

Disclaimer: No, these are not even remotely healthy.

NYU it is!

NYU will be her home for the next four years.

After days and days of contemplation and a few worries, fears and tears, NYU it is! We just had a celebratory dinner at Cheesecake Factory and even had a cheesecake that said Congratulations!

Hannah is exhausted from thinking so hard, and just went upstairs for a nap. I'm still in shock and trying to grasp the concept of her living so far away. Empty nest, oh my! More like a deep, black undulating cavernous hole of darkness! Does that convey it accurately?

I think I also need a nap, as I am shaken by the knowledge that my kids could not live farther apart even if that had been a deliberate consideration. My brother and I both attended college just 2 hours north from home. We came home on weekends. He hitched most times! I dated a guy from home for 2 years. Things sure are different......

WOW
that just does not express the feelings today.....
holy shit! now, that's a mite better..can you see my head shaking to and fro?
NYU
NYU
time to order t-shirts

Portland

Arrived home last evening from Portland. It is good to be home with Hannah. I miss Ben. I love Portland.

It was a wonderful trip. Fabulous, fabulous food, and hopefully walking about 5 hours each day, I walked some of the damage back off. Fresh delicata squash salad, pork roulade at Evoe, chicken and dumplings and butter biscuits at Mothers, gorgonzola cheesecake appetizer, steelhead salmon, pot roast at Paragon....oh my! Lots and lots of Oregon wine for Miranda and me and Ben enjoyed many micro brews.

The lovely Vintage Plaza Hotel is downtown and two blocks from Tr-Met, so easy to move about the city. Every evening was wine tasting from 5-6 pm and we were there every evening, before striking out into the city. I discovered a great Sicilian Pinot. Amazing how everyone chatted, reaching out in kindness and friendship.

View from room

Saturday evening we went to Miranda's play, Freakshow, what fun! Miranda acts, directs, writes, books talent, she is a whirlwind of creativity and she loves my son. I am blessed to have spent so many hours this trip getting to know and love her. Miranda made sure I got to bring home some delicious Stumpotown coffee from Backspace, (just one of the places she works) a mug-full I am enjoying now.

The kids and I took the max up (really up!) to Washington Park. I oohed and aahed till I was sick of me.


The light at the end of the tunnel...

tour guides


Up!


Mt St Helens

In the park....






Things that made me smile


need I say anything?

to the park!

sigh. far as I'm concerned, it was perfect. sigh

On the home front, computer is going back for repairs at Apple so call instead of email for the next few days. Car in for smog check, and broken sprinklers in front yard. Welcome home.

Happy Earth Day! Recycle. Shut off those lights and air. Throw back the drapes and open the windows. It is shameful how little we do here compared to Portland. I had recycling bins in my room and public toilets have up and down flush, for well, you know......

Roses

Last winter I was unable to prune my roses on time or properly and this summer they look better and are healthier than ever! Go figure.


Right in front of this vignette is where I plan to put my new brick patio.
Wish I could wash the whole yard in sepia. If I could do that I would also set life to music like a movie soundtrack. What a way to underscore our highs and lows eh?

I spent the day mopping floors and trying to rearrange the living room. Justice and Howie are ruining the chairs in there by rubbing up against them all the time, so I thought if I rearranged the room, they would stop. After much furniture pushing and pulling, everything is right back where it was. I had pulled the high backs and the square table into the room , but the backs of the chairs look too bad even after cleaning them today. The room is so long and narrow my options are very limited. Guess I need someone's house other than mine to rearrange.

oops, just realized the linen sheers are missing. They are still in the wash!

Frustrated, I then started a new display on the newly relocated chest on the landing. Here is the beginning but I will be adding more. I'll post final pics soon. I like the idea of the summer theme, and that vintage hat is oh so darling. (sorry Sue, I still want it, but your name is on it...DIBS!)

Good old summertime.

This and That

Spring has roared in, (can you believe those winds?) and I have been busy finishing projects and starting new ones and I worked with Sue for two days in her studio and garage. The garage is so organized, that Sue can now bring more things from inside the house to store out there, freeing up space in closets and drawers and making everything much more accessible, and very convenient. I had a blast, but then I always do when I am reorganizing. Have P-Touch will travel! Tomorrow is Sue's Birthday so a special Happy Birthday wish to her! She already has her first wish. Chipotle opens down the street from her tomorrow. She has been anxiously waiting for months, taunted by the Coming Soon sign in the window.

There is a birdhouse trellis under there somewhere

Spring continues to make the yard look lovely. My trumpet vine has taken over my north wall and I had my first rose of the season last week. Ben gave me this rose bush "just because". No holiday or special occasion, just because. It is always the first to bloom, perhaps because he was my first born.

I have never kept an aloe vera alive long enough before to see it bloom!

I am planning some major yard work this summer. I want more patio space and less grass. It never grows well under my pink silk tree anyway. I'm thinking a used brick patio to match my walkways and borders. I have a yardman Brit, who recently started helping me, and we talked yesterday about how to proceed. I'm going to do some research and then maybe in May, get started on it. BTW Brit is amazing in yard work if any of you need a little help like I do. I have never seen anyone work so hard and he is very affordable.

While pruning bushes yesterday, I had Brit remove a birds nest from my bottle brush tree. It had been used last year by a very busy mocking bird Mother to brood her three chicks. It was quite large and falling apart some and then I looked and Oh No! a wee blue speckled egg... Was it leftover from last year or a new one? I was so distressed and did now know what to do next and then suddenly there was a Mama mocking bird screeching at me from the pink silk tree and hopping all over from branch to branch. I tucked the nest back up into the tree approximately where it had been and apologized profusely to the Mama. I can only hope that she will nest there again this year, and that I was not responsible for the demise of the pretty blue egg. sigh.

the nest

My studio has seen some activity lately. I was playing around with felting i-chords and made these three bracelets for Hannah. She loves them and I have a set almost done for me in shades of tan and green. I also finally finished this primitive stitchery started 2 years ago and framed it up today. It did not take that long to do, I just kept getting sidetracked. I am also nearly done with 70 log cabin squares that I started over 5 years ago. I almost have all my "finish it" projects done. I have NEVER done that before. I'm going to try to stay current from now on. Now, if only I could finish the ironing! I try to do at least 3-5 pieces a day but then I'll skip a few days and I've done more wash and &^%$# there is more ironing to do!




The house has been bustling with girls enjoying spring break and even though the mess that results drives me crazy, I am sure that I will miss it something fierce this fall when they are all away at college. May 1st is the deadline for acceptance for all these schools and all of Hannah's friends are weighing all the opportunities. These students are all in the top 5% in their high schools, so they have a lot of wonderful choices. Hannah is still undecided, but she has eliminated a few. The next two months will be a whirlwind. Proms, Hannah has another art show in about a week, all the IB exams, finals and then graduations. We have almosat all her dorm supplies for college. We've been shopping sales all year. We will just have the last minute clothes shopping to do. Will it be sundresses for CA, snow parkas and mittens for New York, or rain gear for Seattle? We'll know by May 1. Stay tuned.

A special thank you to all of you who read the blog regularly and ask what and when is next? I treasure such good friends. The paper class is almost ready to be scheduled. I have to do some final brainstorming and I will email everyone when it posts.

Misc

Almost finished- still needs a little more antiquing


Banks roses in back yard this morning

Hannah's awards / Finish it Day

Frank Riolo Award


Mrs Potter and fellow award/merit winners from GV


Hannah's BFFs at awards ceremony

Hannah entered two art competitions this month and won four certificates of merit at the first and the Frank Riolo award at the second and $500.00. Go Hannah! Hannah is now 5 for 5 with the schools. Heard from 5, accepted to 5. The big prize, Brown/RISD dual program, she will hear from in early April.

Finish it Day

Crocheting/Painting/Advent Tags

Pam's finished advent board- soooo pretty


My project- before - finished sanding it down
Dresser should be finished today-watch blog for photo

Finish it Day was spent mostly in the garage because three of us were painting. We had a lovely day for it. I was slow going on my project but I completed painting it the next day and today I will put on the final wax coat and it will be done. I had purchased the dresser at Salvation Army over a year ago and had tried to sell it, but no takers. It was an impulse buy, and I could not find the right spot for it. When I scheduled Finish it Day, I thought I might as well work on it and get it out of the garage. I love how it looks and I'm grateful no one else saw it's potential and bought it from me.

Hannah and I are still enjoying the leftover bagel smear Sue made, the delicious, tummy warming bread pudding from Paula, and the homemade salsa from Amy, (Hannah's favorite). Kudos ladies! We are also eating the dozen rolls I forgot to serve with lunch. Seems to be a new tradition with each class, Suzan forgets to serve some of the food. Will someone please ask at each event from now on, what the complete menu is? I even had it on the list on the fridge and still forgot! Senior moments. Argh! Speaking of senior..I used a senior discount for the very first time at Savers last week. They have senior Tuesdays and Hannah was there buying a vest. I saved $.32 cents. Wow! It really pays to be old.

My dear friend Kristin is coming into town this week and I cannot wait to go out and play. I miss her. She and her lovely family live in Idaho now, they escaped Vegas a couple of years ago. Kristin has a heart of gold, and how she manages a beautiful home full of five small boys and a husband is beyond me...and she always looks so pretty doing it.

Special thoughts and prayers go out to Amy, Pam and Macky. love you guys

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Pre-heat to 325

Use silpats or line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

18 - 3" cookies

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda (make sure it is fresh)

2 TB instant espresso powder

1 tsp pure vanilla (use the good stuff)

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk

7 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate coarsely chopped (or find semi sweet chunks)

Whisk together flour, cocoa, salt, soda; set aside. In a small bowl stir espresso powder, vanilla, and 1 TB of water. Set aside.

In mixer bowl cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg and yolk, mix. Add espresso mixture, mix well.  At low speed add flour mixture in batches, mixing until combined. Stir in chocolate chunks.

Using 2 oz ice cream scoop, scoop heaping balls of dough and place 3" apart on baking sheets. Bake until set 20 minutes. Remove and cool before removing cookies.

Add 1 very cold glass of milk ( we put ice in ours in this household) and don't let the thought of calories enter your mind. Also delicious with coffee.

Don't feel like baking? Come to Finish it Day and enjoy these cookies here.

Good Things

Remembering dear Libbey - I miss her.

Hannah just found out Tuesday she got one of her paintings into another show, this after winning four certificates of merit at another show 2 weeks ago. We were very happy with the news and then the next day I received a call from the legal counsel of a CEO of one of the local casinos and he, the CEO, wanted to buy the painting for $500.00. Some of you know the painting, it is the one that hangs (used to hang) in my bedroom. The painting is of Hannah's blue jeaned legs and her ratty old "chucks" sneakers. Although she is reluctant to sell it, it will help with her spending money for college. I'm sad to see it go, it was a favorite.

Speaking of college, Hannah has heard from three and been accepted to three. We're still anxiously awaiting word from the rest.

A Happy Birthday shout out today to my dear friends Pam and Lorene. Happy Birthday Ladies! You both are still looking mighty fine, and have the kindness to match.

So far we have four for Finish it Day. C'mon, get registered. You don't have to stay all day if you are not able, come for a couple of hours at least. I just know there are projects out there, dusty, neglected and in need of help. This really does work. You will accomplish something, I promise! Scrapbook, organize some pictures, cut strips for quilting, bind a quilt. Crochet, knit, or hook a rug. Make jewelry, paint small wood pieces or make cards. You could even finish a project from a Gathering! There's an idea. I know there are advent tags still not completed.......Housework can wait, besides they say it's going to rain and if it really pours there is no better place to be than on my back porch listening to the rain hit that tin roof.

Further temptation. I am making my enormous chocolate chunk cookies...come and get 'em....

Finish it Day

Finish it Day is Saturday March 14th
We will start at 10:00 and finish? You may arrive after 10 if you like and leave at any time.Of course early birds get their pick of room and seating options, important if you are going to do hand needlework.We are featuring comfort foods for the day, with a meal around lunch time and then we will "graze" all day.

You must register by Sunday the 8th to attend. Finish it day is free to anyone who has taken a class and $10.00 to others. Everyone brings one pot luck dish to contribute to the meal. I will provide hot and iced tea, coffee and lemonade, and other goodies.
Please feel free to bring waters and sodas to enjoy.
Sorry, no children are permitted to attend.

You may work on anything you desire, you can even paint small items in the garage if you wish, I may be doing some of that myself!

Hope many of you will join me-this is a great way to check off one or more things from your "to do" list and finally enjoy that finished project. Not to mention the great food and fabulous ladies who always make it a day filled with laughter and shared life experiences.

See you soon!

Red Letter Day

Kids- I have great kids and yesterday was a great day for them. Hannah received her first college acceptance "fat envelope" which was fun and Ben called to alert me to his terrific article in the huffingtonpost.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-stoddard/green-guilt_b 169642.html
I was working at Sue's yesterday and did not get home till late and went to check the mail even later so I called Hannah at midnight to tell her there was an admissions envelope waiting, and she told me to open it, and yippeee! Here we go waiting for the rest to come in. SO exciting!

Sue and I have been working on new designs for her bedroom and last night was the night to hang her curtains. As usual I poked starter holes for the anchors with my Dad's old ice pick. After doing the first side of one I started on the other and hit a stud. Trying to save myself the trouble of getting out my drill, I tapped a little harder on the ice pick with my hammer and then spent the next 35 minutes trying to get the %$#@ thing back out. I guess a "tap" was not exactly what I did, I had pounded the thing about 2" into the stud. After trying every wrench, plier (locking and other wise),I called for reinforcements from Sue's hulky 6'4' son Scott, who, yanked, pounded and pulled another 10 minutes and then he gave up. By now the wooden end of the pick has come off and I am trying to grasp just the slim metal rod. I sent up a silent plea to my Dad for assistance and "poof" out it came. Of course when Scott came back to check, we told him he had "loosened" it for me. We tell that to all the men.....

Today is scrubbing tile day...ugh...and I should get back to it. I'll be scheduling Finish it Day very soon. If anyone has any input, let me know ASAP. I'm leaning toward a Saturday and we'll start at 10:00 am and go until ? Some will be overnight guests...even more fun! You will have to register to attend.

Buttons Buttons- Go get the Buttons!

Twice now I have purchased amazing buttons from Karen Vornsand. These buttons are incredible, and Karen hand cleans each and every one. There are no dirty strings and left over wire bits, and her knowledge of types and materials used is valuable info to a novice like me. When I'm sifting my hands through trays of buttons, I have to tell you, it makes me a little giddy. One after another I spy a special one, only to squeal as I grab up another that becomes my "new best one!" It will be difficult to part with these for upcoming classes but that is my intent.

This red beauty nestled in a pile of browns I purchased, is one of her bracelets. Some of you snatched up these bracelets at Doodlebug last December. Each unique and wonderful, but be prepared to be stopped everywhere you go with "Where did you get that?" and "I want one!"

You can see and purchase her buttons this coming Sunday the 22nd at Bead Jungle from 12-4. 1550 W Horizon Ridge here in Henderson. Bring some friends and please tell Karen I sent you. Karen will be happy to tell you where you can purchase her jewelry and about any upcoming button classes etc.

Seriously, dear friends.... Button Button- Go get the Buttons!

Watch for photo of my new wallet from Amy Gonzalez. We played email and phone tag all yesterday or I would already have it. I cannot wait to use it. When I saw Amy's wallet at Doodle, I gasped and said "Where did you get that? and "I want one!" Where have I heard that before? hmmmm. I gave her a stack of favorite brown fabrics and had her make me a "primitive" one but her standard styles are all about bright colors and jazzy fabrics that are too, too cute.

If anyone is interested in contacting either Karen or Amy, let me know and I will forward your info to them. Is everyone loving this weather? My trees are in bud already and my bulbs are coming up!

2 in one day! Blog Info

A friend just called and we realized pretty quickly that being a newbie to blogging, she did not realize that she could scroll down to the bottom of each page and click on older posts to see past blog postings. You can select the month or year from the bar area to the left. I also explained that she could email me directly from the site by clicking on the letter icon under each posting and she could also leave me comments about any posting by clicking on comments. I love to get comments, so feel free.

Now I'm sure most of you are familiar with all of this, but for the few who are new to blogging I hope this helps.

The next Gathering is going to be all about paper. You will not believe how much we can do with such a renewable resource. It will be a series of many stations and each station will be a different paper project. I did this years ago ( oh my, well over a decade ago) and it was a huge hit, and I think it is time to do again. Because of the many stations we have to have warmer weather so that some stations can be outdoors. I was so excited about doing this I bought some supplies already today.

Papier, carta, papel..It's all paper to me!

Queen of Hearts Projects

Pics as promised- 9 projects