string*THEORY

Seven Random Facts

I'm usually not a huge fan of meme's just because they remind me of those spammy-chain letter thingy's people used to forward back in the mid-90's when email started to become really popular. This one is different though, it's very personal, & some of the responses I've been reading are hilarious! I was secretly hoping that someone would tag me. Thanks, Laura, for making my secret dream come true.

Rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

[one]

I'm a very very loud sleeper. I talk a lot and grind my teeth - very very loudly. I had a friend in junior high who's parents made me sleep in the far corner of their house when we would do sleep-overs, so not to disturb the rest of the family. So so sad.

[two]

I'm very indecisive. I went to 5 different colleges (and I don't even have a Masters). I've lived in 7 different cities within 3 states and 2 countries.

[three]

My ear's are strange. If I get too hungry (especially if it's the first meal of the day), I loose hearing in my left ear. I won't get it back until about 4 or 5 hours after I finally eat. I can also wiggle my ears without moving my face. And, if I get too tired, my right ear turns bright red and gets really hot.

[four]

I'm really sensitive to music. I become fixated (almost angry, it's weird, I know) if the music doesn't fit the environment. One of the worst most irritating offenses (in my dysfunctional eyes..or ears, rather) that a business owner can make is to put the radio (with commercials) on in their store. I've been known to walk out of a restaurant due to irritating radio commercials. I know, super-irrational, see number three. On the other end of the spectrum, I get fixated to songs or albums. When I find something I like, I'll listen to it on loop for hours. Annoying for my passengers or house guests.

[five]

I've never ever lived alone.

[six]

I spelled my name wrong for the first 14 years of my life. No one (not my parents, not a single teacher, no one) thought to correct me. I realized this when I was required to hand over my birth certificate when I registered for high-school.

[seven]

(Hubby wanted me to put this one in): I have an "uncanny" ability to monitor & report on several conversations in a room while actively maintaining my own. Restaurant conversations are my favorite. Perhaps this is why I can't stand commercials ? It gets in the way of my eaves dropping.

Ok, I've said too much. I just realized that most of my facts have to do with my ears. Strange, very very strange. I tried my best not to get too personal as my husband put it "do you really want that on the Internet?". Well, yes...I mean no, I guess. So if we ever meet, ask me, and I'll tell you the other seven random things I couldn't publish.

I'm tagging: Nico, Cynthia, Maritza, Lolly, & Beth.

*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----

Last thing, the contest for Madame Mannequin's name is still going on. I'm willing to consider names outside of the French or Italian languages, as long as it's something good...and, uuhm fashionable.

*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----

One more last thing, those photos? Yeah baby, I picked up the needles again last night. First time after an 8 week break. My longest eva'. Guess what I'm knitting though....kinda embarrassing.

A New Member of the Family

I'd like to introduce you to a new member of our family. "Fashionista"..."Studio Guard Extraordinare"..."Design Assistant". She arrived yesterday all the way from NYC and is adjusting nicely to our San Francisco weather (hence the sweater). I've been searching and searching (two years now!) & finally found the perfect studio-assistant. Just in time & just the right size.

I hate to keep her cooped up in the studio, she's a lovely addition to our living room where she stands now, but she keeps freaking me out. "Who's that woman watching TV with my husband!"...I wish I was lying, but she startled me more then once last night. I'm not the jealous type, I promise. {fingers crossed behind my back}. She has impeccable style, so what can I say.

Ok, enough on that, I'm starting to feel crazy. Ooh, but one more shot...

Ooh, but before I forget, she needs a name! Can you help me name her...(I'm thinking something French or Italian, maybe)? I'll take suggestions in the comments section here...the name I choose & that's the most fitting for this little babe is the winner....and gets to choose from one of these:

[click to enlarge] You may remember their bouncing sister from this post.

Sounds fun? I'll choose a winner on Saturday.

Thank you for your compliments and suggestions on the new weblog-skin. I tried implementing as much of the suggestions as I could, with the exception of Kate's which was to add my blog name to the banner. I would love to do that, but I'm not so crafty with Photoshop....so we'll see if I can figure it out or possibly have someone show me. I like the idea. I know it's still a little off centered (thanks, Filambulle), this is a mathematics fix - something else I'm not good at. Ooh, and I changed up the center coloring....what do you think now, Charolotte? Again, thanks for the suggestions.

Be Honest

What do you think of the new look?

I've had a tendency lately to go a little over-board with the yellow...and I think I may have done it again here. But I like it & I'm deluded, so, tell me...and be honest, what do you think?

P.S. Sorry about the creepy photo. I couldn't think of anyone else who might appreciate this strange parking lot encounter.

Proud Sisters & Jail Houses

[click on any of the photos to enlarge]

It's official, she's done. And so are my parents. This weekend was not only a celebration of my sisters (Moni) graduation from college (Fashion Merchandising & Apparel Design - how cool is that?) but also a celebration of my parents new found financial freedom as all three of their daughters are officially financially emancipated. Double...or should I say triple, cool.

The weekend brought many feelings of pride as I watched my baby sis take this new big step in her life. It was a little weird too, because I was kinda old when she was born, so I remember things like my mothers pregnancy & Moni's first steps.

It also brought a whole lot of fun as I had a chance to share my city with the family. I started out with a trip with my cousins to Oakland on the Bart (I know, I know, exciting). This was their first time riding the subway, and the trip was full of hilarious questions...like..."will we be able to see sharks when we go under the bay"....and "are there bathrooms or snacks on the subway"...and finally..."is the way back as long as it was the way here?". They were a bit nervous at first, can you tell in the photo?

Ooh look, we did find snacks, didn't we? And their naughty big cousin let them get sweets (twinkies...lot's of twinkies) before dinner, hmmm...hope their mom isn't reading this!

Then it was on to Alcatraz. And can you believe I've never been? That's the best thing about hosting visitors - the chance to visit some of the tourists sites...

Lot's of great photo opps at Alcatraz, let me tell you...or show you (better yet)....

And I'll leave you with my favorites...(life in prison looks similar to our little crafty lives, doesn't it?)...ok, I was kidding about that. The tour was pretty sad, actually. But this wasn't:

Yes, He "Does" Windows - Part II

Remember the first incident? Well, it happened again folks...yes...another hand...through...another window.

This time it was the entire window. See the left side? Ooh you don't? That's because it's not there.

I heard a loud crash from the other side of the house...(grabbed my camera)...and ran to his rescue (ok, I could sense a good blogging moment coming on, let's be honest). The scene was left with a confused hubby, big pile of glass two floors down and a few nosey neighbors poking their heads about.

...oh and those mini blinds? Fun to photograph, disgusting to look at. They're going too...

My question now, is it the man, or the 90 year old windows with corroded wood frames? Could also be the chaos that is this happy home these days...I won't mention the shards of glass all over the floor of my studio from yesterdays dropped light bulb....or the smashed glass lampshade (differnet light all together) or the fried laptop from a spilled glass of water from today (that one was me, thank you very much...).

Either way...I'm off to call the glass-man...the geek squad & my therapist - it's getting chilly in here & we've got some people to entertain this weekend!

***Edited to Add**** The sweet sweet hubby spent 6 hours fixing my computer and hanging all my new curtain rods...curtains in the studio and laptop under my fingers. I'm a happy crafter today.

***Another "Edited to Add"*** I also left my cell phone in a Vegas limo last week. Don't ask me what I was doing in a limo in Vegas - that's a whole 'nutha story all together.

I'm a mess. It's official.

Moo Cards & Etsy Finds

Have you caught on to the latest Moo Card craze yet? I'll admit to be a total sucker for crafty internet "gadgets" (gadgets without wires of course)...the photo on the mug or tote bag...customized calendars - I fall for it every time.

Moo Cards are right up my alley. And people are getting pretty crazy with them, you know...parties...and magnets too. They kind of remind me of "picture time" in junior high when everyone would swap wallet size school photos of themselves with the intent on building the biggest collection ever. You know, as if they were baseball cards. Kinda of strange, kinda cool.

They also offer me a healthy distraction from preparing my house for this weekends festivities. Hours and hours of time can be passed re-arranging the cards in various piles...by color..by subject...by craft...

...And by "Knitting Project To-Do's":

This will be part of what will soon become my "inspriration board" in the little studio...

With that said...and in the spirit of our inner pre-pubescent-adolescent selves - who wants to do a little (junior high) Moo-Card Swap? Nothing extravagant, maybe just a 5-for-5 card swap...a simple throw-'em-in-an-envelope and send 'em off kinda deal....(post a comment here if your interested).

Onward....

Another place I've been coveting big time lately is Etsy. I've lingered about and have bought quite a few treasures in the past, but I've been especially interested lately since I'm working on decorating that little studio of mine with as much inspiration as possible. And inspiration, I found. Check out these babies:

Found by Mandy Sutcliffe of MillyMollyMandy. I'm not sure what I love more, the obvious talent and emotion portrayed in the print (how sweet are those two?) or the beautiful bonus gifts of stickers and a small (hand written, mind you) "thank you" card. See, this is what I love about Etsy, the direct connection you have with the artist...the personal "service" in the transaction...and all the love that goes around & around from artist to "customer" and back again. (Thanks, Allegra for turning me on Mandy's work).

Chair Art by Annie Wilkinson of Girl vs. World. Another amazing talent. This is a large print on (what I think) is stiff fancy photo-like paper. The colors in this print are so rich and saturated with detail - something I just can't portray in this photograph. The stance, the prints, her expression - all so unique and beautiful.

Here's to the Graduates!

Funny how sometimes my weekend is so crazy, that I'm actually glad to welcome the "break" that the week brings. I guess it has to do with a routine I can rely on, and the expectation of the consistent rhythm that the work week promises.

The weekend in Chico brought lots of proud moments as I watched my best friend graduate from Chico State. This has been a long coming transition with lots of road blocks to overcome, cities to move to (4 to be exact), and majors to choose and change. I'm incredibly proud of her and the other older students that I saw graduating that day. It takes a little something extra to accomplish this feat when your a little older, I think.

I'm home now, and will be for two solid weeks (yeah!). However, there's not a moment to rest (or craft - so sad, I know), as we're trying desperately to prepare the house for this weekends graduation celebration for my sister. We're hosting 25 relatives in our 2 bedroom apartment. I don't know about you, but my house is in a constant state of disarray, much cleaning or organizing to be done if I'm expecting anyone other then the UPS guy. Should be interesting.

My plan is to sneak in little moments here and there in organizing my studio, but it will be tough, as according to the hubs, it's not a priority. Obviously I don't agree with that. Having my buttons sorted before the party is absolutely essential....right?

Photos of that and other little projects I'm working on to come....Tis the Season of Organizing, I guess.

Impromtu Blogging Break

Apparently I took a short break and didn't even realize it - I guess Vegas and the chaos of the Celebration Extravaganza will do that to you. Speaking of Vegas, man am I glad to be home. I'm glad to be home, even if it's only for 2 hours to swap out the work clothes in my suitcase for this seasons graduation uniform. And catch up on my blogging, of course.

This is a short post today, partly because I'm swamped with obligations and partly because I just don't have a whole lot to say. I've been working 18 hour days the past week and I'm drained to say the least. Things are looking up now that I'm home, tonight I get to spend some much needed time with the hubs, driving up to Chico, CA and a much anticipated weekend with my best friends from high school.

Have a lovely weekend, see you next week.

La Madre

After an extended stint in Sacramento, I'm back in San Francisco. It's a gloomy, over-whelming day today, and all I can think about is my studio - a current obsession. Unfortunately though, my attention needs to be focused on my next trip - 3 days in Las Vegas, leaving tomorrow morning. Damn...

Mothers day weekend was wonderful - my sisters, Dad and I tried our best to spoil her with breakfast...flowers...gifts, and a day strolling about the Sacramento Antique Faire. We tried, but it never ceases to amaze me that the woman. Never. Stops. She continued her motherly duties of keeping us fed...loaning us money....and fussing over us as mothers often do. If I was a mother, I would take the day as an opportunity to boss my kids around - generally making them my slaves for a day. One of many reason why I'm not ready to become a mother, I suppose. The whole "slavery" thing usually doesn't go over well with the authorities.

The photos shown here, are of my mom throughout the years. The one at the very top is all five of us (my baby sister still forming inside - but present, just the same), and I'm in white. It's neat to see how people change, isn't it? I especially love looking at her 1960's school photos - that hair, her clothes - all so dreamy. It's fun to think of what my mom was like as a child, as a student, as the sweet daughter that I know she was based on countless stories told by my grandmother. Included in my pile of school photos is a whole slew of awards, honorary this and that, mementos of my mother's consistent excellence throughout her life.

It's comforting to think, that despite all of her achievements, she never held her own "bar" over the heads of my sisters and I. She and my father both worked hard to celebrate what they found "excellent" in us as individuals. Whether it be in our art, or humor, ability to dance & do gymnastics in our underwear (as children, not adults - just for the record)...or achievements in subjects we found difficult - they never compared us to each other or measured us on what they considered important, but rather, what was clearly important to us.

Corners of My Mother-In-Law's Home

This was a sign i found, here in the home of my in-laws. The house is primarily decorated by my mother-in-law with little tid-bits of inspiration & influence from her husband and four children. Walking in the home is like walking into a living museum of my husbands childhood. This sign is so sweet and gentle and is just one of many examples of pieces that represent her kindness.

Spending time here also re-connects me to some of the personality traits my husband has that I know must come from her. Things I take for granted or forget are unique. Like his ability to be so relentlessly forgiving and kind.

And, experiencing their relationship with each other, makes me hopeful, that one day, I should be so lucky to have a relationship like that with my son, if I were ever to have one.

Mother's day for me is a celebration of all the mothers in my life (aunt's, and grandmothers alike). But, I can't help but think about the women who long to be mothers, but can't or are having trouble becoming one. Or those that have lost their mothers. I bet Mother's Day is challenging for them.

So to that, I wish you a very peaceful weekend. Weather you spend it with your children, or think about those you may have some day, I hope your day is filled with calm in remembering the women in your life who have given you the gift of love and care.

With the exception of the first one, the photographs are treasures that I picked up yesterday at an estate sale. Feminine in color and texture, and fitting for this post, I thought.