Oh Brother, "P" is for Packing

So we decided to use the plane tickets from the trip that we had to cancel last fall to go and visit my brother and sister-in-law in sunny California.  And while this decision in and of itself is wonderful, the task of PACKING is upon me once again!  Which means the chore of planning my wardrobe for days of sightseeing, afternoons by the pool or ocean, and evenings of fun, frolic, and delicious meals is all mine! 

Hello, Space Age, where are you?  I could totally use the Jetson's closet that I believed was my future when I was a wee lass watching cartoons. 

Space Age Ladies

Dear Wilma, 

That's my life, not yours.  Back to suitcases and the Stone Age! 
Hearts and flowers,
Jane Jetson

Modern Stone Age

Speaking of Fred and Wilma, for my husband, the task of packing is one that takes less than an hour and can be completed on the morning of departure.  To appease me, he tries to complete the task before David Letterman ends the night before we fly.  For me, it is as grueling process that includes days of laundry - sorting, washing, drying, folding - that culminates with an elementary school gym class team choosing event.   

Vacation Team takes, dressy denim walking shorts.

Home Team chooses preppy navy polo dress.  

Suddenly, my wardrobe develops feelings and a standard black flip flop cowers in the corner while Little Miss Cheerleader - a natural "shoe-in", metallic sandal, jumps into the suitcase.

And so the drama continues until my suitcase looks like this...

The Reality

long before it ever looks ANYTHING like this.

The Dream

And in a moment of clarity, I consider that I may have been approaching this in the wrong way all along.  And it was Samantha's magic that I needed to conjure up...

Girl with a Magical Plan

And with a snap of my fingers

And a twitch of my nose
I'll find my suitcase filled
With vacation-ready clothes!

When I Hear Music...

it makes me dance, sway, sing, daydream, imagine, hum, clap, close my eyes and just live in the moment.  All the more when this music is being played live in front of me.


Last night, one of my favorite bands, Iron and Wine, was in town for a concert at the Electric Factory  to promote their new album, "Kiss Each Other Clean". The show was the levity that this week needed.  It had been a long time since I had seen them during the 2005 tour with Calexico in support of the album, "In the Reins", so I was so excited and although my favorite song, Sixteen, Maybe Less, was not played last night, I was enchanted once more with Iron and Wine.

The Low Anthem opened with an incredible set that knocked my socks off.  I had not heard of them, but what an introduction! A well-mixed crowd of faces young and old showed warm appreciation towards both acts.  Personal affection and appreciation for well written words, music, and the showmanship of lead singer Sam Beam.  You know it is good when you feel 18 again just because you have closed your eyes and let the music carry you away!  Sam's lyrics are poetic and wistful and his voice is pure; he surrounds himself with talented and versatile musicians.

After a wonderful set, Sam returned to the stage for the encore featuring "The Trapeze Swinger" and the music was stripped down to the simple beauty of a poet and his guitar.

Grapes in the Grass

Old Navy Beaded Cluster Ring

Bursts of color are everywhere in the early blooming days of Spring.  The yellow, white, and purple of crocuses are soon followed by the yellow-white-orange shades of daffodils.  Tulips delight with their many colors, shapes, and varieties and the purple and pink hyacinths resemble brightly dyed Easter eggs.  While talking a walk a few days ago, I was reminded of another beauty and today a picture of a ring on an Old Navy post reminded me to sit down and look for its name.  I noticed the Grape Hyacinth first in a flower bed near the entrance to the walking trail, but then saw shoots of them during my walk in among the grass, weeds, and other vegetation.  I figured it was a hardy flower and was surprised by its "hyacinth" name.  I was further intrigued to discover it is a member of the Lily family, but I know that it is something to add to the Fall planting list and the ring, well that is something to add to the Spring shopping list! 

The Silly Pearl {Handmade}: Craft Tutorial: Party Blower Birthday Wreath

This craft idea "blew" me away! Great idea, looks truly adorable, and the instructions are straightforward! I'm keeping this one in my bag of tricks, waiting for the right occasion to pull it out and give it a try! Would be great with holiday themed prints, thinking of Halloween!

A tip of my hat to you Silly Pearl!

The Silly Pearl {Handmade}: Craft Tutorial: Party Blower Birthday Wreath

Ladybug, Ladybug

It is Ladybug season again!  This batch was hatched in honor of Margot's 3rd Birthday!  Her mom contacted Cute as a Button for party favors for Margot's big day after sampling them in the fall at a charity bake sale where the ladybugs were a big hit, selling in minutes!  

Margot will be celebrating her birthday with her adventuresome friends at Smith Kids' Play Place in Philadelphia.  From what I have been told, the Giant Slide is the main attraction for this party and it looks like lots of fun for children of all ages! 

This was the first time I made blue ladybugs, or rather gentlemanbugs, and I think they are wonderful!  Each party guest will receive one of these treats in the take-home party goody bag.  I am sure it will be love at first bite!



Throw your hands in the air
Take a slide, shout "Whee"!
It's Margot's birthday
She's turning 3!

Hello, Old Friend

Old friends, new friends, somewhere in between friends...I am not sure what I would consider my relationship to my blog.  It has been some time since I last logged on and much has happened in the months that have passed, but I am still on the hunt for what inspires me to create.  So ta-ta for now, but let's not be strangers!