Happy Monday!

Photo courtesy of my daughter; matrushka courtesy of my son.

Happy Birthday Julie!

My younger sister Julie is having a birthday today. Here we are in front of grandma & grandpa's in Glendale on Easter....circa 1965? 66? We always got new dresses and new patent leather shoes. I don't remember the purses, but I do remember not liking it all...see that look on my face. I'm still a jeans and tee-shirt kinda gal.

To Do....Ta Da

I did not get out of my pajamas until after noon today.

And I did not write a thing on my ToDo list today...

the only thing I really had to do was a blog post!

Today is day 14 of 30 in NaBloPoMo.

If I had made out a ToDo list it would have been

on these pads I made from recycled paper.

And on the backs....recycled cereal boxes!

Note cards.

How beautiful are these note cards from Madison Park Greetings? They are designed by Nancy Honan Wallace and I just had to have them! We carry them at Paper Products, but I'm sure they are going to fly off the shelf (I promise not to buy them all). I still love snail mail...don't you?

Oh, just noticed it's Friday the 13th....have a very lucky day!

Feeling collagie...

Veteran's Day.

Honoring all the veterans of yesterday and today.

God bless you and America!

Glass pumpkins.

Another post from Leslie's visit. These gorgeous pics are from the Seattle Glassblowing Studio on 5th Avenue, near Blanchard. Definitely worth a visit!

The Seattle Central Library.

Opened in May 0f 2004.

Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.

18,400 cubic yards of concrete.

2,050 tons of rebar.

4,644 tons total steel.

9,994 pieces of exterior glass or 126,767 square feet.

28,963 square feet of interior glazing.

Just an amazing space. Here are some of Leslie's interior photos...

Teresa Sheeley Giveaway.

FYI....Teresa Sheeley is having a Moleskine giveaway over on her spectacular blog. Check it out!

Stormy, Soggy Seattle.

I had such a great time with Leslie in Seattle, but it was so stormy...windy and rainy. We started the day with a yummy breakfast at Lola. We skipped Sculpture Park and headed right to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), then off to the Seattle Public Library, afternoon tea on First, the Nordstrom Sale (Leslie told her husband that she "accidentally" went shopping), and finally a delicious happy hour dinner back at Taste at SAM. We planned to hit "First Thursday" open art galleries/studios but we went back to the hotel to dry off, regroup and then never went back out. Instead we were in our pjs by 8:30! It was soggy day indeed, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Thanks Michelle.

I got an award passed on to me by Michelle over at EverydayMe. I need to answer the following 35 questions with one word and then pass it on. I'm passing it on to Meagan over at A Serene Scene. She's relatively new to blogging, but oh so talented!

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Natural
3. Your mother? Gone
4. Your father? Funny
5. Your favorite food? Chocolate
6. Your dream last night? None
7. Your favorite drink? Tea
8. Your dream/goal? Independence
9. What room are you in? Livingroom
10. Your hobby? Card-making
11. Your fear? Heights
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Home
13. Where were you last night? ArtWalk
14. Something you aren't? Skinny
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. Wish list item? Sanity
17. Where did you grow up? California
18. Last think you did? Ate
19. What are you wearing? Jeans
20. Your TV? Sony
21. Your pets? Four
22. Friends? Special
23. Your life? Crazy
24. Your mood? Changing
25. Missing someone? Definitely
26. Vehicle? Old
27. Something you're not wearing? Mascara
28. Your favorite store? PinkChalkFabrics
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? MinutesAgo
31. Last time you cried? Today
32. Your best friend? Cherished
33. One place that I go to over and over? Work (it's a good thing)
34. Facebook? Yes
35. Favorite place to eat? Lola

Missed anniversary.

I missed my one-year blogging anniversary back on October 21st. I was too busy and stressed to notice at the time. But I did not want to let it pass completely unnoticed and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy this community. I stay up-to-date and in touch with a couple of elementary school friends. I've met new friends right here on Bainbridge Island because of blogging. I'm inspired daily by all the creativity going on around the world.
Happy belated anniversary dear blog! Thank you fellow bloggers! ;-) Joan

A day in Seattle.

My friend Leslie is in town from California and we're spending the day in Seattle...breakfast at Lola, Sculpture Park, SAM, shopping, talking, eating...

A present for me!

I love to get mail, but I like getting packages even more! A few days ago one arrived for me from Southern California. My friend Michelle over at Everyday Me made this amazing fall tree pressed between glass. Have a look at her post for details on how to make and some more pics. Thank you Michelle! I love it!

Sunrise.

I love the early morning, mostly to have the quiet time at home before everyone is awake, drink tea and read my morning paper. Reading the morning paper is slowly turning into reading the news on the internet and blogging. This morning, however, I had to head to the laundromat. Our washing machine is not draining!!! On the way home the sun was rising and I snapped a couple of pics....

NaBloPoMo.

Okay, it's just day 4 and I've only been posting five or so times a month lately, but I'm challenging myself to a post everyday in November. There is so much going on....most of it's creative stuff getting ready for the holidays so I'm going to share it all! (Heard about NaBloPoMo over on Dani's blog.)
The photo is of the blazing sunset on Halloween...it looked like the sky was on fire. I'm just amazed at how far the setting sun moves along the horizon from summer solstice to now and even further south by winter solstice. And yes, I know how blessed I am to have this view everyday.

Vote today!

Three Flags by Jasper Johns.

Happy Birthday Michelle!

My wonderful friend since childhood is having a BIG birthday today.

Thinking of you Michelle and wishing I was there to help you celebrate.

BTW, she's extremely talented and blogs over at Everday Me.

Phillies fan...

...well, during the World Series anyway. If you're playing the Yankees I'm pulling for you! My dear friend Pam over on One Gal's Trash posted about not being a baseball fan, but it appears she is cheering for the Phillies too and one of their "hot" players. Well Pam, I must put in my "hot" vote for Mr. Cole Hamels.

Need I say more???
GO PHILLIES!

Hello November.

I've thoroughly enjoyed every month of my Ilee Papergoods calendar this year. But what to choose for next year??? Seattle magazine has some wonderful local picks including the new Ilee for 2010, but I'm leaning toward the Linnea Poster calendar (that we carry at Paper Products!). I've been eyeing it for a month or so already.