309: littleneck and the vintage fabric
Well, hey there!
Ahhh, sunny day again today.
I haven't been sleeping well the last couple of nights. Last night, I had that 'filet-o-fish' commercial stuck in my head. At least I was entertained.
Wanna have a look-see at some new secondhand scores?
Of course you do.
Vintage home dec plus brown linen blend:
Supercute oldschool quilting fabric (love the colors):
Awesome blush-bud bias binding (aw, yeah) and pink teeny-weeny baby rickrack:
Love that gold plastic bow. Love it.
Oooh, what's this?:
Some kind of beaded netting?
oooh! a vintage collar!
Luckily I have a vintage-sized neck.
I'll need to clean it and repair the closure, but hopefully it will be sturdy enough to take some wear!
Some spring-colored ginghams and a cute floral:
Isn't this perfect? Gold, salmon, teal, chocolate... >sigh<
I have so many posts I want to write! Lots more thrift scores, a gorgeous bag someone made for me out of Sugar Snap, some rust photos from a recent visit with some fellow bloggers, a stirring pile of art I found in the street, a project I have in mind using denim in a way that is not horrifying...all coming up.
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Thank you, still and again, for your continued love and support regarding my brother's death. I have to admit, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about responding to the cards and emails- so please give me some time. I am so touched by your caring. I feel blessed by it.
My good friend Katie brought me some homemade bread and strawberry-rhubarb jam the other day. Oh my god, yum. I , um, well, I ate the entire loaf in 3 days. By. My. Self. So good! It was Light Wheat from the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day book. (thank you , sweetie! xo)
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Some random questions for you:
Are you watching American Idol like I am?
Reading anything good?
Music recommendations?
Do you work out?
When do you feel most creative?
xo, m
melissa
40 Comments
Reader Comments (40)
Are you watching American Idol like I am?
No. I just disconnected cable. It's the best things I've done in years. ;-)
Reading anything good?
I am trying to read my bible more. I am trying to find positive quotes that inspire me. I am trying to ignore the news....because it's not bringing any happiness into my life and it's not very uplifting.
Music recommendations?
http://blip.fm/UnePetiteEtoile - my (mostly French) music changes by the day. I love iTunes, but tend to update blip list to share with friends - for free.
Do you work out?
Yes, and pilates is my lifesaver. I breathe, sleep and eat better when I exercise.
When do you feel most creative?
While I am exercising, when I am gardening, and as I sit on the beach and stare at the ocean.
I can't stop laughing when I see it but then I realize how good the marketing is and it's a fast food chain and I sober up.
You vintage neck!
I just finished a Michael Chabon binge... Two short story collections & a novel.. Check him out. He writes beautifully & his range of subjects is wide.
Also, if you like to cross-reference, check out Librarything.com. You can put in the books you've read, & read user-written reviews about similar books. It's really a cool way to find new books you'd never know about, without having to leave home.
As far as music, I'm madly in love with Morcheeba.
Melissa, this is my first comment to your blog, but I've been reading for a while. I hope you're doing well, & I'm keeping you in my thoughts.
Many blessings & much love!
Yes
Reading anything good?
Yes ~ The 12 secrets of Highly Creative Women
Music recommendations?
I have been listening to lots of podcasts about creativity instead
Do you work out?
No
When do you feel most creative?
when I have unscheduled time
2. Reading... I just finished (in one day)"I Was Amelia Earhart", a sweet little book about Amelia Earhart and what happens after she disappears
3. Music... I have recently been looking through old cd's that I forgot I even had and rediscovering olllldddd forgotten friends. I found an old best hits collection of Frnak Sinatra which has been fun to play again.
4. Working out.... yes and no.. We have an eliptical machine and I do try to get on it everyday but it's usually only for a few minutes and I don't even really get sweaty or out of breath so it's not doing much for me except toning my muscles I guess.
5. Most creative...for me it comes and goes...I feel most able to create when I have had time with other creative people. The energy from other creators seems to inspire me to get started on all those projects that are floating around in my head. Once I get started, everything else around me tends to suffer. Laundry might or might not get done.
xoe
reading 3 cups of tea by david mortenson and loving it.
i listen to the CBC all day, not much music here.
i think that working out is a form of torture. i feel healthy and love playing with my son which i think is the exact type of exercise we should all have a little more of.
i feel most creative when i'm at work and can't get home to create anything! urgh.
fabulous thrift store finds! finding cool, non-polyester vintage fabric is always an exciting score.
i've been listening to more music, in order to avoid all the depressing (hyped up fear??) news (gossip??) on npr and can't stop listening to early 80s alternative/new wave...SO good. i also like to sing along with my "reality bites" soundtrack...it's hard to feel too down when (loudly) singing along to "my sharona" =)
and i'm with barbara--"i feel most creative when i'm at work and can't get home to create anything!"...so i take tiny breaks during the day and check up on my favorite creative blogs.
Idol: yes but have only voted once
Just read Loving Frank - excellent - and am reading The Serpent's Tale - very good - and am about to read Snowflower and the Secret Fan for my book club.
I like all kinds of music but by newest CD is Barry White!
I exercise off and on but should do it way more than I do.
I am most creative when the sun is shining.
This too is my first post on your blog and I have been reading it for awhile; and I also hope that you are doing well and taking care of yourself.
Thanks for the fun questions. Debbie
Reading anything good? - I keep meaning to start "Ashling" by Isobelle Carmody. It's the third book in her Obernewtyn Chronicles, and if you enjoy fantasy, I'd highly recommend the series.
Music recommendations? - seabear. (I believe they have a MySpace where you can listen to some of their music.)
Do you work out? - On occasion, though I should be doing it more. My excuse is that it's far too cold, we own no gym equipment, and I can't afford a gym membership.
When do you feel most creative? - At the risk of sounding like a complete suck-up, after looking at blogs like yours, with all of the random little thrift store finds that have all of these unknown stories around them, and when the sun's shining. Oh, and when we're having a nice thunderstorm. :)
I LOVE the first fabric and the one on the right in the second photo. <3 Beautiful.
Are you watching American Idol like I am?
my husband is, I pay attention a bit while cross stitching.
Reading anything good?
yes, Now Face to Face by Karleen Koen. started slow but is getting much better!
Music recommendations?
no music but I have movie recommend! Role Models, so hilarious
Do you work out?
um no. I should but I don't. unless walking counts then yes ;)
When do you feel most creative?
when my kids are not screaming and fighting. so not right now
glad to hear your spirits are up! I really enjoy reading your blog-it's really lifting. You have the most creative mind and - I actually feel creativity when I read blogs like yours! I would also say that nature gets my creative juices flowing! seeing spring popping out everywhere, birds singing, flowers, painting.....and the list goes on. Oh and yes I LOVE american idol~ I have my favorite(s)....I know that's bad but they are all talented aren't they.
2}not much - just finished a Nicholas Sparks book
3}Mama Mia soundtrack :-)
4}not as much as I should
5}When I'm not eating sugar :-)
Idolatory: trying not to actually because otherwise I will become obsessed. very obsessed.
Reading: The Alabama Stitch Book and I nearly fainted from sheer delight when I opened it and Catalina by Somerset Maugham who is one of my favorite authors. both are unbelievably wonderful.
Music: funny you should ask as I am a musician and actually have a degree in instrumental performance. i've been listening to french music lately. it's fantastic, especially those that employ folk music with a modern twist. gotta love the accordian.
working out: yes, but walking is about as much as i get in. i find its better to walk outside when the weather permits. makes life seem a little less dark and a lot more light and you get good vitamins from the sun. i'm always happier after a good dose of sunshine and little walk. i've also been engaged in an ultimate tissue cleanse which has increased my energy tenfold. i highly recommend.
creativity time: when i'm at work, frustrated that i have to be there. i won't go even go there as i'm trying to work this out!
I wish you all the love in the world and the best and deepest healing days to come.
Hey...
Your blog rejected my URL and wouldn't let me post. No idea why... so here you go:
OH my God. I find it extremely funny that I too lay awake just last night with that commercial running through my head. And I barely watch commercials cause I Tivo everything. Must be way to pervasive. No american idol for me. I'm all about amazing race though. I started reading Shipping News but haven't gotten very far. Yup, I'm trying to hit the gym at least 2xs a week, though tomorrow I have to take Aurora to a Bday party instead...I guess I'll just be forced to eat some cake...
jess
Are you watching American Idol like I am? Yes
Reading anything good? Not at the moment, I rarely have time to read and take care of my kids and sew but hopefully when my oldest starts school in the fall that will change.
Music recommendations? I love country, but nothing in particular
Do you work out? every day, but its not your traditional work out. I get a work out keeping up with my kids all day.
When do you feel most creative? That depends, lately its in the later morning or in the afternoon. Thank goodness for naps and quiet times, otherwise I would never get to sew.
Love your blog, if you get a change come visit mine and leave a comment. I don't get to many visiters.
For some reason I can't handle Idol this year -- I don't know why -- the fourth judge drives me a little nutty. I am embarrased to admit that I did watch the bachelor (what?)
I am reading "The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb and am really into it.
I am listening to Pinback and MIA (LOVE her).
I HAVE TO go for a run (or something) at least three times a week or the nervous thoughts tend to take over -- it really calms my mind and centers me --
I feel most creative at night -- always at night.
Talk to you soon! Kate
Reading-- well, I used to read a TON. but then I had kids and my memory went...so I would read half a book then by the time I could pick it back up again, I had no idea what I had read 5 days ago and would have to start all over. So now I moostly read magazines. BUT-- I did just go on a girls weekend away and read Cocktails for Three. Total marzipan for the brain....about three ladies who work for a fashion magazine. It was a fun read.
Music- I am obsessed with country. Sugarland. Jennifer Nettles (the lead singer) ROCKS.
Work out- Yes. 5 times a week.
Creativity- I am most creative in bare feet, on a sunny day with a mild breeze....something about the curtains blowing in a warm breeze. I guess I'm lucky to live in Southern Califrnia or winter would be tough!
Love your blog, Melissa. I am glad you are doing well. Oh and fab thrift finds!
Cheers!
Simone