indigo jones studio

apples in wonderland

2010-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

mama's got a brand new blog.

i know.

well....because i'm the mama that's why.

just c'mon over and see.

apples in wonderland

bliss in the city

2010-07-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

so this is my big question:

how did ferris do all that and still beat his parents home before 6:00?

yep, that ferris.

ferris bueller.

of ferris bueller's day off.

our little family spent the week in the big city.

chicago.

what a beautiful city it is, too.

we based our trip on this movie, the boys watched it on the dvd player in the car on the way there. i can recite very few lines correctly from any movie but i might know this movie line for line.

you've gotta love ferris...."he's a righteous dude".

chicago has so much....the field museum, the adler plantarium, the shedd aquarium, the contemporary art museum, the chicago institute of arts, navy pier, the john hancock observatory, millenium park, the magnificiant mile....we did all of it. though we didn't eat pancreas. i'm alright with that.

b and i in a reflective shot....at cloud gate otherwise known as *the bean* in millenium park

r and i on a water taxi heading out of the city toward the lake

big red and i at navy pier....in the windy city:)

we parked our car....er, the valet or as r called him the *ballet* parked our car in the underground garage at our hotel and we walked this city. we took a few taxis as well, but this is a walking city. and did we ever walk. millenium park we soaked our toes. ahhh....a little bliss in the city.

lemons = yellow =happiness

2010-07-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

i'm feeling like i've been handed a basket of lemons.

nothing so terrible that i am sunk.

but, enough to put me in a bit of a funk.

so as the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons....make lemonade".

i'm trying to get my yellow-on.

this will often help:

better together is an all-time favorite song, but banana pancakes and good people? you just have to get in a nicer state of mind while listening to those.

when i was a little girl yellow was my favorite color. one of my ealiest memories was pleading for a yellow purse to carry with my easter outfit. the pink one with matching gloves and bonnet.

can we pause here?

what is the difference between a hat and a bonnet, besides easter?

yellow just makes me happy...er, has the potential to make me happy. perhaps, it reminds me to be happy. to see the sunny. to see the positive.

so this brit-chickie has just left michigan for sunny north carolina and i am trying to stay sunny....when i just want to be blue and sad. so i fed her swedish pancakes and french pressed coffee trying to keep her here a little bit longer. (though this pic is from a trip to ikea and that is a cinnamon roll on that plate) thinking back....i met her on a yellow school bus. on a very grey day.

summer unplanned

2010-06-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love summer.

LOVE. That's all caps, if you'll notice.

I love summer so much, I'd marry it. (remember saying that? if you don't remember, don't judge me....we used to say that)

Anyway, I was thinking that summer became even sweeter after I was grown and had my own children.

I love the openness of the season. The fresh juicy-drip-from-your-chin-fruits and vegetables. The air on a cooler day wafting through the house.

I love the sunshine. Oh, do I love the sunshine.

The smell of cut grass and the puppy-dog smell of the boys after playing outside for hours. Alright...some days--these days the puppy-dog smell is of a rather large puppy who is a bit ripe. I digress.

Mostly, I love the release of schedules and freedom of going with the flow. Of not having set plans. Of seeing what happens.

I love that for me.

And I love that for the boys. That they can have a day unfold before them. To gather kids in the neighborhood to play a game of baseball without so much say from the adults around them. They figure it out....even when the kids range in age from 5-16. They figure it out. On their own. They play fair and have fun. They make adjustments for the little guys and adjustments for the biggest guys.

Letting the days unfold before you....scheduling a popsicle break and a croquet game in the back yard while the fireflies start glowing sounds just about perfect come mid-June. What kind of unplanned summer are you looking forward to?

what i want

2010-06-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

What I want isn't what I need.

I want a new camera...specifically the Canon Rebel xSi.

I want it badly.

So I can take pictures like this:

and this:

and even this....in winter, no less:
(these 3 photos courtesy Kate of http://www.theblankiechronicles.com/)

I know. So dreamy and warm and yummy.

But, as much as I want it, it doesn't mean I need it. I can come up with a host of reasons why I may need it, but that doesn't make it true.

The thing is....the camera I want is tied to my promise.

Yep.

My promise....to myself.

You see, months ago I joined Weight Watchers.

It was time. (that is another post in itself)

And after a little success and a few weeks I made a promise to myself--when I made it to my *goal* weight....a healthy weight, I'd buy myself a new camera.

I'm still nine pounds out...ugh. Plateau has set in and I'm getting antsy.

I want my new camera.

But, more than that I want a healthier me....and I want to keep my promise.

dang.

grow little growing things

2010-06-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

If there was one skill I wished I had, it might be gardening. It might be how to not kill plants, more specifically.

You know what? I know it's still early June, but these plants seem to be surviving. I know.

basil and geraniums

tomato

If these little plants continue to survive I will have to stake the tomato plant and I'm already dreaming of yummy salads and sandwiches. Grow little growing things. So far, I've planted and watered some. Not too much and not too little, apparently. See, that's sort of the problem. I'm not sure what I'm doing both right and wrong. My grandparents were exceptional gardeners. Even when they moved into an apartment. Near them was a community garden; one they shared with other people....people far less skilled in gardening and growing things up. Often, when I'd go to help pick beans or peas or corn, another *gardener* would come to chat with my grandparents to get advice and get a glimpse of their little plot of land....filled with the most beautiful vegetables.

my g'pa with a very scary scarecrow. very scary.

Gosh, I miss my grands. I wish they were still here to help me with my little growing things. And my plants too.

feeling at home

2010-06-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Normally, we stay home for the long Memorial Day weekend. The weather is unpredictable, but so many years it included both rain and cold. This year we decided that if it was going to be ugly, we can do ugly away from home. But it wasn't ugly. It was sunshiny and easy-breezy. So given that we were headed for the most beautiful part of Michigan...we were a happy bunch. This is the overhead view from Chandler's in Petoskey. A little in-between restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Charming and delicious. The quesdillas with the grilled red onions, pulled chicken, black beans, pepper jack and homemade salsa verde was mouth-wateringly good. And the mixed greens with baked goat cheese. Heavenly. The boys found a map with the listings for sunglasses and bookstores. We headed up M-119 (the tunnel of trees) toward Sturgeon Bay to enjoy the beach with just a few people. No crowds. Lake Michigan is still pretty cold this time of year, but the sand is warm and ready for castle-making. The boys found and caught a couple of crayfish. Skipped stones and searched for Petoskey stones. A great way to spend a day, if you ask me. On our way back to Harbor Springs we stopped off at Legg's Inn. The view alone is INCREDIBLE. We weren't really hungry, so we just had dessert. French vanilla ice cream with a warm berry compote. Mmmmm. We're on vacation, right? This is the view from the garden at Legg's Inn. Just before we headed home we stopped to let the boys run off some energy by playing catch at Sunset Park in Petoskey. Big Red played guitar and I wondered how I could live here all the time. (that is usually, my clue that I've had a most relaxing time away from home)

my most glamorous life

2010-05-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

I live a most glamorous life.

Most glamorous.

I'm a ROCKSTAR.

Well I sometimes pretend I'm a ROCKSTAR. I'm a stay-at-home-mom.

Well, that's the common term. I prefer, the term-- mostly-stay-at-home-but-I-go-to-Target-a lot-mama. Very glamorous.

You too can be glamorous.

I will share my steps.

1.I do lots of laundry. You too? awesome. You are well on your way.

2.I have two boys. You do not have to have two boys- you could have an assortment of children and their friends tearing your place up. It's all very glamorous.

3.I also prepare meals several times a day, to ensure the health of my growing boys between baseball practices and games. Only to have them share a GIANT bag of CHEESEBURGER DORITOS when I'm not looking. Cheeseburger Doritos? Seriously....a 15 year old must be on the Frito-Lay board. A chip that tastes like meat? Glamorous.

4.Steps 1-3, rinse and repeat.

Two weeks ago, I took a step out of my glamorous life because I was invited to a little music concert.

In Grand Rapids.

Two hours away. However, it took three with all the detouring and turning around. Grand Rapids appears to be lovely. From my very glamorous mini-van. With my dear friend, Penny.

Here we are before leaving for the gig. And before some of that lip gloss wore off?

This little music concert was awesome.

Ingrid Michaelson opening for the Bare Naked Ladies (who were fully dressed).

(here's Ingrid and Allie)

I am friendly with Allie Moss's mama. Allie is a tremendous talent in her own right and is a part of Ingrid's band. So, I left the kitty-littered bathroom floor and piles of laundry to sing along loudly, yet poorly to both scantily-clad Ingrid's songs and those of the Bare Naked Ladies.

Glamorous.

Most glamorous.

I took so long in posting this as I've been working on steps 1-4 the last few weeks. It happens. Even to ROCKSTARS.

wordless wednesday....indie

2010-04-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

easter

2010-04-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is an original acrylic painting 24"x24" on board. It is my interpretation of Easter. It is a moment in time and space. Captured here. Or un-captured here. If I were to create another easter painting now; would it look the same. I'm doubting that. This one was completed in 2008. What is your image of Easter? What has shaped that? I'm very curious about these things. About how we each can imagine the same event very differently. No matter your image of Easter, I am wishing you a very blessed Easter and happy spring.

wordless wednesday....true

2010-03-17T07:08:00.001-07:00

a very nice invitation

2010-03-11T12:40:00.001-08:00

Something very nice happened recently. The funny and adorable Kate and Alison over at http://www.cluckandtweet.com/ have invited me to post weekly. I know, I'm so honored and thrilled. They are both brilliant writers and I've been a fan since the beginning of their shared blog. If you have a few minutes, fly on over there and show these women some love. Believe me, you'll be happy you did. And if you are wondering what to make for dinner, I just posted a recipe and a secret and maybe a little risque craving.

sunshiny posy

2010-03-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

This is the first of many posies. I'm sure of it. The possibilities are endless. This one is fashioned from a scrap of up-cycled ticking. I'm loving the yellow. It's sunny and spring-like. I'm feeling spring-like. Like wanting to push open all the windows and break out my flip-flops while the boys play catch in the yard. It shouldn't be too long now. In the meantime, I'll be wearing a bit of spring on my jacket or sweater or handbag. Oh, the possibilities. :)

feeling cozy

2010-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

We are feeling cozy this end of February--beginning of March. The grey skies have blanketed us in for the weekend. With a couple under-the-weather boys and an un-birthday dinner for my leap-year baby husband, staying in and keeping cozy seems like a good thing to do. This is just a small project I whipped up the other evening, while wishing for a yummy vanilla chai. It's the *to-go joe cozy*. Mmmm...in this creamy caterpillar chenille with a vintage button. Delicious.

working hard? playing fully

2010-02-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Ah, haven't posted in 100 years. Well, it seems that way. I'm still alive. In fact, I find it difficult to create fully and write about it at the same time. What do you think? Can you balance both? I've been busy in my studio playing...er, I mean working on new designs and new projects. I'm hoping to have a few pieces completed in the next few days. With the snow covering everything outside it is the most perfect reason to stay home and play...I mean work. I love my life :)

four sides of neutral bamboo landscape everything all the time handbag

2009-11-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

Upcycled calendar makes a pretty landscape.

Neutral bamboo growing on this side.

This handbag is ready to go on cyber-Monday. It's $44.00 US. Plus shipping and handling.

hollyhock pocketbook

2009-11-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

Four sides of the hollyhock pocketbook everything all the time handbag in chocolates and pinks makes me smile. You too?

Mom Sends the Message

2009-10-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

After a very long hiatus, I'm back. It just took something BIG to get me going. Something to turn my blog around and push it forward. This is it.

Join Mom Sends the Message and pledge to drive with your mind on the wheel. It could be life changing. No text, phone call, coffee sip, or dropped toy is worth more than my life. Or yours.

promise

2009-07-23T07:33:00.001-07:00

I made a deal with Russell this weekend. A deal I wish someone had made with me. The deal is: if Russell stops biting his nails and actually needs them trimmed with clippers for 6 months straight, I promise to give him $100. Russell is 15. $100 is a lot of money. Especailly if you are 15. I used to bite my nails. I stopped around my 15 birthday. Nobody gave me $100. I don't even know how I stopped. It was a habit. Often you need to replace one habit with another. But, I did it. I grew my nails long. I thought they were pretty. I have re-thought that. Long nails have no appeal to me now. None at all. Mine are short now. And unpolished. Between dishes and painting, lacing handbags and typing, my fingernails are a little less than ideal. My toes on the other hand...or foot, as the case may be, are painted in the summer. I found, what is to me, the perfect color. I love this color so much I've bought a second bottle. My friend and hairdresser hates it. Hates it. How do I know? She told me. I would expect nothing less. We argued about it. The color I mean. I guess the argument ended as we agreed to disagree. Color is subjective. What makes me swoon, might not make you swoon. And that's alright. Pick a color you love. Pick a color that makes you smile. Pick a color that is ALL you. It will be perfect. I promise.

smitten with the mitten

2009-07-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

Smitten with the mitten. That's what I am. Especially in the summer. I know there are plenty of beautiful, friendly, amazing places to live. I am a born and raised Michigan girl. If you are from Michigan, you will undoubtedly use your hand to explain where you are from while traveling. Even if you are from the Upper Pennisula. This summer, friends that are not from Michigan, are joining us on the outside of the pinky's fingernail; it's my favorite part. Sometimes it looks like this:
And even this:

As much as I love Michigan, the reason I love it so much is that my people are here. And I'm smitten with them, too.

I'm thinking about getting these. I wonder if anyone will share them with me? In the winter, when I need to remember how much I truly am smitten with the mitten. They are pretty and probably cozy. A lot like Michigan.

Though, they look more like Libya. Go ahead and look. I've saved you the trip.

wordless wednesday

2009-07-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

the quest for the perfect stool (trust me)

2009-07-10T10:19:00.001-07:00

I watch Oprah. Not everyday. But, I watch Oprah. I watch when Dr. Oz is her guest. I love Dr. Oz. He has great information. And he brings disgusting props for Oprah to hold in her orchid purple gloved hands. Doctors on television may be invaluable to a nation that does not provide healthcare to ALL it's citizens. Outside of the emergency room. But this post isn't about that. So I'll leave that alone. Dr. Oz and others are able to reach and teach about better food choices, the benefits of eating a little 100% whole wheat bread before a meal, how to use a neti pot, your omentum and why you should care about it and the perfect stool. He stresses the importance of the "S" shaped stool. It is an indicator of good health. But, this post isn't about that either. I know. Thank goodness.

It's about another stool. The stool I've been on a quest to find. It had to be taller than a standard chair (17") but shorter than a standard barstool ( 29"). Then it needed to fit my aesthetic; a hybrid of Asian and shabby chic meeting classic and bold. And then, it needed to fit into what I teach my boys is the "good value rule". Which is, what we would be willing to pay for something before we know what the seller is asking. Would you believe I found it? Yep, 29 bucks and it was mine. And blue. Deep water blue. It's not "S" shaped but, I'm feeling fine about it just the same.

So last night I decide to post about my good fortune and wouldn't you know it Alison at http://www.cluckandtweet.com/2009/07/stools.html writes about " stools". Today. What are the chances? You should read what she has to say on the matter. She's hilarious. Trust me.

theMotherhood - Live Chat on Health Care Reform

2009-07-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

Today at 1:00pm EST theMotherhood will be hosting an informational live chat on Health Care Reform.

MelissaSchober will be hosting: In addition to being a mom to a toddler, Melissa is an expert in women's health care policy, appropriations analysis, and legislative relations with the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues for Women's Policy, Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose sole focus is to help ensure that the most informed decisions on key women's issues are made by policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels.

theMotherhood is an amazing site. It is a virtual neighborhood where real friendships are formed and where mothers from all walks of life, at every age and stage support and encourage each other - meeting moms where they are.

To learn more about the live chat, please check out the link below.

http://www.themotherhood.com/circlechat.php?l=55923

And thank you to theMotherhood for hosting this event where women have the opportunity to learn more about this important issue affecting their lives and the lives of their families.

best
Deborah

earning it's name

2009-06-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was fabulous. Many of our favorite activities with some of our favorite people. A championship little league baseball game (lost), a delicious picnic with family while listening to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at a local Metropark and a birthday party. I of course, had my everything all the time handbag with me. I almost always do. But, that weekend....it earned it's name. By Sunday night it contained my wallet, keys, cell phone, a pen, hand sanitizer and an umbrella. Sounds fine. I also had a card game, gum wrappers, my son's boxers and two pieces of chicken all floating around in there. I will say the chicken was secure in a sandwich bag and the boxers were only in my handbag because the little guy changed at the birthday party into a swimsuit. However, I did not know the everything all the time handbag could be a trash receptacle, suitcase and picnic basket. You learn something new everyday.

vintage posy is going on the road

2009-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Four sides of the generous rectangle vintage posy everything all the time handbag. I hear it is going for a road trip to the south. Hmmm....

surprise....it's a frog

2009-06-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Austen's (not his real name) birthday 13 days ago. Family and friends in the backyard. It was a very nice day. We had tons of food, much of what we continued to eat for the following four days. The boys played whiffle ball and tag and Austen opened presents. One present he did not have to open. His good friend showed up carrying a plastic cage with an American Green Tree Frog. His mom was with him. Stunned, my husband quickly thought of both my son's feelings and this happy frog carrying boy's feelings. This boy was so excited to be giving the "best" gift. But, the mom never asked us. The frog also came with a tub of food. Live crickets....live crickets that we would also have to keep alive by feeding them potato. My houseplants risk their lives in my home every day.

So the frog stayed. Austen was hesitant. He is a HUGE animal lover and is so careful and mindful of animals. All animals. Even the ugly ones. Even the creepy ones. So, seeing little said green frog in a plastic cage when he knows the little green frog would be happier in the wild was a little difficult. Austen kept saying, "I think she likes it in there".....like he was convincing himself. After a few days, he allowed himself to name her "Hopper" ( according to all the research Austen did, Hopper was in fact, a girl). Austen would check on her several times a day, mist her cage and carefully feed the crickets. He was a very caring frog Daddy. By Wednesday of this week, Hopper stared looking molty and bloated. Thomas and I just looked at each other. By that evening, Hopper had made her last hop. We told Austen and he went to the bathroom for a long while. After sometime, we all gathered in Austen's bedroom to sit shiva together. We buried Hopper in the front landscaping. Austen cried because he loved his little green frog. Russell teared up because of his little brother's sadness. Thomas choked up because he wanted to keep that little frog alive for his son, and for his older son's empathy for his brother and for his little boy's love for a little frog. And I cried because in a house full of tough boys seeing their love and empathy for each other is more than one mom could have ever expected from a little green frog gift.

I'd like to thank....

2009-05-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Tao of Zombie Chicken Award
The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

I received this obviously serious award from my online and totally real friend Marla from her site: http://www.greenadoptions.com/ Check it out. She has oodles of ideas on going green, one baby step at a time and may give you hints on adopting a greener lifestyle. Her blog is also about adoption. Adoption is dear to my own heart.

So in the spirit of the Zombie Chicken I will pass along the honor to:

http://mapsfromagoodkingdom.wordpress.com/

http://www.silentbearphoto.blogspot.com/

http://www.themotherhood.com/

http://takefiveanytime.blogspot.com/

http://adventuresofanervousgirl.typepad.com/

Check them all out if you have the time. A little bit of everything in this list, but all worth your time.

love you dad

2009-04-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today's my dad's birthday. I never used to get all that excited about my parents' birthdays. In fact, I don't think I paid all that much attention. I would buy my mom a sweater and I have given my dad coupons for all kinds of things over the years. To be honest, I gave the coupons while I was in my early twenties. I still owe him a tri-pod. I don't think he still wants it. Did he ever? He wouldn't have said or let me know outwardly. That is how our relationship is. We are not outwardly. We are not an affectionate family. I mean my parents, sister and I. We are the tease 'em 'til they know you mean you love 'em kind of family. My dad would say they should have raised puppies, because they are cheaper and easier. I know what he means. I can read between the lines. We don't say we love each other. We sign cards with LOVE.

November 7, 2006 both my parents were hit head on in a terrible car accident. My dad's side took the brunt of the impact, slicing the entire driver's side sheer off. He spent weeks in the ICU. The hospital expectations were low. My mom, sister and I moved into the hotel attached to the hospital. We had other expectations. We knew this man in room #2423. We knew what the staff didn't know. We knew this injured man had incredible strength. He had determination. He had a strong heart. He survived and the hospital was surprised by his will. I know what was at stake. I know what I could so easily have lost. So, now 2 1/2 years later, I'm thrilled I still have my dad around. Our boys have their hero grandpa. I still have no idea what to give him this birthday. Maybe I'll make up a coupon. I'll sign it with lots of LOVE.

daydreaming flowerchild

2009-04-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Four sides of the daydreaming flowerchild everything all the time handbag. This handbag reminds me of my childhood and the Tootsie Pop owl and towels my grandma would wrap me in after an afternoon in the Gulf of Mexico. Does it take you back?

sage park avenue

2009-04-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

I read somewhere that the most common computer password was 123456. At first glance I think, duh? That's so obvious. Or is it? How many passwords do you have? Add in phone numbers and social security numbers and kid's birthdates and mom's maiden name and where you left your keys and I can totally see 123456 as a very smart option. Just to log into this site I have to sit and think is it blah blah blah or blah blah blah blah? I've froze when asked my phone number many times. I'm pretty sure I've given the wrong address more than once. It is so much to remember. Being extra clever only confuses the situation. So using your first pets name along with the first street you lived on for your bank account login is only smart if that is also the stripper name you use regularly. ( that IS how you choose a stripper name, if you didn't know) It seems I have to add another password to something every couple months. I'm only 41. How many will I have by the time I'm 60? What about you? I don't write them down for fear that if they are found, someone could login into my Facebook account and post that I'm " looking forward to the weekend" and I might not be " looking forward to the weekend" Alright, that's pretty weak. I mean who isn't looking forward to the weekend, but you get my point. Actually, to be honest I don't write these passwords down because I believe I'll remember them and because I might be a little lazy. So what is your excuse? Or do you remember it all?

I believe

2009-04-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

I posted that I sometimes do not feel like a grown-up. I mean, I pay a mortgage and handle parent-teacher conferences like a very responsible adult. However, I never had my children's pictures taken at regular 6 month intervals. I don't enforce using a coaster. And I floss the two weeks before my next dentist appointment. And I think about candy. Especially around Easter. Easter has the best candy. Memorial Day....not so much. I am all about good chocolate. It doesn't have to be expensive, just creamy. No waxy hollow Palmer bunny for me. Or my boys. Skimp on no-name canned green beans. Spend less on window cleaner. Forget buying Dixie cups for the bathroom. Invest in good chocolate. Alright, it's not really an investment. But it feels better than most stocks these days. I also think about jellybeans. In my house, I'm the only one that eats them. Most of the time as I am poppin' them into my mouth one after another, I am thinking do I REALLY like them? I like the spice ones and the black ones. I believe you either LOVE the black ones or HATE them. There is no inbetween on licorice. But, what I think about ridiculously are, Peeps. I am a purist. I only believe in yellow chicks and pink bunnies. No blue bunnies or heavens, red chicks! I secretly ( or now, not so secretly think the rogue colors are the work of satan) I'm thinking about slicing open the packaging today so that they will be nicely stale by Easter. That's the way I like them. They are much better that way. So, maybe I'm a grown-up afterall. I have lots of rules about candy and that seems like a very controlling, grumpy grown-up thing to do.

baby steps

2009-04-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

This new format (in my mind) is to encourage (read force) me to begin listing my handbags and paintings on Etsy. It hasn't happened yet. The handbags have taken over the dining room. That's not a big problem because we hardly ever use the dining room. Why? I think it is because the idea of eating in the dining room feels very grown-up. Yes, I realize I am an adult, but I'm not so sure I am a grown-up. It feels a little stuffy. Formal. I am not formal, you know? We have never hosted a formal dinner party. We host barbecues and children's birthdays. We host soup. I have never made a turkey dinner. I know. Look, if mom wants to make it I'm not going to squelch her plans. I'm thinking of HER feelings. The pretty table is hosting handbags as I write. Lots of handbags. So, why the hesitation on listing on Etsy? Come closer, I don't need everyone to know this but I am a little challenged when it comes to technology. I spent almost two hours last night trying to upload a widget from theMotherhood. Do you see it anywhere on my blog? Don't bother looking....it's not there. I cannot figure it out. Don't even mumble it is easy. Because, obviously for me it is difficult. Don't make fun, it's not nice. Today I will order boxes. To ship handbags. It's a baby step and eventually it willl get me where I want to end up. Tommorow I may even order packaging tape. I'll see how it goes.

my colorful little family

2009-04-08T07:37:00.001-07:00

I've stressed about this post. I mean why? It's my blog and I can do with it what I like, right? So, I'm thinking about expanding this blog to be more of a gallery/diary. Look, I know there are gaggles of momblogs out there so, what's one more? I cannot promise I will never mention or rant on about diapers and getting no sleep but, chances are I won't because my boys are older, 8 and 14. I will probably rant or at least whine about endless baseball games and dirty clothes. It's what I do. And I share. Sometimes too much. Again, it's what I do. So, here is the introduction to my colorful little family: first there is me, paintchipgirl or Deborah (my real name). I'm a mostly mom. I'm mostly pretty good, never perfect and mostly messy most of the time. Then there is my husband, Thomas(not his real name) a hands-on dad and over-worked businessman. He is also a talented writer and gifted musician, so doesn't it make the greatest sense that he is a businessman in automotive? Yea, that's what I think. Then there is our first born firecracker, Russell (not his real name). He is a lot like his mother if his mother were good at atlethics and liked to rise with the sun each and every morning of her life. Our youngest little Junebug is 8, Austen ( not his real name). He looked just like his mother until his 4th birthday and then he morphed into looking like a little Thomas (not his real name). How does that happen? Because I have no idea. So, I'm thinking I'll post about our colorful life, the life where we color outside the lines, where we choose the granny apple green crayon over the plain old red. Where we get our hands dirty and play for keeps. Life as art is the way I see it.

rosy lime

2009-04-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Four sides of the generous rosy lime everything all the time handbag is just the ticket to Spring.

spring a-ling

2009-03-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Four sides of the generous rectangle spring a-ling everything all the time handbag sits up pretty. It will get noticed and so will you.

aww, thanks easter bunny

2009-03-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Two sister simple rectangle everything all the time handbags are dressed for the holiday. What will you be wearing?

SOLD,SOLD

dance and sing little birdie

2009-03-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

SOLD
Dance and sing little birdie everything all the time handbag Easter basket is ready for Spring. And so am I. Just nestle in some fluffy grass and chocolate eggs....what girl big or small wouldn't love that from the Easter Bunny?

modern pattern paisley

2009-03-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Four sides of the modern pattern paisley everything all the time handbag....with a side of butterfly please.
SOLD

modern and vintage

2009-03-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Four sides of plum and pear pebbles everything all the time handbag....yummy.

SOLD

Four sides of vintage chocolate blossom....mmmm.

SOLD

what is the real deal?

2009-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

The question on my mind lately is: what is real? This past summer while on vacation, Darren and I stumbled upon several new art galleries. Technically, they were not "new", but they were new to us. So, we are on vacation and enjoying ourselves, the boys happy with their ice cream and as we enter a particular gallery we are met by a woman overdressed for August in a resort town in northern Michigan. She informs us of the masterpieces within this here gallery. Fine. She tells us way more than any vacationer wants to know. She puts on a video of one of the artists she represents. We have two boys outside eating ice cream. I'm in no postition to watch or entertain watching some video of a guy painting. The paintings were fine, really good even. The buttoned-up woman says, "would you like a price on anything?" "No" I say. This is where she announces....and I did believe it was an announcement...."this is the real deal", over her glasses, the ones hanging off her nose. I'll admit it , it bugged me. No, it more than bugged me, because here it is February 2009 and I'm still thinking about it and it STILL bugs me. Who is to say what the real deal is? Is it an expert? An expert of what? Art is all real, even if it isn't. I mean, it is a vision, a feeling, a moment, a memory , a story, an idea, a purpose, a plan, a journey, a question, an answer. It is real. Want to know what is not real....claiming one way to do anything. Art is our collective and indivdual human-ness. It is what can heal us, humor us, teach us, remind us, challenge us and take us to the moon and back. That's real. That is authentic. And I'll take authentic over a "real deal" any day. Even six months later.

took a boat sunday

2009-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

This is an easy and meaningful gift. For youself or someone you love. These are the lyrics to the first song Darren and I danced to at our wedding. Downstream by Supertramp. Written in my own natural handwriting on beautiful linen paper with just the right ink color, it is matted and framed and hangs in our bathroom. I LOVE the handwritten note, letter, recipe card, anthing really. I found an old letter from my grandma not too long ago. To find someone's handwriting and to trace their loops and tangles across the page is powerful. Who's handwriting would you like to see again? What song would you like to be reminded of each morning? What speaks to you?

yes I did

2009-01-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

two side of the hope is alive everything all the time handbag....it feels good to carry a little hope and change

worth celebrating

2008-12-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year I asked for one thing...this book, Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. I found it under the tree yesterday, from my boys. Today, an icy road day after Christmas day , we all found our bliss building Legos, playing new video games, watching David Gilmour, "live in Gdansk". Me, wrapped in a blanket my late-sweet grandma crocheted, I read Shauna's words as though were were long lost friends. This is her first book, but I understand there is another one in the works and I can hardly wait. This is a book about everything and nothing, about God and his goodness, and Shauna and her little piece of life, the big moments and the tiny moments all woven together to create a life worth celebrating. So, the little moments of making fluffy scrambled eggs and honey baked ham and toast with apricot preserves for our little family with Darren, and finding and reading words that sound like a friend and watching our boys build Legos on the rug in the family room on a icy day after Christmas day, those moments create a life worthy of celebration and thankfulness.

I do not "know" Shauna, but last summer Penny pointed her out to me while visiting a church in Grand Rapids. Penny thought I'd like her book. I found her blog. http://www.shaunaniequist.com/

If you have a moment, read a post or two, read Needles and Thread from her book. That chapter makes me cry big hanging from my jaw tears. Anyway, I emailed her for the weight that her words felt to me, the me that was and still is many days struggling on doing what I do... working on pretty things, painting, designing and crafting papers with scissors and glue, making messes big and small while trying to craft a business out of it all. It was the least I could do. And you know what? She wrote me back...more words to hang onto when it gets hard and scary and I get tired and full of self-doubt. So, months later I read her book in huge gulps in one afternoon and Penny is exactly right, I like her book. A lot.

no worry, be merry

2008-12-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

Another letterbox hanging on for dear life...reminding me to be merry even though the clothes dryer spins for hours with no heat to dry wet towels. Cards not sent, gifts not wrapped, cookies burnt- no worry, be merry.

from my little man

2008-12-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Four sides of a modern damask everything all the time handbag created for my littlest man's teacher. Shhh.... He thinks she'll like it because he thinks she likes red.

inspire

2008-12-15T06:34:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas tree this year wears INSPIRE. With ornaments that come from three generations, in golds and silver, turquoise and copper, grey and coral I am inspired. I call these banners, letterbox. Originally designed to hang on a wall, door or mantle they have inspired me to think outside the box and twist the typical ornament to really make a statement. What word or group of words speak to you this year?

good water 2

2008-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Original acrylic painting on canvas, 16" x 20"

sugar and spice

2008-12-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Three sugar and spice and everything nice all the time handbags large and small, that's what these bags are made of. Well, that and pretty papers and ribbon.
Today I delivered more packages to Santa's elves, ( though they do look a bit like UPS guys to me) to be shipped off to far off lands just in time for the holidays.

what are you hoping for this season?

2008-12-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

Boho butterfly and foiled blue blossoms...both simple rectangles
SOLD

Two good and plentiful squares

SOLD

Seven of the latest and greatest everything all the time handbags...all generous rectangle.

Elves arrive here soon to gather some of these to land under somebody's Christmas tree....don't tell. What are you hoping for this season?

pretty in pink

2008-12-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Two sides of the pretty in pink everything all the time handbag

cool personality

2008-12-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Alright, it is pretty. December 1st snowfall on the trees in the backyard makes a pretty picture. To take this shot I stepped outside for a minute, (no coat) and it was enough to come inside for a cup of tea. So, I'll try to enjoy the snowy weather. I love the slight color combination of browns and blacks, whites and greys, blues and a hint of lavender. At first glance it almost appears to be a black and white, but at second look the colors whisper their cool personalities. I love color. I love color in combination with other colors. Of course, blue and orange is a long time favorite but really I love the multi-combination. Like butter yellow, cream, lavender, dark chocolate and grey. Or sage, smoky blue, copper and plum. What colors do you like together? What are you drawn to again and again?

penny for your thoughts

2008-11-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Penny for hosting an intimate purse show Friday evening. Of course, the company was old friends....and it hardly ever gets better than that. It was a night of anything goes; black and white graphics, beautiful butterflies, sweet deer, preppy fall colors and bohemian easy breezy. It was most certainly an evening of laughter. Some handbags will find themselves under the tree this Christmas and others may never make it to the initially intended recipient.
Shhhh....don't worry, I'm not telling.

stacked handbags

2008-11-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

all three sizes: generous rectangle, plentiful square and a simple rectangle
SOLD,SOLD,SOLD,SOLD,SOLD

map to sunday

2008-11-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

original acrylic on MDF board 24" x 24"

blue-blooded beauty

2008-10-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Four sides of a blue-blooded everything all the time handbag

purse party

2008-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Interested in hosting a IJS purse party? Let me know, we'll talk and work something out. I am enjoying the "purse party" and the very nice women that have attended, but truth be told, I'm not very comfortable about asking people to host these parties. You know, I have never sold the candle, scrapbooking, tupperware, gourmet goodies, baskets, jewelry or naughty toys, so I just don't think I have that in me. However, if you are wanting to have a party I would love to do one with you. I just don't like the asking. You can leave a comment or contact me directly for more information or to buy a handbag. I'll leave it at that. This is even uncomfortable.
I also would like to thank Karen for hosting IJS Friday night. I had a great time. It certainly was a pink and brown evening of bags. All of the pink and brown handbags found new homes as well as some of the others.

very little in life is really black or white

2008-10-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

graphic black and white everything all the time handbags....mmmmm.......

a peek into the studio

2008-10-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a peek into my studio. The cabinet was an old piece that we found in Darren's grandpa's basement years ago, it was painted dark brown. I repainted it before our youngest was born for his nursery. So, now that he is out of a nursery and the cabinet is out of his room, it will get yet another coat of paint. Check back soon as I hope to get in painted over the next week. (If I post that it is more likely to happen)

sweet deer and pretty paisley

2008-10-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

four sides of the sweet deer everything all the time handbag
SOLD

four sides of the pretty paisley everything all the time handbag

SOLD

everything all the time handbag

2008-10-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

The everything all the time handbag is creating a bit of buzz. Friday evening my friend Karen is hosting a dinner and movie and purse party. You see, she sold the one she was carrying right off her arm. I've been busy with some new papers and I really think they are fresh and so cool. I hope to post some of those pictures later today.

pearl and plum

2008-10-12T06:13:00.001-07:00

easter

2008-10-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic on MDF board. 24" x 24"

chocolate and blue postcard and chandelier

2008-09-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

SOLD

indigo jones studio's everything all the time bag

2008-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

It's four sides of one Indigo Jones Studio Everything All the Time bag. Handcrafted and easily cleaned with a gentle soap and soft cloth, these handbags are each one of a kind and will sit up straight and get noticed. I may keep this one for myself. It's my new favorite....at least until I spot some new Asian calendar, black and white graphic or vintage owl papers. The possibilites, oh how I love considering the possibilites.

what could be better?

2008-09-08T10:56:00.001-07:00

Another beautiful Michigan weekend as the rain held out for our last trip north for the summer. We just had to squeeze the last drops of summer out and relish in it. I know what's coming. Northern Michigan at the end of August and the first few weeks of September may be as close to heaven as I want to come without dying. The lake is the warmest it will be all summer and the 4:00 sunlight is warm and mellow and delicious. I like to think that the place where my friends and family are gathered is where my heart is always, but truly a small sliver of my heart and soul is firmly rooted in Northern Michigan. It was especially amazing to be there with our sons and my folks. It was less than two years ago that I wondered if I would have my dad at all. November 7 th will mark the second anniversary of the day that both of my parents were hit head on in a horrific car accident. So, watching my parents with my boys on my favorite beach on a warm afternooon in September of 2008, yep I'm full of thanksgiving. We walked the beach, collected Petoskey stones and beach glass, ate well , browsed art galleries, watched the sunset and sat in on the Traverse City Orchestra rehearsal.

Currently, several of my pieces are on display and available at Art and Soul on Front Street in Traverse City and also at Rustic Roots in downtown Leland"Fishtown", both in Michigan.

2008-09-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

2008-09-08T10:45:00.002-07:00

2008-09-08T10:45:00.001-07:00

rush

2008-09-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic on MDF board. 24" x 24"

good water

2008-09-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic on canvas. 30" x40"

piece of water

2008-09-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic on watercolor paper. 7.5" x9.5" matted and framed.

vertigo

2008-09-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic on canvas 36" x 36"

Honey I Get It, I Really Do (or Artist's Statement as written by my husband)

2008-09-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

There's the first life you live -
the one where you help
your little boy clean himself
after with limited success
he's used his big-boy potty seat
and then you wipe up the
cat puke in the foyer
you swiffered the night before
after Letterman.
It's the life where
piles of laundry rule your space
but you've grown to ignore
them as a strong-hold defense
against insanity.
Make the beds, wash the dishes,
vacuum the floors, you're too
busy to make lists and by evening
you're waiting for your husband
so you can start dinner.
And when, finally, he arrives he's late
and smells of his lunch he ate
peacefully in a nice restaurant
with his colleagues -
all of whom are over the age of four.
He comes in through the front door,
unscrews the top of his head, places his brain
on the table in the hall and asks,
"How was your day?"
Your second life
is the one where you imagine yourself
among your artists acquaintances
on a sunny Thursday afternoon
in a University town,
the streets have been blocked off,
you're in a white tented-booth
with your name on the outside,
listed above the town you're from,
your artist booth number.
You sip vendor lemonade as
your shoulders pink over the day
and you talk with attractive,
culturally-sensitive people who
upon approaching your work
ask you many interesting questions -
none of which have to do with laundry,
the best swiffer or pet vomit.
You love your children.
You love your husband.
But at least once a day, every day,
the possibility of your second life
will see you through
the reality of your first.

- Darren King