The Little Old Book

Spring is starting to warm. How lucky are some of you that live where the temperatures have been in the 80's? Here we still continue to rain and our top out temperature may make it to 50. It's still too cold to drag out the paint sprayer. When it gets a little warmer, I am looking forward to painting a couple of new pieces for the makeover of my office.

Vintage Cameras And Getting Organized

Am I the only one feeling the need to organize? What is it with this time of year? I yearn for the sun and feel closed in in the house.

A trip to Hobby Lobby helped me gather the supplies to finally get my vintage photo post cards and Cabinet cards in order. I was inventorying (yes I have that many), and slipping them into plastic protectors today. It occurred to me that I really want to display my vintage cameras, rather than keeping them wrapped up in a drawer.

So far I have three  vintage cameras. One in particular is in extremely fragile shape. It is a 1910 Kodak Premoette Junior. It probably sounds a little strange, but I love that that the accordion folds are worn. Due to it’s condition I will be keeping it under glass.

The next one is another Kodak. This one is in very good condition. I actually found 2 of these the same day. The other one was complete with the box and manual. I gifted it to my soon to be DIL (she is a pro photographer) and also collects cameras. She has a source to purchase the film for this model. I can’t wait to see what the photos look like.

And the third is just a little Argo flex. Well they say three things of the same type make a collection. So there you have it my vintage camera collection.

So more organizing is in store. No telling what I’ll pull out next.

Have a Wonderful Day!

~Sherrie

Hawaiian Eye Candy

As our cruise continued we sailed into Nawiliwili  and Maui.

But one of the best treats of the trip was the onboard “Pastry Extravaganza”. They roped the area off as they put it all together. Gorgeousness! Art made from sugar.

                 Art from watermelons. I love the Rose!

             A sweet Cheese Cake with adorable little mice!

 

              Are you in the mood for some chocolate?

 

I was so excited to see how my pictures came out that I didn’t eat a morsel of this beautiful display. For a few less calories you could go with the sliced fruit (without the chocolate covered banana popsicles), but what fun would that be?

Have a Wonderful Weekend! Next week I’ll return to regular programming.

~Sherrie

My Hiatus Is Over, It’s Back To Work

As we welcomed in the New Year, my husband and I prepared for our first cruise. We have spent the last couple of weeks sailing through the Hawaiian Islands.

As our first big snow storm this year barreled toward our home, the warm sun and Hawaiian shores beckoned us. I know winter blah drags on in some parts of the country, hopefully I can lift your spirits with a weather paradise. I hope you can envision the warm salty air, the white sand beaches, and the time to meet people from all over the world that came to share the journey.

Passengers checked in they made their way to the decks. The music roared, and soon the party started.

 

Our days at sea were filled with shopping, photography (me), shows, and even a journal making class!

Our first port was Hilo. The tropical paradise was exactly what we were waiting for.

A beautiful day! As we were leaving Hilo the humpback whales came out to play. What a treat!

As morning dawned the next day, we arrived in Honolulu.

At Pali Lookout the chickens and rosters were everywhere. People laughed as I snapped photo after photo of this guy, and he stood and changed his poses for me like a well seasoned model.

Using the “miniature” effect on my camera I had a little fun.

Next on to Nawiliwili and Maui!

Have a Wonderful Day!

~Sherrie

Welcome 2012!

It’s been a while since I posted, so let me do a little catch up. Remember the health scare in the spring, and how I said it made me reevaluate some things?

 

I made a decision after that to reduce my stress. Really…me..time off? I started making  coffee trips with friends and getting back to my old life. Reconnecting with those I had been missing. Taking back my time. I wanted to get back to the things I love, like blogging, art, and home decor.

As the final decision this year to reduce my stress, yesterday I closed my shop. No tears, only a sense of relief and a big smile on my face. I knew in that moment I was doing the right thing. I loved the experience of having a shop, I made money, and I learned so much. But with also working a full time job, I couldn’t find balance in my life.

So what does the New Year look like for me? Lot’s of creativity! I feel the ideas swarming in my head. I have so many new things I want to try this year. My home is screaming for some serious attention of the creative kind. My new camera that has barely seen the light of day since I purchased it, and is going to get a serious break in this year. My hubby and I will take the first vacation in 2 years that doesn’t involve work. So much anticipation!

This year for me will be a year of amazement. A year of child like discovery of new techniques and projects.

I can’t wait to see what the New Year brings for everyone.

I wish you all Health, Wealth, and Happiness, in 2012.

Sherrie

Christmas is Coming? Already?

Well we dodged the bullet this morning and didn’t get the snow they predicted. It gave me a chance to step out and have coffee with friends this morning.

Now back at home I am surrounded by projects that I need to finish.

One project I finally got done was this china wreath. I purchased the pattern months ago, but finally got one made. Unfortunately looking at the pattern it does not have the name of the creator on the pattern

If I find the name of the creator I will update this post with the link. I am really happy with how pretty it turned out!

I’ve started some Christmas ornaments that are beginning with cotton batting cones. I’m finally to the fun part of embellishing and filling them with goodies.

I have also been working on bottle brush trees. The bleaching and dyeing are complete, so these too are ready for some bling!

Christmas is sneaking up on me faster than I’d hoped. I can’t believe it’s only a few short weeks away.

Have a Beautiful Day!

~Sherrie

Coming in Summer 2012

My oldest son proposed to his girlfriend! If you will indulge me, I’ll l tell you why this is such a special love story.

As a couple, they met while both serving in the Air Force. For the first few years they had little time together due to multiple deployments, for each of them. There were times they missed seeing each other by just a week, as 6 month deployments continued to drag on. But they stuck it out. After 6 years they each left the military to enroll in college. The first graduation will be this December. They’ve waited a long time to get to this point. We couldn’t be happier for them that their lives are finally seeing some stability.

I have been spending time watching the future “Mrs.” try on wedding dresses, waiting to see that “this is it” smile. Today I saw that smile!

I’ve  snapped pictures along the way, wanting to capture the magic of trying on those beautiful dresses. I can’t show you the dress, but this gorgeous birdcage veil is the perfect compliment.

With so many preparations left, things are going to be moving at a fast pace as the day quickly draws near.

Have a Beautiful Day!

~Sherrie