May Day

Happy May Day! May 1st falls directly between the solstice and the equinox - so that's part of the reason for the celebration - check it here ... no, the photo isn't from this year - it's from last year when we actually had flowers! Though many of you having been seeing your garden grow for a month or two, I am just now in the planning stages of what I'm going to plant - I would like to plant some cutting flowers - straw flowers, gerber daisies and such. We have a particularly short growing season here in SW Montana. As I work for the Extension Service I am always promoting their virtues - if you have questions about yards and gardens, canning, family finances, and a bunch of other interesting stuff - check out your local Extension Office - nearly every county in the country has one!

Finding things to make me happy...

I'd really like sunshine and warmth, but since I can't have that I'm searching ETSY and I found some really awesome things to inspire me! Here are a few of my favorites. I haven't got the photo-thingy down where you can tile a bunch of favorites. I need to work on that! So - my theme is paperdolls.... I love Danita's artwork (bottom) Her little girl drawings remind me of me when I was little! Also - I really think Bird and Flower dolls (middle) are exquisite. One more - tho' not found on Etsy are Donald Hendricks paperdolls (top) This is the coolest site. You can look at tons of paperdolls and dress them in different outfits - plus you can order them... delicious stuff! Ok. I need to find more paperdolls. Any suggestions?

I'm very SAD

I think I have SAD. It's snowy AGAIN... a few days ago we had a 70 degree day, now it's back to snowy and cold. Later this week it's supposed to be lows of 11 degrees and highs of 32 degrees. I'm so over it. But, this is typical for SW Montana. It's making me grouchy and I don't feel very creative. I had my quilt group meeting the other night, and I got very inspired so maybe that will help! I'm still pondering my giveaway. Stay tuned...

I won a "giveaway"

I won this very adorable flower brooch from Isis at Paper Flower Girl. She's a Belgian jewelry designer! I love her work! I have won quite a few treasures lately so stay tuned - it's about time for my own blog giveaway! Happy Friday!

Speaking of the outdoors and camping...

In my previous post I mentioned that I love camping and the outdoors. I grew up in Northern California (yes, I mean the true northern part of the state above Sacramento) and spent every summer camping with my family! I now live in one of the most awesome 'outdoor' places in the country - Montana! We're only 90 miles north of Yellowstone Park. It is truly a gift to live here. If you're kind of an outdoor girl or long to be - how about this? I love visiting the Mary Jane's Farm website - she always has something new going on. I found out she has a bed and breakfast right on the farm - wouldn't you just love to stay in one of these? Doesn't really resemble the camping I've done but I definitely want to check this out! Follow the link for more photos of her farm! (PS - it's in Idaho)

Out like a lion, too....

March 1 started with lots of snow and March 31 is ending with lots of snow. Guess that's the way it goes here in Montana. Last I checked it was 24 degrees... I'm so over it! I have several projects in the works - first, a paperdoll swap with Tammie Moore. Then I signed up for a "Gypsy Caravan" swap with Red Dog Scott. I'm sure I don't know what I've gotten myself into, but I've always wanted my own Gypsy Wagon or Sheep Wagon to put in my back yard as a studio!! Here's a photo of a sheep wagon I'd love to have. Doesn't that look fun? I'm sure it's not for everyone but I'm an outdoor, camping sort of girl, so this really appeals to me!

View from my backyard

We've had some brilliant sunsets lately. This is the view off my deck in the backyard - the Bridger Mountains in the background...

Spring in Montana?

Though Spring is a few weeks away I am surprised at the tulip blossoms pushing their way out of the ground ... I know we have much more snowfall due before June but the sight of green is making me very happy! Here is a picture of the tiny buds and also a picture of a few flowers I grew last year!

Something Else You Might Like

This is a photo of a vintage beaded 'flapper' dress from the 1920's. It belonged to my grandmother, Helen. I keep it on a dress form in my studio. I have four different dresses which belonged to my grandma and I like to rotate them to show them off instead of leaving them to collect moths in an old trunk! I think I want to name the mannequin as someone had mentioned on another blog (I'll find that post and link to it...). That person had named it after some relatives. I think if I named mine it would be Ruby Malinda Beatrice Nell after my four great-grandmothers. What do you think?

Banner Swap Photos

Wow! I participated in a Banner Swap hosted by Sara from The Fabric of Meditation awhile ago and I just got them back! What a treat. They are all so awesome. I really can't get a close-up photo of them all so I'm showing them in sections.

What's Next??

Wow - a month has gone by since I posted... I am trying to plan a few things - I am contemplating a trip to Spokane to check out the Farm Chicks antique show - June 7 & 8. I know that's a few months from now but I want to try to accomplish a lot this spring and summer! Also - on the agenda - a trip in August to California. I have a 30 (yes, 30!) year high school reunion this summer. At least, it's in the planning stages... I think it will be a great time! I don't think I've seen most of these people in 25 years or more. It will be interesting... Here's a photo of where I went to high school ... Chester, CA by Lake Almanor. I mean, this isn't the high school, but it's in the town right next to this lake!

Cold, Cold and More Cold

This morning it was -22 degrees (without wind-chill) - Very Cold. But the sun is shining now in Bozeman, Montana... I have the day off from work - so I've decided to cuddle up with a book -

I'm on a Beatrix Potter kick... I also need to rent the movie Miss Potter. I guess with our bitterly cold weather I'm already contemplating spring!!

Actually, I think I'm going to work in my studio - the sun is shining so bright! I am working on banners for a swap with Sara Lechner. I'll post photos as soon as I have them!

A Place To Bark - Donate Now

This photo of my daughter and her friend with their dogs reminded me to link to Bernie Berlin's blog - A Place to Bark. She's in the running for a $50,000 grants from the Network for Good. Donate today and help Bernie win!

They say it's my birthday...!

Capricorns born on January 9 are complicated people who may seem to be at war with themselves. Brilliant and philosophical, they strive for perfection. Sometimes they achieve it. They are tireless workers who will sacrifice a great deal to prove their worth to others -- and themselves.

Capricorn Information for January 9

You should embrace: Spiritual values, initiative, ethics
You should avoid: Hypocrisy, extravagance, dishonesty

Friends and Lovers
People born on this date are shy and look to close friends for the intimacy they may be unable to share with a spouse or other loved ones. Once they meet the person of their dreams, they are happy to settle down. Only the ability to open themselves emotionally can result in a bonding of souls.

Children and Family
January 9 natives are often troubled by conflicts about values they were taught as a child. Learning who they are independent of their upbringing can be their most valuable lesson. As parents, they are tender and involved. They try to shield their children from harsh realities and support their efforts to be independent.

Health
January 9 individuals experience the consequences of emotions on their health. Learning to deal with stress is important for them. They need to integrate the material and spiritual sides of their nature to feel healthy and energetic.

Career and Finances
January 9 individuals have a driving need to succeed in their field. Unusually hard-working, they often are content to sacrifice personal happiness to achieve career desires. Although they have a good head for financial matters, they are not interested in the day-to-day aspects of making money.

Dreams and Goals
People born today want to achieve power. They may experience feelings of personal insecurity, which can only be assuaged by worldly success. Despite their private nature, they need to attract public notice. When they transcend shyness, they may experience their most ambitious and satisfying successes.

What Your Name Means - JAMIE

I found this link on Maija's blog - and, yes, it sounds like me - especially the part about not sticking with anything very long! But it seems like my name means pretty much the same thing as her name - unless I've done this wrong!

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

More Books and Artfest Countdown!

Yes, I told you I liked books. I just picked up this one by LK. Ludwig. It reminds me of the art I created when I took a class from her at Artfest in 2004. Can't wait to try some of these ideas! I will be attending Artfest in 2008! 93 days and counting! Woo Hoo! I had to miss last year and I wasn't happy about it! I have classes from Pam Sussman, Shirley Ende-Saxe and Nina Bagley! Can't wait!

Another Gifty

These lovely Valdani threads were under the tree as well! Yummy hand-dyed colors - can't wait to start a new project!

Christmas Goodies

I can never have enough books - and I just added a few to my collection. This one is not a new book and I've wanted it for awhile - Fairie-ality - the link will show you some of Ellwand's Creations... lovely!

Jumping the Gun...

I guess I'm anxious to start the new year...! Christmas tree is down - decorations are boxed up. We did have a wonderful Christmas. Spent the day with the entire family at my sister's. I will upload pictures as soon as I get them off the camera. Went snow-skating, snowmobiling and had great food! Watched a movie - The Illusionist. I had not seen it before. I highly recommend it. More to follow.

This and That

I'm avoiding the piles of work on my desk... I can't seem to get motivated today... so I'm creating snowflakes.... this is really fun - you have to try it!

There have been many BLOG giveaways lately and I've been commenting on several so that I might win something - and guess what? I have won two fantastic items so far... first, on hollydoodledesigns I won a wonderful kit to make this beautiful church! Wow! Lucky me! The second item I was selected for is a mosaic cupcake from the Mosaic Queen ... I can't wait to see this!

I still haven't got the blog thing figured out completely... I didn't want the photos all together and I need to add my list of favorite links, etc. ... tune in....