Adam and I went to Maine to visit my family for Turkey Day. I don't go home nearly enough. It's amazing how life just seems to happen!
This is the view from my childhood bedroom window. I grew up in southern Maine, right on the border. That land, across the Piscataqua River, yep, that's New Hampshire. I wasn't kidding; I grew up RIGHT on the border! (Remember, you can click on the photo to make it bigger)
I drove "Up Maine" to visit a dear friend, Jen, whom I met in Polarity School. She lives on a Dairy Farm. My grandfather had a farm, and let me tell you, seeing the red barn, then visiting the cows.... well, that smell sure brought me back!
These ladies were about ready for milking:
Before we left the coast, I insisted on going to my FAVORITE beach spot! Adam, of course, had no objections. There's just something about the salt water air, and the sound of the surf that is so comforting to me. I love where I live now, but I definitely miss living on the coast.
I took loads of pictures, here are some samples:
All in all, Thanksgiving was good. Got to see some extended family, beat my dad at 2 games of Ticket To Ride (I have to brag about that, as he's a serious contender when it comes to playing games!), ate really good food (my mom ROCKS in the kitchen department, amongst other areas), my brother and his wife brought their cat.... HILARIOUS!
Peace & Blessings!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving Thoughts
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I've been Tagged!
Sheila, over at StatGalGetsCreative, Tagged me......
Two names you go by: Alison & Honey (when I was just a peanut, everyone called me Honey. So much so, in fact, that I thought my name was Honey, not Alison) (I was Ali in school - there's only a small number of people that can get away calling me that now)
Two things you are wearing right now: long sleeve pink Gap shirt, shorts (hey, it's late, I'm about to go to bed!)
Two longest car rides: San Diego, CA to Cannon Beach, Oregon & Cannon Beach, Oregon to Eliot, Maine
Two of your favorite things to do: learning new things & crafting (AKA, making stuff)
Two things you want very badly at the moment: to go to bed & 10 million dollars
Three animals you have or have had: cats, fish, rabbit
Three Things you ate today: Alison's Breakfast Hash & subway & tomato soup & grilled cheese (mmmmmmmmm)
Two people you last talked to: Adam & Michele
Two things you're doing tomorrow: delivering a turkey to my chiropractor & driving to Maine
Two favorite holidays: My Birthday & Christmas
Two favorite beverages: icy icy icy water (I'm talking practically slush) & ginger beer
Masculine Birthday Card
My boss has a birthday Friday. Being that I'm leaving for Maine tomorrow, I had to make sure the card was ready early. (I also baked Wicked Pumpkin Whoopie Pies... soooo good!)
Peace & Blessings!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Too Cute!
This is the scrap page currently on The Angel Company's homepage. I just had to share - I think it's TOO CUTE!
Peace & Blessings!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Where it ALL began
How did Adam and I get started with our creations? That's a long story:
When Adam and I were dating, I took a basic beading class and walked out with a Victorian Choker. It was pretty. I made it. Cool. (Fall of 1999)
I flew to San Diego to spend Christmas with Adam, and brought along my necklace to show him what I made.
His response: "I can do that." My response to that: "Of course you can."
That was IT! He pulled out the phone book and started looking up beading stores in San Diego. We drove around to 3 or 4 stores, picked up basic supplies, met a really famous beading person (can't remember her name, all I remember is when I went back to the beading store I took my class in, and told the owner, she had a melt down that I didn't get the lady's autograph and photo) and headed back to the apartment.
Adam started beading. Then he started doing chain mail. Then he started making really intricate chains, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and earrings.
At that point, I had stopped beading. Didn't love it. I did bead my wedding necklace, but it wasn't a hobby like what stamping has turned into for me.
All in all, my making a Victorian Choker at a bead shop in Dover, New Hampshire, then showing Adam what I had made, is really where our insane compulsion to create manifested and snowballed.
So, what's my point?
Yesterday, a friend of mine called me about what she could make people for Christmas gifts. My immediate thought was: EARRINGS! So, I told her I'd make a pair, post them to my blog, and e-mail her the directions.
Famous Last Words.
"Adam, would you please show me how you make earrings?"
He did, and I made a pair.
I LOVED THEM!
Then I said: "I guess I'm changing my Christmas gift giving list a bit.... I'm making EARRINGS!" (dramatic music in the background...)
So, eight pairs of earrings later..... Here's a handful:
Oh, and check out these beauties Adam made for ME last night:
I sat right there while he made them, but ohhh, how I LOVE THEM! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!
As I was photographing them, I was noticing how the beads have black, green, blue, and a tiny bit purple. So, I did an experiment with different background colors for the photos. It's amazing how color changes the entire look:
Peace & Blessings!
PS - It was during that trip, is when he asked me to marry him! (December 22nd)
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
What Inspires You?
I watched the Premier of Project Runway tonight. I LOOOOOOOOOVE that show! I love all the creativity that goes into the fashions! I could care less about the drama, it's watching people in their creative process that fascinates me the most.
It got me to thinking about what people are inspired by and how inspiration manifests outwardly.
I know with my mediums of choice, my inspirations have a very concrete outlet. I'm wondering if I can step out of my own box?
Just something to think about....
Peace & Blessings!
PS - I think there should be a rubber stamping show - I'd want to be the Tim Gunn of THAT show!
PPS - What was I Inspired by today: A kindred spirit at the grocery store. I was walking in, she was walking out, and we both stopped at the same time to deeply inhale the Christmas wreaths on the display out front... we locked eyes, and giggled at the same time!
