AWESOME!

Back when we first started Collective Souls, I had made mention of a new magazine called Cloth Paper Scissors. It is my absolute favorite....and it NEVER dissapoints! One of my favorite Collage Artists, Loretta Benedetto Marvel always writes the article at the very back, with a lovely piece of her art gracing a page. After the first issue came out, I was IMing Hope, and told her that she had to get that magazine. I believe her and Mike were at a Barnes and Noble, when she saw it and grabbed it....and fell in love with it too! Well my friends.....GO PICK UP the Fall 2005 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, and turn directly to page 4.

You see.....when I get my issue in the mail, I FIRST go to the back to check out Loretta's piece. (and the Fall issue's article "La dolce far niente" along with her art is wonderful by the way!) THEN....I quickly flip through, just to see what really catches my eye. (a total artist type move I'm sure). WELL....when I was flipping, I saw this pretty little collage, and instantly thought, "that looks like something Hope would do!" But kept on cruizin' through the mag. AFTER my frantic flipping, I slowly go through the magazine, and imagine my surprise when I discovered that the pretty little collage piece was in fact our own SWEET Hope! Yippeee!!! I know I've told you a million times, but Hope, I am so HAPPY and proud!!! LOL!

And Collective Souls, for inspiration, pick up an issue if you can!

I have another little story to tell. As some of you know, I enjoyed doing mosaics when I was furniture painting. There was a piece that I did, that I LOVED, but never posted it, as I had wanted to get it to the shop, and it sold that day, before I ever got to take a picture. Well the customer had left it outside on her porch...and horror of horrors....we thought the piece was ruined! (I should've taken a picture of that I know....it was so sad!) BUT....I fixed the piece, and got to take a picture to show you after all!

There is a piece of round glass that I had cut to go over the top

And a closeup shot

Only the best for my mosaics.  Fiestaware, California Pottery, English transferware, and Independence Ironstone get smashed to pieces in my studio!

Right now I am working on revamping a metal birdbath that rusted. I am almost done and will post pictures soon! I figured since I had my mosaic supplies out, I'd make the best of them!

Jon and I are heading up to camp to Eustis Ridge for the Fourth. (to all skiers, this is known as The Sugarloaf area or to summer folk The Flagstaff Lake area)

WHAT WILL YOU BE UP TO? LET ME KNOW!

hugs

posted by: sweetpeas at June 27, 2005 14:12 | link | comments (10) |
family & friends, artsy fartsy, friends successes

lots to talk about!

A couple of announcements to make!!!

Happy Birthday Dad and little Gabe!

Gabe is two, and Dad, well don't worry Dad, I wont give away your age! I'll see you both Sunday!

Congratulations Leslie and Hank!!

The little bun has arrived and I am so happy for you two! Leslie, I miss you....but it was so sweet of Hank to fill us all in! LOL

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

We have had so much rain, the garden has started to take on a jungle effect. I'm sure the lack of weeding has something to do with it as well. I have been paying close attention to the arbor as of late. I have a rose bush on one side, and a climbing honeysuckle vine on the other. Eventually one will win out....(the honeysuckle will over take that baby). When the time comes, I'll move the roses to the old chicken coop in the background. I wish some of you gals could come and sit and sip some wine or tea in the shade with me!

This is about half of this garden....to the right there is lots more!

We have been enjoying our little deck! It is wonderful for birdwatching, grilling and eating dinner, sipping coffee, or reading a good book!

On the other side of the deck I planted an herb~rock garden. There is quite a drop on that side, as it goes downhill. We had a massive rock in the way when we tore down the old shed, so we decided to utilize that rock, and make a rock garden. It took many trips with the jeep into the back fields to pick rocks from the old rock walls, but I think it looks good. I put in about 20 herb plants. Most are doing well....but the purple basil didn't make it. I'll take a picture soon.

We have been painting the new room. I can't wait to show you, it's been so hard! We both LOVE the paint colors we chose! Jon keeps walking out there and looking at it. He's so funny! Last night I told him to STOP and visualize what it looked like when it was the old trash/bottle/junk shed. We could only laugh.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Collective Souls! Lot's of going ons in journal land! The talented Miss Giao has finished her pages and has sent the book to Steph. Go to the site where you'll find pics. of Giao's pages, and Steph's funny story on receiving BELIEVE! Amanda has finished her page on SPRING FLING and is sending it to the lovely Ani all the way from London to New York!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

One last little thing! I have been getting some wonderful comments....but lots of "unlogged visitors". I want to know who you are....so even if you don't log in, just sign your name!

Have a great week!

posted by: sweetpeas at June 21, 2005 11:58 | link | comments (8) |
green thumb, collective souls

A little cruise

South Bristol Boathouse

Jon took my friend Judy and I for a cruise down the Damariscotta River yesterday. We stopped and said hello to friends that live on the river, cast out a line or two for Striper and totally gawked at the beautiful property & boats.

We headed to East Boothbay, where we docked at Lobsterman's Restaurant. Jon treated....so we felt it neccessary to order a carafe of wine first! Jon had his usual.....fried captain's platter, Judy ordered a big 'ole fried haddock sandwich with onion rings, and I couldn't resist the fried oysters! Who says Mainers can't act like tourists?

Today, Judy and I went kayaking at a peaceful little spot. It was a lovely little stream in West Gardiner, which eventually goes under the overpass of a major highway (took some of the peacefulness out of the equation, but just for a bit). It is quite a hotspot for plant & wild life. Today's attractions? Water lilies and Osprey.

Obviously I've been goofing off a bit, so I've got to get back to business for the rest of this week. Man! What a drag!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Collective Souls, hope you are all well! Recently Rowena asked me what the new theme for the next journal will be. I haven't a clue! If you think of something let me know! I'm not panicking about it as I'd like to finish "Believe" before we start another one. Just touching base with you all and bidding my Favorite Gals a happy summer!

posted by: sweetpeas at June 13, 2005 23:12 | link | comments (12) |
travelin in maine

LITTLE FLOWER CHILD....

She was such a sweet little girl with pink cheeks & smiles for anyone who would look her way. Imagine my surprise when Friday night I saw this buxom beauty for the first time in years!

Michelle, Amanda and me!

Michelle and I became friends in 8th grade in Bangor, Maine. Somewhere between Sophmore and Junior year, she moved back to her home town in Ipswich, Ma. After school, I moved down there as well, and stayed several years (living with her family at times) and became an aunt to the kids. Later in years, though we kept in touch, visits were far and few between. We used to call Amanda "Our little Flower Child", and I still think of her this way!

Amanda is getting a car after grad.....and hopefully will take me up on my offer to come visit! I am so happy for this reconnection. Saturday night we all stayed home and watched movies and Mandy cuddled on the couch with me, just like when she was little. She is still made out of the sweetest stuff!

Proud Mum & Make-shift Auntie

Unforunately, this came out a little blurry....but that's OK...it hides the wrinkles!

LOL

posted by: sweetpeas at June 06, 2005 11:51 | link | comments (9) |
family & friends

Send smiles her way.....

Congratulations Dawn!!!

I am so happy for you both!

posted by: sweetpeas at June 03, 2005 11:20 | link | comments (6) |
family & friends