Vacationing in "Vacationland"

Did you know that the state of Maine is considered "vacationland"? That's right, when you drive into the state from N.H., there's that big ole sign welcoming you to "vacationland". I don't mind spending my vaca. right here at home.

This past weekend my Sister, her Hubby, their kids, and her best friend and child all flew in from Georgia. They rented a cottage on the ocean in Saco, and the rest of the "Maine Gang" went to hang out. We had a big lobster feed, hung out on the beach, fished, shopped, antiqued and screamed at children.

Jon and I kayaked some of the Scarborough marshes on the way home on Monday. It's definetly something I'd go back to do, as we really didn't make a dent in the trip, and we were both a little tired from the weekend. And we wanted to be home by Monday lunch so we could putter.

For the past couple of days I've been catching up on my gardening. I took pics early this morning, it's drizzy out side, but I like the drizzly rain this early in the morning...it will clear off, and all of the plants will be well watered.

I purchased a new arbor this Spring, and I think the roses and honeysuckle love their new home!

I started this path last summer....it's got a ways to go to the deck on the side of the house, but my goal is to get this baby finished!

I planted these shrubs last summer. It was a small investment to buy larger shrubs....but SO worth it!

MY FAVORITE! LILACS! I love this time of year!

Today I'm cruizin' down south back to Saco to see my Sis one more time. I'm taking a girfriend with me, and I hope we make the time to stop at Maxwell's Pottery in the Old Port. I've been jonesing for them ever since they left Freeport!

THEN....BIG EXCITEMENT! Tammy and I are heading down to Beverly, MA. to be at the opening of Mindy's Wish Studios!! I can't wait, as there are many bloggers I'll be meeting there! Tammy and I also have an antiquing/lawn saling itinerary as well. (of course). She just doesn't get it yet, that she's going with a pro, and if she's lucky, I'll teach her the way!! (my little grasshopper)

If you're in the area, you should SO GO!!!

We will be there both Friday and Saturday!

I will of course take lots of pics!

Hope to see you there!

xoxoxoxox

posted by: sweetpeas at May 31, 2007 11:49 | link | comments (13) |
green thumb

Sister Maria

I'm naming this piece after my Great Aunt, Sister Maria Sato. The entire time I worked on this piece, (which was several days in the making), I thought of Sister Maria.

Sister was not your typical Nun. She did not live in the vestry behind the church, next to the school like I remember in my grade school days. She did not scurry about...(or behind) Father so-and-so, head bent low, eyes cast downward, like you see in the movies. Rather she lived in a trailer for the last 20 something years of her life next to the St. Anne mission and church in Ganado, Arizona on the Navajo reservation. She stood stall, spoke clearly, and looked you straight in the eye.

I remember her when I was a small child. Some are little 3 second flicks from a time that I'm really not supposed to remember all that much I suppose. I remember her coming to visit and singing the ABC's with me. I remember her painting on a canvas. I remember her encouraging me to create something on a piece of paper.

She was an artist.

I had always had a special relationship with Sister. We would not see eachother for years, and we could easily pick up where we had left off. I felt a current between the 2 of us everytime we were together. I felt special, talented and smart in her eyes. I felt like she understood me. Now as I am older....I realize Sister probably made everyone feel that way.

In my early 20's I went to visit a friend in Arizona. It was one of those trips without a gaol or purpose for the most part. We threw tents and backpacks in her car and wandered Arizona, Nogales, California, Tijuana, etc. Near the end of the trip I went to Ganado to stay with Sister for a week.

I met one of Sister's many, many friends and contacts in Tempe. (Sister's arm could reach clear down to Tuscon if she needed something). The eccentric older lady drove me about halfway to the reservation, talking to me the whole time of Sister Maria, and Sister's beloved mission on the reservation. We were met by Sister someplace non-descript. I just remember, there was Sister Maria pulling up in this huge old van (the size of a small bus) I was laughing before we even spoke. On that treck up to the reservation, we made many stops. One was at a motel that was getting rid of all of their old bedding. I found myself chatting with strangers while loading up trash bags full of linens and pillows into the back of the van. Sister was someone they admired. They would not dare throw a thing out without consulting her first, as she may need it for her mission.

Another fun stop was to visit two ladies (a mother and a daughter) that had EI (environmental illness). Into the dessert and up some hills, and I found myself at a most beautiful location 2 homes could ever sit on. The Mother of the two was so happy to see Sister. She had us in and fed us lunch. She told me some of her life and how she came to be where she was. She loved Sister dearly.

When we crossed into Navajo country, I knew Sister was home. She visibly relaxed, and could not stop telling me every detail of what we were seeing. I believe to this day, something called her home to that place, and that is where she stayed until she died. It must be nice to know you are where you're supposed to be, and since you know you are there, you can just relax, and do what you are supposed to do.

I could go on and on about that first day. The ride to the reservation was a journey in itself. And every little stop we made was because she was helping someone. In one single day, at 24 years of age, I realized how self involved my life really was. In one day's journey to a place I had yet to fathom, I all ready felt like a foolish girl. I had been on my own since I was 16, and at 24 thought I pretty much had it all figured out. I knew at that moment I didn't know a damn thing.

Over the week, at night after dinner, after the neighbor ladies went home from cooking me yet another authentic Navajo meal. Sister and I would talk about life, our family, the thing that drove me to want to be independent, and on my own, yet the crutches I used along the way to help me not be so alone. I could be extreme and frank with her, and I know she did not judge me. She didn't judge anyone.

One day I'll tell more of that week's story. I have some photos I'd like to share eventually, and some thoughts on what & who help shape us. That trip on the reservation, working in the mission, meeting some quite unusual characters was still the most rewarding of my life. Right now I feel the pressures of life knocking on my door, telling me I've got to get a move on...I've got things to do, and I don't want to rush this story.

It is strange, that everytime I sat to work on this piece I thought of her again and again. It would be a shame for you to assume that it was because it's a cross. I began this piece with the idea of it being an old gothic relic....I really did not set out to make it a "Sister Maria" piece. I was not thinking of her when I thought it up in my head, or when I started looking through my stash for the elements I would use. When we create we think of lots of things, and I do feel that the thoughts find you rather than you finding the thoughts while being in the creative proccess.

I actually stopped working on that piece midway to work on another piece, "We are Spirits". Sometimes the thoughts that found me while working on "Sister Maria" were heavy, and I needed a break.

I think Sister was around me, reminding me of our talks, and the lessons I learned that week. Lately I have had opportunities to venture into new territory...territory I've always wanted to visit, and I am scared, scared to fail, scared to let people down. I think she was giving me a gentle reminder that I am me, and I can do anything, simply because, I can.

xoxoxoxox

posted by: sweetpeas at May 21, 2007 17:27 | link | comments (13) |
artsy fartsy, jewelry, junque revival news

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!!

In the past I've dedicated my Mother's day posts to our Mother's, but this year I want to give a special mention to our sisters...Marissa, Jen & Beth.

(Marissa & Gabe)

All of our baby sister's are independent, smart, talented, funny and BEAUTIFUL MOTHERS!

Jon and I do not have children, and thanks to you girls, we still have the majic of childhood to behold. You have given us wonderful little nieces and nephews. You are all such special Mom's...we are very proud of you.

Hope ALL OF YOU Mom's have the most wonderous of days!

love, Jon & Jes

posted by: sweetpeas at May 13, 2007 15:11 | link | comments (4) |

I dream of Paris.....

I've been playing with vintage papers, findings, and rosary beads. One of my favorite sections in Junque Revival is the "Revived Relics" page. I can intermix my love of antiques with my love for jewlery making. I was so happy to find these vintage pansy resin cameos! I have a late 1800's French lesson book, that was really torn up, so I don't feel guilty for using the original paper in these pieces! Wonderful old rosaries top off these pendants perfectly.

And how cool is this little vintage cabachon courting couple?

Other then working in the studio, I've been trying to divide my time beteween the garden and kayaking. It looks like Monday's are going to be KAYAK DAY for the girls. My S.I.L. Beth and I went this week, and it was so peaceful. We paddled into a little spot where someone had put bluebird houses along this marshy inlet. We just stopped paddling and watch the birds flitting about eating bugs. SO good for the soul and my creativity.

I love Summer.

What have you been up to?

 

posted by: sweetpeas at May 09, 2007 18:15 | link | comments (11) |

a beautiful Soul can make a beautiful thing

I'd like to share some of my favorite artists and friends with you.

You wont be dissapointed!

xoxoxoxoxxo

The FABULOUS Tiffini X has finally opened her gorgeous web~shop! OH. ME. OH. MY. No wonder it took so long, the site is absolutely incredible, and so very Tiffini.

I am the proud owner of this gorgeous necklace. I honestly wear it about 4 times a week, and I always receive a compliment when wearing this ethereal raven. Because she is so generous, and such a freakin' cool chick, I've received little surprises in the mail on and off over the past couple of years! I LOVE her beautiful and relaxing eye pillow (I keep mine in the freezer). I also carry around one of the most adorable pocket mirrors that was ever made.

CONGRATS Darling Girl!

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I just adore Katie from Blackstar Jewlery. Since taking out my nose piercing I've had a hankering to wear earrings again. To celebrate, I bought my first pair in 15 years from her. She also sells BEAUTIFUL necklaces designed around vintage beads. Every once in a while she sells some of her AWESOME bead stash, so of course I popped over this morning and purchased some lovely vintage glass beads to use in my own creations!

And if you like to garden...you must visit her blog!

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OK...I know I mention my Dear friend Kathleen alot, but the girl just can't seem to stop making beautiful eye candy! As I've mentioned before, I now have a little collection of three of her Par Avon pendants. (she spoils me so!) Now she has a new line, Spring Sparrow Pendants. *sigh* they are so lovely....I fear I might have to start collecting them as well! 

I am going to see her in Oregon at the end of August. Do you know how excited I am?? I have been saving for this trip for over a year! I just want to sit in her studio with her and make pretty things. that's it.

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I am ABSOLUTELY SMITTEN with the incredible art of Izabella. I love her blog, I love her wares! Visit her blog to see all of the different outlets where her art is available. Today, I went over to her Zazzle site and bought me up this majical t-shirt! I always crank up the volume when visiting her blog, as she's got the best taste in music evah'!

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Dearest Susan Tuttle is a Maine Gal Pal who I met through blogging. So funny...we live less then 30 minutes apart! I've been to one of her shows in Portland, so YES, I do feel I'm extra lucky, as I got to view her work up close and personal! You can purchase her inspiring art directly or at her Etsy shop. She sells original art, mixed media prints, notecards and more.

She's a must see!

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Flickr friend Abby Gabert recently opened her Etsy shop!! There you will find pin cushions and handbags made from groovy vintage & retro fabrics! Can you say, "FABULOUS FINDS" 10 times fast??? I can whenever I swing by and visit her.

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Tammi, (another Maine Gal Pal I made through blogging) and I are off on an adventure at the end of the month!! We are taking an over night road trip to Beverly, MA.  to visit Mindy & the Gang from The Wish Studio!! They are having a launch party...and YOU ALL ARE WELCOME!

Tammi and I plan on antiquing our way to Mass. on Friday. Hanging out at the party Friday night, yard saling Sat. morning, and then visiting the Indie Designer show that afternoon!!

Speaking of the show, I am DYING inside! Mindy had asked me to be a part, but due to the overload of jewlery making for other projects, I just KNEW I could not do it. I am sad inside, but am looking forward to the adventure of visiting none-the-less! I just wanted to thank you Mindy for believing in my art, and for inviting me! NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOW....I'd like to direct you to this cocky little post that Tammi wrote recently. MY reply to that is this.....

DEAREST Tammi....hmmmmm....I know you think you have hip-checking abilities beyond belief, but trust me, I am fast on my feet, and even faster when I spot a bargain. I have tossed men three times your size out of the pub, with only my bare hands, and sheer grit. If I spot a bag of vintage lace, a jar of old buttons, or bundle of magazines...they are MINE, MINE....ALL MINE!!!!!!!! And if you are very lucky, I just might share.

he.he.he. (that's supposed to sound evil)

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More Fabulous Finds to come soon!

Thankyou from myself, and all of these incredible artists for supporting Indie Art. We couldn't pull it off without you.

posted by: sweetpeas at May 04, 2007 17:39 | link | comments (7) |
fabulous finds