Absolutely Kritterific

Pretty Bird Giveaway! {ends Thursday at 9 pm PST}

2010-04-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

::A giveaway in our of mothers and the love of jewelry::

Do you want a pretty bird??

Would you like to give one of these to yourself, your mom, or a mom you know for Mother's Day?

L.O.V.E.

2010-04-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

I love making jewelry...

Craftin' in L.A., baby!

2009-06-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

Next weekend!!!

Scrabble CHEEZ-Its???? Way!

2009-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

I gotta have it! How fun!

Deer, be mine

2009-02-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

Lucky Arrowheads

2009-02-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

Lasy week I made an order for an actor to give as a cast and crew gifts! This came by chance and I didn't have much notice or support at home with the papa working, but I took it on and cranked them out in the evenings.
I worked with the actor based on what he could tell me about his characters in the upcoming film. I really had a good time designing and we were both happy with how it all came out. :) He even said how many people thanked him and loved it... hopefully means they'll shop kritty.com someday down the line. (and hopefully I'll catch one or two of the recipients wearing these in a magazine of tabloid... keep your eyes peeled!)

Great NEWs

2009-02-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Do you love Orla Kiely and Target like I love Orla Kiely and Target??? If so you need to run to Target andbuy Orla's line of house wares!!! Oh, yeah!

Baking for CHANGE

2009-01-19T16:49:00.001-08:00

My creation, originally uploaded by kritty.

I made some PROGRESS with my cookies. i HOPE they are good. I've been ready, but now my cookies are ready for the inauguration! Sweet VICTORY! go OBAMA!

2008 in review

2009-01-01T09:03:00.003-08:00

2008 in review, originally uploaded by kritty.

I guess I had time to make stuff after all.

I don't know if Kritterific is going to continue this year though. But look for one giveaway before I throw in my hat.

Awesome Book SALE (thru 12.10)

2008-12-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Friends and family sale extended!!

Chronicle Books is offering 35% off to friends and family thru Dec. 10th

CODE at check out is:: FRIENDS

happiness

2008-11-18T19:49:00.001-08:00

It goes without saying, I'm so happy about this:

Phew!
Rejoice!
I don't have to move to Berlin!

Then I found this when eating crystalized ginger:

tweet!
a good sign of sweet things to come.

grOwbama

2008-10-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

GrOwbama, originally uploaded by kritty.

print me!
plant me!
Use me!

Need. to. knit. must. knit. (but when)

2008-10-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

Oh, my. I need to make these for Sofi!!
How cute are they? They're in knitty fall '08

Maybe I should finish my "they might be pirates" hat from 2 years ago. (can't find the link)

Then there are these space invader socks. I need to quit sleeping. There is just too much cool stuff to knit.

Fontly Yours

2008-09-27T21:32:00.001-07:00

Fun Free FONTS
click here

Felt ball for George

2008-09-25T22:37:00.001-07:00

Felt ball for George, originally uploaded by kritty.

Awake Asleep and inspired (subliminally) by my purse

hamster collage

2008-08-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

hamster collage, originally uploaded by kritty.

I made this for my neighbor. She's 3! Smart mommy (and dear friend) when I asked, "What does she want for her birthday?" She said, "make her one of your things....." I've been making collages... they remind me of quilting and cross-stitch and I dream about them. More to come, but I like how this one turned out. I hope she does too!! Fun when your muse is 3 and loves hamsters.

Boy Girl Giant Robot Fun

2008-08-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

I escaped with my boy and we went to Giant Robot to see zillions of adorable little paintings by Susie Ghahremani of boygirlparty.com

There were zillions of little wooden 'canvases' about 4"x3" with the cutest little scenarios on them. There was also a chance to write a haiku about them. Very fun and very crowded.
Sometimes it pays to live in L.A. ;)

iPhone iJounal of our iTrip ::

2008-08-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

...WARNING...
{{if you don't like slide shows, you're not going to like this post}}
I am still lovin' my little iPhone.
It was fun to have the camera at the ready,
and the quality is pretty good for a phone!
We left L.A. and Papa did all the drivin'.
Thanks Papa!!

asleep

awake
this was a clothes optional trip for him!

...parties...
To Auntie's house we go...
SF with Aunt, Uncle, Cousin
(and soon another cousin!!)

trying out glasses

the l'il
dudes

SF Marathon

Butterflies at Golden Gate Park

stopping to smell...

Marin Headlands

Touring SF again

lots of drivin'-n-snoozin'

pancakes

more parties

trains

the little farm

'What a night!
I don't know where I am.
I'm wearing a diaper at some pay phone.

Can you come pick me up?'

comb-over! LOL

give me your gum and no one gets hurt

An icy orange soda is the reward for sitting on a long windy road,
after car troubles and heat.
Cheers.
Here's to the Sierras.

lone cow

Mooove over...
Why did he cross the road?

tiny guy with room to roam

the bacon tree
Technically it's a breaking aspen/ a.k.a. bacon aspen

Breaking up the 7 hour drive at a restaurant.
My girl is looking more like a young woman than a little girl at times.

I spy a monkey and a traffic jam.
We must be back in L.A.

bird flannel

2008-07-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just found Tula Pink and she makes this adorable bird flannel in 3 color ways for flutterby/moda!! I want all three!!!!! Don't you?

Feeling Treasured

2008-07-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today on Etsy.com Talli featured me in this treasury!
There's a lot of cute stuff there!
Check it out

Oh, NO they did n't....

2008-06-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today I brought the NYT article to show a colleague how Strawberry Shortcake has changed:

Well, if does stop there! When googling for an image to show on my blog, I got hit with the hard reality--- Holly Hobbie had an extreme makeover too! (I had Holly Hobbie lunchbox)

(I had Holly Hobbie lunchbox)

What is this world coming to? And who co-opted childhood?

More Nik Nok and Q.

2008-05-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

a while ago I posted about how Q. looks like NikNok. (NikNok is the doll made for my husband when he was a little boy by his grandmother.) It's not the best shot, but I'm sorry Q. looks so much like this doll and he had on a one piece black outfit? Come on!

...but he also kinda reminds me of piplup.

exhausted inspired...

2008-04-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ah, weekend! I feel like a need 24 hours of sleep to catch up and re-fuel! I got a new old 1966 sewing machine last weekend and I'm dying to make something, but I. can't. move. so. tired.

Instead I just keep reading this book my neighbor friend lent me:

The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
Using Jewish Teachings to Raise a Self-Reliant Children

I don't think I'll convert to Judaism, but she is on to something. These teachings are wise and true. A wonderful read for today, coming at a perfect time as all 3 kids are going through different things, and I was feeling guilty and overwhelmed.... a day of rest with my new book is just what the Jewish psychologist ordered!

Favorite part(s) so far:

"Question Rabbis ask school children:
What is the most important moment in Jewish history?
The giving of the Torah.
No.
The parting of the Red Sea?
No. Right now. This is the most important moment in Jewish history." p. 38

"These are the aspects that Jewish thinkers have deemed crucial to raising children:

Accept that your child is both unique and ordinary
Teach them to honor their parents and to respect others
Teach them to be resilient, self-reliant, and courageous
Teach them to value of work
Teach them to be grateful for their blessings
Teach them the preciousness of the present moment p.36

She follows that as her outline... moderation, celebration, sanctification, and God are also covered in the book. All in all I am finding it useful as a parent and as a teacher, and I am not a religious type at all.

...okay, stop reading my blog and go enjoy the most important time in (Jewish) history- Right now! xo

WIP and whip

2008-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

First of all, bad spammers infiltrated my blog and left a comment with a corrupted link! I got the whip out and deleted, blocked and banned them from this kritterific site!

And then there's some more W.I.P. (work in progress) and I am accumulating birds!I feel like making more, more, more... but when? The collages behind the silhouettes really make it for me! I need one more of these frames... what to put in Q's! An angel food cake pan photo. LOL.

28 hour days...

2008-04-06T12:24:00.001-07:00

I wish I could add 4 hours a day where no kids needed me and I felt awake! Wouldn't that be beautiful? I had some time to play... lots of sketches and ideas... nothing finished, yet...

Cake Pan = Bad Hat!

2008-03-31T20:13:00.001-07:00

"Hat" said Q.

"No!" said mama.

"Why me!?!?!" thought Q....

"Pull!" said Sofi

"Put his chin down first," said mama

CALL 911- we agreed!

4 handsome firemen arrived
2 of them laughed
1 of them laughed and took pictures with his iphone
1 of them got the job done with a little patience, elbow grease, and forehead grease for Q.

*pop*

PHEW.

They all said it was a first.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to make angelfood cake in that pan again. The whole ordeal from start to finish was 15 minutes and it's funny after the fact. He had a 4 hour nap afterwards, but says, "No," if he hears a siren now.

Hurry! Eggs!!!

2008-03-24T17:45:00.001-07:00

Hurry! Eggs!!!, originally uploaded by kritty.

7am Easter morning. The frenzy- the fun- the candy! He wore those ears all day.

Hoppy Easter Toile

2008-03-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

messing around...

I made this for fun around Valentine's Day 2007! I found a Valentine today made from the paper I printed... I thought it would be great to 'resurrect' it for Easter '08! ;) and now I think I need to make an 2008 toile.

Spring Vacation is HERE!

2008-03-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

Bunnies, and blocks, and time, oh my!
I can't wait!!!!!
117 days of school down!
A little time home with MY kids sounds pretty fun...
Happy day(s)!

bird on branch silhouettes

2008-03-09T21:01:00.001-07:00

bird on branch silhouettes, originally uploaded by Tubes..

Something's in the air!

Q in the box

2008-03-02T21:38:00.001-08:00

Q in box, originally uploaded by kritty.

Look at those juicy legs!
{You can't hear the 'clang' he is making with his head on the metal gate.}

This crazy boy is going to be 2!
Finally/already... I can't believe it and I'm anticipating the day he'll use the 'potty' and be trusted with art supplies, kitchen utensils, and tools of all kinds. I'll enjoy other people's babies! Moving on! This is going to be fun!

I hope...

2008-02-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

I was reading Average Jane's Blog and had to share what I found.

I watched the primary in her town in Austin. Yes, we can.

One more crafter for Obama!!

Fun with Mary!!!

2008-02-17T14:48:00.001-08:00

Fun with Mary!!!, originally uploaded by kritty.

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I visited my friend, Mary, in Athens, GA! I had so much fun! Made so much, learned so much, ate so much, laughed so much! I then proceded to get the flu--- which sucked, so much! But I'm back-- healthy and happy and ready to keep playing. I wish I could go visit her, but I'll just have to print a copy of this montage and work with her in spirit. Picture in front of me to inspire me and keep me company.

Encaustic painting with hot layers of wax was FUN! but something I'll leave in Georgia. Making larger molds and casting with epoxy or plaster? Now that's what I'll try here at home... I do have President's Day off!!!! I'm also planning on winning that huge lottery this week, so I look forward to lots of time in the studio! :)

Mary's art is amazing! You should check it out: maryengel.net

1 down!

2008-02-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

I'm one! I can't believe I've been keeping a blog for a year now! I'm planning a little birthday celebration... stayed tuned. I knew it was in Feb... and it was Feb. 8th my first post ever! Kritterific!

motorin'

2008-01-21T19:43:00.001-08:00

motoring, originally uploaded by kritty.

It's pretty comical how long it took us to get the right ingredients to make this fun little motor. I really need a shot of all the wire configurations that DIDN'T work. Well, I saw this in a round about way from kidding around's husband's blog and I found the howtoons link (and ordered the book). I think what finally worked was following the directions. (switching from a D cell to C cell battery, and buying the proper wire...) It was a fun learning process for everyone. Can't wait for the book! I think I'm more into this than the kids....

fun science ~ science fun

2008-01-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

howtoons!

IF ~ 100 % A+ ~

2008-01-08T18:45:00.001-08:00

take #2

take #1

And why shouldn't she be 100% proud! :)
<{for Illustration Friday}>

Black and white

2008-01-06T20:55:00.001-08:00

I have to go back to work tomorrow. I wish I could play and paint and create instead, but I will balance more work and play this year. It's a goal!
I've been working on making my own toile and willow ware designs.
After just looking at Happy Doodle Land's post, I have to get myself to Anthropologie
She found a great bowl and I saw online they carry these cool toile desert plates.... If I get some (even one) I will post!
Also cutting some silhouettes but those aren't ready for viewing.
I hope I make some good stuff this year! {and if you are reading this I hope you do too}
I have been so inspired by some new (to me) blogs I've been finding!!
Have a great week!

Goodbye 2007 Hello 2008

2007-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

This year is coming to a close.
A good year, busy, productive...
but I'm ready to bid adieu.

Some goals for the future:

get more organized
balance work and play better
revamp the website
paint
make a new line of jewels
take a class at OTIS :)
finish my 12 units at UCLA first
get this bloody CTEL, LAUSD, requirement met someway or another.

...but in the mean time with the rest of 2007... preparations for a small get together. We are going to celebrate the New Year on EST and ring it in with NYC and then go to bed. Starting the year well rested sounds perfect! I want to finish a scarf I have been making for my mom whose birthday was Nov. 3rd!? and start the New Year ready to make new projects! This year Q. will turn 2 and I hope that means he will start learning how to be less of a menace, but this remains to be seen. I think he just pulled his brother's drink off of the counter as I am writing this... now I hear him hitting the cup on the floor. Enamelware has a distinct sound. Sigh.

2 0 0 8

Days of yore

2007-12-30T21:31:00.001-08:00

Days of yore, originally uploaded by kritty.

I feel like I should get sewing and make us all matching outfits for our christmas picture next year. I vaguely remember this. Those were the days. Can you find me? Oye... this is c. 1977. I can't even imagine trying to pull something like this off. You go mom!

I think I continued to use the apron for pretending to be Holly Hobby with my neighbor... she even had bonnets!

merry christmas

2007-12-25T08:08:00.001-08:00

merry christmas, originally uploaded by kritty.

Inspiration:: NO! sharpies, YES cookies

2007-12-17T21:55:00.001-08:00

The ups and downs... While I was putting things away in the kitchen after a nice yoga class, (my neighbor's husband watched all 3 kids) Q got inspired... NO!

The funny (or not so funny) thing is, I found him with my purse and took the pens away from him... but one little sharpie rolled under the couch. Of course he found it. This little boy can sniff out trouble (fun) a mile away!

nice canvas
I just oxy-cleaned this slip cover!

I'm tempted to let the older ones finish the job, and color the whole darn thing, cuz this isn't coming out! I'd let the original artist continue his fine work, but I don't want to send mixed messages.

Some more civilized children were inspired to bake. Yes! Poppin's cookies inspired these:

"ice box sugar cookies" from the joy of cooking with vanilla icing and candy canes.

Busy as an elf...

2007-12-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Oh my. I love making jewelry. I do. This year I was too busy at the end. It's always like this, but this year my husband is/was out of town the busiest shopping weekend of the season. I was so crazed, but I did get all but two things shipped. Everything for my business was stamped and addressed and packed. (correctly) But then there was a pile of certain Christmas cards... some ready to go and some needing addresses/zip codes and cards. Well, I mailed every last thing! Some people are getting unsealed, empty envelopes from us. So glad I put a return address. This is a first. I now see the beauty in a lot of things! It is okay to mail your cards out right after Thanksgiving because then you have TIME! Shopping in July? Do it! I haven't bought anything. Well, one book. I'm in trouble.

2 good things

2007-12-09T12:40:00.001-08:00

There are so many good things out there, but today my favorite finds are:

1.

tinsel tree, originally uploaded by PuchiCollective.

Also, Burb Mama turned me onto,
Bella Dia who mentioned
this little tinsel tree tutorial (and others)
from Puchi Collective

2.

My new wallpaper: http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/
Look on the right side.
She has lots of inspiring ideas!!
How about orange? :) I love orange.

I'm a cool pick!

2007-12-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

 

They picked kritty.com.
thank you!!

::

I'd Like To Buy a Vowel

"Calling all word freaks who happen to dig cool jewelry: We've just found a loquacious charmer which speaks volumes about your percipience. A piece more rare than kunzites and zeugmas that won't cost qintars and zolaties. It's a Scrabble charm that doubles as a smart take on a baby initial necklace. Pizazzy!

The clever wordsmith-slash-silversmith behind the designs is Los Angeles artist and talented mom of three, Kritty Zurek (whose own name is 31 Scrabble points). After studying metal-smithing in college, and having, oh just a tad bit of professional success (like jewelry designs featured in Vogue), Kritty started designing gifts for close friends. And then these friends then wanted to give them to their friends, and so on and so on. It just kept growing like a triple word score.

Which brings us to you--just pick your favorite letter of the alphabet, think of what you'd like to be inscribed on the back, and score. This is one case where even if you don't use a Q or a Z you still come out ahead.. -Laura" 12-5-07

tama- tamagatchi

2007-11-28T19:27:00.001-08:00

tama

It would be easier to buy a gift, but I made a couple of these on Sunday. One for a gift and one for my muse, Sofi. The felt I chose seems so naked. He (she) looks cold. The second one has a felt back and I top stitched it, because when I flipped this one right-side out I had a lot of splitting and had to hand stitch it. I bought a big batch of wool felt from this store, and I LOVE IT ALL. I covet it so much I don't sew with it... I need to just remind myself I can buy more!

Foam art?

2007-11-10T07:16:00.001-08:00

Foam 11.9.07

I just learned that there is such a thing as foam art. Coffee as art... my new sketchbook, my new hobby...

I've gotta long wasy to go: look at this flickr gallery

Frothing Art Guide

Scale + Hat

2007-11-09T18:18:00.001-08:00

Illustration Friday
Nov. 9th :: SCALE

A hat, originally uploaded by kritty.
A hat for IF.

ATC = Artist Trading Card

2007-11-05T21:07:00.001-08:00

ATC :: Tell me a story :: side 1,
originally uploaded by kritty.

I have been trying to keep up with the ATCs. I have such a nice collection from swapping now. I made a quick one for the theme: Tell me a Story.

This next topic is: Gather.... ?? I'm stumped.

W.W.Y.D.?

(What Would You Do?)

Murakami in LA @ MoCA!

2007-11-04T14:24:00.001-08:00

DJ Master NikoNiko

2007-10-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to see him mix it up again.

"Grow" :: IF :: Illustration Friday take 3!!!

2007-10-21T17:01:00.001-07:00

Grow for IF, originally uploaded by kritty.

I had to skip an IF attempt last week. Too 'extreme'. ;) This week's topic was 'grow'. I had lots of ideas but only time to crank out this one. It reminds me of Niko and reminds me it's time to see how much he has grown! All 3 of them for that matter.

Halloween Preview

2007-10-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Mom. Grandma purchased some beautiful costumes from Magic Cabin. The Mermaid and the Pirate ("Arrrr"). Bad lighting when I tried to snap these... Q. will probably bee a bee, N. the pirate (arr).

Well, I did it...

2007-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

I turned 40! 4 tens, 8 groups of 5, 40 ones, me. 40.

I got a surprise phone call from a woman who used to take care of me when I was 3 or 4! Crazy! I remember her... sort of... her hair, her house when I got to visit her folks (did she live with us?), her bird, her smile. I have to call her back but still it's strange to feel like you know this person, but you don't remember them... IT WAS 36 YEARS AGO!!??

Illustration Friday:: Attempt #2 :: OPEN

2007-10-09T21:11:00.001-07:00

shadow fun

2007-10-08T19:53:00.001-07:00

shadow fun, originally uploaded by kritty.

Illustration Friday- Take 1!

2007-09-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

The Blues!

Every week I get the email from Illustration Friday. I think about what I'd draw and finally, I said, 'Oh, just try it!' so here you go. I photo-shopped it, and I kinda like it better with these greens....

I made a red bird too:
'tweet'

Hoot!

2007-09-25T19:44:00.001-07:00

owl pillow front, originally uploaded by kritty.

Hoot, to all my owlie peeps... I've had no time to blog, but I did eek out this little pillow. Whoo hooooooo. The kids love it... i got a lot of wool felt but no time to make... it will come. Poco a poco... :)

schultute

2007-09-16T23:37:00.001-07:00

schultute, originally uploaded by kritty.

(Not the best picture) I made this for my son's first day of school ever. Pre-K! Big day. Big cone of school supplies, a German tradition I'm told. Papa wasn't here to do it, so I hope nothing was lost in translation....

letterbox book scan

2007-09-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

letterbox book scan, originally uploaded by simonlitton.

Okay... Letterboxing! What is it? Do people do it in L.A.? I am going to get to the bottom of this. There is a CMP listener that does it... then I saw this 'scan' of a 'letterbox book' and it is dated 1987? Have people been doing this for 20 years and having fun without me?

...........to be continued while I research this............. and get a compass!

::update:: I found a link to find hidden boxes near you!!
check it out: http://www.letterboxing.org/america.htm

new doo

2007-09-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

It was time... why is it always so hard to cut their hair the first time?? It always looks so cute when you're done. This is the only creative thing I did today :)
He had a perma-nest on the back of his head and this is much, much better!

Re-vamped Typewriter

2007-09-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

Re-vamped Typewriter, originally uploaded by kritty.

It's okay if you like Disney, if it's okay that I don't like Disney. I just don't like the whole Mickey Mouse Empire. And you know what? They don't need me to like them. They are a force to be reckoned with. So, this was a Disney, Mickey Mouse typewriter a teacher was throwing away and I saw the hidden potential :) I brought it home and decorated it with labels I made in MS Word and then, the piece de la resistance, Sarah's stamps from the Small Object. Her woodland creature set. I love these and I need more!!! But now this little typewriter can live at our house, now that Mickey and his friends are covered up. The little Q. loves it, and I like it too. :)

haikus

2007-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

my inspiration
comes in welcome pounding waves
but when to make it...

-------------

fall's here, back-to-school
yellow pencils, empty desks
are still and waiting
------------

aLphabeT unlocks
the sounds, the words, the meaning
if they are ready
------------

...from the prompt on the CMP

Taking flight....

2007-08-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

My sweet little daughter took her first flight alone. She is really growing up! I was glad it was only an hour long flight to Oakland! I was nervous... letting go. Next big thing, 4th grade!? How does that happen? She can knit now too. Next thing you know she'll be driving... well, I think we have at least 6 more years till that happens...

the long walk...

the fountain

she's going...

going

gone
(come back, I miss you!!!)

The End

2007-08-28T10:41:00.001-07:00

The End, originally uploaded by kritty

Tomorrow I go back to work and students come next Wednesday. I pulled out the tomatoes and the sunflowers today... These plants were so glorious. I tidied up in my studio and I'm full of mixed emotions. I did accomplish a little bit this summer... it's never as much as I'd hope, but I'm used to that.
Ah, summer....
glorious summer....
I'm not ready to let go just yet....
last harvest

Muse Monday (numero tres) ~ Penny!!

2007-08-27T22:44:00.001-07:00

Vida Artwear, originally uploaded by kritty.

WWPD
What Would Penny Do?
... that's what I often wonder.

Penny was my neighbor when I moved to Massachusetts when I was 14, but I didn't really get to know her until she opened a store with her good friend, Jan, when I was 17 or so...

How the store / the line came to be: like a lot of good ideas, it got drawn on a napkin one night at dinner and eventually it became a reality. They decided to make clothing, Vida Artwear (formerly Veranda Wear), using Guatemalan huipiles. They use mud cloth, saris, Hmong quilting, knit, ikats... "VIDA ARTWEAR’S endeavor is labor intensive. Its not an easy line to produce. However, we seem to thrive on the challenges. Our weavers and sewing staff have responded to our enthusiasm and to the conditions and compensation which we have provided. They love to see the finished product. We hope that you, our customer, wear any piece with joy!" -P + J

Jan lives in Guatemala and runs that end and Penny runs things from the states. Each piece is a work of art. Each piece is made by so many different artisans and women! It's just beautiful stuff. (Look for it...)

I began to go into her store and just look at her wears!!! There was so much to see and I wanted it all. I wanted to travel! And I wanted to learn more about Penny! She is such a beautiful, talented, hysterical, loving person! If you aren't immediately drawn to her, then 'you just don't get it' and then all the better for me (less to share). I quickly learned she's British, lived in India and met her husband in Kuwait. Intriguing indeed. She loves watermelons, textiles, well, of course her husband and boys, Carmen Miranda, cats, eclectic folk art, vintage, new, recycled.... if there is anything beautiful she will find it and uncover it. She has an amazing eye.

I worked in her store now and then and helped her in NYC once or twice at her trade shows. If I could be her neighbor again, I would in a heart beat. Once Amy had a piece about other mothers on her blog and Penny was one of the women that popped to mind instantly. She is so lovely and loving... I know I took note of her with her family and in her home and thought, 'this is good, this is how I want it to be...' In some ways, I see how she's influenced me.

WWPD? She's my muse, for sure!

I had to include watermelons and these are by Frida Kahlo, one of her favorites!

sketch crawl - our garden

2007-08-26T08:56:00.001-07:00

sketch crawl - our garden, originally uploaded by kritty.

yesterday was the international sketch crawl
We participated this year, and maybe next year we'll actually fund raise too. We sketched in our garden- Quinton, 17 months, Niko, 4, Sofi, 9, and me, 39 and counting....

I was blown away with Niko's arial view. It does map out the shape of out lawn area! I think everyone did a great job. I was surprised even little Q. did it! Thanks for suggesting this CMP group!

Got chewed up pencils?

2007-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Artist, Harriete Estel Berman, needs pencils! I got this email today:

I hope to attain my goal of 100,000 pencils by Oct. 15th. Yes, the total number needed has changed! If you have any questions about this project, please refer to the “Seeking #2 Pencils” page on my website.

http://www.harriete-estel-berman.info/sculpt/pencilPage.html

I appreciate all your interest and comments about standardized testing.

Regards,

Harriete

I want it all!

2007-08-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about making new pillows for my couch...
I never ever should have gone in this fabric store in my mom's town, because now I know it's there! Whoever does their buying has a great eye! I couldn't begin to buy all the fabric I loved!! I mean, I rarely have time to sew as it is. They have all the repro/retro fabrics and all the stuff I oogle on blogs in this sleepy little town. A huge store, with no one in there but a few nice folks. That doesn't happen in LA, if that store was in LA there would be a lot of high maintenance types elbowing you to cut their fabric, etc.
(the two fabrics on the right are Kaffe Fassett. I love his work!! He has fabric?!)

... I don't understand how people can be bored. There isn't enough time in the day to make/craft all the things up in my head!

I got my daughter a little scotty dog print fabric too for her project from Sublime stitching.
I'll post when she's done.

Auction Tomorrow!

2007-08-18T06:15:00.001-07:00

: : Ebay Auction begins tomorrow Aug. 19-24th : :

lots of makers donated their work to raise money for bara's mom's medical bills.
Her mom had and aneurysm and was given a 1 in 10 chance of recovering and is making it!! {read more on her blog}
Many artists pulled together to help fund raise to pay off some of the bills that weren't covered. BID!!! Wonderful cause- wonderful stuff!!

molly chicken

anne wood

Hearts-- Found proof!

2007-08-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

Amy linked me to Superhero which linked me to this heart challenge on flickr

Post this!

2007-08-16T21:12:00.001-07:00

Post this!, originally uploaded by kritty.
If you ever get really, realllllllly bored at a training seminar you might find a stack of Post-its (tm). And then, if you put your post-its in a grid, you might want to make something! If you start making something your neighbors might support you (because they are bored and they're happy you are happy) and they might give you more Post-its. They might also fulfill your special requests, 'black pens', 'pencils'... If you finish one grid after another, the teachers might think you are having too much fun and then they might stand behind you and try to intimidate you to get you to stop. You might not be able to stop because it's just FUN! Then they might complain and get a supervisor to come stand behind you. The supervisor might see you as the less of 2 (or 3) evils and only ask the people with lap-tops to stop what they are doing and pay attention. If you finish all your post-its you still might not be able to stop and you might have to go to Office Depot for more in assorted colors ASAP.

Muse Monday #3~ New Mexico ~~

2007-08-13T21:38:00.001-07:00

Can a muse be a place?
Specifically, northern New Mexico.
I'm dying to go back there... I used to live in Arroyo Seco.
I think if I ever went back I'd never leave!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the natural beauty, the people, the altitude, the rio... all of it.
The fact that Georgia O'Keefe also adored it only makes me love it that much more

I ordered Small Objects

2007-08-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

I'm a big fan of Sarah
The Small Object

I think the whimsy of her lines is so sweet and fun!
I'm going to use the stamps at school! I especially love the hedgie!!
I ordered a few of these needle cases and I am hoping to begin making sewing kits for christmas! If these work out I'm going to order more!

Adler's Manifesto : )

2007-08-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living

You know who is really awesome?
Jonathan Adler!

I popped into his store in Chicago and was instantly happy!!
Great design!
Fun and fabuous!!

below is his Manifesto + Commandments:

We believe that your home should make you happy.

We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right.
Unless the husband is gay.

We believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences.

We believe minimalism is a bummer.

We believe handcrafted tchotchkes are life-enhancing.

We believe tassels are the earrings of the home.

We believe in our muses: David Hicks, Alexander Girard,
Bonnie Cashin. Hans Coper, Gio Ponti, Andy Warhol, Leroy Neiman,
Yves Saint Laurent, and Madonna.

We believe in the innate chicness of red with brown.

We believe in being underdressed or overdressed always.

We believe in infantile, happy emblems like butterflies and hearts.

We believe celebrities should pay full price.

We believe in rustic modernism: Big Sur, A-Frame beach houses,
raw beams, and geodesic dome homes.

We believe in Palm Beach style:
Louis chairs, chinoiserie, Lilly Pulitzer, The Breakers circa '72.

We believe our designs are award winning even though
they've never actually won any.

We believe in Aid to Artisans.

We believe dogs should be allowed in stores and restaurants.

We believe in mantiques - suits of armour,
worn chesterfield sofas, heraldic tapestries.

We believe you should throw out your Blackberry
and go pick some actual blackberries.

We believe colors can't clash.

We believe in blowing your nest egg on our pots.

We believe our lamps will make you look younger and thinner.

We believe in irreverent luxury.

#1
Thou shalt embrace maximalism.
Thou wilt find minimalism to be something of a bummer in thy abode. Thou wilt grow tired of an endless sea of beige and thou wilt long for a splash of color & a dollop of pattern! Bargello pillows, Furnace bottles, and rustic modern lamps - these shalt be the accessories that add some panache to your pad.

#2
Thou shalt not deny thyself hotelish comfort at home.
Thou shalt furnish thy rooms with paw-pampering, hand-loomed llama wool rugs, luxurious lighting and our fabulous furniture.
Thy rooms shalt feel like the most opulent hotel rooms in which thou hast ever stayed.
Thou art worth it.

#3
Thou shalt buy an X-Bench.
Then, thou shalt buy another. Thou shalt use them in pairs, perfect under thy console or placed near thy sofa. Thou shalt rest thy feet upon them & so will thy guests. In fact, thy guests might even fight over who gets to rest upon them. Therefore, thou shalt establish house rules about thy X-Benches. Perhaps thou should consider a sign up sheet.

#4
If thy nest needeth zest,
consider thy crest!
Thou shalt emblazon with thine
initials wherever possible.

#5
Thou shalt mix fancy with frisky.
Thou shalt not be overly formal, for if thou art, thou will be sad. Conversely, thou shalt not be overly whimsical, for if thou art thou will not feel chic. Therefore, thou shalt embrace a mix, pairing the chic classical foundation - excellent proportions, classic furniture - with a layer of playful punctuation. Then thou shalt rest.

#6
Thou shalt honor the funsters of yore.
David Hicks, Alexander Girard, Piero Fornasetti, Bonnie Cashin, Bjorn Wiinblad - if thou dost not knoweth them, thou should. Thou can use Google Images to learn more about them and thou shalt channel their fun, idiosyncratic, playful spirit in thine own interiors. Thy home will be fun, happy, and chic.

#7
Thou shalt not commit murder,
unless thou art murdering for a decorative accessory.
If thou should find thyself at one of our stores and seeth the last bird bowl on our shelf, thou shalt feel free to use whatever means necessary to obtain that special something.

#8
Thou shalt not be afraid of orange.
Thou shalt use orange copiously in thy interior, whether it beeth in an orange breakfast room or via the zing of an orange lacquered box. Thou might even consider painting thy front door orange to peak thy neighbor's curiosity. Thou shalt also covet chocolate brown.

#9
Thou shalt play ping pong.
Better still, thou shalt have a ping pong table in thy living room. Then, lo, thou shalt play ping pong with thy spouse rather than sitting around watching thy tv.

#10
Thou shalt not covet
thy neighbor's house.
In fact, after following these 10 commandments, thy neighbor might covet thy house.
So there.

What to do Wednesday #2 make a rubber stamp

2007-08-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Make a set of rubber stamps
using your own artwork!
Click here to order & make your own set!
I'm going to make some icons / 'teaching tools' stamps to help in my classroom
and a few extra of my own designs to have fun with.
I think it's going to be around $20 for 8.5" x 11" sheet with mounting paper and wood blocks.
You could get a smaller sheet, cheaper.
Art-Rubberstamps
About.com links

Muse Monday (numero dos) Kristen

2007-08-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

Kristen

I met her on my first day of college at our dorm orientation. We went around the room introducing ourselves and there she was. First, her name was Kristen (Kritty is short for Kristin), she's from Cleveland (I'm from Cleveland) and she said "This isn't really my hair, I have long hair." ?! LOL - She had short hair. Needless to say, I was drawn to her instantly and she quickly became my best friend, and her real hair grew back (she had had a bad perm and had to chop it off). Oh, the adventures and mischeif. I can't divulge any specifics incase our kids should read this and use it as blackmail. Too fun.

Over the years we've stayed in touch and I've imposed myself on her here and there. Even stayed in her attic for a whole month with my then 3 year old Sofi!!

Kristen is an amazing artist and woman!
She is a source of inspiration.
Muse? YES!

She does everything with passion: creating art, loving and caring for her family, cooking for 20+ even if there is only 3 at the table ;), playing, enjoying nature, etc. Just the most passionate, fun, inspiring, witty human on earth. I can't possibly gush out all the love I have for her in a 'blog'

This past weekend I went flew to Chicago as did 2 of her other friends to surprise my fellow Kristen. We met her in a limo and off we went to the W and took advantage of time together without kids! and all Chicago had to offer. It was an amazing 48 hours. (Did I mention she married a great man, who thought of this great idea!!??)

She was greeted in Chicago by girlfriends...

she was serenaded....
She was shining like the goddess she is ;)...

Our mantra is 'be the best Kristen you can be' and there is nothing like reaffirming that in person!

She has returned to Cleveland, Mary to Athens, Ellen to Ohio as well, me to LA. Remembering to stay 'focused', 'live a little everyday', a 'full life is better than a skimpy one', trust in yourself and your creative vision, and so much more. My friend!! I wish I could see her all the time, but I'll take what I can get, but 4 years is really too long to go without seeing your best friend!

Her worry jars, c. 1993
travel :: health :: home

Peace Out

2007-08-02T17:03:00.001-07:00

! I'm gettin' out of this city !
Check back on Monday for:
Muse Monday
+ MORE!!
:)
p e a c e
o u t

What to do Wednesday #2 :: {Make a bag} ::

2007-08-01T07:51:00.001-07:00

Make a bag, originally uploaded by kritty.

This has to be the easiest bag to make! I read a tutorial for Tiny Happy and I make them whenever I can find enough fabric and the time :)

She adds buttons, nice pockets and stitching around the seams. My machine is too unpredictable for stitching round the seams... I quit while I'm ahead. I used my Sublime Stitching book for the bird on the pocket. Very fun!

I also made a few pouches and sewed some photos on my stuff with this printer fabric, Print 'n Press

Tuesday is Tools-day! #1

2007-07-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love this tool!
delicate awl

I go crazy looking for it whenever it goes missing!
I use it constantly.
It's sold with ceramic/sculpting tools, and I do use it with my Precious Metal Clay (PMC) as you would in ceramics: score clay and use slip to join the pieces, etc.

PMC guild for more info (click)

I use it to put holes in paper to add brads, or stitch books.
I use it to get weird hairs out of my paintings if a bristle comes out of the brush...
It's just a great tool to have around.

Muse Monday #1-Sofi

2007-07-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

muse noun [myooz]
1. A guiding spirit.
2. A source of inspiration.
3. the source of an artist's inspiration; "Euterpe was his muse"

Sofi
Sofi is starting out my Muse Monday,
since she IS my #1 muse!!
#1 child, my one and only daughter

She can charm her brothers into amazing ensembles

the best big sister!

I have made her countless things because she is so fun to design with/for!
She is an amazing poet. I fall deeper in love with her the older she gets.
Simply Sofi, my pookie, my love, my muse!

Craftiness from Netflix!

2007-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I just watched a great documentary from Netflix, Craft in America. I think any artist can appreciate this movie, no matter what your medium is. It was a PBS series, so maybe you even caught it on TV... but I especially loved, Garry Knox Bennett. He is an irreverent artist/furniture maker and friend of the family. He has been known to shoot his television set if the football game isn't going his way. He's an icon, a hero...

other great Netflix in my opinion:
Rivers and Tides
andy goldsworthy working with the time

Ansel Adams the American Experience

How to draw a Bunny

If you read this and have an inspiring movie I missed, please comment :)

More Family Resemblance::

2007-07-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Meet NikNok

NikNok was my husband's doll when he was a little boy. He says he used to bury raisins in his lips and then bugs would attack the doll and then his mom would have to put poor NikNok in a bag in the freezer for a few weeks to get rid of moths etc.! So NikNok has been around! And though some of my friend say NikNok is ugly (ahem) I think he is adorable and there is something about those onyx eyes that remind me of Quinton.

NikNok was made by Q's great grandmother Charlotte Zurek-Schenck. She was an artist and illustrated a number of children's books in Germany. I'm sad she can meet my children because they look so much like some of her characters:

I know she would have loved them.

What to do Wednesday #1KIDPIX

2007-07-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can have fun with digital pictures in your library with KidPix?
((If you don't have KidPix, get it))

Put your mouse near the top menu bar and 'Import' will be one of your choices
Select your photo from 'iPhoto' or your 'My Pictures' library
It will automatically appear in the KidPix window
Then let your little one get to work!

This is also a great way to make announcements or invitations for little ones that aren't so little anymore :)

to export into JPEG go to File (up top on menu bar) and then go to 'Export'

Here's one in 4 easy steps below: (nothing fancy!!)

Ideas for this blog...

2007-07-24T19:03:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about what to write/contemplate on this here blog.

For the next few weeks I'm going to try this:

Muse Monday- my muses...
ToolsDay Tuesday- My favorite tools
What to do Wednesday- fun things to try....

I know it is Tuesday and given this format I should list a 'touchstone' today, but I thought of this while out for a walk on Monday!? and as FATE would have it the first person in my memory I wanted to list I haven't seen since I was 5 and has been MIA. I even scanned a photo of her whenever it was I had my scanner out... I think to post my 'ancient history', anyways, she called my mom to say 'hello' last Thursday!! She now lives in GA and I tried calling today, so give me a week.

At Gramma's

2007-07-23T22:29:00.001-07:00

Q. put down his mop to share a moment with Chase.
I really think Q. might become a janitor (or are they maintenance engineers?)
He loves: brooms, mops, vaccuums, tools and radios!

kayaker in training

new game: blow meteors out of the back!

singing to the dog :)

It was nice to go somewhere with the kids! My parents were gracious hosts. We showed up unannounced on their doorstep the morning they got back from Hawaii. They were still in their 'vacation bubble' and they made me a pina colada ;). Note to self: 16 month olds and nick-nacks / wine racks don't mix. Q. Only broke one thing, but I was on high-alert! He does listen to the word 'no', so there is hope for him yet.

Can you see it?

2007-07-20T20:13:00.001-07:00

Can you see the remblance?
Quinny @ 16 months:

Papa, c.1966
3 yr.
(twice his age)

...he's probably camping! He's a camper from way back and here's the proof.

Ancient History (sunflower seeds)

2007-07-19T14:47:00.001-07:00

The whole escavation process has brought some ancient history to light...

Long, long ago,
I stumbled upon Sculpey and Fimo when it was new.
My first pieces were cactus with green bugle beads pushed into them. (no pict., sorry)
Stores bought them for $7 a pair and I was SO EXCITED... I think I was 20 years old?
I graduated when I was 21 and then this was my side job making Sculpey jewelry and eventually rings and encrusting them with swarovski crystals
I moved to NYC Memorial Day 1991 to work for a jewelry designer and learn the ropes.

My big break was in the Spring of 1992 when I got the cover of Italian Vogue Pelle.
When I saw that cover (!) I was overwhelmed with happiness and... pride.
Definitely thought: This is my 15 minutes. A friend went to Paris and brought me back a poster of this cover!!! WOW. I was 24 at the time.
The right person saw my jewelry at the right time and asked if I had anything "I'm shooting a cover..." I said, "Yes, of course," and immediately went back to my apt and made more!
I was also in Ladies Home Journal and Self Magazine that year.

I tried breaking into the jewelry biz, but really I was getting carpal tunnel, didn't want anyone else making my stuff, wanted to travel... I left NYC Memorial day 1992, and I began a long road trip and moved a lot!! In hind sight it was so fun! I can't do that now, so I'm glad I did that then. I supported myself (lived on bagels) selling my jewerly. I was on a serious sunflower kick... I did a series of sunflower drawings, paintings, and then I wound up in Berkeley and got a job at a foundry in 1994. It was there I made these sculptures:

I was investigating the idea of seeds + internal potential. Half boat representing: journeys, life's course; earth/leaf representing: mother earth fertility, life giving and beginnings....

Somewhere I have a picture of the seed closed.

In the background you can see a seed hoeing seeds with a baby seed tied on its back
I was also making a series of keys...
Definitely was searching for the key to life...

Got a job helping to teach kids art at Anderson Ranch Art Center in Aspen, CO in '94...
Even made a sunflower seed vs. leaves checkers game while I was there :)
It was then decided to get a teaching credential, hoping to do my art in the summers.
I don't know, my own art has been spotty at best. Sunflower and seed obsession has been dormant for years, but Amy with the best podcast (perfect for creative moms!) had a prompt this week, 'seeds', and so seeds are in the forefront of my mind again.

Reflecting on who I am now, and who I was when I made those, I do miss having access to the foundry, but I don't want to be 24, 25, 26... again. I feel like I'm in the late spring early summer of my life right now. I'm like that seed with the baby on it's back... I am sewing good seeds and expecting a healthy harvest of love, life and goodness for years to come.

Exhibit A

2007-07-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

paw print

Wish I could get a good picture of where the bear was licking the car!
Ew, but it's my favorite bit of evidence. ;)

There are a TON of scratch marks and he ripped up the passenger seat.

They are HOME. The bear broke a window ate a whole bottle of catsup and a container of couscous. I think my husband kinda liked his bear encounter. It's making for great tales...
"The second night we left sausages in out car, but no bear." "If the bear woulda just been nice, I would've given him some of our chicken..." Just glad they are home so I can rest well tonight. They are making fun of me for worrying, but I don't care! It was a bear!

Bears won't eat you...

2007-07-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

gruel, moleskine + latte, what a way to start the day...

Still awaiting a word from my boys in bear country. I called the ranger last night and he told me, "Maam, I wouldn't worry about all that. Bears only want food, never heard of them eating a gas tank and they don't want to attack people. Don't worry. I'm sure your husband will be extra careful." 'Don't worry, maam.' has been my mantra.

I was finally reading the Monday LA Times {health section} and it says people who take vacations are healthier. I need to get out of town soon! '...vacations seem to do your heart good. The more often you take them, the less likely you are to have a heart attack.'

Still house-bound. Q. has a slight fever, but he is holding things down (+in). Once the fever goes I will trust he's over it... In the mean time he's drinking water from oatmeal and water from rice I mixed together. He actually likes it?! Looks like horchata... He's really talking now! He says "ouuu sie"! This is good and bad. Now when he can't go outside, he knows that I know that he wants to go and he's knows I'm not letting him and he shoots me looks with those big saucer eyes of his. He also wants "aaasauce" all the time. It's all a good sign.

he looks better to me :)

I taught my daughter embroidery yesterday and today we have to find the iron so she can do a dog pattern from Sublime Stitching. She gets 'bored' a lot so while excavating I found 10 zilliion craft options for her as well. She's dying to dip candles... I got to get a sitter for that one though.

My garage is looking good! I got a little done... Zine sketches, new jewelry, and I cut out the last of the squares I need for this patchwork pillow I want to make.

Found tees and sweater I made for my 18mo old niece LAST YEAR in my garage. I think it will fit her now. I mailed her this yesterday... threw in the iron so she can help her mama ;)

Update: They called and they're 'burning dino-diesel' now (he thought the smell of bio diesel might be tempting the bears) and they're going to try to catch one more fish and then drive home slowly because there's no window! Yay, just get home!

Reading about the state of our birds :(

the FatBoy is here!

2007-07-16T16:09:00.001-07:00

the FatBoy is here!, originally uploaded by kritty.

I saw this fatboy on Splat Girl's blog... and when she said $89.oo plus free shipping, I had to get one.
It is huge!! It's a little too big for the room, but who cares. It has been embraced by all and it looks easy to clean. (bonus)

Today was an awesome mail day:
Rymann's Zine
fatboy
+
MT. TIKI SOKI
You'll have a blast! Plug Mt. Tiki-Soki in to any standard garden hose and dual jets create a constant spray of water for staying cool! But watch out...when this water volcano wakes up, he erupts with a drenching spray of water and soaks everyone in sight!

My baby is trying to skateboard on a tiny skateboard we got @ Build-a-Bear. Guess it's good for teddy bears or babies. I think he's getting better.

Ready, set... don't go.

2007-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

I was power-packing to go camp in the Sierras (Seeeirrrr-ahhhhhhs) and get out of this urban jungle, but my little guy is sick. He can't hold down liquids?! So camping is out and I slowly unpacked. I was looking forward to a little dose of nothingness and nature with the family... hopefully soon. :( Hopefully naps will allow for some crafts and painting at least. The only silver lining is I'm home to see why we can't park on our street today? Maybe they are shooting a movie? I've always wanted to get hush money, so if they set up I'm going to get out the power washer and make as much noise as possible.

Update: Nothing is going on today on my street, unless you count street cleaning. 2 out of 5 of us went camping and I'm not one of the 2... so I watched the loaded vehicle pull out, I started filling out forms, paying bills, feeling sorry for myself AND THEN THE MAIL CAME!!!! I got a Zine from Rymann!! It is so cool! So simply perfect. I love the drawings, the paper, the lines, the simplicity. Yeah, I love it!! It made my day!

Pretty Bird!

2007-07-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Pretty Bird!, originally uploaded by kritty.

A little creative fun during nap time sure can make up for a bad day. The day started with my baby gagging and barfing all over my down comforter and bedding.... it couldn't get any worse.

I predict more birdies in my furture. I haven't painted really since 2002 and that time I was stuck on chickens. I don't really like birds as pets, but they are fun to paint.

My man comes home in 1 hour!! Yay!

1 day later: I think I copied Gina Triplett a little... I didn't mean to... It will become my own....

Maybe tomorrow

2007-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing about today went as I planned. Even right now @ 9:45pm I'm waiting for things to settle down so I can sneak into my studio. Maybe that isn't going to happen either. Ahhh! My daughter just woke up my little one... brb... That took 2 tries. I settled him back down and then she tries to turn on a broken fan. "Mom, it doesn't work..." "Waaaa" -sigh- We need a bigger house. 890 sq ft+ 2 bedrooms + 3 kids = not cutting it. But we're not selling or buying another house- this I know.

This morning I had my babysitter come, she came a little late, that's okay. Then I ran errands, goodwill, washed the car, drove the long way to take my daughter to camp and I was right on time? No, I was 90 minutes late and the bus had just left!? They started early and went on a fieldtrip to the beach... She only cried a little. :( (((Stab in the heart)))

There was still time to salvage the day for both of us. I let her pick a little chocolate when I was grocery shopping. That's always nice. Milk Chocolate Ritter Sport goodness helped. Then unfortunately I had a meeting with a financial planner (how fun is that for a 9 year old?) so I called and asked the lady to meet us at Panera, my daughter's favorite place, instead of Starbucks. She made thank you cards and I made ATCs while we waited. All good!!

I looked at our.... financial situation. Deep breath. Glad I did it. She was very nice, realistic, helpful..... The lady asks me as we are walking to our cars, 'Why do I work?' 'Why do I want someone else raising my kids?' (((stab in my heart! #2))) Basically, after child care... oh, you know... (more Deep Breaths)

We go to the beach!!!!!! That was the best hour all day! Just my daughter and me. I listened to a little CMP too :) She proclaimed herself "Gull Eliminator Incorporated" and she kept our area free of gulls. (FYI- gulls are gulls, there is no such thing as sea gulls, so the G.E.I. says.)

Then, my husband calls several times from Cancun where he was filming a commercial. He says he has to stay and do another shot on Wednesday. He gets annoyed with me when I suggest he work on his gnarly base tan and read a book... He wants us to come down. I looked into it and geez?! It was expensive and then I read up on it and our kids don't have passports, so there goes that. I call t-mobile and see how much per/min these phone calls are. I'm still deliberating arranging care and going SOLO and then he calls (3 hours after this whole idea begins) and they couldn't get insurance (?) so he's coming home tomorrow night. Okay. (Breathe Deeply)

My little dude wakes up from nap #2 and I pull off his leather booties and his feet are BLUE! I give him a bath and they are still dark blue! He's been wearing these shoes for 6 months?! They got wet... and his feet are indigo blue.

My childfree day was foiled. Not much studio time for me. I'm afraid to go down the hall and go out now for fear of more "Waaaaaa"-- the little dude is getting some big molars.

There was more I could vent about. Little minutia here and there, but I won't! If you read this I'm sure you've heard enough. I need to forge on and hope he cuts the molars and I win the lottery! :)

Gull E. Inc

Gotta clean up my act

2007-07-12T23:43:00.001-07:00

Gotta clean up my act, originally uploaded by kritty.

I think maybe I'll make something if I can see my desk! I spent an hour out there, but I have a long way to go but there's always tomorrow.

#9

2007-07-10T10:56:00.001-07:00

I survived a very fun, long slumber party. My sweet daughter stuck to a schedule she made on the computer (unbeknownst to me). The girls were all super sweet. I painted 4 sets of toes and bejeweled them. It was decadent and fun. They all went to bed at 10:30 and didn't get up until 8?!?! SO GOOD. I wasn't so good when I was younger. I should clean and put away blankets. (My daughter told her friends not to bring sleeping bags? She gave out these invitations in May- also unbeknownst to me... control is slipping away.)

I sent my husband out to get balloons and he came back with a huge mermaid. Pinata wasn't on the schedule so we didn't "bust her open" but the 4 year old still wants to do that TODAY. No. We will save her for my 40th. For now she can adorn our porch. Back to work... :)

Bird Man hits LA telephone wires

2007-07-08T21:53:00.001-07:00

Amy mentioned having a thing for birds- I had to look this guy up!
If you have a thing for birds you have to love this guy's, Berd's, birdies!!!!!
Has he hit your city yet? I love my daughter, "Hey, Mom! What's up with the birds?"
Now I know! They are berds.

BERD

"The berd is the werd"

Male
51 years old
LOS BERDGELES, CALIFORNIA
United States

Check out LA Weekly and read more...

gina triplett

2007-07-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

gina triplett
Wow
Love her stuff!

Self Portraits

2007-07-07T11:59:00.001-07:00

I once took the daily self portrait challenge with some of my real friends with some virtual friends on tribe.net

Creative Mom has brought up the idea of doing them for a few weeks but I don't know... I don't know if I can bear to see more wrinkles ;). I HATE getting my picture taken but this forced me to get over it. I love digital cameras too, just DELETE... maybe I'll take the challenge. Who's with me?

Playing...

2007-07-05T15:46:00.001-07:00

I mean working :) I made some new prototypes for kritty.com