Pamela Pickard

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:53:00.004-05:00

Butler Museum of Art in Youngstown, Ohio:

Don took me there Saturday on a special date. We had the best time!We molested statues as usual.

This security guy's name tag says "Art". Clever.

Ahhh, good times.

Quaker Steak & Lube - the original restaurant in Sharon, PA:
My honey took me out for Valentine's dinner. The food was delicious: steak and shrimp. We cooed at each other across the table like teenagers. He had the waiter bring me a strawberry daiquiri. When it came, placed in the glass was a beautiful, long-stemmed rose. I should have taken a picture. It was so romantic. We are both so shy.

Such a face. I love that face.

That was an excellent weekend. The best. Don is just the BEST.

Cute Little Cup Sleeve

2011-01-09T13:08:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning to make one of these for a long time, but never seemed to be in-between projects. Finally today I grabbed a file folder to make the pattern from my coffee cup and 2 of the first coordinating fabrics at hand and started to play.

I used a scrap of cotton batting for insulation and cush.

Four polyester (iron safe) snaps found in my sewing basket.

So cute. I am happy with how it turned out. These would make great little gifts with new reusable silicon-lidded ceramic coffee cups like mine. I got mine at World Market, but I have seen them sold all over the place. It saves me tons of money because I make my own coffee instead of going to the drive through. It fits just perfectly in my car cup holder. Aaaaaahhhh...warm coffee all the way to work to drink and use as a hand warmer, not a hand scalder. Win.

Some of My Heart

2011-01-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

My dad and 2 of his minature dacshunds Sam and Frank. That's my beautiful Nancy daughter. It was Christmas time at my folks' house.

Me and silly Anna daughter out to lunch with my ma and my 2 other daughters on Christmas Eve. That was sooooo fun! The restaurant must have felt very quiet after we left.

My ma and my Haley daughter at the Christmas-Eve lunch. Pretty ladies.

Quilt that I am working on for my bed. Whew, it's huge!

Ink

2011-01-02T07:54:00.003-05:00

In case you're curious, here's what I got. My friend Animal drew it after I sorta gave him an idea of what I wanted. I fell in love with his sketch, and right directly onto my leg the stencil was transferred. It was my first tattoo, and it hurt like hell. I am still in love with it. Thanks, Animal.

Then I bartered some handmade garb to Animal's beautiful wifey wench for this tattoo for my sweetie Orion. Animal and Orion came up with the idea, and Animal drew it up. The symbol behind the bear-claw marks is a Tuchux symbol. Do not steal it or the Tuchux will eat your babies and kidnap your wimmins. We might just do that anyway.Much chest hair was sacrificed for the making of this tattoo.

Very Quick 2010 Year in Review

2010-12-30T10:14:00.006-05:00

Getting a tattoo from a very cool guy named Animal.

Camping at Pennsic.

Having a fabulous Holiday with my man. Could be Santa.

Picking out senior pictures.

Naughty, Naughty Me!

2010-12-30T10:01:00.003-05:00

I have been up to no good with my Christmas money, as you can see. :)The colors just make me want to SQUEEEEEE!...
...even if I never make anything out of them.
But I will.
After I roll around in them for awhile.

Life Going On

2010-03-28T16:23:00.005-04:00

My friend Phil married Neill (pronounced kneel - and yes she is a female). Their wedding cake was german chocolate. Brilliant, and tasty too.

Fabric, my reward to myself for, um, clearing up my fabric stash.

Phil's wedding reception: finger-food heaven.

Don and me misbehaving in church. *Flashbulb!*

Silly me.

Small trial quilt as a test for a King-sized quilt that I am making from Kaffe Fasset fabrics. It will be the first quilt that I have ever made for my own self. To keep.

Olvia, so far, has survived all the smooching of every person who comes in contact with her. Things are different to those exposed to her crippling cuteness. Knees are weak all over town. Olivia is catching.

Santa came to work. He gave this little girl some candy.

Thanksgiving 2009, me at my folks' house. That's my dad.

The quilt I made for Don's daughter Deanna. I used some of her late mom's dresses.

Boy George. My baby boy.

Olive Rose fabric. Huge roses. Wish I had bought more than one yard. It's dramatic and happy. I love this fabric!!!

Studio sorted and organized.

Yes, I quiver when I walk into there.

Could you just DIE from the cuteness of my middle child???

2009-12-03T09:34:00.003-05:00

I could smooch Nancy's widdle face to pieces!

It's Christmas Time!

2009-12-03T09:26:00.003-05:00

I'm working on (playing with, actually. Weeeee!) a little sumsin-sumsin for a certain someone who shall remain nameless until after Christmas. It's ok though. This is just a practice block.

My Sunrise Farm

2009-08-24T11:52:00.003-04:00

Yep, there's a rainbow over my home. I live inside the barn with the blue roof, right under a rainbow. That means it does rain sometimes. I have clouds in my life like anyone else. But when life is good, it is just so, so good.

Videos of My Belly Dance Troupe: Tribal Fire

2009-05-08T20:36:00.006-04:00

Tribal Fire dancing our little hearts out at Qaina this year. The song is Filii Neidhardi by Corvis Corax. Choreography is by Shanrae, our troupe leader, teacher, and all-around cool person.

And at theMedina Goth show last year.

And a totally bitchin video collage of our perfornances of Maduro's Dark Stars music.

My Sunrise Farm

2009-05-08T12:33:00.005-04:00

momma robin

three babies, not four as I had thought

the pond

English goose

barn kitty

Donkeys Clarabell (L) and JJ (R) with miniature horse Byron (front)

Byron

my Sunrise Farm

2009-05-08T12:33:00.000-04:00

Want

2009-05-08T12:27:00.002-04:00

Next Project

2009-05-07T15:23:00.001-04:00

Things at My Home Today Besides My Sleepy Useless Self

2009-05-06T18:15:00.005-04:00

Silly Haley.

Silly Lucy.

4 baby robins.

Super Cool Gifts From My Sister Jill

2009-05-06T13:25:00.002-04:00

Latest Quirky Quilted Journal

2009-05-04T10:49:00.007-04:00

Awwwww...

2009-05-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

I guess I miscalculated. I thought there was another week to go. Here are two of the Robin hatchlings so far. They are brand spanking new!

Eggies!

2009-05-02T09:45:00.004-04:00

Momma Robin made two more beautiful blue eggs, one on April 22, and the last one on April 23. We should see some babies in about 5 days, I'm thinkin'. Correct me if I am wrong. I've been trying to give her as much peace as possible to go about her nest sitting. Or is it daddy sitting on the nest? I am not sure. Do daddy Robins nest sit? She seems bright-breasted enough to be a male. I tried to get a picture of her, but she's wily!

See the nest there in the picture just to the right of the lovely impatiens?
Did you know it is illegal to move the active nest of a wild bird in Ohio? There has to be a law? Naughty nest-moving criminals!

I must learn to pay attention in class...

2009-04-24T08:22:00.002-04:00

Gage claibration training class this morning. Shame on me. :)

On My Deck

2009-04-21T19:35:00.007-04:00

Momma Robin is back sitting on her nest as I upload these pictures.

On My Desk

2009-04-15T09:18:00.004-04:00

I made this.

I love her. She makes me happy to look at.

I got those cool glasses at my friend Nick's costume and novelty shop.

It's Been One Month Today

2009-04-08T11:39:00.004-04:00

The worst thing I find about not smoking is that I have to feel every little ache and pain and experience every little emotion that erupts in me. I can't escape with a cigarette any more. Nothing is masked. Now that the nicotine withdrawal has passed, I am going through a rawness I did not expect: vivid emotions, irritating physical sensations, and an almost autistic sensitivity to auditory distractions.

The best parts of not smoking are feeling better, breathing better, not having to stop what I am doing to go outside for a butt, and having a little bit of pocket money once in awhile. My goal was and is to be thin and healthy. I'll never be either of those things if I smoke. I want to be around for my children and their children.

I have begun having smoking dreams - dreams of lighting up a cigarette so real it's like actually smoking. I even wake up hungover with guilt.

I feel like I am coming out of a fog, a long fuzziness of perception. Clarity is what it's called I guess. I thought it would be more pleasurable. But....it just "is".

Worky Work

2009-04-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

Slacky Slacker in Slacky Slacks

I Just Like This Picture Is All

2009-03-05T21:16:00.001-05:00

Shanrae and Ahmi

Buds Forever

Clean Out Your Fridge

2009-03-02T09:31:00.005-05:00

Pasta Bake for Super-Retardo Moms

In your lasagna pan put a pound of dry/uncooked whole-wheat pasta (I like spaghetti broken to bits, or Penne pasta.)
Add whatever veggies you have in the fridge chopped. (I used carrots, celery, onion, and zucchini) Put in about a cup of each, except the onion. A little bit of diced onion is fine.
Mix the vegetables all up with the pasta.
Sprinkle with real bacon bits.
Cover with a whole jar of Alfredo Sauce.
Fill to top of pasta with chicken broth, about a whole box of liquid broth. I think that's a quart.
Bake at 375F for 45 minutes to an hour.
Take out of oven, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and dot with butter. (Dotting with butter is optional – I like it better without any butter.)
Cover with foil and bake until pasta is tender and cheese is bubbly, about 10 or 15 more minutes.

Recipe invented by Pam Pickard and fed to over three people, none of whom puked or died.

(Isn't that a lovely picture of someone else's caserole? Mine got eaten up.)

Thank you, Jesus.

2009-03-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

My brother does not have MS.

My Meeting Notes

2009-02-27T13:32:00.002-05:00

We had a training class on how to use the new voicemail system. Obviously it was riveting.

Fun Night Out

2009-02-25T08:06:00.004-05:00

I decided to go to the Fat Tuesday Party at the 356th Fighter Group last evening. I met my friends Laurel and Vickie there. That's Vickie on the left and Laurel on the right. We danced our butts off and had a great time. Met some nice people, ate some spicy food, had a drinky-poo, flirted a teeeeeeensy bit (grin). It was very relaxing and renewing.

PS> I did not earn those beads. They passed them out at the door when I came in. When I got home I had many more strands, but I SWEAR I did not do anything but smile for those beads. No, really. I swear it!

Shut up, Scottie.

Spirit in Motion, Ass on Couch

2009-01-27T17:44:00.005-05:00

Anyway...I started sorting through my packed items, unloading baskets and bins, organizing some of my doodads and whatnots. I haven't even got everything moved out of the house yet, but what I do have moved is stacked all over hell's half acre. I tried to reduce before I packed, but I finally gave up and just threw it all in the car.

This has been an emotional, mixed up, overwhelming, sad, giddy, silly, busy Fall and Winter. Hopefully things have settled down a bit and I can shake this non-mono, non-strep, whateverthehellitis that's making mytonsils into giant strawberries. Thanks to some fine, fine modern chemical intervention, the tonsils are shrinking a little. I can swallow now. (Don't get all excited, fellahs. That's not what I meant, you pervs.)

I am getting a look at the pictures from the Spirit in Motion bellydance benefit over on tribe.net. (Thanks, Cheryl and Nicole!) My friends all look so happy and beautiful. Tribal Fire's Pirate number looks like it was a hoot! Thanks to Shanrae's hard work, and the work of many other people, but mostly Shanrae's drive and determination, the benefit raised over $2,100.00 this year for Akron Children's Hospital. I can't say I had much to do with that amazing feat this year, I was a lot out of it over here on Planet Pam. What I can say is that I am so proud of the company I keep and the friends I have made in the wonderful world of bellydance. They never give up, they always come through, and they a fun as heck!

Someone Bring Me Chlorosceptic, Please.

2009-01-24T18:42:00.002-05:00

It's my tonsils: they are brightly colored and busting out all over. Its not strep, but it feels like it. The antibiotics are not doing anything yet. It's hurtie. Which, if you know me, you know makes me a whiney baby.

I'll tell you what. You can leave the Chlorosceptic on my stoop and run away before I answer the doorbell. That way you won't have to listen to me moan in agony or see my fabulous couch-pillow hairdo.

I am sad because I am missing our annual Tribal Fire belly dance show to benefit Akron Children's Hospital. They will be starting in a few minutes. Break a leg, ladies! I love you! I Miss you! I know you will do a beautiful job. What a bunch of special women I get to hang out with. :)

Country Living

2009-01-13T12:54:00.002-05:00

I love my deck. LOVE it. I brought our old crockery over to add atmosphere to my already atmospheric nest.

Charlotte forcing me to nap on the dreaded Comfy Couch! Woe is me!

100 Things I love in This World

2009-01-13T07:19:00.011-05:00

I love these 100 random things and more:

1. coffee

2. naps

3. kittens

4. sunshine

5. a good cry

6. laughing until I pee my pants

7. secret jokes

8. drumming

9. bellydancing

10. kissing

11. clean sheets

12. tattoos

13. lipstick

14. heart-shaped stones

15. Balvenie single-malt Scotch

16. campfires

17. Pennsic

18. gel pens

19. quilts

20. bare-foot grass

21. soft sand

22. Carraba's chicken trio<- I wanna take it out behind the bleachers and get it pregnant.

23. babies

24. steak

25. strong hugs

26. banter

27. girly girlfriends

28. books on cd

29. Beats Antique (music)

30. NPR

31. 11 wide shoes

32. McIntosh apples

33. rubber stamps

34. Hartville flea market

35. orphan earrings

36. vintage linens

37. boobs

38. having my own power drill

39. when cats roll on the ground

40. feeding people

41. being funny

42. Sunday-morning drive & parks

43. cemetaries

44. Richard Simmons

45. mysterious diseases

46. cutting up magazines

47. journaling

48. touching fabric

49. collecting digital images and ideas

50. taking pictures

51. being organized

52. being messy

53. sewing by hand

54. prayer

55. Screaming "WooooooooHoooo!!!!" really loud

56. being part of a closeknit group

57. talking like Austin Powers

58. singing my own words to songs

59. sex

60. weird glasses/spectacles

61. vivid dreams

62. Teesha Moore's blog

63. making my own dinner

64. having lunch with friends

65. french toast in the afternoon

66. smiling

67. hot baths

68. a clean house

69. my mom's voice

70. my family

71. losing weight

72. leather

73. my daughters

74. good jeans

75. underwires

76. libraries

77. office supplies

78. Christmas

79. lost weekends

80. burning candles

81. henna

82. a jingling coin belt

83. the color turquoise

84. doodling

85. magnets

86. rivets

87. handbound books

88. collage

89. claw-foot tubs

90. lists

91. tribe.net

92. melmac

93. butter

94. seashells

95. being alone

96. presents

97. being outdoors

98. long hair

99. old trunks

100. picking pimples

Nesting

2009-01-11T21:29:00.004-05:00

I puttzed around the apartment this weekend. The snow is beautiful, and I love to look at it. I just don't feel like driving around in it, so I stayed home all weekend and made like June Cleaver. This is a fraction of my collection of fat quarter fabrics. The cart comes from an old hardware store that my brother Scottie bought out when it closed.
I like it because I can stuff it full and still be able to see what's in there to play with. Plus, it's on wheels!

The coke bottle came from Scottie too. It's perfect for my wholesale quantity of fiber fill.

I'm still working on organizing the studio/closet.

One of my quilts hangs over the bedroom door. The squares are 1inch x 1 inch. What I love about this quilt is the border. I seem to remember borrowing ma's sewing machine to stitch around the apliques. If I had tried to blanket stitch those by hand, I would still be at it now 15 years later.

I put the Christmas ornaments away and put this out instead: My tie-wire tree and a pretty box from ma and dad.

I was lucky enough to be given this pretty sofa by a sweet friend of my parents. That's my first attempt at a yo-yo quilt.

Fluffy little love muffin Lucy is not annoyed at having her photo taken. Much.

Charlotte never even twitched at the camera flash.

She's so happy in her new home. She has been spotted PLAYING!! Playing!!! She likes to kill her purple mousie toy a lot. At 15 years old, she's rediscovering her youth. Sometimes she sleeps snuggled up next to me on the couch, but the bathroom sink is her favorite napping place.

More Apartment Pics

2009-01-08T12:20:00.002-05:00

This is my art room/studio/closet. It was inspired by my dream studio of all time at the home of favorite artists Teesha and Tracy Moore.

Yep, that's my bedroom wall above. The original barn wall. Totally bitchin, no?

I am in love with that light fixture. I have to remember where Scottie got it. It came from online somewhere, but, for the life of me, I can't remember where he said he got it.

Single Sort Of

2009-01-07T04:54:00.003-05:00

I am living in my apartment now. It is already home. My family has enfolded me. They have all been so generous and loving, it has been a great comfort. I did not anticipate the emotional upheaval I feel. I was so excited about finally making a fresh start. I thank God for my family and my friends every day. This confusion and pain will pass with their help. I just have to learn to accept it with open arms. I am a stubborn wench.

I miss my kids. Oh, I see them every day except for the oldest who left for college again yesterday. I missed them this much when I was living with them too. They are all so grown up.

Pictures, Yay!

2008-12-23T14:12:00.001-05:00

Here's a quirky quilted journal I made for the white-elephant gift exchange at my parents' house for Christmas. I try to make a journal every year for the ladies in the family to steal from each other during the exchange. I just don't have the time to make one for everyone, so the gift exchange/brawl is perfect. It's also a great deal of fun!

Here's the quilt I made for mom and dad for Christmas. They have done so much for me this year with my divorce going on, I wish I could give them more thn just a quilt. I love you mom and dad. I could not have made it this far without you.

The following are pictures of my new apartment still in progress. I should be spending my first night there tonight. Thank you, Scottie, my big brother, for taking time away from your own projects/life/work to work so hard on my place and for making it everything I ever dreamed of in a home. I love you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Apartment Love

2008-12-18T14:06:00.002-05:00

My apartment is almost done. It will be ready tomorrow. I start cleaning it on Saturday, and I will be moved in early next week. Yes!

Journal Sketches This Week

2008-11-26T08:08:00.007-05:00

Belly Dance Mom and Daughter

2008-11-25T12:48:00.003-05:00

My daughter and me at the Goth show in Medina. We each dance with different troupes. She is a gifted dancer. I am so proud of her.

Latest Fabric Journal In Process

2008-11-25T12:02:00.003-05:00

Here's the front cover. More embellishment will be added.

And here's the back cover. Also to be embellished like crazy.
Random bits of yarn and fibers latch-hooked into the binding stitches.

I am Lazy Today

2008-11-14T09:28:00.004-05:00

For my blogging today, here's an excerpt from an email to a friend.

"...Yay. It's Friday. Busiest day of the week here at my lovely research facility. It makes the day go by quickly. Tonight I have a baby shower for a friend. Her name is Bambi. She's due with a son, Maddox, in February. She showed me her latest ultrasound. There's an arrow and the word "penis" pointing to something unidentifiable to me. Usually I can spot a "penis" very quickly. This one needed a sign.

After the shower, there's troupe practice. We are 9 sweaty women crammed into Shanrae's living room laughing and bumping into each other.

Then after that, it's quiet time at home, just me, whatever movie is on, and a thimblefull of single-malt you know what. And probably another thimblefull. :)

Ah.

I found my current bottle in the barn where my apartment is. It was in a box of liquor being stored by my brother Scott. He no longer drinks at all, so I liberated his 60-year-old-plus Scotch in the name of freedom. I've been saving it for an evening of solitude and relaxation. I want to get to know it before I share it. I did have one tiny taste when I found the bottle. I was going to put it back in the box until I tasted it. I could not abandon the poor orphan delicious, not-too-peaty-not-too-sweet, melt-in-my-throat Scotchy Scotch. That would be just plain wrong.

I am off to run esoteric tests and compile mass quantities of data. Have a delicious not-too-peaty-not-too-sweet day,

Ahmi"

Ahmi, by the way, is my bellydance name, my SCA name, and the name I like to go by most of the time with my friends. It feels like my real name.

Think Positive

2008-11-13T09:05:00.004-05:00

I am ashamed to say that a few staunch GOP supporters where I work have actually begun arming themselves with guns. The fools are afraid of the next four years. They are pissed off. They blame the Democrats for the current financial mess.

Why is it that some people are only happy being angry at something? These are the same people I refer to in my head as "issue-a-day" people. I see them coming and I say to myself, "What is going to be the issue with him today? How will he find fault with the world around him this time." Hope, to them, seems a vile a four letter world.

You would think after all those years of being around me would give them at least an inkling of how to seek out the good in the universe. I wish for them to gain a sense of hope. A little hope can change the universe.

Miscellaneous Mischief

2008-11-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

New Life For This Old Girl

2008-11-12T08:49:00.003-05:00

Yep, 'tis true. I am moving on. After 25 years together and ten years of counseling, we have decided to terminate our marriage. I am both happy and sad. Our children don't seem to be too bothered by it. They have known things were not good for a long time.

Our marriage centered on the kids. They are the most important thing in our lives. He and I got along rather well in most ways. What's a few years living as room mates in order that the children grow up safe and secure? That few years got to be ten, and then the kids got to be almost all grown up. None of them was surprised when we made the announcement.

I am looking forward to moving into my apartment when it's completed. It will be located in the second story of my family's barn on the farm in North Lawrence. I know that sounds weird, but it is really a beautiful piece of property, and the apartment is gorgeous. Above is a picture of the view from my deck, complete with beautiful middle daughter. That's a silo out there. How cool is that? I'll still be living close to the kids. They are staying in the house with their dad. Well, the youngest ones will be. Our oldest is off at college for the time being. She'll be at the house too when she's home.

Feel free to get in touch with me if you like. My email is momzilla11@yahoo.com.

Sorry I Neglected You For So Long!

2008-02-20T12:22:00.004-05:00

Tribal Fire ladies caught in the act of being silly!

(Ellway, Ahmi (me), and Habibi)

Here we are dancing are hearts out.
(L to R: Ahmi (me), Shakaya, Shanrae, Habibi)

Tribal Fire looking HOT!
(L to R: Ellway, Habibi, Brodan, Shanrae, Ahmi)

Ahmi (that's me) doing my first solo at the Spirit in Motion Show in Wooster Jan 26th, 2008. We raised a total of $1,435.00 for the Have-a-Heart, Do-Your-Part WKDD radiothon to raise money for Akron Chrildrens' Hospital. (Matt Patrick and Angela, we love you to pieces!)

Life is just so full and busy. I have found this new internet place called Tribe.net. Well, it's new to me anyway. I love brousing tribe and reading all about the different things there are to learn about belly dancing and tribal fusion. I have recently become obsessed with SCA - the Society for Creative Anachronism - because they let belly dancers swarm at their gatherings. SCA events are way more abundant than just plain old haflas or belly-dance gatherings. It looks a lot like a big ole party waiting to happen on tribe.net. There are just so many groups to choose from, connections to be made, events happening, dancers to keep in touch with. I've been sort of glued to the tribe.net during my sparsely allotted computer time every other day or so instead of creating posts and documenting my goings on here on my blog. I guess you could say I have a crush on tribe.net. *gasp! and clutch the pearls!*

Tribal Fire presented Spirit in Motion Show!!!!!

2008-01-29T13:28:00.000-05:00

Our big belly-dance show held at Wooster High School was this past Saturday evening. It went great! I didn't get very many pictures because I had to run around a lot and boss people around. :) Here are my photos of the evening.

Here's my baby Anna and her friend Hillary. Anna is on the left. Both girls belong to Bahiya Almaz Troupe.

Britney of Bahiya Almaz and her mom.

Kelli Belly - troup eleader of Bahiya Almaz and professional belly dancer. She is Anna's belly-dance teacher.

Here is Shanrae, my teacher and troupe leader of Tribal Fire.

Shanrae again.

Gypsy Soul. I have a severe non-lesbian lady crush on these women. They totally rock!

We raised over a thousand dollars for Akron Children's Hospital. It was a group effort, and a LOT of work to pull off a big show like this, but it was all worth it. Things I would do differently next year: start sooner, practice harder, invite more dancers but have them do fewer acts each, feed the audience as well as the dancers and backstage crew, charge more per ticket, charge the same same at the door as ahead of time, charge twice as much for reserved seating, rent a venue closer to home (that's a selfish change), advertise more, call more newspapers, have a website set up well in advance, designate someone in the troupe as the final word on all decisions. (Group decision making can take for friggin' EVER!)

Things I would not change: Brodan's fundraising and marketing skills - That girl could squeeze blood from a turnip. Habibi Elise's mom's cooking - the food was fantastic, and there was so much of it! thank-you! Ellway's BF's talent at running the sound for the show: Adam, you are incredible. My hubby's lighting talent - all the cues went off without a hitch. Shannon's organizational skills and artistic talent in choreography, teaching, and drawing: she's a fabulous troupe leader, a great teacher, and a very talented artist. The programs were just lovely.

A little aside about my husband: Dan was roped into running lights for the belly-dance show. He was gracious enough to give in quietly when I asked him to please, please, please run lights. Once he got through the technical rehearsal on the afternoon of the show, he settled in at the light board for the actual curtain time. The show ran like clockwork: no light cues were mssed, it was just great.

After the show I asked him how he thought I did ( I had done my first solo dance that evening). He said, "I don't know I wasn't watching." What? Not watching?? He said he had started to watch the show, but when Shanrae made her speech about the history and traditions of belly dance, all he heard was the part about belly dance being created "by women, for women," so he felt like he wasn't supposed to watch. He read a book during the show and didn't even look at it unless he had lighting cues somewhere.

Silly man. He has his own unique take on life. That's why I love him so.

Shanrae goes all R to the B!

2008-01-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

I put my belly-dance instructor's face all over the souvenier Rachel Brice playing card that I got when the Belly Dance Super Stars were in Cleveland. Below is the real RB card. I think both are gorgeous.

Playing on Bravotv.com

2007-11-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

Here's my design. This is something I would indeed wear. If you like it, vote for it.

Halloween Hullaballoooooooo

2007-11-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

My friend Shannon's Halloween Party was an absolute blast. I don't have an available picture of me in my costume, but here are some of the pictures I took.

Dr. Elizabeth Borden (Shannon - above) and her friend Dr. Lechter (Ed - below) did an extra scary job decorating and setting up the haunted basement Asylum for the Criminally Insane.

Here are Ellway and her BF.

My excellent kitty-litter cake. Shannon added the eyeballs.

Brooke has a snack!

Awesome spread. The brains were especially tasty.

Food was served in Ed's actual coffin. He (no lie!) went coffin shopping for this thing. He plans to be buried in it some day. Just sit his rotting corpse on that Ritz right there.

Ew.

On to the basement...The Asylum tour was SO SCARY!!!

That tour scared the LIFE out of one of the guests!

Others donned my domestic-goddess bra.

Presenting Tribal Fire!

2007-10-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

They shortened it by about 2/3, but here it is: Tribal Fire's performance at the Timken's Got Talent - United Way talent show. Here we are representing or target support area: Early Childhood Care and Education. Timken employees vote with dollars to maybe put us in the top three acts from our facility. If we place in the top three, we will be dancing on October 21 at the Canton Palace Theatre in the "Timken's Got Talent" finale. Shannon (center) and Brooke (left) and I will dance our BUTTS off if we win, and even if we don't win, because bellydance RULES!
I am hoping we get big bucks from our fellow associates to help kids five years old and younger get the help and care their families need. We have a chance to make an impact on the lives of tiny little precious people, and make everyday life for families in need of child care a little easier.
Enjoy!

Ipod Pouch

2007-10-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

I made this adorable little pouch for the Ipod Nano of my best buddy Kimmie. She totally rocks with or without her tunes.

Totes for Molly

2007-09-18T05:32:00.000-04:00

I finally finished the totes that my lovely sister-in-law Molly requested like a MONTH ago. Molly has been keeping my girls supplied with hot-off-the-press Harry Potter books since the series began. Every time J. K. wrote a book, Molly had it on our doorstep from Amazon dot com on release day. She saved us from Nancy (our middle child) going completely bonkers in case she had to wait to get to the book store. Here's to you, Molly!

Belly Cuteness

2007-09-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Anna is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady. She is a talented belly dancer too. Here she is modeling her new costume. She picked the colors and some of the fabric. I made the costume and did all the beading. The pattern is a mish-mash of ideas and copies of other costumes she owns. Below is a close up of the halter. Look how tiny her waist is!

Belly Dance Benefit

2007-09-08T08:37:00.000-04:00

My bellydance troupe, Tribal Fire, is sponsoring a benefit for Akron Children's Hospital in late Januaray or early February, 2008. It is going to be spectacular! There might even be cake. I'll keep you posted as plans progress. Please, let me know if you would like to be involved. We still have lots of room for more bellydance acts in the show.

C'mon. It's for the sick children. Cough up.

I Can't Believe How Fast The Days Go By

2007-09-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of art postings. I have not finished my submissions for 2nd April, nor have I got the projects done that were ordered through Etsy - special requests. I have, however, been exercising and practicing the art of the belly dance, I have been making sure dinner is cooked and ready when the family gets home, I have been going to work all day and working my ass off there, I have been running my daughter back from her babysitting job, I have been sewing outfits for my belly dance workouts, and I have been doing the laundry now that my oldest daughter is back at college. I have many pictures of the move which I will try to post in the near future. It seems way more hectic now that the girls are back in school. I practically collapse at bedtime.
The sleeping is excellent this time of year though: the weather is cooling down a tad.
Now I am off to do the most dreaded of chores: laundry. I REALLY want to skip it until next weekend. If I weren't pledged in my heart to keeping my commitments, I would so blow it off.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend, everyone!

Our Gorgeous Middle Child

2007-08-29T06:51:00.000-04:00

Here are Nancy and her wonderful boyfriend Will in South Carolina on vacation with Will's extended family. Ahhhh, true love.

Nancy is beautiful even when someone-who-shall-remain-nameless (Will Will Will!) puts a camera in her face unexpectedly after a nap on the couch.

I LOVE this child.

Me 120 Lbs Lighter and 20 Years Younger

2007-08-22T06:51:00.000-04:00

Recent Totally Bitchin' Finds

2007-08-10T11:28:00.000-04:00

See that really cool border fabric? The Blue crissy-crossy stuff? I got that at the flea market. I LOVE it.

Wal-Mart Has many lovelies for a buck a yard. The whole top row here was a buck a yard!! A BUCK! The pink, the tan/blue/circles, and the orange/red zinnia were a little more from Joann's.

This is one of my favorite finds from Joann's. Manly, yes. But I like it too.

View B gored skirt for bellydance class - way tribal.

Absolutely HUGE pants also for bellydance class. I think these are so cute, but I will proabably look like a hot-air balloon.

Most excellent cheapie-cheap brown brocade for a short vest, and fetchingly flowie chiffon-like stuff for a short peasant blouse.

A closer look.

See that long-sleeved sexy number with the flowing sleeves? Momma's gonna let it all hang out!

My Etsy Shop is Now Open!

2007-08-06T08:22:00.001-04:00

Take a look. It's all for sale on Etsy: my babies! My lovey-dovey creations. I hope you like them.

A Little Bit of Happiness

2007-08-01T12:39:00.000-04:00

It's time for a moment of pleasure with some lovely Tazo chai tea in this beautiful mug made by my talented daughter Haley.

So Busy, Yet so Nonproductive

2007-08-01T06:52:00.000-04:00

I must be having a low period. All I want to do is sleep and sometimes weep. I run, run, run all day, then, BOOM, I crash in the evening. Up, shower, work, errands, exercise, cook dinner, pack lunches, fall down: that is my day. I have not picked up my art stuff in a few days even though my mind is almost always churning around with ideas for fantastical, colorful, fun creations. Instead I close my eyes and drift off a little fitfully.

At least my cupboards are full of good food, and we have clean plates to eat off of. There are navigable paths cleared through the rubble that is my house. What more could anyone ask for?

I will do some sleeping and get used to the added exercise program for some more days. Keep it simple. Stay connected to God and family and friends. Ask for help if I need it. Be in the present. Even though I feel a little weepy now, I know intellectually that it won't last. I must go through it, not around it. There is always, always, always light on the other side.

Domestic Exotic Dancer

2007-07-30T13:08:00.000-04:00

I love, love, love the idea for this bellydance costume. She truly is a goddess.

(Found on Flickr under search for "bellydance".)

Hello, Peeps, It's Been A Few Days...

2007-07-30T12:59:00.000-04:00

So here is a page from my journal to keep you coming back for more. I don't know if you can read it. It says "I do not fly to extremes. I live there."

Shoe-be Dooby Doo

2007-07-18T10:59:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've taken so long to post. I haven't got any new pictures of my own, so here is a picture of a gorgeous shoe. I forget where I found this picture. I just like the shoe.

Have a great day, everyone.

Yummy Upholstery-Fabric Tote

2007-07-12T07:47:00.000-04:00

I found this upholstery-fabric remnant at Joanne's a few weeks back. I felt G-U-I-L-T-Y buying more fabric when I have a butt-load of it at home, but I reallllllly, REALLY loved this circle pattern, and I couldn't believe it was marked down so far, so... BAM! Impulse-Pammie clubbed Budget-Pammie out of the way and ran with the goodies.

The guilt was strong enough to motivate me to make the planned tote bag right away. I knew I wanted to go big to see if it would work. And I wanted to try to construct it without using any fusible interfacing. I wanted something soft but not totally shapeless. I think next time I will go back to adding interfacingg but only to the main body of the tote.

Here is the inside of the prototype tote. I used one of my belly-dancing scarves as a lining. It was a really pretty scarf, but I had only bought 2 yards of it which was not enough to be dancing with. It will be much happier as the silky lining of my big ole bag. You can see I have some thread and bright pearl cotton peeking out from the deep recesses. Pathcowrkin'-Pammie never leaves home without a project or 6 in her purse.

I have been scheming about making tote bags as Christmas gifts for our extended family because I think they would be a nice accompaniment to the gorgeous pottery that my husband and daughter make every year as gifts. We can use the totes as gift bags for the pottery. I will have to get some pictures of Dan & Haley's pottery up here. I mean it truly is beautiful stuff.

Have a great day, everyone. Please email me or leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. Let me know what you are up to. Send me pictures of your art. Do Not send me pictures of your naked poodle. I don't need to see that... unless your husband's name is Poodle. (*snert*)

Quirky Quilted Journals and a Tote

2007-07-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

You can see the newest tote bag here, but you just can't tell that it IS a tote bag because it's stuffed under the little quilt. Anyway, there it is, with my own art work on it this time. I don't think you can read them here, but the prices are shown inside the Magic Eight Balls. The tote is the thing in the lower right side above.

And there it is again with the shoulder strap actually showing, that black-n-white thing with the blue flower sewn on. It's amongst the older quirky-quilted journals that Brennis wanted to keep at the gallery.

Crazy Pam's Discount Quilties! Come ON Down!

Get 'Em While They're Hot!

Gallery Submissions in Process

2007-07-11T07:09:00.000-04:00

So I finally got back down to 2nd April Galerie (209 6th St. NW, Canton, Ohio 44702) to pick up my previous submissions that had not sold and drop off the three completed quirky-quilted journals that I had lying around, and a new quirky-quilted-and-fabric-collaged tote bag which I can't find any pictures of now, ratzen-fratzen...When to my utter amazement and delight, Brennis Booth, one of the the wonderful people who run the place, suggested I leave all the old quilty journals along with the 3 new ones and the tote bag, but maybe lower the prices. He said people are very interested in them, but when they see the prices they just move on.

"Interested?" I perked. I had not heard the part about lowering the prices at first. All I heard was that people like my stuff. Of COURSE I lowered my prices! Even with all the work, blood, sweat, and tears I had put into each soul-healing morsel of nummy-ness, I decided to drop the prices so that my babies could more possibly find new and loving homes.

The kicker is, I had in my purse, the quilty square below. While Brennis was generously helping me re-price my pieces, I pulled it out and asked him if he had any ideas for a use for it. He suggested I mount it and frame it inside a shadow box. He wants me to make a few more of the sqares and bring them in in shadow boxes to hang in the gallery side of the, uh...gallery. (My journals and totes have been in the gift-shop side of the gallery.)

"Oh my!" says I. Yes, yes, yes! what a great idea. I must feel so guilty about sewing and art-ing all the time instead of keeping house, that my syuff is almost never made as just something to look at or hang on the wall. It's almost always made into a "useful" thing like ajournal or a tote bag or a dolly. I don't know if you can imagine how validated I feel to know that something I make is going to just hang there and look pretty. Whether it sells or not isn't the issue. That it's appreciated enough to hang in public in an actual gallery has me walking on air.

The above is the square I showed Brennis. It's about 9" x9".

And this one is a next one I am making for the galley. It's not all the way stitched yet. The background fabric is an old curtain that I got at the Hartville Flea Market last weekend. To die for, no?

And this one is the third one for the galley. This one is my favorite so far. Mommy likes herself some circles, babies.

More Goodies

2007-07-03T07:07:00.000-04:00

Here are some pages from one of my 6 or so sketchbooks. I have them all over the place. I pick up and play in whichever one is closest, or the right size to hold in my lap, or has some pre-painted pages ready for collage, or just feels like the one I want to play in.

Below are a few of my mini quilts. Thay are about 8" x 8".

My Current Purse Journal

2007-06-20T13:18:00.000-04:00

I bought this journal at Pat Catan's back in January to keep track of my bellydance moves from class. I keep it with me in my purse and tend to jot everything into it. It's a little (3 1/2" x 5 1/2") Hardbook by Global Materials, Inc. You can see from some of the scans that it has gotten wet a few times. I don't care. I like it even better with wear & tear.

Night Shots

2007-06-20T12:54:00.000-04:00

Look What I Found In The Cemetary Where I like To Go Eat My Lunch.

2007-06-15T08:27:00.000-04:00

Mommy killdeer with clutch of eggs.

Mommy plays injured to try and draw me away from her nest.

Poor mommy! I have disturbed her enough.

I went back after a few days, and nothing was in the nest, not even an eggshell or a feather. I am hoping the chicks hatched and were escorted away by mom.

Could This Child BEEEEEEE ANY Cuter?!!!

2007-06-15T07:42:00.001-04:00

Anna'a bellydancing Hafla was last weekend. She did a fantastic job. I had no idea she could move so well, so gracefully. She doesn't like to show me her bellydance moves at home, but out on the floor in front of hundreds of strangers she ...she FLOWED. I was mesmerized by her grace and beauty. I am so proud I could burst.
These are the ladies of Anna's troupe. That's Anna 2nd from the left. They are not really that short. They are dancing on their knees.

These are the ladies (and men) of MY troupe: Haley the beautiful and bouncy, Holly (a gorgeous, talented also-dancer friend), Nancy the Incredibly Wonderful, and Will the Love-of-Nancy's-life-also-refered-to-as-Harry-Potter-by-me-which-does-not-please-him. That's hubby Dan the Wildly Amazing Guy in the background. He is in the background so his cuteness will not overwhelm you.

Haley and Holly. They must run away or be smooched soundly!

Sexy Tote

2007-05-29T07:35:00.000-04:00

Over the long weekend I made this adorable tote bag from a pattern. (Notice the printout of one of Teesha Moore's fabulous quilty books hanging in the back ground. I like my cubicle to be festive.)

This Just Finished (after a month of procrastination.)

2007-05-29T07:14:00.000-04:00

This is a fabric-collaged and quilted cover for a 5 1/2" x 8" journal.

The inside has sparkly brown fabric. I totally dig the fabrics with the built-in sparkles: little cirlcles of reflective mylar sprinkled all through the print. The only hitch I can find is that the sparkles can stick to my ironing board if I press the fabric with a hot iron for too long.

Tribal Fire Lights Up Country Fair!

2007-05-21T07:54:00.000-04:00

We, "Tribal Fire", belly-danced our first recital at the Orange Jubilee Fair in Pepper Pike, Ohio Saturday. I thought I would love being on stage in front of all the kids. I HATED it. I could not wait for it to be over. I am a 43-year-old woman who does not need that kind of attention. I just like to dance and sweat, have these wonderful girlfriends, laugh and cry with them, and be a part of something special. I do not like to put myself out there in front of a crowd of strangers shaking my goodies. Despite my reservations, it went off well. There were a few ooops's, but nothing major, and the kids seemed to enjoy the novelty of bellydance. Here is a shot of the five of us posing in our tribal finery. Back L to R: Shannon K., Brook W., Pam P. (Me). Center: Shannon R. Front: Ellway H.

This is our fabulous teacher Shannon R.

She is very talented, a complete joy to watch. She's also very open, welcoming, patient, and fun! She took a clutz like me and made me feel graceful. Thank you, Shannon.

Shimmy, Shimmy, Shimmy

2007-05-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Here is a hip scarf/belt I made for belly-dance class. It's very jingly. It makes me happy to be able to wear some of the pretty beads and bangles that I have been collecting for a long time.

Quilty Projects

2007-04-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

This is the book I am presently working on. Since I finally sold two journals at 2nd April, I am working hard (playing hard!) to finish a few more. I am easing up on the detail, so they can sell at a cheaper price. Here is the front cover all quilted, but not yet embellished.

This is the back cover completed.

Another journal cover just started. Bellydancer-ish. Go figure.

Peek-a-boo under the skirt.

Most recent journal cover started. I really like this one.

This is my IPAQ pouch.

IPAQ pouch back.

Camera pouch.

Camera pouch with lovely green velvet flap. I LOVE these little pouches. They keep my electronic equipment from collecting purse lint.

My Own Wee Wonderful Garden

2007-04-03T13:04:00.000-04:00

I found a pretty spring flower called Osteospermum at the Wal Mart. They didn't have much else for this early in the season, but these were really bright and cheerful looking. I planted them in my back-patio flower box, then I added some moss and miniature goodies for fun.

Those bare twigs will be a lovely lavender plant again soon.

As for the FRONT yard, this is what we woke up to last week:

Apparently the Pickard "triplets" are attracting some negative attention. Unless, hey, is it cool to be tee-peed nowadays? I don't know.

My Next Quirky Quilted Journal Started

2007-04-02T11:15:00.000-04:00

Fabric journals are my thing. I usually forget to take pictures of them before I give them away or sell them. In fact, I just made my first "official" commission from 2nd April Galerie located in Downtown Canton, Ohio: I sold one journal for $200.00 and one for $100.00. I danced around the house waiving my check in the air and making squealie noises. It is very affirming to sell one's own art.

The next project has begun: yet another quirky quilted journal. Here is the front cover. I haven't decided on the title yet. I'll add that later using embellishments after it's quilted with bright pearl cotton.

Here is the back cover. Don't you just love the batik-star fabric? It feels as soft as a baby's butt.

Most of the images I use, I download from the web. I try to change something about them to avoid copyright infringement. If you see one of your protected images up here. please let me know. I would be happy to chop it up, make it unrecognizable, and then sew it back on my journal to avoid your wrath. Or, I'll just save the journal for a gift for a family memeber instead of trying to sell it. I only use images that tickle my pickle!

Our Gorgeous, Silly Girls

2007-03-23T12:56:00.000-04:00

Here they are, giggling and fighting over who gets to lay on Grandma & Grandpa's sofa. Try to keep from smooching them to death!

Franklin Planner Fun

2007-03-19T08:38:00.000-04:00

A small sampling from my work journal from last year.

Think I love Teesha Moore much?

Let the church say, "Yeah!"

Friends Don't Let Friends' Kids Use Markers!

2007-03-12T12:25:00.000-04:00

Here is a drawing done by our youngest daughter Anna about ten years ago, when she was 3-ish. She gave it to a friend of mine, and he kept it in his tool box all this time. Now he has it hanging in his cubicle. Marv, you look smashing in your baseball uniform. I think Anna has captured you perfectly!

Gimme Some Shimmy

2007-03-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Our youngest daughter has been doing bellydance since she was 12. She really loves it, and has gotten quite good. It is fun to watch her and hear the music she dances to. It makes me want to leap up and wiggle my bits all over the place. Finally, after a year and a half of thinking I was too fat and too old, I convinced my friend Kimmie to sign up for a bellydancing class with me. Once we started, we found out that bellydance is for ANY size, shape, or age of woman. We've been taking belly dancing class for the past 8 weeks from our darling teacher, Shannon, who is an art therapist during the day. Man, is it fun. My body hurts every Friday morning. We must have jiggled something loose this past Thursday evening because I am still sore today. It's a good sore, though.
I started taking Yoga class too in order to get in touch with my own body. For so long I've ignored everything below my neck. I've lived inside my head and my hands since going through major depression several years ago. All I did was listen to books on CD and sew or journal. I would walk sometimes, but not very often.
Little by little, I am noticing that I can move more easily. I can actually tie my shoes and breathe at the same time again. It may not sound like much, but for me it's huge.
Another great thing about taking the classes is spending time outside of work with my friend Kimmie. I also find that I enjoy being around other women. I didn't used to like it. I always felt more in competition with other women than like bonding with them. Maybe I am finally developing a comfort with my self, some self confidence. Enough so that I can find joy in others instead of worrying about whether or not they are "better" than me.

Self Portrait

2007-03-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

Quilty Goodness

2007-03-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

I have already finished this fabric journal for my sister. I neglected to take a picture of the finished book, but here are some shots of the different panels. They are stuffed but not yet quilted with pearl cotton thread.

This is the front cover minus the pocket that makes it look like the winged girl is wearing a long skirt.

This is the front-cover pocket, winged girl's skirt.

This is the inside of the front cover.

This is the inside of the back cover minus pocket/skirt.

This is the inside back-cover pocket/skirt.

This is the back cover.

All the wings were cut from an insect T-shirt that my mother-in-law got for me from The Wilderness Center in Wilmot Ohio. I felt bad that I never wore the shirt even though I loved it. There just aren't a lot of places to wear a bug shirt. One day I needed fabric wings for a project, and there was the shirt still crisp and new...SNIP, SNIP, SNIP! The guilt will pass eventually, I hope.

Sampler

2007-03-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of journal pages I collaged. I scanned them before I decide to add more stuff, like writing and drawings, maybe embellishments. I like them just the way they are for now, but they aren't precious. They are for playing with.

Here are some recent play-time results. I made them just to be playing with fabric and color. Not all are fabulous, in fact, some are VERY not fabulous, but all were made with process in mind, not product. When I look at them and touch them, my mind and heart remember what it was like to take a leap of faith, be messy, and just create without fear.
They make me a little uncomfortable. Which is how it felt to make each one...uncomfortable, and then either delighted or not. They are "through" pieces, not "end" pieces. A sampler, if you will.

Cubicle Happiness

2007-03-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

I think this was taken around Christmas time judging from the garland of balls and the glittery purple apples in the background. This is where I work. I actually love my cubicle. I love working there, and I love the people.

Kitty Porn

2007-03-05T14:11:00.000-05:00

I brought my oldest daughter Haley home from college for her (way too early!) Spring Break. Did she ever get smooched all over her darling smoochable widdle face when I got there to gather her up. She is very tolerant of me and lets me kiss & hug her a lot. She can't help it if she is so very smoochable. She only weighed 5 pounds when I brought her home from the hospital the first time, and she is just as cute now as she was 18 years ago. Just as sweet too. This is a dirty, dirty picture! (I need to clean my house BADLY!) And that is a slutty, slutty kitty, no? Beth likes to climb up on Haley everytime Haley sits down. Haley is her human.

Back At Last!

2007-03-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

I finished a book for a friend of my sister's sister-in-law. She wanted all green and white with leprechauns. This is the best I could do. Front Cover

Back Cover

Laid Out Flat

The inside covers have embellished pockets for goodies such as pens, markers, or keepsakes. I hope she likes it. It was really fun to make.

New Sketchbook Fun

2006-09-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

Sunday Morning Escape

2006-08-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

Here is what I saw this morning on my Sunday morning drive-&-park. Drive-&-parks are my recharging time every week. I leave the house before everyone wakes up, and I head out for, first of all, coffee. Then I drive, usually to a favorite park, cemetary, or just around the local area. I park, listen to the radio, journal, sew, people watch, and just get myself centered for about an hour every weekend.
After that, sometimes I get out of the car for a walk-&-photoshoot, sometimes I go in to work overtime at the lab, sometimes I do the shopping or the laundry, and sometimes I just go back home where everyone is still asleep.
I'm not sure why if it recharges me, or makes me sane. All I know is when I don't "sneak" out of the house in the early mornings on the weekend, I'm a little nutty during the week. I cope better, and I am more creative.

Here are some of the cornflowers (chicory) that bloom all alongside the roads this time of year here in Ohio. I took these pictures this morning in a field near my house where I sat and read through the newest issue of Art & Life from Teesha Moore. That blue/purple is one of my all-time favorite colors.

I still miss my Haley. Very much.

Gosh Darn it!

2006-08-26T17:23:00.000-04:00

Patrick here is very sad because his Haley is off at college. We all miss her, and it's only been since Thursday that she's been gone. I took many, many pictures of her moving-in day, but, somehow, the camera crashed, and they all got lost or deleted or something. Luckily, I had already printed most of them using the docking printer before the crash. I at least have those prints for my journal.

It was a very organized freshman orientation at Thiel College. I was impressed with how fast we got through all the business of getting Haley her computer, hed ID, and getting her settled in. The college even had volunteers organized to haul all the kids' boxes upstairs to their dorm rooms.

Thiel conducted a formal matriculation ceremony where they had the incoming freshmen assemble and walk up Brother Martin's walk to Passavant center. All the while there was a bell being rung at the center once for each new matriculating student.

After the ceremony there was a beautiful reception on the lawn outside the student center building. There were white awnings/tents with aisle-runner poufs and drapes attached to the top of each pole around the outside. They had much fancy food. There were even servers walking among the throngs passing out finger foods: bacaon wrapped water chestnuts and brioche. There was a dessert tent too. The chocolate mousse was fabulous.

We got Haley all moved in, and left her to home-ify her small double room. She needed a few things which we brought back from the Wal-Mart in time for her to say, "It's almost 6:30 - see ya!"

Now the house is a little bit empty, but I am so proud of my baby for going to college. I haven't gotten misty yet, but I expect it to hit me in an unguarded moment sometime soon.

My Current Journal

2006-06-10T07:31:00.000-04:00

The Front

Inside Front Cover

A Peek Inside

A Journal Entry
The Back

A Few of My Journal Pages

2006-06-10T07:21:00.000-04:00

This is my VERY Messy Studio Just Before Cleaning Day

2006-06-10T07:09:00.000-04:00

This is Me

2006-06-10T07:06:00.000-04:00

A Few Pieces That Went to 2nd April Galerie

2006-06-03T06:50:00.000-04:00

Brennis was taking care of his baby nephew when I showed up for my appointment with my suitcase full of goodies. That's the purse (both sides) sitting in the baby's bouncy chair.And that's one of my dolls. She's not my favorite, but I had such fun making her. I hung her on the wall in my cubicle for awhile. People had many reactions to her, not all of which were bad, so I decided to take her with me when I went to the gallery to show Brennis my work. He liked her. I hope she finds a good home.

I Got Gallery Space!

2006-06-03T06:27:00.000-04:00

Brennis Booth, at 2nd April Galerie in downtown Canton, Ohio on 6th Street right by the Canton Palace Theatre: Thank You!

Brennis saw one of my funky fabric-and-found-object-with-wild-quilting purses one day and told me, "That will sell!"

I brought him a suitcase full of stuff I had made, and he took it all for his gallery: 9 quirky quilted art journals, 2 mini pill-box journals, 3 art dolls (one of which you see here), and a really funky purse.

I am walking on air. I hope the goodies sell quickly. I have SO much fabric to use. And pay for. Which I already bought.