We all bundled up this morning after a breakfast of bagels and coffee and took a kite down to the marina. Of course it was sunny, cold, and windy. The picnic tables were a beautiful blue. I took advantage of them and snapped the above picture of a spool of thread that was in my pocket. The children and I have enjoyed this simple, relaxing vacation.

This morning my mother took me to a quilting shop and said, "Why don't you pick 10 fat quarters...I'd like to buy them for you!" I was thrilled and she even helped me pick which ones. Aren't they beautiful?
After the excitement of the quilting shop, we went to an authentic Middle Eastern eatery and treated ourselves to shawarmas, hummus with pita, and falafels. Next, to a clothing store where I found some desperately needed jeans and finally to the ice cream shop for mint chocolate chip ice cream on a sugar cone. Aahh...I love being on vacation!
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In honor of Valentine's Day I'd like to share this poem:
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic...and so am I"
-Bob Wiley (played by Bill Murray)

I came home today and had so many things to do that I did the only thing I could do...nothing. I napped, drank coffee, and visited with Jeffrey. Very therapeutic.

Above is new packaging for my cards...Polished and simply lovely.

grand bonjour...petit birdie. These white notecards are hand printed in salmon and bubble gum pink tones. Each set comes with two of each color. Now in the shop.

I spent an enjoyable afternoon baking sugar cookies while I conversed over the phone with my dear friend, Summer. The children were happy with their afternoon treats. I think that children's hands are so sweet. I love when B grabs my face and turns my eyes to look at hers...magic!

I printed these up yesterday in the studio. I think she's adorable and, of course, a bit mysterious...the perfect card for a secret admirer. This set is in the shop.

Birds of the Sandwich Islands
Frederick W. Frohawk
Watercolour

Isn't this postcard divine? My lovely cousin mailed this to me from Europe during her recent travels. How sweet~

I just snagged a Wanderings Coat Pattern from Sugar City...it's on sale for only $10!
You must, must go get one before they are gone.

I found these beautiful cocktail napkins at a local flea market. The color combination reminded me of the Valentine candy hearts I used to get from schoolmates.

I selected 4 phrases:
1. Be Mine ( me le mein )
2. Charm Me ( me charmer )
3. Kiss Me ( m'embrasser )
and
4. My Love ( mon amour )

I translated the phrases into French and got busy embroidering. They turned out just as I imagined~
You can see my Embroidered Valentine Napkin Tutorial here.

Sunday list about me:

1. I like dragging out ALL of my art supplies and then organize them back into neat little piles and containers.

2. I eat raw brownie batter when no one is looking

3. I purposefully killed my child's goldfish (and still feel guilty)

4. I shaved my head once to prove to myself that beauty is on the inside

5. I married my high school sweetheart

6. I want to learn French

7. I talk to myself in the car

8. I have a goal to read all of the Newberry Honor Award books

9. I could stay home for weeks without leaving

10. I experience hallucinogenic sleep paralysis (hypnagogia)

11. Middle Eastern food is my favorite

12. My best friend lives 1873.29 miles away

13. I snuggle with my children when they are asleep

14. I don't have any tattoos, although I am desperate for some sparrows on my forearm

15. I've had my hair cut by Lorraine Massey

16. I traveled Europe for a month at age 12

17. I'm a black coffee drinking machine

18. I've owned my own business for 8 years

19. I completed high school early

20. I still wear my hot pink butterfly retainer

21. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 - I keep these words close to my heart

22. Getting lost in a book is the best

23. I want my family to live abroad for at least one year

24. The sea calls to me from afar...I am part mermaid you know

25. There is nothing more delightful than opening the mail box and discovering a hand written letter or small parcel addressed to oneself