Be a safe mama ...

My friend Irene sent over this link (thanks Irene!). Yes, I know ... I can't add one more blog to the list of reading material, but this one is worth checking out.

www.safemama.com

oh-no uh-oh

turbo-charged weekend + sucrose - nap = mighty boo boo

random encounter

Without getting into too much detail, I just wanted to say thanks to Jan ... I have no idea if you will ever come across my blog, but my little conversation with you today was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for your encouragement and your kind words. I hope we'll have the chance to meet in person sometime. And thanks for buying a ponytail holder.
:)

Staying inspired ...

Since the Inspired Artist Workshop, I've been slowly coming back to reality. The last bit of green paint has finally washed off from my hands, and sadly, I miss it. Yes, I really did shower since the event, but I haven't made it a point to wash that little speck off. It was my reminder of the event, the friends that I made, the art that I created, and the little piece of my soul that started to bloom over the course of three days. Now that it's gone, I'm wondering how to stay inspired ... how do I continue to work full time, manage and grow the biz, be a good wife and mother to my amazing family ... and still express myself creatively and explore all the things that challenged me at the workshop? Seriously. I need a dozen more hours in the day, but even then, who's got that kind of energy?

April has been a killer ... with the Sips show, then Inspired, then O's birthday, then mine; it's been challenging to even keep up, much less be motivated to do more. But I recognize that I'm truly happy and in my element when I'm going full throttle and making all kinds of messes, so here's my little list of how I plan to stay inspired.

1. I downloaded Paolo's movie onto my iPod and plan to watch and/or listen to it when I need a sense of nostalgia (or when I travel cross-country for the day job).
2. I have done at least one thing creatively every night since I returned from the workshop, and plan to continue. Just one thing ... no matter how small. The other night I was tired and just wanted to plop down on the couch and veg out with the hubby, but instead I cut 6 sets of my Totally Indie Coupons and that fulfilled my crafty need for the moment.
3. I'm planning some mini-craft workshops to get some girls together on a monthly basis to make stuff. I tried this a couple of years ago and had some interest, but I've got some new ideas that will (hopefully) make it more appealing. Stay tuned for this one ...

So, not a terribly long list, but a start. And I guess a good start would be to post all my delicious projects from Inspired, but that will involve my camera and a sunny day ... so hopefully this weekend will be kind to me. :)

How do you stay inspired? How do you stay motivated when life seems way too busy to keep up?

Way cool pots ...

Some of the most original pottery I've seen in a while:
East Bay Potters

I've always been engaged by salt-fired pots, but these take it to a whole new level!!

While you wait ...

... for me to post on my inspired weekend, get inspired yourself by watching this amazing slideshow by Paolo. Thank you Paolo for capturing the spirit of the event.

Happy Birthday Oh-no!!

To my ever so sweet, sometimes sassy, and always adorable Owen:

Today you turn two, and you show us by holding up each index finger right in front of your face. You are such a delight. You have the most amazing vocabulary that surprises me every day. You love to laugh, and you love to hide, and you terrify me with your adventurous whims and stunts. Your ladder and daddy's tape measure are your two favorite things.

You call yourself "Oh-no," which is so ironic since that's probably the phrase you hear the most from mommy and daddy. Your laugh is infectious, and can turn my weary day into one filled with hope and promise.

Each morning, you awake by letting us know you'd like to come out of your crib ... "Mommy ... out crib." Then you play coy when we try to take you out and change your diaper, begging us for tickles. You play with the blinds, saying "morning, morning," and laugh when we tell you to stop ... they can fall down and hurt you silly. You continue to think it's funny.

Downstairs, you like to open the refridgerator and carry condiments to your toy room (ps., pudding DOES stain carpet, just FYI). You "go go daddy truck" to Gram's house each morning, and love playing and keeping Gram on her toes. Your cousin Parker is your favorite friend. You adore Aunt Woo and Aunt Kimby and ask every night on the way home to call Mimi. Just last week you learned that, without the tray on, you can climb all the way into your high chair ALL BY YOURSELF. My heart stops with fear ... and then sinks because I know you're growing up and growing a little more independent every day. {And the water works come as I'm writing this to you ...}

You brush your teeth each night by climbing on "biiiiig ladder," and sit on the potty (sometimes), and then hop into the bath. You love to undress yourself, and would change your own diaper if I would let you (remind me again why I won't let you do that??). After your lotion and Little Noses and pajamas, you ask Daddy to rock you but I sneak in sometimes and do it myself, cause it's my favorite part of the day. You read to us most nights, telling us what word comes next and turning the pages, then asking us to do it again. Before we say our prayers and turn out the light, you throw one of your "friends" (stuffed animals) over the edge of the crib and say its name over and over and over until we cave and get it for you. Then you snuggle with a little "tuck tuck" and fall asleep on the soft puppy Aunt Kimby gave you for Christmas.

And morning comes and we start again ... and I anxiously await each one to see what new delight you will bring to our lives. Just when I think I know exactly what unconditional love is, you do something new, something unexpected, something totally Owen, and I think: NOW, I know what love is. Like when you read the ravioli package to me in the grocery store and point out the words "iiiii loooove you," that aren't even there. Or you lean through the bars in your crib to give me a kiss, and then ask for one again, and again, and again. Sometimes I think my heart may just burst with all the love I have for you. I can't believe you've only been in our world for two years. I can't remember when you weren't with us ... it's as if you've always been.

Happy Second Birthday Oh-no.

All my love, and then some more,

Mommy

Forever Vase

Finally - I've got the Forever Vase online. I've been working on several new product lines, and it's high time they were all photographed and uploaded.

This vase is about 10" tall and 4" in diameter. The word "forever" is hand-stamped into the clay, as well as the date of choice {shown with my wedding date, in case you were curious}. I think it's the perfect gift for anniversaries, weddings, even Christening or Baptism gifts {shameless plug, I know}. Production time is two weeks.

I'm slowly overhauling my website into a CSS-based format, and adding more products as I get them photographed. If only there were 8 more hours to my day ... and more Starbucks!

totally and utterly ... INSPIRED!!

I'm back home from my amazing Inspired Artist Workshop weekend, and I don't know where to even begin in documenting this experience. I haven't been online all weekend (gasp) except to update my Facebook profile via my mobile, so I'm checking email, unpacking, doing laundry, and watching Owen in the baby monitor slowly start to wake up from his nap. I'm overwhelmed with emotion, inspiration, encouragement, gratitude ... so many things that I feel will take me a couple of posts at least to get out there. I'm so thankful for this weekend and can't wait to share it! Woot!

The O Show is starting to stir, which means in about 10 minutes he'll be jumping in the crib and ready for some lunch. Better get the grilled cheese ready. :)

Welcome Riley Nathan Hilton

We're a couple of days late on the congrats, but wanted to send my boo lots of love and hugs and warm wishes for your new little one. Riley Nathan was born on Monday, April 7 and surprised us all by being a little fella instead of little gal. We're so happy for you all and can't wait to meet him!!

on the wishing list: bags

Some folks have a thing for shoes, and while these are the coolest shoes EVER, my penchant is for bags. I understand the necessity of having at least 3 different black bags, and a tote for every day of the week. And, since a certain someone's birthday is right around the corner {ahem}, I've gathered a little listing of some bags I think are just swell. Just in case you're wondering. No pressure. :)

Adoring this swell bag from Holly Aiken. I mean, dang!!!! All her handmade lovelies are so very cool, and she's in NC to boot. I love to support locally, but it's a bonus when the bags are functional AND stylish.

This fab little sweetie is from Becky OH!, and I've been swooning over her bags for a couple of years now. This Cameo above is my current new fave.

Finally, I picked up this idea from my "neighbor-I-know-only-through-the-web" but really, I must have it for Spring. I found it in a swanky metallic gold at Regency Resale in Fort Mill, and Amy mentioned hers came from Birds of a Feather.

Indie Fixx Giveaway

Indie Fixx is hosting a Spring Fling Giveaway on their site starting today with some fab prizes from indie shops. Here's the scoop:

Sign up for the Indie Fixx newsletter between April 2nd and June 2nd and include your favorite shop from the participating shops listed on the site. You will be entered into the Indie Fixx Spring Fling Giveaway for a chance to win a grand prize worth over $300 & made up of donated goods from 9 different indie shops.

Welcome to crazy April!

I'm off in a couple of hours to the windy city for the day job. I wish I had more time to hang out there and to see my favorite boo. But it's a quick jaunt and then back home to get ready for the Sips & Sweets show on Saturday, and then Inspired Artist next weekend. And at some point I need to send out Owen's birthday party invites. It's just family this year but every party needs an invitation, right? Busy busy!!

Oh, and I'm the April sponsor for Dream Dinners in Fort Mill. If you book a session this month, you are entered to win a cute little basket of goodies from Plays With Mud.

{Big sigh} I think I'm gonna need a vacation. Soon.