oops

I seem to have much more success accidentally growing food than purposefully.

Some leaves sprouted from a bucket that was filled with extra soil, some of it must've been from out compost pile. So I planted the sprout in a container and have been watering it. It looked as if I had squash growing but now it has shown itself to be a cantaloupe!!

Cantaloupe is one of my favorite fruits, one that I never even thought about planting. It was also one of our kitty Ladybug's treats. Since we said goodbye to her earlier this month I haven't wanted to buy one at the store. What a lovely surprise to be growing one from one of our very own seeds instead.

summertime

Giveaway and shop update! A new print that will be added to the shop tomorrow. Leave a comment below about your summer plans for a chance win this print.
The onion and parsley are happily taking over the kitchen while the hydrangea's burst with color more and more each day. Hermie is healing and I am finally back on the computer and working away with inspiration and focus. A new book has been started, I only lost one tomato plant out of the seven varieties, there are cinnamon rolls to be eaten at the fair, gatherings with friends and family, new marshmallow roasters to use and trips to be planned. Happy Summer!

To enter the giveaway leave a comment (and be sure I have a way to contact you) about your summer plans. A winner will be drawn on Wednesday June 27th!

6.13 to 6.20

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little H

I didn't know a couple weeks ago when this special ring was ordered for me (thank you Mom for the gift and Raychel from Fruition Jewelry for your beautiful work) that it would arrive on the very day I had cried so many tears for my Hermie.

He is going to be okay, it is looking very good for him. As I write this he is in surgery. I have worried myself sick...taking photographs and blogging is a good distraction from earlier today, especially since he is in the very best hands and hopefully going to be feeling much better.

Hermie woke up early this morning in a significant amount of pain, as the morning progressed and after going to the emergency room at 4 am then to his regular doctor at 9 am, he started to decline and show neurological damage. This is very common in dogs with long backs...they have very long spines and have a lot of discs that can become herniated.

We feel very fortunate for the wonderful doctor who cares for him on a regular basis and his doctor doing the surgery today. It is frightening to make decisions on what is best for him and each one of them has been so kind, comforting and supportive.

Today also would've been my Gramma's 87th birthday. I think that's a good sign, her spirit is looking out for Mr. Hermie Monster.

hey!

 

 

                                            new jewelry for the show...hanging earrings and wrap around bracelets
                                                                         my little helper and nuggle breaker

Leading up to Unique LA was so very busy in the very best way. New prints have been added to the shop already...fresh cards and jewelry items coming this week. It was absolutely wonderful to meet so many new people and see many who have purchased from me before. My family was such a big help, I really couldn't have and wouldn't want to do it without them.

Unique is coming to San Francisco and New York, too! The focus is designers and artists who are local and make their products in America. It is truly unique and the largest independent design show in the country. On top of the shopping you meet the artists, there are DIY crafts and amazing food. 

Today I caught up on sleep.

Then late in the evening I discovered a critter dug up a few of our precious tulip bulbs that were still in the ground growing big and fat for next year. This made me so sad. Hopefully we can salvage the rest and some of our family will have extras they can pass on to us next year.

*The beautiful mug at the top of the post is by Klai Brown. She is an absolutely lovely person and it was a treat to meet her and take home one of her creations. 

*See more of Unique LA on Elizabeth of Please Note's blog. 

5.5 to 5.14

saturday

morning

Sleeping in should be easy with a Hermie nuggled up next to me and a cozy bed, but I found myself up bright and early this morning. Perhaps I will go find fresh rhubarb for pie making before it is all gone. 
...

eggs + a bow tie

The leftover paper towels are usually my favorite thing from the egg coloring. I don't like eggs and they never turn out as pretty as Martha's. So this year I put watercolor paper out to lay the eggs on once they've come out of the dye. The eggs will be eaten up in a few days and are stinking up the 'fridge but my lovely piece of art is hanging on the wall.

Hermie wore a ridiculously large tie today. I clearly did not do any measurements or make a plan except that I was going to make him a tie for Easter dinner. He liked it so much he growled when I took it off.

4.7 to 4.8

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playing house

About a week ago a box marked "Doll House Stuff" emerged from the attic my parents are cleaning out.
It is a collection that began with my older sister and me and was passed on and added to by our little sister,
a collection of our childhoods of sorts.

The items in the box are mismatched and silly from the "people" to the sizes and style of furniture. My sisters and I never saw Star Wars as children yet we have a very well loved Storm Trooper who mingled easily with the fireman, three Larry babies, a mermaid, Pokey and everyone else.


The mermaid is a favorite, as soon as I saw her I couldn't believe I had forgotten her. Thinking of doing some prints using these misfit toys who fit perfectly into our imaginations so many years ago.

Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping this box of treasures.



March's pie was baked tonight...posting the recipe and photographs tomorrow. (Twelve Pies in 2012)

3.29 to 3.31
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found

Mom came across this little guy in some old craft supplies, one of us sisters made him in the 80's. I love him!

...a surprise from Case

fresh inspiration, very excited about some new pieces and images I am working on

SPRING!

a new photo app that is in another language but I seem to have found the bokeh and borders just fine

fresh berries for shortcakes, smoothies and maybe a pie this week

Finding all the good things tucked in my days makes the laundry and cat puke tiny in comparison...
and that is good because lately there has been a lot of puke.

3.20 to 3.25
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instalove

instahermie

 My instagram name @staceywinters. I must warn you, there are a lot of Hermie images in that feed!

xoxo

happy valentine's day!


2.11 to 2.14

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lately...

I've been eating berries + freshly picked oranges, reading a new book, drinking salted caramel hot chocolates in my pjs, organizing new ideas for the shop, making a custom onesie for a four day old (only took two tries), finding monkeys in the bed, brushing Ladybug's fluffy fur, running in the morning chill, eating rice noodles, planning 2012, discovering the sweetness of the delicata squash and wanting to stay in bed just a little longer.

How about you?

1.6 to 1.10

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