I Haven't Forgotten...

I learned a lot of stuff from my family.

My brother teaches me how to take things apart and put them back together - he's a mechanic today and often called Mr. Fix It.

My grandfather taught me how to garden and use hand tools. He also stressed that you must be neat when you work and not rush - especially when painting. He was a skilled craftsman.

My grandmother suggested I do something with computers, which I did. She also taught me about how to invest in the stock market - plus how to cook, sew and crochet. She was a seamstress by day, and ahead of her time in many ways.

My mother taught me so many things - most notably how to entertain, paint, draw, laugh and travel well. She was an artist, designer and best friend to many.

My father continues to teach me the art of big talk, and the finer points of cooking with various herbs. (lots of them). He's a retired HR consultant.

My aunt taught me to appreciate hand knitted sweaters and blankets. Though I admit I don't knit very well - yet.

I learned a lot of stuff from my family - and luckily I haven't forgotten.

What did you learn from your family that you still use today? What inspires you?

Unpacking My Life

I am living amongst a sea of boxes. (A good illustration of how I feel (including the wine) can be found on Penelope Dullaghan's website.) Unpacking has been an exercise in organized chaos. Meaning that boxes were labeled so they've landed in the right room; but sometimes it is difficult to know just what to do with the contents! I love my new home but I'm finding that some of my art which I created for specific rooms in my other home feels a little out of place here. I suppose that is why my sister Toni told me that I should purge while I pack. This was a good suggestion - I was just too overwhelmed to follow her sage advice. I am still waiting for her bill. (She's the organization queen).

Anyhow in addition to finding some renewed energy and an urge to begin a new garden, I'm also feeling like building more book shelves and painting things in funky color palettes.

It's also time to plan a new manifesting change collage project - as soon as I unpack my art supplies. I wonder where those are.....

Have a wonderful and creative week.

Lise

If I could give you the stars...

This post is for my male readers. Valentine's Day is February 14th. I'm telling you about this early so that it doesn't sneak up on you. This year you don't have to spend a small fortune on flowers and candy, or baubles and beads - unless you insist. No, this year I'm challenging you. (Men like challenges right?)

OK - so here's the deal. This year tap into your feelings of love and passion and do something completely out of the box - create something from the heart. (hmmm, that's so fitting on Valentines day isn't it?)

Here are my suggestions. Don't worry they won't hurt.

1. Get out of your comfort zone. There is nothing more charming than watching a man who is a little unsure but still committed to doing something special for the one he loves. A good example is the man who rarely cooks; but decides to visit a gourmet shop, purchase yummy food, read a few cookbooks and blogs for expert advice and then take the day off to prepare a meal that surprises his love with a meal to swoon over.
   


2. Get out of your own backyard. Similar to #1, but this involves travel to a place off the beaten path. You don't have to travel outside your timezone if you don't want to - but you should plan to hold hands and go someplace that you know your love will enjoy. Try a bed and breakfast; a park in a neighborhood you don't frequent; a new bistro; a weekend workshop; or a morning trip to a cute boutique to buy the pj's you'll stay in for the rest of the day.
   


3. Finally - (you guessed it) Be Creative... Make a card, photo montage, a pair of mittens, a key to your heart, a love story, a poem, a sock monkey, or felt hat. Whatever project you decide to do; give it your all. Make it meaningful. Something beautiful and deeply personal.

Spread the love!

Lise

Can I just say something about customer service?

I forgot to mention, a couple of weeks ago - I'm re-reading Home Companion for like the zillionth or so time. I'm looking of course for a mention of paper covered floors - but that's another story.

Anyway, by the time I get to my desk in the morning, I have actually remembered that I want to do some research on a particular company - Wonderful Graffiti. Turns out they have free color sample kits that designers love. It's like a mini present. So I pick a few colors I'm interested in for a project I'm working on and send in my order. They arrive with a hand-written card.

Thank you to whoever wrote this card! I was so impressed by your customer service and absolutely adorable website with lots of beautiful projects.

You now have a fan for life. Wishing you every success!

Lise