Mayfly

Remember a few posts ago, when I was ticking out my list of things to do, I mentioned that I wanted to make new pillow covers? Pretty Springtime ones. Right. Something bad happened.

So, I'm riffling through my fabrics trying to decide on some colors and patterns looking for that perfect combo. Oh, this floral is good. Nice colors. It'll go with the yellow walls and the couch. La de da... Hum de dum... I look for some more fabrics to go with it, because they can't all be the same. Duh. I decide on another floral fabric- the yellow. Hmmmm. That's kind of a lot of floral. I better find something a little more plain and masculine. Doo de doo... Oh, I could use one of those men's shirts I got at the thrift store and do that shirt back trick from before. I find a nice mustard and tan one, lightweight brushed cotton, just right. I start cutting and piecing and sewing. This shirt is perfect. Abercrombie? I don't remember those shirts being good brand name ones. Oh, well. La de da... these are looking pretty good. And it's going quick. Hey look- there are those new shirts that Brian wanted me to shorten the sleeves of... Hum dee dum... we should do that this weeke... INSERT RECORD SCRATCH HERE. Oh, crap. I didn't. D'oh! I did. I cut up his new shirt for pillowcases! Granted it was thrifted too. But it was nice, looked good on him, and fit well (except the sleeves.)

Actually the pillows do look cheerful, and someone seems happy with them. I love you, honey. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I swear I didn't do it on purpose.

Excuse me, friends. Gotta go. I have to Google some good crow recipes now.

(Seriously, have a great weekend, everyone!)

Posted by Alicia at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (27)

Is there a Wilson Street in your town?

This isn't the photo I sent to the Street Project, but it's one of the several I took on Wilson Blvd today. I'm going to enjoy this challenge. It's making me step out of my photography comfort zone as well as my own neighborhood to do a little exploring and (hopefully) improve my skills. Thanks, Marsha and Shari. Wonderful idea.

Posted by Alicia at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

I'm following Amy's lead today. I have a new Local Love. Kauffman Memorial Garden is just east of the Country Club Plaza here in Kansas City, and it is BEAUTIFUL! We went for a little photo shoot of the kids this morning and I will be going back often. It is close by and kind of urban yet all self-contained. It's not a playground. It's much more of a garden, but it's safe for a little running about. Take a coffee and your sketch pad, sit and relax or stroll around and enjoy the gorgeous ponds and flowers.

And don't forget your camera. : )

Posted by Alicia at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

A trash pile work table + a coat of cheap (ReStore) paint + good helpers = a happy mama.

Spring is really agreeing with me. We're checking off so many items on our outside to-do list: clearing out all the beds, raking leaves, sprucing up the patio, re-staining and painting outdoor furniture. There's plenty left to do, including making a raised bed for a small vegetable patch. J and I want to grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and a few herbs. This is the first time we've planned a garden in several years and I don't want it to overwhelm us. I'd love for it to be a family activity and a fun learning experience for all.

I've got lots on my inside to-do list this week too: sew new throw pillow covers for the couch, pack and mail a few overdue parcels, do a bit of Spring cleaning. Plus I'm dying to make some clothes for myself. Have you seen what Julie has been making? This little tunic is gorgeous. And this is adorable- I love the puffy sleeves. I'm so inspired to make a shirt or two. Just for me and just for grins. I hope it goes well 'cause I'm all about happiness right now.

Posted by Alicia at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

I've been having a hankering for Mexican food, so I put together a little impromptu fiesta late this afternoon- chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice and of course, guacamole. Brian's contribution was a few nice tart margaritas. Certainly everything one might need to end the week well.

I made way too much. Anyone hungry?

{Have a great weekend!}

Posted by Alicia at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Left: Sneak peak of a painting for Grace's daughter.
I'll show you the whole thing after she gets it.
Right: Magnolia tree down the block.
We're enjoying beautiful flowering trees this year.
(Both images are clickable.)

Happy Thursday!

Posted by Alicia at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

old plans: run errands, picnic lunch with friends, rake leaves, take a long walk

new plans: run errands, lunch at home, snuggle up for a movie, make granola

Posted by Alicia at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

I fell hard for a house today. Weak in the knees and blushing cheeks hard. I have a thing for houses. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. (Hi, Angela. How are ya, sweetie?) This house wasn't my style really. But it was wonderful. Brian's newish co-worker had a party this afternoon at her (and her architect husband's) urban in-progress, mostly rehabbed very old home. It was the perfect combination of rustic and salvaged, urban and sleek, restored yet unfinished. Totally comfortable in every way. Around every corner there was a feast for the eyes- and camera lens- and I couldn't stop gushing. I hope they didn't find it terribly strange that I spent a lot of time taking photographs. It was all just too good. Well, I realize it was strange, but they're house people too. Obviously. So I know they understand.

** edited to add: Hayley says Jack can do this for you too! Jack Rees Interiors 816.931.9699 : ) **

Posted by Alicia at 9:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Hello, friends! I hope you're doing well.

We had a wonderful trip to Texas. It was so relaxing and the three girls, my two nieces and little N, played splendidly together. Splendid. The new word of choice thanks to my (almost) three year old niece. I took about 125 pictures and that didn't include the ones I deleted on the spot. I've put just a few up over at Flickr. And IKEA? All I can say is we need one in Kansas City. Or in St. Louis. I could live with that.

The photograph above is one of my favorites from the trip. I took the girls on a short walk to the neighborhood park one morning. It had recently rained, and the sky was sort of bright but overcast and oooo, the flowers looked so vibrant and well, splendid.

I'm ready to get back to this site now. I've got a few small swaps to finish up and a couple of gifts to work on, so I may even have few arty things to share. And our yard is waking up. I think I'll spend the day tomorrow raking and digging and sprucing. It's time to get my hands dirty. Maybe I'll share a little of that too.

We'll visit soon, my friends. Take good care!

Posted by Alicia at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Is it too early for this? Are we supposed to wait until after Memorial Day or something? Well, I don't care. I'm so anxious for Spring, that I dressed us both in crops for today's 60-ish degree day.

We have planned an impromptu girls-only trip to Texas to see my sister-in-law and her family. Little N, Maw Maw and I are hitting the road next week, which means my blog break may last longer than planned. If you don't hear from me again before we leave, visit me over at Flickr. I'm having a GRAND time with the new camera and just as I suspected I would, I'm uploading way too many photos. It's already full-blown Springtime in Dallas, so there will be plenty to photograph (yipee!), and they live near an IKEA. Trouble, I tell you. Trouble.

I hope this entry finds everyone in good spirits and health. Take care, everybody!

Posted by Alicia at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)