Mayfly

Last night was book club, and it was here at my house. I love my book club. Have I said that before? It's a great, diverse group of ladies. We read The Glass Castle this month and it was good- sad but interesting- but here's the part I like the best about my book club: We have a strict, NO GUILT policy. If you didn't read the book, you must come anyway. The book discussion only lasts a few minutes, and then it's on to the food and wine and girl talk. It's always a fun evening.

I made this spread to smear on this bread and a peach blueberry cobbler. Mmmmmmm. (If you like olives- make the dip. It's gooooooooood.)

These dishes will have to wait. I need a shower, to run an errand, and then we're going on a lunch date with my mom!

Have a great day.

p.s. Have you seen this website? days with my father
It is terrifically beautiful and thoughtful and heartbreaking. I'm warning you. Have a box of tissues at the ready.

Posted by Alicia at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

* autumn findings in my father's bowl by Heather Smith Jones (now in her shop!)
** my target tote
*** my coffee and the book.

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* Can this dark blue-green be my Fall color, please? It was Heather's photo that did it. I decided when I first laid my eyes on that bowl, it should be my color for the season.

** I've been wanting a larger tote to hold my stuff which usually includes two cameras, so when I ran across this bag on super clearance at Target I took it as a sign that it was okay to break our newly imposed No Unnecessary Spending Rule. I'm calling it a business expense.

*** It's a wonderful book indeed and a wonderful gesture from a dear friend.

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It's Tuesday and that means a new set of collections will be up at Echoes later today!

Posted by Alicia at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

Thrifted books from 1963 that I picked up yesterday for a quarter each. They're very olde time (and that is pronounced oldee timee.) Normally I don't even look at the mess o' books, but these were in a neat little stack off to the side and I couldn't resist. I behaved- they were all I got.

Maw Maw (Brian's mom) got this pumpkin dress at the Scholar Shop where she volunteers. It isn't all that well made but it is handmade and I like that. Plus it's so darned cute on her. I wish I had the pattern. I'd make her a few more.

Buying second hand makes my heart happy.

p.s. Several of you asked about the "financial guy" that I mentioned yesterday. I think I might do a little quick post on that soon. It's a put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is kind of thing. ; )

Posted by Alicia at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Sorry about that! I intended to post here early, but we went walking with my mom and got distracted by a biscuit covered in gravy, then a thrift store and an estate sale on the walk back. Surely you know how that goes. ; )

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First up, our Wild Guys:

Sweet Cindy at Skip to My Lou has been hosting a series of guests this week to raise awareness for the Read to Feed program, and she asked me to join in! We looked over one of our favorite books, Where the Wild Things Are, and then made our own Wild Guys. There's a quick step-by-step over there for these funny critters.

They were so simple and turned out pretty cute, but I'm always such a sucker for my kids' artwork. Please go have a look-see and check out all the other guest crafters.

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Up next is the give-away. Remember this artist tote? It's been waiting patiently in the shop. I was going to pull it to re-list later, but it's doing me no good hanging here looking nice in the studio. It's linen and cotton with the little bird on the front and is heavy and hangs low on the hip. The folks who have purchased them in the past have been pleased. Interested? Leave me a comment on this post (don't forget your email address), and I'll draw a name Tuesday morning. It doesn't matter where you live, I'll ship it to you. And hey! My quiet in-town friends. Yes, YOU! Leave a comment. You'll be in the running too.

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Lastly I want to say thank you to all of you, who come here and support me and laugh with me and cheer me on and inspire me and give me advice. It really is a fun place to hang out. I mean it. Thanks.

(Oh, and go wish Rachel a happy birthday, will ya?)

Posted by Alicia at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (126)

See, I had this (sort of) snappy idea to post stacks of things this week- things I've been working on or that are cluttering up this house of ours, but I've already messed it up. You'll have to take my word for the first couple of stacks.

Stack # 1: (this is where you imagine the clever photo of me balancing a tower packages.) A tall stack of parcels is off. One contained a pair baby dolls. One was a little surprise that I've had for months. One was the most recent Noticing Project print order off to Heather. Molly and Veronica, are you reading? Your prints will be coming to you soon.

Stack # 2: (insert another imaginary photograph here.) The best thrift store haul I've scored in a long time. A huge stack of clothes for the kids, a great pair of boots for myself, a handmade scarf, it goes on.. all for under twenty bucks!

Stack #3: FINALLY, a photo.

Poetry! I am LOVING it. I made a list of your suggestions and reluctantly dragged my feet to my library. Surprising enough, this stack has me completely distracted. I can sit and read for quite awhile or I can pick through and read for just a moment, ponder, and move on, but before long it calls me back. Who knew? Well, you all did, didn't you? I'm reading poetry aloud to Brian (thank goodness he's not the kind of guy that finds it completely annoying) for Pete's sake. I've requested a bunch more from the library too. Thank you, thank you! I'm really getting it.

That's all of the stacks for today. There will be more...

maybe.

Posted by Alicia at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

for book club.

I didn't choose the book, but the meeting is here at our house. How lame will I be if I don't finish the book and I'm the hostess? Very.

Gotta go read.

Posted by Alicia at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

It is just as simple and bittersweet and incredible as I suspected it would be. The only thing I dislike about the library is saying goodbye to the books I've fallen for.

Posted by Alicia at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)