Snow!

{I LOVE my new camera!}

{Luco making snow angels today. He got stuck like that!}

We got about 4 inches of snow here last night. Malayna was so excited about it yesterday that when Jimmy got home from work they rushed outside to shovel and play in the snow.

Our old, 13-year-old dog Luco is like a puppy in the snow. It's so great to see him with so much energy, sticking his nose in the snow and then looking up with a face full of it. Today was supposed to be kindergarten registration day, but since our district has a two-hour delay, I'm not sure what's going on. Wouldn't you think the school district would put an announcement on their website? They're going to be getting lots of phone calls today…

{Malayna, Jimmy and Luco in the yard last night.}

Malayna and I went thrift-shopping yesterday. We got a low buffet/cabinet thingy to hold art supplies - they're overflowing! My plan was to paint it and get it organized today, so we'll see how that goes. One bad thing about living in a 100+-year-old house is that there are almost no closets. We have one downstairs for coats. We're constantly trying to think of new ways to store and organize things. With two collectors in the house, that's proving to be more and more difficult…

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Check out Scoutie Girl today!

Surface designs

More new surface designs! I'm working on a few more as we speak. I'm finding inspiration everywhere these days - went to a Valentine card-making party yesterday with some friends I haven't seen in a long time, and found myself studying the lace tablecloth. I brought home a little drawing that will become a pattern this week.

Which of these is your favorite? I love the black backgrounds. Can you tell?

Snow day!

{Snow picture from last week.}

Malayna's school is closed today due to the snow - we probably got about 2-3 inches overnight, and now it's raining. It's her first snow day! Looks like I'll have to find the sled and my snow boots!

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Go read my Scoutie Girl post!

New designs!

I've had a burst of creative energy lately - perfect for creating new designs. I had been working in Adobe Photoshop, but after talking with a few people at the Printsource show, I've switched over to Illustrator. It's so much easier to work with. The top floral is my favorite. What's yours?

Good riddance

Remember that retail job I've had for almost a year? Well, no more. I was let go on Friday because they need someone more flexible. When I interviewed there last year I told them I could not be flexible because of Malayna. She is my first priority. No one ever told me they had a problem with my schedule. I did notice some passive-aggressive behavior going on when I would take time off, though. Why can't some people just be honest and not play games?

I was given 15 minutes notice that I would no longer be working there. The owner came in at 5:15 to tell me that I was no longer needed. Nice, huh? I would've appreciated being treated with a little more respect and given at least a week's notice.

Respect is not something I should've expected from that place. They talked behind people's backs and tried to get stuff over on customers. I hated going in there, but would've stayed because of the money (not that it was much - but it was something). One person there was in five days, but only put in 12.5 hours of "work." This person had the nerve to make sarcastic comments about how many hours I worked a week. At least when I was there I actually worked. I can't say the same for everyone there.

I didn't mention my unhappiness here, because what was the point? I was trying to just stay there until I found something else, but who knows how long that would've been?

I am so happy that I don't ever have to step foot in that place again. Good things are about to happen. I can feel it!

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Today is Luco's 13th birthday. Happy birthday, buddy!

Photo Friday

Malayna's preschool had a PJ party and sing-a-long on Wednesday night. All the kids dressed in their PJs and the music teacher came to sing songs and play her guitar. It's always so great to see Malayna with her classmates. Apparently she likes to hang out with the boys, because she was running around with them, and when they would stop running she'd try to hug them. Even when they didn't want hugs. We've had to tell her quite a few times that she should ask people first if she can hug and kiss them. She doesn't listen.

36th anniversary

Today marks the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. That means 37 years ago, women did not have the freedom of choice with their own bodies that we have today. Even with Roe v. Wade in place, some people are still trying to limit our choices by supporting the Provider Conscience Rule. This Rule "would allow doctors, nurses and nearly anyone else employed in a health care setting to deny women access to birth control, based on the providers own personal belief that birth control is immoral or tantamount to abortion." This rule took effect on January 18th - just days before Obama took office. That means if a woman wants to fill her birth control prescription at her local pharmacy, a pharmacist has the right to refuse to fill it for her based on his/her beliefs. That just sounds absolutely crazy to me.

Click here to see a Reproductive Rights timeline.

Happy day

{Obama!}

Did you all watch the inauguration yesterday? It was pretty exciting! I don't remember ever actually wanting to watch one in the past. Malayna and I went to Wendy and Aidan's house and Wendy and I watched while the kids played. We told the kids to come watch when Biden was sworn in and then again when Obama took his oath. We were all clapping and cheering them on. Malayna was so inspired that she said she wants to be president and an artist when she grows up. Has there ever been an artist as president? She could be the first! Hopefully we'll have a woman as president way before Malayna is old enough to run.

Last night I made this delicious vegetarian dinner. {Thanks for the recipe, Kerry!}

Garlicky Stewed White Beans with Mixed Peppers
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped yellow or red bell pepper
1 tbsp bottled minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp dried rubbed sage
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans
or other white beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, and cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in water, sage, beans, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with black pepper.
Makes 4 servings (serving size is 1 cup).

Enjoy!

PS: See that little logo on the lower right of the TV screen above? Doesn't it look like the MLB logo?!

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Go see my Scoutie Girl post for today!

Printsource NY recap

This time last week I was in Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City with major butterflies in my stomach. My first trade show, Printsource, was starting in just two hours. Jan and I had stayed up late the night before, talking about the show and watching Law & Order. I tossed and turned all night, and each time I woke up I thought I had missed the alarm.

{Our booth at Printsource NY.}

I've told my family that if I had visited the show before before committing to doing it that I would've never signed up. I would have been way too intimidated! I am so glad that Jan asked me to share a booth {and hotel room} with her. It was the push I needed! This was an incredible learning experience: I've never shown my work in this type of show and I've never left Malayna overnight. I was more nervous about leaving her than I was about the show. The Monday morning before I left I felt sick - what if she cried when I left her at school? What if she broke down when I called her from NY? Turns out I had nothing to worry about. She and Jimmy had an awesome time together, and when I called her every night she was happy to talk to me. Whew. Looking back, it seems kind of silly to have worried about those things.

Our booth looked great. We were surrounded by other talented women - Jessica Gonacha, Samantha Hahn and Sara Schmidt. We couldn't have picked better neighbors. Four of us have blogs, and have connected in some way before the show. I wish I could spend every day with fellow female artists - talking about our work, sharing tips and cheering each other on. {And sharing the trail mix that Jan's husband made for us.}

{Me and Jan in our booth.}

{Samantha Hahn}

{Jessica Gonacha}

{Taking pictures before the show.}

Jan and I coordinated our display in the days preceding the show {with about a million emails}, and our work looked so good together that people hardly noticed it was from two different artists. We got great feedback on our designs, and many people stopping by gave us contact information that we never would've gotten if we hadn't done the show. It was interesting to see the different buyers walking by {everyone wore name tags}, like Target, Macy's, Bath & Body Works, Barnes & Noble.

{From left: me, Jan, Jessica, Michelle, Sara, Samantha.}

Wednesday night's dinner was Thai food, at a restaurant Samantha recommended. The food was great, but what was even better was sitting at that table surrounded by talent, talking about work and art. Jan, Jessica, Samantha, Sara, and Michelle {who took the train from NJ to meet with us} are such an inspiration. Thanks, ladies!

Jan, Jessica and Samantha all posted about their show experiences, too.

PS: I've started to create a website for my surface designs. Check it out here: Lisa Kelley Studio.

Off to NY!

I am leaving for New York in about a half hour for the Printsource show. I was okay until I wrote that - now I'm nervous!

I took Malayna to school this morning, and she was perfectly fine. I was afraid she'd cry, knowing that she wouldn't see me tonight. She and Jimmy have lots of fun activities planned in my absence - like Smith Playhouse on Tuesday, school and the library on Wednesday and the Please Touch Museum on Thursday. Today she's with mom-mom and pop-pop, and they're probably buying her yet another baby doll.

I made her a paper chain with four links on it - one for each day that I'd be gone. I told her to rip one off each night so that she'd have a visual of the number of days left until I come back. {Thanks for the suggestion, Jan!}

Hopefully I'll find some time {and some Wifi} to update here later in the week. If not, I'll post again on Friday!

Back to work

I go back to work today after having two weeks off. It's raining here, and icy in some places. I was really wishing the ice was so bad that I'd have to stay home today. No such luck!

Next week at this time I'll be in New York at the Printsource show. Yikes! I'm really nervous about leaving Malayna for three nights {for the first time.}. I know she'll be fine - I'm worried about me! Hopefully I'll be so busy that I won't have time to think about it. I created some more designs over the Christmas break. What do you think?

{Check out my Scoutie Girl post for today!}

New Year

{Jimmy, me, Malayna and Molly at my parents' house on Christmas.}

Hello and happy new year! How were your holidays? Ours were fun and very busy. Jimmy was on vacation from December 22nd to January 5th, so we did lots of things together as a family.

We celebrated Malayna's fifth birthday right before Christmas. Those five years flew by. I know everyone says that, but it's really true. One day you're holding, feeding and changing a tiny baby and the next you're watching the same child run happily into her classroom, greet her friends and kiss you goodbye.

{Malayna and Jimmy in front of City Hall in Philadelphia.}

We went to lots of parties, met with friends and family, and caught up with people we haven't seen in a while. Malayna got to play with cousins she'd never met before. We went to the holiday light show at Macy's in Philadelphia - something both Jimmy and I did with our families as kids. We took Malayna to Disney on Ice and I had my fill of princesses for the year.

Artie came by for a visit for the first time since he left in 2005. It was a great visit - he and Malayna painted together and reminisced over some old photos of the two of them. He stayed for dinner, which he, Jimmy and Jimmy's brother Philip made together. He gave Luco lots of hugs, and told him how old he looked. He told us how sorry he was that he left - how it was a big mistake on his part. I wish I could say that this story has a happy ending. We were supposed to see him again on New Year's day - we were going to pick him up and go to my parents' house for dinner. I called him over and over that morning, but he never called back and never showed up. I had a feeling that would happen, so I'm glad I didn't tell Malayna about the visit. I'm sure he's using again, so I'm not calling him. I'll treasure that good day we had.

{Malayna - in her Diego costume - and Artie looking at old pictures.}

I've been posting pictures on flickr with my new camera! It's a Canon Rebel and I LOVE it.

How were your holidays?

happy birthday, Malayna

Happy, happy 5th birthday, Malayna.

Photo Friday

Malayna's first school birthday celebration was a big hit! I got there a little early and she and her classmates were still working on their secret holiday projects. Some were finished and waiting for the others, so one of her teachers asked me if I'd like to read the class a book. It was so nice to read to them and look over to see Malayna with a big, proud smile on her face. She was so happy I was there. When we were going home that day I told Malayna that I was glad I could be there with her and also read a story to the class. She said, "Me too. I like to hear your voice."

Earlier this week I decided that we needed a picture of Malayna and Luco for our Christmas cards. Ha! Malayna cooperated, Luco did not. I think he would've rather been sleeping. She loves the ones with him yawning. Which one do you like best?

{Making chocolate chip cookies for the school party.}

{Celebrating with friends.}

{The birthday girl.}

{One more try for that holiday picture.
Not quite what I was looking for…}

Celebrations

Let the birthday celebrations begin! Malayna will be five next Monday {the 22nd}, and today I'll be taking the cookies we made last night to school for a little birthday celebration. On Saturday we'll have family here for a little party; Sunday is her Little Gym party with all her friends; Monday is her birthday - Jimmy and I will give her presents that day and take her out to her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden. We'll probably have them sing to her - something that would've been a huge mistake last year.

I am so happy with the way she has matured the past year. She loves school, and last week when she had to stay home one day because she was sick, she was upset and said, "But I'll miss all the fun!" Her behavior is much more manageable than it was last year - there were times when we wouldn't do things because we were worried about how she would react. These past few months she has been a pleasure to be around. She's funny, sweet, smart, creative, curious and still very innocent. I love hearing what she has to say - about being five, what kinds of foods she likes and why, how much she wants a little brother {or a chihuahua}, how people who throw trash on the ground are litterbugs…

In a word, she is awesome.

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Check out my Scoutie Girl post today!

Photo Friday (on Monday)

Sooooo… Let's just say that I'll be blogging less around the holidays. That way I don't have to keep apologizing for slacking!

Since I skipped Photo Friday {and someone was wondering where it was!}, here are some photos from the past week or so. I must say that I'm really happy I didn't schedule any more shows after November 30th. I'm enjoying my weekends with Malayna and Jimmy.

{Lily, Malayna and their babies.}

{Rockin' out to Weezer's Troublemaker.}

{Delivered this clock to a friend this weekend.}

{Went on a carriage ride during our
neighborhood's holiday celebration.}

{My new favorite picture of Malayna.
Taken at the neighborhood holiday celebration.}

{Me and Malayna. Taken at the
neighborhood holiday celebration.}

{Choosing our Christmas tree.}

{Jimmy and Malayna carrying the tree home.}

{Decorating the tree. Must get a picture of the finished
tree - with all the decorations on the bottom half.}

{Even Luco helped.}

One week later…

Holy moly - it's been an entire week since I last posted?! I'll update you on the exciting things happening around here. {That was sarcasm…}

• We took the rocking chair out of Malayna's room this weekend. It was the last of the baby things left in her room, and we really haven't used it in a few months. She needs the space in her room for a Christmas present - a new baby doll crib. {Shhh - don't tell her!} We had a little goodbye ceremony - she and I sat in the chair and read some books. She also pretended she was a baby who was falling asleep in my arms. It was a little sad!

• We're planning Malayna's fifth birthday party. Will someone please tell me how she got to be FIVE? It's such a cliche, but the time really does go so fast. She wants to invite every child in her class, plus just about everyone she's ever met.

• We attended a birthday party this past weekend and I was reminded {again} of why I have one child. Enough said.

• I'm addicted to Facebook.

• Today I'll be working on a few clock orders and doing some sketches for Christmas presents. I also have about five hundred errands to run, so wish me luck.

Have a good Monday!

Shows and the holidays

{Making cookies.}

Now is the time of year when I'm usually busy every weekend with shows, and busy making things all hours of the day and night to keep my inventory stocked. This year is different. I purposely did not schedule any more shows after yesterday's Holiday Trunk Show. I want to be able to enjoy the holidays without being away from Jimmy and Malayna every weekend. I want to actually send Christmas cards. I want to decorate the house before December 24th. I may even go to a few craft shows as a customer.

Malayna and I started decorating over the weekend, and even made our first batch of holiday chocolate chip cookies {many more to come!}. We'll do more decorating this coming weekend, and we may even get our tree.

Since I don't have any more shows, I'm going to concentrate on getting my designs ready for Printsource NY in January. I'll also be updating my website, something I haven't done in months. After the update, I'll be having a sale - so check back here later in the week for the scoop.

Have a good Monday!