Things have been hectic over here and taking care of two households has finally taken its toll...on our spirits, our wallets and our patience. If our place isn't ready to go on the market in one month I may have to retire from wallets until it is. Since I love making wallets, the name of the game has been scraping away the hideous wall-paper that was in every bathroom when we moved in, painting, re-caulking tubs and sinks and basically feeling pressed hard against a time crunch wall.
After missing Kelly's birthday and not having significant time to spend with Nancy and her rarely visiting niece, I wonder how everyone else manages to do it all. Three years ago I was in a book group, a play-writing group, taking yoga, landscaping, walking on the trail daily and in my Artist's Way group. Now, I do not have time to weed our front walk and believe me, the neighbors are not happy.
I may not be loving my days right now, but I am finding minutes here and there to cherish. Today, fifteen minutes wading in the choppy water on the sandy beach in Algoma while holding my shoes, keys and cell-phone was a block of time I'm happy I took. I'm a water spirit and sometimes I forget that I need the combination of warm sand, cold water and deafeningly loud waves splashing soaking my skirt!
Synchronicities. I was out of the sewing patterns I use to line wallets and knew some thrifting would be in order. I went to the thrift store and sadly...there were none to be found. I almost left empty handed until this caught my eye.
The prettiest Christmas tablecloth I've seen in a long time. It's large, unstained, heavy cotton and was $1.99. Even at that price, I debated, but I've bought very little in recent months and this felt like a gift.
Then, I did a wallet drop at the Flying Pig in Algoma and to my surprise, delight and shock the staff had been saving more paper for me, including.....a whole bag of sewing patterns!!!!!
Then, something that only happens once in a paper lover's blue moon.
An entire box of 1961 McCalls Magazine with images that almost made me cry on the spot. I felt feel blessed...wallet material for Art Street.
And, for those of you who are aware of my not-so-secret project, you can see why this one made me cry...I'm not kidding...I needed a message from the Universe today (or rather, one that didn't make me feel picked on by the stars at large). This was it.
I will share more as I discover them. The magazines are 48 years old and need some airing and my special cork treatment before they start turning up in the purses and totes of women all over the world (I can dream!), but the inspiration I've already drawn from them is priceless.
Have a nice night and see you at the Farmer's Market tomorrow...Oh, and be sure to stop by and check out Delphian's new location. Katherine is ready for you!
What a lovely surprise for you! Sometimes you put things out there in the Universe and they come back to you... Personally I am loving the woman with the downturned eyes and the blue and gold eyeshadow, very 60s chic!
Posted by: Robin | July 07, 2009 at 08:21 PM
I love all of the images. So perfect.
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | July 07, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Laura! I have been reading your blog, I have missed you and it so much! I am back in blogland, with my bells on. I hope everything works out with your house soon! But, I am soooo jealous of the goodies you got! The ladies are all sooooo gorgeous, just like you!
Posted by: Leigh | July 08, 2009 at 01:50 AM
What a find...I wish I was there to look at the Magazines with you. What a perfect 60's year!
And that tablecloth!!!!!
How about visitng Bloomington for the holidays?
BYO-Tablecloth. :-)
Posted by: Christine Marie | July 08, 2009 at 01:55 AM
Oh my gosh! What an enviable score! Those are gorgeous. I'm with you on the finances, and although I don't wish forced frugality on anyone, it's refreshing to know I'm not the only one who debates over $1.99 on non-necessities. :)
Posted by: katie | July 08, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Don't you just love finding a surprise jackpot? You scored! I love the b&w lingerie model photo - so graceful and pretty!
Posted by: Emiko | July 09, 2009 at 12:44 AM
I didn't realize your place wasn't on the market yet. You have a great space there, it will be ready at the perfect moment to sell ;-)
Love living-being in the flow and hearing you share your stories. It's such a great feeling! - knowing/feeling all just IS. I can picture the lake - thank you for that. I miss Lake Superior. The smells, sounds, and cold sand squishing between my toes.
It'll slow down soon enough - that's what I keep telling my self in those jaunts of buzzzzing.
Posted by: Katheirne | July 10, 2009 at 07:04 PM