My Little Orange Kitchen

New Place

Thing are changing in the studio and while I am not ready to share my new project, I would love to share some of my days. Please visit me here when you can...I'm posting regularly:

wwww.deeperthanallroses.com

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For early bedtimes (this is good for me since I operate on a significant sleep deficit)
• For a puppy that is finally worn out and is now snoring!
• For Crock-Pots and beef vegetable soup made with no effort at all
• For state parks with both forests and beaches and the time to go see both parts in one day
• For a neighbor who told me that he could really tell that I've lost weight and to keep doing what I'm doing because it's working.

I meditated here for about 15 minutes:

Then I walked on the beach for at least an hour:

It was a nice day.

Picture-less Post

Is there really room for a post without pictures in today's blogging world? I'm not sure, but am testing the water today.

It is a gorgeous fall Sunday and by that I mean sunny, bright and yet still very crisp. I had two round trips to Green Bay and except for the dark return home I noticed that the leaves seem to have changed overnight. One day they were green and now so many are tinged with crimson, goldenrod and my favorite...melon. I love sugar maples that turn that peachy canteloupe shade of orange. 

Yesterday Selkie, my mother and I took a two hour walk on the Mountain Bay Trail. It was so beautiful that I almost felt like I was on vacation in the mountains. We even saw deer.

I got up early, walked Selkie and then came home and cleaned my closet and got rid of two bags of clothing, shoes and purses. It may not be as traditional to do an autumn purge as it is a spring, but it felt so good. The house feels in semi-good order. Mark cleaned while I was gone yesterday and maybe it was waking up to a clean kitchen that inspired me to do something else, "domestic".

It is on days like today that I wonder why so often I clutter my days with stress and angst over things that may be important and maybe truly stressful, but could probably be pushed aside for a little peace and a quiet mind if only for a few hours. I feel relaxed and as if I could actually sit still and read for awhile and I haven't been able to do that in some time.

I could take Selkie to Pine Woods for a nice long walk, but am not sure I'm going to. She's napping and worn out from yesterday. Sometimes I forget she's still a puppy and take her a little too far down the trail before I realize that she's developed those tired red eyes boxers are famous for.

Normally, on a day like today, I'd have a report about something I decided to cook or bake, but since I am still doing Paleo, there isn't any baking going on. I know there could be, but I haven't been inspired though I may make some applesauce later. In fact, that sounds really good. I just bought a bag of organic apples, so it's doable.

Ok...I convinced myself...it's an applesauce kind of day.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep Gratitude Journal:

• 30 Days of Paleo
• Going to bed before 10 p.m.
• Pens that work
• La Croix natural berry mineral water
• For the "cartwheel" galaxy shown above. It just sounds fun. If I ever do a new blog I may have to borrow the name.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For a friend who saw that something was off last night and asked me about it.
• For tiny sweet wild grapes
• For strangers who become friends during CrossFit workouts
• For support when I shared a possible new life path with a friend
• For this song which makes me ache with the want for something that remains nameless in this moment:

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude journal:

• For setting a new personal record in deadlifting at CrossFit Green Bay-245lbs!
• For a fabric bound journal of quotes my grandmother created especially for me before she died. I rediscovered it tonight just when I needed it most. Here is one of my favorites and it helps when you don't know what to do in any given moment:

"First do that which is the nearest thing and

then the next thou shall more clearly see."

Quaker saying

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For stumbling upon this old post and having had the experience. It was a life changer and I've had many trips since, but that one was special.
• For Kohl's coupons that netted me fingerless gloves and four bracelets for almost nothing!
• For taking a little time for myself this afternoon and giving Selkie an extra walk...it was good for both of us.
• For this version of a favorite John Prine song sung by Bonnie Raitt...love this.

Inspiration Treasure Boxes

I was inspired by that dream I wrote of a few weeks ago and decided that it's time to create some inspiration for the masses! I'll be bringing these little treasure boxes to the Farmer's Market on Broadway next Wednesday.

Each one is different and filled with little things like beads, gemstones, buttons, baubles, magnets, inspiring words etc. They are $5 each and I think the little matchboxes can barely contain their pride now that they've been painted and covered in vintage postage! Too sweet and the pefect little gift to keep or give away!

OK, have you visited this blog lately...too much good stuff!

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude journal:

• For a new and talented friend who drops off unexpected treasure bags with vintage cookbook pages, the most gorgeous papers for wallets and the tiniest millefiori glass baubles you've ever seen...I can just see one on the desk of a fairy as a paperweight!!!!
• For novena candles that last for days!
• For scoring some more hairpin bases!
• For a car that never fails me

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For Sulamith Wulfing. I love this print and secretly I call it Laura Light and Dark and if you've been reading awhile, you know why.
• For finishing a 5k today, my second in a month. And to Marlene who ran the last mile and half with me for her moral support and coaching.
• For my body, because even after so many years of abuse...I'm running 5ks.
• For Selkie's sweet little face and because she still loves to cuddle.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My just before sleep gratitude list:

• For inspiring conversation with a new friend
• For an altar that feels like home (and a little background help from picnik)
• For grocery money...and knowing we're fortunate
• For yerba santa and white sage smoke cleansing the studio and me
• For Pandora

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My pre-bedtime Gratitude List:

• Cryingly grateful for a healthy and loving little puppy after a scary day at the vet
• For grapes and apples and fresh herbs
• For friends who offer good and calm advice when I'm frazzled
• For Grant at CrossFit who talked me into doing a second workout today-I needed it

I love the lullaby playing above...here are the words:
Rest your head to sleep.. Rest your head to sleep. I'm next to you to protect you.. Like sweet precious flowers. I lay you down & you sleep. Care is like a golden key.. To sleep like a small bird.. To wake up to sweet bird songs.. If you sleep Mr North Wind.If you sleep Mr North Wind He gives you a boat full of dreams.. A trip to Sifno & Amourgo.. To help rock you to sleep with the soft ocean waves.. He'll sing a lullaby.. You'll sleep and wake.. Wake and grow.. Oh.

*I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one) or even right here.

Thanks Before Dreaming*

My pre-bedtime gratitude list:

• So appreciative of the tiny bag of treasures (shown above) I received in the mail from this friend.
• For a clear evening and an early bedtime
• For water in glass bottles
• A puppy that loves people-she's learning not to jump up on them!
• This blog for inspiring me with every read and for reminding me of how much I love this:
  

  *I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my days. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one).

Chalking It Out

I was lucky enough to score these chalk blocks for pennies at my friend's latest de-stash sale and while I haven't actually used them to draw yet, I'm inspired just by looking at them and will soon. 

I'm excited because fall is officially here and I've decided to revive my Thanks Before Dreaming evening blog post series and invite you to join me. I realized awhile ago that I need a little help saving the nice moments of my day. I tend to lose sight of them as one hectic thing after another happens and my Thanks Before Dreaming bedtime ritual helps me reconnect with things that made me happy throughout the day. Creating the list is a good way to start the sleep journey on a positive note and I hope you'll try it in a journal (or blog if you have one). 

So, see you tonight and in the meantime...have a good day!

New Wallet Design

Last summer I designed a wallet with five inside pockets and one outside pocket that can function as a clutch.

I tested it and used mine for almost a full year before deciding that it was ready to be "presented". Well,  I made ten for the Flying Pig Gallery LLC in Algoma (If you haven't visited, you must!) and will be delivering them today.

They are roomier than the normal wallets even though the dimensions are about the same. The same rule applies as far as getting the most out of it and that is to allow it to stretch slowly before over-stuffing it with your cell-phone and lipstick----which it will allow in time. I carry my cell phone in mine, lipstick and I'll admit that I do push it by adding keys!

I love that now you have a total of six pockets and can keep your cards, receipts and paper money separate! Honestly...it's embarrassing how many times I've shrieked in delight over here!

The new clutches will be at the Flying Pig today and I will have a few at The Green Bay Wednesday Farmer's Market on Broadway on September 28th. My table will be in front of D.I. Y. and I plan to come loaded with goods! The price on the new clutches is $30.00.

I've been making tons of my mini collages (one inch circles)...too cute! I think they will make an appearance at the market as well...in the form of ornaments or pendants...your choice because they will come with a chain or a hook.

I hope you have a great day and here's a little inspiration!

Ilka's Attic