Shhhh...don't tell anyone...

I thought I could hold out checking my email while I was on the cruise ship this week, but I just couldn't do it!

We had an amazing day today at Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del San Lucas (not sure if I have that name right). The day was absolutely fantastic! We did an excursion that included everything from a catamaran ride, a glass blowing factory, a cacti 'farm', drinks overlooking the incredible shoreline, lunch at a restaurant called Shooters where we talked to a couple who own a condo there and come for two months a year. The weather was unseasonably warm, but still enjoyable most of the day.

I think I'll turn in early - we were so tired we could hardly eat tonight.

I've been waiting for this day for about 7 years...

My friends, William and Carole and I finally linked up and I'm going to their ranch tonight for dinner!!!

I first met William and Carole when they walked into the real estate office where I worked looking for a ranch on the Central Coast of California. We looked at ranches for probably two years and I bid them a fond farewell when I left the real estate business to go back to work in the craft industry. We've kept in touch all these years and they finally found their ranch about a year ago.

It's been a long, fun journey, but we haven't kept up with real personal stuff so I'm heading their tonight and I can't wait. When I first got in contact with them a few months ago and said I was moving to the coast they told me they had put the ranch up for sale. Can't wait to hear those details after their long search.

I got my spray on tan this morning so I don't scare the residents of Cabo with my white legs. I've gotten pretty tanned since I spend a lot of time outside, but those legs...

The weather is fantastic today and butterflies are flying outside my window. The weather has been too fantastic for my newly planted ground cover - the hot weather has cooked the poor little things.

My sister-in-law called yesterday and we finally have a place for my brother's surprise 40th birthday party early next month. We're going to meet at the bar on the ship sometime this week and make final plans - he's an airplane buff, so we're thinking lots of little plane gliders on the tables - it'll give the kids (and big kids) something to do.

Time to get copy finished up on a brochure I'm working on. It's extremely fun - my photographer friend is starting a high-end children's portraiture studio with four incredible settings. I never know what I'll be writing about - that's what makes what I do so interesting - it's never boring!

Take care,
Joan

Ahhhh, life...

My weekend didn't turn out anything like I'd planned. I was sick in bed for a couple of days and had to cancel getting together with a former co-worker and my gourmet dinner group. But, I knew if I didn't get over whatever I had soon, I'd regret it.

I did have a very nice lunch with another former co-worker and her husband this afternoon. It was an excuse to clean up my house and make some decisions on decor that wasn't quite right - so up and down on the ladder I went. I'm still not 100% satisfied, but I'm feeling better about it. It was like Christmas when I opened up all the boxes from storage and found my treasures that had been stored away for 3-1/2 years. I tried to cram every little trinket somewhere in the house, managing only to make a hodge-podge look.

I dabbled in real estate after the Aleene's bankruptcy and I came to know a couple quite well. They wanted a ranch and I showed them ranches up and down the central coast for quite some time. It was a challenge because they lived 3 months in the States and 3 months in Japan. So, we'd go look at ranches when they were here and the other three months I'd look for them the perfect ranch. Anyway, we spent a lot of time together and they'd always send me their Christmas newsletter - most of the time from very exotic locations. They finally bought a ranch nearby and we've been trying to link up and haven't been able to. I finally talked to the wife tonight and she was excited to hear from me. They were in the middle of a party, so we're catching up tomorrow. I can't wait! They ALWAYS have interesting stories. I don't remember when the last time I saw them was - I know for sure it's been more than 5 years. Time flies...and so must I.

Make it a great week!
Joan

Yard Work, Tarantulas, Beautiful Weather, Family...

What a weekend! My brother and family came Friday night and stayed through Monday night. We got down and dirty in the front yard - moved tons of dirt, built a couple retaining walls and planted plants. In there they went surfing several times and we spent one afternoon with my oldest nephew for his 30th birthday. I am exhausted!!!

My up-the-hill neighbor brought down a tarantula and later in the weekend we were graced with one ourselves! It was a critter weekend - two tarantulas and one giganto potato bug - yucko!!!

It hasn't been a productive week for me, but now it's time to go into warp speed - I got an email from a former co-worker of mine yesterday and he'll be in town for a bachelor party weekend, so we're getting together on Friday - we just might have to sit and have some lemonade on my new patio overlooking Morro Rock and the beach. I just found out today that Saturday night is the newcomers gourmet dinner group get together and then Sunday, a friend is here and we're going to dinner. One thing about paradise, your friends come to visit!!! Love it!

Joan

Voice Over, Sitting Around the Fire, Catching Up with Friends...

I'm finally back home in a bit of a mental fog this afternoon. My couple of days in The Valley were awesome - I love when I can mix work and lots of pleasure.

I got to brother's house late in the evening on Tuesday expecting everyone to be inside watching tv or doing homework. When I pulled up to where my 'home away from home' always is (I have a standing reservation in their trailer when I'm in the area) - but this time, I was greeted with a fire in the fire pit where he and his younger son were sitting. We sat and chatted on a beautifully clear evening and later, Justin, my older nephew, came out and we popped pop corn over the fire. My sister-in-law corralled the boys to take showers and David and I sat and watched for satellites (he'd seen 3 pass over that night) and talked about life. He's turning forty next month and he's been thinking a lot about health, family and the future. Hmmmm...sounds very familiar. The last couple of times I've been in the area, my brother has been sweet enough to make sure an outside light is on on the trailer and my bed is ready to go - he even fixed us all breakfast a couple weeks ago.

I was up early on Wednesday, got lots of liquids to soothe my throat and headed to Fresno to do voice overs for the video scripts I wrote. It was just two of us in a huge studio with sound buffers around me to keep down the echo and a big microphone that I practically had to swallow because I had to be so close - I did voice overs from 9 until after 1! The person recording the voice overs was very meticulous (no complaint here!) but I would never have imagined 5 pages of script to take so many hours. It was hard to make the topic upbeat, but I read the lines over and over and stumbled over some words and read them again and again with different inflections. If he asked me to do it again, I wouldn't hesitate - something else to put on my resume and it was fun. The voice overs went so long I had to cancel lunch plans with a friend which is a bummer, but she's coming over to visit in a couple of weeks, so it wasn't so bad.

Wednesday night, I had dinner with my friend Frances. I had forgotten how much I missed her laugh, her guidance and her friendship!!! After dinner, we just got in the car and drove and drove and ended up in the next town shopping at Wal-Mart. It was late when I drove back to Lemoore across the back country roads and once again, my bro had so nicely left the light on for me.

I saw my mom and dad for a few minutes this morning before heading home. My whole family is heading this way to celebrate my nephew's 30th birthday this weekend and since we got rained out last weekend, David and I are going to work in my front yard - I hope to get it ALL done, he's not quite that optimistic.

Enjoy your day!
Joan

Harbor Festival, Thanksgiving Ideas, an Anniversary and Just Plain ol' Life!

Congratulations Frances & Rudy! It's been two years today that my friends Frances and Rudy were married in a very beautiful setting near Kings Canyon National Park. Wonky cakes were the centerpiece on EACH table sitting on cake stands that Rudy altered by adding lights around the plates. I was part of the wedding party dressed in my favorite color - burgundy - the wedding was so filled with romance, beauty, margarita machines, family and friends. So very beautiful and touching! It all started with me saying to Frances one day at work "If not now, when?" I have been saying those very words to myself a lot lately...so, what are you waiting for?

Yesterday was the Morro Bay Harbor Festival and it was such a delightful day - my sister and nephew came over and we ate delicious bbq, touched crabs and starfish in a touching tank, talked to people who have been restoring a lighthouse nearby, listened to bands (there were three) and I even danced with a stranger on the sidewalk for a couple of seconds. We went into a restaurant that had been calling to all of us for some time but we just had never gone in. It's called The Fireman's $5 Dinner. Customers were encouraged to decorate pieces of flat, thin styrofoam and stick them on the walls and ceiling - some were elaborately decorated, but most were sayings about firemen with a little bit of policeman humor too.

So, my sister, nephew and I got on the discussion of Thanksgiving. Our holiday festivities get pretty complicated with my sister having sons who live out of the area and my brothers family alternates with my sister-in-laws family. I mentioned that Dad wanted to have Thanksgiving out in the barn (I guess my little Thanksgiving hayride and desserts in the barn last year was a hit with him). Well, that conversation escalated to plans of doing the whole dinner outside at my brother's firepit two doors down from my parents. We even planned the menu, thinking of things that could be cooked easily. I was speculating that with an engineer for a nephew that he'd motorize a spit for the turkey (I think that would be cheating.) Now, the pies are a different story! We haven't figured out that one - my sister suggested an apple cobbler in a Dutch oven. I even mentioned that Dad has told us over the years how he churned butter as a kid. It actually sounds exciting. We even discussed bartering or trading neighbors for the things we need - eggs, milk (she types shaking her head!) We'll see how far this goes. I'll chat with my mom about it when I see her tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it's a day of catching up on video editings for You Tube (I'll let you know when they're posted!), getting ready to head to The Valley to do the video voice overs and see family and friends. I still haven't gotten all my cruise clothes together - I need to do that SOON before the stores are completely out of summer clothes.

Make it a great week!
Joan

My View On This Day
My neighbors always have a special flag flying - one morning I woke up to a smiling lobster!

You can see the stacks of the power plant to the left - that's what we're touring later today and it looks like a fantastic day to be out and about. First, to finish my kitchen curtains and clean before I have company.

Have a bootiful day!
Joan

Fall Weekend

My weekend plans totally changed with a wonderful storm that blew in last night. My brother and I cancelled our plans to work in the yard - I'm a little disappointed, because I'd really like to get it done, but I know there's nothing we could do about it. So, it has turned into a lazy day - I didn't sleep all that well last night, I kept waking up and I finally had to get up and take down a wind chime I have outside. It was one of those nights when the brain would not shut down.

My sister called this morning to solidify our plans for tomorrow's power plant tour and we wound up talking for an hour while comparing the storm - she lives 20 minutes away. Her oldest son is celebrating his 30th birthday (how can it be possible?) this week, so we finalized plans for his party next weekend.

I have many projects I'd like to dive into, but the couch keeps calling my name. I did practice my singing this morning - I just might be getting together with a friend to sing a few bars this week so I thought I'd get warmed up. I took to heart the email my friend sent me about singing and how we just need to let it bring happiness to us with no regard as to if it's good or bad.

I had another one of those you never know things happen yesterday - I got a call from the people I was working with on the writing job I just finished up. They asked if I would do the voice over for the project - that means me reading the words I wrote and it being added to video presentations that will be shown to huge corporations to educate them about their products. I accepted (actually I was honored) and will head back to Fresno this week to do that and I've already set up lunch and dinners to catch up with my friends. This is turning out to be the best of all worlds - fabulous weather and opportunities to see my friends and family.

Since my weekend plans went away, I started sorting through some more things and came across a CD with the butterfly pictures on them from four years ago and thought I'd share their beauty.

Relax and enjoy your Saturday,

Joan

Today is the two month anniversary of my BIG move to Morro Bay. Many thoughts came to mind and in thinking back I have accomplished many, many things - most very small but some very BIG.

I joined a newcomers club with off-shoots from the main group depending on your interests. Last week I had the wonderful pleasure of attending my first Gourmet Dinner group. Ten ladies gathered at a home where we enjoyed lovely food and interesting conversation until very late. The ladies are very diverse in education, jobs and families and our topics ranged from the overuse of antibiotics to wine to men. There was NEVER a dull moment. It's fun to be thinking about what I will serve when it's my turn, a theme, a special place - maybe a beach party! All of a sudden Beach Blanket Bingo came to mind - hmmmmm...there might be something to that!

I finished up a very rewarding writing job today. The people I worked with were very appreciative and very professional. This job has been 'hanging over my head' since before I moved and I'm happy to have it off my to do list. There was an added twist to this job - I connected with an elementary school classmate who works there. I was emailing her about our elementary school centennial and she said she'd mailed off a package to a Joan Fee that week - small, small world!

I am very excited about this weekend (mixed with a little dread) that my brother is coming over and we're going to work in my front yard - it's been neglected for years and years and at this point is an eyesore with dirt, weeds and a few of my flowers sprinkled along the outskirts. The people who lived here before drove their truck in the yard so there are ruts and holes. We will be adding soil, putting in a retaining wall and pavers to cover the yard area. It's also Harbor Festival this weekend which means tons of entertainment and we're even going on a tour of the power plant - it's the other thing besides Morro Rock that dominates the skyline.

Last weekend was my elementary school centennial. Our principal and his wife had been at the school for 47 years and she passed away earlier this year so his speech was very emotional. One of the stories he told was how he and his wife moved from Iowa to The Island School District and sat crying at their kitchen table when they first got here because they actually thought they were moving to an island. The Island gets its name because it's a strip of land (pretty big strip) between two rivers. Mrs. Wilson was my seventh grade teacher and both were a great inspiration to me and my family since I was in kindergarten - actually before that because my sister went to school there also (my younger brother graduated from there too, he now works there and his two sons attend school there).

My next door neighbors got into the spirit today - a new Halloween flag was flying by this afternoon with orange lights adorning their patio and I see purple light in their kitchen window. It's fabulous to have neighbors who get in the spirit.

I am so looking forward to Cruisin' to Cabo later this month. It's a five day cruise (plus we're leaving a day early to spend some time in San Diego (one of my favorite cities!) the day before we leave. We're only at Cabo for a day, so we're planning our leisure time on the ship - lots of reading, lots of doing nothing and more doing nothing. The dynamics of 14 people in one group will be interesting and in talking about our day in Cabo, it seems as though we all want to do something different - we'll see how that plays out.

The weather is absolutely fantastic - I have lived in Morro Bay before, but I don't remember it being such a joy during the fall.

The sun has set on another beautiful day and it's time to chill - tomorrow's a big day - I get to order fill dirt, retainer wall bricks and pavers! Yippeee!!! My sister reminded me to take before and after photos.

I will leave you with a quote from a friend - it's about singing, but it can be about anything that brings you happiness be it knitting, crafting - whatever..."Singing is medicine for the soul, good or bad singing will still bring happiness to the singer. "

Joan

Class Reunion

Amazing Weekend

It is soooo hard to leave paradise, but I had to do it this weekend. My high school class gets together once a year and this weekend was it - can it possibly be another year has passed?

Friday night a bunch of us gathered at our old high school for the football game. One of our classmates showed up who we hadn't seen since graduation. I won't say how many years that's been, but it's quite a few! Of course we didn't watch the football game, we chatted away the evening catching up on grandkids and kids and gossip.

My brother and family have a travel trailer, so they let me 'rent' it on weekends when I'm there - that way I don't inconvenience my parents or my brother's family. When I got back from the game, my brother came out to talk to me and we stayed up until 1:00 a.m. solving the problems of the world. He's coming over in a couple of weeks to help me redo my front yard - yipppeeee!!! I can't wait! It's going to involve a retaining wall and lots of paver bricks.

I was fortunate to get a last minute appointment on Saturday in Fresno with my hair guy, Ben. It's tough in a new town not knowing who to go to. It was fun catching up with Ben - seems as though everyone I know goes to him, so it's like old home week when I see him.

Saturday night was time to assemble the ol' class again. I had the most delightful people to talk to at dinner - she is a classmate of mine and she and her husband tour the world doing exciting things - they're off next month to some exciting place I'd never heard of to scuba dive. Carol was driving a Can Am - I'd never heard of them, but it's pretty cool - ladies, there's even a trunk so you can go shopping!!! They were off the next day to my new town for lunch.

After dinner we went to a local restaurant and took over the back patio to chat and listen to one of our classmates play guitar and sing. For four hours we just sat, enjoyed the music and company of friends. I had the worst headache late that night, crawled into bed around 1:30 with my head still pounding. I woke up early the next morning so sick. I laid around and when I finally felt better, my mom called me over to their house for a photo op (she and my dad live two doors away from my brother and family). One of the photos is at the top of the page - it's part of their old barn. My mom had to stage it - I just like to take photos of things how they are without altering them, but she was so excited about it, I couldn't stop her.

It's nice to be back home again, but it got my behind in gear today to get going on some projects - all of a sudden I have everyone from my class coming to 'paradise' - there's a girl's getaway weekend already planned - I heard something about wine, chocolate, food and kayaking - one of the girls has 3 kayaks!

Here's a picture of milo planted on my parents farm.

Creatively,

Joan

I have a TON of Aleene's vintage magazines and books up on ebay - check them out!!!

Item #
170262980913

Leaf Memory Box

Decoupage is my favorite - it's so easy and sooooo versatile. Use silk or collect real leaves on your walks. The Aleene's Instant Decoupage preserves the colors and keeps the leaves from becoming brittle.

Here's What You Need
Acrylic spray paint - your choice of colors
Paper mache box
Aleene's Instant Decoupage - Matte
Leaves - dried or silk
Foam brush

Here's What To Do
1. Spray paint box. Let dry.
2. Brush Instant Decoupage on back of one leaf. Place on box where desired. Brush a coat of Instant Decoupage over leaf. Repeat for all leaves.

Backpack

Back to School Backpack

Whether you're 9 or 90 and heading back to school, make toting your stuff an expression of you!

Here's What You Need!
Aleene's Fabric Fusion
Tulip Glam-It-Up! Iron-On Crystals
Tulip Cordless Heat-Setting Tool
Backpack
Chalk pencil
Trim with dangles
Studs, star shape

Here's How to Make It!
1. Draw letters on center of backpack, using chalk pencil. Place Crystals over letters. Preheat Heat-Setting Tool following package instructions. Gently press Tool on top of a Crystal and hold for a few seconds. Let cool. Touch to make sure it is adhered. If not, reheat. Continue with all Crystals.
2. Glue studs randomly on backpack.
3. Glue trim where desired. Let dry.
4. Add Crystals along edge of trim.

Aleene's Creative Living Publications

Aleene's Creative Living Magazines and Books

I'm cleaning and really want to find good homes for a ton of Aleene's Creative Living magazines and books. I have thought many times this week that I could just take them down to the local thrift store, but I want them to go to someone who knows the history and would appreciate them. Please email me if you're interested and we'll work something out. craftproducts@yahoo.com

Joan

Random Acts of Kindness

Little Things Make People's Day

I had a most delightful Labor Day Weekend and in looking back it was the random acts of kindness, surprises or just people doing things for others that stand out in my mind.

Let's start with this morning - I heard the wind blowing pretty hard as I was laying in bed. I just knew that my trash cans, that I'd heaped to overflowing, would have fallen over and strewn trash all over. Indeed the trash was everywhere, but someone had been kind enough to have picked up my trashcans and faced them so they wouldn't fall over again. I went down the street and picked up my garbage - wouldn't you know it, my parents had given me loads of tomatoes and some had 'gone passed their prime' and I'd put them in the trash - one had rolled most of the way down the hill. The wind did blow over my trashcans twice more this morning, but in looking at it, it isn't a big deal, just one of those things.

Another instance of kindness - I bought a coffee table this weekend and a neighbor saw me struggling to get it out of my car and came over to help. It took less than a minute, but meant so much.

I attended a small orchid show and I was greeted with a complimentary orchid. I love orchids but hesitate to buy them because I can never get them to bloom again. Keep your fingers crossed with this one.

And, looking back over my last week, there were a couple other instances that I chalked up to living in a small town. My windshield wipers were shot, so I went to my local auto supply store and they put them on for me - no charge, just offered. I learned something that day - that the left and right windshield wipers aren't the same size - duh!

These instances remind me to be mindful of others (and myself) - even a smile will brighten someones day.

Here's smiling at you!

Joan

This Week

Aprons and More Aprons!!!

It's been a whirlwind week with lots happening, but the thing that keeps coming back to me about the week is APRONS!!! Late last week I had the pleasure of editing instructions for seven aprons that the Duncan designers created for an upcoming Belle Armoire issue. They ranged from one that Cheryl Ball created that I called a Lucille Ball apron to a Peace Apron. All very clever and all very different.

Last Saturday, I met up with Cheryl Ball who was selling her handmade items at the Paso Robles Olive Oil Festival. She had the best aprons for sale - while I stood there she sold 3 (one with an olive on it, of course) and she's making some aprons for a new bakery that just opened in Paso. Cheryl's wasn't the only booth selling aprons, there was another one, but she was charging over $40 for hers. On my way out of town, I stopped at a quilt store and there were more aprons!!! I see the apron I bought on my last vacation is hanging in my storage building - time to get it out and at least make it a part of my kitchen decor. On Sunday, Cheryl, her sister Krissy and I had brunch in Morro Bay. It was nice to catch up with both of them.

Looking back on last week, I don't know how I fit it all in. A former co-worker mentioned about me being a butterfly and after just watching one in my yard fluttering around for place to place, I think she hit the nail on the head. I DO have to post pictures of my butterfly bathroom - I keep forgetting.

Last Wednesday I attended my first newcomer's club meeting - it was fabulous - the energy of the sixty-five ladies was fantastic. They have little off-shoot groups - one is for Chick Flicks, one gourmet cooking, one gardening and the one that was formed that day was The Valley Girls. It seems as though about 85% of the members are from The San Joaquin Valley - that shouldn't have been a surprise to me since that's where I'm from and here is where a lot of the Valley people vacation to get away from the heat.

Last Wednesday night I visited with Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica. She was in a nearby town debuting her new product line - the line I spent over a year editing instructions, writing packaging copy and getting it translated - it was a BIG job. It was so fun to see Kathy in all her glory. I had dinner with Kathy and her husband, Patrick. What a terrific evening! Thanks Kathy and Patrick for sharing your evening with me.

Saturday was spent shopping - I bought a most gorgeous Mission-style bookcase, begged my sister and nephew to come over and help me unload it - I bribed them with ice cream. We spent the rest of the evening chatting and having fun. My sister and husband lived in this house for a while way, way, back.

I also found some outstanding bargains on summer clothes - 75% at Penney's. I need summer clothes because...I'm going on a cruise to Cabo in October. I'm going with 14 very party people, so it will be fun and it's a place I've never been.

The rest of the weekend was spent organizing my storage building, putting books on my bookshelf and going through old files - being totally afraid to throw papers away. I figure I can always track stuff down if I had to.

I have been busy working in my yard, planting flowers and trying to figure out what to do with a yard that's pretty much just dirt...I'm sure you'll hear about that again.

The weather as been absolutely fantastic, so I've been taking lots of walks and everyday I have the windows open to let in the sounds of the ocean and the fresh air.

Well, my friends, I must get back to work - be sure to check out http://www.duncancrafts.com/ - we're adding over 50 new projects this month on the crafts and ceramics websites - everything from Halloween costumes for your dog to a garden candlestick to a Crafty Chica project - can't tell you what it is!

Enjoy your day!
joan

Here's what I woke up to this morning...
It's a busy day - freelance work for Duncan, a newcomers luncheon (it's a Western theme, so I tied a handkerchief around my neck - it's all I could find with most of my stuff still packed away!) and I GET TO HANG WITH THE CRAFTY CHICA TONIGHT!!!

Blast Off!

Change, Change, CHANGE! (and I'm not talking about the stuff in my pocket!)

















A HUGE opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it without hesitation or fear (totally unlike me!)

While on my vacation at the ocean a couple months ago I knew I absolutely belonged there - I felt at peace, relaxed and comfortable. Not too long after I got home from vacation I got an unexpected phone call from my parents - one of their rental houses became available on the Central Coast of California in a wonderful little city on the ocean. This is a cottage my dad built back in the early 1960's in panels at home in the San Joaquin Valley, loaded them up for the 3 hour trip in a U-Haul truck and finished putting the house together on site - I have a picture of me standing in front of the U-Haul truck (I can't find it at the moment, or I'd post it, but these pictures are from back in the 60's. The hill is now covered with homes and that's me second from the left and no, the house is no longer painted Flamingo). This house has many joyous kid memories - we spent a lot of time here in the summers and on weekends getting away from the summer heat of the Valley. But, with this new beginning, comes many farewells and thoughts of what of the last few years have encompassed.

I moved to Fresno 3 years and 9 months ago to work for Duncan Enterprises as the writer while my 25 year marriage was ending. My friends at Duncan have seen me at my worst (and best!) - they have been there as my cheerleaders, my friends, my teachers...

In the 3+ years, I have seen a lot of changes not only in myself but with my co-workers and friends - Patty has had 3 fabulous babies and two brain surgeries, my friend Frances got the courage to introduce herself to her neighbor when I asked her If Not Now, When? - this October they will have been married 2 years - you go Frances!!! Many people have come and gone, but I appreciate everyone who has come into my life and the valuable life lessons they have shown me.

My family, especially my brother and sister-in-law and their sons Justin and Brandon have been an awesome comfort to me - Brandon and Nicki even stayed with me one night a week for over a year while Nicki finished her college degree. Nicki invited me to many concerts and enlightened me on new music groups - their CD's grace my shelves to this day. BTW, Bon Jovi rocks!

One person who came into my life just a short year ago and who has guided me with her gentle care and outstanding knowledge through this last year is Lindy. Lindy and Doug became friends - we spent a wonderful day doing the zipline and enjoying the Gold Country and they came at the last minute to haul away stuff I no longer needed. We did a lot of lunches together and now we have a standing Wednesday lunch phone call. She goes out into the Duncan rec park and last Wednesday I went outside and weeded my yard while we talked.

My IT guy, Rocky, is fabulous! Rocky rescued me on many occasions and was there in the end to take a boat anchor of a computer away for me. He's been there when I yelled "help!". Thanks Rocky!!!

I think I better stop because I'd be up all night thanking everyone, so I'll do a blanket thank you to everyone at Duncan, my family, friends and to my off-site friends (oh, I just have to send a shout-out to Pattie Donham Wilkinson - PattieWack - she was the one who told me way back when that Fresno was my landing pad - after a couple months she changed and said it was my launching pad - I found a picture of a rocket blasting off that said 'blast off' on it that I saw every day when I walked out my door.) Thanks for being there (there has been several places the last 3+ years...)

So, for a month I frantically packed boxes, threw stuff away, worked full time, went to Goodwill with things I knew would no longer work in my life and last weekend my brother and I packed me up and moved me over to Paradise (my bro's word).

So, I have been painting and and making the cottage my new home. I have lots of things to fix and lots of things to do - after I painted, I noticed I got some light sage green paint on the cottage cheese ceiling - I got out my Aleene's True Snow and dabbed it over the green paint and it was gone! Love it!

I look forward to keeping you updated on my blog letting you in on the secrets to 'small space living', exciting crafts and life's little adventures.

Joan

Local Television Appearances
Cheryl Ball and I appeared last week on a local morning TV show as the Still Crafty After 50 ladies doing recycling/retro projects using up those things we have laying around - we arrived at 5 a.m. and left after 10!!! What a fun, exhausting and exciting day!

The projects I created and demonstrated are below.

They asked us back for the next week, but it takes a lot of work before we even step in front of the cameras so we begged off. We are going back for nine more segments next week. The melted record projects were such a hit, we're featuring records and album covers on next week's show! We're making an album cover serving tray, melting records to create a bill organizer for your desk, jewelry, a record birdfeeder - and other things I can't remember at the moment. We will have the how-to instructions up for those next week.

Keep those records spinning...
Joan

Stacked Stuff

What You Need
Plates, candlesticks, bowls, etc.
Liquid Fusion adhesive
Glass cleaner and paper towels

How to Make It
1. Stack pieces for desired look.
2. Clean pieces.
3. Apply glue where pieces come together, following glue instructions. Let dry.
4. Clean with a damp sponge. Do not submerge in water.