CRACK-A-LACKIN HERE

First of all, I am the first to confess that I'm totally a picture kind of gal. If I see awesome images, then I will be sucked in, otherwise, I'm off in search for color and pretty pictures. I apologize for no pics; I have a good excuse though, really.

We are in the midst of packing a crate for Houston and are down to the wire. Have so many Hanging Chads here, including goodies that came too late to get photos for the blog.

We had our photo shoot yesterday afternoon and eve, accompanied by a huge amount of mosquitos. I intended to carry my own camera, but was running late, as usual. Now we have to pack all these goodies to send off. The previous images were ones that the creative sewers took in advance or we received in enough time for a quick shoot. Now if I were reading this it would only be, " BLA, BLA, BLA". Cuz no pics. Oh I promise to make it up.

For anyone who has read this far...my arm has been so much better the last couple days. I am so thankful. I have an appointment with a nerve specialist that I might get to cancel. YEAH.

ANOTHER FIBERLICIOUS DAY

I know it's the weekend, but I seriously tried all day yesterday to squeeze a post in and I just can't wait til Monday. Look what I found over on Jona's blog! A sneak peek at the jumper she made for me out of my Flights of Fancy fabric. She has other photos and close-ups on her blog. I understand that this is a pattern of hers in the works. The first time I saw her post about this scalloped beauty I just flat out asked her to make me one. Isn't it perfection? can't wait to see it in person.

It's been a hub bub of activity around here, but clearly the highlight of the day is when the mail arrives. On Thursday I was at my Physical Therapy appointment (which, by the way, I'm still paying dearly for today). As soon as I walked out of there I was calling the office to see if the mail came. Yup...and there was a box from Traci Butler of Bloom Design Co. Couldn't wait to get back to caress such beauty and hoped to get some pics for you.

So yesterday we bribed Mia (notice her hand behind her back? Yup, candy) and we were able to get two good pics....you know how those models are? The first is a kimonoish top and Traci made cute pants that you'll just have to see at Quilt Market, since Mia made some firm decisions about how much she was willing to do before her candy and nap. Second outfit is a peasant top and skirt. And look at the matching headbands. I'm in love with these outfits and you Traci. Thanks so very much. Hey, check out her blog here.

FIBERLICIOUS

Look at these precious peeks taken by the talented Jenn Cooper this morning. Her daughter is a perfect model, isn't she? She's wearing some lovelies that Jenn made out of my Flights of Fancy. She squeezed a dress, pants, skirt and tee out of not much fabric. You'll have to wait to see the rest. Thanks Jenn. Fantastic!

And here is a sneak peek of a jacket that Mary from Confessions of a Craft Addict has made for me out of one of my Papillon colorways. Adorable, eh? I understand it's en route and i just can't wait. Mary also has an Etsy shop called flourishes. I am so blessed to have her drop everything to whip up an outfit for me. Mary will be in Houston for Quilt Market so I'll get to meet this talented gal in person.

I also wanted to share a gift I just received. Jennifer and I had plans to go to the Country Living Fair last month with our friend Kelly and her mom. Jennifer and I ended up not going because of my broken arm/shoulder. Bummer. But Kelly did go and look what she got me!!! She affectionately calls me Powla (at least I think it's affection???). This is so cool, can't wait to SHOW + TELL what I do with this press....when I can press again. Kelly is so thoughtful, always doing things to make others feel special. Ya made me feel loved today Mz Kelly!!!

So that's surely a fiber fix for the day, don't ya think?

A DAILY DOSE OF FIBER

We tried our hand at some of our own photography yesterday. We never seem to have time to learn the art of photography around here and are usually in a rush, but you'll get the idea.

The fabric piles and list of undone projects are getting deeper as Houston Market gets closer. I did get to see some sneak peeks from some of my sample sewers and I'm blown away. I woke up in the middle of the night (my usual routine). I came downstairs, saw I had an email and there on the screen were photos of 4 pieces that Jenn Cooper made me. I was so excited...couldn't shout (husband asleep), couldn't throw my arms up in glee (broken), so I just sat and caressed the computer screen in the dark. I've debated on letting you see the photos she took on the mannequin or wait until she has her daughter models them. Her daughter is much cuter..I opt for Jenn's photo shoot since she's an awesome photographer. Stay tuned.

MY DREAM IS BECOMING REALITY

Jenn Cooper of take a bow is helping make my dreams come true. I can't wait to finally see my fabrics made into her wonderful creations. Please go check out her wonderful photography, too.

I can't believe Houston Quilt Market is so close, especially with so much left to do. I am not brave enough to make a list of all that still needs done. I will be back soon. This is incredible and I want to share it all with you.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK?

At least according to Pregnancy and Newborn magazine...orange is the new black. That works for me since they included our wall art (coordinating butterfly is also available) as one of their examples.

So, I got to thinking about orange. Jennifer has just compiled a list of our top sellers this year and in all categories I noticed several best sellers had orange colorways. Then I got to thinking; wonder how many of my blogger friends have seen what we do around here. Hhmm. More thinking....I haven't offered a sale in awhile...and our fall items are being added to both Paula Prass and mimi's collection right now. Now I'm thinking maybe I could have a sale for my orange wall art. Na...how about all my canvas wall art from October 1-31 for 20% off? Yes, let's do it. When ordering, just put "orange" as the code. Now orange you glad I got to thinking? Me too.

So many other things happening around here. Where to start? The fabrics have arrived!!!! What an exciting challenge. I had a couple people who offered to help, but my friend and fellow fabric designer Patty Young gathered a few of her sewing friends to help me out. I'll plant a big juicy kiss on her later! She knows so many talented gals and I am so appreciative and honored that they are willing to help. My entire family room, eating area and kitchen have been filled with fabrics that will soon become clothing and decor! I must admit it was a challenge with one arm not cooperating in the process, but I won.

Today my Mia came in after preschool looking so adorable. I decided to try a photo shoot experiment for 2 reasons. 1) I need to use my arm, and 2) prepare Mia for her soon to be modeling shoot for our new fabrics. Keep in mind when you ask her to smile she gladly squints her eyes shut and makes an extreme pained smile. Hilarious, unless it's a school photo or Holiday portrait. So we practiced my arm and her modeling for a few minutes. Okay, let's start with Orange meets Fuchsia meets Mia.

The colors of fall combined with the sweet innocence of my Mia make me very happy!

MY LEFT HAND WOMAN

This past week has been tougher than I hoped for. As the swelling of my Popeye arm has been receding, the discomfort in my shoulder kept increasing. Turns out my shoulder was fractured as well. Doctors and physical therapists repeat the same news. Good news: I am making amazing progress. Bad news: In the best of circumstances this break has the longest and most painful recovery.

The hardest thing for me is the additional weight my injury has put on the people closest to me. Jennifer, for unstance, has taken on many of my tasks to her already bursting workload. With huge orders from the New York, Atlanta and L.A. shows, I can't begin to express my gratitude for all she's dealing with. Love you girl!

On a humorous note (not to be confused with humerus, which is not funny) I needed to be presentable this weekend when no one was available to help me. I literally dripped water on my hair with my right hand, then leaned my head as forward as I could go and threw Velcro rollers at my hair, since I certainly can't be trusted with a flat or curlling iron. Once the rollers made contact I tried to arrange and manipulate them, it worked better than I imagined. Maybe I'll do a video tutorial? Oh, but do they even still make Velcro rollers anymore?

My first Flights of Fancy fabrics are due to arrive in my hands today. This should be thrilling, huh? I am finding myself hugely overwhelmed. Between the idea of finally seeing more than a piece of each pattern and color, the need to have my arm cooperate, and by the wonderful outpouring of support from so many creative people! There is so little time to put this all together, but I live for the challenge. If you don't hear from me it's because I'll be buried in my own bliss!

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

I can't produce inspiring room makeovers right now. No new paintings or finished projects. My upcoming FLIGHTS OF FANCY fabrics are still nesting at the mill. Can't even photograph a frozen dinner, okay? But I've got STORIES! You know, the kind of stories that make life a little juicier; more interesting. My recent mishap has added a few such tales. Since I lean towards the artistic and visually creative slant, just think of these as word pictures.

The day of the "mishap" we started out very happy to have that grueling NYIGF behind us and the anticipation of a fun filled day to ourselves. I got "dolled up" before we took off; cute outfit, hair lookin good, etc. knowing after a day of exploring NYC we would come back to the hotel in enough time to change for dinner and on to the "Mama Mia" musical.

Good thing, cuz by 4 pm I was being wheeled out of the NY hospital in a hospital gown and a makeshift splint. Not so cute now. I was propped up until we could catch a flight out the next eve. Tim carefully planned the exit. He ordered a Town car ride to the airport since we were certain a cab ride would have just ripped my dangling arm right off. Then he secured wheelchairs for both flights. Yeah, both flights. Our airline had us fly from NY down to Atlanta, then change planes and fly up to Indianapolis. It was exhausting. People staring at me in a hospital gown and wheelchair, disheveled and holding my own left arm together with my right arm.

So, as we make the final flight into Indianapolis, even though we paid extra to sit in the front seats to be the first off the plane, a rather, no, really large woman swiped right passed me to get out of the plane ahead of me. I'm like, "Oh well, she must have a connecting flight". I hobble off onto the jet bridge. There's the wheelchair. The large lady and I both eyeball it. I'm thinking it's obviously mine...ya know, hospital gown, arm in splint. Nope. She plops down and her friend takes off with her. Immediate thought? SMACK, SLAP. I don't act on my feelings on a good day; and on a bad day, my slap arm is broken! All I know is everyone steered clear of me down that bridge.

The next arm related story is when I finally got to the medical center in Indy. Jennifer and my Mia (3 1/2 yr. old grand-princess) were my escorts. Now in the care of the same specialists that treat the Colts, the Pacers, and everyone in between, I was in good hands. Not knowing what procedures were coming my way I took a pain pill before I left. I had packed a banana, some peanut butter and crackers, bottled water and extra pain pills just in case. The splint must come off, as it actually was keeping my bones apart. I had 2 people working to get my splint off, another set of x rays, realign and set my arm. Not pleasant, hence another pain pill. At one point I was asked if I was doing okay and needed anything to eat or drink. I tried to refocus on the need to do something other than do the pain. Just as I was about to agree to food, I open my grimacing eyes to see Jennifer, as white as a sheet, sitting down and eating my banana, while Mia ate my crackers and drank my water. Then Mia didn't want to throw her trash in the can because "there's a dead arm in there".

So after they hauled me off for more fun things and put me in another room, the one lady that was with me from the beginning came back. By then I'm sitting on the table, eyes closed, trying to breathe evenly and get the blood back to all my parts. The lady is at the side of the table I'm sitting on and I hear her say, "Where are you"? Thinking she's worried that I'm lightheaded and testing me, I confidently declare, "I'm right here in Carmel (IN)". She then asks something about California. I'm sure she's messing with me. I declare,"No, I fell in NYC, but I flew back here", (Carmel, IN, not Carmel California). I open my eyes and glance over at her as she asks another question. This time she points to her ear, waves her arm as she's walking out of the room. Oh my gosh, she's talking to someone else from an earphone...not me!!! I start laughing. OUCH! I can't stop laughing. I'm in a room by myself laughing until I almost cried. Vaguely wondered if I would be laughing this hard without the meds. Later she came back in to the room to go over some bla, bla. I finally interrupt her. "Did you not think that was funny"? She burst my bubble when she said it happens all the time.

I WILL PAINT THIS SOMEDAY

This is so perfectly me. I want to photograph it, and ultimately paint it to preserve it's perfection. Oh yeah, I have a broken arm. This beautiful get well arrangement came from Kathy Miller and the Michael Miller crew and I so love the thoughtfulness and beauty that cheers me on daily. My goal is to paint this someday. Thanks Kathy for the well wishes and inspiration.

I am surviving here with my arm still strapped and velcroed to my body. My comfort zone has definately been violated. Sometimes I am frustrated, but true to my nature, I try to make others laugh at the situations I've found myself in. A friend came over last eve to check on me. I had her laughing so hard she was crying. Now that's a good day for me! When in doubt, laugh.

RANDOM ACTS OF BOREDOM

While the doctors are very pleased with my progress, I have discouraging moments. Can't do most things without help. Yesterday Jennifer washed my hair, that was a good day. Now today my husband is off to business in Tucson and up to Calgary, Alberta for 9-10 days. Not a good day.

I'll post on some important events recently that Jennifer photographed and since I prefer images with my posts, I'm using some of her pics.

Here's Wyatt's 1st day of kindergarten, while I was in NYC. Jennifer calls this TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL. He called me that morning on the way to school and I had a chance to hear his excitement and anticipation. I adore that boy!

Then Wyatt turned 6 last week. I didn't get to go to the Bowling Party, as you can imagine, but heard it was FUN. An orange bowling ball and great friends! What a day to remember. My sweet Amelia (My Mia) is the one with the gum..that's what most of her photos look like. That or forbidden lipstick or candy, but always something cute or sweet.

Then, Jennifer and 2 of her best friends went to Ontario for 4 days over Labor Day and had such a wonderful time. I'll pretend I was there taking the pics instead of here drooling on meds. I've never been to Canada, and it's funny that my daughter just got back and my husband is just going. Based on what I'm seeing I really hope to visit someday. Here's just a few of many awesome images. The girls stayed at Esther's folks and every turn of the head revealed either incredible views of water or vineyards. CALGON TAKE ME AWAY.

Esther, Kelly and Jennifer putting their moves on. Hey, wait. Is this one of those guys acting like a statue looking for tips? Jennifer already knows it, but I'll say it again. She has been blessed with the most awesome friends. I love these gals. They treat Tim and I as family. Gosh, I'm getting all perclempt here. I swear, I'm not on meds, but emotional, none the less.

I want to also blog about the shopping in Ontario because Jennifer brought back a highly post worthy gift with pics of the stores...gorgeous. Hope more than anything that I can soon post my own projects again. I'm leaning on my faith and your prayers to keep me going. Thanks for the encouraging words.