CRAZY FOR COLLAGE

Oh, how I LOVE contemporary art, collages and abstract paintings, yet am intimidated to try it myself.  Abstract intimidates me.  My brain rejects turning my art upside down to discover it looks better that way.  But on the other hand, I am absolutely drawn in to the look of fresh abandon and wonder what it might be like to paint outside the lines.  Well, the time has come to give it a try and by golly, I think I've come up with a plan to push me along. 

First and foremost:  Make quick decisions.  Don't hold high mass, over-analyze or second guess choices.  Allow no more than 10 minutes to choose the following: 1. Color scheme  2. Composition  3. Materials  4. Size



I timed myself.  I knew I wanted to incorporate a couple fabrics from my Botanika collection and the fabric I hand painted recently.  I looked up and saw this piece I made awhile back for Quilting Arts.  So, my main colors are going to be aqua and orange; got my materials and am thinking small.  Here's my inspiration:

To spark my inspiration I'm heading to Pasadena for a few days of fabulous art classes at the Learning and Art Expo.   

On another note, I confess I don't decorate for Halloween. There. The truth is out. No excuses.  However, the spiders are making up for my slacker ways.  The tiniest of spiders make the most decorations, don't they?

 My grandson used to call these "Spider rugs", so we still do.  Spider rugs remind me of Fall, but that is the only indication that Fall is in my new yard.  Maybe this has something to do with it. 

.

Looks like Pink is my new November color.  I like it!

WINK WINK WINNER AND GOOSEBUMPS

First of all, thanks so much for the kind wishes for a speedy recovery.  Tim stocked me up with loads of mashed potatoes, my absolute favorite food.  He even found some Mash n Cheese mashed potatoes that were to die for...I almost overdosed.   But I wasn't healing and finally called the dentist.  He had me come in immediately and did awful things, folks.  Just awful, I say.   But I have to admit that today is much better, so I'm finally on the mend I hope.  However, I just lost a week that I need to get back right away.  Any ideas?

For me, getting a creative bug is a restless, unsettled feeling; like an itch I can't reach. It's an affliction I've had as long as I can remember. I pace. I stare. I dream.  When I finally know what I want to do, it turns into an obsession.  I'm getting the bug about giving this new place of ours some personality.  A couple weekends ago Tim and I were running errands and stopped at a furniture consignment store.  Walking down the isles I spot this old french chair.  It has stains on the fabric, but I want to redo it anyway.  So for less than $150, I consider it a steal.  Goosebumps.

As we were rounding the last isle, the entire wall was filled with SOLD items, all packed and stacked as tight as possible.  I spotted THE SOFA (sounds of a harp) stacked up on a pile.  My very tiny glimmer of hope was that I didn't see the usual SOLD sign that was attached to everything else.  The first person I talked to said it was sold.  Final.  Then I wanted to know how much it sold for.  I talked to a second person and followed her to the counter.  I somehow sensed a tiny hole in this SOLD, FINAL story when the manager got involved.  When I was younger I believed no meant no.  I have since learned that there are several layers between "No"  and  "Where would you like us to place this Mrs. Prass?".   This was one of those miraculous occasions.  Mr. Manager says to give him a few minutes and next thing I know I'm the proud owner of this french sofa.  My gut feeling is maybe this beauty was going to his house.  Just a guess.  $399 and a few hours later I was answering to,  "Where would you like us to place this Mrs. Prass?"  The fabric is in good condition and it was just meant to be in my livingroom, don't you agree? 

So while I'm doing a Show + Tell, I also snagged this chest for the entry hall just days before moving out here.  It was a steal and in perfect condition.  Eventually the mirror and lamps will get a makeover or a relocation, but this is a good start.  I so appreciate the storage.  Certainly won't be storing the mittens and scarves here (it will be 98 degrees today, but no humidity).  And the umbrella is just gathering dust for now. 

Now I can't wait to add my own touches, like punchy new pillows all over that schweet sofa.  Goosebumps.

Of course I made you read all this before I announce the Wink Wink Winner. 

Random Generator picked~

Suzy-Homemaker said:

I love this new line!! While it's a tough choice, I think the blue or green are calling my name right now.  I hope you're enjoying San Diego, keep up the beautiful work.

So Suzy-Homemaker, just send me an email with your final color choice and where to send Wink Wink. xoxo

CONCEPTION TO REALITY

Fall Quilt Market is right around the corner and, believe it or not, I just finally received the remainder of my Botanika Collection. Sigh. Due to a snafu, several of my fabrics sat in Indiana until this last Friday. It's hard to believe that I submitted my artwork for Botanika way back in August of 2010, and after a long separation, am now finally enjoying the full collection together in one place...my studio. As I stare at Garden Border and Wink Wink I am reminded of when the idea for these designs came about. I spent a couple weeks in San Diego (before we knew we'd end up living here). I started painting Garden Border and Mille Fleur from actual flowers from Balboa Gardens and worked on Wink Wink in the hotel room. A way too long process has finally come full circle. So, while my friends are preparing their newest fabrics for market, I am a full step behind. 



BEGINNING OF WINK WINK

WINK WINK PROGRESS

WINK WINK COMPLETE

So how about you celebrate with me?  Leave a comment about which colorway you like the best and you will be entered to win a yard of your choice.  I'll announce the winner next Monday. 

Now I'm on my way now to get three wisdom teeth pulled.  I tried to convince the dentist that I needed every tooth I have left, but he disagrees.   Wish me a very speedy recovery.  xo

PERMISSION TO PLAY

So, I got a wild hair idea, or is it wild hare?  Anyway, I wanted to play around with painting fabric, but didn't have fabric paint.  I thought that when I got acrylic paint on my clothes it was permanent, so why not do it on purpose.  I played folks.   Definitely had to give myself permission.   And had fun.  Okay, so after I painted I took it outside and hung it over a fence to dry.  Problem is I went in, made dinner, cleaned up, yada and totally forgot I left my fabric out.  I went out this morning to find that the sprinklers went off and sprayed it with dirt.  So, had to rinse the fabric in the sink, then into the washer.   The vibrancy is gone, but that doesn't concern me, since I know how easy it will be to add more color when I finally figure out what I'm doing.  

I mentioned in my last post that I didn't take my camera to The Creative Connection.  But Patty did and took some silly shots that just cracks me up. Love my fabric friends.

  

Let me FINALLY announce the winner of the pillow GIVEAWAY.  I sometimes choose creative ways to find winners.  This time I called my Jennifer (as opposed to someone else's Jennifer) and asked her to pick a number.  She chose 27 for Wyatt's birthday.  That would be Carolann.  Very scientific, right?  Carolann, send me an email with your info, okay?

Have an awesome, colorful, permission to play kind of weekend!

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 2011

I just returned from a packed few days at The Creative Connection.  I had no idea what to wear, but one thing I knew for sure is I had to have one of the clutches that Simone creates out of my Botanika fabrics.  She whipped this baby up just in time.  LOVE!  Go check out some of the other ones.  Simone rocks Botanika.

Couldn't find my business cards (you know my moving saga), then realized my info would have been all wrong anyway.  Didn't want to lug my large camera and intended to borrow Tim's smaller one, but geez, somehow I forgot that in the middle of the night. So, I'm about to reveal a few really bad photos of some awesome ladies.   

Us sewing gals quickly found each other like moths to flame.

 From Left: Kim and Kris (The DIY Dish); Patty Young; Jana Nielson; me; Betz White; Lizzy House. 

Here is one of the reasons I participated in The Creative Connection.  The particular roundtable I  was involved with was packed, both with experts and women hoping to glean invaluable information.  Several women were able to pitch their ideas and art to the top gift companies and ask questions to some of us licensed designers working with these companies.  What an incredible opportunity, certainly one I would have loved to have had myself many years ago. 

I took a few classes.  Two classes from Traci Bautista.  Funny, because her style is so very different than mine, but I was there to stretch myself.  And boy that stretched me.  I ended up in the same classes and at the same table with Brenda Pinnick a couple times.  We became fast painting buddies, sharing supplies and fabric scraps.  We quickly realized the fabrics we were sharing were our own designs and complimented each others.  What fun!  My hair gets wild when I get creative. 


Brenda Pinnick and me

Me and Traci Bautista

I was quite happy to meet Holly Becker of Decor8, finally.  She has sent some love my way over the years and I've followed her design blog since 2005.  Studied her new book DECORATE from cover to cover on the flights home. 



Me with Holly Becker

 Okay, that's all I can talk about today, but I will be picking a winner of the Pillow Giveaway this week.  If you haven't already, click here and leave a comment for a chance to win this pillow from The Paula Prass Collection for Demdaco:

TOUGH COUPLA DAYS

Today would have been Jonathan's birthday.  No matter how bad he was doing, I could always count on him resurfacing around his birthday.  I've been dreading September 10 knowing I'd have to face another reality.  Three days ago I actually got an email from Jon Prass.  I sat there and tried not to freak out.  No words, just an attachment which I would not open.  Tim investigated when he got home and some freaks used his email to sell Viagra.  Jon would've chuckled.  Maybe he still did.  But the timing sucked.  It all sucks.  Got on his Facebook page late last eve and saw the messages his friends were leaving him.  I laid awake all night.

One of the friends I met through Facebook and Twitter is the amazing artist, Laura Zarrin.  Right before this past Mother's Day I got a surprise package from her with this artwork she made for me.  It about brought me to my knees. 

A GIFT FROM LAURA ZARRIN

Thing is, others thought about me on Mother's Day and along the way sending notes of encouragement or just offering a word or two.  Wow.  That's the kind of amazing friends I have.  And I, on the other hand, have been so lame to not share these blessings with you.  I'm making a promise to do better.  I swear, I take pictures and jot notes down about what I want to tell you all, but then I just feel like the wind gets knocked out of my sails.  I have so much to share and I just need to do it!  Maybe in smaller spurts.  I can do this! 

Jennifer and I hung out on Skype today.  Both on our sofas without makeup and talking for what seemed like a couple hours.  2000 miles apart.  We were barely off the phone when flowers appeared at the door..from my girl.  Aren't they beautiful?  Isn't she beautiful?  Only thing better would have been for us to be together today and tomorrow....we're sure we would've shopped.  

Tomorrow is another day that will forever bond Jennifer and I closer together.  See, Jennifer was on business in downtown NY on 9/11.  It was the worst several hours until she could call to say she was okay and days before she could get back home.  It's was such a sobering time when she got back and the memories come flooding back every year, esp. on this 10 year anniversary.   I'm so thankful for the social media on days like these.

Speaking of social media, we were in that  royal blackout that affected 1.4 million people here a couple days ago.  Our cell phones weren't even working.  No internet, TV, nothing.  It was a stinkin 100 degrees too.  I always like the initial adventure, brought candles and a lantern to an elderly neighbor we met right there on the spot.  She is quite a delightful lady and we might not have met so quickly.  We made a very interesting dinner and ate outside by candlelight.  With all the lights out EVERYWHERE the stars were brilliant.  Then we hopped in the car and drove around, both for the breeze and the radio news.  The news said families were forced to spend the evening together, neighbors grilled out,  sharing food.  We should all have mandatory random blackouts, don't ya think?  Well, unless you're in an elevator or on an amusement park ride....then you're exempt.  Anyway, everything came back on here 12 hrs later (in the middle of the night) which set off the house alarms.  With all the windows and doors open for air that sat us straight up and outta bed before we were awake!

 

Since I haven't been a good friend I haven't told you that I was asked to participate in The Creative Connection which is, OH MY, like in a few days!  I am on a panel for a Pitch Slam.  When they asked me I was a bit reluctant since I don't really work out.   However, after better understanding I learned I am not required to do the pitch slamming.  Instead, I'm on a roundtable listening to people pitch their designs for the Gift Industry.  That sounds much safer, doesn't it?  I'm truly excited to be a part of this roundtable and rub elbows with my fellow Demdaco buddies.  I do license my artwork  for fabrics and artwork, as well, so I think I have something to bring to the (round) table.  I am so needing to get out and be amongst creative peeps right now while passing along the knowledge I have gained.  So, are any of you attending? 

Last on my list of "I'm going to do better":  We found the pillow for the giveaway that the movers played Scramble with.  I am not announcing the winner, however, until I find the post office.  Love you!

A MOVING EXPERIENCE

Have I got stories.


"Ma'am, we are here to help."  And instantly, 7 men spread out among the rooms in no organized fashion.   To my amazement, one of the first rooms they dove into was the kitchen and pantry.  It was 100 degrees outside and close to that indoors with all the doors open.  Yet less than 1/2 hour into a very, very long three days all the bottled water, soft drinks, wine, snacks, FOOD was packed up and on the blistering hot truck.  No silverware, glasses, paper cups in the house.  I kept forgetting and got disappointed all over again every time I went to grab something to eat or drink.
  
No matter how many guys I told "Do Not Pack The Computer Modem, it has to be returned."  They packed the modem.  "Do Not Pack The Baskets in the shelving units..they stay with the house."  "Ma'am, do we pack these baskets?"  "No, they stay with the house."  I counted at least 4 times I repeated those words.  Walked past my office and said, "Where are the baskets?" "I was told to pack them up ma'am". 
  
Second day new faces appear so I get to repeat everything all over again.  Within the first couple hours one of the guys goes and gets himself fired.  Apparently it took all the guys an hour to work on that little situation outside.  When they finally came in they said they were going to lunch!!!  Between the 2 hrs and multiple smoke breaks and them leaving at 3:30 we were ready to break into the truck to find the wine.


Third day, new faces, new stresses and one very late night because the next day was Sunday and we weren't letting them wait and come back Monday.  I was told, "Ma'am, Do Not Pack Candles or Matches in this heat".  All I can think of is what's going to happen when the multiple cans of Pepsi and Mountain Dew explode?  But I sadly set my gazillion candles and matches in a box to take over to Jennifer's.  "Do Not Touch These Boxes of Candles and Matches".  "Where are the boxes of candles".  "Oh, I was told to pack them ma'am."
    
Now, when they say pack, that's a very loose term, as we found out on the other end of the move.  For instance, you gotta commend the Kitchen Dude for carefully wrapping up this empty roll of packing tape and almost empty can of Mountain Dew, right?  

On the other hand, the Bathroom Dude decided he'd save some paper and time by wrapping all the tooth brushes, toilet bowl brushes and bathroom scrub sponges together, all tight up against each other.  No photo; I was too mad to go find the camera.  And there must be a rule that they CANNOT pack two alike things from the same room in the same box.  We are still trying to find lamps, or rather, all the pieces to the same lamp.  So Tim comes to me and says, "Honey I found the shop light.  And look, the bulb isn't broken".  

This shop light looks like I feel, twisted, but still working.  There are some broken things that are not so funny, so I won't be going there today.   I did unpack enough that by yesterday I was able to make a little vignette of sorts.  Not that any of it will stay together or that the wall color won't change, but I just had to have one little spot that looked "put-together" in my upside down world. 

  
Speaking of upside down, just one of the weird things the moving dudes would do is empty the boxes we already neatly packed.  I had my Demdaco products organized along with the packing slips checked off for inventory.  One night Tim remembered that he wanted to give the new owners of our house the Christmas wreaths that we hung on the windows for the holidays.  He went to the basement and discovered they unpacked all my products and shoved them in with the Christmas ornaments and decorations.  They took a handmade Charlie Brown type Christmas tree out of a box Tim made especially to protect the tree and crushed it into one of their boxes, because it didn't fit.  Needless to say, the Christmas boxes are in storage and I can't do my giveaway until I find them.  I am so sorry.  I am trying to find the bolts and screws and knobs to our furniture.  The Head Mover Dude asked ME if I knew where HE put them.  Seriously?  Wait, maybe they're with the pillows and Christmas decorations.  
My car was just delivered; an older BMW, that ironically came to IN from an old lady in CA that hardly put any miles on it.  Funny thing, cause now I could be that lady.  See, when God was handing out Sense Of Direction I got lost and never found that line.  To this day I can barely find my way out of the Ladies Room, so I won't be taking off anytime soon.  Plus I have to take an exam to drive here.  Be scared, very scared.  


I am so thankful to finally have internet.  No TV hookup yet.  Just as well.  Dr. Oz will just confirm my fears that I will die from how filthy this house we just moved into actually is.  I can just see them pulling up here in hazmat suits and petri dishes.  I have a habit, not necessarily a bad one, of seeing "the good bones", The Potential, of a house and overlooking the scanky carpet and cabinets with way too many coats of paint that unsuccessfully hide all the flaws.  (that comment will keep out of towners at bay for awhile).  While I wish the work were easier, I realize I am drawn to the transformation process.  It's that belief that even the worst can be made beautifully whole, and oftentimes even better than before.  That's what draws me in; that hope for what's possible, looking past the flaws.  Kinda like God does with us.


Here's a photo looking out the bathroom window onto our side patio.  Just wanted you to know it's not all skanky carpet here, especially if I look up every once in awhile.

Now off to unpack more stories; I mean, boxes.

BEFORE + AFTER: MASTER BATH

 I realized that I never shared the BEFORE + AFTER from our Master Bath makeover.  Could I get you to trust me that it was very similar to the before guest bath here?   I explained in that post why there are no pics of this one.  Trust me....never use the word "demo" lightly around my husband unless you are ready to roll.  He has no problem working around make-up or anything else left out.  Here's the updated version.

We did this job on a budget, but you'd never know it.  Found 2 cabinets on an endcap at Lowe's marked way down.  We bucked them up to each other and they became one large base. The countertop is honed cultured marble we custom ordered from Home Depot.  The hinged mirrors and window blind were from Lowe's and the faucet's and lights were from Menard's.  Glass knobs from Anthropologie. Then what really pulled it together was the backsplash...again, from Lowe's.  Please tell me they have Lowe's in San Diego!!!  We just played around with the different Carrara marble options and Tim did the installation.  We did have to rent a tile cutter to make the corners and ends work.  Walls are painted a soft grey that picks up the veins in the marble.   What a difference!  The new owners love it and that makes me happy.  I'm apparently a Love It and Leave It kinda gal. 

I took all the photos for the sale of the house, but took most of them after the Open House and since the house sold immediately they never got used.  So I figure I can share a couple of them with you.  I previously showed you the BEFORE + AFTER of my design studio here and my kitchen here and dispersed other completed projects here and there.  How about I add some SHOW + TELL of a couple more areas?  I don't have time to dig through old photos to find any befores (aren't digital cameras the best?)  Just think country blues, mauves, dark wood trim, paneling and LOTS of primitive country wallpaper with duck borders in almost every room applied without sizing on bare drywall.  Here goes:

But alas, most of the rooms are now housing stacked boxes and  I am actually giving myself  permission to get excited about my next fixer upper.  You know, I take huge satisfaction from turning a blank slate into a home infused with  personality.   I did that for a living for years and I'm realizing it still runs through my veins.  Hmm.

Hey, don't forget about the giveaway going on in the last post.  Just leave a message and I'd still appreciate anything I should know about San Diego...great shops, restaurants, art, french cottage antiques.  Otherwise, just saying hello works for me.

MOVING MADNESS & GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY

You have to admit I do have good excuses for why I haven't blogged.  When I last posted I promised gifts and giveaways galore once things settled down after Quilt Market.  Ready?  Here comes my latest. 

Things have been on-again, off-again for the last year as to whether we were really moving to San Diego. Tim has been working there the majority of the time and I haven't felt comfortable announcing that I have been here by myself.  Well, it was definately on-again when I got home from Quilt Market and a Pod was in the driveway to make sure it sunk in.   

MY POD

Next thing I knew we were racing to get our house ready to sell.  Finishing up all those odds and ends that we always intended to tackle ourselves.  Tim flew home and we quickly had a mega yard sale...literally opened the garage door, stuck out a couple signs on Thursday and Friday while painters, carpet installers, roofers and landscapers (I'm sure I've left out a few workers) were here doing touch ups and repairs.  On Thursday early evening our real estate agent came by with the paperwork and a For Sale sign for the yard.  By Friday morning we already had people wanting to view the house.  I had made it clear that I intended to get the workers out and the house cleaned before it could be seen.  Sunday morning we planned to do some finishing touches, but a couple from Chicago wanted to see it first thing and stayed for 2 hours!   We barely put the finishing touches in place and had to quickly  find someplace to hide out (we ran out of time to even take showers).  My real estate agent happens to also be an incredible friend and neighbor.  Her house was just up the street and is currently vacant, so we took our very old and sick dog over there to sit for 3 1/2 hours. 

I was so stinkin bored.  Did I mention her house was totally vacant?  I sat on the floor and cleaned out all the old emails on my iPhone, tried to learn to use apps I previously ignored and threw out old gum wrappers from my purse.  All I could think about was how the Open House was going.  Tashi and Tim were layed out on the living room floor snoozing so I decided to put on my baseball cap and sunglasses and go for a little walk.  As I turned the bend there were cars up and down both sides of the street and up the side street next to our house.  I seriously thought someone was having a graduation party, but as I got closer it appeared the party was at my house.  My next door neighbor was out working in the yard so I snuck up on him.  Startled, he said he didn't recognize me with the hat and glasses, to which I told him, "Shhh, I'm incognito!"  He verified that all those cars were at my Open House.  I skipped back to the hideout and waited until 5:15 when we thought the coast was clear.  As we pulled up our drive we realized people were still walking around in the yard and one couple was visiting with the next door neighbors. 



Not too convincing SpyWear

 I wish I had a picture of our agent Teresa when we walked into our kitchen.  She had thrown  her torso and arms out  on the island pretending she had collapsed from exhaustion.  That was only temporary because she started talking 90+ MPH, telling us she couldn't keep up after 80 people but she was sure there were at least 100 that came through.  I wouldn't have believed her if I hadn't seen it for myself.   No sooner did she leave when she called on her cell to say she just received an offer.  By bedtime we had two offers over the asking price and more promised for the next day. 

Next morning we had people and realtors lined back to back starting at 8 a.m. with appointments to see the house.  Our heads were spinning.  We really had no place to go so we hung out at a couple restaurants until  Tim needed to pack and get to the airport.  We also needed to get our Tashi in to the vets.  After lunch we intruded on a showing at our house and felt obligated to say excuse me to the strangers looking in our closets.  We quickly packed Tim's bag and rescued Tashi from his indoor kennel.  He was not well and this added stress was taking it's toll on him.  When we got to the vets, it wasn't good news.  Long story short, we left without our Tashi.  He has been our friend and companion for 16 1/2 years; our other son.  One minute we are on a mountaintop with all the interest in our house and the next minute down in a valley as Tashi is being put to sleep.  Tim and Tashi were very close and Tim had to walk away from that to catch a flight for San Diego.  It was heartbreaking.

Our Tashi Bear as a pup

My Three Teenagers

As I said my goodbye's to Tashi I whispered in his ear to go find Jonathan.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 By that afternoon we had two more offers and appts. booked out the rest of the week from morning to night.  When Teresa stopped over I suggested that while this was crazy good, I wasn't sure why I'd want to keep this up. So I chose an above the asking price offer (surprised?) and by the time Tim landed in San Diego the house was sold.  I think that's a good sign, even a record, don't you? 

Wherever you want us to go Lord.  Where?  San Diego?  Oh, if you insist!! 

All kidding aside, moving across the country after just losing our son and leaving the only other family we have here was a huge decision and one we did not make on our own. 

Next task was to quick find a house in San Diego.  I had been looking almost daily since last August on the internet, flew out there previously to house hunt and always disliked the choices.  So many of our options were short sales, foreclosures, houses left vacant, bank-owned or just plain ugly. I flew out again with a list of potentials, most of which were quickly crossed off the list once I saw them in person, or saw the neighborhood, etc.  One of our "must-have's" was some private outdoor living space to make up for the much smaller interiors we were accustomed to in the South and Midwest. There were other things we hoped for, but this one thing was non-negotiable.  I am excited to say that the last place we viewed was "the one".   And it wasn't because I was blurry eyed and everything started to run together (which it did), but because we couldn't see inside the neighbors houses or even their yards, and likewise.  We put an offer on it, did a bit of countering and by the time I got off the plane back in Indianapolis I had a contract to sign.  That, my friends, is amazing. 

I had workers inside and out doing repairs and touch-ups and in some cases they actually made things worse.  For instance, a young guy was up in the attic and poked his foot through a bedroom ceiling.  It was much more humorous when the hole was open and the insulation was falling out.  But they made it much less conspicuous once they taped it with royal blue and black masking tape.

The guy that came to repair the hole didn't do a good job, got ceiling paint on the walls and after returning 3 more times the repair patch kept getting larger. When the owner of the company came to inspect the patch I told him the new homeowners would need to sign off on the job and I didn't think they would be happy with the workmanship. He walked over and closed the blinds in the bedroom and suggested I leave them closed as to not draw attention to the ceiling. Are you freakin serious??  Bye-bye Mr. Ceiling Man.

I've already closed on this house and packing has started!!!  Our friends  didn't want us to leave, but still had a Farewell Fling for us which will make us miss them even more than we thought possible.  I think I only know a couple people in San Diego, and one of them is our real estate agent.  Skype and unlimited calling will make the transition easier. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am so, so very excited about my next decor line with Demdaco.  In the midst of all this moving madness, I have been receiving both images and some boxes of product for approval for the 2012 Paula Prass Collection.  I was squealing over the images, but when the boxes arrived I was screaming and doing back flips...okay, just screaming.  I can't talk about the new products for another 6 months, but I am beside myself delighted.  The new line coordinates so nicely with my current line. 

So, since I can't share with you next year's line right now, I certainly can share my current line for Demdaco.  How about I share one of my pillow designs with you? This one is a 16" square in pinky coral, greens, creams and brown accents.  The saying: It is not only fine FEATHERS that make fine birds, it's also how those birds DECORATE their nests.  Just leave a message.  If you happen to know some highly creative artists, sewers or places I should know about in San Diego, I'd appreciate passing that along, but it's not necessary.  I'll be picking a winner around Thursday or Friday before the moving truck pulls down the driveway.  Ready.  Set.  Go.