Thanksgiving

Knock, knock.
Who's there?
Gladys.
Gladys who?
Gladys Thanksgiving. Aren't you?

Many Happy Thanksgivings, everyone. Now, in saying that, I have to a second out of furious grocery shopping/baking/cooking/cleaning extravaganza to say what I am thankful for.

It may be cliche that I am thankful for my parents but I am completely sincere when I say that I am. If it wasn't for my parents I have no idea where my children and I would be. Mom and Dad have bent over backwards to help us; making meals when I had my surgery, watching my kids while I recovered, taking them to school, to church, to the park , etc. There are too many things to list that I am grateful to them for. Just last night Mom and I stood in the kitchen chatting about movies, people, christmas presents, etc. until 1:30 in the morning. It's not surprising really. Mom has become one of my closest and dearest friends. And Dad and I get along better than we have in years. Grateful.

I am thankful for my faraway friends, all who sent their love and faith from afar while P & J and I were settling here in Ohio. Their words of encouragement have meant more to me than any other time before. I needed my friends and my family (be they related or no longer related) and they've had my back ever since I took a fateful leap and came back home.

(I am thankful for a certain awesome man from the North who makes frequent trips down here to see me and the kids. He is a rock of goodness, kindness and strength that I have not seen in many other men. One of the smartest guys I know, and funniest, he is the sweetest man. Period. He loves my kids and me and wants to be here with us and for us. I don't think I can ask for much better... I don't think 'better' exists. I love you D)

My kids. My kids are the funniest kids I know. Their sense of humor can range from dry and witty to silly and weird. P is an artist/dancer/singer/current archeologist while J is a builder/mechanic/astronaut/mummy-finder. They are my light in the dark, and they can pull me out of a bad mood just by being themselves. They both help me through the pain, they comfort me in ways I didn't know they could. And they love snuggles, movie-night and sleepovers in the living room. In short, P & J are the greatest gift (aside from the Heavens above) to me. I hope they grow up knowing that.

Love and Cranberry Sauce,
M

Art Shows! Things!

Art show, Art show, Art show, Art show.... It's like a mantra that I've been repeating for the last few weeks. The time is upon me, and I must show my stuff.

Art shows are incredibly personal, I think. You're really putting yourself out there in a way that is akin to being naked. Not that I'm going to show up to my art show naked, although that would be something Dali would do, but I shall be clothed nonetheless. Un Mundo Cafe in Beautiful, Downtown Springfield - December 6th @ 7pm. If you haven't seen the gorgeous banner.... here's a reminder:

isn't it pretty?

I'll be putting forth my works of watercolors, acrylics and graphic design posters. Perfect for the holiday season! Perfect for the unbelievably hard to buy for person! Who doesn't like art, I ask you!?
Besides people who have one dimensional personalities.... but we won't go there. Not today anyway.

*clears throat* moving on!

Yet another hint of things to come.
<3 Mellissa

New Things and Such

Well, I said pics up by Sunday--I just didn't let on which Sunday that would be. Today is the day. New Things and I am excited.

Theme change! Thanksgiving nostalgia coats the blog for the month! I wanted the header to be a little different so I snagged a vintage Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade picture featuring the Pink Panther. I'm a little in love with it! I could only imagine how cool it must be to be living in Manhattan and watching the floats go by as a kid.

I've been working on some graphic design goodness; my art show in December is looming before me and I'm getting my graphic savvy on. They're fun and odd and ... I really am a sort of warped mind. I feel like I am really putting myself out there for display, not only with designs but with my paints as well. The nerves are starting to get to me but pushing it down and shoving on is basically what must be done.

It's just a matter of time before there's more.

Is anyone going to go see Thor 2? My beloved mom and I are going... there will be chocolate bars involved while looking at Chris Hemsworth, not to mention my not-so-secret love for Tom Hiddleston. He's adorbs. Because of the first movie I actually got into reading the comics! I actually wish the writers of the film would incorporate more Old English, (you know, with the Thee's and Thou's thing going on.) or at least a larger fusion of old-speak. A moderate attempt, I believe, was giving for the first movie with Odin's character ("In the name of my father and his father before, I, Odin Allfather, cast you out!").

'You think me strange?'
-M

The 20s nostalgia, Noble Benefactresses, And A Change Will Do You Good.

So, craft fair a few weekends ago went with rain. Lots and lots of rain. With the rain brought about the diehard craft fans that came and perused under giant golf umbrellas, and seriously? I love these types of people. They negotiate, they haggle, they look for those deals or the gotcha-sales that make craft fairs fun in the first place.

On a side note: The Roaring 20s are one of my most beloved eras. Which is probably why movies like 'The Legend of 1900', 'Some Like It Hot' and 'Coco Before Chanel' are in my DVD player rotation (changed out with frequency to movies like 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Elizabeth') and all of these are wonderful movies and the costumes are drool-worthy. Which is why, in time, I truly believe I will start morphing into this:

The change is already starting to happen. I've recently become the recipient of a noble benefactress. Also known as a good friend with fabulous taste that wants to get rid of almost all her stuff. Over 30 scarves have come into my collection, as well as tapestries and furniture, amazing lanterns, lamps, pictures, and clothes. It's AWESOME! My apartment is turning into an exotic, worldly boudoir and not so much a dorm. Even my kids get the benefits of Mommy having friends!

Speaking of decorating. Emerald Green. Emerald Green is a just a gorgeous color and is looking like the color to wear for the Fall Season (new jewelry, anyone?) At least it is according to HelloGiggles.com and their style pages. Duly noted and that color will be incorporated into my newest shiny things.

I welcome the change of the season; pulling out all my cardi's and chunky sweaters. The layering, the scarves, the fingerless gloves, ah! Brisk walks outside with apple cider (or probably coffee) and decorating pumpkins. The porch is currently being transformed into a fall wonderland surrounded by changing trees and my childrens strange decorating techniques with gourds and pumpkins. Not to mention Mums.

You always gotta have the Mums. (pics up on Sunday eve.)

It's getting closer to Halloween, fair peoples. You know what that means?

THEME.

For those that don't know, (and omg why wouldn't you?) the new banner is themed for iconic horror film actors. Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price dancing with a skeleton (because, why not?) and Madeline Khan from The Young Frankenstein. Yes, I know, Young Frankenstein isn't exactly horror but! I love her in that movie, so there.

The Halloween Theme shall henceforth continue on! Keep coming back for more people.

Also! New jewelry things are up. Click on a pic to scroll through and marvel at the loveliness!! :D

j/k

No not really, I'm awesome.

Love it.

Anyone watching Sleepy Hollow, like me? I think I like it! Of course, it reminds me of the cartoon of old, Bing Crosby crooning about Ichabod Crane.

Wow, take me back. I haven't seen that cartoon since I was in kindergarten. Great, now I have that song in my head.
"Ichabod, Ichabod Craaaane."

-M

Been Awhile

First things first, I suck at updating my blog. Secondly.... No, I really have no excuse. Here's a kitty to be distracted by:

You just can't stop watching.

I have super exciting news though. I have two craft shows and an art show in the next 3 months, which is amazing. The first is at Bethel Lutheran Church down on 68 right across the street from Young's Jersey Dairy on October 5th. Not only that, but Diva's Night Out for Project Woman in Springfield on the 24th.

And then there's Un Mundo. Every month the cafe hosts a local artist's work and in the month of December, I get to be one of those artists!! Holy crap! My own show!! December 6th, folks. Mark it in your calendar.

It feels like everything is coming together quite nicely, for once. I cannot wait to show off my new stuff; new jewelry, paintings, new everything. Feels good, man. It's taken years to finally feel like I am an artist worth looking at. Kinda feels like this:

you know, it really does.

So, to recap:

• Bethel Lutheran Church Craft Fair - October 5th
• Diva's Night Out - October 24th
• Un Mundo Art Show - December 6th

New pics of Jewelry are up and coming. Patience, my loves, patience...

-M

Jewelry, Twitter, and Interconnectivity

Happy Tuesday People.
**Before we jump into the meat of the blog, I would like to state here for the record that Hansel & Gretel:Witch Hunters is hilariously bad. I had a fantastic time ripping this movie apart, even though I have a sincere love for Jeremy Renner. (Hawkeye I <3 you) The only redeeming character in this movie is Edward the Troll. Just sayin'.**

(as Joey once said) 'how you doin?'.....
many thanks to whomever constructed this on Tumblr.

As much as I appreciate the leather-clad eye candy, we must move on.
New things are up and running that are in desperate need of your clicking and viewing. First off, we have a new Facebook page for your viewing pleasure as well as a new Twitter feed! The next incoming is Etsy, of course, as soon as I get on all the pesky 'business' aspect of it all.

New jewelry stuffs, too.

Yeah, you like that, don'tcha!

Upcoming stuff here in the Springfield, Ohio area if you're around these here parts. The First Friday is now a full fledged thing down here! It's kind of awesome and you should come on over, there's food, pretty things, and people; what's not to love?
My good friend, Marianne Kesler is going to be at the Downtown Sounds on July the 10th. She's amazing and has a phenomenal voice. If you haven't planned on coming downtown Springfield, you should. Because Springfield is fun. And fun is good.

-Mellissa

A Spider and the Soap Bottle that could (Or Why I Need A Eucalyptus Plant)

This just in: Eucalyptus keeps spiders, ticks, fleas, aphids and ants at bay. Guess what plant I am totally getting tomorrow? Yeah, a pretty plant that Koalas eat. Oh, that reminds me. . .

*Insert memory swirl here*

Once upon a time, I was about to step into my shower when something in the corner caught my eye. Why, a spider! A freakin' gigantic, fat, black spider. Right in front of the shower! There I stand; frozen, naked and afraid of whether or not it would charge at me like those face-suckers on Aliens 2 (not like 3, 4, and apparently 5 coming in 2016, we don't count those movies) and launch itself at me or start stabbing me like Shelob on LOTR. A thought crossed my head as I was caught like a deer in the headlights...

It was frozen too, as if it was deciding what to do with me. Should it hide away now and then come back later in her asleep and create a nest in her hair? Should it start up the wall and then hover over her and drop unexpectedly as she desperately tried to take the fastest shower in history? Or should it just sit still and watch as the human starts to have a nervous breakdown and cry for her mommy? Hmm, it thinks, decisions, decisions.
If I just had a pretty, pretty plant that smelled good by my hallway window I would not have had to chuck my Soap bottle at the spider and splatter It's guts all over the tub. It probably wouldn't have wanted to come inside that way. It would have walked on It's eight little, terrifying legs outside and was like, 'Dude, I am so not going in there, there's like a plant and stuff' and just kept on crawling by. If only, freaky, evil black spider, if only...

End story time.

Next, on the Notions: Neighborhood yard sales and all their glory.

On to the Weekend

Anyone else looking forward to the weekend even though it's a Tuesday? Yeah, me either. There's almost too much to do for this weekend and I am looking forward to it all!

First on the list:Art Fair down in Fairfield. If you haven't heard of it (or the fact that Fairfield actually has a town beyond the mall) you might want to check it out. I'll be there trolling the tents looking for the Precious's that catch my eye.
Also, did you know there is a huge neighborhood yard sale going down in Springfield? Ra-Mar Estates is having an all out yard sale, everyone is invited and everyone around will be flocking to this one. . . If the weather holds out! *crosses fingers*

A very good friend of mine is a musician/singer/song-writer and she's amazing. I had the sweet opportunity to design one of her album covers (can i still say album cover if it's not the vinyl record anymore? Hmm, dunno. Discuss.) and she plays at the local farmers market, and the ever lovely Running with Scissors Creative Collective on first fridays of the month! If you haven't gone you should. Because going is fun, and fun is good. *thank you dr. suess*

So, I made some jewelry.

Tell me what you think. I'll be selling all of the above and more at the Ra-Mar Neighborhood Sale. My very good friend Kate will be moving into her new house so I will be also selling her stuff as well! Hop on US72 and you'll find us, we'll be setting up shop over on Marbella Dr. The shindig starts around 8 a.m. so get there early, there will be amazing things to see and purchase!

And now, for some philosophy on the simple life. I'm sure I'll be incorporating one or two of these ideas.... eventually. :D
Cheers!
-Mellissa

Pinterest and Tangerine Orange

Anyone else completely addicted to Pinterest? (By the way, yes, that link is to my boards and no, I have no shame.)

Also, did anyone see "Traditional Home" magazine where they said the new color was Tangerine Orange?

Personally, I say bring it on. I couldn't help but notice how at the local amazing flea market that there were so many pieces of furniture that were turquoise blue, or turquoise blue and cherry red. They were everywhere. I'm sick of the colors, even though blue is currently on my toes but, nevertheless there the color should remain. For some reason, and call me crazy, I really don't want to match furniture and I don't rock orange quite as well as I rock the turquoise blue.

E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E.

And so with that, let us put an end to the turquoise craze... at least tone down the furniture, I like the jewelry.

Yes, please.
And with that, I am going to change the colors of the buttons. But I can't take the turquoise any more....
Craftiness next time.

Seasides, Sunburns and Saucy Ladies

Greetings from glorious Outer Banks, NC. I have decided that when we hit it big, I will be buying a house down here.

Two happy kids right there.

What is it about the ocean? The rhythm of the sea has put my children to sleep for a full 8 hours of rest. I slept through the night for the first time since my son was born(and he's 4). Jack has slept through the night since Monday, which I personally consider something short of miraculous and am thanking the Heavens for the respite.

The hilarious thing about the ocean was when my boyfriend and I went swimming. We were trading verbal jabs with each other (as we are wont to do) and every time he would say something sarcastic a wave would hit him square in the stomach, throwing him completely off and landing his butt in the cold water. I joked that the Ocean 'loves whom she loves' and was punishing him for the insults. The red streaks from where the waves were hitting him are solid proof that I'm the Seas favorite.

I've collected a multitude of clam, oyster and seashells for the jewelry phase of the business. I've already gotten started with Dave's sister, Rina!

It's a gorgeous grey oyster shell with green acrylic beads! How cute is that?

While out and about hunting for souveniers, I saw a bunch of tents off the side of the road, and being the curious bunch that we are, we inspected and found an Art Fair! Yay! Handmade! Organic! Art-things!
**Pics to come later.

When I purchased my bathing suit, I really, really wanted to walk out looking like this:

what happened, since I think my son mistakenly took out my bathing suit from my suitcase, is I look more like this:

ooooooooh yeah, trashtastic. (BTW, no, this is not me. Thank teh interwebs)

Home Sunday-ish. Tropical Storm Andrea is coming up around the bend and it might get dicey through these here parts. I'll let ya know. "'pon my word and hon'r." (thanks ganny-maw)