Bodhisartva ..... Art/Spirit/Life

The Return of the Flea Market

Oh, Flea Market, I have missed thee!  For all kinds of reasons, I have not been at my usual haunts on Sunday mornings much at all since January.  But today, ah, today!  Long Beach Flea Market (really the best) with my DH - who gave me lots of room to roam and even brought me a cold drink halfway through. What a prince!

It does seem rather monochromatic, but you take what you can get.  I love the large thread holders and that box holds - count them - 144 spools of creamy white thread!  As usual, there is a coin purse, some rulers and old rubber stamps. You may notice that one rubber stamp and the metal number are both "3" - my magic number. 

I'm so excited that I found two things I can use for my jewelry displays at art shows. This is pretty cool - rusty and pretty large - with a hole at the top where I can mount a sign or flag of some kind.  In the first picture, you can also see something leaning against it that will work for hanging necklaces.

I do love my little red vintage metal box - perfect for carrying tools for bookbinding or jewelry making.  

The "Field Book" is an old leather bound journal with surveying notes.  All in all a lovely haul...but OH, the things I left behind!

How about you?  Did you do any flea markets, junk sales or yard sales this weekend?

Mother's Day Redux

Now that I have my camera in gear, I can share another part of my lovely Mother's Day.  High Tea on the front porch!

My DH and DD went out for supplies, but how could I know they would set up this?  A beautiful day, a lovely table, and just see what goodies!

It was as delicious as it looks.  Sara gave me a very special gift, but that is a story for another post.

 

Mother, Mother, Mother

Yes, Mother's Day is over but I didn't do it justice with my last post.

A few days before Mother's Day, I found this flowery package on my front porch - a gift from the talented, funny and utterly charming Mrs. Blossom. So excited!

I couldn't imagine what was inside, as it wasn't my birthday or any other event and why would she send me a Mother's Day gift?  I mean, I am a mother, but not HER mother.  But perhaps before I open this box, I should give you a bit more information.

Not only am I a mother, but it is my most cherished, treasured and joyful role in life.  It helps to have three spectacular daughters of whom I think the world.  Somewhere along the way, I began picking up framed vintage art about mothers. They carry flowery and sweet sentiments that could certainly never be said about me, but I love them anyway.  And, true to form, I acquired quite a collection. Some might say I acquired too many of them but what do I care?

Here is my wall of Mother plaques.  

 And see?  See that empty spot? That hole just begging to be filled?  Well, what do you know - someone dear just sent me something that will take care of that vacuum.

Thank you, Ginny dear.  You are a lovely friend to think of me. I will treasure it always.  

And now, my wall is complete.

Of course, tomorrow is the Long Beach Flea Market, so.......

 

Happy Mother's Day

I wish you all a wonderful and loving Mother's Day.  

May it be full of joy in the best job in the world!

 

But mostly, blessings to my own Mom - miss you so much.

Special Birthday

It's the day before Mother's Day and it's also the birthday of one of life's special people.  

Let's see.  Great mother (gotta mention that because tomorrow is THAT day).  Warm and loving sister (and sister-in-law, in my case).  Cries at the drop of a hat (LOVE that about her).  Treasures family above all.  Supports every one in all their creative endeavors.

Fun-loving, fun-sharing, big bright smile and giant laugh. 

I will never run out of praise and admiration and love for this woman.

Happy Birthday, Debbie-Do.  

You are the joyful glue that holds the family together.

Love you.

 

Gardening on the Slope

Even for Southern California, the garden seems a bit too exuberant for so early in May. But I am not complaining.  There are tomatoes on the vine, the sweet peas are climbing high and the herbs no longer look so straggly (is that a word?).

In case you think I'm all about the green....here is a hint of color.

I wouldn't want you to think that I don't like color. In fact, how about THIS? The rose was already a deep intense red, but oh so predictable.  I love iPhoto.  Almost as much as my garden.

May Day Delight

Oh, how I love May Day!  I don't remember how old I was when first I learned of this tradition.  Do you know it?  

Get up early while the world is still asleep but the sun is beginning to brighten the sky.  Gather flowers and herbs and greenery from wherever you can.  Bundle them into a little package of color and tie it to the doorknob of your friend, the porch of your neighbor - or your daughter's bedroom door.

Every year, I try to do something a little bit different.  This year, it was a tiny tin pail tied with seam binding ribbon.  Some years, it is a cone or a canning jar or a basket.  I just wish some of my dear friends lived close enough for me to reach their doorways as well.

Here - this one is for you.  Happy May Day!

World Book Night!

Is this not cool?  April 23 is the first World Book Night and I have volunteered to give away 20 books to strangers to encourage reading.  The books are specially printed for this event; the book I have is "The Namesake", which is a lovely story and better than the movie.  Millions of books (from a list of 30 books) will be given away today around the world.

My plan is to stand at our local train station, books in hand, wearing a sticker with the logo. But I am oh so concerned that I will be spurned! Wish I had a t-shirt or a big sign.  I might make one but am afraid it will look too unprofessional.  

What will happen? Who knows.  Life is an adventure.

Sometimes You Just Need a Break

Yep, sometimes you just need a break - from your work, your troubles, your own space even.  Lucky me - I know just where to go.  But a trip to Malibu, nice as it is, wouldn't mean as much without my dearest friend Gina.  She knows me so well; she even sees inside me somewhat magically to the center.  And I am myself with her.

She feeds me, pours the wine, lends an ear and a shoulder - and even somehow convinces me that I like dogs as well as cats.  Hello, Bentley, my dear.

There is a kind of peace that sneaks in when you are just sitting with a kindred spirit, painting, talking, laughing, sharing and working in your journals together.  

I am truly blessed in so many ways to have such a wonderful person in my life. Thank you, Gina.

Sweet Spring

Roses are blooming, tomatoes are fruiting, orange blossoms are scenting the breeze.  But this, now THIS is the bliss for me.

The fragrance of sweet peas fills the studio.  First pick of the year.

I fear that this will not be a banner year for sweet peas in my garden, so this first handful and their intoxicating scent are all the more precious.  Breathe. Breathe deeply.