YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Victoria Magazine...Just Like an Old Friend

...that's kind of the feeling I got, as I shuffled through all my old Victoria Magazines.   They are kinda like old friends.

I can still remember the way my heart took a leap when I spied (my first) issue in a local pharmacy mag rack, years ago.  Here was a magazine that really knew just what spoke to me.  And from that day on I was hooked. 

Now, flipping through the piles of magazines on the floor, sorting them by month and year, the things that came rushing back to me are not so much the issues themselves, but events in my life at the time.  Where I had savored each one.  Several in different states, some in B B B's, some in a small cottage house in the woods, and many at home.  And the inspiration they brought to me.

Glancing through the issues brought back such a wave of nostalgia, for not only my younger self, but the self that flipped through each one, heart dancing gleefully at seeing the beauty on each page. 

Through these magazines, I found one of my favorite authors, Jan Karon.  The August issue always brought the joy of seeing what other creative women were doing, and the hope that I could one day, do the same.  The October issue, with the set house from the movie Practical Magic, to this day remains one of my favorites.  This magazine, was a never ending source of happiness and inspiration. 

So, you see my dilemma...I am thinking of parting with my old friend.  Not that I don't like them anymore, I love them.  And that makes it that much harder to do, but I'm running out of room.  And I can't keep all my old magazines. 

So, at some point, I may begin to sell them.  I will sell the set, or piece by piece for the corresponding month.  I already have the premiered issue in my Etsy shop.  Not that it will be easy.  But I think that I need to do it.

But for now, I think I will spend a little more time with an old friend, before I let them go.

-c

Heavens to Etsy!

My poor sad little Etsy.  When I put it on vaca this summer...it withered and almost died.  LOL.  Poor little thing!

But, I did get to do some Estate Sale shopping over the summer, so I'm slowly stocking the shop back up. If you want to see anything, check it out here!

Have I told you about our Estate Sales?  My friends,  Sandra and Pat, have the BEST ones.  The only problem is...everyone knows it.  And believe you me, crowds gather. 

Their sales always start at 8 am.  And just like a ride at Disney, there is always a line of people, waiting.  Yes, waiting.   

And when the door opens...the MAD rush begins.  I'm not kidding.  You would think there where free gold bars inside the way everyone scrambles and pushes to get in.  An Estate Sale.  It ain't Filene's Basement people...its an Estate Sale.    

Granted there are good deals to be had.  Yes, indeedie!  But, that by no means should justify the  frenzied grabbing of goods and foot stomping.  Foot stomping you say?  YES.  I've had to announce loudly, "if one more person stomps my foot...I'm gonna start kicking shins people!".  And thats just amongst the peeps that I know (usually other dealers).  There were giggles...but I was serious.

Given that most of the house are small, I guess its bound to happen, once, maybe twice...but five times?  Hmmm. 

And grabbing of goods?  Count yours truly amongst that action at the last sale.  Sandra pointed me in the direction of a area of vintage sewing notions (my personal fave), as another shopper approached, I whipped out a plastic bag and just started showing things into.  No matter what.  If it was vintage and sewing, it was MINE.  Hey, at least I did'nt stomp his foot. 

But all in all, most are nice.  One lady graciously pointed out that there were two of the Milady tins, when I complimented the one she had in her hand.  

Most of the people these sales are usually friends and other dealers, but the majority of folks are "ahem" older.  Much older.  And I don't mean that to be offensive, I just find it intriguing.

Cause personally, at some point in my much later life, I plan to start jettisoning stuff out of my house, faster than a Sea Captain throwing cannonballs off of a sinking ship.  At that point, I'm don't think I'll be shopping for more old junk.

And maybe I'll have my own Estate Sale.

And hopefully, lots of really older people will come and shop. 

And we will hold the foot stomping to a minimum!  :)

-c

Looking at things differently

Isn't that what makes us "creatives" just that?  Looking at things differently?  How we see things, does that make the difference between a creative person and a non-creative person?

I was playing around with camera angles today (before the blessed storm hit - thank goodness for rain!) and trying to see which I liked best.

I'm trying to take better (read more interesting) photos for my Etsy.

Hmmmmm...

What do you think? 

How have you looked at things differently today?  : )

-c

Thank you card for Paper Cowgirl

As promised, here is the reveal for the Thank you card for Paper Cowgirl!

 The background scrap paper was scrubbed, scratched, painted over and Prisma Pencil colored.  LOL.  It got the treatment.  The writing is on an old French document.   I think I made the writing a little hard to read, eh, it happens. 

But do you not love those cowgirl faces?  I can't remember who I ripped it off from at PC.  I think from Deb Taylor!  (Thanks Deb!). 

And the wire/pearl wrap is from my Etsy shop.  I hope to be able to show you a few more projects with it soon. 

Its a Monday! 

-c

Projects, project everywhere!

I've been working on Thank You notes for Paper Cowgirl.  Yeah, I'm only a month and half behind.  Blame that White Rabbit syndrome! 

I'm not really happy with the way the handwritten text above turned out...but sometimes it happens.  But I do LOVE the saying.  The author was unknown, but I thought it marvelously fit the spirit of Paper Cowgirl!

The text reads, "May you always find a new road to travel, new horizons to explore, new dreams to call your own!".  I love it.  To me it signifies the spirit that Tee and I wanted to push in Paper Cowgirl, that it is an adventure.  To find your authentic and creative self.  I hope that I can carry it on in that spirit for Tee.

 

Now, in addition to thank you cards (I'll reveal the total card on Monday), I've been working on my Fall project for A Wicked Tea!  And the inspiration is from the book above.

I've always been fascinated by the Witch Trials in Salem.  Such a dark, grim, time in New England.  Before it was all over, nineteen had been hanged and one pressed to death.  I've made several trips to Boston, but have not been able to make it to Salem yet, maybe one day.  (And Martha's Vineyard too!)

The book above mixes fiction and reality to tell of the days leading up to that event (the witch trials) and the effect on Connie, in the year 1991.  Katherine writes wonderfully and the book is magical and descriptive, along the lines of Practical Magic, but a little darker and more serious.

And that led me to do further research for my project for PC, "The Shadow Book of Prudence Caulders".  It will be a small journal, with a mix of my funky handwriting, and some great journal techniques.  I hope to have pics by next week.  And a little more insight into the project as well.

Much to do. 

ttfn.

-c

For Back to School...

..surely I need a crown?

Are these not the coolest? 

I thought so!  That's why work can sometimes be a "bring home a pay check" challenge!  So much cool stuff there.

And these!  C'mon, say it with me, "It's so Fluffy!".  Yep, that has become the newest saying around this house, since seeing "Despicable Me".  I'm sure the cats are tired of hearing it. 

This told me it wanted to come home with me too!  Shoot!  Oh well, what can I say.  I work to support my habits.  LOL. 

Just thought you might like to see a few of the new things that have been coming in, yes, it makes for a challenge.  But it is fun!

-c

PS - Yes, the cookies looked good.  So good that, while they were cooling on top of the dryer, one of the cats decided to jump up there and help herself.  And looks like she tossed part to her brother.  When I realized what had happened, I had to call the vet, only to find out that chocolate is not good for cats either.  We had to keep an eye on em for 24 hours to see if there were any issues...thankfully none.  And the rest, well, I could not take a chance on sharing cat cookie licky love...so I tossed em.  I'll do another batch today.   Such is life.

Early Morning Thoughts

The kitchen is awash in slanted light early this morning. 

 
The smells of chocolate chip cookies baking and strong coffee brewing, dances in the air. 

These are for my new next door neighbor.  A little cookie love in exchange for the tremendous task of helping the Sweet Hub install a new micro.  A Dollar Tree plate allows her to keep the plate!  I love DT!

And I love mornings.  No, I'm not an early, early bird.  Unless you count the days that heinous hormones come into play.  On those days, those hormones pop my eyes open at 4:30 am. and say, "awake! awake!", like some carny magician from days gone by.  .  Errgh.

But on those days, its all good.  I actually get things done! 

But most mornings, I like to move slow.  Gather my thoughts, and enjoy the promise of the day. 

And the wretched mess above?  Cream colored ribbon that I am dying for my Etsy shop.  And putting some together for the project that I am working on for Paper Cowgirl.

More on that, tomorrow.  

Hope your morning has been wonderful!

-c

A Freebie for ya!

One of my great finds this week (from McKinney) was this sweet little book I found at Antique Company Mall.

I thought you might enjoy a copy of the cover.

As well as one of the pages. 

Its a wonderful little book...from the 40's maybe?  I could not find an exact date.  But I especially loved the illustrations.  Just wonderful! 

Seeing a book like this, you can see where Mary Engelbreit developed her style from.

-c

PS and y'all, I truly hate to do it, but the spammer's are driving me crazy.  I'm going to monitor comments for awhile.  Sorry. 

Visually Seeking

Let me start off by saying, I'm NOT an "impulse" kinda girl. 

As much as I like to think that I fly by the seat of my baggy pants (and sometimes I do), I'm not really a do-something-on-impulse kinda gal.  Its just not me. 

 

But yesterday I did.

And it was FUN! 

Prior plans for my Tuesday fell through. 

So, on a total whim (and with a little nudge by a friend), I kidnapped Ang and we FLEW to McKinney (OK, that's an overstatement!  We got a little lost, and hit construction work and holy crap I think it took us two hours to get there).  From Mansfield, for the love of Pete.

Finally DID get there and met Lis at Antique Company Mall and made the most of the handful of hours left in the day.  Lis has already pre-shopped.  But there were still great things left.  LOL.   

At Antique Company Mall we saw Carolyn (who was one of our great dealers at the June, Paper Cowgirl Vendor Show.  And Nancy.  And she showed us all the great booths (as well as her own wonderful spot) that she had highlighted in this post.   Saw Theresa's new booth (although I head most of the "good stuff" was gone), it was still adorable! 

And food!  Made a mad dash for a late lunch at Patina Green!  The shop is wonderful!  And Chef Robert made me the most delish salad (to fit my current diet needs) that truly, felt like I was cheating.  You cannot beat fresh out of the garden toms and squash.  But lemme tell ya, the bread and scones were looking pretty dang amazing too!  I can't wait to take Sweet Hub there.

A quick dash over to Smitten filled our velvet ribbon needs, as well as a great chat with Karen!  As she rung up my total bill, I had to comment that being a "visual girl" was really hard on the pocket book.  And she agreed.  And added that yes, and then you have to keep adding new visual elements all the time.  LOL.  And its so true!  But her shop is a GREAT source for that.  We did not leave empty handed. 

There was also a discussion about toe hair.  Shaving versus other forms of dealing with.  I'll spare you the details. As well as other silly topics.  And then, too soon, it was 5:30.  And time to race back home.

But those few hours, done on a whim... it was just what I needed.  Visual stimulation and the laughter and friendship of great buds. And wonderful food!  And being silly.  Sometimes silly is just what you need. 

I could learn to like being a little impulsive!

-c