Some friends came over for lunch Tuesday, and we almost had a craft day along with it. I'd planned an all day crafting day with lunch in the middle, but plans changed, so we enjoyed what time we had.
And I'll take any excuse to buy some fresh flowers for my kitchen. My local grocery store offers mark down floral bundles on Mondays, but I don't always treat myself to them. Or if I do, I'll buy one or two bundles. But for this special occasion, I splurged and got 7!
Did I mention they were only $1.99 each? And some of the ones available were pink roses, which are favorites of mine. I rarely buy the roses though, because I am a cheapskate, even at two bucks, I figure that the carnations will last 4 times as long, so I go for those.
Plus I feel kind of sorry for carnations, they are often unappreciated.
Sometimes I wonder about myself. Really? Too cheap to buy $2 worth of roses because they will only look good for a few days??
I was thrilled to have a reason to buy enough flowers to put all around the cottage.
Including the treat cabinet in the studio.
And the coffee cart next to it.
We didn't even end up making anything that day, but we did "retire to the studio" after lunch to have treats and spend an hour or so being creative.
We were so busy talking and laughing we never got around to crafting on craft day. I see Carol so rarely, and this was the first time Lesa has been out to visit, so we had a lot of catching up to do. My buddy, Angie was able to come by just for lunch, she had a client to meet with afterward.
I know that everyone is busy, so it means a lot to me when friends can make time to come and hang out for all day or for a short visit, whatever they can squeeze in.
One of the things we talked about was how nice it is to have other women to discuss business or family issues with. Its a topic that Carol has insight with, she has even started a blog that addresses that subject, called Good Stella where she offers encouragement and advice to help women on the road to achieving their dreams.
Carol is always generous with her time and experience. And has good advice to offer.
This bird topped tree is one that I made in another friend's class a few years back. Sheila makes the coolest stuff, and is such a nice person. I always set it out for Valentine's decorating.
This year, I've added an ephemera heart from Ginger Shrader, and liked her sweet idea so much, that I hung a few more similar hearts on the tree too. Its sitting on a vintage candy box, that I picked up cheap because the top wasn't very pretty and I thought I'd foof it up. But when I flipped it over, I saw that the back was much more attractive and I display it as is- upside down.
Hmmm, what was I talking about? Oh yes, friends. And how lucky I am to have time with them.
Working as an artist can be a lonely job. Which is why I love craft days, and classes, and other gatherings of creative pals. Now, I am not knocking being an artist. I can't imagine having to put on real clothes and leave the house to go to a real job every day. Well, sometimes I do day dream about those real pay checks… but heck, anyone who'd hire an uneducated, no skills person like me probably wouldn't pay much anyhow.
Working from home is great. And I have the Dorkies to keep me company, as well as visits online from blog friends.
But there is something extra nice about actually having people come to the house, sit down, and chat.
I’m glad you had such a great time with some girl friends. You’re right, it’s good to have creative time, and good to have visit time, but the best is when you can enjoy best with your friends.
That music was on the bottom of the box? Seriously? It’s great! Any chance of getting a picture of the whole back? I’m curious if the music is actually playable.
Days with friends especially ‘girlfriend time’ is so uplifting – thankful you had a fulfilling day!
These are the first photos I’ve seen showing off the different angles of your newly expanded kitchen… so lovely!
Excited to see you, feel your gracious hospitality and be uplifted at BIRD SONG II!
Everything looks so beautiful!!!
So glad you had an AMAZING day, just visiting with friends!!
Sometimes you just need some down time.
oxox
Amazing is right, its great to get together with creative friends!
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Birdsong is the ultimate in creative sharing! I cant wait
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Looks like fun Karla. I wish I had more creative friends close by to have craft days. In the meanwhile, I’ll continue to get all excited about Birdsong 2!
Will Carol be there this year?
What fun!! I can so relate. I have worked at home for the last 12 years as a transcriptionist. Working at home can be very lonely and difficult to make friends. To add to it, we moved here 12 years ago and so I didn’t (and still don’t much) know anyone.
That is why I love blogging so much, I can reach out and meet people and create with them virtually!!
xoxo
Crafting or no crafting, any day at your house is FUN!!!
I can’t wait to come see you again…
Xo suzanne
Your house looks so great, can’t wait to see the new kitchen in person at Bird Song II!! Glad you got to unwind with your friends, they make life easier!
what a gorgeous day.
I’m with you on carnations. People seem to hate them, but I love them. they last for ages, remind me of tutus and smell like cloves – what’s not to like?!
xx
What a great day. I love days with like minded friends. They are my angels.
Thanks for sharing.
I work from home, too, and agree that it can get lonely. But I do love the solitude, and I’m also glad I don’t have to ‘dress up’ everyday (going out and buying clothes is almost foreign to me–i’d much rather go shopping at goodwill for old books and lace and stuff!) I’m curious what your crafting project was going to be that day, that you all never got around to doing? Just hanging out and gabbing sounds pretty perfect, too. And your studio and dining room (and the treats!) look beautiful!
Glad you liked my collage for Mary’s challenge. So sweet of you to make that comment; it made my day!
maggie
Creative people really need creative friends it seems. So good for rechargin our batteries. Your home looks just beautiful!! I am so looking forward to seeing you again for Bird Song. Could you send me the Yahoo page info. I am still enjoying not working with my transcription job. So stressful and I felt like the life was being sucked out of me. So happy to get to do creative things at home again. Thanks for brightening my day today, always fun to read of your adventures, Karla!!
Karla, I adore your blog and your creativity. Please do not sell yourself short on being uneducated and not valuable!! You are a very talented woman with MUCH to offer. A store-bought education is nice but there is just as much to be said for talent and hard work – both things you excel at!
Karla, would you do a post and tell us about your stairs? I’ve admired them in other posts, as well. Did you paint or is it some of your beloved wallpaper? Thanks! Barbara
Karla…your photos of the luncheon with the two adorable little dorkies just waiting for something to “fall” off the table are too cool. Don’t ever call yourself uneducated, Karla…you write beautifully and clearly, and your joy in your home and art speaks volumes about your intelligence. Love, love, love your blog. Patty in Kansas
fellowship is good! I’ve been to school of ‘hard knocks’ as well as a higher learning institute. Guess which is more handy in everyday life?!? Keep on doing what you’re doing! Your memories will be the most awesome reward for a life well lived. Still loving all the pics of your wonderful kitchen.
Your new vintage kitchen is so gorgeous, Karla! And if I had your studio I don’t think I would ever leave it! You must have so much fun when your friends visit and you get to play with all your fun vintage goodies and make pretty things! You have me thinking that I need to buy myself some pretty flowers once in a while. I always look at them as I walk by but never want to spend the money. I love carnations, especially pink ones.
Michelle
Yep, I guess I should consider myself educated after all, Ive certainly attended the school of hard knocks!
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Karla, it is extra beautiful and those flowers rock! I try to grab the special bargain flowers, too. We deserve them, don’t we?! My last weekend craft visit with a friend ended up much as yours did — and it didn’t matter, really. We talked creative things, we laughed and we just WERE. And it was the best.