Never a dull moment

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was delightful as usual. The table was set by my niece Kathleen in a traditional beauty my mother would have been proud of. The candles were glittering, the crystal glass filled with wine and Kathleen's beautiful china. We said grace gave our thanks and then......the dinning room table collapsed! Crystal and china went flying ,everyone screamed...then came the laughter. Kathleen had worked so hard for this lovely meal to be perfect and it was. We washed the dishes and silverware dusted ourselves off and shared a great evening of food, family, laughs and friends. As my mom would say "there is never a dull moment with our family"

Karla Gerard

Karla Gerard
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I have found a new artist to follow. Her name is Karla Gerard and she sells these fabulous acrylic paints. I love each and everyone of them.
I do believe I am attracted by colors first, then texture and then the design. I am begining to learn this from looking at paintings, fabric, beads and so many other things.

How I long to be this kind of artist. I like to think of myself as an artist.
There are many things that I can do, I just never have found that one thing that completely drives me. I think if I could choose it would be painting with all medias, but watercolor seems to be the most interesting to me.

Maybe I should sign up for yet another class to try my hand at watercolor. Ah, the possibilities are endless.......

Road trip

Tattered House
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Every month Carol, Michelle and I look forward to the Alameda Flea market. We wander up and down the aisles looking at everyone's goods trying to find that special something to bring home. While wandering one month we entered a booth full of vintage treasures that we could not resist. I remember that Erika and Sandy the owners of Tattered House were sitting in two chairs that were for sale as well, chatting to everyone that stopped by their booth. These delightful ladies invited us to visit their shop in Roseville, CA.
The thoughts of a road trip were in the making. We decided that we would drive up to Roseville on our way to our country home in Tahoe for a weekend stay. Unfortunately Carol could not join us, so Michelle and I were on our way.
What a delight to drive up in front of Erika and Sandy's cottage shop on Oak St. in Roseville. The shop was everything they had said and more. So many lovely vintage pieces, there was so much to look at and SO much to want. We were offered coffee, tea ,cookies and kindness. From the moment you walk in the door you are welcomed by a friendly, cheerful atmosphere.
I bought a vintage chandelier for my art room and an adorable hand painted mirror for my closet. I am already thinking of what I want on my next trip back. Can't wait!
If you would like to visit :Tattered House
417 Oak Street, Roseville Ca. 916-772-7700

1962 Vintage Trailer

Vintage Trailer
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I NEVER in a million years thought I would say "I want a trailer". But I want a trailer!. A vintage trailer, a project to decorate for fun. I am not sure what I will do with it but I think it is adorable. I have playing witth the idea ever since Anthropologie sent out a catalog with a Teardrop trailer in it. This is a little tiny trailer for camping. Oh so cute! I am not so sure I can talk Rick into this project but I know I can grab my brother hook, line and sinker! I have been visiting a very fun blog The Vintage House wife, she has the cutest little trailer. It just looks like alot of fun!

One of those days!

Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Today was one of those days. Just wanted to walk into Starbucks and order my Cafe-Mocha-Vodka-Valium- Latte to go. Hope tomorrow goes a little smoother!

Gift giving

Flea market bottles
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I always seem to have a problem when I buy gifts early. I bought two of these beautiful small cross bottles for my sister-in-laws for Christmas. I know they will both adore them as much as I do. The problem is I am so excited to give them these gifts I don't know if I can possibly wait that long. I will tuck them away and try to forget they are there. I am not sure if the fun is in the buying and thinking or in the excitment when you pass that gift over or right before the receiver opens it. Oh, how I love buying gifts, getting gifts and most of all giving that one special, perfect gift.

Halloween Swap

I have been accepted into Four Sisters in a Cottage Halloween swap. I am very excited! I already know what I would like to make. But, SHHH! I can't tell yet, I wouldn't want my partner to see.

Field Trip

Tail of the Yak, Berkeley
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Today Rick and I set out on a field trip across the SF Bay Bridge to Berkeley. Mt new favorite shop Castle in the Air is located on Fourth Street filled with beautiful paper and trinkets from Italy and Germany. A short distance from Castle is The Tail of the Yak an unbelievable shop with so many fabulous thing from France, Guatamala, Italy. The santons where beautifully adorned with silk flowers, imported embroidered ribbons ( had to have several) , with every turn there is some interesting thing you won't see just anywhere. These are the small pleasures that make your heart beat a little faster.

Ulla's Studio

Ulla's Studio
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

A visit to Ulla's home and studio is a field trip of it's own. She has so many lovely and interesting pieces. Her collection of floral wedding crowns are exquisit, delicate antique wreath head pieces each mounted on a plaque against a soft green wall.
Her studio is out back thru the garden. There is one whole wall filled with beautiful art books, journals she has collected with her favorite magazine pictures and a delightful collection of childrens books.
Above her work space is a long shelf with wonderful clocks, dolls heads and a collection of vintage wedding shoes. So many treats your eyes want to drink them all in at once.
In a different work station around the room there is a table set up with porcelain doll head she is china painting scenes on, jars of buttons waiting to be used in her jewelry and collaging projects and a fench love seat where her little dog Saddie watches her work.
I will save the details of the jewelry class itself for tomorrow. What a delightful day. If I had brought my jammies, I would probably still be there!

Flea Market Treasures

Flea Market Treasures
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

These are my treasures from the August flea market in Alameda. I am taking a jewelry class this Friday with Ulla from Castles in the Air, and I am very excited. I will be soldering, learning wire wrap, glass cutting. I know I have said this many times, but these are the small pleasures that bring enjoyment. The inspiration is endless! Hopefully I will be sharing wonderful creations by the end of the week.

Digital Art

angels among us
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Oh, How I wish I was "computer wise" enough to create beautiful digital art like so many of you on Flickr. It looks so very fun . I just brought home Photoshop Elements 6. This is my first try, not too bad! I just can't seem to get enough of all these wonderful art projects that are out there waiting to be created. I have been looking for a class in my area, but have not found anything yet. I am not too sure there is anyone out there with enough patience! I will keep clicking away at the computer, you never know what those clicks will become.

Journal challange

journal
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

It has been so long since I have really sat a my art table and worked on any type of project. I purchased a beautifl old leather bound book quite some time ago. Every now and then I pick it up and look at it, but yesterday I decided to plunge in and stop thinking and start doing! I spent the majority of the morning working on how I wanted to plan this lovely book out. I am very excited about it. I would love to have others work on it with me, so if anyone is interested in playing along and adding a page, let me know.
Hint ,hint Carol........

Nice people

Reliquary
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I love when we are reminded of how nice people really can be. I recently had someone do something really nice for me, someone who actually didn't even know me, but was kind enough to spend thier own time to do me a favor. I am sending a small gift of thanks, but more importantly I have decided that it is my turn to do something nice for someone else. I won't be able to share with you when I do, because the purpose would be lost. If I am very, very lucky, I won't even know that I have done this nice thing, it will just be something that will come so naturally that I won't even notice.

Flea market finds

Flea market finds
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Another fun Sunday of treasure hunting at the Alameda flea market. I have been waiting to buy another vintage bottle with the cross soldered on for months. I am very happy with the few little treats I bought this month. Each piece will have a place and purpose in some projects I am working. It feels good to have my creative wheels turning again.

New Banner

I have found it so amazing that I have met so many nice people thru Flickr. I do think that when we share our creativity with others to see, it helps us open our hearts. At least that's how I feel.
The other day I was searching Flickr and found some photos, I commented on the beauty of a banner that TiffanyJane made, and the next thing I know she was making me my new blog banner you see above. I love it, the colors are yummy, the birds so sweet she also used two of my own favorite angels.
I feel as if my new banner will give me the new direction that I am looking for for my blog. Thank you TiffanyJane for this inspiration.

Weekend away

Bentley
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

We enjoyed a family weekend at the cabin in Tahoe this past weekend. It has been way too long since we have been to the cabin, almost seven month. I always feel so recharged and regenerated when I am in the mountains. Of course being the first weekend of the summer we expected some fun in the sun. That didn't happen, but a fire and a little snow is always nice too.

Bentley also had a great time. He played with his Tahoe toys, rested by the fire and found the one small patch of snow left on the lawn to play in. There are also wonderful sniffs in the country.

All in all it was nice to be together. Welcome summer......

Reliquaries

Reliquaries
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Reliquary: receptacle containing the relics of saints and other sacred objects of the Christain religion. They are richly decorated with gold, silver,enamel and jewels.

Over the weekend I took a reliquary class at an enchanting place called "Castle in the Air " in Berkeley. Eight delightful women sat down to design, assemble and solder these decorated little treasures. I have been wanting to learn to solder forever! It was great fun and wonderful to make new friends. Enchanting is the only word I can use to describe "Castle in the Air", with their imported papers, dresden filigrees, tiny bottles, waxes and ink, SO much to look at. I spent two days working on my pieces, each day coming home with so many ideas reeling in my head and a bag of goodies.

Friends

Do you have a friend that is someone who truly makes you laugh? This morning I got a call from a high school friend who I am also lucky enough to have as a neighbor. Patti is one of those friends! We laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face and my stomach hurt. Our conversation made me laugh through out the day. What a great way to start your day. I hope everyone has a "Patti" in their life.

Girls and their trinkets

Blue
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

What is it about trinkets, pretty plates, lace and vintage anything that makes our little hearts flutter. For me I think it is the history and nostalgia. These cherished pieces bring joy to our days. We truly do love all that glitters and sparkles. I get so excited when I sign on to flickr and my flickr friends are sharing their beautiful things, vintage hankies, jewels, dishes, flea market finds, handmade creations. I find these ladies so very inspiring. Who ever came up with the word "eye candy" said it all!

The Birthday Hug!

The Birthday Hug!
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Tomorrow I will be 52 years old! UGH!!!! Seven years ago tomorrow I recieved a gift that would last two lifetimes. Tim was leaving to go back to school in Santa Barbara, it was my 45th birthday ,he was home for the weekend. When he left that afternoon I walked to his truck with him and he gave me a hug. But this hug was very special , it lasted a little longer and was a little tighter than usual, enough to make me aware that it was different. I didn't know then that it would be the last hug I would ever get from my sweet boy. Tim was killed 3 weeks later in Santa Barbara. It didn't take me very long to realize what an incredible gift Tim had given me that afternoon. How many times do you really remember something as simple as a hug or a quick kiss? I have cherished this memory everyday day for the last seven years and will cherish it for the rest of my life. How blessed I am to have this memory. As you can tell I wear my heart on my sleeve for everyone to see. I share this story because I like to think that it is things like this that make us take notice of the little pleasures in life that are not to be taken for granted. It is actually a happy day for me( except for the 52 thing!)

Charmed

Charmed
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Next week Emma wil be 3 years old and since she and I are Birthday Buddies, I wanted to share a special treat with her. Emma and I have a very special bond that will forever hold a huge place in my heart ( a very long story that I shall tell at another time). Emma's mom has started a silver charm bracelet for her,so I have decided we will start a tradition and have a "birthday outing" every year to get a new silver charm for our bracelets.
I can remember my mother's charm bracelet as a child. She would always let me play with all the tiny charms to see which ones opened or moved. My mother started her bracelet around 1935 when she was working downtown San Francisco. Each Friday when she got paid she would go to the gift shop at the Saint Francis Hotel and buy a new charm. My mom had so many charms she filled 3 bracelets, overflowing . My bracelet , though still not so full, holds many memories of my own, from places I have been to charms with a special meaning to me. I think this will be the perfect gift for my "special birthday buddy".

A day at the races

A day at the races
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

At what point in your family life do you take note to how much things have change thru the years? A family outing on a Saturday with the children use to be a day at the park or going to feed the ducks. At 24 years old Katie wasnt in to taking a bag og stale bread to the pond, her choice was going to the race track. Who would ever have imagined someday we would be at the track looking over horses and having a beer with our "little ones". I must say the weather was glorious and we had great fun.

78 degrees today

78 degrees today
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

It is a day like today that is the reason we live in California, in homes that are under 2000 square feet, small back yards and cost over $1,000,000.00! It is one of those days that when you sit outside the the gentle breeze makes all the trees flutter with thier beautiful new leaves. A wonderful day to just take the time to sit and enjoy smelling the clean fresh air.

Idol Gives Back

Idol Gives Back
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I am sitting and watching Idol Gives Back. As I sit and watch this program I am so moved by the pictures they show of all the children and families that are in need. Sometimes we forget that not everyone in the world lives like we do. We forget that not everyone has a dry warm house with a cozy bed to climb into at night. It has given me much to think about tonight when I say my prayers. I am reminded how very blessed I am for my family, health and home. I don't even have words that can explain how moved I am.

Fair Isle

fair Isle
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My first Fair Isle project. I am finding this to be a very tense and difficult task. I have anew appreciation for many knitters. If I finish t both gloves it will be quite an accomplishment, If I don't I will have quite a snazzy ITouch case!

Flea Market Sunday

French Sailors
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My favorite day of the month. The first Sunday of every month I cross the Bay Bridge to the Alameda Flea market. AH! The goodies, the eye candy. the chocolate banana muffins and coffee. I'm not sure if it is the shopping or the people watching that makes my day. I can spend the entire morning wandering and taking photos in a place where anything goes!. It is a day when you can see so many fun things that remind you of a day that has past. A day that you can dress in your most outrageous outfit and still fit in. Today I was on the hunt for birthday surprises for one of my oldest and dearest friends. The day was a great success. I am already looking forward to next month.

Hope in a tube

Hope in a tube
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

As I took my new face product out of it's box this morning I started to think ( I alway think about things much deeper than intended) What a wonderful concept. "Hope in a tube". Imagine the possibilities of having this tube on hand when ever needed. A little hope can go a very long way!. If this was truly possible I would give everyone I know a tube. I would carry several in my pocket to hand out to people on the street. Such an up lifting thought. My wish for today is that everyone have thier own "Hope in a tube"
Thanks for the beauty tip Carol and the inspiration!

Where it all began

Where it all began
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Today I drove into the City. ( If you grew up in San Francisco you know we always call it the "City", not "Frisco" or "Sanfran" but the "City".) I drove by the house were we grew up, Mom and Dad's house. I could picture each and every room in my head, where every piece of furniture belonged. I could imagine all our holidays we spent together there, even as growns adults with our children. I can even picture the night before the sale was final after my parents had passed away, we were all gathered together, my brothers, sister-in-laws and all of our children. We planned to have a picnic in the livingroom on the floor one last time, all of us gathered together ,remembering. How blessed we are to have each other and those wonderful times together. My parents gave all of us, even our children, the most important gift they could. A happy childhood

Happy keys

Happy keys
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I never thought I would ever want to play the piano again, not that I was very good at it when I did play. I like how it was something I did for myself, just for me. For almost seven years now the piano has sat untouched. I have even tried to give it away. I guess I felt it would bring too much happiness into the house and that would be wrong. I feel as if I have changed lately, not that I am any less sad, but maybe it would be OK to have some happiness in our lives while we are here. Maybe tomorrow I will venture to the music store to buy some new sheet music or maybe I will open the piano bench and try to play something from a happier time.

The boys

The boys
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

When I look at these two baby boys it makes my heart jump with love for them. How is it you can fall in love with someone you barely know for more that two weeks. Babies are amazing, but I am truly reminded of God's work to see two perfect little angels side by side. I can't even begin to think of the wonderful days ahead. We are blessed.

Star Angel

Star Angel
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I do believe thru some of the saddness you must smile. Today was a day that I could smile. The sun was shinning, the weather is pretty, it was nice to be outside.

30 Days of photos

I have started the 30 day photo challenge on Flickr. It is actually the second time I have done this . I do believe it is really the 365 day challenge, but that is a frightening commitment for me. Again there is that fear of failing, so I will start small and enjoy the sense of accomplishment. I think this project makes me get out and look at things differently. I actually think it just plain helps me get out!
My mind always seems to be reeling with ideas or ways to come up with a fresh idea. Tim always told me "I think too much!" I do think he was right, but I like to think in a good way. Maybe I will work my baby steps up to the 60 challenge. But I don't have to think about that for a month.

The First

I have thought about starting a blog for so very long. I read and enjoy others daily. I think it is the "fear of failing" that has kept me from joining in all the fun. I am not witty or even poetic. I sat in front of the screen trying to think of a clever first title. It did not happen. But I have been so inspired by the creativity of others and I am hoping it will wear off on me. With each passing day I hope others will learn to read and share in my words.