To be Brittish

I have decided I would like to become British . I am truly enchanted with the tales and ways of the many blogs I read. These ladies have a charming way of expressing themselves. I love the English country side , the simple way of living and enjoying life. I think I shall try!

Long time coming

It has been a long time getting to this place. Eight and a half years and we have a Christmas tree! It may not be as big as we use to have or as pretty and it came to our home without our choosing, but never the less it is a Christmas tree.

I do like our little tree although I am very torn about acting like a normal family when we are not complete. I do think our angels are also enjoying our little tree.

Merry Christmas to our angels.

Never in my thoughts could I ever have imagined that in my life I would have some of the experiences I have had in the last 8 1/2 years. I spent an incredible weekend in L.A. this working on the Onelegacy float for the Rose Bowl Parade. Through our sadness of losing our Tim so many opportunities to grow and so many wonderful people have come into our lives.

Tim is one of 77 organ donors to be honored this year in the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1.2010. on the Onelegacy float. The float will be #10 in the lineup.

We were invited to Pasadena to decorate a floragraph of Tim. The floragraph was a computerized photo mounted on foam board. The photographs were shaded so that we knew where to apply the color. All of the materials used to decorate every inch of the float are natural. Dyed cream of wheat, poppy seeds, popcorn, dryed flowers etc.

Starting was the hard part. To see Tim's face and to know how we got there was a bittersweet feeling. My niece Laura, her new husband Brian and Tim's heart recipient's wife Cora and myself spent the day creating Tim's floragraph. I think we did a pretty good job if I do say so myself.

Tim never seems to amaze me. After 8 1/2 years he is still making a statement!

http://www.donatelifefloat.org/prod/components/media_center/video/video_120509.html

time

time
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I seemed to have slipped into a new time in my life and I am not so sure I like it. It was not so long ago that people asked me "how many children do you have?". The other day while out and about I was chatting with an older woman and she asked me "If I had any grandchildren?".

How could time have passed me by so quickly without me noticing? Pretty soon someone someday will write about a nice old lady they were chatting with and they will be talking about me.

Where does the time go?

Fall

Fall
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

The summer flowers in the garden are starting to wilt
The leaves on the trees are turning golden brown and fluttering to the ground
Can you feel it in the air

Apple stands on the side of the road
Warm days and cool crisp nights

My favorite time of year

Sailing

Sailing
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I have never been truly sailing before. What an experience! Kate invite 30 of her friends for a day on the bay for her 26th birthday. Rick and I were among the crew that set sail from the Ramp in San Francisco on one of the hottest days of the year.

Smooth going out to Alcatraz...and then the sails went up and we were sailing! The boat started to lean like you see in a photo. Well, I guess I wasn't paying too much attention, I was wrapped up in my thoughts, the next thing I knew EVERYONE else was on the upside of the boat and I was hanging on for dear life!!! All I could do was laugh. I do have to admit I was very frieghtened but it was great fun!

Sailing

Sailing
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My first tomatoes!
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Bentley has had his eye on these for a few days now!

They're Here!

They're Here!
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My first two tomatoes ever! I will be adding these to tonights salad. Thnk anyone will notice them?

A proud day!

Today was a good day! Katie

is officially and RN

Actually a BSNRN.

And Tim is being honored on the Onelegacy

float at the Rose Bowl Parade in January.

I am a proud Mom!

My very first tomato EVER!!

My very first tomato EVER!!
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

This is my very first tomato EVER!!!! I know many of you have done this many, many times, but this is very exciting for me. My first EVER!!!! I know I won't be setting up any produce stands but it looks like I will have a few more soon.I will watch it and take care of it carefully. I must say I am a little afraid that Bentley is going to eat it, if he does I may be listing him on Ebay!

So sweet

So sweet
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

It is the sweet small things that can make my day, like finding a special treasure like Julie Whitmore's Pottery. My friend Carol posted a photo of her adorable new cup. When I saw it I knew I had to own a piece or 10! So, I signed on to Etsy and there they were waiting for me to click on the purchase button. The next thing I know the mailman was delivering my very first piece. I am enchanted with Julie's whimsical painting, each piece a delight. Another one is on ot;s way to my home now. I can't wait for her to post more!!!

Reliquary Santon class

Reliquary Santon class
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Well, this is it. Mine is the one in the middle. Ulla, the class and Castle in the Air was a wonderful way to enjoy the day. So much inspiration!

Preparing for class

Preparing for class
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I am SOOO excited to take another wonderful class at Castle in the Air in Berkeley tomorrow with Ulla. Every trip to Castle is an inspiration, each new class is a exploration into new things . Tomorrow is a Santon reliquary class. Ulla always supplies interesting objects to work with but I am bringing a few of my own trinkets to play with as well. I can't wait to take some photos to show you all.

Tim 2.25.81

Tim 2.25.81
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

What a wonderful thing a photo is. You can look at it and really feel a closeness to that missing someone. You can almost feel you can touch them, almost pretend you can hear thier voice, imagine what they might say to you or better yet hear them laugh. You can almost pretend you are seeing them. Some time it is easier to pretend he's just away,even though I know better. It is nice to be able to hope he will walk thru the door. I look at his picture and I can only imagine what a beautiful angel he has become. Happy Birthday my sweet boy.
I love you,
Mom

I love.....

I love.....
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I love my family, I love our puppy dog Bentley, I love all my family memories, I love chocolate, I love shortbread cookies, I love my Latte, I love french knots, I love being married, I love to bake, I love flea markets, I love vintage anything, I love old lace, I love soft colors that blend, I love decorating magazines, I love Flickr, I love my new camera, I love Tahoe, I love rain, I love being artsy, I love that my family is close, I love a clean hose, I love a full cookie jar, I love when all the laundry is done and put away, I love taking classes to learn new things, I love that I don't have to work all the time, I love books, I love field trips to other peoples homes, I love traveling, I love coiming back home again with new ideas, I love little birds, I love treasure hunts, I love that I am grateful for having all these things to love. Happy Valentine's Day

New Years "reflections"

New Years "reflections"
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Last night we watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, with Will Smith. As we watch this very sad but real movie, I looked over to notice Bentley laying on his end of the couch wrapped in my Pottery Barn blanket cozy, safe and warm and I thought of all the people that are living on the streets or losing their homes with no where to go. I sat back and thought of my many blessings in life and said a prayer for those who are lonely, cold and hungry. I have made a promise to myself to try to be less wasteful and more aware of the things I take for granted. I don't call what I do "New Year Resolutions", I call them "New Year Beginings" a fresh new start. My New year wish for you all...Warm homes, a roof over your head, food in your tummy and someone to love. Happy New Year......

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