Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Tuesday Fave Etsy Shops


This week, I discovered Edart on the Etsy Front Page.

This is what I saw:

The Husband loves VW buses (he has a '79, the last of the buses before the Vanogans took over) and dogs, so this definitely caught my eye. Adorable!


Here's a couple more.


Yes, this is a chairholders meeting!



Wonderful photographs!


He creates this silly artwork and photography, plus prints and postcards, from his home near Rotterdam, Netherlands, which are carried in his
Etsy shop. He has some drawings and other artwork on his website that don't seem to be on Etsy but are totally worth taking a look at. Maybe if there's something you want there, he can list it for you on Etsy.

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Monday, March 29, 2010

Encouraging Words Monday

Always look at what you have left.

Never look at what you have lost.


Rev. Robert Schuller

Do What You Love!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sunday Wishful Thinking

I wish my cats could talk.

Watson could tell me why he runs around the house at top speed in the evening...


Raina could say why she sometimes eats wet food and sometimes doesn't...


They could tell me when they have tummy trouble or wish that bright red spot would come out to play...

Do What You Love!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday Book Review


The Little Sleep by Paul Tremblay

A narcoleptic PI from the mean streets of South Boston, written in the noir style of Chandler and Hammett. Intrigued?




Mark Genevich used to be a regular guy, running a small business with occasional trips to Foxwoods casino, until a serious accident left him scarred and narcoleptic. And not just run of the mill narcolepsy. He also has bouts of cataplexy, that leave him awake but unable to move or talk, and hallucinations.

He’s not sure who hired him, what they hired him to do and what photo’s of a current contestant on American Star (think Idol), who’s the daughter of the local DA, have to do with the case. Ellen, his ever patient mother and landlord, does what she can to help him but he’s out to prove that he can actually tackle this puzzle himself. When he realizes that the root of the problem is much closer to home than he could have imagined, he presents himself with challenges he would never have attempted before his mysterious client dropped this ugly dilemma into his lap.

Mark is dark and funny, using references to current events and pop culture to describe his world and attitude. That he continues to want to depend on his own limited abilities to make his way through life is admirable. Ellen makes herself available but doesn’t push and never makes too fine a point about his condition. After 8 years, she takes his sleeping spells and more serious cataplexy attacks in stride, never embarrassing him or assisting too openly. But the mom in her does complain about the cigarette burns on her couch and worries about the way he eats.

I was happy to find out that Paul Tremblay’s publisher’s coaxed him to write another novel about Mark that I immediately put on hold at the library, called No Sleep Till Wonderland. I can’t wait to go on another dark, sarcastic, whiskey-soaked adventure with Mark Genevich.




Places to find Paul Tremblay:


Do What You Love!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Friday Potpourri~*~The Old Grey Mare...



So, next year, I'll be eligible for some senior discounts. Old age is waving to me from the horizon...

Some thoughts on aging:

I made the mistake of looking at my face in the mirror~~with my glasses on. Bad move! I'm getting the fine lines my grandmother had around her cheeks and my smile lines~~well, maybe I watch too many comedies. Note to self: Netflix more dramas and use moisturizer religiously!

I've been wrestling my weight back down to an acceptable level and made a vow to go to Weight Watchers once a week for life. Every time I leave WW, I start to gain again. ENOUGH!

I find myself somewhat colorless lately, so I'm using makeup again (really don't like it but then again, hate looking in the mirror to see my face so pale and blah) and the few clothes I'm buying as I get to my goal weight I'm trying to pick for their color and style, not their ability to cover my bulk.

When I worked with older folks, redesigning their homes, I was always amazed at how many doctor's appointments their calendar's notated. Many had several in a month. I'm not quite there, but I see that time coming. Health is beginning to be a major concern for me. As we get older, it's like Bad Health is lurking in a dark alley, waiting to throw us off balance and pummel our organs. The desire to live a long life has heightened my Spidey Health Senses. Lately, I've wanted to start eating better and exercising more. I want to be toddling around my neighborhood, sans walker, for 40 or 50 more years. Bring on the yogurt and fruit, high fiber and low impact aerobics.

And since I want to do it in style, I log into the Advanced Style Blog for inspiration from New York and European seniors who know how to face old age with humor, gusto and style!


Debra, from Advanced Style


Do What You Love!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Things Thursday


Ok, so it's usually 8 Things... But the Top 10 American Idols were named yesterday, so I thought I'd throw in the songs I'd really like to hear them sing. So, HERE goes:


Songs I'd like to hear the top 10 American Idols Sing


Crystal~Free Man In Paris (the obvious choice, though, Piece of My Heart)


Mike~Stardust


Aaron~100 Years


Andrew~Heaven (Los Lonely Boys)


Didi~You're So Vain


Casey~Ain't Goin' Down Till the Sun Comes Up


Siobhan~Big Black Horse and the Cherry Tree


Katie~Don't Know Why


Tim~Jesse's Girl


Lee~How You Remind Me

Yeah, I know this is twelve... Apparently the top 10 haven't posed for pix yet...

Do What You Love!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Fave Etsy Shops Tuesday


I like this Fave Etsy shop feature--it makes me go back through my pages and pages of shops I've favorited and look back at the cool things I've noticed over the years.

Today's shop is Gingercatpress.etsy.com. If you don't know already, I love cats! We have siblings~Raina, the chubby gray sister and Watson, the skinny black brother. So liking Gingercatpress should be no surprise.

Here's the profile from Tara's shop:


I grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and studied illustration and fine art at the Ontario College of Art and Design. I worked for many years as a children's bookseller before returning to painting and starting a new career as a cover artist and children's book illustrator. I now live on a 200-acre farm, where seven domestic cats and numerous barn cats provide inspiration.

Are these the cutest little faces??

And I love that she does Artist Trading Cards--the most affordable way to collect art!


She also sells original art pieces:



And greeting cards:



Take a look at her kitties and other beautiful artwork at her Etsy shop and her blog.

Do What You Love!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Encouraging Words Monday

If a voice in your head says you cannont paint, then paint, and that voice will be silenced.


Van Gogh

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Saturday Book Resources


Still reading mystery series... Should have an actual book review next week.

So, here's a couple of bookish websites I turn to on the rare occasion that Amazon lets me down:

.




Both of these websites deal in used books sold by independent sellers, which I love to support. I sell a few things on Amazon once in a while myself and really appreciate my buyers. You can get some really great deals here while supporting small businesses or individuals.


Let me be clear, I really like Amazon. Most of the time, their prices are the best around and it's just so easy to shop with them. They usually have what I want, new items anyway, and their free shipping for $25 and over orders can't be beat. But here's how Amazon fails me:


I'll give you an example of a search I made recently. I was looking for an out of print book that was selling on Amazon through independent book sellers, for upwards of $25. For a little paperback!! So I went to Alibris and found one copy for $1.99. Yay! I didn't need it to impress anyone, it didn't need to be a shiny, new copy, it just needed to be affordably readable. Maybe I just lucked out finding it so cheap, but knowing I can go places other than Amazon for my reading needs is liberating.


On Amazon, if you want to buy several books from one seller, you are forced to pay the full shipping price for EACH book. Huh?? 21st century folks, there should be a method to combine shipping for the same seller. Many of the independents that sell on Amazon also sell on Alibris and/or Abebooks, so I zip on over to those websites, where shipping for one seller is combined, and get what I want for shipping that makes sense.

These websites are also excellent resources for text books.

I used to be able to spend hours in bookstores, browsing and reading in snatches. Now, not so much. I don’t know if I just don’t have the patience anymore or if there just aren’t enough bookstores nearby with character and books I’m interested in perusing. But the fact that I can support independent bookstores online makes me feel good. There’s a place in the world for Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon, but God bless the indies!

Do What You Love!


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Potpourri-Collecting


Last November, The Husband gave me a Puritan Rubber Ducky. He saw it at Party City and thought it was cute. Thus began my newest collection: Holiday rubber duckies...


For me, collections are usually about the thrill of the hunt. I think The Husband brought home the Christmas Caroller and the Irish ducky. But I had to search for the Valentine's duck-you wouldn't think it would be so hard to find something V Day... And I'd almost given up on the Easter ducky, but Party City came through again!



I'm looking forward to finding a Patriotic ducky for Memorial/Fourth of July and perhaps a variety of Halloween duckies. I may start making my own, too. Get a few naked (!) duckies and dress them for Mardi Gras (yeah, a little late...), Flag Day, my summer birthday, Veteran's Day... The possibilities are endless.



These guys live in my car, on the deck in front of the speedometer. They make me happy, even on the way to work!

And so, this is how collections start. Part challenge, part creativity, part pure desire. The harder something is to find or afford, the more value it has. What do you collect?

Do What You Love!



www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Thursday, March 18, 2010

8 Things Thursday

8 Favorite Sleuths

1 Sharon McCone*Marcia Muller

2 Spenser*Robert B. Parker

3 Lacey Smithsonian*Ellen Byerrum

4 Nameless*Bill Pronzini

5 Inspector Montalbano*Andrea Camilleri

6 Benni Harper*Earlene Fowler

7 Eve Dallas*JD Robb

8 Stanley Hastings*Parnell Hall

Do What You Love!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Favorite Etsy Shop Tuesday


Most of my favorite Etsy shops I’ve found by surfing around the website and stumbling upon these special artists and craftsfolk. But this week’s pick is someone I traveled to see in Laguna Beach, to attend his annual Christmas sale, in the long driveway of his charming little beach house.


Jon Price’s ceramics are truly pieces of art. Fired with a special crystalline glaze, the patterns on his vases, dishes and ornaments look like delicate flowers or bursting fireworks. The pictures in his shop are lovely but you really have to see these pieces to appreciate them. If you find something of his you really must have on Etsy, I guarantee you’ll love it even more when you actually see it in person. They’re stunning!


Jon does shows in the Southern California area and has one or two sales at his home during the year. He’s a friendly guy who obviously loves his work and seems to enjoy meeting his collectors. I have two of his vases, a tall one in light blues and a short, round one in deep blue.


You can see more of his work on Etsy and his own website.



Do What You Love!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Encouraging Words Monday

The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing


Walt Disney

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Wishful Thinking Sunday


I always said if I were granted three wishes, one would be either that I didn’t have to sleep or I’d get 8 more hours every day.



Haven’t decided on the other two wishes yet…


Do What You Love!



Clock by Artistic Weld, click on pic for more info

Saturday, March 13, 2010

What to Read Saturday

I’m still catching up on some of my favorite mystery series, so I thought I’d write about a reading resource.


At my fave library, I sometimes pick up a publication called Book Pages, with reviews and columns about, what else, books. I always go through it as soon as I get home, to find new things to read and authors to love. And recently, I found out that they also have a website. So even if your library doesn’t offer Book Pages or, heaven forbid, you don’t get to the library that often, you can log on and keep up to date on new books, authors and even book clubs. Do you enjoy writing and want to pursue it? There’s a column for newbie writers. Love book clubs? Contests? Blogs? They’ve got it all!

My favorite features are Meet the Author and Meet the Illustrator, where the artists tell you in their own words about themselves and what they do. As an example:


So, when you’re looking for something new to read, log onto Book Page and have fun browsing and, of course, reading!

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Thursday, March 11, 2010

8 Things Thursday


And now, back to our regularly scheduled blogging... (Betcha can't guess what I've been up to the last few days...)

8 Tips for a Great Colonoscopy

1 Find a clear fluid (can be apple juice, white grape juice, anything not red or purple) that you hate. By the end of the day, you'll never want to drink it again

2 If you want to get in some exercise, do it in the morning because by afternoon, the only exercise you'll be getting is running to the bathroom

3 Record anything you're watching on tv because chances are, you won't be able to sit through an entire show

4 Treat Jello and broth like they're haute cuisine

5 Avert your eyes during trips to the kitchen for more fluids and during food commercials

6 Don't worry about making a good impression-wear the easiest clothes to get in and out of, even if it means those old, elastic waist pants you usually reserve for lazing around the house and forget about a bra--way too tricky to manipulate when you're groggy

7 Plan an outing to a favorite restaurant for the day of the procedure. It'll give you something to look forward to.

8 Most people go to breakfast right from the test: my advice, go home and sleep. Once you're truly awake, you can actually enjoy (and remember) a good lunch.


Do What You Love!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Sunday Wishful Thinking


I wish I were neater.



OK, this isn’t our house. And I’ve NEVER been this bad. But I’ve always traveled “heavy”, meaning I’ve always had lots of stuff. As a kid, we lived in a small house and I remember I’d sit in the middle of the living room, working on some project or other, and I’d be surrounded by stuff. I’m still that way… I try to clean up all projects when I’m done but I do tend to still leave clutter in my wake.



In the last few years, both The Husband and I have slowly been decluttering and purging all the “stuff” we don’t need, have outgrown, don’t know why in the world we bought that in the first place… We’ve made great progress (the Goodwill loves us!) but still need a little determination to keep editing the things in the house that truly are just clutter.



Wish us luck!



Do What You Love!


Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday Book Review


This week, I’ve been catching up on Ellen Byerrum’s Lacey Smithsonian series. So here’s a picture of the books on deck for my reading pleasure:


There are more series entries, for Lacey, The Debutante Dropout and Charles Finch’s 1800’s sleuth, Charles Lenox. Plus several books that looked appealing on the library shelves.


See ya! Gotta go read!


Do What You Love!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Our Alice in Wonderland Adventure


The Husband and I decided to go to the midnight showing of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. We were out to prove that mid-50’s is not Old Fogeyville. Of course, we can stay up till 2AM. Naturally, we can wear our Cheshire Cat wardrobes. Old is decades away for us crazy kids!

We got to the theatre around 11PM, where the line twisted around the building. No worries-it was showing in four theatres. People watching is fun at these events-lots of college kids, with and without costumes, their faces lit by complicated electronic devices. We did notice we were two of only a handful of Over 30’s. We proudly flaunted our wrinkles and gray hair!


Seated around 11:30, we ended up in the third row but it was fine. We listened to the rules for the 3D goggles, each set supposedly worth more than our very lives. Once we got our goggles, we were not to move about the building without them. I should have taken a visit to the ladies room to see what it looks like in 3D. Or then again, perhaps not…

All of those under 30 whippersnappers behaved very well during the film. No yelling, jumping around or cell phones ringing. Their parents raised them right!

The movie, once it started after the 3D previews, was excellent. Filled with good performances, Johnny Depp chief among a lovely cast, entertaining CGI effects like elongated people and disappearing cats, and a good story with, SPOILER ALERT, a happy ending. It was so good, I might actually campaign to see it in a theatre again and I haven’t wanted to see a movie in a theatre a second time since Star Wars… Yes, the original. Out before most of the kids we were in line with were born…



Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

8 Things Thursday, a Day Late...

8 things I miss from my childhood

1 Carefree living
2 My dog, Blaze
3 Living within walking distance of my BFF
4 Play clothes
5 Having the summer off
6 Taking the bus and subway into Boston
7 Summer trips to York Beach, Maine
8 Having an allowance

Do What You Love!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Favorite Etsy Shop Tuesday

It's been a loooong week and it's only Tuesday! So today, I'm going to show you a couple of shops that I haven't bought from yet but have hearted on Etsy.

Cutest little stuffed animals!



Find them at Cat's and Friends on Etsy by Judy Johnson

Here's some more major cuteness:




Find more prints and ACEO's at Something Bunny on Etsy



Do What You Love!


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com










Monday, March 1, 2010

Encouraging Words Monday

Worrying is like a rocking chair~

It gives you something to do but

it gets you nowhere


Do What You Love!