rant.

Do you know what I hate?? Thieves. People who steal. Dishonest bastards. My mom had her purse stolen tonight in a parking lot. Her phone, wallet, i.d.s, credit cards, camera (with all the pictures of her recent retirement trip), pictures of my son, loads of cash, and other things, were all taken by some despicable stranger. It just makes me so mad my blood feels like it is going to boil. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest. hmph. The only thing that gives me solace is that what goes around eventually comes around...

giving thanks.

We spent the long Thanksgiving weekend baking, feasting, and having fun in great piles of crunchy, fallen leaves. On Friday night Mike and I scored a great deal on some oysters. We bundled up like eskimos and roasted them in the backyard- there is nothing like enjoying oysters and beer outdoors on a cold autumn evening. Later that evening we enjoyed the company of our friend's over at Cassie and Bobby's; and sat around their backyard fire pit.
This Christmas I am attempting to make most of my gifts by hand- crazy, considering how hard it is to be in the presence of a fourteen month old while using such things as paint, glue and scissors; but I'm gonna try. We'll see how it goes. And some of you may see how it went, once Christmas morning rolls around, that is.

sick/doodle.

Oh cold, wet November... you have actually arrived. I am relieved this week is finally nearing its end. The kiddo and the mister have been dreadfully sick all week- Henry came down with his first cold ever. That's right- he managed to go fourteen months malady-free. This week I finally put that aspirator (of which, inexplicably, we have about ten) to good use. Somehow I've emerged from this den of sick unscathed- So Far. Check back in with me by Sunday. We'll see.
Until then, I leave you with a picture of Henry's first original piece of artwork (that sounds odd. as if we have unoriginal art works by him laying about). Anyhow- it was done on the old magna doodle. His hands are too tiny to grip the little stylus, so he used a bigger, chunkier magnet. I'm so proud!! I see a bit of Miro there, perhaps.

wedding weekend whirlwind.

whew! This was a big weekend for my floral design business. Two weddings in one day- I worked so hard, my hands (literally) got bloody (I swear that I didn't bleed on the flowers though). I am going to miss working with the awesome bride with the awesome taste... hopefully there will be more soon. Anyone need flowers? We were in such a rush that we didn't even get proper photos. Hopefully the wedding photogs got some good shots. Included above are the amazing orchids we had flown in from Thailand; a reception table (the bride worked for a stint in east Africa at an organization that teaches various trades to tribal women and provides education. Each of those little bags (favors) was sewn and signed by the women; the money from the bags goes directly to the center and to their families); bridesmaid bouquets (callas, orchids, tulips, and freesia); posies (in lieu of regular corsages for the mothers and other important women, the bride wanted little individual handtied bouquets); an altar arrangement with giant cymbidium orchids, protea foliage, bells of ireland, and makara orchids; and a lovely pomander ball for the flower girl completely covered in roses (she had matching roses for her hair).

hiatus recap; on the James

sunset over the James

Henry w/"Turd"

more beer, please.

bliss...

oysters=yum


Every year Nic's parents have an oyster roast in the fall. They live on the most beautiful property, far away from hideous strip malls and the busy intersections of suburban sprawl. Their house sits back from a slight cliff over-looking the beautiful James River. Each time I am invited, I never want to leave. I dream of waking up in the morning and enjoying that spectacular view. Of lazing around on the river's shore, painting in plein air with nothing to disturb me, or boating around for an afternoon... This was Henry's first visit, and he had a great time chasing the dogs around, drinking beer, and slurping down perfectly, just barely roasted oysters doused with hot sauce. Actually, Henry didn't do those last couple of things. But Mike and I sure enjoyed them. We chased around some dogs, too.

hiatus recap; flowers

hiatus recap; slide, swing, hair

hiatus recap; pumpkin patch

one month and about four days later...that.

I cannot believe it has been so long since my last post; although the past month has been so busy, it has seemed like four months rolled into one. The organization of floral jobs, two birthday dinners, a huge surprise retirement party for my mom, and being the constant companion to an amazing little thirteen month old has left little time to for much else- except we did manage to squeeze in some major entertainment. Blonde Redhead, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Cat Power at the Norva (the latter being my favorite show of all time at the norva- Chan Marshall did not disappoint!), not to mention David Sedaris at Chrysler Hall, Nic's Halloween party, the Welch's annual oyster roast, and a neighborhood wine gathering. I have been yearning for cooler weather, and it came just in time last week for Henry's first hayride and trip to the pumpkin patch. That little guy is literally growing before our eyes- I can judge this because in order to avoid hardcover avalanches, my books have been moving up a shelf a week.... he is growing... a shelf a week! Henry has arrived in the throes of a really fun age. I am just in love with this little person, and his wildly developing personality. He is sensitive, gentle and kind; a budding comedian with a strong-willed drive for independence. He loves to run around outside- the other day he was sitting on the floor trying to put his socks and shoes on. This is an indication he is ready to go outside. now. He also loves to sit in my lap for long stretches with his favorite blanket and have me read to him book after book. He points at the pictures- "that" he says, meaning "what's that?". That, is one happy me. I am thankful every day for "that".