I originally titled this post "ode to elastic", but "s t r e t c h e d" seems a bit more fitting. The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind--business trips for Appah, first week of preschool for Big J, work deadlines and a new schedule for all of us. I'm still trying to fall into a nice rhythm around here, adjusting to all the new changes and trying to achieve the right balance between family + friends + personal crafting + work. And fall is upon us here in Portland--cooler weather, crisper air, loads of delicious apples at our local farms--which always signifies a new beginning to me, probably because for 25 years it marked the beginning of a new school year for me [oh man, I miss having to buy fresh stacks of notebooks + pens for school!]. As always there are a million and one things I want to accomplish this fall--personally and professionally--but am constrained by time and energy. I'm not complaining though because often these constraints give me a reality check and help me prioritize what is really important to me and my family.
new-ish top for moi <> built by wendy pattern <> used a nice textured cotton lawn from Bolt
I'm excited about volunteering in Big J's preschool classroom [I taught and worked in preschools throughout college and graduate school]. We're going on our first field trip next month and I cannot wait!! Baby J cried twice last week because he didn't want to leave Big J's school, but no tears this week [although there was a lot of gentle tugging on my part to get him out of the classroom]. I'll often hear Baby J talk about Big J's teachers and what he learned at school [two educations for the price of one I tell ya!]
new belt for Big J <> he chose the pink/grey elastic over the rainbow and navy/red selection they had at the fabric store <> I prefer these belts over the D-ring type because they are so easy for him to take on/off
I also plan to update the shoppe on a regular basis up until early December, hopefully giving people plenty of time to do some holiday shopping. I'm also designing a small holiday stationery collection which will be available in the shoppe early November. [I know, why am I talking about the holidays already? I'm just trying to plan ahead this year because time is so limited due to Appah's numerous business trips this fall/winter and no back-up childcare since our babysitter moved away to college last month.] And for those who were wondering whether studio CRAFT will be held again this fall, we've decided to postpone it until next year [maybe spring 2008].
I always replace the shoe strings with elastic <> I suppose one day the boys will have to learn how to tie their shoes
A big "thank you" to those who stopped by the shoppe. I'm working on packaging up the orders and will have them out by this weekend. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!