Of Birthdays, BFFs and Books

It's official.

I'm actually "in my fifties" now. And you know what? It's OK. :)


Seriously. Oh, I know, I'm not in the best physical shape, and I'm far from making a fortune, having my first solo show, writing my first book, or anything even remotely close. But I'm here, I'm creating, and I'm surrounded by people who love and support me, and that counts for a LOT.

The day was celebrated in the company of my daughter (center), her BFF SarahGrace (left), and my niece Sarah (right). They planned a perfectly wonderful day for me, which included presents (a Barnes and Noble gift card and a box of goodies from L'Occitane) lunch out (tapas and fish tacos - yum), a to-die-for carrot cake from the best bakery in Philadelphia, and a trip to the Brandywine River Museum. Wyeth art. Drool.

But that's not all...after the museum, Courtney and her BFF followed me home, spent the night out here in the wilds of Lancaster County, and proceeded to clean the house the next day! How great is that??! An absolute Godsend, that's how great. Between my painting schedule and John feeling sick from the treatments, you can imagine how much has slipped through the cracks lately. What a blessing to have help for a day!

As if this weren't pampering enough, I also received a package of birthday goodies from my very dear collector and friend, Barbara. Soooooo sweet.

And a Vera Bradley tote for my knitting in my favorite Yellow Bird pattern from my own BFF. :)

But the birthday didn't end there. Remember the Barnes and Noble card? Well, I couldn't let that stay in it's envelope for long, hehe....

Added to the "to-be-read" stack are Sarah Addison Allen's "The Sugar Queen", and Diana Gabaldon's "An Echo in the Bone" (yes, I'm a HUGE fan of the "Outlander series).

I also picked up a few magazines; the new BH and G "Holiday Crafts" which features friends Pam Gracia, Nancy Malay, and Johanna Parker. I'm loving the lighter/cottage/whimsical/handmade look of this year's publication - a bit like Etsy in a magazine. ;) and the latest "Where Women Create" (because I need to temper the birthday high with some serious studio envy), and last, but by no means least, the new Art Doll Quarterly, wherein lies a stunning double page ad for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering which will completely bowl you over...

(That's my checkers game table on the right, teehee!!) A big shout out to Scott Smith of Rucus Studio for making us all look pretty amazing...

And I know I've said this before, but it really does bear repeating: If there's any way you can make it to this show, it's a "must see"! It's also a great fall weekend getaway, with the Hampton Inn offering a special rate to Ghoultide Gathering attendees. If you can make it, PLEASE DO introduce yourself! My absolute favorite part of any show is meeting collectors and Halloween lovers in person. :)

That's about it for today (that's enough, right?! hehe)....

I'll be back very soon with new Halloween goodies and maybe even a few sneak peeks at works in progress. Until then, I hope you all have a happy and creative week!

♥ Carolee
PS - A HUGE thank you to everyone who's sent prayers and well wishes for John. We're so grateful for the support and encouragement, much of which has come from where we least expected it. We are blessed.