From Benadryl to Barbecue

Saturday started off slow enough then became packed til the end. After waking up stuffy, I downed a few cups of coffee and painted a formerly hunter green cabinet a chalky coral.  I had previously painted the mirror above it dark teal.

After popping a Benadryl, I nodded off some, woke up and looked outside and saw a ton of cars. I realized that the neighborhood garage sale was going on so that spurred me to shower then hit the sidewalk to browse the sales.  It was sooo got outside!  Ended up with some cheap dvds as well as a new  $1 tablecloth.

My next trip was to Home Depot to get new knows for the painted cabinet. Also picked up some 16 cent ceramic tiles to paint. On to my next stop of Michaels but while driving by downtown Longview spotted an event going on.  Sidewalk sale!  Lots of antiques and crafts to browse.  I ended up with a platter and vase from the free box - score along with an old $10 chair that will look great on the front porch.

On to Michaels, Ulta, then Ross before hitting my final stop of Goodwill then taking my tired self home. Stopped at the mini mart for milk then who do I run into but son Sam and his buddy Tyler. They were on their way to Tyler's dad's for a bbq and invited me to join.  Sure why not!

It was a nice gathering, great burgers and the Corona I brought hit the spot. Was a nice ending to a busy day.

On To Painting!

Ran across a few pictures when I was at Home Goods and thought "I could do that!" So tonight I painted a pic of Stubbs and placed it into an 80% off metal letter O as the frame. I also made a whale picture that, although a little messy, came out pretty well.

Unexpected Kindness

It's always nice to hear kind words, which has happened a couple of times over the last few days.

 

Oddly enough, when I was finishing up at the register at Home Goods, the cashier said "I just wanted to say you look incredible today - it's almost like you are glowing."  Wow, that took me aback.  I said thank you of course but it was a surprising comment, especially since I had been running around all day and wasn't feeling very glowing.  Perhaps she mistook my sweat for glow. 

 

Today I received a nice note from a former VP from corporate, as follows:

 

I want to check in. Say thanks.

You have done such a great job over the last couple of years. Really kept that ship steady and ensured our employees and assets have always been protected. I have always appreciated your steady and thoughtful approach towards everything – in many cases you are in a class by yourself. What I love most is how you put so much effort into all things in an effort to improve everything. All things are a reflection of you. You seem to look at every process and see how you can improve it and, over time, you have improved so much. And you don’t stop there. You go above and beyond with your leadership support materials always seeming to wrap around the key messages of the week into the wisdom documents. You really are incredible.

Kind words like the above give me that much incentive to spread kindness to others. 

Crafters Unite!

Oh there's something to be said about creativity!  I've got to admit I've enjoyed stretching my brain waves in coming up with new craft and art ideas, although my projects can be time consuming.

This weekend I browsed at the new Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell then hit up a Goodwill on 78th before making my way to tax-free Michaels in Janzten Beach.  I ended the evening having dinner with Steve at BJs.

Sunday I grocery shopped, crafted, then met up with Jordan and Candy for dinner.  Sunday evening I moved all the items from the top of the kitchen cabinets and replaced them with my beach-inspired art.  Went to bed to late and rose early for work. Definitely felt like a Monday!

Tonight I added some coral accents into my rag banner then strung it on a piece of driftwood. Love the pop of color!

A big crafters shout out to sister Julie who, along with churning out some yummy looking bread and pretzels, made the cutest apron out of a shirt over the weekend. Kudos Jube!!

Friday and Finishing

So happy Friday is finally here!!

Left work a little early today; stopped off at Centralia Goodwill and found myself the sweetest cup and saucer!  It's larger than the average china cup and will be perfect for my coffee in the morning.

Tonight I spent time finishing up one of my pallets.  Ended up buying some letter stencils so the writing would be acceptable.  Then free handed an anchor based on a Pinterest picture.  Really liking how it all turned out!  The colors look better in person....more blue and aqua.

Just Justifying My Craft Obsession!

Getting Pissed at the Pallet!

I hate it when projects don't come out like the vision in my head!

I got a small pine pallet from work that I painted five different shades of coastal blue.  I then penciled out a phrase on it and wrote it out with a heavy duty dark black marker.  It was a mess!  The lettering wasn't working so I decided to cover it up with the same colors.  Too light.  Another coat and still those letters were shining through.

After work today I painted the pallet with darker blues.  Finally it appears to be covering!  But now I have to rethink my whole strategy about what to put on the darn thing.  Arrrrgggghhhhh!!!