I've moved here.

They had a little article about me and my crafts in the Frederick News Post on Thursday! Don't overlook the picture of me just casually sitting in front of my sewing machine...

Then, yesterday I did Artscape. Imagine the biggest arts/crafts festival you've been to on steroids. It's huge. And it's so Baltimore. It averaged 96 degrees yesterday, and I don't consider myself one of those "outside" people. I much prefer air conditioning and flushing toilets (which is why I ran over the to train station every time I needed a break). Highlights were: a visit from Sam and Katie, a little girl buying a ring from me and being adorable, and the food. You have to love fair food. We were literally there for almost 15 hours, and I'm still recuperating today.

Based on the lj interests lists of those who share my more unusual interests, the interests suggestion meme thinks I might be interested in
1. hardwood floors score: 5
2. deco score: 5
3. bookcases score: 4
4. homemade score: 4
5. moma score: 4
6. swap meets score: 3
7. saucy! score: 3
8. organized crime score: 3
9. whimsy score: 3
10. nouveau score: 3
11. family gatherings score: 3
12. barbeques score: 3
13. tater tots score: 3
14. abstract algebra score: 2
15. sunday mornings score: 2
16. cut copy score: 2
17. installations score: 2
18. tila tequila score: 2
19. rationalism score: 2
20. daniel pinkwater score: 2

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This morning, right before the alarm went off, I was dreaming that I had an unlimited budget to decorate a new, pretty impressive house. It was really the best dream I've had in a while. And I was really taking advantage of how great it was, which I give myself kudos for now. I did the family room in bright reds and greens, Amelie-style. The kitchen was retro. And the BEDROOM! I somehow thought this up in my dream, but had never considered the idea in real life: I was hanging swatches of fake grass on the walls. Like small squares of them. Have I seen this somewhere? Because  maybe I'm just experiencing some  sort of post-dream disconnect with reality, but I'm still thinking it's a great idea.

So, as soon as I got to work this morning, I began doing some research on "synthetic grass." Apparently almost every single astroturf company offers up free samples of their products, which come pre-cut in small wall-hangable squares. Perfect! I signed up for about 30 different samples of the stuff, playground grass, golf-grade grass, lawn grass in various lengths and shades.

This company was my favorite, because they were the most generous. Especially when, in the free sample questionnaire, I indicated that I'm a landscape architect and am planning a huge indoor synthetic lawn area. An astroturf (excuse me, I don't think they like this term anymore, synthetic lawn) representative contacted me to offer further assistance within the hour.

I will post pictures of our bedroom, complete with synthetic lawn adorning the walls when my samples arrive. 

We finally got our back porch/balcony up and running. It's been neglected for the past year with a sole rickety porch swing and no love. We usually sit on the front porch if we need some fresh air, and watch the seven horses that live across the street. But ever since I quit smoking (3 months!!!), I can't stop associating the front porch with smoking, and it makes me miss it. Lame, I know. So now I sit on the back porch and drink margaritas :)

I still plan on painting the floor a bright red.

 

An assignment for my graduate writing class... write a set of "how to" instructions. I took some creative liberties on this.

Come see me and the other amazing crafters at the Spring Bada Bing craft fair, organized by the Richmond Craft Mafia!

Next Sunday @ Plant Zero in Richmond, VA

I tore into the new Gocco printmaker tonight and made my first prints, of an ORIGINAL Ashley Henley (ha) drawing of birds on a wire. I made lots and lots of prints on Moleskine cahier notebooks and blank cards for the shop.



( fun ahead )

So I was getting all settled into bed last night when Jason called from downstairs, "Did you see who's on the cover of Bust this month?!" Now, that's a great question in itself, because there are so many possibilities for greatness on the cover of Bust. "No!" I said. Jason ran upstairs, Bust in hand, and I think I screamed like a little girl when I saw Jermaine & Bret of Flight of the Conchords fame posing on the cover in matching track suits, Jermaine sporting an amazing mustache. We almost fought over who got to read it first, but then realized that we could read it together. I had a second little scream when I saw that none other than Debbie Stoller actually wrote the feature. Could it get any better? Actually, yes. Because then I turned a couple pages and saw a glimpse of a David Sedaris article. Like an article ON David Sedaris. Insane.

Change of subject...

Recent eBay purchase: 5 1/2 pounds of buttons


I applied to be in 3 different craft fairs. I've never done one before and I'm terrified. Does anyone know of a site with some good craft fair tips/info? I find out tomorrow about the Spring Bada-Bing. I also applied for DIY@Artscape and Pile of Craft. We shall see.

I'm reading a really great book right now. Maybe you've heard of it: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides - it won a Pulitzer and it's written by the Virgin Suicides guy, so I hope you've heard of it. Plus, I think it's one of them Oprah's Book Club books. I never thought incest would seem so rational and logical. Good times.

But reading makes me remember that I have another story due for my writing class in like two weeks. I don't even have a single idea brewing. That sucks.