CHA & Beaches!

I feel just a wee bit guilty for enjoying such beautiful weather in fabulous So. Cal. on spectacular beaches while so many of my peeps are literally freezing their butts off! Staying an extra day was truly a "happy accident!" We were picked up at our hotel by a bus with wood paneled sides and wood floors. When the driver opened the doors music of the Beach Boys spilled out to welcome us. We visited Long Beach, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Although I'm not a huge fan of planned tours, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories and history lessons the driver shared as we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway. Since we were such a small group (4) he made a couple special stops just for us. We watched for migrating whales while we climbed on the rocks of the Newport Tidepools. The Pacific Ocean is truly spectacular. We ended our tour with a cup of clam chowder and a microbrew... priceless!

The show was smaller than normal for a winter show, but most of the people I'd hoped to meet were here.

While wearing my "designer hat," I was able to make quite a few good contacts, place several pieces for publication, and pick up several assignments.

While wearing our "RockCandy Studios buyer" hats, we discovered several really great products that we'll be adding to our line-up soon. We also learned some awesome techniques that we are excited to bring to the local area as classes, as well as possible online tutorials to add to the website/blog.

While wearing "Retreat Organizer" hats we were able to tell lots of people about our upcoming Mixed Media Melange. We heard repeatedly how great it is to see a new retreat in our area of the country. People were eager to check out our blog to learn the details and instructors/classes we'll be offering.

We'll be heading home tomorrow. I'll be posting pictures and more stories, so check back in a couple days.

Hugs to you all.....

M3 Registration Packet

Click here to download the Registration Packet for Mixed Media Mélange retreat. Classes are very limited in size and are first come first served. Sign-up soon to assure you have a spot in your favorite classes and take advantage of the payment plan!

Only a few more hours 'til registration opens!!!

The idea for this exciting event was conceived amongst a group of kindred spirits after an artistic day spent together. We are thrilled to be bringing such an event to the Mid-South! We hope you'll join us for a weekend filled with spectacular workshops and classes, extremely talented artists, and like-minded friends. The peaceful setting of the retreat center is sure to bring out your creative muse.... Oh yea, I forgot.... Your Muse already registered! You'll find her in LaGrange Tennessee the weekend of Sept. 10-13th.

Mixed Media Mélange=M3=M cubed

I know I'm just a tease, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a Photo montage of some of the amazing classes we're bringing to you at the upcoming retreat. Registration opens on January 15th, so check back for a link that will take you directly to the M3 website. But for now....




... this will have to do.

CHA Sneak Peek...

Just a little sampling of one of the projects I've been working on. See I told you I was working! I always have plenty to keep me busy!

And yes, that's my Laura "Beth" and her sweetie, Trey. Aren't they a handsome couple!

Seeds are hope for the future!

I spent New Years eve searching for seed catalogs.... and loved it! Cheers!

Back when I was a "domestic goddess" I was a also a gardener. I think it's time to get my garden clogs muddy again. I get such satisfaction from gathering our eggs and cooking food that I know personally! Think of the money we can save, the satisfaction of gathering what we raise, the benefits of eating locally, the Vitamin D from the sunshine and the pure deliciousness of real organic Frrreesshh food!
We were looking at some old videos of when our kids were little and we lived in the Pacific Northwest. I had such fun reminiscing about a raised bed garden I made with the kids while Bob was on a Navy deployment. In the video we were trying to keep the bunnies out by building a barrier with tree branch posts and chicken wire fencing. The kids were stuffing their sleeves with straw and pretending to be scarecrows as they ran up and down the straw-filled pathways. Ahh... such sweet memories!
Bob and I decided we'll have several raised beds with some sort of self-watering system in place. Where I come from our self-watering system came from Mother Nature.... here in Tennessee, she needs extra help! I've been perusing the internet to find the best organic seed catalogs available, along with ideas and suggestions about raised bed gardening. I've ordered several catalogs and will be haunting the mailbox until they are delivered, then devouring them until they're dog-eared. I think I'll have to beg some advice about gardening in the south from a local organic farmer.

Now to stay focused on my tasks at hand... several freelance projects in preparation for the upcoming CHA trade show in late January. But... when I get back... you'll find me in the garden! I'll be the one with the hoe!

I love the anticipation of Springtime!.... my very favorite season of all!