Summer Lovin'

....had me a blast!  Okay, no.  It wasn't one of those summers.  But, I did have a blast.  I felt the need to post about summer because I am so excited for it to be over.  Yes...this Florida girl has gone and turned all-Chicago!  I am ready for our Indian summer and then fall and then winter.  We are going on day three of no air conditioning.  I can't wait for the electric bill this month.  Last month's was a shock!

My summer officially ended last Friday.  My summer babysitting job ended.  I will miss my 11, 9, and 7 year old's.  But, this nanny has to move on!  Stay tuned for some exciting news!

I think the highlight of the summer was the Schriver Family Reunion. I mean, just look at us...

We are a great bunch!  Growing too!  Randy and Jordan have just adopted a precious baby girl from the Marshall Islands.  And Alex and Kerri are now the proud parents of Beatrix (an adorable puppy)!

Then, of course...James. He's turned three and truly rules mine and his daddy's hearts.

a love note to James

Dear James,

Thank you for reminding me what life is really all about.  It's about getting excited for cookies, bouncing a ball, and calling for your mommy when the going gets tough.  Every day is an adventure filled with tickles, snacks, and sweet questions.  You turned three this week and remember...I will always be there for you, I will always love you, and I will always read to you.  Happy Birthday, sweet angel!

Love,

Momma

Books, Beads, and Me

I've recently became a Barefoot Books Ambassador.  It means a lot to me to be involved with beautiful books and sharing them with families.  I had my first successful event on Harrison Street in Oak Park, IL.  Harrison Street is a quaint, art-loving community.  I met great people and had a lot of fun. 

www.ireadbarefootbooks.com

Please visit my website to explore!

bee hopeful

Today I made several new beads.  I am a member of the Oak Park Women's Exchange.  I am successful as a new member of this fantastic co-op.  It is great to be a part of a community of local, sustainable shoppers and crafters!

This is my new workspace...comes with fantastic views of my front lawn and sounds of James playing his trains!

Me

I have enjoyed all the projects going on in my life.  Keeps me positive because I get to explore all the things I love...books, creativity, and me!  I've lost 20 lbs...pictures to come (I'm still not done in my adventure).  The new house is fabulous.  I love my family life in Illinois.  This Florida girl misses her mom, dad, and friends...but my adventure in the Midwest has been wonderful learning experience.  Life is really like a box of chocolates!

bee hopeful

I am ramping up my beading with the start of this beautiful, yet COLD spring. 

Today in Chicago the sun is out, the snow long melted, however the wind chill seems to still be able to take your breath away.  I walked throught the busy downtown this morning and could have spread my wings and flew away!

In bee hopeful news...I've

 joined the Oak Park Women's Exchange and my beads are featured as a new artist.  It is very exciting for me to share my work.  I've met some talented artists through this co-op and really love the idea of this new venture.  Stay tuned for my latest buzzzzzzz!

A Pair of Jeans

So...I found this pair of jeans at a resale shop.  Cute, huh?  They are just my style too...the "worn" look with fleur-di-lis on the back pockets.  Sounds perfect, right?  Wrong!  They are my "old" size.  So, I have them hanging up in my room, like a piece of art.  And to me it is art because I am a work of art.  So far, I'm on day 3 of walking/jogging on the treadmill.  It feels fantastic!

2010 and thereafter

I'm not one to make resolutions.  I have before only to either disappoint myself or forget about a dream of mine a month later.  In fact, I've never met a resolution I liked.  Lose 10 lbs. has hung around for about half a decade.  Instead of making a resolution...I've decided to make a "to-do" list.  I love lists, however, never thought to make one until a friend posted one on her blog.  So, thank you Bethany!  I don't have a timeline for this list.  I don't need anymore pressures or deadlines!!  Here is my list of hopes, dreams, and desires:

Learn to etch on glass
Expand my prayer beading
Take James to the Shedd Aquarium
Plant a sustainable garden in our backyard
Start an indoor herb garden
Serve food at a shelter for Christmas
Take a day to thrift store shop in downtown Chicago
Go to a Bears game with Dave
Find a piece of furniture in the alley and refinish it
Start a compost pile and worm farm
Write a handwritten note to an old friend
Learn to crochet
Continue with my book club
Lose 40 pounds
Transition back to a vegatarian
Take James to his first movie
Get the job at the YMCA that I really want!

Bee Hopeful @ Etsy

I finally set up shop!  Bee Hopeful is something near to my heart and I did it!  Maybe it was the new year.  Maybe it was a new friend who gave me encouragement.  Maybe it was me and I need to congratulate myself!  I have had this vision for the store and have been very indecisive about banners and pictures.  I would definitely recommend using the Etsy forums.  I've read very encouraging and knowledgeable crafters.  I can't wait to meet potential customers and know how my art has brought family and friends together!

I've met a new friend, Nicole.  She is a thoughtful soul and bought her family beads.  She surprised them at her Thanksgiving table.  Below is an email from her...

Hi Kate!

It's great to hear from you! I've had you on my mind like crazy and have been meaning to email you! Your beads were a hit! My family loved them and were touched by them so much! My cousin carries hers in her purse and uses them all day for little prayers. My aunt has hers at her bedside and really loved the idea of them. My other cousin who just lost her best friend to cancer (got her the one with "faith" charm) loved hers as well and she is the one struggling the most right now with believing! What you do is very special and meant so much to all of us! The beads made my brother cry that's how much it meant to him so thank you so much for meeting me and making the holiday extra special for all of us!

Hope you enjoyed yourselves celebrating the holidays with family! It is snowing in Chicago today! I pray you have safe travels home!

Thank you again and it was great meeting James. He's a beautiful boy! Hope to talk to you soon!

Take Care-

Nicole