Life Is Beautiful!

Have you ever had one of those days when things just seem to fall into place in a way that is both effortless and beautiful? I'm having a day like that. There are still things that need to be worked out, but I am just pleased with where things are right now for me personally. I guess this is that whole learning-to-be-content thing? Hope you're having a beautiful day!

Farewell, Friend.

Last summer, I found myself in a new city, with no friends and no real prospects for a job. I was terribly lonely. We went to visit my uncle, who gave me a brand-new sewing machine. I hadn't sewed for a really long time, but that machine was just the catalyst I needed to get off my bum and start crafting! Instead of wallowing in my loneliness, I starting sewing and painting and creating like never before. And I discovered the best fabric store nearby. Sewing Arts Studio, along with all of my favorite crafty blogs (see the sidebar!) gave me plenty of inspiration. Sadly, the sweet folks who run this adorable store are shutting their doors. So, sadly, I will go there today for one of the last times. Everything is on sale, and I hope I get the opportunity to tell them what a great catalyst their sweet little store was to me. So, if you get the opportunity today, be sure to tell your favorite inspirations what they mean to you!

Dang.

Does anyone else (Blogger users, that is) have trouble uploading pictures? Like, sometimes blogger just has this random freakout and it won't let me upload pictures. And I totally had an apron tutorial to show y'all. Dang.

Instead, I'll link to this site. Rebecca Thuss is an incredibly talented photo stylist/creative person who, unbeknownst to me, was at the helm of Martha Stewart Weddings back in 2005 and 2006 when I was engaged and buying every issue that came out. The centerpieces for our wedding were these branches with crepe paper flowers from an issue of MSW and I just loved them. They were an insane amount of work, but the tables were beautiful and I was so pleased with how they turned out. Plus, they were cheap. (I'd show you a picture, but you know, Blogger is being so awesome right now.) Rebecca's bio says that she is no long at MS, so I wonder if the beauty of that magazine has gone downhill any since I got married. It was, by far, my very favorite wedding magazine.

And, once Blogger begins to behave itself, I'll be back with that apron tutorial.