Friends - Making & Keeping, Old & New

 Photo Credit: Gwennypics

Today is the birthday of my oldest and dearest friend, a friend I've had since I was in first grade and one I only see once every year or two (or three) these days.  With a couple exceptions, it seems that my dearest friends are all at a great geographical distance from me.  This isn't surprising, nor is it even that unusual.  I came across a great blog this weekend, MWF Seeking BFF, the online chronicle of a girl in Chicago seeking BFFs because, like me (like many of us, apparently), her oldest and closest are also scattered far way.

Thinking about Friendship in regard to my own future in Vienna, my mind goes in two different directions....

Making New Friends
I had a similar longing to search for a few local BFFs myself a few months ago.  When Kiefer and I moved to our new suburban neighborhood, I thought I'd maybe connect with a few of that gals I have worked with in the area - built in friends!  Alas, I didn't actually do anything to make that happen.  I'm not the most outgoing, social, put-myself-out-there kinda gal and I'm a little nervous about what that means about being in an entirely new country with no connections and not even an acquaintance.   I'm not a joiner, a meet-and-greeter, but in my dreams, I overcome my natural reserve upon arriving in Vienna and make myself find ways to meet people and make those connections. 

Keeping Old Friends
If/How/Will I keep in touch with my current friends when on the other side of the pond to keep those friendships alive and well?  Actually, I imagine it'll be fairly similar to the current state of communication, which is, I must shamefully admit, not the best (regular phone calls are not my forte either).  Gosh, I'm not making a very good case for myself as a friend!  Email, Facebook....I'm good at those.


I was just about to launch into the Go Me phase of the post, which is to say the I can do it!  I can connect and re-connect with  friends NOW, while I'm here, enjoy my time left with the people here! spiel.  I'd like to believe that pep talk would send me running to the phone to set up a few friend dates for this coming weekend.  I have always wanted to be That Girl, you know, the girl that makes friends quickly and easily wherever she goes.  And then, once I become That Girl, it'll be easy to move to a new city in a new country and make friends lickity-split.

But then I remember who I am.  I have a new personal commandment that I adopted from The Happiness Project, which is to Be Caroline.  Accept my true likes and dislikes and not waste time kicking myself for not being something that I really would like to be but just really am not.

I think I was hoping to have the answer all wrapped up in a nice bow at the end of this post, that just writing about it would inspire a brilliant idea or I'd find a quick link to "How to Make Friends Easily & Quickly - in 30 days or your money back," but I'll just have to accept that it's something I'm going to have to think about longer and harder.

And I'll end the post on a positive note by devoting this closing moment to my oldest and dearest friend today.  Happy Birthday, I love you!

John 3:16

"For GOD so Love the World, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish, but have eternal Life." - John 3:16

Please do watch this film clip and hope you find the true meaning of the Good Friday.

I'm on web site bakery

Big thanks to Website Bakery for the mention! If you haven't checked out this super cute site, you must visit immediately.

So many fun links and so little time. Here's the article on me! And here's the home page to see more fun goodies!

TV Online

I just had a sudden thought (and I'm hoping I'm right)....I'll be able to watch The Gilmore Girls via Hulu or the WB or wherever it is I watch it online now when I live in Europe, as long as I have an Internet connection, right!?!?!?

You can say what you want about this crazy technological world, but if it brings me to Stars Hollow to visit with Lorelai and Rory on a regular basis, I'm a happy girl.

paperlife podcast

I'm on The Paperlife Podcast this week! Paperlife podcast is by Amy Coon about all things paper and creating. In this interview she asks some great questions about my product line with Ranger, and we have fun sharing tips and ideas. Don't miss it! Here's a link to listen!

sticky back canvas flowered belt tutorial

Don't miss this amazing flowered belt tutorial by artist Alisa Burke using Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back canvas!

here's a little preview:

Learn how to make this on Alisa's blog! Beautiful! I want to try a variation as a scarf to add to my ever growing scarf collection!

Style file: Double trouble

I hadn't seen denim on denim since thelate 90's and to tell you the truth, that didn't bother me at all. However, recent collections showed a fresh take on 'double denim' and made me reconsider my opinion. All I can say is I've got the blues... how about you?

This S/S 10 trend takes some serious styling as it can easily be a little 'off'. To get you started I've created some tips and tricks again. Keep in mind that these are not rules, you should just wear whatever you like :D

♥ Work with different shades and washings. I personally think a dark grey skinny with a pale blue denim blouse is a winner combo. Also tie dye and ‘regular’ denim could be cool.

♥ Play with details in the items you’re wearing rather than accessorizing a lot. Fun details can be leather or denim patches, washed out parts, zippers, rips or studs. Moderation is key though.
♥ Stick to slim cuts, especially with pants, to keep this look sleek and modern. A wide, square jeans or a big denim jacket might make this look a bit messy and ‘outdated’. Boyfriend jeans could work though, because they're tighter at the bottom.

Clark, Freud, Edwards and Me

My alma mater, Clark University, a small, liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, was the site of Sigmund Freud's introduction - and that of psychoanalysis -to America in 1909 .  Freud, the Viennese neurologist who was known at the time in Europe but not so much in the United States, delivered a series of five lectures on his theory of psychoanalysis at the school.  They are known today as the "Clark Lectures."  It was Freud's first and only trip to America and apparently there is a statue of Freud right in the middle of campus, although I don't remember it at all! (note: I just found out it was erected in 1999, well after my tenure there.  Thank goodness. I thought I was losing my mind!)  

I was reminded of this fact, one that I no doubt learned when I was a prospective student of the university, in the novel I am currently reading, The Little Book by Selden Edwards.  The story spans generations and takes place at different times in Northern California, the Boston-area, and Vienna.  Sounds familiar, a little like a map of my life.  I don't remember choosing the book for that reason and I certainly didn't know that Clark would come into play in the story - it is a small school, not one that you ever hear about in general conversation or in the news - so it feels like a strangely personal connection.  I love how that happens sometimes.

Here's to Mistakes

I'm foregoing the Friday Five for a bit.  Turns out that I don't actually DO five things each week toward the big move....yet.  Or, I should say that I don't do five NEW things each week toward the move and I can only say "one more German lesson down" or "cleaned another closet" so many times.  Boring!

I was all gung-ho about it for awhile and thought it would be a great feature for An American Girl, but it was becoming more a source of anxiety than a motivator for me.  Rather than enjoying the idea of blogging and actually feeling inspired to write, I was filled throughout the week with thoughts of "what am I doing, what can I tell everyone I'm doing?  But wait, I'm not really doing anything, but I have to think of something."  Oh boy. 

So, until such time as I am actually in the throes of doing new and enlightening things all the time because the move is getting close at hand and I have to be, I'm going back to the original plan.  Blog a few times a week, sharing thoughts, ideas, pondering issues or tidbits I have heard and working on my writing. 

I have to say that this whole exercise - blogging - has been pretty interesting and challenging.  It feels odd to try things like the Friday Five, like searching for a good look & feel, like posting writing that I consider to be unpolished, all in a public forum where others can see the missteps, the messiness.  And I'm actually inviting others to see the process!

I'm one of those people that doesn't do new things in front of people.  Ever.  Not in front of strangers.  Not in front of people I know.  I've never learned to play pool because I'm terrified of making an ass out of myself.  I don't play board games or card games because these aren't things you can  learn on your own and perfect before taking the show on the road.  

I have not perfected the art of writing, the art of blogging.  Nor will I ever, I fear, but I am strangely accepting of this.  Maybe it's easier because I never see any of you, dear readers, while sitting at my kitchen table with my laptop as an intermediary.  It's a lot safer than being in a crowded bar with people staring over my shoulder as I make attempt after attempt to actually get a ball in the pocket at the pool table.  But there is still a sheepishness when I make a mistake or decide that something isn't working and I have to change things.

Ah well, here's to mistakes.  And learning to love them, laugh at them and move on.

At Acne

Acne is one of the brands that really gets it. So you could say I was excited about visiting their store opening in Antwerp. The clothes looked great - obviously - and so did the store and the visitors. I was tempted to buy the jewel printed dress in the collage, but I'm saving for my trip to the USA this summer (what a bummer!)

illustration friday: rescue

Here's my submission for this week's illustration friday theme of "rescue"

Mabel is our huge fatty beast of a cat who I found in 2005 wandering the street outside our home in Florida. She was so skinny you could see every rib - hard to imagine now! Mabel's actual photo of her face was used for the cat in the illustration above :)

When we first took her in, we had never had a cat that you couldn't just"free feed" so we put the bowl down and let her eat as much as she wanted. The vet told us she would regulate her eating. After a little while she was getting bigger and bigger and the vet said "you can stop feeding her so much" so we went to a feeding time only regimen and no more free feeding. Our other cat had to eat on top of the fridge so Mabel couldn't get to it.

But Mabel is smart! She would trick us. She's an academy award winning actress, telling Paul in the morning that I hadn't fed her yet and vice versa. So we were both feeding her and before we knew it she was huge! That was in 2005 and we never have gotten the the weight off despite numerous attempts with the vet and various diets. She's our pudgy girl!

And just because I can't resist, here are a few photos of Mabel showing how the rescued life is treating her!

Mabel cat loves naps. She does what I call "back surfing" where she sleeps on her back with all her feet in the air.

Mabel cat loves watching TV and sits like Al Bundy

Mabel cat loves all her toys and doesn't mind when we pile them on her big belly!

Have a great weekend everyone!

back home!

I'm back home from teaching in Nebraska and I am now home for a whole month! Yay! Lots of time to catch up on work and snuggle with the kitties.

My next class is in Fredricksburg VA on April 10th but I can drive there in a day and back. Class details and sign up information are on the The Scrapboodles blog.

Then after that I'm onto the The Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Workshop event! You don't want to miss this one! Click here for all the details and to register!!

I've been hard at work on my online summer class for Big Picture Scrapbooking. More details on this one when registration opens! This is going to be an amazing 12 week class loaded with ideas and techniques!!

And just for fun, here's a photo of Mabel cat that I snapped yesterday!

I can never get enough photos of her. She is too funny. We love you Mabel!!

Kiss kiss

Me, Andy and Sabrina

Me, Hussein, Leroy

Me and Sabrina

You would think that as Fashion week has come to an end, not many blogger events would take place. Not exactly true. Yesterday I went to a fashion event called Boutyq, where Dutch designer Sjaak Hullekes and Brittish duo PPQ showed their latest collections. I met up with the same bloggers as last week. And tomorrow I'm off to Antwerp for a store opening! Good thing I've had some time off lately. This is my last week though, but I'm really excited about starting my internship at a fashion magazine next week!

River Island dress - Minimarket wedges - Zara dotted tights

A Glass of Wine and Berry Pie

I just delivered a presentation to students in the Library Technology program at Diablo Valley College on public libraries and public relations and how public relations can affect public library funding. Exciting stuff!

And perhaps not the most exciting topic for a blog, but don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with those particular details.  All I'm going to say is ...... aaaaaah.

Aaaaah....I feel such a HUGE sense of relief!  This presentation was the last of a bunch of big(ish) projects I had on my work to-do list this month and at this very moment I feel as though a very large weight has been lifted from my shoulders. At this very moment, as I sit in my living room with a glass a wine and my laptop, a chic flick on in the background because my husband is out and can't make fun of me, dinner in the oven and berry pie waiting for dessert, I feel perfectly relaxed and happy.   Aaaah. 
Cheers! 

Photo Credit: Michele Ferretti

Stripes in spring

As you know I have a weak spot for stripes. So when I ran in to this jacket for a really low price I knew I was going to get it before even trying it on. Today felt like the first real day of spring, perfect for taking pictures. Let's hope it stays like this!

Minimarket wedges - H&M jacket and paneled leggings - Ray Ban sunglasses - Zara top

Election Spending

Image via Wikipedia

Election 2010 will be held on Monday May 10. This will be for general elections of Presidential, Legislative, and as well as for the Local Officials of our country,  the Philippines.  Also, this will be marked as the first automated election in our country's history.

A lot of candidates were already making political strategies by positioning themselves and be recognized by the voting public. As early as July of last year those who were planning to run were already buying and filling up TV air times and other media outlets. Spending billions of pesos for a position which has only a monthly salary of more or less 35,000.00 pesos.

This grandiose spending is so magnanimous which will only force an ordinary citizen to question the sincerity and integrity of such individual of wanting to serve the majority of the filipino people who are poor.

Why a presidential candidate have to spend billions of pesos if his purpose is to alleviate poverty? Could he not do it as a private citizen? As a congressman? As a Senator? Do they really need to become a President of this Country first, so that their supposed advocacy - which is to help the poor - must be realized?

If we are going to sum up all the spending of those candidates running for national office, it could already build hospitals or schools or even feed the hungry.  But of course, every Candidates prefer to spend their billions or millions for their own respective self-interests. While a lot of poor Filipinos who are sick and dying and who are hungry, could only watch with awe how those candidates could ever spend billions of pesos in a short period of time.

Do you love vintage?

Andy, Me, Sabrina, Leroy, Maurice

Me and Andy


Yesterday I met up with Andy and Sabrina and later with Leroy and Maurice and Ilanka to go to the store opening of Ready to fish (remember the show?). It was a huge building, very fresh and white and we got to see her working room and showroom as well. Then we walked in our heels for what seemed like forever - ok, 10 minutes - to the opening of I love Vintage. This store was styled to look like a beautyfull dressing room, so cute!

The Friday Five (Freitag funf)

This week's Five.... 

1) Vienna Visit in May ~ plane tickets purchased and apartment rental secured.  We used the service VRBO to find the rental and so far it has been an easy and pleasant experience (thanks, MJ, for the recommendation).  The apartment is on on Max Winter Platz in District 2.

2) Sorted through books ~ Prior to our move  six months ago, I weeded my book collection (librarian-speak for getting rid of unwanted books) so it was rather difficult to take another pass.  I keep books.  I re-read books.  I have some books that have sentimental value. Some that I just plain love and with which I can and will never part.  All this said, I was able to reduce my collection a bit.  I am also consoled by the thought that a friend of ours is willing and able to store boxes of books for us for an indefinite period, so I don't have to weed aggressively.  I have also been advised to keep a good collection; that I may long for the comfort of favorite books in English once I'm living in another country, surrounded by another language.

3) The Closet.  I also took a first pass at my weeding my wardrobe.  This is a very challenging task for me, although I will brag that I have been very good at keeping my clothing collection current for the past few years.  Current does not equal small, unfortunately.  Thing is...I have a lot of clothes, but I really do wear them. I swear. This is a big one for me.  There will be oh so much more on this topic to come, I can assure you.

4) After a 2-3 week hiatus, I just completed another German lesson on the Rosetta Stone.  I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment, mostly with possessive pronouns and still a little lost on learning/knowing the gender of nouns (it's important to know that to get the correct form of the pronoun).  Learning the language will require much more time and attention that I've been giving it as of late.  Must work on this.

5) I'm trying to do what I can to get An American Girl out there and to establish a broad, interesting and interested audience, share with others and have a forum for writing and learning.  This week, I spent time in the blogosphere, looking for other blogs, commenting, linking, making connections.  I've also been thinking about my content and approach and how to not only write the blips and blurts of what I'm doing, but widening my scope, making it more relevant for others.  Give people a reason to want to read beyond just wanting to check up on my progress.  As I figure it out, I thank everyone who is already here for reading and hope that if you like An American Girl, that you'll share it with others and spread the word.

Lincoln Nebraska here I come!

Tomorrow I'll be headed to Lincoln Nebraska! I'm looking forward to teaching and having a great time! It looks like the weather is still cold there so I am making sure to bring my hat and coat.

I've added a bunch of classes to my workshop schedule for 2010 so make sure to visit my web site for my newly updated class schedule :)

I'll be Twittering from the road and back in town Monday night! See you next week!

new custom artwork

I just finished up this fun pirate themed 16x20 custom piece for a client of her 3 boys and their 3 cats and dog too!

It arrived at her house today and here's what she had to say:

"I have to tell you how much I love my artwork!!!! It's just what I wanted! So colorful and whimsical. I can't wait to show it to everyone I know!!! I love it so much! You're the best! And thank you for the key chain, what a nice surprise!! Thanks again, I'm sure I'll be contacting you in the future for more fun artwork." - Jenney H.

Yay! this was a fun piece to work on and Jenney was a super fun client too!

Don't forget! Mother's Day is around the corner! A custom artwork will make the perfect Mother's Day gift!

Keep it short

At last the sun is out! I went to see Alice in Wonderland last night, too bad I couldn´t take those 3D glasses home to protect my eyes today :P I decided to give shorts + tights a try, but I still prefer them with bare legs... (well, everything looks great with bare legs doesn't it)

Zara leather jacket - Acne blouse - Ibana Rouge bag - Vero moda shorts - Wolford tights - H&M shoes

The Family that Blogs Together....

My husband has his own blog, Dangerously Hardcore, which talks primarily about health and fitness (yes, we are the Modern Blogging Family).  He posted a story the other day entitled Sacrifice that really struck a chord.  

Admittedly, I watch more TV, partied a little harder in my youth, am slightly addicted to Facebook, and cannot make the same connections between quantum mechanics and consciousness, molecular biology and muscle growth as he does, but his post gives a little insight into our small family, our priorities, what is considered "normal" around our household. And this may give further insight into how it is that we feel okay taking on something so new, making such a huge move.

lots of new classes

I've got a few new *just added* classes to my schedule. Looks like I've got a busy few months ahead!!

April 10th - mixed media class in Fredricksburg VA
Join Ranger's signature designer Claudine Hellmuth as she shares her vibrant talents and colorful creativity and discover over 18 fun-filled techniques using her Studio line of products. In this all day class we'll be creating a Maya Road chipboard mini idea book brimming with color, texture, paint and transfers. Class details and sign up information are on the The Scrapboodles blog. Spaces are limited so sign up soon!spaces still available!

May 16th - Mixed media collage workshop in Mesa AZ
A full day of my my most popular collage class - Collage Discovery Workshop at the Mystic Paper store in Historic Downton Mesa! Call the store at 480-834-0286 to register!spaces still available!

May 22nd - mixed media class in Reston VA
Love adding new techniques to your repertoire? Join Claudine Hellmuth and discover over 14 fun-filled methods using the Claudine Hellmuth Studio product line. In this 5 hour class we'll be creating a swatch tag reference book brimming with color,texture,paint and various transfer techniques. Class details and sign up information are on the The Angela's Happy Stamper web site. Spaces are limited so sign up soon! class full - get on the waiting list and maybe we'll add another class!

Don't miss out on The Mary Engelbreit Home Companion Workshop event! I'll be teaching Sitting Pretty Photo Sculptures and Poppet Puppets! Click here for all the details and to register!!

For my complete class schedule visit my web site here

I'm back in town for a few days from Ranger U in New Jersey before I head to Lincoln Nebraska to teach. Ranger U was a lot of fun of course! Suze, always with her camera ready, was the default photojournalist during my workshop and did a wonderful blog post about my day of teaching which you can check out here!

Kuh Ledesma

Kuh Ledesma
AKA Maria Socorro Ledesma

• 1st Filipina multi-awarded Singer to receive the Salem Music Award (1989)

QUOTE

"The best way to transform our nation is through the word of God."

ALIAS
"The Original Pop Diva"


DATE OF BIRTH
March 16, 1955

BIRTHPLACE
Bacolod City, Philippines


HUSBAND: Louie Gonzalez
DAUGHTER: Isabella

USEFUL LINKS

Another 25 years with Kuh Ledesma
Kuh 25 Years Concert by Filipino singing star Kuh Ledesma
Kuh Ledesma: Live @ PhilMusic.Com

To do: confirm dates & buy plane tickets

DONE. It's official. 2 weeks in Europe for our honeymoon.  Vienna here we come (and England, too)!  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

Neither Kiefer nor I have flown internationally.  The first thing he asks me once we've got the flights confirmed....."what the heck are we going to do on a plane for 10 hours?"

The Amsterdam chainsaw massacre

This Dazed & Confused editorial with Magdalena Frackowiak is from a while ago, but these serial killer meets prom queen dresses by Viktor & Rolf are too good not to share. The Dutch duo is known for their style that goes beyond the perfect skinny jean or sequin blazer. It's about sharing a story, creating a dream. That doesn't usually result in the most wearable creations, but definately in the most interesting ones.

Friday, yes. Five, no.

I only worked 2 1/2 days this week and spent the rest of the time at home on the couch.  I didn't get a whole lot done from my living room perch, but I wasn't feeling so hot so my lack of productivity hasn't bothered me.  It does mean, however, that I don't have much to report today and definitely not a whole Five Things. I did try a bit of German one day, but Rosetta Stone didn't take to my funny, froggy cold-voice, so I deserted that exercise.  On the plus side, I've had a lot of time to read and have gotten lost in a book in a way I haven't in quite some time (The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova) and that is a pure joy.  Also....

**We continue our honeymoon planning.  Lo and behold, Kiefer has friends who live in Sussex, England.  In a 600 year-old castle.  And we're invited! So, the trip is shaping up to be a week in England and a week in Vienna.  No complaints here!

 ** In the midst of all the didn't do's this week, there was one big DID.  I submit my first article contribution to DivineCaroline!  If you're interested, here's a direct link to the story....have a read. 

I am feeling better today, but I think I'll head back to the couch for a bit.  Just one more evening.  I've got the movie Before Sunrise to watch.  I'm hoping I can get over my cellular-level dislike of Ethan Hawke enough to enjoy the movie.  It's set in Vienna and that's what I want to see!

New Jersey here I come!

Tomorrow I'll be heading up to the Ranger offices for a weekend of art with Tim Holtz, Suze Weinberg and yours truly at Ranger University! I'll be driving this trip (Ranger offices are only 4.5 hours drive from DC!) and I am ecstatic about not having to go to the airport.

This is a short trip with little spare time, so I am not even taking my lap top. I'll be checking in via phone on Twitter and Facebook. Have a great weekend!

Just another day

Mango jacket - H&M dress - Wolford tights - Minimarket wedges

This dress has been hanging untouched in my wardrobe for a while, the tailor made it a little too short. But since the weather isn't clearing up any time soon, I have no choice but to dig deep in my closet for things that keep me warm. At the end of a season I always feel like I've worn everything a thousand times and get a little bored with my clothes. Do you have the same thing?

easy faux peeled paint technique

I thought I'd share with you a new technique that I discovered! I'll show you how to create a faux peeled paint look using Ranger's Perfect Medium (or you can also use the Ranger Watermark Resist pad) and Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints.


Before I started I've painted a Maya Road chipboard house with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Modern Red. You could do this on any non-porous surface, painted papers, painted cigarbox, chipboard, painted canvas etc. In order for the technique to work you'll need to paint your surface first either with colored acrylic paint or Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium.

Using the corner of the Perfect Medium Pad, (or Ranger Watermark Resist pad) wipe over the house shape in a few places to create a streaky look.


It should look like this. With a few streaks of Perfect Medium around the house shape. Make sure not to put it everywhere.


Paint over the entire house shape Here I used Claudine Hellmuth Studio in Painterly Pink You will notice that the paint resists and makes a peeled paint look.

It's an easy and quick way to create an aged effect! Hope you enjoy experimenting with this technique!