Today...

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

I've been struck with this question posed by Mary Oliver in her poem "The Summer Day". What do I plan to do with my one wild and precious life? Thinking about knowledge and responsibility, willingness and action.

I'm learning, expanding my knowledge. With this knowledge comes responsibility and taking responsibility requires action. What I do with what I know reveals my heart.

I am called to action by these words...

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
~Edward Everett Hale

Geez

Seriously, this guy is fast, I will give him that. But I've had all I can handle. Really, he's out of control. Geez. And the pose, what's that all about? Does he think he is some sort of super hero? Whatev.

What the no ETSY is going on?!

Yeah, if you haven't noticed my etsy site has been MIA. You know me, I can't concentrate on any one thing too long. I'm working on that little character issue. Anywho, don't give up on me (or Simple Spiel). We've got a change a-comin', a little something to go along with all this injustice I've been thinking about and working through in my heart. So, stick with me!

Love.

The search is on...

Someday, yes someday I will attempt the monumental task of taking up quilting as a hobby. I love quilts, they speak history, tell stories and model cozy. Last summer while visiting our family farm in Penn. I was able to come home with seven amazing quilts, which have been handed down over the years within the Schenck family...what a gift!

A couple weeks ago Tracy and I hit up our local quilt shop to find just the thing for our current room re-dos. Tracy and I live in condos with identical (but mirrored) floor plans and are trying to tackle the same room! I gotta give Trac a little bit o' credit here, she started the whole thing. :) So, while Trac transforms her space into a guest room/office I'm working on turning mine into "the studio". We were on the hunt to find fabric to make throw pillows (Trac) and slipcovers for chairs (me). Just stepping into the store makes me happy. The colors overwhelm me, I love it. All hopped up on notions and color and texture I left the store ready to take on the world. Designers like Amy Bulter, Anna Marie Horner and Heather Bailey. I just love, love it all!

I'm still searching for the perfect print for the studio. It a trick to find decor weight fabrics that are fun. I'm thinking maybe I should design my own. But really, how does one get into that sort of thing? Until then, enjoy some of my favorites from these amazingly creative ladies...

It's raining in Mac today...

Love it!

This is how I feel today...

Bottle it up and it spills over
And over again
Through the pages
Onto the happy
Saturating the sticky
Causing mess

"Studio" Update....

Here's where we are folks:

Pottery Barn Table

$499.00

Slipcovered Pottery Barn Chair

$329.00

Grand total for completely ridiculously overpriced furnishings: $828.00

Don't worry I didn't do it. Oh, come on, seriously.

I'm a craigslist junkie. There is something I find amazing about scouring the Internet, visiting strangers homes, handing them cash and loading up your new loot. And, we are reusing things and saving money all at the same time! Wa-hoo!
Here's what I found:

Sweet table ready for some paint: $20.00
Two perfectly shaped armless dining chairs to be slipcovered: $10.00

Melissa's grad total thus far: $30.00

Now if I can only convince my madre to do some sewing for me! Pics will be coming soon!

No big deal, just savin' THE WORLD.

This is my friend Matt. If you haven't already checked out his website go here and read all about his adventure. Matt set out a couple months ago to spend time in Africa with his little bro (Ryan) and missionary friends (Joey, Destiny and their daughter Mercy). I'd tell you all about it but the guy is a much better writer than I and it is truly better in his own words. Let me just say Matt amazes me. Filled with faith, this tall cat left his job, peeps and all that he was "comfortable" with to travel around the world to Africa and learn all he can about poverty, injustice and such. He is in a place, faced with dirty, sickening, horrific situations that most of us will never even begin to relate to. Talk about bold. Turns out he is the contagious type. Since Matt left I have found myself being "that girl". The girl looks around her and sees the amazing amounts of resources that we squander away on a daily basis. I am so guilty of it myself. Last night my friends and I watched the Olympics. I love the Olympics.

Side Note: Why is it that when I watch I feel the need to judge each athlete's performance? Like I know anything! Don't we all get so into it that we suddenly feel like some sort of sports authority. When, truth be told, the Olympic games are the only time we see some of these athletes. Anywho...

I'm watching with new eyes, looking at the amazing buildings they have constructed to hold tons of people. State of the art facilities that are not only functional but also super artistic. I wonder how much was spent on this stuff...so I get my Google on. 3.4 billion! Seriously. I all of a sudden find myself as somewhat of an Olympics hater. Torn between loving the event and wishing that those dollars could have been used in other ways. I have no idea how many starving children could be fed with 3.4 billion, or how much that amount of money would help AIDS research. All I know is that the number is huge. This is just one small example, one that happened to get me. I'm overwhelmed with examples around us all the time. I'm that girl.

So, I'm sitting there, getting fired up. Fired up about something that I can't do anything about. I'm not going to change Olympic history. I'm not going to convince "the powers that be" to give sacrificially to others and dive into stopping all the world's gross injustices. But yet I'm left with a guilty feeling. I know I don't have much, but what am I doing? It is not fair to sit around and complain about how others are using their resources without first checking my own situation.

When Matt left, everyone asked me what he was going to be doing in Africa. I mostly replied, "Oh, you know, saving the world, no big deal." Mildly laced with sarcasm, this comment eats at me now. Matt is doing what he can to save the world, he has stepped out and the Lord is totally using him. Yesterday I was sharing with him about some stuff going on in my heart and I said that, "I guess this is where it's time to be bold." Matt's response: "It's not so much about being bold as it is about being willing." Geez, the guy has a way with words. But it's true. What are you willing to do for the Lord? What am I willing to do?

Just a glimpse into where my mind has been lately. If you hated this post you may want to stop reading my blog. I have a feeling that there will be a lot more of this sort of thing to come...

Cheers!

Pick it!

Yesterday after church my buddy Caitlin and I set out on the grand adventure of picking blackberries at a park here in Mactown. I chose to wear flip flops which proved to be a really bad idea but working through the pain had great rewards.





Yum, yum, yummity, yummster.

Side Note: Office/Studio space has been painted. Work table has been acquired (more on that process later) and shelves has been purchased. Pics coming your way soon!

Get your golf on!

I wish I was a golfer. My serious lack of hand/eye coordination really puts a damper on the whole thing. Sure, I enjoy a good round of mini golf and last time I was on a course Matt taught me all about proper "flag removal" process, but that's as deep as it goes for me. Despite my lack of knowledge and ability I was so excited when my friend Tracy suggested that we volunteer at this year's "See Ya Later" Foundation golf tournament. We had a great time! Check out Tracy's post for a full report of all the day's haps! I really wish you all could see our full outfits I had on knee-length khaki shorts with our black tournament polo shirts. I felt like a blond Kelli Kapowski. You know, from that summer when the Saved By The Bell kids worked at the country club, yeah, loved it.

P.S. I will admit that Fred Funk is my favorite golfer, always has been, always will be (mostly due to his name). And...in 10th grade art class I did a giant charcoal drawing of Lee Trevino which I believe still hangs on the back of my Dad's office door to this day, CLASSIC.

2-fer

Today you get a 2-fer!

I'm sort of a font, color and word nerd. Imagine my glee when I came upon this site that takes my three favorite things and combines them with a little randomness (also a favorite thing). Check out my first three attempts (thanks to one of my favorites: author/artist Mary Anne Radmacher).







Now you know what I'm going to be doing all day! Wanna make your own? Check it out here. Oh, fun!

P.S. Man, there sure are a tons of fvorites in this post...geez.

Do & Re-Do

Here's what I'm learning about myself. Ok, maybe I've known this for a while but I'm finally admitting it to myself.

I NEED A PROJECT.
I ALWAYS NEED A PROJECT.

Seriously. While in the midst of a project I long to have evenings where I can just sit around and not feel like I need to be working. But, as soon as I finish something I can't wait to jump in to something else. Here's my latest...the office! In my new house I have this great room that is solely for creating, getting crafty and doing my thing. But you know me, all must be organized before I can clutter it with my creativeness. I've got to get back to being creative. It's where I find sanity. My friend Tracy knows me all too well, can tell when I've not given myself time to create and totally calls me on it! (I'm so thankful for her!) Simple Spiel has been on the back burner since the move and is about to get a full face lift. But before I can start that the office must be conquered. Here's what I'm thinking.


What do you think? I love it. Totally within my budget...$50.00. Yeah, this project is going to have to be the definition of creative!

Orange and yellow, green and blue...

Here's the Dealy-O.

Because of the mass hysteria surrounding my last post and the requests for more information here's the whole story. (Sarah & Geebs this one's for you)

A few months ago I was commissioned (yeah, you read that right) by a guy to do some art work for his new house. He had seen a couple of paintings that I did for Tiffany's birthday gift last November and asked me to do some painting to tie together his living room/dining room area. Totally intimidated, but desperate for some cash to pay the bills, I agreed.

Now let's just back up here. I am not a painter. I can paint walls, furniture and even my nails but painting, painting, like fine art painting...completely beyond me. And being commissioned!?! I'm not even sure I really understand what all that entails. All I know is that I left the dudes house with sketch for measurements, a few examples of colors and a fat check.

So the paintings took me forever. I guess that's what happens when you don't really know what you are doing. And, unlike Geebs, I'm not into pumpkin orange. I'm a color expert (just ask Matt) and maybe even a color snob so it took me a while to get "inspired" for the pieces. So, finally I decided to go ahead and try to "fake it till I make it".

So...the pictures on the last post my friends are the result. I have never been so nervous as I was on Sunday when I went to deliver and hang them...
What if he hated them?
What happens then?
Do I have to give his money back?
I don't have the money anymore!!!
Is he going to take me to Judge Judy?
What would I wear if I had to be on T.V.?
Is my hair ok?
Man, I gotta get my eyebrows waxed stat!
...this is just where my mind went.

Long story short. He loved, loved them. All is well with the world and I am back to making cards. I must admit, once I found my way I did really enjoy the project. And I would do it again, but I'm sure you all can't afford me.

D.O.N.E.

And it feels good.

*sigh*

These are a few of my favorite things, I collect them like your grandma collects doilies and ceramic cat figurines. It's a sickness.

Fighting Color

This is how I've been spending my time.

Elbow deep in
orange,
green
and blue.

I have discovered that I
hate to be a mess,
have a fear of getting paint everywhere
and never want to wear a smock for a living.

After months of trying to find my way in the world of "fine art"I have almost finished my very first commissioned piece. PTL!

You Go...

I came across this video today from a friend, of a friend, of a friend, who amazes me with their awareness of poverty, social justice and the like. I have to admit I am fired up about their cause to help and empower girls in particular. Check it out...but be aware, with knowledge comes responsibility.



Check out more at the website here.

Can we talk about this?

I love 'em I really do. Who knows what made me think of good 'ol Jack today...but here's one of my favs:

“I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.”

Summa, summa, summa time!

Yeah, it's my favorite time of year...the sunny time.

This is a time when it is completely appropriate for me to smell like I do everyday, like I have bathed in sunscreen. I graduated from NNU (Go Saders!) five years ago but it is still weird to me that I don't have a summer break. Those of you who know me well know that I am a "delayed reaction girl". It takes a while for things to sink in for me. Well today I am working, staring outside wondering why it is that I can't be on a school schedule. I love when your calendar revolves around September - June and the months in between suddenly don't really count. This is where I'm spending my sweet summer day...



But here's where I really wish I was...


Ahhh, Corona Del Mar!

Roadtrip anyone?

Creative Shamative

Here's the deal. I've been feeling so uncreative. It's terrible. I moved to McMinnville 2 months ago and I now have a place to be creative, a whole room for the random craziness that is my design style and I have yet to do anything. Maybe I have a motivation problem. Consequently, I have also started drinking coffee again. Matt commented one day that he thinks there may be a correlation between the lack of creativity and the coffee drinking. Is there any medical research out there that backs his off-hand comment? So there is another thing I have to Google. My word, what would I do without Google?

Anywho...creativity. The lack in this department has also hindered the creation of blog number 2 that I spoke of in my last post. I can't think of a name. I've got no witty left in me, boo.

So, I may not be creative, or witty but I've still got my good looks and charm. That's right. Yesterday I was sitting at work, in my beautiful, figure enhancing scrubs. There I am just minding my own business and there's a 13 year old boy waiting for his sister in the waiting room. He's a talker the most. Just chatting my ear off. He tells me that it is his birthday, his 13th birthday. It's a big one and he thinks that he is ready to get a girlfriend. Here's the convo...

Random Kid: It's my birthday today you know...

Me: That's great buddy. How old are you?

R.K.: 13, it's sort of a big year.

Me: Yeah, you are a teenager now

R.K.: I know, it's sort of a lot of responsibility

Me: True

R.K.: Hey are these glasses real gold?

Me: Nope, you think we would just leave real gold glasses out like that, come on, you are 13 now, you know better than that.

R.K.: Yeah, well I think that now that I'm 13 it's about time that I get a girlfriend, you know?

Me: wow, well I think you have all kinds of time for that buddy, no hurry.

R.K.: Well, I was wondering what time you get off work?

Yeah, I kid you not. He said it, no shame. So I may be an uncreative coffee drinker but I can still get the young ones.

Any ideas for a blog name?

No Big Deal.

Yeah, I've really been MIA this time.

So, here's my thought. Let's not mix work and play. I'm going to branch off and start blog number two. Yeah, I know what you are thinking..."She can't even keep this one updated, how in the wide world of sports is she going to be faithful to two?". Exactly. We'll just see how it works. I have a lot of stuff running through this little head of mine, a ton that I am learning and I believe that it is worth sharing or at least getting off my chest. So, I want to keep Snail Mail going with Simple Spiel stuff but will be starting an additional blog soon with "life stuff". Check back soon...

Until then, here are a few pictures of non work related items of the 1980's sort. That's just how I roll.


Matt & Ryan


Tyson & Tracy


My GTGs Caitlin & Trac


Team PB & J

I'm a BIG Fan!

Here's my new favorite band...The Josh Cremer Trio!

I may be a little bias, but I tend to think the drummer really rocks the house and he is cute to boot! Look at him, standing there, holding his cymbal, rockin' the fauxhawk. Yeah Brother, sweet.

You can check out their stuff here:http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=201678264

Or, if you're in the Boise area check 'em out in person:

Mar 15 2008 7:30P
Music of the Vine Caldwell, Idaho

Mar 19 2008 9:00P
The Bouquet Boise, Idaho


A little birdie told me that they will have a CD out real soon, I'll keep you updated!

Save The Date

Mark it on your calendars now...April 5 & 6!





My friend Kim at sugarmamaproducts.com asked me to be a part of her spring shopping show!

Spring Shopping Affair
*Free admission and parking

Saturday April 5th: 10am - 6pm
Sunday April 6th : 10am - 3pm

Located at:

The Historic Broetje House
3101 SE Courtney Rd.
(on the corner of Oatfield & Courtney)
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Until then I am busy designing and making cards like crazy.

Hey, I don't ask for much. I let you into my world to see what's going on. Well, here's your chance to get involved I thought it would be fun to hear some of your card ideas. Leave me a comment if you have something you think would be great on a Simple Spiel card.

More info on the show to come...

Get your etsy on...

That's right...new cards have been added on my etsy site. If you have a minute go here www.simplespiel.etsy.com and check 'em out!

It's a beautiful day in Salem! I went for a run this afternoon and I could actually smell spring! I thought my etsy needed a little freshness too! :)

Cheers!

She's Back!

It’s been far too long since I shared with you about the women of “She”.

So…drum roll please…

You are getting a two for one deal today!
This is my aunt Cece & cousin Cherith!
They are two of my favorites! Growing up in Washington, away from my extended family I didn’t have tons of time with these two but in recent years the Lord has provided time for us, amazing time that I would not trade for the world. Time I wish that I could go back to…awe the good ‘ol days!

Aunt Cece inspired the card, “She…exudes warmth”. Her card was the first I created and there was no question at all about how to describe her. My aunt Cece is home to me. Just being around her makes me calm and if I could describe how she makes me feel without words it would be in a huge shoulders raised and then dropped sigh. She is my peaceful place. Aunt Cece is one of those people you can come to in complete confidence; she listens, never judges and is one of the most accepting people I know. More generous than you can imagine I am forever thankful for the way that she (and U.B.) have provided for me. Aunt Cece, thank you for always giving your whole heart, to being a mother to all, for supporting my dreams…I love you!

Cherith inspired the card, “She…has a knack for most things”. She really does! She has always been one of my best friends and more like a sister than a cousin. We share a passion for design and it was such an amazing two years we spent together when I lived in Cali during design school. I love the way she knows how I think. There is never a shortage of laughter when we are together. Cherith can make something out of nothing and never gives herself credit. She is a great cook and a wonderful wife and mother. Cherith, thank you for never giving up on me! Thank you for teaching me about so many things, and for trusting me with Chloe. You will never know how much it has meant to me to be able to be there for those crucial years. I am forever changed by your sweet little girl and the way that you care for her. I have no doubt that the Lord is faithful and I know that he will continue to give you the strength you need…you are my favorite!