Ken Salwey

On a recent evening, John & I went to downtown Davenport, Iowa -- to the grand old "Capitol Theater".
The local comunity college was sponsoring a special event -- "Ken Salwey, the last River Rat".
We went to the early show -- and had no idea what to expect. There was a $5 admission charge.
Hey -- just going to the Capitol Theater was quite a thrill. As a wild teenager -- this is where I saw "Sonny & Cher" in concert. It still looks great to me -- with the neo-classical ceiling painting and elaborate chandeliers.

I digress...

Kenny Salwey lived as a hermit on the Mississippi River for 28 years. And, the BBC came over her and made a documentary about him. I guess the film has been on PBS, although we hadn't seen it before last night.

With his cane, Kenny came on stage and introduced himself -- then the film. The documentary was an hour long, then Kenny came back on stage to answer questions.

WHAT AN INTERESTING STORY. Although he is no longer a hermit (he came out of the wilderness to get married 13 years ago) -- Kenny talked about those Mississippi-cabin-years when he lived alone, with no electricity, talking to his dog, fishing for his food and trapping for his spending money.

For me, that evening was about how EVERYBODY HAS A STORY. It is always fascinating to me how everybody makes choices...and in our lives, we encounter crossroads, or opportunities or people, and how and we we take different paths...

For John, it was just about whether or not he could find Kenny's old cabin...

Americal Idol

If you haven't been watching American Idol -- START NOW. Because there is an amazing thing going on. We are getting to meet Crystal Bowersox.

And we get to hear her sing....Oh My God....what a treat.

At first -- she didn't look the part...she's not the 20-something polished, overly-styled pretty girl we've come to expect. Her teeth aren't perfect. She has some tatoos and body piercings and a mane of blond dreadlocks (isn't that an oxymoron?)

But -- p-u-l-e-e-z-e -- the girl can SING...!!

From week one, I also fell in love with Michael Lynch -- "Big Mike". He has a wonderful tone to his voice, and really can FEEL a song. I also look forward to hearing Siobahn Magnus every week -- her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Freedom" was killer.

But the singer I'm waiting for each week is Crystal Bowersox. When she walks on the stage, I sit up in my chair, ignore my telephone and shut down my laptop.

Reviewers have called her the next Janis Joplin with a little Melissa Ethridge mixed in. I don't know enough about music to agree or disagree with that assessment. And I think the struggle for any artist is to simply be YOURSELF....

I only know Crysgal Bowersox is amazing. When she sings, I get goosebumps. And I hope I'll be buying her albums for years to many years to come... and it'll be fun to look back and remember when I first met her...

My Birthday!!

Today is my birthday. Like everybody else in the world, I LOVE my birthday. But as I get older -- it's less about the gifts and more about the people. I am very grateful for "my people"...So, on this day, I'd like to acknowledge my people...I wouldn't enjoy a minute of my life if they weren't IN IT WITH ME...































Oh, yes. Life is good. Today I will have a wonderful birthday -- and I am grateful...very grateful....for "my people"....I would like to thank all of you -- if you're reading this blog, you are listed amongst my people...for playing my games and making the ride so much fun!

Please eat a piece of cake today to help me celebrate...

My Pink & Red Cowgirl Outfit

In January, I blogged about my friend Lissa -- 32 years old, diagnosed with breast cancer. At her fundraiser, they were selling brown "Fight Like A Cowgirl" shirts...here I am with my nephew Cory, Lissa's longtime boyfriend...

Before I went to Lissa's fundraiser -- I'd been stumped by the "pink and red" challenge. Even though I had the perfect pink jacket in my closet -- just WAITING for a stylish makeover...I'd been looking at it for weeks, waiting for my inspiration... and now, the fighting Cowgirl has provided that...


But I still didn't know exactly how to incorporate the color red, the brown t-shirt, and the pink message into the project....THEN, I saw this classic coat hanging in the Goodwill store...it doesn't fit me -- but for less than $3 -- I brought it home to be my muse...


Bonne was kind enought to SEND ME A PHOTO -- and here's the final creation. (with Jan & Bonne and the Hey Rita sister-totes). As it turns out, the key was to tone it all down with some stretch leopard pants. YES

...then, I found leopard RIBBON at the fabric store -- which I simply ironed onto the jacket to create the "grids"....add my signature t-shirt fringe, and BOOM!!! All I needed was a cowboy hat and some boots..



Many of you have emailed me, asking how Lissa is doing. She is getting ready for her 5th chemo treatment -- and many of you know what a tough battle she is fighting.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers...

Another Auction

My FAVORITE Saturday thing is going to an auction with Bert....This week they had THREE BUILDINGS full of treasure. Oh my...such bounty...

It's hard to believe they couldn't get a bid on this sofa...(with a matching love seat-- the fabric is WAY MORE orange than it looks!)

I bought a whole box full of fancy hankies for $1. Then, in a complete stroke of luck -- I bought a small pile of MINK pieces. No kidding. Soft, pliable, beautiful MINK pieces. Ready to be made into something wonderful. I'm thinking a little vest for Lillian?? Or maybe a pair of shoes for her (I just about have the pattern figured out)...
But -- wait -- today was ALL ABOUT THE LAMPS. Bert gives me a hard time because I have a real obsession with all-things-lamp. I really do NEED a new reading lamp at the corner of my Lazy-boy....and -- well, there was just no end to the bargains today. I bought four floor lamps, one desk lamp and one wall-sconce-lamp. YIKES. Even I know this sounds like somebody who needs a support group...

This bad cellphone picture is of a dress form I DID NOT BUY...

See? I really DO HAVE some sales resistance...

Bonnie and Barb!!

One of my favorite pictures -- this is from last summer -- when I treated myself to a "Day Trip Adventure" to Galesburg, Illinois to visit with Bonnie Brittain (who now lives in Seattle) -- but comes to visit her twin sister Barb every summer. MANY YEARS AGO -- Barb lived in Iowa and was a sewing teacher at my store -- "Rita's Sew Fun".


Bonnie hasn't changed a bit. Neither has her twin sister, Barb. Here they are, in Barb's back yard -- displaying a small portion of the pillowcase baby dresses Bonnie was creating...

Her I am with the twins again -- Barb flew ALL THE WAY OUT TO SEATTLE -- to attend the show with Bonnie! Here they are, surprising me on Friday!! I am only sorry we didn't have time for a LONGER VISIT. It was Barb's first visit to EXPO -- hey -- HOW WAS IT, BABE??

Since they both claim to READ THIS BLOG -- we'll see, eh?? I'm waiting for one of them to write and remind me of the name of their friend....I've gotta start writing this stuff down...

Nancy's Sewing Weekend

Mary and I get to pack our bags once again -- for Nancy's Sewing Weekend!! yippee kayee. For more information -- go to the website: Nancy's Notions

It's a 25th anniversary celebration, and they have LOTS of special stuff planned...Mary and I will actually be taking a bus tour TO THE LOCAL GOODWILL STORE...



CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?? We'll kick off with a little presentation of some of OUR recent treasures....tell them how to recognize a cashmere sweater...then we'll all get on the bus and go treasure hunting together -- then, LUNCH!! wow...who knew?? what a great job I have...



AND we'll show them what the possibilities are!! Like -- MY fabulous sweater from Etsy artist Jill. Who lives right in Wisconsin!! Maybe she'll come see me in her creation!! AND, of course, I have some GREAT pictures of Lillian in her new little sweater-coat.



One brand new project I'm hoping to have READY for Nancy's Sewing Weekend are the little baby shoes. Oh-My-Goodness -- they are sooo cute. My test pair had a turquoise ultra-suede sole, a zebra striped back, and a wild abstract print for the shoe top. Do you know what a tiny bit of fabric it takes to make these shoes? Really...I can get a shoe sole out of ONE old leather glove, for example....

YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THESE...

Mason's Safari Hat

If you've been reading this blog from the beginning -- you might remember my niece Kelcy painted a "jungle' theme in her nursery. When we gave the baby shower to welcome Mason -- I brought enough jungle stuff for everybody to play "dress-up".

Kelcy is an avid photographer. Actually, she's started to do weddings and other people's special events. She especially LOVES taking baby pictures....and has done some great shots of other peoples' children.

Here's a recent pic of Mason -- wearing a little Safari hat I found at the Goodwill store....



ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? COULD HE BE ANY CUTER?? Good job, Kelcy! One day, Mason will know how lucky he was to land in this nice, soft place...

Little Baby Shoes

Okay -- THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!!

Do you know about those little leather baby shoes? Some different brands are "Robeez" or "Shooshos"...they are adorable and actually STAY on their little baby feet. They sell for $20-$40 a pair -- and I have often given them as new-baby gifts.

The magic of these little leather shoes is they are very soft and pliable -- with an elastic casing that means they actually do a great job of staying on a baby's foot, while providing a little stability and protection...

Imagine my surprise when I realized that my sister DEENA HAD MADE A PAIR for Clayton's baptism outfit!

She used a free pattern off the internet. I'm going to post her finished shoes, and I also want to make a video of her special "add elastic" technique!

THEN I'm going to make a zebra-striped pair for Lillian. OF COURSE...

WHY??

JUST BECAUSE I CAN...

American Pickers

Hey -- this is a big shout out to a coupla local guys who have HIT THE BIG TIME!! Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz. They hail from LECLAIRE, IOWA...just ten minutes from my house. What are the chances?

If you haven't seen the show -- you MUST tune in. Monday nights on the History Channel (check your local listings). They are a hoot. And, of course, I only wish I HAD gotten the nod to do the show they're doing. They call themselves "pickers" because they go into old barnes, basements, attics and pick through piles of junk you would not believe -- until they find their "treasure".

HEY -- I'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS.!! LOL...

In a recent show, after picking through a few outbuildings, Frank & Mike were invited to "pick" through a woman's car. What's so funny, boys? Several years ago, my book club decided to have a Mother's Day luncheon, and I simply walked out to my car and brought in 8 different women's hats to make the event more festive. Right this minute, there are five floor lamps stuffed into the back seat -- and I'm quite sure I could come up with a Dutch Oven, a toaster, five or six jigsaw puzzles, and enough embroidered linens to make up several guest rooms.

If you watch the show -- you'll see lots of shots of LeClaire, Iowa. A charming little Mississippi River town. Frank and Mike used to have an "antique store" in town -- but several years ago, they closed the shop to become full time "pickers". It seems like they have clients all over the world -- and they sell their stuff to restaurants or designers -- maybe on ebay. They seem to have a good thing going -- and I am IN LOVE WITH THEIR SHOW...It's always great to see somebody local hit the bigtime, y'know??
Yeah, now that I'm thinking about it -- I think I'll go out to my trunk and do some "freestyling"...

The Day AFTER the Show

Every now and then -- something REALLY special happens and you just know you were meant to be there...right at that moment in time...

Mary and I were hoping to spend a little time with our friend Gail Brown the day after the show.
We made some tentative plans, even though her daughter Bette was expecting her first baby at any moment...

And THE BABY WAS BORN SUNDAY NIGHT!! So -- on Monday -- we had the pleasure of welcoming a new little girl into the world. It was such a thrill to go to the hospital and see Bette (who, as a child, helped Mary work in her Expo booth) -- and her beautiful mother Gail (in this photo, I'm taking a picture of Gail taking a picture...)


Beautiful little Emme is perfect...and has landed in a nice soft place...and it was such a joy for Mary & I to meet her on her very first official day...

Adventures & memories

When it comes to buying gifts for other people -- I'm no good at it. For one thing, I march to my own drummer when it comes to the matter of "taste"...and my boys will both tell you that I have often given them the same gift three years in a row. (suitcases...I think...)

When my boys were growing up, I planned (for them and my nieces and nephews) "birthday surprises". One time, I set up a surprise paintball war for Elliott's birthday. Ross got an actual flying lesson (cheaper at the time than a pair of sneakers)...Toby & Cory got juggling lessons...I took Nicole to see Sarah Brightman in concert...

Rather than spend money on gifts (which nobody needs or appreciates) -- I am a BIG FAN of "outings" or "special events". I believe that time spent doing something together is the stuff real memories are made of.

Every community has interesting events happening for little or no cost. High schools put on great plays in the spring. The local community college often runs neighborhood, historical or mansion tours (especially during the holiday season). I am very blessed where I live. ..

On a recent Saturday, my cousin Kim called and said, "do you want to see the Air Force Brass Band tonight?"

Without hesitation, I said, "WHAT TIME?"

The concert was free -- at St. Ambrose University. The room was packed. The music was awesome. We both stood up when they played the Army song (her son Matt, and my son Elliott have both served)...They played Amazing Grace --of course, I cried...

Through the years -- Kim and I have enjoyed MANY adventures...here we are in an old Christmas shot....
not too long ago, we went to New York City...AGAIN...the best meal I ever ate in my life was with Kim at Tavern on the Green...

I'm just sayin...take a look around. Maybe somebody you care about could use a little adventure this week.

JUST DO IT..!!

Lillian & Curious George

As soon as I download the pictures off my camera, there will be many actual BIRTHDAY PARTY photos of our Lillian. And there isn't a woman reading this blog who doesn't understand how overwhelmed and delighted I am to be a Grandma...

For several months now, Lillian has been attached to her Curious George....here she is, sharing a moment with him on the sofa...



I often post pictures of this baby, being sober. And I love that about her. She is often pensive -- and seems to be taking it all in. Mostly, when the camera is clicking, there are three or four people in the room saying, "Lillian, Lillian, over here honey -- smile!!!"...and we're making goofy noises, waving toys, jumping up and down..." If you consider the foolish behavior of the ADULTS in the room as the picture taking is going on...her somber composure is even more remarkable.

But, every now and then....for whatever reason....

WE GET THIS REWARD.....


Ah, yes...life is good!! Now that the show is over, and the weather has improved -- I'll be spending a lot more time with Lillian. This is SUCH AN ENJOYABLE STAGE...

Jan Bones

One of the most popular hands on classes this year was Jan Bones -- teaching how to make lingerie.



Jan is a great teacher -- and we could have filled this class five times...



Jan is from Canada -- and during the show, we joked about the Olympics, who was beating who, etc.

On Sunday afternoon, thinking she was living in the Expo bubble and wouldn't have heard any real "news" -- I stopped at her booth and said, "sorry about the hockey game, Jan -- I know how seriously you Canadians take your hockey..."

My plan was to tell her the US beat Canada by a score of 17 to 0.

However, like ALL CANADIANS EVERYWHERE -- that final hockey game was being piped directly into her Bluetooth...

You've gotta admit, Jan -- IT WOULDA BEEN FUNNY!!

AHHHH SPRING 2010

After a very long, long winter...suddenly -- TODAY IT'S SPRING!!

The crocuses are blooming. Always our FIRST SIGN. Stunning yellow and purple.

Cash spent the day with me -- and we took a walk in the yard. Looking for other blooming things. Mostly, there was just the crocuses...but we did have a good time chasing our HUGE SHADOWS on this bright sunny day...



The biggest treat of our first beautiful spring day -- I GOT TO HANG MY SHEETS OUT ON THE LINE!!



I hang my sheets out even during the winter... But this winter was just too intense. The snow and ice defeated me...and I've been putting my sheets in the clothes dryer...UGH...

SO THIS DAY IS SUCH A TREAT...walking outside with my little nephew, Cash...50 degree temperatures, squishy wet yard as the snow disappears completely.

It was a long winter....but NOW -- the changing of the seasons....I LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Reason enough to stay in the Midwest, eh?

Ah, yes, life is good...maybe the trick is to remember about the ying and the yang. The highs and the lows. The winter and the spring...then, be grateful for the little things....

and the little people...

Lillian's First Birthday!!

For Lillian's first birthday -- we went up to Tomah for Lillian's sock monkey party! Here's a picture of John, tying some balloons onto the chairs...



Here's our beautiful Emily -- with her Mom Kathy and her sister Hannah...



I couldn't wait to put Lillian's little recycled sweater coat on her...you can see how delighted she was!!



Oh, yes, the sweater coat was a big hit...I swear to God -- she thought about smiling..