Monday, December 28, 2009

A wonderfully fine New Year...to come...



I can just feel it in me bones, in the air and just oveall everywhere...this will be a great New Year! This gal is heading out to the seaside for some downtime with family and friends, wind in hair, sand in toes and all that jazz...bringing my brand spankin' new journal, and have already watercolored 8 pages of beautilicious color schemes to artfully journal upon...
knitting packed...check...
book to read (may seem a simple gesture to you, but quite a large milestone for moi)...check...
camper packed...almost check...
food, wine, snackies and crafts loaded...you bettcha check...

Now, you go, and have a simply marvelously, divine New Years...I am sending out lovey wishes and peaceful thoughts to you, for all you hope and wish for, now and always....

May your holiday be filled,, with all that you love and hold dear...for that is truly what it is all about, yes?

I shall return with pics and stories to share.

Go gently and have fun.

Still Lily

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Oh Santa...



The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...cookies, milk, carrots left out for santa & reindeer...

we woke to evidence of footprints from the fireplace...gifts wrapped so carefully for all to enjoy. So, my dear Santa, you listened so close to the wish I had dreamed for, the one I wanted the most.. there she was all wrapped in special paper just for me, never has this gal sewn a stich or fixed a patch on a knee...but here it was, my most special wish came true, a sewing machine from Santa brand new. And now, watch out...I say, for the fun is to come!
Thank you Santa from this Still Lily one.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

All the merry best

Ok, handmade gifts finished and wrapped...check
kids goodies packaged and hidden...check
not working at all and enjoying time with wee ones...check
promise to self to artful journal more...check
packed for camping...procrastinating...still have a week...
baking done...oh not at all
postponed cooking turkey dinner till new year...check

And there we have it, Christmas is upon us and the joy is definetly in the air. I will be spending this time with dear and loved ones, enjoying watching as each year the wee ones have such fun, memory making times. This will be the second Christmas that my little family will spend in what was my parents' home...there are mixed emotions which seep in, some are subtle, some not so much...I am learning to go with this flood of feelings and be ok with all that is.


So on this most wonderous, lovely holiday
I wish you all the very best & peace to each and every one of you
May the warmth and happiness of the season surround you
where ever you may be...
happy happy times and a very merry holiday to you and yours
Still Lily

Thursday, December 17, 2009

holly jolly christmas



Hoot hoot, I love love these wee owls, maybe a new collection being born?

Oh my lovelies, the beauty abounds...

Have you ever been to a Poinsettia farm? no, you say? well, i had not either, but yesterday Oh my, the christmas spirit took over...the colors & basically, the whole tradition of these wonderful plants of the season awed and inspired to no end...


I was taken on growing techniques, all the variations of 'breeds' and just how amazing it always is to me to be in a greenhouse of this magnitude and size...wow..humble the green thumb in meself. So, I took it all in, the colors, the vibe, the hills and the wonder of California this time of year, I love my homeland and am always so taken with the beauty that surrounds.

Hope your season is full of color, love, friends and fun!
Still Lily

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

hippie holidays...


So, in light of the way things are going lately around these parts...well, that would be that this Lily is completely unprepared for the holidays and not done too much of any shopping per say.
After quietly making a decision over 3 weeks ago to 'let go', things have been coming to a slow halt...there were Etsy orders to get out, children to cook, tend and care for, a husband who needs a bit of tending to himself (well, his biz that iz) and just overall personal & home maintenance.
I went and had hairs done today and what a delightful getaway it was, I love my hairdoer and all her wonder, and just get swept away in my time in the chair and all the talk, not at all about hair (did not mean for that to rhyme).
So, I left refreshed and now realize that with just a little more than a week to go, I better get to gettin' goin'.
It was hippie day today so here you have it, so cool.
That is all for now, hit the yarn store today and have big plans in mind for the lucky balls of wonder that made it home with me. Get ready for a scarfy present. Oh, and must get working on salt scrub christmas presents, will post recipe soon.


Ta ta for now.

Still Lily

Sunday, December 13, 2009

sees you when your sleeping...


Well, around these parts things have been just downright busy...I realize that does not account for my blog absence...however, something else of great importance has been happening and must be brought to light here. Santa is present, and very in the know around this wee pad in the country. He sees when we are sleeping, and then sometimes when I am awake (which really truly feels like the majority of the time) he seems to be lingering around in the most peculiar of places. I finish a piece and there he is, I make a cup of tea & bam he's right there watching, I sit down to have a go with the knitting needles and he happens to be right on the counter looking on like it's all his business, only place he has not shown up is the bathroom, thank goodness for privacy of some kind...so it just goes to show one had better be on her toes this time of year...well, always if you get down to the nitty gritty of it all...and always be on her best behavior possible, for you can never be completely certain as to who knows when your awake, been good or bad oh come on for goodness sake.


So, on this light and silly post note, have a simply delightful couple weeks before Christmas, do not let the season get the stresser of you, it is time to relax, enjoy, buy a vintage gift, be thankful for friends and family, take some deep breaths and sit back to watch the twinkling lights.


Go gently and enjoy these lovely holidays.

Still Lily

Thursday, December 10, 2009

rockin' around the christmas tree






Sometimes you just gotta rock around the christmas tree...

Too tired for words and so a few pictures are enough, entered this contest and thought I'd share since the sequence really is the best, have a most merry of days.

Still Lily

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

is santa mad i'm baking?


I have had this wooden santa for longer than i can remember & he's always been a dear to my heart, however, i never quite remembered him looking so very disgruntled until i was baking yesterday with the wee ones...hmmm...the cookies turned out simply wonderful, however, everytime i looked up on the windowsill there he was lookin' kind of grim...made me start thinking 'have i made santa mad?' 'are sugar cookies not his thang?'...i really have worked at being a good girl...i even had the chimney cleaned...oh santa...


So here is to the holiday season, even with it's eagle eyes and often doubtful looks. I love it all, and am so happy to have a house full of holiday loveliness.

How is your holiday going? do share if you dare.

Still Lily

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Happy Shop

Well, for sometime now I have been a bit perplexed as to where to go next with my Still Lily Designs... Oh yes, they are lovely, & Oh yes, they come straight from my heart to my hand resulting in a design which sees fit to add a little wonderful to any unsuspecting space....however, my shop has been a bit slow, my shelves were getting a bit dusty and to be quite honest, I was loosing a bit of faith. So, I made a decision about a week ago, told myself 'Self...now you just let go a bit, of all the internalizing about what to do next, about how to market your work, about questioning your creativity, oh about it all'...so I did.


And lo and behold, if I had a bell on my shop door, it would be a ringin'.
Be it the holidays, be it the letting go, well, really just be it.

So, I shall not let these shelves sit empty, I shall march out to the studio and keep on keepin' on...I just want to give a shout out and thank you to those who are supporting my work. There is nothing more encouraging as an artist to know that someone found something I created, and said 'hey, I want that in my space' or 'I want to give that to someone I love to adorn their space'...wow, humble my heart....and my art. Thank you.

I would write more about how I am trying to find time to read and start artful journaling and such topics of wonder and delight, but I must run for now, the kettle has boiled and since there is a storm brewing here (So. Cal style, so not that much compared to others) I must burn a bit of early evening oil.

By the way these pieces are getting lovely reviews and gushing orders. Just goes to show, everyone loves the beautiful, low maintenance types that just hang out and don't ask for much, but maybe a wink and smile here and there.
Have a simply wonderful evening.
Still Lily

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

all i know...

'All I know is...you can get there
from here
you can.
you can walk through the fear.
travel past what is gone before.
wake up!
wake up & get up on the other side.
dare to become that of your dreams.
dare!
dare to believe
in your own possibility.'

Sometimes I just read something and it helps to bring me back....just wanted to share.

took a quick shot of this warm & fuzzy flower at the adobe house

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

happy traditions (oh & holidays too)...


Ok, i realize it is only Dec.1, and i am not one to jump on the holiday wagon real early on...we don't buy our tree the day after thanksgiving or put up our lights before Dec 10 or so...it just seems as i get older the season comes faster and everyone is ready so much earlier. Now, don't get me wrong, i really really love the holidays and all they involve, especially now with the wee ones. Today the secret elves (two- one for each child) did arrive here at the Z pad, (maybe i do have one foot on the holiday wagon, i guess) who hide throughout our house for the whole month of december in a new spot each day, watching and making sure all behave for st. nick. It is so fun to watch as each morning brings a new and fun elf discovery and the looks on their faces as they giggle excitedly. I love little traditions for special times as they create a feeling of groundedness and security as well as something consistent to rely on and that is always a good thing.



We did go to an adobe house which holds so much amazing history, here by us, and shared some fun pre-holiday time. Kids made candles, weavings, corn husk dolls, we ran in the fields and started a new tradition outing for us to share as a family.
I love this family of mine, what a lucky gal i am.


So, are you ready for the holidays? What is a tradition in your home? I'd love to hear from you!

I am finally getting to adding some new pieces to my shop as well as getting my site up and stocked with works & words. About time. I will post some shop pics here very shortly.


Now, you go and have a delightful day.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Happy ThankFULL Day



So here we are again, another Thankful Day to celebrate, but really, I celebrate everyday that which I am Thankful for, this is just a great excuse day to eat a wee bit more, and drink with friends and family. We are staying put this year, starting our own traditions, no running around, but rather I shall take on the role of turkey and major meal cooker, which I love, by the way. Now that we have taken over my parents' home, I sometimes go through some strange feelings about cooking and performing the rituals of the holidays in my mother's kitchen, however, she does come over and we have fun in there together, my daughter has taken to assisting as well and we have new recipes to try out tomorrow, one of which is a double layer pumpkin cheescake, oh yeah, it's all good. So the traditions do get passed down, sometimes it is bittersweet, the empty space at the table where my Dad sat still makes my heart drop, the void which will never be filled is not something this one can put into words to describe. However, life does go on, life does fill us up, children provide the abundance of what we miss at times and so we go forward...I shall revel in the warm, wonderful scents of the kitchen tomorrow, and even though it is where I will spend most of my day, I am happy to be there, with my little gal beside and my mother to help, this is life and it truly is something to be thankful for.
Hope your day is special and filled with love, happy times, family and good friends.
Best
Ta Ta for now.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

happily home...


New Still Lily line of designs (above)...Life in a Bubble Part 1...stay tuned...




I am hunkering down happily at home with the wee ones, doing the things we love best, playing a variety of pretend games which transport us to new and fun pretend places where we become new and fun pretend people, with new and fun pretend names and jobs and new and fun pretend lives (that does not in any way imply that our lives now are old and boring).
Painting and art have a large presence in our days again, thankfully, and I am just soaking it all in after the last few busy weeks. This is, afterall, the start of a time for giving thanks, of which I can appreciate. There is so much to be thankful for, so many wonderful blessings which I call my life. So I am making this brief, as I have to get back out to our great outdoors to finish off games and art. But I am checked back in and feeling so thankFULL and thankFULFILLED.
May you be well and enjoying all that surrounds you.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Saddlin up...


I have not been here too much over the past week as these hands have been busy with work...work of a wonderful kind, that is, as I prepare for the show. My heart has been full at times, a bit overwhelmed other times, downright excited much of the time, a little tired sometimes, and just basically feeling happy all over with new designs, fresh ideas, inspirations which keep me surprised and keep knockin' on my door.
I have felt the pull of my roles this week, as I keep in check with all that is important...the wee ones, the husband, the creative calls, well life really. I made time each night for FZ and I to hang, and left my work in the studio, let my mind rest, and reminded my heart that it would be there in the morning and that worked. I stepped out of a race, and took my stride as it came, accepted it for that, and it was all good. I did not fret when last night I had not finished a design and decided to put it up on the shelf, and let it be till I had the time...for the next show. In the last week, I have had many interesting and awe inspiring small occurences which have left me knowing that I am in the right place, every part of my being is taking the path that feels right. I will not detail them, but trust me, one in particular was very special.
So, off I go riding into the unknown tomorrow at dawn, saddling up and facing the fear of exposing my work, not really worried about how it will all be received, but rather that I must do this, it is such a part of who I am.

Thanks for letting me share. Wish me luck and have a delightful day. I will be back very soon, also will post the clip from the news show I was featured on this a.m.;) Fun stuff, I tell you.
Be gentle, wise and have fun.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Sneetches on beaches...


Well, I am here to tell you, in case you have never read this story, you really must...we are huge Dr. Seuss fans in our house...this story was written and illustrated by the one and only himself in 1961 and you just have to love the message, the whole idea is pretty hands down amazing...I will not give the lengthy full version (which is classic and must be read, it is not that lengthy at all really), but rather the end and what is to me, just one of the most signifcant lessons in life...well, just one which Dr. Seuss teaches us so eloquently...
Have a star bellied (or a wonderfully Plain-Bellied)weekend my friends!

The end of this wonderful story sums it up:

'But McBean was quite wrong. I'm quite happy to say
That the Sneetches got really quite smart on that day,
The day they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches
And no kind of Sneetch is the best on the beaches.
That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars
And whether they had one, or not, upon thars.'

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Finding balance


Somedays are harder than others to find balance...that is just the way it is, for all of us, I know. I have had more of those kinds of days lately, so I pour the tea (tension tamer) and breathe as I move through all that needs to be done. Somedays I ask myself where is my creative taking me?...should I even go there?...what am I doing?....all these heavy negatives at times sit on my shoulders, and then I remember they are the same voices that prevented me from being where I now am, for so long. I have heard much about this book and figure maybe it is time for me to get it and read it. So, as I prepare for this show in just a couple weeks, I am reveling more in the silence of my creative realm, not the nagging doubtful little tidbits of negative that seep in and wilt my soul...instead, it is in the quiet and peaceful moments of creating that I remember and know this is where I belong and is all my own. I can then bring to the table all the fullness that I feel and let it flow, it is funny how the wee ones pick up on all that and they learn to listen to those quiet, happy voices too...I hope.

Have a great day!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

light up my life


Ahhhhh....lovelies illuminated by the glow of candlelight...just a wonderfully, beautiful, wee little addition to any space...makes my heart warm and fuzzy...thought I'd spread a little joy to leave you with today.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Fond of Fall & random thoughts

I have not been as blog present as I would like lately and that will soon change for those of you who visit me here.


Today woke to crisp and cool temps, and now is sunny and warm with a nice breeze, that is my weather reporting for So. Cal. and many may laugh when I say that even with a 75+ day it is feeling very Fallish here (yes, you read that right) and I love Fall. I really actually love every season when they roll around and am ready for each one's arrival.


Luke's been working beside me in the studio, and as much as he is like a teenager in many of his actions, he is a loyal and loving sidekick and I am grateful for him.



And I am happy to report that a new batch of lovelies have arrived in my studio and now the fun has begun!

And lastly, in this very random post, is proof that our new chalkboard pocket door at the entry is being put to wonderful use...

Sunday, November 1, 2009

a wee witch within


So, this is me, the wee witch emerges at times (at this time of year) to cast delightful spells and basically spread fun and joy...that is how I feel when I sport these stockings (only around the best holiday ever, Halloween) and my old reliable boots, love them to pieces all year long.

Hope you had some treasured Halloween fun. Now it is off to the studio to brew up some creations of a botanical nature.

Signing off with a cowgal witchy blow of a kissey.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Captive...or captivating?


That is how I feel about my work space...I often feel like I am held captive and not able to enter this most treasured space, due to the clutter, and overwhelming amount of work I feel I need to do creatively (that is kind of a strange statement, isn't it?)...so sometimes I do not go to this place and in turn, my work and creative soul suffers.
On the other hand, sometimes I am captivated by this corner of my world, all my own, amongst disarray that I let be, I create (the disarray that is, and I create an array of wonders as well) however, the balance is not a balance, it flows uneven and sporatic and I do not always care for that. So, I feel focused to get my creative zone in order and begin to put the pieces in place for myself and what I envision happening. Of course, life has an amazing way of getting in and taking over at times, alot of times, especially with wee ones to tend to unconditionally and husbands who need tending to as well, then home, dogs, business, you get the idea.

So this weekend I go in to the depths of the creative clutter I have emassed and so, take a look, at this pre studio and then I will follow up with a post studio shot to compare.

What are you lovelies doing this weekend? You know, you can drop me a comment, I really like to hear from you.

Have a marvelous Halloween and may it be full of surprising tricks and lots of treats!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

knitting, orbs and other such wonders

All photos in this post by the amazing Mike & Allie

As my grandmother taught me way back when, I now have taught my daughter the art of knitting. My grandmother was originally from Ireland, transplanted to Canada and would come to sunny California every year for 6 weeks, during which time she would bake scones, knit, teach me to knit, and basically just be a granny from the old country, she always smelled so good (like the smell of fresh wool) & her hands as sun warmed and roughly arthritic were always somehow quite soft, I remember. I felt the time overdue for my gal to learn this most amazing skill and she has taken it to it wonderfully, I am happy to report.

There is something very soothing in knitting...I remember my granny would sit quietly in the sun or whilst watching tv and all you could hear were the tap tap tapping of her needles, a very comforting sound to me as a child. Now, I knit all the time, there was a spell in which I did not, and I missed it. So I watch as my wee lady knits and enjoys this precious handspun creativeness.

I have been busy in the studio, here is a small glimpse of some of my recent work...I am excited about the upcoming show and seeing how my work is recieved...