'Tis the Season!

Yep, you read that right!  It's tourist season up here in the High Country (Mountains) of North Carolina.  And this is one of the reasons why! Stunning, isn't it?

Paul and I were fortunate enough to work catering for a wedding this past weekend at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club. It was simply breathtaking.  The service was set up to overlook the mountains and the entire event was spectacular.  The catering was done by Grouse Moor Catering, owned by Buddy Fore.  Amazingly talented caterer.    The groom was a fireman.  It made for some entertaining moments.  Like this one!

 **those sirens are very loud**

In other "'Tis the Season" news, Paul and I have begun the catering season with Eseeola Lodge now.  It is a gorgeous and delightful place to be spending our time.  Another magnificent venue with wonderfully nice people to work with, and the members are delightful.  So, I'm feeling particularly blessed in this season of abundance.  There are lots of country clubs around here and because the mountains are super spectacular in the summer, there are plenty of people to fill up our lives and actually bring us "back to life" after the winter of hibernation and the feat of staying warm!  And if it comes to working in a cubicle or working out in the glorious splendor that Mother Nature provides, we choose the bliss of splendor, thank you very much.  So! That's what's going on around here and why you haven't seen a post for a little bit.

However, I have also had an opportunity to be a bit creative, thank goodness!

 My token mess amongst the creative madness!  It seems I use every surface in the room (house).  Cleaning that up as soon as the post is complete!  Reclaiming the house for entertaining now that it's summer.  All things change up here ... as I said, 'Tis the Season!  We are once again alive. 

 This will be the last project in the dining room as it finally warm enough to move back into the art studio! Whoop!  Can you feel me grinning?  BIG HUGE SMILE!

 Anyhoo ......

I was asked to make a beach bag for a friend's daughter.  I had a delightful time designing

and creating this one.  There were zero, 0, nada, zip, NO parameters.  I got to set them all myself.  It was marvelous!  So here is what I came up with.

 Fun fabric! With fun buttons!

 Pockets for things .... cell phones, Ipod, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, you know, the necessities!  Also has a velcro strip at the top to keep it closed so you don't lose your sunscreen or whatevs...

 More pockets, fully lined with durable heavy duty canvas (which my poor little sewing machine did not enjoy sewing upon).

 An embroidered beach scene, which I cut out and sewed onto the bag (so fun, collage of sorts).  Again, my poor little machine is not equipped for this stuff ... might be time to invest in a step or two up.  Anyone have a good recommendation?  I've asked before but no comments ... sigh*.

(This lady is a dog lover, obviously). 

I chose nylon cord for handles and it worked out fabulously.  But I must admit my Mr. had to help me put in the grommets and burn the rope.  (He's a wonderful asset to my little business).  I am really happy with this little beach bag.

I am sure there will modifications, but for a first or even forth one, I am very pleased.

Now, hopefully the customer will be also!

 And what would a bag be without being monogrammed! Just in case she forgets...

Isn't it fun?  (I almost wish it had my initials on it! HA!!)

~~~~~~~

A year ago this Mother's Day, my daughter gave me a handmade journal.  This Mother's Day I began using it.  I absolutely love it!  Here are two of my favorite pages before being written upon.

Oh, and as usual, blogger won't let me post these properly ....  so please turn your head 1/4 turn clockwise ;-)

 Hand stitched pocket for treasures! all kinds of writing space AND

I AM AN ARTIST declaration, which I seem to desperately need from time to time.

(this one will need you to turn 1/4 of the way counter clockwise, thanks for the variety, blogger).

Hope your neck is stretched out now.  ;-)

So, that's enough for this fine Monday morning!  I have this to prepare for!

 Outdoor dining - I LOVE it!

It's "girls' night on the veranda"!  Oh how I love this time of year and the opportunities it brings.  There is nothing like the friendship amongst women to complete life.

Blessings!