Mothering Sunday.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in the UK!

"It doesn't matter how old I get, whenever I see anything new or splendid, I want to call "Mum, come and look".

Helen Thomson

Monica x

Embracing Joyful Simplicities #6- Picking Violets.

I love this time of the year when violets are blooming! I have a deep love for violets, maybe it's because I'm a March girl and violets are always blooming for my birthday! My paternal Grandmother loved them too... and used only violet fragrance. I still have that precious bottle ... when I open it, an unforgettable waft of perfume still evokes memories of her.

Yesterday my hubby, Kim and I were strolling happily soaking up Nature, Spring, sunshine... and the pleasure of being together. When we happened to see hundreds of these tiny beauties! I couldn't help picking some for my worktable and to share with you.

If you want to embellish a special handmade card or letter with pressed violets, it's time to look for these charming, purple, happy faces :)

In the language of flowers of the Victorian Era, violets mean modesty, faithfulness, I'll always be true.

Happy Thursday!

Monica x

At the Moment I am...

LOVING:

My newest apron I recently made with fabrics in lilac (again!). I'm finishing its twin for my Mom, in my spare time. Thanks to my Dad for taking these pics of me to show you.

PAINTING:

... and painting, and painting. Well, naturally. Surtex show in NYC is just around the corner! I can tell you the life of a licensing artist is far from being boring! The pile of designs on the right of the collage above is that of the last month only. I've been working on three different collections at the same time, with different colors and themes.... all watercolors (my favorite medium). But even with deadlines fastly approaching, piles of paintings to be finished, sketches flying (!!), agent gently spurring me on, etc. I am the happiest girl on the planet! I've never, never felt this happy before!

PLANNING:

1. Time to rest, rest, rest.

2. Time to sleep, sleep, sleep.

3. A vacation. Boy I need that.

4. Changes on my blog (sorry if you notice stange things happening every now and then ;)). I'm giving myself and my blog permission to evolve, as I've already told you before. I know many fellow artists and creative souls come here hungry for inspiration (... by the way, thank you!), and I think it would be nice to offer more artists insights. I like when others share experiences and feelings, and often find them useful to see things from another perspective. I happened to read a very appropriate quote that spoke to me deeply, this morning:

"Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others". Buddha

I will continue to share crafty projects, vintage finds, the beauty I see around me, of course. But I don't feel my blog is a 'craft' blog anymore...

DREAMING:

... Really, really B.I.G!! Would it be too much asking the Universe for a conservatory and my studio overlooking a lovely garden?

STARING:

At my orchids blooming profusely again, and in time for my birthday later this week! My DH gave me this wonderful white Phalaenopsis in 2010 for my b-day. Do you know I have a passion for orchids?

By trial and error, I found out that the best method of all to grow them well is to remove the original soil, wash the roots and set the plants into a hydroculture pot (I actually use vintage glass bowls or soup toureens). Then put in a very bright spot of the house and supply nutrients every now and then (follow directions on the packaging).

ADDING:

1. A few butterflies and many blessings to my Biz Gratitude Book. The book is still in the making, I don't have time to craft so I'm just filling in the pages, will bind it later on. Hope I can tell you my biggest biz news soon! :))

Have a fantastic week ahead!

Monica x

Embracing Joyful Simplicities #5- Fresh Fruit.

Treating my body to a daily intake of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants is a must for me... and I like to serve the mix in pretty, colored bowls or cups, so the pleasure is doubled!

Consider this option for lazy children... my hubby is a bit lazy too, but cannot resist when I offer him vitamins, fiber and antioxidants this way!:) I don't always use strawberries and blackberries, but what I have on hand. Changing "colors" helps to mantain a well- balanced intake of what we need (that pills cannot supply).

Have a nice weekend everyone!

Monica x

Found Beauty #10- Violets.

My heart skipped a beat this morning finding the first violets of the season!

Spring has arrived, my friends. Time of reawakening and renewal, time to bloom.

"The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks."

Tennessee Williams.

Monica x