My Time

Food Truck Festival

The parking lot at Bridgeport Marketplace was recently taken over by at least 20 gourmet food trucks.  We had a great time and ate some incredible food.  I was amazed at the variety. 

They have had this event several times and this was the first time we actually got there. (Thanks Karen & Krista for dragging us along).

 

 

I had some amazing and super-fresh sweet potatoe fries....... drizzled with a bit of honey...... yum. 

Val went a bit more exotic - he had a soft shell crab po-boy off the truck called "Slap Yo Moma" Soul Food. 

Then he came back around with some sort of garlic chicken wings.  He was definitely enjoying that.

 

Then we saw this Tornado Potato truck -- look at that potato on a stick!  I had already filled up on my sweet potato fries, but I am definitely getting this next time!

 

 

 

 

Inspiration Unlimited 2011 - part 3

In Janet Hopkins class we created this Story of Us album.  I am tickled pink with how we bound this album - it's just two pieces of acrylic bound with cardstock.  Sounds strange right ? But it's really brilliant. 

We took strips of cardstock, scored down the middle, and attached to the edges of each page -- see the photo --

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our last class was with Joey Otlo of Bazzill.  By the time we got to this class, I was mentally spent.  I just didn't have the energy for any more creating (crazy I know).

This was with the Bazzill Devinely Sweet Collection.  I still have a hard time thinking of pattern paper when I think of Bazzill, but this Devilely Sweet Collection is pretty cute.  I have to rethink my image of Bazzill.

Inspiration Unlimited 2011 - part 2

Teresa Collins taught this A-Z album at Inspiration Unlimited.

The cover is a Provo Craft Your Story binder, which is a very nice hard cover with a spine filled with glue.  The Your Story machine melts the glue so your papers are then set in the spine.  Then you have yourself a nice, custom, hard bound book. 

I actually own a Your Story machine and had never used it.  Now I think I need to pull it out and use it!

The idea of this album is to document the "A to Z" of a particular person.  You could either create it about yourself, or sombody else.  Imagine if you were to create this book about a person, and then pull it out 20 years later.   

 

 

 

 

 

Teresa also taught this travel album.  This was such a great little kit.  In one small box is the 3-ring binder, pre-punched papers, and embellishments. 

Teresa said the idea is that you could take this little box with you on a trip, and then be able to document your travels during your trip.  I like the idea of having everything in one package, but pretty sure I wouldn't be taking this with me on a trip.  Travel is distraction enough, I would not be creating my album on the trip.

 

 

 

Inspiration Unlimited 2011 - part 1

I am a bit late posting about Inspiration Unlimited - which was held last month just outside Las Vegas.  This event is fabulous.  It is sold out already for 2012 - again.  One of the things that is so great is the hotel, Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa.  Isn't it just georgous ? 

There is an Italian restaurant at the hotel that is so good.  Terra Verde - their shrimp risotto - oh soooo good.

And this always ends up being a great girls weekend - love these girls!

OH - and we also did some crafting LOL.

We had 6 classes over two days.  Layle Koncar taught a great layout class.   This is one of those layouts with a photo of Val's daughter, several decades ago.  She is all grown up now. I handed Val the photo and made him blurt out the first things that came to mind, which is where the journaling came from.  Remember you can click on the photo to see bigger.

 

 This next layout is from Amber Packer's class. I haven't put photos with it yet, but wanted to share it because it's just so pretty.

I had never taken a class from Amber, and I've got to say it was good.  She is very together and laid back.  And her designs are super cute.  In the layout above notice the burlap and lace together.  I would have never though of this but I love it.   

This is also Amber's.  And Val's daughter once again -

OK -- more to come -- eventually.  I hate being so perpetually behind but I am growing to accept that it's just the way it is with me. 

 

Headed to Spark

This morning I am headed to Utah for Spark.  This is one of the most amazing crafting events and I am so excited to be going again.

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -Albert Schweitzer

On the agenda this year --

• felting
• stamp carving
• reverse applique
• jewelry making
• mixed media classes
• collage

And the most amazing thing, the passion shared by these crafters and artisans is so contagious.

Now --I'm off to go rekindle my Spark!

Habarnero Madness

The habarneros in our garden are giant!  We normally plant 3 habanero plants each year.  At least 2 - sometimes all 3 - usually die and don't produce. 

I don't know why but something about our yard is not usually friendly to these plants.  This year all 3 produced.  And one decided to take over the world. 

 Just look how HUGE these guys are -  more like small apples than peppers -

Now if you're not familiar with habaneros, they are ordinarily pretty small peppers.  Hot hot hot - but small.

 These guys are so hot that when Val is cooking with them, I usually can't be in the house.  My throat starts to close and I can't breath.  Seriously hot stuff coming out of these guys.   He has to keep the windows open with the fan on.

 

This is the normal size of a habanero -- this is one of our other 2 plants this year -  Serious difference right ? 

I see some habanero jelly making in Val's future!

More Hollywood Bowl

Summer is over, and so is our season at the Hollywood Bowl.  Our final two shows were just amazing.  We saw the Tchaikovsky Spectacular, with fireworks.  Imagine listening to the powerful 1812 Overture, complete with cannons and fireworks to light up the sky. 

Truly amazing.

Evidently this is an annual show at the Hollywood Bowl ( I never knew) so I am sure we will go again.

 

 

It did get very smokey at the end, there were times we could not see the stage for the smoke.  Still incredible.

 

 

 

 

On another fun evening we enjoyed watching a can -can performed by the dancers direct from the legendary Moulin Rouge.

 

The Hollywood Bowl is such a fun outing, I can't wait until next year's schedule is out to see what unusual shows await.

Free Agents

Are you looking for a smart, grown-up comedy ?  Free Agents, Wednesday at 8:30pm on NBC.

Go ahead.......give it a try.......