Anji Gallanos

A Tenakee Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T08:38:00.019-09:00

I thought I would share with you a bit of our trip to Tenakee Springs, AK. We spent Thanksgiving with close friends, good food and amazing scenery.

Tenakee is a 4.5 hour ferry ride from Juneau. We left early on Thanksgiving morning to ride a very crowded ferry.

Somehow Mason managed to sleep on the upper deck, outside, huddled under a coat. I have no idea why this worked for him. He could've come inside...my tough Alaskan boy.

We spotted Tenakee in the afternoon, the only sunny spot in the whole region.

As there are no roads in Tenakee everything is either hauled by ATV, cart, sled or

husbands.

We took a great walk on a sunny day. Took photos of the boat harbor

The Bus Barn...a place to find a book or leave a book among other things.
We also found a microwaveable egg tray, Christmas angel for the tree and a few flannel shirts. Found I said...but left them there.

Tenakee is a great place for happy dogs..

Who feel just like the rest of us on a Thanksgiving afternoon.

Had the opportunity to take several baths in the Tenakee Bathhouse. Curious what this looks like inside, well, aesthetically it's a bit different..but ohhh sooo relaxing. I found a YouTube Video of the inside of the Bathhouse if you're curious turn down your computer volume...this video is only relaxing for the cameraman.

A beautiful day going home too.

Pack it in pack it out.

We brought a huge pumpkin pie on the ferry home..but had time to watch the sun go down before we crammed into the cafeteria to finish the pie.

A Rainbow of Flavor

2011-11-12T10:03:00.001-09:00

I just did something I did not think I would do as a parent. I told my child I would not purchase yellow snowboard pants. It's a weird small event in our mother/son relationship. But an event that made me question why I felt the need to restrict his snowpant, color choices to something subdued. I suggested forest green, black and brown. He fought for lime green, bright yellow and a pattern so over the top I thought if I un-focused my eyes, staring at it long enough I could make out a picture of a bird.

He is currently in a phase of color. I call it his Skittles phase. Meaning he would very much blend into a bag of candy, a ball pit or the playroom in IKEA. We are different. As we grow together I am realizing our differences.

I have always been in the blend into my surroundings phase. Like a chameleon I tend to dress in the colors of my world.

He wants to stand out, differ from the crowd, let the world know he is here.

His color passion has made me realize that i am living in a world of subdued color. Dulled by the easy hues of SE Alaska. Dark greens, grey tinged with whites and vibrant blue of the water. In looking at my wardrobe I realize I am dressing like my environment. He is stretching out, begging to fit in a Caribbean world. Alaska does not hold enough color for this child. As we move into winter I understand his need to stand in stark contrast to this grey/blue/brown world.

We compromised and he will have red snowpants. I have committed to buying something purple this winter.

A New Year

2011-01-03T12:49:00.002-09:00

Resolution

I had to explain this word to my boys last night. "A resolution" I started "is when you make a definite decision, a promise..a decision maybe to change something you do or say. To change yourself" "to make yourself different".

(OK so maybe that isn't exactly the dictionary version but it was 8:30 and I was loading the diswasher..could you have done better on the fly?).

"Make yourself different?" said my 10 yo. "Why?"

I don' t think I explained it right. In fact I am sure I didn't because I could not talk him into making a resolution to flush the toilet each and every time it had been hardily utilized.

Why indeed. Is a resolution making a pact with myself to change something that I have been doing that I no longer want to do? Or making a pact that I will do something that I want to do.

I had to think if I really felt the need for a change....and I thought..naw not really.

However....

I have been a bit out of balance lately. Heavy holidays. A new found passion for cookie baking. A new job and the desire to clear my life of the little nicky nacky obligations that always weigh on me.

I have heavy weighing nicky nacky things. Things I tell myself I want to do but then never actually accomplish them...which weighs even more heavily..then I feel like I failed...which creates the need to make a resolution.

Resolutions are hard for me. I am highly distractable and easily prone to layering task upon task until it becomes overwhelming and then I just sit and eat soup from the can.

Here's a sample of my resolution thought process

Will be more thankful----will send thank you notes to all the people that gave us gifts for the holidays---ohh geez forgot to stick dad's gift in the mail----back to appreciation---is the mailman angry that I didn't make fudge for him this year----did I get the mail?---wonder if I am getting something cool in the mail today?----would like nice fluffy towels----hate my towels---pretty towels would look better in a bathroom that doesn't have an avocado green tub----must call husband and ask him to measure the bathroom to see if new tub would fit

and it just goes on.

Somehow...I am going to work in this life..in this year to create a sense of balance. To sit still and let one thought prevail and follow through with one action.

I am signing off to go find some new fluffy towels.

Happy New Year!

Things I know to be true, Thanksgiving edition...

2010-11-25T10:30:00.004-09:00

1. I think I should be grateful more days of the year than just this one.

2. Having a husband that will cook three pies, and rolls is pretty awesome.

3. A dog that goes into my dirty laundry and pulls out my underwear just to sleep with
it...could either be classified as sad and disgusting..or wonderfully in love with me. I choose wonderfully in love with me.

4. I am tired of the grammar freaks on the web. I will put periods and commas wherever I want...thank you very much.

5. Two children and a dog means I will probably clean up more puke in a week than most people clean up in a year..and yet I continue to be thankful for them.

6. I was sad when my babysitter de-friended me on Facebook. Then I thought, if you don't want me to see what you are doing on Facebook...maybe you shouldn't be babysitting for me. Then again, it would probably depend on how desperately I need a babysitter.

7. I have a job, my husband has a job and currently my children don't have head lice. Life is good and I am blessed.

and there is more...

2010-11-22T16:40:00.006-09:00

Public Market this year in Juneau! Here are a few more items I'll be taking.

Drama of black and red!

I've been playing more with layering my enamels and created shapes and textures.

A bit of sgraffito, aqua blue scratched to the surface with a coat of pumpkin orange enamel on top.

Domed sterling silver disc with 18K gold rectangle insert

I love the contrast of orange and blue.. makes me miss the Utah sunsets..ahhhh

It would be great if you were in Juneau and could stop by the booth (pssst we're in the lobby)...Fri - Sunday at Centennial Hall.

But if you can't...hope you'll have a great Thanksgiving weekend!!

Count down to Public Market!

2010-11-22T10:11:00.008-09:00

In the Gallanos household we don't really have a traditional Thanksgiving. This time of year our table is usually covered with boxes, plastic bags, display parephanlia, and bits and pieces of this and that as I prepare for Public Market. I do give thanks to the amazing friends we have that will take us in while I fret and panic the night before the market.

I am very excited to be a part of Juneau's Public Market. I don't do many shows, but Public Market is my fav.

I thought I would give a good sneak peek to what I will be bringing with me this year...you saw it here first. If you're in Juneau...stop by, I'll be out in the lobby with my booth pal Tanna T.P. Designs.

New pieces from my enameling collection..

Red and Black Enameled Tab Set Pendant

Orange and Yellow Enameled Tab Set Pendant

A Dr. Seuss Day Enameled Rectangle Pendant

Glacier Run Off Enameled Pendant

More to come tomorrow!!

You have to ask.. and guess what you have the right.

2010-10-26T17:44:00.005-08:00

This free and democratic society has spawned individuals so passionate, so angry, so hostile, that an act of violence is an acceptable method of silencing a differing view.

Grown a movement that believes it is acceptable to give an individual, not a trained or authorized public safety officer, but an individual, the right to handcuff a member of the free press?

Is this acceptable?
It does not matter who you throw your political support behind.
It does not matter who you want to represent you in Washington D.C.
What does matter is that any candidate that knowingly supports any type of suppression of the right to free speech, either by hiring "security" or relying on ardent supporters, must be reminded that they are running for a public democratically elected office. An office in which they will be sworn to uphold one of our most precious amendments.

Ya know the one.

That First Amendment thingy..it's the pesky one at the top and the one that allows Alaska's former Governor to continue to speak freely in that squeaky squawky voice.

And if your unfamiliar with that one...

It's also the one that separates church and state (a quick Wikipedia look up)

Things I know to be true...as of today

2010-10-24T15:18:00.003-08:00

1. The brighter the sun shines...the dirtier my house looks.

2. When I go into Foodland to purchase a "few things" I always walk away spending $60 - $67.00.

3. Having Master's degree in Education, didn't make me a better parent.

4. I don't think using sunscreen in my 20's and 30's helped combat the effects of aging in my 40's. Moving to a temperate rain forest probably did.

5. Having a puppy is not like having a baby. My babies never chewed holes in my underwear or rolled around in dead salmon.

6. I am grateful that I bought a new pair of jeans and it was the same size as the pair I bought a year ago. I would be more grateful if I could fit into the same size from 10 years ago.

7. Some people don't like me. I am starting to be OK with that.

8. I have a really hard time remembering to bring a reusable bag with me to the grocery store.

9. I don't know how to change a tire..and I don't really want to learn.

10. I am really good at wasting time, better in fact than being productive with my time.

My Halloween Costume

2010-10-08T19:22:00.005-08:00

Hallloween is almost here...do you have your costume yet...

I'm not finished yet but will show you my progress.

This year I was inspired by this video by Emily's List

and what's an Alaskan mama supposed to do?

I was silent when she spoke for hockey mom's

I'm a hockey mom

or at least we're trying...

I don't wear lipstick...
not really trying

I want some pretty basic things
Affordable health care
A clean and energy efficient environment
The ability to make choices regarding my own body

Sarah Palin does not speak for me...
and this angry mama grizzly is taking it door to door on
October 31st...
ok well..we'll also be trick or treating that night.

In my community
(the one that Sarah found too distasteful to live in)
we can still go door to door, greet our neighbors and
trust that nothing weird will go into their sugar filled bags.

I am encouraging all my mama grizzly friends
to take a stand and say "Sarah Palin doesn't speak for me!"

I'm starting my costume......here's my supply list

Bear noses Check
Fuzzy Fur (found at Joann's or any local fabric store)
My Grizzly sign-Will show you when I'm done
My bear cubs...
who apparently want to dress like the grim reaper this year
(I'm calling them the death panels..but they don't really get it)

Are you with me??
I'll keep you posted!

I was on a Facebook rant this morning.

2010-10-01T10:05:00.007-08:00

I outed myself (politically) on my Facebook page this morning.

And I got a response from my step-mom.

In my world view, Facebook is a bastion to spout views for those who agree with me. A safe place to post something to my wall, and well, if you hate it...push that little button that makes it so you can't see me. Maybe "unfriend" me. I am not necessarily open to discourse on my wall. Hallowed ground. My place to spout views and shield myself from the opinions those who disagree with me. Works for Palin, works for me. Make my statements, post my links, avoid Farmville and look up old boyfriends.

I don't know how I feel about my stepmother engaging in political discussions with me via Facebook.

Here's a peek into the morning world of Anji's Facebook page:

This morning I posted a link for Scott McAdams' new campaign commercial on my FB page.
For the unfamiliar, Scott McAdams is running here in Alaska against Tea Party candidate Joe Miller and the newly defeated Lisa Mer..blay kow sly...(a write in candidate)

My step-mom made the following comment:

I wonder just what Scott would consider fair? Or does he subscribe to the adage that those who rob Peter to pay Paul will always have Paul,s support? He needs to remember there is no more share to pass out.

Now this is nothing new. I am well aware that my step-mom is a happy go lucky or shall I say very angry tea partier (I should add though that even given our disagreements...she loves my dad! Scores points there).

Here is my response:

I love you..and my dad...please let me spout my liberal views on Facebook.

Let's face it..I am a liberal greenie and I think people that make more than $100000 a year need to be taxed. I like socialized health care, I don't think Soc...ial Security is going bankrupt ( I actually read the treasury report believe it or not). I think Glen Beck is crazy and following one of the most fundamentally socialist religions in the world (umm Mormonism, don't forget I was raised on the teachings of Brigham Young in Provo no less where each and every individual gave 10% of their income to the good of all).

I am not especially pleased with Obama..hell I was routing for Hillary. If it would take having Obama leave office to get this hateful rhetoric erased from our society then fine. But I don't think he is the problem any more than JFK was the problem when the John Birch society formed.

I actually believe the scientists that say climate change exist. Why because I have been in Nome, Kotzebue and the small northern regions that are dramatically changing. It's sad to see an entire village or region impacted by a warmer climate because people like me can't seem to change their habits..but I am trying.

I can't think of not even one policy I would agree with that is supported by the tea party. Kill federal spending? Kill social security, repeal health care? OK but give me a solution, talk to me about what I will survive on if my husband loses his job or becomes injured and can't work. Tell me how my mother would support herself if she doesn't have the extra income from Social Security, because do you have any idea how much therapy I am going to need if my mother moves in with me? So where are their solutions, where are their answers?

It upsets me that we are more concerned with the money our government is putting towards social needs than the money large corporations are putting towards pushing the political process for their own good. Why is Target involved in political campaigns..shouldn't they just sell pretty candles and nice towels?

I support your right to your views, in fact I am very proud that you have found your voice. What I wouldn't do is call you out on them publicly on your Facebook page. I would be more than happy to sit with you in my house or your house over coffee and talk until the wee hours of the morning. (which reminds me when the heck are we going to see you!)

I believe a small town mayor who fished these waters, fought for his local school board and stands up for workers might actually have a chance..I want to believe that. I want to believe that you don't need the backing of big oil money, or Paliln star power, or even handsome manscaping to win a congressional campaign.

Love always and dearly your step -daughter.

I used to feel like no one listened to me..then I realized..I was just not saying it loud enough.

Pedouin - Bedouin Ahhh I get it!

2010-07-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last week we hosted some very special and very unique friends. New friends who quickly became old friends.

Our house was full. I mean really full and really noisy (mostly because of my kids and our new puppies). But underneath the noise and in between sharing a beer, cooking really great food, laughing and stepping over puppies, children and toys I found that by opening up my home I had really opened up myself.

Our new friends gave me pause to ask myself some questions.

Would I ever? Would I ever release my inhibitions and take off across the country with my small family on a 5 seater bike? A Quint Bike? Bet you don't ask yourself that question often.

Short answer, no probably not. But that is exactly what my new/old friends did. Last August the Harrison's became the Pedouins, a traveling band of wind resistant clad gypsies with open hearts and a strong desire to "do it differently".

Do what differently? Approach life. Approach life in a way that gives them an opportunity to find out how strong they are in spirit and mind. Approach life in a way that allows them to show their children that as a family you can be incredibly close while still fully embracing others.

and embracing all the ups and downs that life throws at you.

Embracing the unpredictable

Like a broken derailer...a lost binkie...or unexpected rain
(as unexpected as it can be in a temperate rainforest anyway..uh hem..Bill)

The Harrison's knew they would have to put themselves in a vulnerable position. They left Kentucky with only $300.00, clothes, provisions and a potty chair. Their goal, from how I understand it, to become the main characters in their own lives.

They rode across the map. We met them at something like mile 7000...but you'd have to check their website to be sure.

They left Kentucky knowing they would be engaging in an experiment of sort that would teach them about not only the capacity of others to give but also their ability to openly accept.

They've learned more than a few things a long the way.

Did you know in Polk County Tennessee you could be pulled over for having kids out in the rain?

Making me wonder.

Would I be able to put my whole trust into the hands of people I have not met yet, in a place I've never been. Short answer, nope.

How about taking a journey that would require a level of vulnerability that honestly I've never engaged in before. Would I ever? Short answer again, no.

But by listening to the stories of Bill and Ahmarins I realized how deep the commitment to generosity runs in through our human souls. A commitment that continues regardless of place, race or status.

Sometimes they have been given a place to set up their tent, sometimes a meal and sometimes money.

They always give back in more ways than could ever be expected.

They've been on this 5 seater bike for almost a year now. The latest leg of their journey will take them from Anchorage to Fairbanks where they will stay for the winter. They ride in ride out. Always they ride away richer from having had the interaction and the connections with those they meet. But I have to admit...what I got back from knowing them goes far beyond the dry bed and messy kitchen I could offer them. Maybe just maybe I can take some of these Pedouin lessons and change a couple of those no answers..maybe.

I will miss you but am sure I'll see you later.

Please visit their website..words of encouragement, donations or a tip on a place to stay are always welcome!!

Pedouins

Swatting mosquitoes and evaluating my life...

2010-05-31T21:34:00.007-08:00

Tomorrow we leave for a few weeks on a bit of a family adventure. An adventure in Akiachak. Well, truthfully the adventure started when we determined we could pack up 2 kids and a three week supply of food and necessities (yes my hair smoothing butter is a necessity!) and travel about 1000 miles across Alaska.
Four totes, 1 cooler, two large dry bags, three back packs and all the mosquito repellent I could find.
I can't wait to tell you all about it.

But as excited as I am to tell you all about our trip to Akiachak...I am reminded of the first time we realized that in Alaska...I would never be the lady sitting in a lawn chair in shorts reading a book..the day I realized there was something very different about summers here.

I first came to Alaska, alone in a small 15 ft Airstream trailer. Hubby stayed behind to finish up a few things and planned to come up 1 month later. I was tasked with lugging all our worldly possessions in said trailer up the Alcan.

I arrived in late August exhilarated and amazed..and sort of tired really and in need of a shower.

We lived happily in Anchorage for a few months but decided we wanted to try the "house in the woods" life and found a lovely little spot in Palmer, Alaska...out by Knik Glacier. We weren't really isolated, we had neighbors, although we never really saw them. We did, however, enjoy their friendly greetings of "Don't tread on me" and "My Colt 45 welcomes you" written prominently in spray paint on large plywood signs.

Anyhooo....

We purchased our house in March. We got a screaming good deal on our house..a perfect price for two newly married and financially challenged adventurers! We loved it. It was ours, It was perfect. We packed and waited because for various reasons we didn't see the house until two months later..in May.

With much anticipation we packed our belongings and headed to our new home. Up the long driveway...bouncing through potholes and deep ruts. We finally reached our new house.

Ahhhh my hand was on the door handle before our car even stopped. With about as much excitement as you could imagine..we got out of the car. We soaked it in...took in the beauty of our new home. We reached for each others hand.

But wait, what was that annoying, buzzing..OUCH..biting bit of evil. Holy swarm..we were being attacked. Eaten alive. What was happening. What was that cloud of dark flying bugs. An alive mass of flying beasts were everywhere.

At that moment I was convinced that the reason this house was such a deal..was that it was infested (or possessed, think 70's movie possessed, but I was more inclined to believe infested at this point) with swarming flying things! "Ackkkk!!" I screamed as I lunged for the door. They were everywhere..large swooping alien beings. Attacking us from all angles.

Why, why, why wasn't it in the disclosure statement that this house had an infestation problem?? Wouldn't our trustworthy real estate agent have mentioned this (Kevin Crozier..greatest real estate agent in Alaska..had to get a plug in).

Unacceptable and undaunted I did what any good new homeowner would do. I ran into the house. Slammed the door and made hubby dig in the car through the boxes for the phone and phone book.

I called an exterminator.

This is the conversation that transpired between me and the "blah blah blah Exterminator services.

"Hello blah blah Exterminator"
"Yes, we just moved to our new house and it has come to our attention that we have a pest infestation".
"Ma'am could you describe the pests"
"Yes, very large flying things, wings and they bite".
"Like a mosquito ma'am"
"Nope not a mosquito, they are far to big to be mosquitoes I think they might be like some other breed I am not familiar with"
"Ma'am do they sort of buzz and bite"
"Yes, for god sake yes, I have been bitten at least three times in the last 20 minutes"
"Ma'am I think you are talking about mosquitoes"
"No you are mistaken and I really think you should send someone out to take a look"
"Ma'am how long have you been in Alaska"
I am starting to get the sense that he doesn't believe me...sounding experienced and huffy I say..."8 months" I think to myself "certainly long enough to know that no one in their right mind would live here with these flying beasts swooping down on you from all angles.
"I really think you need to come and spray, this cannot be normal". I am pleading now
At this point I hear laughing..yes..like hysterical laughter from a muffled phone..really he's laughing.
"Ma'am you want me to come and spray the mosquitoes"
"Yes" I am resolute "and soon..we can't stay here I am calling our real estate agent tomorrow to find out why this wasn't in the disclosure statement".
A brief explanation followed of why he couldn't come and spray...but I wasn't listening. No longer embarrassed or angry..I had a feeling

at that moment..the feeling
that a movie heroine gets when they know something is lurking behind them and they slowly turn around and
just for a minute
before they scream their brain fills with the reality of what they are about to face.
That what they were sensing was real..
and in that moment they realize they might actually have to face their fears..

(Yes..for those of you in Alaska, it is not an urban myth. I am the woman who called the exterminator to rid my house of mosquitoes. I am sure I am the story that gets told at all the exterminator conferences across the globe)

I have now learned that yes these flying pterodactyls are "normal" in Alaska. And I have learned that not to go anywhere without my arsenal.
I believe it is a battle I can win. Me v Mosquito well really Me v 10 million..but one by one I will be triumphant.

Timeless and wrinkled..

2010-04-20T21:30:00.003-08:00

Cobalt blue sea glass set in reticulated sterling silver

New pieces headed to the Juneau Artist's Gallery this weekend..just in case your in Juneau

Cheers!!

Babes in the Woods: Off to Girdwood

2010-04-08T08:51:00.008-08:00

I just sent off pieces to a cute little shop in Girdwood, Alaska called Babes in the Woods. This isn't the first shop I have placed pieces in..but the first in a while. Trying to stock the Juneau Artist's Gallery, my Etsy store and custom orders has kept me hoppin..

I sent my newest enameled pieces. Love the colors and textures of this work. This time of year I start absolutely yearning for bright colors.

These are enameled copper domes, set in a sterling silver bezel that has been oxidized.

They hang from three strands of wire 16" long.

If you happen to be in Girdwood this summer stop in and check it out.

or you can find them on Facebook Babes in the Woods

Color explodes

2010-03-12T17:52:00.006-09:00

Dreary day..but color invaded my studio today.

Enameled copper domes set in oxidized and textured sterling silver.

Right of the bench..

2010-03-01T09:07:00.001-09:00

I just finished several pieces of Seaglass. I just started oxidizing the bezels.

These are more pieces I found in Nome

Also having fun with enameling. I love the variety of textures and colors I can produce. These just sold on Etsy..but I have more at the Juneau Artists Gallery..(if you are in town).

I love these green/blue ones also. They took on an amazing characteristic.

These I listed on Etsy last night

Lego Sock Monkey

2010-02-26T12:18:00.001-09:00

Lego Sock Monkey

Have you ever run across something that fits two areas of your life perfectly.

My oldest is obsessed with Legos.

My youngest..with...you guessed it Sock Monkey's.

Two random items together

A perfect Friday combination.

Posted by Sappymoosetree on Flickr and Shown today on:

How to Drill Sea Glass: A Tutorial

2010-02-20T08:14:00.001-09:00

While I don't claim to be an expert, I have drilled a lot of Sea Glass lately.

In that process I have also ruined plenty of gorgeous pieces.

This little tutorial should help you get started in creating some great jewelry from treasures you might find.

Drilling Sea Glass

First take a look at your piece of glass.

Check the thickness and size.

Look for cracks or folds that would put stress on drilling and crack the entire piece.

A good piece to drill is even or generally the same thickness with no cracks.

Next you'll need a small tub of water. You will be drilling in water. I use a clear plastic bin. The clear plastic helps me see the glass better. It also helps me watch the water. You'll see when you start to drill that the water will get cloudy (it's the glass dust). Using a clear plastic bin helps to see the changes in the glass.

I drill also drill into a piece of wood that holds my glass and gives me some adjustable height.

In order to drill glass you must use a diamond drill bit. The size and style are totally preferential. If you are using a Dremel you will also need the right sized collet to fit your drill bit. Check the size of both to make sure they match.

Like I just said..I use a Dremel with a Flex Shaft. It's small enough to hold and easy to maneuver. I have friends that drill glass with a Dremel in a drill press or use a Foredom. I like my set up, but you'll have to use what works for you.

I can tell you from experience attempting to use a regular drill is just bulky and hard.

Put your piece in the water.

Make sure the water covers the piece but just barely covers the top.

Hold the piece with one hand/finger. I have seen some people put the piece in silly putty to hold it steady.

With a steady hand (ha ha) start drilling. The important part is that you apply steady pressure but not too much. Let the drill do the work. It takes a long time..be patient.

You'll notice that the glass dust is starting to surface.

This is good it means it's working. Back your drill out often.

Once you get about 1/2 down turn your piece over and drill the other side.

This take lots of patience and strategy to get it just right.

You could mark both sides, but in time you'll just sort of get the feel for it.

Ta Da!!

You can always email me if you have questions. If you want examples of my work take a look at my Etsy site..or maybe stop in and see me at the Juneau Artist's Gallery

Just listed these on Etsy

2010-02-19T13:06:00.001-09:00

Sterling Silver Reticulated Rectangle

Midnight Blue Copper Enamel Earrings

Swirly Fine Silver Earrings

My Imperfect Heart Necklace

Must go outside

2010-02-18T09:23:00.002-09:00

If you've been reading my blog you are well aware that my parenting style or parenting management style goes like this:

1) Attempt to introduce new and exciting learning opportunities to boys in the home that will bring about quiet play, in turn giving me time to Twitter, work in my studio, or spend my day on Facebook.
2) Corralling behavior resulting from the combined effects #1 and living in a house that could be described as quaint but too small for two large loud boys.
3) giving up and spending the day outside where said boys can run off all their energy and spend the day with mom.
In my house we call #3 "Adventure Mommy mood". Not really a mood as much as an understood and definied need to take two pretty active kids and get them outside.
Monday began as a day that I thought could be spent indoors quietly reflecting on our week and snuggling on the couch. After 2.5 minutes of that...Adventure Mommy put on her Xtra Tuffs, packed granola bars and headed outside.

And well...it was really cool.

If you listen really closely you can hear the sealions going crazy in the water..which is endlessly funny to a seven year old as it sounds just like farts.

And if you have a 27" HD monitor, reading glasses and an imagination and ability to get past the obnoxious must have hat of my 9 year old..you can see a whale surfacing and his blow hole in the distance. (Hint what your looking for looks like a little whiff of smoke off in the distance).

Eye Popping Valentine from Alaska Crafter

2010-02-11T08:32:00.000-09:00

We have Tanna at Alaska Crafter to thank for this really fun Valentine Photoshop Tutorial. If you plan on sitting down and making your own notes of adoration you'll love this helpful tutorial.

Find it here in her weekly column in the Capital City Weekly

New On Etsy

2010-02-05T07:01:00.000-09:00

Thought maybe after posting my harrowing journey for Etsy Photos I would show you some of the new the items on Etsy.

Copper Etch Earrings

White Seaglass Pendant

The Things that Can Go Wrong...

2010-02-04T19:18:00.000-09:00

Taking pictures of my jewelry for Etsy.
Simple yes??
I personally think the weathered wood on our dilapatated deck is the perfect back drop for my rustic and weathered over style. Or maybe you just make due with what ya got..right??

Today was taking picture day. Kids out of the house and on task am I. Coffee in hand, with jammies still on I grabbed the closest pair of shoes I had (heels) so that my fleecy socks wouldn't get wet on the deck.

Through the back bedroom door..shut the door (I let the neighbors cat in..she seemed lonely..but didn't want her to follow me.)

Took my Pictures..lots and lots of pictures..great..right?? And I used my new black pebble rock placemat thing my mother sent me from Coldwater Creek.

Brown Seaglass Spiral Necklace

In My Garden Window

and this one..

New Enameled Earrings. Loving the bright colors
Find them here on Etsy

Time to go inside..camera in hand...teetering heels and fleecy socks..cold in my pajamas..

Only to find that..

My six billion year old door knob has failed me. It turns, but just spins and spins
Home alone. No phone in the room. Only a computer.

Desperate emails go out to a potential rescuer.

A bit of panic. It's my turn to work at the Artist's Gallery today. If I'm not there it won't open..arghhhh..

I begin to strategize..

I look around. The neighborhood is empty, but maybe the neighbors are home?

The pebbles from my little photo prop would make the perfect little projectiles to bombard my neighbors house. Just maybe they would hear these little taps and come and set me free

They weren't home
I begin to climb over the railing. It is then I remember, I forgot to work on my upper body strength during those few fleeting months of gym membership. I notice this as I start to dangle off the railing.

I could jump off the deck..

and land into our ongoing landscaping project..

But that would mean two things...either a) jump with heels on or b)jump fleecy footed and risk landing on sharp pottery shards from my failed summer planting experiment. Being ever distracted I begin to make a plan for the summer (must go back to gym and will definitely commit to growing fresh herbs again). Ahh the bliss of a ever wandering mind.

Another desperate email

(the names and other information have been blotted to spare my husband from the sad humiliation of having to rescue me)

Finally I spot my rescuer. My loving prince has responded to my email desperation and come to rescue me.

He also fixed the knob..Love.

I'm getting closer..

2010-01-10T18:19:00.000-09:00

Remember I told you with enough plastic bins I think I can conquer the world..well I think I overbought..off task Anji stopped filling the bins and set of to web shop for more stuff to put in the bins....but my studio is getting closer and closer to at least giving me some work space.

About me after the holidays

2010-01-06T13:48:00.000-09:00

A friend asked me how my holiday was. I gave her a short recap. After retelling my holiday story I realized I might be in need of a crafting intervention.

Here's the recap. ( I have decided to not include pictures..as this might spin me off into another realm of setting up digitally altering photos for the perfect Christmas feel)

I decided this year to simplify my holiday. Focus on the family, crafting and really make this year special. I wanted our house to beam Christmas. It started off simply enough. A few decorations, a discussion about the tree. Then I decided that my home spun holiday needed a boost with just a small trip to JoAnn's. $$$ later I was sure I had all the things I needed to create the perfect holiday...except...

The perfect red tablecloth..out again...looking for a perfect red tablecloth just the right red..with hand embroidered white snowflakes. Call to mom (with a guilt dispatched from me) "Why haven't you hand embroidered a lovely tablecloth for me yet..am I not your favorite daughter..what will I hand down to my children? My pefect handcrafted Christmas would be so much more if I had this one unique special item"
"Anjanette (real name used only when mother has reached Anji exasperation)...seriously...you want me to embroider white snowflakes on a table cloth in the next week?" Me (Anjanette).."No I just wanted a crafted hand-made holiday."

I started thinking...what if I could take up sewing and get a sewing machine with those nifty embroidery options and I could embroider all my own stuff. Hey I might even become a super whiz..I might start a new hobby..I might except..

When I brought up the idea to husband the look on his face brought me a bit back into reality. A new sewing machine would have to wait (but secretly I have plans..shhh) But if I just had the perfect curtains to match the tablecloth..off to find the perfect color tea towels that I could turn into curtains (because I need to make it myself)...oh...and on my way I will pick up just a few things to make yummy cookie goodness for all my neighbors. $$ later I am home w/o the perfect colored tea towels but I have 10 lbs of flour and 3 large bags of chocolate chips and the Holiday Goodness cookbook. Perfect...except

If only I could find just the perfect way to decorate my tree. A brilliant idea pops into my head. I will hand solder keepsake ornaments representing all the Christmases past. My children will love them and they will be perfect. They will have them forever and ever and never lose them and they will sparkle on the tree..but wait..maybe if they were lit the perfect way. Off to the store for more lighting. Lots more lighting..lots and lots of lighting. $$$. Armed with more lighting I am tempted to hand craft a large 8ft star that could sit on our roof so that everyone would know we have more Christmas spirit than anyone in Southeast Alaska...except...

How will we remember and value this Christmas...what about all the Christmases past..what am I passing on to my family. $$. Must make a family Christmas album digitally put together using all my amazing Photoshop skills which I can then put on my computer..set to music and play on Christmas eve. Off to Itunes for the perfect Christmas back up song mix. Off to every digital scrapbooking place on the internet. ....ahhh Christmas eve...I am tired..but still fretting about not having the perfect snowflake curtains and tablecloth..but much enjoy the day anyway...

New Years...I somehow came down off my Christmas crazed lunacy. I resolved to have a simpler and less complicated year..one that if I was more organized I could greet with amazing resiliency. Firmly believing that all my problems could be solved with enough plastic bins and $$$ later I was off to start organizing....which I am still in the process of except..