Not back to school...

It's that time of year again. The time of year when I need to get all of my ducks in a row. Time to declutter ever tiny bit of the main floor (The bedrooms will wait for another time). It's also time to get all of Modern June back down into the studio. It's homeschool time again!

I'm really looking forward to this year, I have confidence like never before. I feel I am on the right path and that I finally know how to teach these little minds that I am to help mold. Now I am not looking forward to the $500.00 reading program bill to arrive. YIKES!

This week I have combed Ebay for textbooks only to get fed up and order them through private booksellers at Amazon. OMG that is so much easier and cheaper! Mental note: shop the used Amazon stores first! While I tidied up the bookshelves, I enjoyed culling tons of books we no longer need. I know have two and a half shopping bags to share with my buddies at the "Not Back To School Picnic. "

The other day I got out all my 500 different types of post-its and made my little (giant) schedule again. Seeing me working on the chart, Maddie simply asked with attitude "AGAIN?" Yes, again. I need my weekly schedule in my face, this way when I don't know what I should be doing on Tuesday at 10 am I have my post-its to guide me! Love the post-it note!

A trip to Target got me a few new bins for my piles. I embrace the bad habit; hey if you know you are going to end up making a pile you can at least make if pretty. Suzanne taught me that!

Today I made myself a new notebook listing my goals and the curriculum's that I plan to use, I also printed out tons of helpful (if you really use them) lists and forms. I added these to my "List Notebook." I found most of my lists at Homeschoolmom.com. I took the time to make my own weekly assignment chart and now we have a schedule that contains a spot for Occupational Therapy and weekly Doctor visits. Love that. Note to self: USE THE DAMN LISTS!!!

Now all I need is for UPS to drop off our textbooks and we are set! YAY! Happy not back to school to you all!

groovy green gnome

Check out my new friend, my little groovy green gnome. Don freed him from a store in the German Section of Busch Gardens. I had been wanting him all summer!!! They are just so darn funny! When I first saw them I totally cracked up, there they were, a little gnome militia.


Thanks to my sweet hubby, who snuck into the shop with out me knowing, I am now the proud owner of a large bright-green gnome. What else does a girl need?

He rocks, the gnome and the hubby!

Snack Time

Snack Time, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Last April, I was asked to submit a sample splat mat to Pregnancy and Newborn magazine for inclusion in an article. I was too excited! And now, here it is! Isn't it thrilling? A national publication, featuring a Modern June Deluxe Splat Mat, along with other cool gear, for snack time. I'm glad I choose to send the black and green mat, it looks so cute with all the fun and colorful items.

So, next time you are in a book store, check out page 120 of the September issue. Yay!!!

Oilcloth ice chest?

tote turned ice bucket, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

How cool is this? Last week I had to lug all of our party stuff to the pool. I didn't bring along an ice bucket but I did come up with a great solution. After some quick thinking, a trip to the ice machine and I was all set. I love my oilcloth totes!

12 step program for crafters!

Crafters Anonymous 12 Step Program:

Step 1. Admit your addiction.

Step 2. Gather up all of your surplus art and/or craft supplies. These are items you purchased and haven't used, other crafty items you no longer need or items you just want to give away. Make sure these items are in good, usable condition (no trash please).

Step 3. Put your items into a reusable grocery bag (we know you have a gazillion of these - paper or plastic).

Step 4. Save your items until the day of the craft swap and bring them with you when you come (it's okay if you go back to your bag of items to visit them, however no putting them back into your stash...we need them and you will be rewarded in the end).

Step 5. Come to the craft swap and bring a bag! Here's the breakdown:

There will be a $6.00 entrance fee for the swap

If you bring your own bag to fill with goodies, the entrance fee will be $5.00

If you bring a bag of items to donate to the swap, the entrance fee will be $1.00

Of course, if you are feeling generous and want to donate more to Art 180 we encourage you to do so. 100% of the profits from the event will go to benefit Art 180. When you bring your items to the swap, you will be greeted by one of our CACS counselors who will help you part with your items.

Step 6. Feed your addiction! You will be given one (1) of those reusable grocery bags donated or you can use the one (1) bag you bring and fill it with new-to-you supplies. All supplies will be set up according to type (paper, fiber, jewelry, painting, miscellaneous, etc.) throughout the swap.

Step 7. Group therapy. Craft tables will be located throughout the swap. You can sit and share with others about your crafting "issues" and make cool stuff!

Step 8. More group therapy. There will also be a crafting switchboard set up - if you have business cards or flyers about other crafty events, please bring them and place them on the switchboard.

Step 9. Help others admit their addiction. You know you have a friend or two who who share your craft supply addiction. Tell them about the Craft Swap or better yet, go get them now and bring them to the swap with their surplus craft supplies.

Step 10. Feel good about yourself. Know that you have helped Art 180 continue to help children find their creativity; recycled unsued craft supplies and bags, and done good for the universe. Continue to donate your time or money to Art 180.

Step 11. Display your progress. Take pictures of all the cool crafts you make with items from the craft swap. Join the Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap on Flickr or friend Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap on MySpace and share your photos!

Step 12. Keep on craftin'!

Please note: This copy was shamelessly swiped of the Crafters Anonymous Craft Shop website.

Richmond Magazine Best List!

the blurb, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Check it out! Modern June made the Richmond Magazine Best List. Thank!

the magazine, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap

The Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap

Join us for Richmond's only art/craft supply swap to benefit Art 180!

Sunday September 14th from 2pm - 5pm!

eight

eight, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Happy birthday to my baby!

Handmade Holiday

This year the Richmond Craft Mafia and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond are teaming up to present the Handmade Holiday Craft Show, an exciting new holiday shopping event for Richmond.

The Richmond Craft Mafia has put on their Handmade Holiday Trunk Show since 2005, but the show only consisted of work by Richmond Craft Mafia members. This new collaboration with the Visual Art Center will expand the show to include other crafters and designers from the Richmond area.

Buy Handmade, Buy Local!

The show will be held at the newly renovated and expanded Visual Arts Center of Richmond (formerly the Hand Workshop) on Main Street. The juried show will take place on Saturday - December 13th from 10 - 5, with a Preview Party the night before, December 12th from 7 - 10 pm.

Applications for Handmade Holiday Craft Show will be available online from August 24th - September 15th. Only crafters and designers living in the Richmond, Virginia area will be eligible (applicants must be within a 30-mile radius of the City of Richmond).

Visit the website at: www.richmondhandmadeholiday.com

Post written by Tasha McKelvey for the our Off the Record blog and swipped by me!

Crafty Bastard

I am one happy little Crafty Bastard! We are in! Beth of Monkey and Me and Modern June are heading up Washington for the Crafty Bastard Arts and Crafts Fair on September 28th. We're thrilled to be a part of this rock star show! RCM will have a group booth, and Tasha will be there too! Mark you calenders ladies and gents. Don't miss this show, it is worth the drive!

Tuscan Chicken Birthday Dinner

CIMG7380.JPG, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

You must try this recipe that Martha sent me last week! It is so super yummy! You can get the recipe over at Martha's place, Grilled Tuscan Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon. I coupled it with a light green salad, St. Louis potatoes and grilled garlic toast.

I had fun making the herbed butter for the toast earlier that day. I picked some fresh rosemary, basil and thyme, chopped it up with some minced garlic, and whipped it into some softened butter. I then put it into the fridge until grill time! It's just so easy-peasy yet so yum!

The St. Louis Potatoes are also simple and delish! Just cut up some new potatoes and a big ol' onion, then mix in herbs and butter. Season with salt and pepper. I prepared the potatoes ahead of time by cutting them up and soaking them till right before I left for the pool. Next just throw it all in a few layers of foil, seal it tight and throw it on the grill. Please don't ask me how long to cook it, I really don't know! I put the potatoes on first and cook them until their almost completely done, and them move them to the side to let them keep steaming while I cook the meat.

One of my costume friends used to make this dish while we all worked for the St. Louis Opera. We all lived in a high rise apartment with a great roof top patio. The patio had grills, tables and a super view of the Arch. We would all bring a dish to share, some beer and enjoy the sunset! Good times!

Etsy front page!!!

Lookie-lookie! My Modern June oilcloth party banners made the Etsy front page today. One of my Etsy buddies told me about it but of course it was different before I could grab it. After about 30 minutes trying to find a screenshot I found this flickr group called ETSY FRONT PAGERS. Thanks to Copabananas for adding my goodies! I love those happy little banners!

farmers market

farmers market, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I've got my apron on, the music turned up and I am all alone! Tonight we celebrate Aidan's 8th birthday by having dinner with the Macomber's at the pool. My house smells great. Loads of fresh veggies and herbs are being prepared.

There is nothing like a fresh food market. I am ashamed to say that I have not been to one all summer. Shameful! Here are some wonderful pics that Maddie and I took today at the Lakeside Farmers Market.

Note to self: MUST DO THIS EVERY WEEK

Martian Mellow

Martian Mellow, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

My cute little boy comes up with the best ideas. He has taken melted chocolate, a marshmallow and a few toothpicks and made a "Martian Mellow". He then took this self portrait. I love him! Future career: Creature Maker.

vacation day

vacation day, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Homeschool Song

OH MY, this so good! Thank you Ms. Natalie Criss for giving me the strength to sing it loud and proud. We should sing this as a group, and NOT at the back to school picnic. Wouldn't the kids be mortified?

tee hee

I Will Survive (the first year of homeschooling)
Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor
Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
'Cause I'm not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we're nuts,
but they don't even bother me

Come on, let's go walk out the door.
We're on the road now,
'cause we're not home much anymore
My friends would laugh and say we'd be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I'd give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we'll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They're not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
and just expect us to be free
you'd better call ahead first
'cause we're probably busy

look what I found...

Check out what I found while looking around for a pay pal calculator. An Etsy fee calculator. Cool right?

Retro Richmond goodness

You know how this blog thing works... you check out one site, then another, and if you are lucky you find a really dreamy site. Well, that happened to me today. First, I was checking my email when my Modern June's Google Alert said that my night out picture post had been noted on the North Richmond News site. John, father to our newest craft baby, has this great news site for out local neighborhoods.



While I was there, I saw a post about the old Bellevue Theatre. WOW! I knew it had to be cool, but I had no idea how cool! Today the building houses the Samis Grotto. I took this photo on Tuesday night. Man I love these guys. It's a hoot to see how men don't really change all that much over the decades.


From NRN I found myself at Retro Richmond for more 411 on the old theatre. I am giddy about this site--it makes me wish I had time to just sit around and read it all afternoon. Oh how I miss the days when the kids were young, before I started Modern June and I used to have spare time.

But wait it gets better! At Retro Richmond I found a great post about a photo shoot that happened at Dot's Back in. OMG, what great photos. I heard that this was going on, but I didn't know just how cool it was. The photographer is an old homeschooling buddy. Ginger pinger puddin pie! WOW, she is good!

So off to 422 studios for more retro goodness! Pin up girl heaven! Let me just say when it is time to have some real PR photos done for Modern June I have my photographer. Maybe even a few awesome models too!

OK, I really have to get off this computer! NOW!!! before I find something else incredible.

BTW, could I use more !!!!! ? I don't believe so!!!!

Happy post!

cutting spot, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

OK-OK enough of the "Debbie Downer" posts. Time for some happy!

Back in April, I promised myself that if I did not use my treadmill that I would sell it within the month. HA! that did not happen. I didn't use it and I didn't get rid of it. Not until earlier this week--it is now in Janet's (best neighbor ever) loving care. I think that is appropriate since she made this cute little smart Alex comment about my treadmill... "Oh, I thought that black stand up thing was a clothes rack--tee hee."

I love the studio now that I have more space. It feels like a real room, and I no longer feel like I am walking into a cave. I have not been working down there much this week, but I have been making my calls down there. I really just like being down there. It's losing its "storage room" qualities.

Not only did I remove the big black treadmill, but I moved all the bolts of oilcloth that flanked the stairs. This also opens up the space, as you walk into the room. I love how great the oilcloth looks all together--seeing all 30 different types of oilcloth is some kind of fun!

getting back to it...

I am not sure I like being a grown up! : ) I have spent more time on the phone this week than I thought possible. Nurses, Doctors, Discharge Managers. Those phone calls stress me out. I never know the right questions to ask. I get all tongue tied and never get the entire story. I told my best friend Christy that this medical situation is a lot like a needing to put together a 500 piece puzzle with out having a photo to go by. Piecing together the information that my incoherent Mother gives me with the information that she has given my brother and sister, then adding in the quick fire information that the medical staff offers it's a real challenge.

My Mother was discharged from the hospital late yesterday and is hanging out with my sister and her family. I know she will enjoy the time with my little niece. We hope that she will be able to go home after the medical alert system is installed this weekend. We also need proof that she can actually take care of herself at this point.

We are not done though not by any means. It looks like the brain tumor that she has for 19 years could be causing a lot of her problems. It is a benign tumor located in her parietal lobe. The doctors believe that it is time to remove it. We don't know how fast they would like to move on this. Honestly, they do not seem to in a hurry, this give us some time to get used to the idea and to get ready. Scary stuff.

I have not been able to get anything sewn for days. Well yesterday I tried to finish two special order banners and it took me 10 hours to get it done. I had to stop 100 times to be on the phone. But when I could actually sew I ached all over from the stress. I actually put my head down on the sewing table and fell asleep. URG! I hate this.

I laid in bed this morning trying to decide when I should re-open the shop. I am so tired. I think I will give myself a few more days and then start listing what is already completed. I may not list very many custom items, just the deluxe splat mat and the tablecloths. I will also lessen the amount of aprons I will offer. I think that will help with my stress level a lot. I have come to realize that I have a really big job. This is no longer a little hobby, this is a real business.

I have to get back on top of this Modern June thing quickly. I have wholesale orders to complete. Plus I have some wonderful upcoming press in September. Time to be a big girl and get back to it!

Bellevue National Night Out

Bellevue National Night Out, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

In an attempt to get away from educating myself on the symptoms and removal of parietal lobe tumors we went out for a nice family night. Here are the fun photos of the fun night. Back in the real world I don't like what I have to look forward to. This just can't be happening. My poor Momma!

trouble in paradise

Thanks to everyone that has sent me kind words of support. You emails, comments and calls have been very comforting! Many, many thanks. I never know just how much so share on my blog. Where does or should Modern June life, family life and real life divide. For me it is just my life. It is all the same and so is my blog. A mix and mingle of all that occurs in the life and times of Kelly! I have been writing but not posting the last few days. I have just combined it so I can share what has been happening.

Saturday:

It isn't fair is it, life that is? I mean we grow up and bet busy and then lose track of what is most important things. For a week my sister and I had a sense that our Mother's health was not doing to well. My sister took her to the Doctor with our concerns. While we waited for blood work we got a big scare. On Friday night around 6 our Mom was found on the floor of her bedroom where she had been for 12-16 hours. Unable to get up or get to the phone she laid there listening to the phone ring as people worried about why she had not checked in with them. Now dealing with the after effects of dehydration she lays in a hospital bed getting better.

Sunday:

What do you do when you mother can not longer live alone? She is only 60 years old. I guess you wait and try to trust in medical system. Man, I hate waiting.

I have spent the weekend in shock. Trying to finish up the orders. I have two wholesale orders to get out ASAP and then two more that I really need to be preparing for. Not to mention the large number of retail order that need attending to. I am swamped here!

Monday:

Along with Modern June work I have been on the phone with my brother and my sister trying to piece together the information from our incoherent mother and her surly male nurse. URG. Finally I received a phone call from the Doctor. Facts, that is what I needed! Don't you know he called in the middle of my appointment with Strawberry Fields. There we were in the middle of selecting items for her store, Modern June product all over her shop front and I get a highly personal call. OH MY! Deanna could not be cooler so I was not stressed about it. Isn't that typical!


Tuesday:

Mom should be getting out of the hospital today or tomorrow, so now what? I hate the idea of her being at home alone. How do we know for sure that she can take care of herself? My job today is to get her set up with the "I've fallen and I can't get up" service. This will give everyone bit more piece of mind. Oh being a grown up is a drag.

More later!

shop temporarily closed

I just shut down Modern June for a bit due to a family emergency. We are all OK here but my Mother in Missouri was hospitalized last night. I am awaiting word on what I need to to do next. If I could I would hop on the next plane. Being this far away from family is so hard sometimes.

I will let you all know if I go out of town to help with her care.

Think happy thoughts!

Love, Kelly

My kitchen windows

My kitchen windows, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

I have to say this makes me very happy! I hate window treatments. I never know what to do with my windows. If I had my way every window would be bare. I love that stark look from the inside. But I live with people that hate that! Plus our house is on street level and you can see straight into the house and see every bleeding thing inside it. NOT good!

I got the idea for using the tea towels while setting up for the baby shower a few weeks ago. I needed to hide the grossness that lurks behind my shed windows. It was just not pretty so I needed to cover it up easily. So I went into my stash of vintage tea towels, grabbed a tension rod and a few cloths pins. Genius!