Snippet #2

Posted November 24th, 2009 | Permalink

Last week’s snippet:
Drawing: my husband
Text: quote by Phyllis Diller that I heard on NPR last week

Corey on Pleasant

Posted November 23rd, 2009 | Permalink

We went on a wander this past Saturday and spent the day in Portland. We stopped in many stores, poking about, admiring many things. One of our first stops was COREY & CO on Pleasant Street. We were pretty enthralled – all four of us – with this little shop (and no, it wasn’t just because there was a “tweenie” black-and-tan dachshund waddling about the space greeting us as only a dachshund can.)

The “sign” hanging above the door on the exterior of the building caught my attention against the brick and blue sky – a dress form made of wire subtly hints at what’s inside. The windows drew me in – aprons. You know how I love aprons.

Once inside, there was so much to explore in such a tiny space. And the owner, Barbara, is cool. I mean, really cool, like, we-could-be-friends-cool. She is not only the owner, but also the designer and creator of much of the clothing and accessories that she sells. Yes, she sews. And I’m not at all jealous of her sewing space within the shop. Not at all.

And when I asked about her creations she said,

EVERY DAY. She tries to make SOMETHING every day.

Imagine if we could all make something every day.

The shop space is small, but full of so many captivating things, so well displayed that it doesn’t feel crowded at all. It’s colorful, insightful and inspiring. And I could make a long Christmas list in there. Interesting jewelry, brightly colored espadrilles, beautifully made clothing, and aprons. Oh, did I mention those already?

I wouldn’t just list the inventory though. Some of the fixtures would make the top of my list. I particularly liked the chalkboard paint on the beam that rises floor to ceiling where Barbara casually jots down phone numbers and notes. And the glass covered cake stand displaying goodies inside. I mean, what’s the point of a cake stand if you can’t use it every day?

Check out the COREY & CO blog where Barbara offers insight into how and why she does what she does, talks a bit of shoptalk, and shows you some snippets of her world. And then, pop over to 19 Pleasant Street and say hello. When you get back, let me know if my favorite necklace is still there. It’s the one made of three layers of metal washers linked together. I think it has my name on it, if you look closely.

This is my team of choice…

Posted November 20th, 2009 | Permalink

I am wishing I could take the day off today. It’s raining and dreery and a perfect day to snuggle on the couch with a blanket and watch old movies. Also, I could go to the early showing of New Moon instead of the more crowded (completely packed can’t find a seat) showing in the evening. I am excited to see New Moon. I loved Twilight, and haven’t read New Moon yet, so it’s a surprise still looming in the dark for me – which makes it way more fun.

My daughter asked me last night, “Which team are you on?” Some might wonder what she meant. Did I take up softball? Am I a member of some team spelling bee? But I knew immediately, without hesitation, that she meant, “Are you on Team Edward (routing for the beautiful vampire)? or Team Jacob (routing for the rough and tough werewolf)?”

I said, last night, that I’m on Team Edward. I really like Edward. What can I say?

But, then today, a new team emerged, even after the midnight premier of New Moon. And when I discovered it, I had to switch my allegience. No question. This is my new team. I call it, TEAM SNUFF.

See for yourself, and let me know which team you’re on.

watch?v=3CCEDNcqtEM