Funky Junk & {me}

The last few months have been so hectic in my life, I couldn't even begin to explain it all.  Long story short, I committed to doing my first "show" and have been trying to get my business up and running.  I am an experiment in the works! I love, love, love to create but I kind of stink at the business aspects of it all.

That being said, the visions of sitting around creating all summer were popped and I realized I needed to do things like file with the state and federal government for tax ID, purchase things to build a booth, set up an accounting system, buy merchandising items like bags and signs, and the list goes on.

So the day is finally approaching ~ this weekend Sept 28-30, I will be showing at Bella Rustica.  This is an annual fundraiser show where people come to sell their "funky junk" ~ sort of a flea market on steroids.  It all benefits AGAPE Nashville.  Now, typically this is the kind of show I would love to come to as a customer, scouring through piles of old windows and doors and seeing potential in making something for my home.  Instead I will be one of the vendors, one of the minority vendors not selling furniture, but showing and selling my art to an expected crowd of 5,000.

If you love some funky junk and art, jewelry, clothing, etc. you should definitely make a trip out to the Milky Way Farm and come by my booth for a visit!  Yes, this farm was originally owned by the man who started the Mars Company.  Hence, all the horse stalls (aka booths) are named after candy bars.  I am in stall Mars (right next to Snickers)! :)

Check out the link to Bella Rustica and their facebook page too.  I have a feeling this will be a great event ~ regardless of my sales!  The organizers are friendly and I might find a treasure or two!

Here are some photos of my initial booth setup. I still have to add lights to brighten the place up a bit but they didn't have electricity running to my space yet.

Hope to see you there!!

Friends, family & neighbors...I would like to introduce you to a very special little girl, Cami Kinser. She has been diagnosed with lymphoma at the young age of 10. I first learned of her when my sister asked me to create a piece of art for her with her favorite bible verse for her room to encourage her while she battled cancer. 

I wanted to do more, so I decided to find ways to help her family pay her medical bills. Having been faced with enormous medical bills for our own daughter, I can empathize with their fight. There are several ways you can help. (1) if you would just like to donate money to the family you can visit a link I have set up to collect donations for them athttp://www.gofundme.com/KinserMedicalFund or click directly on the link to your right in my blog.

(2) you can purchase a print of the art "believe" ($30) I made especially for Cami or a set of notecards ($15), just contact me locally or msg me 


(3) if you don't live here in the local area and would like to purchase, you can visit my etsy store and purchase the "believe" print (shown above)


(4) if you know any local businesses who would like to help in any way, please contact me.


(5) you can share this link with others you know via email, facebook, twitter.


 Thank you in advance for your help!!! 

Around Here...

around here...we are enjoying "cooler" temperatures in the high 80s instead of the record-breaking heat we had at the beginning of the month.

around here...I have been perusing my cookbooks for new recipes to cook, made jalepeno hummus from our garden jalepenos, and canned pickles from our cucumbers.

around here...I am working hard to organize, brand and create a new look and website for Kirsten Reed Designs which I hope to launch by the end of August.

around here...I have been on a creative binge, painting almost everyday and loving my new creations (not always the case).

around here...Ben is getting ready to leave to spend 10 days with my parents (which he loves) and I will have 10 long days of missing him!

around here...Sarah has been busy with soccer tryouts and is nervous about making the team as the coach informed them he will have to cut about 1/4 of the girls. I am praying she makes it ~ it will break her heart!

around here...Ben and I have been working on our biggest puzzle yet, a 2,000 piece Coca-Cola puzzle. We are about halfway finished.

around here... there is already back to school emails in my mailbox and paperwork on my desk to fill out before orientations on August 1 and the first day of school on August 10.


around here...my office is in need of a desperate extreme makeover as I dodge piles on the floor of 'things to do'.


around here...Vince has been working and traveling as usual.


around here...I found out two more of my close friends are moving away and I am wondering what my year will look like without them.


around here...I am savoring my last few days of summer with my kids and trying not to be too busy with other stuff so I can embrace the moments.

Been Absent...

My grand plans for documenting every day of our Planes, Trains and Automobiles trip failed miserably. Partly because we had no internet connection most of the trip and partly because by the time we did, we were homeward bound and I was overwhelmed with the whole "back to reality" phase of life.  Two days after we came back from our 18 day trek, I flew to Florida for a reunion with classmates from my high school in Germany (more on that in another post).  So you see, I was REALLY busy.

So what to do ~ now that it has been more than a month since the MOST AMAZING trip ever!?? Well, I thought I would break it down into two posts ~ this one with a slideshow of the sights we saw, and a second one with some insight on "things we learned" with input from the whole family. We really are a funny family ~ something I discovered on this journey.

Here is a slideshow of our trip ~ above, because I could not get it to cooperate and embed into this post. (my apologies for my lack of techie knowledge) enjoy!

 Recipe for Memorable Train Trip... PTA Day Four

It’s the “T” part of  our Planes, Trains and Automobile trip.  A long train ride from Denver to Sacramento, California. 

Take one crazy ride to train station (almost got lost), have oldest child use her high-tech phone to get you to the station;

Add in:

Four backpacks. (okay, and several carry-ons ~ I can NOT pack light!!)

Fold in:

Beautiful mountains, canyons and yes, lots of  “moons” along the ride (and I don't mean the kind in the sky)

Stir together:

Two sleeper cabins and two very silly kids

Mix in:

Lots of game playing and laughter.

Bake for:

30 hours of together time….you will get Memories that Last Forever. Serves 4.

Here are some photos that capture it all:

The Olympic Spirit...P.T.A (Planes, Trains & Automobiles) Continues

Today we made some time to visit the Olympic Training Center. It was an amazing complex with several gyms for training US athletes.  I found the video to be the most inspiring as you see these athletes devote so much time for one event, one day in hopes of a medal hanging around their neck.  The complex itself is impressive with several gyms and top-notch equipment donated by corporate sponsors for the athletes. They even have a cafeteria that serves food that has apparently beat out every Ritz-Carlton in taste tests.

Here are a few snapshots from our visit to the Olympic Training Center.

Future Olympic Soccer Star? :)

 Watch Out USA Bobsled team!!! Here come the Reed & Rush team!

We hit the Peak...P.T.A. Day Two

DAY TWO

After a relaxing morning, we learned a new card game, Aggravation and a fun dice game to play on the train. 

Then it was off to see Pike's Peak.  Here are all of us on the Cog Train that took us up to the summit.

At the summit ~ temperature was 34 degrees with a wind chill of 25.  Sarah and Ben were freezing and not loving it sooo much!

The view was fantastic.

And the famous homemade donuts ~ simply amazing.

We saw these little bottles of oxygen being sold at the bottom, so we decided to purchase one just for the novelty of it.  At $8 a bottle, we decided it was a rip off, but something we would probably never do again.  It looked like we were teaching our kids how to do drugs as we huffed in the oxygen!

Then it was off to the Rush's house (younger Rushes) to enjoy a cookout and honor Trevor's service of 20 years in the military. We were greeted with lovely homemade signs, treats and chocolates on our beds and our own chilled waters for hydration.

Our awesome host and hostess! Cheers!

A little Rockband after a long day!

 The whole gang in a group shot!

 It was a great Day Two...thank you Rush family for all the wonderful hospitality!

And we're off... P.T.A. Day One

Let the crazy trip of a lifetime begin....Day One of our Planes, Trains & Automobiles (P.T.A.)

Our trip began with mixed emotions ~ excitement for our long-awaited adventure and sadness to say goodbye to our sweet "weekend daughter" and Sarah's best friend Amber.

We hopped on a plane to Denver. I felt like I was a contestant in the Amazing Race with my cool backpack. (Not so much with my purse, laptop and rolling suitcase full of snow clothing though!!)

After some sobbing at the gate, we all slept a bit on the flight and arrived to a warm welcome from Aunt Cindy. We journeyed to their house in the hills and enjoyed a wonderful homemade lunch.

Ben was excited about the extended loan of a digital SLR and snapped away from the time we landed. Plus he loved seeing the horses, he loves animals.

We met Banjo and Mandy. 

I think Mandy wanted us to stay and pet her longer, I think.

After visiting the horses, we ventured through the rest of the "hood" and saw llamas; Uncle Charlie even picked me a small bouquet of Colorado wildflowers. I am loving the orange ones. They are Indian  Paintbrushes. Cool, eh?

And then we ended the first day of our trip with a visit and toast from the younger Rushes. 

A perfect day.

Cheers!

My Vintage Camera Collection

I have always wanted a vintage camera collection. One day, I envision my little art studio (finished with dry wall and full electricity) with a shelf along the top of the room to show off my amazing vintage camera collection.

I see it so clearly. Cameras of all sort ~ but old and really cool. I don't even care if they work. I just find them fascinating.

I have given this idea to my family for years as a gift idea for me. I never received one. I see them in antique stores all the time and although they are not expensive, I feel kind of guilty buying a $40 camera that doesn't work and I have no place to put. So I keep waiting to receive them as gifts.

No longer do I have to wait! My sweet friend Janice who came and spent time with me from Hawaii (okay she was really here for her daughter's graduation but carved out time for me too) bought me my very FIRST vintage camera. My collection has officially begun!

I am tickled to death every time I see it! It makes me think how cool technology is, how far we have come, how much this craft has changed and how cool my future art studio is going to look with a shelf of different vintage cameras!

Thank you Janice ~ love you!

Versatile Blogger Award Nomination

I was recently nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by a college friend Dawn who writes the blog Since You Asked.  Dawn is a sweet gal ~ witty, friendly and fun to be around. She writes on all kinds of things, hence the versatile part.  I do too ~ as I never know what path my creative life, mom life or everything else life might take me down. Thank you for the nomination...I will do my best to post and follow the rules below! :)

Versatile, of course, means to have “many uses, able to be used in many different ways”, or “able to move easily from one subject, task, or skill to another”.   

This award is one that keeps on giving, so without further ado, I will post the rules and my responses in order to allow you time to check out these fellow bloggers and their writings.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The rules are as follows:

1.  Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.

2.   In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.

3.   In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.

4.   In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.

5.   In the same post, include this set of rules.

6.   Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs

Seven Random Pieces of Information about Me.

1). I was born in Germany.

2). I have more unfinished projects than Imelda Marcos has shoes.

3). I volunteered teaching illiterate adults how to read.

4). I love to travel and would like to see the entire world but am also a homebody.

5). I was on a Nike billboard for the first marathon I ran along with my daughter in San Francisco Union Square.

6). If I could "do it all over", I would be an architect.

7). I sometimes fantasize about streamlining coffee into my veins in the morning.

Now, for the blogs I would like to nominate for this award ~ most of these already are quite successful, but perhaps are new to you.   Enjoy!

My favorites for artsy things...

1. Christy Tomlinson  ~ she has inspired me to explore mixed media and create amazing pieces!

2. Simply Me ~ this is Donna Downey who is hilarious and talented! Loved meeting her at her Inspired event. If you ever get the chance sign up for one.  

3. Jeanne Oliver ~ I would love to be friends with this woman. She is so beautiful and generous with her gifts. She sells gorgeous clothing, art and seems to have a humble heart as well.

4. Kelly Rae Roberts ~ I love Kelly's style and outlook! I have one of her pieces (not an original!!) next to my nightstand and LOVE it. She is inspiring to me and my meager attempt at living the life of an artist one day!

5. Pitter Patter Art ~ Laura Kelley lives in my neck of the woods and would love to get together with her sometime and paint. I love her collage and art pieces! Beautiful.

6. Alisa Burke ~ She is truly a versatile talent! Art, photography, mommy. I would love to learn from her one day however, I doubt I will be able to convince my husband to fly me to CA for an art class. I am inspired how she "does it all" and still looks freaking beautiful!!

My favorites for photography ...

7. Something Shiny ~ I met Kelly Luna the wonderful photographer, artist and kindred spirit in North Carolina. She is witty and fun and oh so talented!

8. Zach & Jody ~ I have taken several classes from Zach and Jody (formerly Gray Photography) just to understand better how to make the most of my photography. I have toyed with the idea of starting a business for years and they are my inspiration. If I do, I hope I can achieve their standard ~ they are a wonderful couple who have immense talent and generosity.

9. Cupcake Chronicles - I went to college with Michelle and she is an established professional photographer living in NYC and constantly capturing beautiful images of her life. I love to look at her blog and the creative eye she has!

My favorites for writing...

10. Art of Non Conformity ~ This is a blog with lengthy but meaningful posts about everything in life and challenging the status quo. I love to read them and re-post them when I can.

My favorites for scrapbook inspiration...

11. Triple the Scraps - Funny story about Patter. I used to be neighbors to her parents in Germany and best friends with her brother. I came across a comment she made on an online class we were both taking and voila! I found her blog, art and more wonderful inspiration.

My favorites for everything else...

12. The {Scrappy} Girl Next Door - I met Tracy on an art retreat and we were "table mates". She is my twin in so many ways. We love to dabble in all things creative and we are both a little OCD. Check her blog out and be inspired!

13. Maple & Magnolia - I have mentioned Susan in previous blog posts. She is basically living my dream life in an a beautiful restored farmhouse. She has an eye for taking salvaged things and creating beauty.  Check her amazing gallery out on her blog. 

 14. Silo Studios - Shawn is a local girl and sweet friend of mine who took an old barn and silo and turned it into a colorful reflection of her fun and funky style. She runs Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue and creates beautiful furniture out of junk others throw away and sells it to fund rescues for sick and elderly dogs in the middle TN and northern AL areas. I could go on and on about her wonderful talents but better to just check her blog out for yourself!

15. Leave it to Lisa ~ Lisa is a friend of mine from high school. She epitomizes "life" in the fact that she truly embraces it and makes the most it! She is one of those people everyone wants to be around. She is a great writer and photographer and I love her sense of humor. You will too!!

I hope you can check out these blogs and find a new one to enjoy!

Just bloomin' beautiful!

A little garden eye candy...my irises and peonies are blooming and I am just soaking it in. Enjoy!