Christmas Parade This Sunday!

I forgot I had these lovely pictures I meant to share a while ago. That is one of my paintings. :-) Isn't pink and black fabulous together? I love to see that design, even in nurseries, can be sophisticated and graphic. I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving...I think I'm still in a food coma. Remember the Christmas Parade is this Sunday at 5:00! I'll have complimentary Hot Chocolate!!! Happy Friday!

Ramblings On Fabrics & Food!

Wednesday afternoon, working at the boutique. Drawing new fabrics designs, thinking about food....good food...Thanksgiving food! Which makes me thing of desserts...I Love desserts...um, yum! So I sidetrack, and on one of my favorite websites looking for an apron pattern (to make aprons with my own fabric...oooooh so tingly inside) when I come across food, because that's all I can think about today...and I come across these darling patterns to make faux cakes....which leads me to some of the most fantastic posts I've seen lately on these talented women who can make delicious looking treats out of fabrics. You can check out my friend Karla's blog and see what the talented Natasha made for her recently! So just for some silly Thanksgiving fun maybe you'll be inspired to make your own fabric treats. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I am so Thankful for YOU! Check out Repo Depot Fabrics for patterns.

Love Notes & Other Things That Make Me Smile!

Halloween is tomorrow! It's probably one of my most favorite holidays because there's little pressure involved and you get to dress up and pretend! We got these little clips in last Saturday and they are the cutest little ears. Doesn't Shaunah look cute? I was wearing pink polka dot ears all day and completely forgot about them...I was wondering why people were looking at me so strange. :-) Here's a little house update...things are moving along. I had to include the latest Love Note from Dad to Mom....awwwwwwww! It's a blessed life! Reminder, there is Trick or Treating in the Village tomorrow from 3:00 - 5:00!!!

 

 

 
 

Construction Ballet!

It's been a busy week once again. I was put in charge of the Door Design Contest (go figure) at my daughter's elementary school. It's for Red Ribbon Week which is a designated time that the school donates towards educating our children about the dangers of drug usage. Oddly enough, my friend Shelley, was in my boutique with her husband when I was asked to do this. Her husband happens to be a police officer who came up with the "Don't Open The Door" concept. I then had each of the children make little ghosts that said, "I could have been a fill-in-the-blank." If only I hadn't done drugs. Normally I would choose a more positive concept but it just seemed to work with Halloween and all... Also, a couple more house updates. I just LOVE big equipment. Putting the trusses on was like watching Construction Ballet! Di-vine!

 

The Skinny!

How sad...I only posted once last week, truly a sign that I am unusually busy (but Thankful-right?). Here's just a snapshot of what's been going on... It all started with our first 7th grade school dance. Shaunah helped Serena get ready and she looked so beautiful (well I think she always looks beautiful)...then we took off to Disneyland for the weekend as you know. It was Raquel (adorable, witty, middle daughter) and Bill's (yummy, fantastic hubby) birthdays which meant way too much cake eating all week. I had a big presentation for a restaurant remodel in Pismo Beach and also was asked to do another restaurant in Morro Bay, which meant lots of meetings. Plus the boutique is so fun right now with Halloween and the Holidays fast approaching. I've been very flattered to have Romantic Homes magazine want to do an article about me, which meant photo shoot...which means endless cleaning because I'm cursed with perfectionism. Oh yes, and the house for my parents...just to name a few of the things that went on last week. Eeeeeesh, I'm tired just writing this! Time to grab a little breakfast and head off to Big Sur for Bill's birthday get-away! Here's a little clip my dancer friend sent me. It will make you totally crack up! (cut & paste in your browser) http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/09/may-i-have-this-dance.html

 

 

The Meaning Of Life At Disneyland!

Ok I just wrote this really thoughtful, tear-jerker of an entry and somehow lost it! grrrrrr.... So here's the Reader's Digest version... It all started last week when I caught myself answering the question, "Hey Mari, how are you?" with, "I'm busy, soooo busy!" I realized I probably say that at least ten times a day.... I also realized that this "kind of busy" was not the "good kind." The solution....we packed up the family and went to the Happiest Place On Earth of course...
No projects, no cell phone, no lap top....just Tea Cups and Indiana Jones and the Haunted House (that was all decorated for Halloween). For one weekend, I closed up the boutique and we headed for Disneyland!!!

Disneyland just has a way of putting everything into perspective or maybe it's just the change of scenery. I realized that it's OK to take a day or two off to play. I realized it's no longer important to me that my house is spotless, or that I'm not the same weight I was in college, or that I have  more wrinkles around my eyes than I used to, it just means I have had much to smile about.

I do care that my husband spent the entire day with me, his 3 daughters, his mother, and our niece (6 women) and didn't complain once about going to see the Princesses or that he missed a ground breaking college football game where Stanford beat USC! I do care that I saw the biggest smiles on my girls faces after exiting the Indiana Jones ride that I've ever seen in my entire life. I do care about the people I love and the clients I work with and the lovely people I meet every day in my boutique...so I'm busy...whatever, get over it...Everyone is busy....

I've have officially decided to change my response to, "Hey Mari, how are you?" to "I'm thankful. Soooo thankful!"

 

Bla Bla and Banter!

Last weekend I helped a lovely lady put together a fun centerpiece for her daughter's baby shower. We took a bucket from the Gifted Pail and filled it with diapers and one of my most favorite Bla Bla monkey dolls named Lollie. It really came out cute. The sweetest thing was I received a very kind phone message after the event from her and how her daughter just loved it. (Don't you just love when people take the time to do that?) Before she left I took a picture of it....I cleaned up the picture to post and was laughing at what a mess my desk was that day...so I did a silly commentary on what the picture really looked like pre-PhotoShop. Let's be real here.
On a totally different topic I have to write about my evening last night. I work so much that I rarely get out and do anything fun, let alone sneak away for a glass of wine with my girlfriends! So last night was a real treat. I met my friends: Dawn (former neighbor and one of the kindest most gentle souls on this earth), Terri (also a neighbor, running buddy, generous, kind, and sparkly spirit), and new friend Cindy (amazing talent, caring, genuine and beautiful). Mind you, these are all successful women with remarkable children and husbands too, but I have to tell you there were certainly moments in our conversation that could have been scripted right out of Sex In The City. (Did I really write that?) Although it was just a short visit, it was extremely uplifting. I am so blessed to have such great friends....I left realizing that I have to make more moments like that in my life...all work and no play....makes me...grumpy. :-)

Lucy I'm Home!

Mom and Dad are all moved in. They have converted the little space above our garage into the cutest and most comfortable space I think I've ever seen. Two twin beds, a table, and some comfy chairs...it looks like the TV set right out of "I Love Lucy". Of course, it's all just temporary while we build them their house on our property. We broke ground last week. I'll be posting as we go along. It doesn't look like much now but it will. Mom and Dad built the house I grew up in, Bill and I love to build things, so together it will be quite an adventure.

Design Star Disappoint...

I'm a die hard HGTV fan. That said, I was so excited that they were doing a competition show for designers. But, I have to tell you that after watching the last episode I'm very disappointed. First of all, it seems the people they have doing the challenges, know little, if anything, about design. Not all of them, but most of them. This last challenge was a kitchen makeover...OMG what a nightmare! Who faux, crackle finishes cabinets anymore? Are you kidding me? At least last year they had some talented people on. I don't know, but I'm feeling a little insulted as a designer. If these are supposed to be the top designers competing, than that's really a shame...sorry...I just really needed to vent that.

Art Therapy!

It's been a while but I'm finally back! The past few weeks have had their share of stress which made me realize I have several ways of dealing with stress.
And sooooo..... here is my guide to de-stressing:
1. Prayer & Meditation
2. Being thankful for the blessings in my life
3. Kissing my children
4. Talking to my husband for hours while he patiently listens
5. Sleep
6. Running
7. Dancing
8. Yoga
9. Watching chick flicks with happy endings
and
10. Painting
Oh yes, and a few good glasses of wine for sure....

So here's my latest painting. My self assigned art therapy....it's good to be back....

Site Down....

I haven't written for a few days because I've been dealing with someone who has decided to focus on hacking into my website. Sadly, I mean really sadly, the site was pulled down this evening. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause any of you...That said, I don't know if I will post for a while, this has really taken it's toll on me...Mari~

My Friend, It's Been Ten Years...

Ten years ago I lost a great friend...coincidentally that same day was my birthday...Therefore each year I celebrate a great person on a special day to me...
My yearly ritual includes my girls and I sitting on a bench that we had dedicated to her by the creek in San Luis Obispo. My goods friends, Stephen and Todd, really were the ones that made that happen. (the bench) I will always be grateful for them for that. The girls always make a little boat out of leaves and we put our wishes in the leaf boat and send it down the creek. Today we were visited by two beautiful male ducks who hung out with us while we were there.
I don't believe life ends when our bodies do. I know my friend is with me all the time. She is the reason behind my logo and a million other things...Today the girls asked what was so special about her...
Miss Pat was more alive than anyone I have ever met. She had a contagious energy that everyone was drawn to. She was an inspiration... a true teacher of positive thinking. She taught me the joy of dance and the importance of real friendship...I miss her vibrant smile and passion for living but knowing her has made me a better person and I love her so much for that...

Staple Gun You Finger? Not A Good Idea!

I'm still alive and breathing...just swamped with end of year stuff and work, work, work....(thank God I love what I do...) I apologize for the lack of posts this week...I actually accidentally staple gunned my finger when stretching my canvas the other day and honestly, it still hurts to type! Lots of fun updates coming next week...but I have to heal up a bit before posting them. Happy Graduation everyone! I'll be writing up a storm next week!

Just Curious!

Last night I worked late...really it's my own fault because I was easily distracted yesterday and instead of being good, I indulged in play time...like reading my friend's blogs and other articles that interest me. I came across an interview with a designer that really made me think about what I do for a living...does it matter...what accomplishments am I proud of...I immediately thought of big projects that I've worked on that I was scared to death every step of the way but at the end was completely proud that I acted, trusted, and listened honestly to my creative spirit...
I started to think about all the amazing people in my life and how inspirational they are to me...so in the middle of working last night I sent out an email to some of them;
Just Curious... "What have you accomplished in your life that you didn't think you could?"
The responses today have been so insightful and uplifting. From overcoming mental and physical challenges to launching businesses and staying in love....wow! I'm in awe...
Many of you responded by asking me the same question...reflecting back on it all, truth is, I think we all have it in us to accomplish Anything our heart desires...the hard part is perhaps in the "push" to make ourselves be the best we can be...to dig down deep and produce. hmmmmm....
So just for fun you may want to ask those around you the same question. I know you will be inspired and will learn something new about them...even those you've known a life time...I know I did, and I thank you all for sharing with me! PS Once you've answered the question for yourself...pat yourself on the back and smile...before you move on to the next big life assignment. :-)

Inspirations!

It has been a really buzy week getting ready for the Trunk Show and also The Birth & Baby Fair coming up next Saturday, The 12th, in the San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza. (more to come on that next week) But I have to tell you, I have been so inspired by my fellow bloggers and all their amazing creativity! Especially Miss Risa http://theparteaplanner.com. She has some stunning photos of her gorgeous work on her site! AND also Miss Karla http://www.sugarbeardesigns.com who sent me a beautiful collage that graces my inspiration board at my showroom!!! Sooooo, I've put together some gift bags of my soy candles and lotions, soaps and box matches...here's what you've all inspired me to do this week. Thank you for sharing your creativity with me and the world! Tomorrow's the Trunk Show!!!

Slow Down & Enjoy Your Life!

Anna Quindlen is one of my favorite authors. She wrote a book "A Short Guide To A Happy Life" that I have given to many friends and teachers. My wonderful friend, Divine Dawn, sent me this email this morning written by Miss Quindlen. As I am setting up for Mother's Day and thinking of how wonderful it is to be a mother myself, I just thought this to be so appropriate. By request of Miss Karla, I will be posting great Mother's Day gift ideas throughout the week, but for today, I hope you take some time to read this...and then go squeeze those you love.....I know I will.

Newsweek Article, Anna Quindlen, Newsweek Columnist and Author

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like. Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.

Everything in all the books I once poured over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach., T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early-childhood education, have all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories. What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations --what they taught me, was that they couldn't really teach me very much at all.

Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One child is toilet trained at 3, his sibling at 2.

When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome. To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow. I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton's wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China . Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too.

Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. T hey have all been enshrined in the, "Remember-When- Mom-Did Hall of Fame." The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language, mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, "What did you get wrong?". (She insisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald's drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking?

But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.

I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I'd done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That's what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.

Yuppy Puppy Fools Them All!

Miss Karla, your comment reminded me to tell a funny story.... As you may know my friend Karla makes the most yummy dog treats that are available at http://www.yuppypuppypawtisserie.com. Last April 1st (April Fools Day) we had some friends over for a cook out. Julie and Scott are two of our most loved friends. They are both Dr's and avid athletes. In my mud room (standard entrance for family and close friends) I had a few of Karla's Puppy Lollypops. This is where Julie saw the "rose on raw hide" one. She and others, all agreed it would be a funny idea to give it to Scott. (Mind you, Karla did tell me that people can eat them too). Well, Miss Karla, he enjoyed every bite of it...even when half way through we told him what it was....Definitely one of the better April Fools Tricks I've seen in a long time!

My Aha Moment!

A few years ago I found myself contimplating my contribution to the world. I would think thoughts like, "I'm just an artist, what good does that bring to the world? I should join the peace corps or be a doctor or an environmentalist and protest to save the world..."
This was when Bill and I were building our house. We had to temporarily rent a home, that temporary stay turned into a nine month stint. Although I tried to make it comfortable for my little family, I never unpacked our books or paintings or anything of beauty...it was minimalist living. After about four weeks I noticed how depressed we were all getting...that's when I had my "Aha! Moment." I realized that my job as a designer in creating beautiful spaces really did matter...it changes how we go out into the world...and I was happy about that and thankful for that gift. From white walls to a home full of color, I finally got it, but there was more...I wanted to be able to share my excitement and love of life through my art as well. Over the years I've been told that I insire people. Truth is, I think I just genuinely listen and care for people. To inspire is to be "in Spirit". The person feeling inspired is feeling that from their own Spirit not necessarily me...but what I do know for sure, is that it is very important to be kind to everyone you meet beacuse when you are, it always comes back to you...My friend Karla, who I have never met in person, has just posted on her blog about how we met via HGTV. Her words are so flattering and kind they made me cry. Truth is, I have been lucky to know Karla and I sincerely hope we can meet one day. Remember, life goes fast, make it your mission to bring your gifts into the world. They are unique to you and whether it is to be an artist or a scientist, it matters. Thank you Miss Karla for the very lovely words...much, much success to you in living your dreams! Have a great weekend everyone! To read Karla's sweet blog entry click http://sugarbeardesigns.blogspot.com

In The Presence Of True Clarity!

I had the most profound experience in my little showroom today. Renowned author and speaker, Denise Linn, came in to see me... "Me!" You know, I have worked with a few celebrities in my career and feel very comfortable in doing so, but when Denise Linn walked in, I think it was the first time I ever found myself speechless! Now that's "really" saying something because I can talk to anyone! She just had the most amazing eyes. Standing in front of her I knew I was with someone very spiritually evolved...I would use the word "great" but she is so humble in her mannerisms that the word "great" isn't quite right...but she is great! I can't even find the right words to explain how clear and beautiful she is...
This bio below is directly off the http://www.hayhouse.com website where you can order her books....I still have goose bumps...

Denise Linn has been called "America’s best-kept secret." For the last three and a half decades she has traveled to the far corners of the world speaking to standing-room only audiences of thousands. Her spiritual journey began as a teenager when she had a near-death experience after being shot by an unknown gunman. The revelations she received on the "other side" and her subsequent quest to heal her body from the damage caused by the gunman’s bullet, lead Denise to eventually become an internationally acclaimed healer, writer, and Lecturer.

Denise has taught seminars in 19 countries and has written 14 books, including the best-selling Sacred Space and the award-winning Sacred Legacies. Her books have been translated into 26 languages, and she has been featured on Oprah, Lifetime, Discovery Channel, BBC TV, NBC and CBS. In addition to being the founder of the International Institute of Soul Coaching, Denise is also a world-acclaimed expert in feng shui and space clearing. She has distilled the information and wisdom she has gained from indigenous cultures around the planet, as well as from her own Native American roots, into her teaching

40 Days Without Fear!

I took a day off writing yesterday...it was Ash Wednesday....the beginning of Lent. Being raised in an Italian/Irish Catholic family, we always observed Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Part of that ritual is to give up something during that time....I was thinking what that should be this year and I decided it would be Fear. I am giving up Fear for the next 40 days. I know that may sound weird but I often find myself in one of two places....Faith or Fear...it's a conscious choice. I've also picked up my journal again, not my art journal, but my personal journal to document my journey of 40 days without fear...should be an interesting journey I'm sure. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. You can email me at Mari@MariRobesonHome.com. Back to design stuff tomorrow! :-) Cavallini journal available here http://www.paperstudio.com