Hart 2 Heart

A new beginning.

10 years ago today, Andy took Emmet to kindergarten.

Emmet was so excited and eager to learn. He carried his Harry Potter lunch box. On the way to school, on 9/11/01, Andy heard the news. He called and told me to turn on the t.v. as I had no idea. I won't try to explain my feelings; they were probably similar to yours. I thought about Emmet, and what to tell, or not tell, our sweet, innocent 5 year old. We decided to let him stay at school, where he was happy, and sheltered from the constant coverage in the media, which I somehow, needed to watch. 

In time, Emmet learned about that day. And he has grown up. It has not been easy. Last week he went back to high school, after not being able to go for almost a year. A couple years ago, out of the blue, he began having episodes of severe depression. He's genetically predisposed, but we just didn't expect it so early. I've never shared this with my readers here, but since many of you are friends and family, you are aware, and you've been so supportive and loving. 

After much treatment including, therapy, psychiatry, and chiropractic, Emmet went back to high school last week. He's excited about the future, and eager to move forward. 

 

Oh sure, he looks innocent enough.

It's a long story. Let me start from the beginning. If you read my last post, you know I was pondering something new and creative and non work related to do. I was inspired by this awesome post over at Craftzine.

I used this photo, taken by the amazing Paige of my boys at an art opening. Trying to keep it simple, I decided to zero in on the smaller boy.

I changed it to black and white in photo shop, then used the "poster" application and made it look like this:

THEN, I enlarged it, made some of the lines darker, printed it out, and slapped it on my window.

I got so excited and forgot to photograph a few steps. Anyway. . . I found a piece of nice muslin in my stash, cut it, ironed it and taped it over the print out. Then I traced the lines I felt most important in replicating my boy, with a water soluble marker.

Then I went for it! I grew up doing a lot of embroidery. My mom taught me when I was little and I would draw pictures and turn them into embroidered pieces. I'll have to dig up those old projects to share. That's another story. Back to this tale.

I spent all Sunday afternoon relaxing on the couch, with my needle and floss, watching the JK Rowlings biopic on Lifetime. So, where did it all go wrong?!

It is still unclear when the crime occurred, but as I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee, I stepped out onto the back deck and noticed shards of wood scattered about. Upon further inspection, I realized it was the remnants of my EMBROIDERY HOOP! Aaaaaaargh. Fearing the worst, I inspected the perimeter, and discovered a wad of muslin, covered in doggy drool (dna evidence is being reviewed). There are holes too. Fortunately most of the damage isn't close to the embroidery. It occurs to me now that maybe Lanky misses Emmet. He's at skateboard camp this week, which might explain why I decided to embroider a portrait of him. 

I'm pretty sure the big man is an accessory to the crime. We may never know. 

 

Field trip!

This is where the other half plays. Trump National Golf Club happens to be just up the road from where we--the "other" half-- live (aka, "the hood").

Donald was nice enough to make a lovely trail for us to get down to the ocean. So off we went, Andy, Lanky and I, on a beautiful summer day.

It's a bit of a hike, especially for the out of shape member of the trio, but it was well worth the effort.

We're told that Weimaraners like the water, but so far, Lanky is not very interested.

He prefers to relax and blend in with the sand.

We happened upon this interesting stone formation on our hike.

What a beautiful day it was.

 

 

 

 

 

My newest cookie creation!

 

I've had requests for a birthday cookie gram, so I think this is my final design. Still haven't gotten it in the webstore, but if you want one, just email me. It's a huge cookie (10" x 10"). I wrap it up and send in a special box to your special birthday person.

I had the most custom cookie orders ever, the first part of May. I was really happy that this week was on the light side. Now I have time to show you what I made. These were for a big teacher appreciation banquet at a local high school. They had an Italian theme, and I used an image from the invitation for the cookie design. 

These we for an awesome customer who just finished her master's degree at USC. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the red, I mean cardinal icing was encrusted with glittery sugar.

I showed you the set of music festival cookies before, but these I'm most psyched about. Andy made the cookie cutter, and though a little tedious, I love how they turned out.

My mom came out from Wyoming to visit during the cookie chaos. She bonded with Lanky in a big way. More cookies to show soon! Thanks for tuning in.

 

 

Be Unique!

I'm getting ready to head downtown to set up my booth for the big Unique LA weekend! I love setting up my own little shop, and making it pretty!

This was my display a few weeks ago at Cannery Row.  

And because the cookies never end. . . I did a few cookie grams for mother's day. I sent 3 (including the one above) to Italy!  And because I hadn't shared a picture of Lanky lately. . .

I think this one was taken a while back. He's much bigger now, but still wants to sit on our lap, or just "ON" us. That is Emmet in his favorite teenager position. 

Have a great weekend -- especially you mothers. 

 

 

 

 

A few ramblings between the chaos

It always happens this time of year. I get REALLY busy, have tons to share, but have no time. Throw in a new puppy, a little drama with the teenage boy, and I have a little trouble breathing. So I thought I'd check in on a Saturday night (do I know how to party or what?) and share a little bit.

First off, the puppy. That's why you tuned in, right?

It's a bit tricky getting a good photo of the little dude. He's feeling so much better! He's chasing the cats around, eating a lot, and chewing on everything. So we got him a little rubber chicken to gnaw on. 

Lanky loves his daddy. 

He's put on a lot of weight since I took this picture a week ago (the puppy, not Andy). At his sickest, he weighed only 4.5 pounds; now he's at least 8.

Speaking of cute animals. . . these polar bears were a special order for the principal of a local high school (it's their mascot).

Then there were these for a nine year old boy's birthday party.

And these for an aspiring young actor's birthday.


And I've been making lots of fall cookies, on sale now at Nosh and the Corner Store.

Of course it's not all about the cookies. . . there's been lots of sewing and shows and boutiques. I've sadly neglected updating the events on my sidebar. I just can't keep up with it all. On the off chance that someone is reading this in Pacific Palisades. . . I'll be selling my wares at the Junior Women's League Holiday Home Tour and Boutique:

Sunday, November 14, 10 am to 5 pm

Pacific Palisades Recreation Center
851 Alma Real Drive    
Pacific Palisades, CA  

That's tomorrow; unless you're reading this on Sunday, then it's today; or yesterday, if you've logged in on Monday. Maybe I should give you a little more notice. I'm just not keeping all of my balls in the air. 

 

 

Farm fresh

I took my parents to our favorite farmers market in Torrance while they were visiting. 
 

Oh yum. 
 

 
Not sure what the heck these are. They stayed at the market.

But I did take these guys home with me. 
 
 
 

 

14 years and counting

We've got a 14 year old. All the cliches are true, and I hate it when I say things like, "Where did the time go?" "How did you grow up so fast?" and "Because I'm your mom, and you are only 14."
 

When my dad was 13, his Grandad (my Great Grandad Kelley) gave him a razor for his birthday. So this year, Emmet was gifted with a deluxe electric razor from his Grandad Hart.
  
There used to be a cute little soft, brown mustache above his top lip. He'll have to use that razor again, in another month or so. 
 

ugh.

I've been doing a lot of this lately. . .

. . . tea and honey. My family has been passing around a wicked virus, highlighted by a vicious sore throat, followed by a painful cough. I thought I had licked it, but it remains. My son painted the special mug seen here, for mother's day when he was just 4 or 5 (almost 10 years ago!). My dear friend Angela snuck him away and surprised me. It's the best gift I ever got from him. And it comforts me when I'm sick. Not that the tea has helped. My hair dresser suggested I switch to tequila and lemon. She says it should do the trick, but if it doesn't I won't care. It's a thought. 

 

At least I can rest and be productive. I had a couple shows to prepare for, so I parked on the couch with my favorite HGTV and gathered up some dresses. I love my home "office".

 

Dresses done. There's so much more to tell. It's been a busy spring. I'll be posting some of the highlights soon. I've hardly had a chance to breathe, which is probably why I can't get well. 

Tomorrow I'm headed to Denver with the boys for a much needed vacay. Of course there is work involved. I'm playing a concert with the Pittsburgh Collective, a most amazing big band, led by my old college friend David Sanford, who happens to be a musical genius. It is such a gift to be able to play with this group. The concert is Tuesday night at Dazzle. Wednesday night we are going to see the Denver Rockies play the Boston Red Sox. Then we're headed north to Cheyenne to visit the grandparents. I plan to sleep on Thursday. 

Time for more tea, or. . . ?
 
 
 

A Wyoming Anniversary

In between snow storms, I made it to and from Wyoming. This is what spring time looks like in Cheyenne.

 

Perhaps a picnic on the porch. Table for two?

 

Believe it or not, it was 70 degrees the day before this snow arrived. And the weather was fabulous for my parent's 50th anniversary reception.

 

Of course I made cookies before I left, packaged them up, and carried them on the plane. All 84 of them.

 

Around 100 people showed up. I was surprised to see so many folks from my past; my high school art teacher, fellow 4-Hers, my piano teacher. I spent most of the afternoon in tears, sap that I am.

 

And here we are, the Harts, in a rare family photo. My brother Jim on the right.

 

 

Congrats mom and dad! So glad I could be there for such a momentous occasion. Aren't they cute?