FIRSTFriday in Falls Church

Our Grand Opening FIRSTFriday was a big hit! Thanks to everyone who came out to welcome us to the local art community. All of our artists were well represented with an wide assortment of framed or matted art pieces along side colorful note cards. We had loads of sparkling water, wine and tasty treats to eat while we listed to a Beth & Bob chosen mix of GREAT 40's music. Everyone commented on the eclectic mix of art and artifacts. Purchases last night included everything from a mid century Remington typewriter to a crazy elephant cookie jar. Lots of little girls visited with their families so bunches of shiny jewelry and glorious pink things went out the door as well as tummies full of cookies from Natalia's Elegant Creations.

Natalia is getting ready to open a pastry shop and tea room right down the street in Falls Church. I heard about her business Memorail Day weekend and shamelessly asked her to stop in some day with a sample so we could network together. Right in the middle of the Artist's Reception Natalia popped in with a pound of delectable cookies. My photo adverse friend Laurie did a lovely job promoting them through the crowd. If the cookies she brought by last night are any indication Natalia's shop will be a huge hit! http://www.nataliaselegantcreations.com is her web site so you can take a peek at the goodies she makes.

Falls Church Arts http://www.fallschurcharts.org was well represented by Dan and Shaun. My head was puffed up with all the compliments and good wishes; thanks guys!
Speaking of thanks- Thanks Ellen for giving up your stereo when mine expoded. Thanks AmBob for hauling all of the goodies in and popping the champagne corks in true diplomatic fashion. Thanks MyBob for making a zillion cookies. Thanks to Ashleigh, Sheila, Debby and Beth for making such yummy treats. Thank you Laurie for doing, uh, everything!

If you couldn't make it by last night, please stop by when it fits into your schedule. We can't wait to see you!

"Nola"

Finished "Nola" yesterday. It's great to have a sunny spot to work in! Nola is about sitting about eighteen inches tall and is fashioned from new and vintage materials. Her body is new poplin cotton and her hair is modern "eyelash" yarn. All the rest of Nola and her ensemble are reclaimed or vintage items. Her face is hand embroidered. Her clothes are a vintage silk blouse, antique trims, found ribbons, and reclaimed sewing bag. A vintage doily forms her fairy wings. Nola's bodice is decorated with a handmade ceramic pin and she is holding a wooden flower. We're busy getting ready for our Grand Opening artist reception this evening from 5-8pm. I've received 2 lovely bouquets that look a LOT like Beth's paintings. In fact the bouquet from the Churchill's looks like the painting Beth just had accepted into the Art League's monthly show! Beth's acceptance on her first submittal just reinforces our high opinion of her talent!

Opening Day

It took 4 people in 2 time zones but I finally got my credit card "swiper" delivered to the shop not twenty minutes before someone wanted to buy something with a card. Whew, talk about cutting it close!

Day 1 in the store was a lot of fun. We got the coffee brewed and welcomed lots of well-wishers and three sets of Mom & Daughter shoppers! Time just flew and before you knew it "Opening Day" came to a close.

Even though we got lots of compliments there is still a lot to do. All of the artists are busy putting their portfolios together so clients can review more than what is just hanging on the walls of the shop. Debby found a lovely new place to do giclee' art prints so that will provide a more economical alternative for those folks who want one. (Or an option for when the original has been sold you you were not the one that bought it!)

Thank you to all of the people who stopped in today! It was great to see you!

"just a little technical trouble..."

Kind of the story of the day! Lesson learned: Orient blog photos BEFORE you publish.
Next epiphany: with some email programs (MY new one) you actually have to hit "receive"; one's email doesn't automatically populate. Thank heavens Debby was there to click for me before I panicked...
Next revelation: there are kind people at Verizon you just have to get through the menus to speak to them.

Had a fun, full productive day yesterday and today, none the less. Phil and his lovely bride and stalwart son got the picture rail hung with the able assistance of artiste Elizabeth. Laurie, Jean and the whole family came out to help tag and inventory lots of merchandise. Still not done with that one yet though... Got the place put back together after the construction and it is looking good! Cathy and her daughter came by to scope out the joint and swipe my print rack for the "Art in the Park" Event in Falls Church this evening. Also got a pleasant surprise visit from my friend Gail. I haven't seen Gail in ages. It was good to catch up. Gail ,tell the kids I'm impressed with their manners and endurance! We are 4 days to opening and my biggest concern is that I haven't had time to make as much as I would like. Guess that will come as I get more of rhythm when the shop opens. Opens MONDAY. eek.

Speaking of looking good. So was Bob today. He got home from his half day of work toting our take-out dinner ON ONE CRUTCH! Hooray Bob! And in physical therapy today Bob practiced walking with 2 crutches, one crutch, a cane and solo. It is such a gift that every time Bob's spirit starts to falter there is a a progression, a LEAP, to remind him that all the work he is doing pays off in increments. Not all of which are visible to the eye.

" No, no, it's 210 Little falls Suite 201, NOT 201 Little Falls..."

I'm never one for looking at Mondays as "rough days" but yesterday was an stereotypical Monday alright. Everything I touched didn't work. Computer, mailing list, printing deliveries, sign inquiries- NOTHING worked properly so I did what every red blooded American girl does: I went shopping! Bought a new printer, coffee pot, office supplies and more stock for the shop. Ok THEN I felt better!

Today was full. Go to the lumber yard. Smoot's did indeed have the picture rail I was looking for. Go get paint for said picture rail. Sherwin Williams again mixed my paint and had me out the door in ten minutes flat. I do love that Falls Church location! Wander aimlessly looking for picture rail hooks and long necked light bulbs (but that is another story!) Write store documents while being on hold/"communicating" with VERIZON employees for 74 minutes withOUT getting my issue resolved. Handle tons of correspondence. Start to panic when I realize how soon Monday morning is! Prime and paint picture molding with the help of my entire family and various artist neighbors. (Thanks Beth and Phil). Print more hang tags and wonder how many bugs I will have to sand off of my paint job in the morning before we install! By the end of the day I felt productive enough to make up for yesterday! Oh and the postcards got here. Turns out the trusty printing company transposed my address on the ups address level. *sigh* Good thing they got it right on the cards. Tomorrow: Hanging picture rail!

"One more week!"

Misc. Lessons learned:
Phil was right. The best place to buy picture rail molding is Smoot Lumber. Three different sources have said they are "the" ones.
The best way to get rid of furniture is to use your own truck to take it to its new home. Neighbor Randy donated a lovely, sturdy, HEAVY metal desk for me to use in the shop. It is just the right size for the space and thanks to Randy, his cart, and his sweat equity Beth and I didn't hurt ourselves getting it up the twenty steps to the front door. Thanks guys!

One more week to get ready for the grand opening of the shop. All of the painting is done. Most things are in place. Have got my new phone number (703-533-3557!) And all of the IT hook-ups are done. Two big tasks await. One is hanging the picture rails so we can move art at will. The second is to get with a sign company to design and fabricate the signage for the shop. That will be interesting as I know what I THINK I want it to look like but whether that will translate into City approved code remains to be seen!

Big excitement this week in Bob Physical Therapy Land. Bob walked unaided! Just him and his prothesis. First back and forth three times between the parallel bars and then from the bars to the workout mat. What a triumph! I don't think the smile left his face all day. These small glimpses into the future act as the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel to lead us into the sunshine.

Art Walk 2007 - DRIFT

"ALICE", the Australian accented GPS System, guided Debby as Beth, Debby & I made our way downtown to join the Napala family at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Phil's latest installation. The DC Comission on the Arts & Humanities in partnership with the Washington Convention Center comissioned 12 artists to participate in a large scale outdoor exhibition. The striking exhibit is a city block long was well attended by friends and tourists alike! The artwalk is located on 10th street between New York Avenue and H Street, NW. Afterwards Phil treated us to a tasty lunch and dim sum at Tony Cheng's in ChinaTown. Upon discussing all of the art we decided that we MIGHT be a little biased but we liked Phil's piece best! Way to go, Phil, oh and Happy Birthday!

"22,468 steps, who needs a gym?"

22,468 steps, that just today, without working out AND fitting in a trip to the endodontist for a root canal! So, how come I am not slimmer? Actually have been doing LOTS of steps all week! The shop is actually begun to look like a shop! Got the innards (credit cards, phone systems, computer, voicemail) set up as well as off- loaded oodles of vintage treasures all week. WHEW!

Next week will get the picture rail hung so that we can add in all of the ART. I am so excited to see everything coming together. It looks better than I dreamed it could!

Have been doing the manual labor part of the set-up this week as my neck has been bothering me so much that fingers on my left arm are numb. Ugh. Usually taking a break from the handwork and fine motor motions will get me back into shape. That and the ministrations of Lisa my trusty Massage Therapist!

Actually cancelled my appt. with Lisa so I could attend an art opening tomorrow with S&C artists Debby and Beth. Our neighbor (and fellow Stifel and Capra artist) Phil Napala has a piece being unveiled at the Washington Convention Center at noon. It's his birthday to boot! Will post some photos tomorrow of this momentous event!

"I get by with a little help from my friends"

No truer words were ever spoken. Seven plus twenty people helped us this weekend. Friday night Laurie and family helped me build display shelves and then we toasted them with champagne! Saturday a crew of six guys from church came to work on our neglected exterior. Sunday, Fran, Beth and Sheila helped unload treasures to the shop. The Barratt's helped me off load my grocery run (AND vacuum up the glass from my clumsiness!) Brian helped Bob with a Home Depot run just in time for Round Two: 15 stalwalt men from Vienna Presbyterian Church who descended onto Pinewood Street and knocked out six months worth of chores in four hours. It was amazing to see. It was heartwarming and humbling to see all of these folks, some who we had never met, take the time on a hot, humid day to help us. Thank you all--

"Press eight if all other options are untenable...."

Great day! The stars are in alignment regarding all official documents. FINALLY got the word that I have the "go" on the occupancy permit. Now off to zoning for a sign. After breaking the codes on the corporate voice mail I spoke to the phone company and my bank today and got all of the services hooked up for the shop in 2 phone calls and in less than an hour. Frankly I was shocked but tickled to death.
Moved in a load of furniture and fixtures this evening. Tomorrow: assembling the 800 pounds of shelving- wish me luck!

Furniture Fairies!

Today I remembered that painting is not quite as much fun without my husband coming in , shaking his head and saying "You call THAT painting? Here, let me show you how it's done..." While Bob was busy learning how to ride our recumbant bike with his prosthesis I was busily painting the front room/office of the shop. It's a uplifting aqua blue that will make you think your desk and computer are steps away from the water. I'm really pleased how great it looks.

Met a bunch of people today: Yvette the mail carrier, and fellow tenants Ryan and Carl. But no two faces were more welcome than sister Robin and her trusty friend Cindy who took a road trip down to Woodbridge and picked up my display shelves for me and delivered them to my door! Well, actually helped me lug literally 800 pounds of boxes through TWO doors and into the suite. What a blessing! Saved me a day's worth of work. Had to get my lovely daughter to the doctor this afternoon so couldn't make the trip myself. So thanks again ladies!

Here are two more "hatbags". Out of control hats turned cute springtime purses, enjoy!

My name in...DECALS???

Weelll, the inspection certificate has not been processed but I felt confident with the inspection

sticker in my hand to go ahead and sign the lease on the space. It's at 210 Little Falls Street, Suite 201 Falls Church, VA 22046. July 1st will be our official first day of business to the public. As you look at this spiffy picture it's the space with the big bay window on the left hand side. Five rooms, windows all the way around. When I went to drop off the paint this morning there in golden vinyl glory was the company name spelled out on the glass vestibule door! I felt so official! Oh and the name was spelled out on the building directory in those lovely letter plastic press-in-the-black-felt-signs too....

Other big news my buddy and neighbor Ashleigh is moving her EBay business into the suite as well. My Two Monkeys will be displaying and selling vintage treasures as well as providing an Ebay seller's service for all of us who want to sell on Ebay but don't have the time or talent to do so! At our Christmas Home Show I bought 6 things from Ashleigh. I have a funny feeling that partnering with her is going to be bad for my personal bank balance!

On the home front, Bob is progressing mightily with his PT. He has been practicing crutching ONE HANDED up and down the halls of Fairfax Hospital. Not quite steady enough to debut this skill publicly, but hopefully soon!

(Distracted by the baby above? LOVED this pillow I just finished- I had to show if off!)

Tick, Tick, Tick

Tick, tick, tick. Seems like the week has passed painfully slowly. Things started to pop yesterday though. Good News: Scheduled the inspection for the store space. Bad News: it is NEXT Wednesday. *sigh* That gives me one day to get the (hopefully) processed paperwork and get the lease signed so I can take posession of the space June first. Great News: the landlord feels confident enough that everything will go through that they invited me in today to pick out my carpet colors so it can be installed promptly. I thought that spoke volumes as I haven't signed papers yet!

One thing crossed off of my To-Do list was get this collage mailed off to my Grandma Rosella. It's a mixed media piece featuring her and my late grandpa Hoyt when they were courting. I thought it would spice up her new apartment. Hoepfully she doesn't think it is too funky for her!

Hurry Up and Wait

Hurry up and wait seems to apply to everything in life right now. We had to wait for over a week for the first therapy evaluation appointment. Then of course the scheduler didn't have appointments open until a week later. So instead of getting prosthetic training 3 times a week, Bob has been "winging" it on his own so far. Must say that it looks like he is doing an awesome job. No one can believe that is has only been on his leg for a week and a half.

The clock has been ticking on the lease front as well. Good news is that I just received an electronic copy of the lease for the possible new store and I actually understand 90% of it! Rumor control has it that the building inspector has my application next on his list. If I get the approvals there then we are officially in business with a tentative opening date of July first. No one has actually said to my face that they think I can crazy for launching a new business venture not long after my husband lost his leg due to a systemic infection. But you know what? I want to contribute to the family income again in a larger way than I am doing now and if I went back to a corporate job I wouldn't be available for therapy appointments, ball games and scout meetings. I may have to work twice as hard but at least this way I get to at least attempt to write my own schedule! Waiting is fairly torturous for me. I don't even mind "no" (well, maybe I do!) I just like to know what the scoop is. Keep your fingers crossed all the paperwork goes through this week.

It's a Small World

Just found out recently that a neighbor bought one of my auction items at the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry's annual IMAGINE event www.novam.org . The funky "Audrey"Hatbag Sheila bought is made from vintage fabric, trim and a midcentury hat. She bought it as a present for her oh-so-stylish California based daughter. Who know, maybe the HatBag craze can encompass both coasts! I am tickled that these HatBags are popular. It makes me happy to know that I am recyling something beautiful into something beautiful AND useful in today's world! The crazy polka dot pillow is also made of recycled fabric. Vintage and as vibrant as the day it rolled out of the mill in the 60's. Makes you wonder what they put in those dyes, eh?

The Rest of Your Life

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life".
Key Question - how to create a "new normal"?
This blog will follow my journey to create a new life for myself and my family. After my husband lost his left leg due to a life threatening blood infection in February life hasn't been exactly dull. But now that I know Bob will live it begs the next question - "What's next?"