Half. [You can hide a lot under a winter coat.]

I bet you thought I'd forgotten about Half because I haven't regaled you recently with riveting tales of trash, right? Wrong! I've just been buried in receipts and taxes and filing and new filing systems which is all very dull and wretched and necessary.

Also, I might be procrastinating.

Because I don't want to clean out my own closet. Because I don't want to try on pants. Because I would need these tissues. Because of winter. Because you can hide a lot under a winter coat.

Off I go to pull apart the dreaded hall closet. I'm using Martha Stewart's photo (above) for inspiration. My closet is half the size and contains considerably more roller skates. I am resisting buying a bunch of expensive organizational-type items, but those matching hangers are irresistible.

Thrifty goodness + fresh herbs!

Nothing says SPRING like fresh herbs! Go check out my guest post at Poppytalk.....

Thrift store madness.

Eight-ness.

Eight years ago today, my first little baby was born - and now look at him! He's kinda magical. Watch out Justin Bieber.

Work it.

I've been working my bootie off in the sweatshop, filling wholesale orders. A few more to go and then it's all new - new work, new ideas, new marketing plan..... except for the part where the new marketing plan hasn't fully materialized yet, but I'm hopeful.

Have a nice weekend.

It's pouring rain here - good time to get cozy with some books (and two little boys, as long as you don't mind getting kicked in the face every so often).

Friday, I'm in love....

statement textile ring by kjoo.

In a house of men.

I live in a house of men. Never has this been more obvious than now.

Well, there was that time when I opened my eyes in the shower and all three of them were standing on the other side of the glass asking three distinct and equally important questions. But that's another story.

Now, is the point of this story. Now. They are literally screaming with laughter at an episode in which the stooges, dressed as pilgrims are poking the eyes of actors dressed as Native Americans. Screaming. With laughter. I expect this from my handsome husband, but really -- my children should know better.

Spring: These are the things.

This is what I am needing for springtime.....

A vintage enamelware bowl, a recycled canvas Carryall, a romantic blue floral blouse, Figgy Pudding Earrings, an old farmer's market basket, and a print titled The Shy One. I must also have a Herb Barn and a Tom Boy Stacking Ring set. I require harem pants, a pot of thistles and a Constellation Hoodie. Since seeing Flogging Molly, I find I cannot live without a banjo. The Knowing Wanderer reminds me of a dream I once had and is therefor indispensable.

Also, I demand a trip to Paris (photo by Irene Suchocki).

That might seem like a lot of things, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

Treasury Love.

My Rescue Me Corsage is included in this beautiful Treasury. Love!

Sunday.

Saturday.

From JayHell.

New do.

This is me wearing sassy new bangs, earrings by Megan Auman, and an expression I would call "slightly suspicious." And a red sweater.

I am here.

Not really. I wish. My handsome husband is doing the taxes.

Photo of O'Connor's Campers in the UK from the totally addictive airbnb.com.

And I do mean "totally" and "addictive." And I do mean "taxes."

And "handsome." Just in case he reads this.

The news from Japan just keeps getting worse.

Inspirado.

Picasso said: Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.

(Except that he probably said it in Spanish. Or maybe, French.)

I heard an interview yesterday with Elizabeth Gilbert on Radiolab and she thinks that the muses reward people who are at their desks, working, at five o'clock in the morning.

(I have not read Eat, Pray, Love, nor have I seen the movie. But I do enjoy Radiolab.)

Do you find that to be true? I do. The harder I'm working, the more the ideas seem to flow. And the paradox is that I'm so busy in the factory, filling wholesale orders, that I can't find time to make the bag that's insisting it must be made immediately if not sooner. It's pestering me. Do you ever have an idea that won't leave you alone?

Baskety Backpacky goodness!

Isn't this simple and beautiful? And perfect. Of course it's not available from Brook Farm General Store (via Elsa May) any more so dang it all to dangville. I want to make one.

Monday!

You know how you can create your own downward spiral of despair? Today I'm doing the opposite of that. I'm creating my own Upward Spiral of Action and Awesomeness!

photo by Amelia Kay!

Proofs of love.

Pierre Reverdy said: There is no love, there are only proofs of love. I'm not sure I completely understand/believe that, but it's an interesting idea. Some people are really good at giving proofs of love. Julie is one of them. I stand in awe at the miracle of her friendship every day.

Seriously cute hair.

Must go get a haircut based on this cuteness. I thought I might be letting my hair grow long, but we both know I was just kidding myself.

Costa Rica anyone?

This is where I am right now (not really, but it would be lovely).

Half. [Wherefor art thou, Boba Fett?]

I'm serious about this Half thing. I've been pitching things at random. I will pretty much throw out anything that gets in my way. If I trip over it, or it looks like it might fall on me, it gets organized.

And since you can't walk in my kid's room (this doesn't seem to bother them), most of my halving efforts have gone on in there.... a little each day, so as not to overwhelm.

Their bookshelf is a thing of beauty - knick knacks down 90%. Nineteen pounds of books went into the library donation bin.

And their toy cupboards - we've given away gallons of toys they've outgrown. There was some initial pushback, but once they saw that I wasn't going to pitch anything they wanted to keep and that they could actually locate the stuff they wanted to play with, they were on board!

Halloween costumes are down 50%. This is a secret. They would have worn that rancid Boba Fett costume forever.

My shop's inventory is organized and lovely - loads of new things and samples and are getting listed. Things I fell out of love with are rediscovered and will be relisted. Some things I love, but that never sold are getting re-photographed (in case that was the problem) and the shop will be stocked up for Mother's Day YEA!

I know this is dull, but I'm feeling so very sleek and streamlined already.

New Microbus!

I will have one in yellow, please. It's electric!