Elaine Madrid

Heading for Vegas, baby!

2012-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

Thelma and Louise have nothing on us. We're leaving tomorrow for a quick trip to Las Vegas. Staying at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and planning a few adventures. We'll stop by Viva Las Vegastamps to see owner, Wayne Gartley. VLV must be one of the last, biggest, best stamp stores in the country and it's always fun to visit with Wayne and experience the menagerie of dogs, cats and who knows what else. Taking a tour of the Neon Museum on Saturday. This is the graveyard where neon signs from closed and remodeled casinos and hotels are kept. Apparently there are signs that have been restored and are functional, but also a huge number that are stored in an open area waiting to be rescued or scavenged. Should be a great photo opportunity. Plan to people watch at the Hard Rock Cafe, too. It's the annual adult video awards show weekend at the hotel -- we shouldn't look too conspicuous in our jeans and t-shirts...another great photo op. I'll try to keep it G-rated so I can post photos here. Have the addresses of a few large antique malls in LV and thought about going to the pawn shop that's on Pawn Stars or Pawn Store wars...whichever...but figure that stuff is too high end for us. Should be lots of Elvis memorabilia at the antique malls in Vegas, old stripper tassels, out-of-date tuxedos. I bet I could fit into one of Sammy Davis Jr.'s old tuxedos...maybe not...he didn't have a butt. Hope to see a show if we can get discount tickets; one of the Cirque de Soleil shows would be fun, I've never seen one. Just a fun getaway with the girls (none of whom drink or gamble, except me, so it's an interesting choice of destinations) for a couple of days. I've been saving my quarters only to find out that none of the casinos take coins except for maybe downtown...love the 'clunk' of those coins hitting the tray. Might play roulette a little and find a slot machine that pays off. Will definitely try to find the best martini in Las Vegas to add to my list and people watch on the Strip. Wish me luck!

Classes with Mary Jo McGraw at the "Studio" tentatively scheduled for July, 2012

2012-01-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

We're in the early stages of planning a series of classes at the "Studio" with Mary Jo McGraw this July. She'll be in town visiting family and friends and we can't pass up the opportunity to host classes at the studio while she's available. A tentative date is Sunday, July 29, 2012 and we'll publish class descriptions and info as our plans gel. In conjunction with Mary Jo's classes, this weekend may be the perfect time to have our first annual warehouse sale, but more on that later. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 29, 2012 to attend classes or just drop by to say "hi."

Happy Holidays everyone.

2011-12-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Betsey Johnson-designed Christmas tree for the Plaza Hotel this year really sums up my hope for the holidays. Joy and peace wherever you may find it. My wish is that everyone is able to spend time with loved ones, enjoy each others' company, and give a little back when you have the opportunity. I love reading about the people who have paid off strangers' layaway accounts for Christmas gifts, but I am saddened to read about people brutalizing each other to get a pair of Air Jordans or flat screen TVs. It's a simple Christmas at our house this year; no tree for the first time in 43 years except for some silvery branches decorated with our favorite ornaments. We're just thankful for family and friends, good health, jobs, and each other. Have a wonderful holiday season and a kinder, gentler new year. We had iced cold martinis and a traditional New England corned beef and cabbage dinner this Christmas Eve and are heading to my niece's house to see the family tomorrow and enjoy a Mexican food spread. Nice blend of east meets west -- Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!

Betsey Johnson's Christmas Tree, Plaza Hotel, NYC

2011-12-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

More classes in 2012

2011-12-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'm excited that I'll be able to offer more classes in 2012 as I travel to stamp conventions around the country. So far I've confirmed classes at Guadalupe's in Santa Fe on March 8 (two classes) while I'm in New Mexico for the Albuquerque convention on March 10 & 11 and another at the Northern Idaho Rubber Stamp Convention the weekend of April 14 & 15 in Coeur d'Alene. Waiting for confirmation on classes at the Carson show November. Contact info is forthcoming for the Santa Fe and Coeur d'Alene classes as we finalize the class descriptions and photos of the classes will be posted on the blog and web site (http://www.carmensverandarubberstamps.com/). Hope to see you in class at one of the shows or at the "studio" in Anaheim when it's ready for visitors. Also plan to host teachers at the Studio this year, including Mary Jo McGraw in July.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and her name is Ellen.

2011-12-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

We're on Ellen today at 4 pm. The show was taped Thursday and we're in the center section, front row, sitting behind a decorated wall, but your best bet to see us is when Ellen dances down the row behind us. Portia sat down on a stool in front of us for the taping so Ellen was frequently looking our way. Karen is wearing black with a red sweater and I have on a patterned coat. There is a tall man with gray hair sitting next to me. Great organization of gift distribution to the audience. They handed us the smaller items as we left and loaded the car as we drove out of the parking lot. It was Windows day so we received Microsoft products, far more than I expected to receive, and I'm sure I'll find good homes for some of the gifts. The audience really came through with Toys for Tots donations; bicycles, games, dolls, etc. and the Marines were on hand to collect them. A fun day with a trip to Porto's in Burbank for a snack, a little shopping, and Ellen. I feel very lucky that we were among the audience members for one of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway shows. Since Oprah is no longer the "Christmas Gift Queen," Ellen has taken her place..."The queen is dead, long live Ellen."

The Carmen's web site is up and running and we're visiting Ellen again on Thursday!

2011-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

We've published our web site with a "taste" of what's to come in the next few months. Please visit http://www.carmensverandarubberstamps.com/ and send your feedback to elainemadrid@att.net. We'll be featuring seasonal and new stamp images, convention and class news, fun info, photos, resources and more on the web site. I used a GoDaddy template and really like the graphics. Hope you do, too!

Big News! We're going back to the Ellen show taping tomorrow. Karen and I were invited to return to Ellen for one of the "12 days of Christmas giveaway" shows and tomorrow is the day. Usually the show airs the day after the taping and we're not getting our hopes up again -- Brad Pitt eluded us last time -- but Sting is the guest on the Friday show so he may be a guest during our taping Thursday. Regardless, it's a fun experience; we're eating lunch at Porto's, snooping around the thrift and antique stores in the vicinity of Warner Brothers, and making a day of it. I'll be sure to let you know when to expect to see (although last time you could not see us in the audience) our episode.

Lots of ideas for fun holiday cards and decorations coming soon. Working on the twelve days of Christmas "Carmen style" in honor of Ellen's giveaway shows, as well as some unorthodox Santa images...

Happy Holidays!

Anniversary at the Mission Inn

2011-08-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Snuck away last week to spend a night at the Mission Inn in Riverside to celebrate our 42nd anniversary and have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Cafe Sevilla. If you've never been to the Mission Inn, it's worth going just for the tour of the hotel and chapel. It's a beautiful OLD hotel that's been refurbished but not too modernized. The door to our room was enormous and heavy -- lots of "niches" in the walls, but comfortable and upgraded to modern standards for bathroom, TV, A/C, etc. Always love going to Cafe Sevilla and usually have the same food -- tapas -- white sangria -- it never disappoints. We've been to all four Cafe Sevilla locations (the one in Carlsbad is gone); Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego was our first, Long Beach right after it opened, but Riverside is our favorite. When we weren't eating, enjoying a cocktail or relaxing, UC Riverside has a Museum of Photography on the walking mall adjacent to the Mission Inn that's always interesting and there are a handful of shops that are fun. The best is Mrs. Tiggy Winkles which is just across from the Mission Inn. If you like Halloween, you'll love this store. The entire back room is HALLOWEEN decorations -- great stuff! They also have wonderful gifts, clothes, greeting cards, jewelry, on and on...I could easily have spent a fortune, but only picked up my favorite cologne which is getting hard to find and a cute drinking cup for my bathroom because I know I'll be going back before Halloween...Some other interesting shops within a block or two of the Mission Inn; antique mall, toy collectibles, clothing, etc. and a few places to eat breakfast or lunch. Riverside is usually at least 10 degrees hotter than Orange County, but last week it was SO hot at home we hardly noticed. Midweek was a good choice, we missed the weekend traffic. You can make it to downtown Riverside from Orange County in less than 45 minutes if you leave after 10 am on a weekday with time to eat, shop and get home in just a few hours. I highly recommend it as a shopping excursion if you are looking for an extra-special gift, Halloween inspiration or Christmas goodies. Metered parking (you can use a credit card) on the main street and free parking in lots a block away...support small businesses!

Road trip report from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana

2011-08-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

What a trip! Eleven days on the road to stamp shows in Novi, Michigan and Cincinnati (Stampaway) with antique mall shopping and thrift store digging in between and a detour to Indianapolis to pick up Chris Meador (formerly Coffee Break) en route to Ohio. Ate at Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel for breakfast in three states; grits, biscuits and gravy offered everywhere...tried Three Sisters in Indianapolis on the recommendation of Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives and had corn cakes with lemon curd...yummy! So many antique malls I actually got tired of shopping but sold most of my "finds" at the shows -- hated to see the case full of watch crystals go, as well as the fabulous old books, games, display cases, etc. but did bring home Mr. Magoo, Little Miss No Name, Marky Maypo and "rubber boy," who will make his next appearance at the Costa Mesa show in September. Met lots of new customers at Novi and reconnected with lots of "veterans" of Stampaway -- this was the 19th year of Stampaway and we're already planning for the 20th anniversary show next August. Stayed at a variety of "chain" hotels -- Quality Inn in Springfield, Ohio (near the Heart of Ohio super antique mall) should be ashamed to include the word "quality" in their name -- we should have gone with our instincts and stayed at the Drake or Harmony motels in Springfield -- they at least had character, were cheap, and the hookers would not have bothered US. You must go online and find out if you have a Goodwill Outlet store or "as-is" store near you. You buy from bins by the pound...books, luggage,clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, dishes, glasses...you name it, they had it...but bring gloves! Amazing "protocol" for shopping at one of these (3 in the Indianapolis area) -- they wheel in waist high "bins" of miscellaneous merchandise every two hours and wheel out the "perused" bins. People line up for the new merchandise but you can't touch the new bins until they are all wheeled in...they fill up shopping cards and cover them up and go for more...and we were at one of the stores for 4 hours! Got clothes, luggage, vintage sheet music, books, game pieces, stationery, glassware, props for my booth...and I didn't feel bad giving away the stuff I bought that I didn't want to cart home...We have an "as-is" Goodwill store in Santa Ana and I've been a few times over the past 40 years (found theater seats there in the early 70's), but I'm definitely going to go back soon and look for more locations. Not for the faint of heart -- hard core diggers only need apply -- but what a treasure trove. I'm sure that people who own thrift stores themselves spend days there, as well as people who sell online. Found great books on the photographer Steichen, a Hitchcock film book, vintage sheet music that I sold to a young gal at Stampaway who wanted it for her wedding decorations, game pieces, a metal bowl that we saw at antique malls for $20+. SCORE! Had a good time as always with Mary Jo and Chris -- loved seeing customers and friends from 19 years of Stampaway -- Nancy, Sandra, Ellen, Tink, Dan, Connie, and the rest who know who you are -- as well as vendors who don't do many west coast shows. Met the new owner(Kristin) of Coffee Break Design -- be sure to visit her web site -- EVERYTHING is listed and ready to order. Missed Mike Meador terribly and was so happy to see the love for him expressed by customers and vendors letting Chris know how much he meant to them and how much we all love her. Next year is the BIG 20-year Stampaway anniversary show -- you can't miss that! We're planning our Friday night costumes already...since Ted and Michelle Cutts (Art Gone Wild, Stamper's Anonymous, etc.) won the vendor costume in their great outfits (nice chest hair and wig, Ted), Michelle got to pick the theme for 2012 and we heard a rumor that it might be PROM NIGHT. Time to dig out the prom pictures -- I know I couldn't fit into that size 5 dress any more...good show, nice people, the BEST run show in the country, and always a good time. Have my 45-year high school reunion this coming weekend -- one of my new stamp words is "High School Is Never Over," and apparently that's true. I hope there are no "girl fights" on warehouse road this time -- everyone better behave themselves...photos coming soon when my luggage and boxes arrive later this week. I sent everything home Federal Express Ground, what a bargain!

Creating 7 new collage sheets for Novi, MI and Stampaway shows -- that makes a total of 24.

2011-07-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Great class with Michael de Meng and the girls at Zinina

2011-07-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday June 25 we took a class from Michael de Meng at Zinnia in South Pasadena. Lots of good info on materials, techniques, etc. and had fun spending the day with the girls (all 20+ of them and a couple of guys). Had a nice breakfast at the Green Street Restaurant in Pasadena first, got there early and got right in. Zinnia has a wonderful selection of gee-gaws, paper ephemera, tools, art and toys. Made small shrines using Apoxie clay (for the first time). We love it! At the end of the class Michael had something nice to say about everyone's "creation," what a diplomat! Second time I've taken a class with him and enjoyed both very much.

Still Mustangs after all these years...

2011-06-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

High School Is Never Over!

2011-06-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Had a great reunion with Carol McGavack, Candy Evans and Bevan Swenson this past weekend. Bevan and I flew to Denver and Candy picked us up and we drove to Colorado Springs to meet Carol. 2 1/2 days of non-stop talking with a few breaks for antique shopping, eating and sightseeing. What are the odds that as we left the Garden of the Gods (red rock formations) outside Colorado Springs that we would spy a green backstop with the name "Mustangs" spelled out in big white letters. Talk about a photo opportunity! A young woman was nice enough to take photos with all our cameras and we found out that she had gone to school with Carol's daughters. Got caught up on all the family news, high school gossip and our current lives...where have the last 44 years gone? Other than the Class of '67 reunion, the four of us had not been together since I graduated in 1966...what a blast! We've decided that this must be an annual event.

Time to trade in the gas guzzler. Good-bye old friend.

2011-06-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Check out the CMHS Class of '66 blog for reunion details and more

2011-06-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our 45th reunion is scheduled for August 20 at the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa. For info, and for fun facts, photos and more about Costa Mesa, Newport, etc. in the 60's, check out our blog: costamesahs1966.blogspot.com.

Safari Hotel, Newest and First Resort in Scottsdale...in the 50's.

2011-06-04T12:21:00.001-07:00

Every June I think about the Safari Hotel in Scottsdale...

2011-06-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

We had some great times at the Safari Hotel in Scottsdale during the years of the Rubber Art Stampede. Can't forget those post-convention pool parties with Cher delivering non-stop Pink Squirrels from the bar, everyone floating around in the pools fully-dressed, German tourist flashers, a great staff of people at the Safari that made doing the show so much fun. Damn them for tearing down the Safari! It was hotter than h*ll in June in Scottsdale, especially when the A/C gave out, but we managed to have a good time -- mostly related to BIG cold drinks - Sfuzzis, anyone?

64th Annual Lion's Fish Fry this weekend in Costa Mesa

2011-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

The annual Fish Fry is returning to Costa Mesa this weekend (June 4 & 5). The "rite of passage" was to march in the Fish Fry parade, which I did as a member of the Costa Mesa HS drill team in 1964 and my husband and his friends inadvertently wound up bringing up the rear of the parade in someone's "beater" car -- probably the same year. Sounds like a Mike White/Steve Henkle/Mike Madrid or Gordie Martin prank...support the Lion's club and perhaps Jim Ferryman will personally fry some fish for you.
For info: www.cmnhlions.com/fish-fry.

New web site coming soon, carmensverandarubberstamps.com

2011-05-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new web site, the address is http://www.carmensverandarubberstamps.com/. It's a mouthful but I unfortunately let "carmensveranda.com" lapse and another Carmen's Veranda snapped up the domain name. Who knew there were so many "other" Carmen's Verandas. People send me photos from all over the world of other Carmen's...restaurants, shops, etc. If nothing else, I'll get the large and small shrine info on the site to begin with since I have more requests for those than anything else. New images will be next and then old favorites. Now that I have a little more time I will be working to get this web site up and running. Will be showing samples, other fun stuff to buy and photos of my "studio." Thanks for your patience, this has been a long time coming (back).

Graduation Day - May 21 - not the end of the world, the beginning!

2011-05-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Want to order the large (or small) shrines? Email me.

2011-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Several people have asked about the large shrine that Laurie Mika uses in her clay classes -- it's still available. Email me at elainemadrid@att.net for ordering information. Small shrine $5, large $8.75 plus S/H.

Greetings from Chapman University's oldest 2011 graduate!

2011-05-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long three years and while I’ve enjoyed almost every minute of my time at Chapman, I am happy to have my degree in Art History and move on with my life. People are asking me what I plan to do with my degree and my smart aleck responses have been either to “go back to work,” or “retire.” If I had wanted to further my career opportunities at this late stage of the game, I would not have pursued a degree in Art History, but as one of my favorite professors said when I told her why I was doing it, “it’s for your own nourishment,” and it has been.

My professors have been wonderful and all the kids I’ve had in class, done projects and studied with have been great and did NOT treat me like a senior citizen. I’ve learned so much about art history and anthropology that I had only “touched upon” in my own reading that I know that I’ll continue to read and frequent museums now that my formal education is over.

A huge “thank you” to Mike for creating this opportunity for me to return to school and get my degree. Thanks also to my entire family for their encouragement and a BIG “thank you” to my tutor, Matt, without whom I probably would not have passed Symbolic Logic. And thanks to my friends for tolerating me during the past three years as an “absentee” friend and for listening to my complaints about Symbolic Logic.

Look Mom, I finally did it -- I’m sorry you didn’t have this chance.
Look Dad, I finally did it -- so sorry neither of you were here to see it,
you both loved art so much.

Love and kisses from the oldest grad in Chapman University’s Class of 2011.

Brand new stamp images for the Albuquerque show!

2011-03-01T14:15:00.001-08:00

The Albuquerque Rubber Stamp Show is right around the corner.

2011-03-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite rubber stamp shows of the year is coming up on March 12 & 13. I'm only bummed because I have to fly in and out in less than 48 hours because I have two classes in SoCal on Friday, but I'll be there with new images (see the bones background and others above). So many wonderful customers, lots of great places to eat and shop. Hope everyone in New Mexico will try to get to this show at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Show hours are 9:30 to 5:00 on Saturday, March 12 and 11:00 to 4:00 on Sunday, March 13. Please stop by and say hello and check out all the newest stamp images -- it's the best place to see your favorite stamp companies, particularly since the number of stamp stores everywhere has really declined. Check out the link to the show under "Albuquerque Rubber Stamp Show" on the blog. See you there!

45 year high school reunion - sheesh, we're old!

2011-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Costa Mesa High School, class of 1966, 45-year reunion this summer on August 20, 2011. Where did 45 years go? Just in case any CMHS alumni are reading this blog, wanted to let you know where and when we'll be getting together. Ayres Hotel, Costa Mesa, 5:30 - 11:00 pm. (that's the hotel's curfew, not ours) Interested, send me a message. Check out Elaine Bennett in 1966...in the middle of the "songleaders '66."

My crown arrived today

2011-02-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

Kathy Lewis and I had a fun trip to Stamp Your Heart Out in Claremont and chatted with Joan while we shopped. Even though they just had an enormous sale last weekend, there was plenty to choose from and we both bought a variety of tapes, magazines, paper, and other assorted goodies that only Joan has. It was a gorgeous day and the mountains above Claremont were covered in snow from our rain earlier this week. We visited a few other stores Barbara Cheatley's (always a favorite) and Fresh Produce and had lunch with Joan at Dr. Grubb's. We had to cut our trip short because I had homework and Kathy has a puppy that needed a potty break so we were only gone a few hours, but it was still fun. There are so few stamp stores in SoCal and if you think SYHO is too far to drive, you're nuts. It was half an hour from Placentia to Claremont, free, easy parking right in front of Joan's store, and there isn't anywhere else you are going to find the variety of stamps and accessories...Unbelievably I found a journal for my "Images of Indians" class that was made out of an old textbook called the "Mayflower Compact." We actually discussed the Mayflower Compact in my class last night -- is that the most coincidental thing you've ever heard? Right up there with finding a journal my last trip to the store for Patrice made out of an old Dental Assisting textbook and then finding out it was the same book she used in class when she went to Dental Assisting School ooooooooo, creepy...and then when I got home from our excursion, my birthday crown had arrived from Chris and Andy Meador and the soon to be Mrs. Andy Meador, Tiffany. Can't wait to see Chris in Idaho in April. Also, thanks everyone so much for remembering my birthday yesterday. I was overwhelmed with the Facebook posts, emails, etc. and feel very special -- helloooooooooo Social Security.

Little Miss No Name in all her glory

2011-02-17T10:16:00.001-08:00

Little Miss No Name: a history of the doll, Carmen's stamps and samples

2011-02-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

I have a list of topics for the blog and "Little Miss No Name" was on the top...I remembered this doll from the 60's (never had one of my own) and a friend found the doll's head at a thrift store a few years ago. She had apparently been a "bathtub baby," no body just matted hair. I used to stick her head on the top of my paper towel holder at shows (which I used for shopping bags) but it freaked so many people out that I had to stop. Karen decided that she would not be as frightening if we tied little bows in her hair, so we tried that and it "softened the blow" a little. For Christmas one year I tied little red dingle balls onto her tufts of hair and she REALLY looked festive. Since everyone was disgusted by her I really didn't think that a rubber stamp of her would "go" so I postponed doing one. Then I decided, "what the hell," and I did her head in two sizes (matted hair and all). I found a photo of her online, intact and did a stamp of her last year. Her original outfit was a burlap dress, plastic tear (although most dolls you find online at a decent price don't have the tear, it's extra...) and no shoes. She has the Margaret Keane "big eyes" and a little pointed nose. I think she was supposed to be something between a "waif" and a "beatnik" although Jody remembers another beatnik doll. She certainly appealed to a small group and it's not surprising that she didn't last long on the market. I've posted a couple of photos and samples made with the stamps of her. The big head is $5, the little head is $2.50 and the image of her in her burlap dress is $5. I'm not getting rich off this image, folks, but if you need something that's scary, cute and controversial, she's your girl!

...and it gets worse.

2011-01-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

I received a summons for jury duty in the mail yesterday. I went online to file my appeal since it's a two week period that I'd be on call right after school starts. Keep your fingers crossed that they accept my excuse and grant an extension until the fall as I requested. I can't miss more than three classes without being dropped from my courses...I mentioned that in my appeal...but I haven't played the cancer card...yet.

Enough bad news for one year and it's only Jan. 5 for crying out loud!

2011-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

OK. I'm already sick of bad news. People dying, pets dying, health issues, money worries...I thought it was going to be a great NEW year and it's already very depressing. To top if off, I made the mistake of opening up the textbook for my Symbolic Logic class that starts the end of the month and THAT gave me a stomach ache. Anyone know a tutor? I ordered all my textbooks online and was so excited to begin receiving a book a day on Jackson Pollock, the Virgin of Guadalupe; then the Symbolic Logic book showed up and WHAMO! burst that bubble. This will be the biggest challenge of my return to school and I HAVE to get through it this semester to graduate in May. Thank goodness my schedule is Mon, Wed and Fri and I have two full days (apart from working one of them) to study and/or work with a tutor. Math is just a different language for me and as easily as I pick up foreign languages, math is one language that eludes me...I hope this instructor goes slowly. We have one hour classes Mon Wed and Fri mornings so I'll have to identify the "bright" students in the class and bribe them with something to help me out. Food probably, or cash...any suggestions would be appreciated.

Did I mention that I have a new studio and that it was a cigar club?

2010-12-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

It's very frustrating to have this "new" place and to be so busy that I don't have time to hang out there. We did manage to get one Saturday "play day" in to celebrate Patrice's birthday and Donna's visit to SoCal, but since then I've been too busy with school to do much except make Christmas cards. This place is a diamond in the rough! It's in Anaheim on Lincoln between a barber college and dental office and it looks pretty sad sitting at the back of the parking lot with a cracked window and a patio set chained to a large planter. But inside, it's HEAVEN! I've moved everything out of my big storage unit and it's all on shelves ready to go through in January before school starts again. I may even be able to get the rest of our junk out of the last, little storage unit and then be "storage-unit free" for the first time in probably 20 years. My section of the building has two large rooms, built-in counters in one room and a huge storage area in the other, and 2 bathrooms. My husband hung new fluorescent light fixtures over the counter so there are several great work areas and I haven't had this much working space since leaving the old Carmen's store on Orangethorpe. Perhaps we'll have a play day in the future...I'll continue to take photos as it shapes up but it's perfect for me right now and I look forward to many happy hours of sorting and purging in the next year and maybe actually getting some projects done...

What I did on my winter vacation.

2010-12-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

I am cleaning the dishwasher in the hopes that we don't have to buy a new one. I guess this better be a post-Christmas tradition because it was caked with old soap scum and I can't remember the last time I cleaned it. It's not "dirty" just white with scum (no, not snow). No wonder it wasn't cleaning very well. I took all the racks and everything else removeable out of it, scrubbed it with stainless steel cleaner and a special scrubbie and now I'm running it on super hot in the the hopes that the hot water will melt everything I loosened and rinse it away. I've been using the recommended dish "tablets" and rinse but I think it was too little, too late...anyway, it's not overflowing with soap suds yet although it's growling and churning louder than usual...it's been so bad that I've had to dust the white specks of soap off the clean dishes before putting them away and who knows how much soap we've ingested...can't wait for New Year's...maybe I'll clean the oven..."oh what fun..."

New info on cancer and school:
No cancer detected in first mammogram since surgery. Yay! Finished school on December 17 with my last 2 finals and am happy with my grades. Looking forward to six weeks off then five more classes until I graduate in May. Ordered my textbooks online today -- much cheaper than the bookstore! I'm taking a class on symbolic logic and found a book by Lewis Carroll (yes, that Lewis Carroll) on symbolic logic, but can't find a copy yet. Hope this class is not going to be a trip down that long, dark rabbit hole or through the looking glass...I don't remember Johnny Depp talking about symbolic logic...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing old friends and customers at stamp shows around the country in 2011. Mary Jo and I are doing a road trip in August; first stop is the Novi Michigan show, then Stampaway in Cincinnati the following week. We plan to antique shop between shows and visit a few friends. If you have any suggestions for "points of interest" in the vicinity of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, please let me know.

Another road trip in January to Palm Springs for a few days. Richard Avedon exhibit at the Museum of the Desert and lots of thrift shops. We're living large at the Motel 6 for a few nights and I found out that it's the same weekend as the Palm Springs Film Festival -- pretty embarrassing to meet celebrities and invite them back to our Motel 6 room with four of us...and our usual blizzard of magazine clippings on the floor. This is the second time we've done a local road trip and wound up in the middle of a film festival; last time it was Santa Barbara in January a couple of years ago, when Mickey Rourke's film, The Wrestler, was featured. Can we pick 'em or what?

Have a very happy new year!

2010-12-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

26 Christmas dinners at Five Crowns and counting...

2010-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of our group that meets "same day every year" at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar to enjoy a Lawry's-style holiday dinner. When we started meeting for dinner, two of the couples had no children, one couple wasn't married, and no one was over 40. Now we have 8 children among us, the oldest of the group just turned 65 and the youngest isn't 60 yet. There's one grandchild, 6 retirees, a lot less hair (on the guys), no gray hair (on the women) and a partridge in a pear tree. It's a great tradition and I hope it continues many more years!

The best Christmas tree stamp ever!

2010-12-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Want a fast card that is sure to wow people on your Christmas card list? The Carmen's traditional Christmas tree stamp is about 7" high, fully decorated, and you can "crap it up" any way you like. Check out the "Day of the Dead" and the "Poodle Pink" samples. You can just stamp it, emboss it in one color, highlight some of the ornaments, glue on anything you want, and you're good to go...$10 for the unmounted stamp including s/h. Email me if you're one of those who does their cards at the last minute...

...another thing to be thankful for...

2010-12-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful that my nephew, Patrick, cooked Thanksgiving dinner last year, which he just reminded me of. We Massachusetts natives should continue that long tradition -- let's make those pilgrims proud.

See "The Fighter" when it hits the theaters...Micky Ward, the pride of Lowell.

2010-12-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

A new movie starring Mark Wahlberg is coming soon...it's about a boxer, Micky Ward, from Lowell, Massachusetts (where my sister lives), a New England version of Rocky. Ward was a great fighter, lots of heart, a hero for this tough town and apparently a regular guy who gives back to the community. If any of the money from the film goes to him or to his causes, I'd like to get as many people as possible to see it -- locals were recruited for some of the scenes in the movie and you'll get an idea of this former mill town when you see it -- Bette Davis was born in Lowell as was Jack Kerouac...besides, I love Marky Mark...

What I'm thankful for.

2010-11-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful that this semester is almost over and I only have one more to go before I graduate.

I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to return to college at this stage of my life. Thanks, Mike.

I'm thankful that my mother made we wear "sensible" shoes and that I don't have old-lady foot problems.

I'm thankful that I've reconnected with so many friends during my cancer treatement.

I'm thankful that I have a great place to work, when I'm there, with wonderful co-workers and bosses.

I'm thankful that I got to see Mike Meador in August.

I'm thankful for all the "girls" in my life. You know who you are.

I'm thankful for all my crazy relatives -- that means you Elinor and Betty Ann...

I'm thankful to live in Californa, it's the best place on earth, in spite of the traffic and urban sprawl.

I'm thankful that people are still buying rubber stamps.

I'm thankful that I still have good legs and can still kick higher than Mary Jo. Old songleaders rule!

I'm very thankful that my sister-in-law, Rosalie, is cooking Thanksgiving dinner...again.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Hugs from me

2010-11-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Please watch the You Tube video I just added, thanks to Patrice, "Hugs from Italy." It's a good day.

SCARY DOLL HEAD AT GLITTERFEST

2010-10-03T09:26:00.001-07:00

Glitterfest was HOT! HOT! HOT!

2010-10-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my second experience with Glitterfest. Last May I introduced my fiber necklaces at the show so for the fall show Anne (Garcia) made glittery Halloween ornaments with my big Halloween stamp images and I took rubber stamps mounted on acrylic to the show because I knew that most of the customers would not know what to do with unmounted rubber. Wow, what a turnout. It was PACKED with people and we had another scorching, hot day (and humid, to boot). The heat didn't seem to discourage many people and it was very busy until mid-afternoon. What a great selection of jewelry, dolls, and other handmade works of art. Sometimes it's a good thing to be stuck in your booth -- I'm sure I would have bought many things that I saw and loved, but really don't need. I traded with several vendors (that's always a good way to get what you want) and have a wonderful new necklace from Bridget Antonelli. Made lots of good contacts for future wholesale and other boutiques and "spread the joy" of rubber stamping to many new people. I was able to prepare for the show and do a dry run of sertting up the booth at my new space in Anaheim. I am excited about having a new space although haven't had much time to spruce it up with school and these back to back shows -- then I visited Teesha Moore's blog and saw her "artfest annex" and am inspired to decorate my space. Mine certainly won't be as artistic as Teesha's but I have plenty of stuff to "crap it up" to my taste...am including some photos of my Glitterfest booth, the glittery ornaments and my "scary doll head" and kewpie. I could have sold that scary doll head a dozen times -- eat your heart out Tim - I'll never sell this doll head -- NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.

Wow, what a pleasant surprise. The Costa Mesa stamp show was great!

2010-09-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

For so little time and preparationon my part I was not expecting great things from the rubber stamp convention this weekend but was pleasantly surprised at the turnout and enthusiasm. Big hit of the show in my booth were the "buttons" I make (Halloween images mostly) and the good ol' "tubs of rubber." Lots of new customers, many scrapbookers, and we had to explain how to use the unmounted rubber many times, but customers could not pass up the bargain prices of a buck a die...also the Orange County postcard stamps were a big hit, Halloween images and the new Edgar Allen Poe, large raven and "sky full of crows" background. Since Halloween is my favorite holiday I trotted out the skeleton tablecloths and a few scary props, but just was not prepared (or dared to hope in our present economy) that it would be as good as it was...YAHOO! Check out the photos Karen took of Saturday's crowd.

Happy 41st Anniversary

2010-08-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

41 years ago today! As my husband explained to friends yesterday, "20 years of bliss." I don't know if it was the first 20 or the last 20...lots of highs and lows during this time, good thing we have laughter in our lives. In August of 1969, the first man had just stepped on the moon, Woodstock had just taken place, the body count from the war in Viet Nam was a daily occurence, skirts were shorts, bell bottoms were BIG, and we had just moved into a $135 a month apartment (refrigerator included), living on my salary as a dental assistant of $300 a month. Life was simpler then and cheaper, too. Comparing our marriage to Jerry Garcia's eloquent quote, "what a long, strange trip it's been," who knows where the next 40 years will take us, but at least it's downhill from here...

New stamp show at the Orange County Fairgrounds, Sept. 11 & 12

2010-08-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the September 11 & 12 Heirloom stamp convention at the Orange County fairgrounds. Visit Heirloom's web site for details, http://www.heirloompro.com/. I'll be there with new rubber, tubs of rubber, and lots of fun Halloween stuff! Hope to see you there!

R.I.P. Thomas Kinkade's art stamps

2010-08-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

The untimely death of Thomas Kinkae's empire has come none too soon. During a trip to Lake Arrowhead this summer I popped my head into a Thomas Kinkade gallery (which used to be much larger and adjacent to the once-Lake Arrowhead Hilton). The gallery was empty of customers, had no flyers, postcards, etc. and featured many other artists' works. I had read last spring that Kinkade was pulled over for a DUI and that many of his galleries (probably franchises) had closed. I'm not saying that the man can't paint, but I'm not sure he is actually doing the painting...we all pooh-poohed the "starving artists" of the 60's and 70's whose formulaic approach to art offended our sensibilities, but what's the difference between the assembly line creation of those paintings to Kinkade's (or Warhol's for that matter). Kinkade has had classier galleries than the gas station locations of the starving artists, but aren't they both signs of their times? Art to match your couch? It's just that most of our couches in the 60's and early 70's were "spanish style" hunks of wood with flocked velvet upholstery so the starving artists scenes of Spain and Italy were perfect. ...Kinkade's paintings fit right in with shabby chic and the whole "WHITE" style of decorating, but at astronomical prices. I think the final straw for me was seeing a painting of Kinkade's with Pinocchio on a hill overlooking Bethlehem (I might not be remembering it correctly), sort of Jesus visits Disneyland. All I know is that I was totally offended and my standards are not world-class...so, I was amused and vindicated to see a display in Stamp Your Art Out during Stampaway week of only a few Thomas Kinkade rubber stamps and a sign that read "no longer available." Perhaps that sign prompted the remaining stamps to fly off the shelves and these were the orphans...hurry up and buy them, they're no longer available...but for me, it was a huge relief to see them go. Putting the Kinkade name on every sort of commercial product is worse than the Elvis Presley estate putting the King's name on many undignified items -- but I loved the King (R.I.P. August 16) and don't begrudge Priscilla, Lisa Marie or their heirs cashing in on over 30 years of us missing Elvis...Thomas Kinkade on the other hand has made enough off his painting in his lifetime and should really rest in peace, or take up singing...

Kicking up our heels at Stampaway!

2010-08-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

Another great Stampaway show!

2010-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Ohio and had another great weekend at Stampaway. Taught my fiber necklace class and was so happy that everyone completed the wrapping and made great progress on the embellishing. Had fun as always with good friends, the Meadors, the Art Gone Wild bunch, Tim and Mario, Paula and Teresa, Ginny and John, Joni, Mark and Jeff, Connie, Judi-Kins, etc. The theme for the Friday night event was "Super Heroes" and we wore our Super Hero capes around our waists (check out the photo). Couldn't have done it or enjoyed it as much without Karen and Mary Jo...found a new restaurant that was good, our old favorite BBQ place was gone (no fried green tomatoes this trip), and we actually had the opportunity to sit down and eat a couple of meals with friends. Lots of fun comments from customers about the new images and Anne and Sally's new samples. My buttons were a big hit as was some of the "ephemera" and other knickknacks. Found a new antique mall in Kentucky on the way to the airport (Florence Antique Mall) and hit the Duck Creek Antique Mall again. Crazy weather as we expect; close to 100 degrees (and humid) and a thunderstorm on Saturday just as the show was closing. Next year the convention center will have a whole new wing and we're looking forward to that. The best show in the country; best attended, nicest customers, wonderful variety of vendors and teachers, and the organization is superb. If you've never attended, mark your calendar for 2011 and start saving your money now. Photos of the "high kickers" in their t-shirts and aprons, the huge crowd (you won't see a crowd like this at any other stamp convention), Mary Jo doing what she does best, and one of my most "satisfied" customers, Sandra. Thanks Connie, it was great!

As you can see by the photos, my hair is growing back (sort of a senior citizen Mia Farrow look) and it's straight !!!!!!! and gray...I'm doing great and appreciate all your positive energy and prayers!

Watch for samples created with the gouache paints that Mary Jo demonstrated at Stampaway. 12 tubes of gouache for $11.50 plus S/H and $7.50 for a package of 3 watercolor brushes. Limited supply of gouache until the rest of the inventory returns from Ohio -- no watercolor brushes until the truck returns. Email me if you'd like to reserve the paint or brushes (elainemadrid@att.net).

Post-Carson Report

2010-07-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's nice to attend a show and just be a customer, for a change. A large group of us met at the Art Gone Wild booth to see what new products Tim Holtz has come up with, and to get a kiss from Ted. As usual, Tim had a large group watching his demos all day long and Ted was running for more chairs to seat the ladies. I couldn't get close enough to see what Tim was doing, but did say hello during one of his breaks, if you can call it a break. Once he escaped from behind the demo table, he happily posed for photos with everyone who asked and spent time chatting with them. I'll see him at Stampaway next month although since it's his first appearance at that show, I'm sure he'll be mobbed there too. There was also a good crowd at the Invoke Arts/Studios Blackbird booth and Kate hardly had a chance to breathe between demos. Made my only purchase of the show from her booth (budget again) -- one stamp and one "damaged" doll. It was so big that I had to carry it around like a baby and got plenty of stares. Another booth doing brisk business was Lost Coast. Linda always has new images and great samples and seemed to be doing very well. Said hello to many old friends, some going back to MOMR days who were frequent visitors to our shop in Placentia...good times, good times. The crowd seemed bigger than the last show so perhaps customers are realizing that the conventions are once again the best place to find new products and techniques -- especially with more stamp and scrapbook stores closing in SoCal.

Working furiously to get ready for Stampaway with new images, my class kits, etc. so I haven't spent one minute in the sun, now that it's finally out. What's the point of living in California if you can't even get a tan...Will post the layouts with new images when I have the actual plates and can press the rubber...

Postcard and Paper Show, Saturday & Sunday, July 24 & 25 in San Marino

2010-07-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately (or fortunately for my budget) I will have to miss the San Marino Postcard & Paper Show at the San Marino Masonic Center (3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino) on the weekend of July 24 & 25. The show hours are 10 - 6 on Sat. and 10 - 4 on Sunday. Admission is $5 for both days. If you are interested in vintage postcards or paper ephemera of any kind, this is the place to go. I've been to the show several times when it's been held in Pasadena and you can't believe the hundreds of thousands of individual pieces of paper; postcards, sheet music, books, vintage photos, advertising memorabilia, calling cards, trading cards, autographs -- you name it. You start stacking up your selections into a little pile and before you know it, it can really add up, so give yourself a budget. While I do have several sources for vintage photos, etc. (and I always hit the antique malls in Ohio when I'm there), this is one-stop shopping for anyone who likes to journal or collage. I'm sure they'll be wheeling and dealing, particularly on Sunday, so if you have a few hours to kill and some $ to spare, perhaps you should check out this show and get on their mailing list. Most vendors do have chairs so you can sit and peruse the boxes, bins and piles of paper...web site: http://www.postcardshows.com/.

Original Rubber Stamp Convention this weekend, July 10 & 11, 2010

2010-07-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Don't forget..the Carson show is this weekend. Good group of vendors, some of my favorites. I'm going over in the morning because our friend Lisa is here from Okinawa. Will rendezvous for a couple hours of shopping and eat lunch...would stay all day but have plans for the evening. With all the stamp stores (and a couple of the Tall Mouse stores) closing, in SoCal, this is the BEST opportunity to find the newest stamp images and products. It's a two-day show and you get a discount if you buy a two-day pass...lots of demos and make-and-take its -- enough to spend two days getting ideas. Let's support the longest running stamp show in the country!

Thrifty shopping for summer duds

2010-06-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have a $75 gift certificate to Nordstroms burning a hole in my pocket so after radiation on Tuesday I stopped at the Brea Mall to see what's "new" for summer. I also recently purchased a copy of InStyle and perused some of the fashion magazines at work to see what's hot for summer, so I wanted to see how far my $75 would go -- it barely got me in the door. Nautical colors and themes seem to be popular, t-shirts and blouses with beading, rhinestones and shells were right up there. White blazers and linen were everywhere (including on Sarah J.P. in the magazines) and the strappy leather gladiator sandals are still a sure bet (have mine from last year). I also need a couple of silk scarves to get me through the last couple of weeks of "patchy hair" before I move on to headbands so looked in the scarf/headband/barrette department for some ideas...

The only scarves were florals and there were 4 -- I need solid colors or a small print or I wind up wearing solid color clothes just so my scarves don't clash. I can't get beyond wearing two prints -- it upsets the laws of nature.
The cheapest beaded t-shirt was $78, the linen dress I liked was $220 and the oversized tunic t-shirt was $198. $75 just doesn't go as far as it used to...

So, after my radiation treatment yesterday I stopped at a thrift store that Patrice and I visited a couple of weeks ago in Pomona. It's on Holt Ave. near Central and it's called Great Deals Thrift Store. For $46.85 I found the following: a brand-new white pique blazer in my size (tags still on) for $9.98; two banadanas ($.55 each) and scarf ($.98); a brand-new coral sweater with shells around the neck and down the front ($3.98); a white linen blouse from Nordstroms (broken in and soft); two sleeveless blouses and a Liz Claiborne floral blouse; 2 hats; two pairs of linen pants which match some other linen pieces I already have, as well as some yarn, some beads, and a couple of Tommy Hilfinger table runners that are perfect for a friend.

I guess my days of shopping at Nordstrom are over; I have had better luck at Target, thrift stores and boutiques finding reasonable, cute, stylish clothes that I don't feel guilty about wearing for just one season (or a year) --shopping at the thrift store (or consignment stores) is "recycling," and it's usually to support a good cause...sometimes you make mistakes and when you get something home you find a stain or that it doesn't fit or loook as good as you'd hoped...but then it goes into the bag to donate to another charity or thrift store. But more than anything, it satisifies that "thrill of the hunt." I can't tell you what incredible things we've found in thrift stores -- nothing worth a fortune, but certainly many things that we needed or perfect for someone else, and this society is so wasteful that many times the items and like new or brand-new, never been used or worn...

We are very fortunate in California to have so many generous people who donate to thrift stores and so many people with $$$$ who donate great stuff. I've been to thrift stores in other parts of the country (one of our usual stops when we travel are the local thrift stores) and California's are hands-down the BEST!

That's all. I'm going to post some of my favorite thrift stores in SoCal, but have to leave for radiation therapy right now. Only 9 more radiation treatments! Yay!

Have a great Father's Day weekend. Yay Lakers!

One more day until Glitterfest!

2010-05-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this special event, tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. Glitterfest is from 10 - 3 pm at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, right across the street from the Santa Ana Zoo, off 1st Street. Yes, Santa Ana does have a zoo, and their newest "guests" are a pair of anteaters...Visit the Glitterfest "link" below for a list of "artists." I went last fall as a shopper and went nuts buying Christmas gifts for friends. Lots of jewelry and other one of a kind creations -- I'll have my fiber necklaces and some other goodies. Thank goodness they are giving us an hour to shop between set-up and the time the doors open to the public but I hope I don't spend more than I make! Admission is $7 and parking is free. Hope to see you there! I'll be wearing a scarf...and one of my necklaces...

Marylinn Kelly and Lisa Hoffman at Stamp Your Heart Out, Claremont

2010-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful excursion! Went to Claremont yesterday to see Marylinn Kelly and Lisa Hoffman present a "Journal Improv" at Joan's great store, Stamp Your Heart Out! Saw lots of familiar faces and was so happy to see Marylinn and Lisa after so many years. They covered "visual journaling" basics (there ARE no rules) and offered lots of great information on resources and uses for products, techniques, as well as books, magazines and other artists' blogs. Lisa's blog is http://www.lisahoffman.typepad.com/ and there's a link to Marylinn's blog on my list already. Stamp Your Heart Out does frequent mailings about their events, so be sure to contact them to get on that list at http://www.stampyourheart.com/. Again, no traffic to speak of heading out there mid-day on Saturday -- it was about 30 minutes from the OC and there are tons of places to shop and eat! They have a monthly ATC swap (the third Saturday) and the next one is Saturday, May 15. If you don't know about ATC's this is the place to go -- and if you decide to get into it, they have everything at the store you'll need to get started. There are so few stamp stores left -- let's support the great ones that we have!

Thematic Attic, Covina

2010-05-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Went on a little excursion Friday out of our usual "comfort area" and wound up in Covina at the Thematic Attic. Not only is it a great resource for teachers and parents, but the owner, Valerie, has a knack for offering lots of things that grown-ups would want for themselves. Each area is devoted to a theme -- art, Egypt, Spanish language books, classic children's literature, and there are toys and gifts to complement each theme. She has rubber stamps, stickers, scrapbook paper, clip art books and lots of "toys" for all ages. I picked up a book on Picasso written from the point of view of a child looking at Picasso's work and a "cubist" magnet set. As we walked into the store (which is HUGE, by the way) we were greeted by a lifesize teaparty for "Alice" with the silent movie of Alice (from the 20's or 30's) playing on a TV in the background. Alice "sets" were strategically placed around the store and everything was very inviting with lots of inventory and a huge variety to choose from. Makes you want to have a kid...not again...Visit the web site: http://www.thematicattic.com/ or better yet, visit the store. We also found some good thrift stores; Community Thrift on Arrow Hwy between Grand and Glendora Avenues and a few others. Worth the trip (hardly any traffic from the OC in the middle of the day) to meet Valerie and Kathy and spend some time in this wonderful store...and they're STAMPERS!

Happy Mother's Day to all you "Red Hot Mamas"

2010-05-04T12:11:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Fibert Art Necklace Class offered at Stampaway, Cincinnati, OH on Aug. 13 and Glitterfest at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, May 22.

2010-04-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

Stampaway class information is now available at stampawayusa.com and there is still time to register for my fiber art necklace class. It is scheduled for Friday, August 13, from 8 - 10:30 am at the show hotel. Each student will complete a necklace during class and be given lots of wonderful buttons, embellishments and extras (as usual) to personalize their unique creations. Complete details on the class, materials list (very small), etc. is on the site. Go to the link and check out all the classes.

Mary Jo McGraw will be teaching two classes, demonstrating on Friday night Aug 13 and Saturday Aug 14 in the Carmen's Veranda booth during the show, and doing a demo at 9:30 on Saturday morning, downstairs. Mary Jo's Thursday class features the Carmen's puzzle shrine, Frida Kahlo and lots of glitz and day of the dead colors and imagery; that class is at noon and her other class is on Friday afternoon -- Mary Jo is the BEST source for new techniques and product info and one class with her is like a semester course in stamping.

Oh, and wait until you see the Carmen's booth THIS year. We're pulling out all the stops to bring great new stamping products and lots of new rubber stamp images including retro Alice in Wonderland, Halloween and more. There will be some classic Carmen's images that haven't seen Stampaway in years and a great selection of vintage "stuff" including paper ephemera and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Look for us in the lobby upstairs, we're the "queens" of Stampaway -- two of the only three gals who've been to every Stampaway besides Connie (Judi of Judi-Kins is the third)...and if you ask nicely, maybe we'll bring a few world-famous Carmen's Veranda GRAB BAGS.

Be sure to make Stamp Your Art Out's weeklong 20th anniversary party in May -- info on the Stampaway show web site under Stamp Your Art Out! Lots of prizes, shopping sprees, classes and demos. Don't miss it!

If you like the necklaces but don't live close enough to Ohio to take the class, I will be selling the necklaces and lots more at Glitterfest on May 22 in Santa Ana at the Elks Lodge. This is a fun little show with jewelry and lots of other vintage and glittery handmade treasures. Visit the web site for more details, glitterfest.com. Pamper yourself with something sparkly and fun and splurge!

Stampaway Class: August 13, 8-10:30 am

2010-04-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Nude, food and tattooed

2010-04-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Whenever I thought about getting a tattoo I envisioned something small, discreet, out of sight -- maybe a name, quote, initials, etc...but NO, I now have 6 tattooed "dots" around my right breast and on my chin in preparation for my radiation treatment which starts May 17. I told my husband that I wanted the initials B.A. tattooed on my butt when I finish my B.A. (Bachelor of Arts, not what you think), but I had been having second thoughts about that...then I thought I might like a nice big pair of wings on my back, just in case there's any doubt on where I'm going when I leave...but that's too melodramatic. So Shawn, the radiation technician, made up my mind for me. I'd like to think of my newly acquired "freckles" as stars in a new constellation which, if you connect them, create a picture of my old breast, the larger, fuller, 36D one without the scar...what's Latin for breast?

Did I mention that the drug I have to take for a year (herceptin) makes you gain weight? I managed to keep it to 5 lbs, particularly when I couldn't taste anything, but it's crept up a little in the past month...oh well, I have all summer to walk it off. Food still doesn't taste great but it's getting better...the downside is that people expect me to be wasting away and are shocked when I appear "robust." I'm getting to hate that word...

And finally, I haven't had so many men interested in my breasts since high school. Every time I have an appointment I have to flash 'em and during radiation I'll be laying on my back with my arms akimbo while they blast 'em with x-radiation. I'm getting to the point where I'm asking complete strangers if they want to see 'em...In high school boys just wanted to know they were there and that they were real; they didn't quite know what to do with them, but they did look pretty good holding up a corsage on a prom dress. Now the interest in my breasts is all clinical -- I miss the good old days...

Nude, food and tattooed.

Maybe that's what I should tattoo on my butt...that about covers my life right now. Then I'd have to flash my butt...

Finishing my Gertrude Stein/Picasso thesis

2010-04-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

One thing I've learned while writing my art history thesis on Gertrude Stein and Picasso is how much has been published about these two unique artists and how little I actually knew about them when I started. Picasso was truly an artistic chameleon -- he mimicked, copied, borrowed, and invented so many genres. I had never seen this painting of the woman and crow, but after finding out that crows and ravens have "healing properties" according to Zuni legend, I googled raven and crow art and this popped up. No single book has all Picasso's work and believe me, I've read or perused LOTS! What a nice surprise. Final draft of paper deadline Sunday, two weeks to do power point presentation, then one more week of editing/improving paper and I'm done until August 30...a rose is a rose is arose.

Picasso's Woman with Crow

2010-04-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite places -- and somewhere new to visit -- Paris To the Moon in Costa Mesa

2010-04-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

We thought we knew ALL the coolest stores in Orange County but Jody and I visited a new store today that was fabulous. Paris To The Moon is in Costa Mesa at 1720 Santa Ana Avenue tucked into a little cottage on a corner. It's chock full of glittery, fun, decadent stuff and we left with plastic crowns and wands for fun. Paper goods, lots of Parisian themed gifts (of course), purses, vintage items, jewelry, small antiques, tiny chandeliers, and pink, crystal, black and white items abound. The people were very, very nice and we all chatted about our 'other' favorite stores...they also suggested a great place for lunch, Eat Chow, on 18th street, right around the corner, and it was delish! Next time you are on your way to Newport Beach, take a left at 17th street in Costa Mesa, a left at Santa Ana Avenue, and it's on your right. There's a little parking lot in back of the store. We decided it's worth a trip back again soon to see what other 'hot spots' are along 17th street, it looked very promising. Fashion Island is only about 10 minutes away -- always great stuff at Anthropologie...and South Coast Plaza and the Lab are also only 10 minutes away...Paper Source in Crystal Court, Urban Outfitters in the Lab among others.
A few of my other favorite stores:
Barbara Cheatley's, 215 Yale Avenue, Claremont (around the corner from Stamp Your Heart Out); Mrs. Tiggy Winkle's, 3675 Main St., Riverside (on the walking mall across from the Mission Inn); and Eikon, on the south side of Orange Circle next to the Victoria Company (say hi to John and tell him Elaine sent you)! Not your run of the mill mall stores -- and not that far away...have fun shopping or just looking for inspiration!

He's really most sincerely dead

2010-04-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

RIP Meinhardt Raabe. One of the last living munchkins is no more. The coroner from the movie, "Wizard of Oz," just died at the age of 94. He was one of 124 Munchkins in the movie and one of only 9 who had speaking parts. Several years ago I did a "Wizard of Odd" tribute to the movie and used many stamp images I already had plus added a few new ones -- none were of the actual movie characters but were adapted or improvised upon. One of samples we came up with used my stamp "Bulletino" as the coroner with a scroll and the "Certificate of Death." So this is the Carmen's Veranda tribute to Meinhardt Raabe and the movie that has brought so much joy to people for 71 years...and if being a Munchkin wasn't enought, Raabe was also Oscar Mayer's "Little Oscar," and toured the country in the Wienermobile for more than 30 years. I saw him in 1959 at the Ralph's market on Chatsworth in Granada Hills; the same day Engineer Bill appeared at the store and some lucky kids were chosen to play "red light, green light." ...almost too much excitement for one day. Talk about starstruck!

Last BIG chemo and Dennis Hopper

2010-03-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm almost afraid to write this but since there seems to be little chance of a delay...next Thursday should be my eighth and last BIG chemo! I don't know why I'm so excited. The week following my last two chemo cycles I wound up in the emergency room with complications, and after the last one I wound up in the hospital overnight...but at least it's the last session and I have some idea of what to expect during the weeks following. While it should be the last BIG chemo, I have six more months of weekly "little" chemo sessions (herceptin) until January and radiation treatments will probably begin in late April for seven weeks. Herceptin doesn't have the side effects of the BIG chemo nor does the radiation, other than the fatigue, and life will be a little more normal than it's been in the last six months. Did you see Dennis Hopper on the news yesterday? He received his star on the Hollywood "walk of fame," just in time from the looks of his condition (prostate cancer). Of course, treatment for prostate cancer makes men lose weight, while treatment for breast cancer makes women gain weight -- we just can't catch a break...I always loved Dennis Hopper -- he's such a renaissance man and a "bad boy" which I also love...how gutsy of him to make an appearance yesterday. I'm sure the outpouring of love and respect for his career was very therapeutic and uplifting. Loved to see Jack Nicholson there supporting his Easy Rider buddy -- but where was Peter Fonda? Come to think of it, where was Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, James Dean, Rock Hudson? Even if Dennis Hopper doesn't make it, he's outlived so many of his co-stars...and reinvented himself and revived his career many times...and how smart of him to take photos throughout his career on his movie sets, etc. What a legacy for his children and Hollywood... The LA Times said today that there will be a Dennis Hopper photo retrospective soon at LACMA or one of the museums that Eli Broad is involved with (he was there yesterday, too). It will be sad to see Dennis Hopper next year in the Oscar "memorial" segment, but it seems inevitable. But hey, we may see Jesse James there too if Sandra Bullock's fans get their hands on him...another bad boy who couldn't make the transition from bad girls to good girls AND wasn't smart enough to pick a bad girl who could keep her mouth shut. Talk about Sandra being hit on her "blind side." Working on my Gertrude Stein/Picasso thesis this weekend for my one class this semester. Talk about picking two people who are the most written about writer and artist in the world! You should see my bibliography. And egos...two of the greatest self-promoters in the history of art and literature. Happy spring everyone. It's supposed to be 80 degrees here today, Santa Ana winds, but rain is coming next week...everything in our yard is blooming, particularly the weeds, and I'm going outside to read about Gertrude's literary portraiture and enjoy the weather. Nice enough to go without a hat and show off my 3/4" of hair...

Carson Stamp Convention, March 13 & 14

2010-03-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that one of your best stamp shopping opportunities is this weekend at the Carson Community Center. March Carson will be held on the 13th and 14th and with so many rubber stamp and scrapbook stores in the area closing, it's a good time to check out some of your favorite vendors. No Carmen's Veranda booth this time, prior commitments prevented it, but lots of other great companies who need your support, as does the convention. Always something new, demos, bargains and more. Don't miss it.

Kemosabe has a whole new meaning

2010-03-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

When my husband left for work this morning and I was getting ready to leave for my 7th "big" chemo session, his parting words to me were "good-bye chemosabe." I thought this was very clever and decided to look up the meaning of kemosabe (knowing that it was used by the Lone Ranger and Tonto). It means faithful scout or trusted friend. Tonto used the term kemosabe far more often than the Lone Ranger...but it is an Indian term so that makes perfect sense. Trusted friend who has your back in good times and bad, so I guess my husband is really the "chemosabe," and I'll remind him of that when he's giving me the shots to boost my white blood cell count for the next six days...thanks chemosabe, one more "big" chemo session to go...

The Red Mat and The Scrappin' Table are closing.

2010-03-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

I received a message today from Linda, owner of the Red Mat in Placentia/Fullerton and she is having a sale on everything in the store as she winds down her business. Everything is 30% off and she's open Tues - Sat. until further notice. She has a great selection of paper, stamps and supplies so be sure to drop by while she's still open to take advantage of the sale. The store is in a shopping center at the corner of Placentia Avenue and Bastanchury. Also in this center are Tuesday Morning and Joann's Fabric, and Tall Mouse in Yorba Linda is only a couple of miles away at Yorba Linda Blvd. and Valley View. Also closing on March 13 is the Scrappin' Table, a scrapbook store at Rose Drive and Imperial Highway. Try to get to the Red Mat and Scrappin' Table (by this weekend) before all the good stuff is gone!

arch 13 is the Scrappin' Table in

Fiber Art Necklaces -- Each one is unique and chock full of vintage buttons, embellishments and surprises!

2010-02-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am furiously making my fiber art necklaces for the Glitterfest boutique in May in Santa Ana and have many people stop me when I've been wearing one of the necklaces asking whether I sell them. So, I thought I'd post a few photos...I'm also hoping that this project will be chosen for one of the classes at Stampaway in August and am waiting for the word that the class is a go. First priority was to finish necklaces for a few friends' Christmas presents this year. I still have two to finish and one to mail (to my sister). Each one is completely unique. I used yarn colors and embellishments that were meaningful to each friend and will use buttons, embellishments, beads, etc. for the Glitterfest and class necklaces. A GREAT way for me to use up my huge stash of "stuff" collected over the past 20 years and "pass along the joy" of this collection to others. When I know whether the class has been chosen for Stampaway, I'll post the info. Keep your fingers crossed, it's a great project and suitable for all students, beginners and pros alike. I'm hoping to complete a special New Mexico theme necklace for the Albuquerque show using milagros, skulls and other "day of the dead" theme embellishments so will post a photo of that if I "get 'er done."

Breaking news -- classic Alice in Wonderland images coming, just in time for the new Tim Burton movie

2010-02-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am pasting up a new plate of classic Alice in Wonderland images as I write this...Mad Hatter, tall Alice (after growth spurt), white rabbit, queen of hearts, Cheshire "grin" and cat face, mean Humpty Dumpty (already have his wall). These are not rip-offs of the characters in the new Tim Burton movie or Disney version, they are classic images from artists who have illustrated various editions of Alice over the years...ordering the new plate next week and will post the images when ready. You can color this Mad Hatter's hair orange if you like...I can't stop you.

Getting ready for one of my favorite stamp shows of the year -- Albuquerque

2010-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

February 27th and 28th the Albuquerque Rubber Stamp Event is returning to the New Mexico Fairgrounds and so am I. I love this show -- it's small, but the customers are wonderful, they love my day of the dead images and there is so much to see in Albuquerque, especially in the great little Nob Hill area (Mariposa Gallery, etc.) and it's an easy show to get to and from. Doubt that we'll get to Santa Fe, but it's a fun weekend anyway. Taking Jody and Patrice for "muscle and moral support" and my friend Harry is driving and taking two of my heavier boxes so I don't have to schlep those onto the plane. Flying Southwest so we can each check two bags free and that's a big help. Doing a more lesiurely schedule -- flying on Thursday evening, set up on Friday, show on Saturday and Sunday and fly home on Monday. At least we have some breathing room and can relax and have some nice dinners, visit with friends, Jennifer, Paula and Teresa, etc. and do a little thrift store and gallery window shopping. Just in time for this show I finished a new plate of the BIG LETTER postcards for New Mexico which I've been promising customers for years. Also did a Hopi style owl in two sizes, a small version of my skeleton shrine (big request from customers) and am bringing about a couple dozen other new stamps that have been introduced since last spring's show. Oh, and did a new Edgar Allen Poe which is perfect with the crows I introduced at last year's show. I am really looking forward to this little getaway and it comes at the perfect time between chemo treatments so that I can enjoy it. Hope all our New Mexico customers will come to the show -- rain, snow or shine -- check out the link to the show under my "web sites of interest" as the Albuquerque stamp show. See you in two weeks, can't wait!

Quick trip to Stamp Your Heart Out, Claremont

2010-02-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a very quick trip to Claremont this morning. Met my friend Beverly at Stamp Your Heart Out (she'd never been before), bought some much-needed stamp pads and not-so-much-needed other items. Joan had a wonderful selection of Valentine papers, stamps, etc. and the store was well-stocked as usual with the latest stamp images, products, magazines and books. It is well worth the drive. I left Placentia at about 9:20 and was there in less than half an hour. We hit a few other shops and had lunch but Beverly had to cut our trip short to make a meeting at school at 1:30. For dessert we bought cookies "for the road" at Some Crust Bakery on Yale. Chose "chocolate decadence" and couldn't wait until I got home to eat it so I broke off a piece in the car -- it was like a gooey brownie. Scrumptious! Made it home in time for thunder, lightning and a downpour and found my new stamp plate waiting for me. I'm pressing rubber as I write this; new Edgar Allen Poe and Dali faces, did the skeleton shrine in a smaller size due to popular demand, have some new owls and new New Mexico big letter postcards for the show in 2 weeks. Will scan and post the plate on the blog in the next few days. Shop at small stores! Claremont is a charming university town with loads of great gift shops, places to eat, and of course, Stamp Your Heart Out...not too many stamp stores left, and few as great as this one, so try to make a trip to Claremont in the near future.

Pee Wee Herman Show Report

2010-02-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful evening at the Pee Wee Herman Show last week. Lots of guys, couples and Judith and me...It wasn't full but it WAS a Tuesday. We went to Club Nokia but the bigger crowd (and a slightly different crowd) was attending the Kings hockey game at Staples center. The seats of the intimate "club" were sold out almost to the edges of the balcony but the crowd was little more subdued than I thought they would be (it IS L.A. after all). Only one guy dressed up like Pee Wee and there were a few Pee Wee dolls but the audience did participate by screaming when the word of the day (fun) was uttered. Great set, fun cartoon and 50's era newsclips, and an hour and a half of pure Pee Wee. Pee Wee is as trim as ever in his tight, little suit and Miss Yvonne was a vision in tulle and velour (two outfits). A few double entendres and gay marriage references, but Pee Wee was really on his best behavior and the crowd responded with a standing ovation. Since I made Pee Wee buttons for the occasion I did not buy a t-shirt but they did have some cool merchandise and I'm sure you could find it online. Two snaps for the show...

Ta Ta Chronicle Number 4, February 9, 2010

2010-02-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's time for eyebrow lessons.

Since I received my grandmother's abundant eyebrows as part of my family "hair" legacy, I never dreamed the day would come where I would need to draw in or even highlight my eyebrows. I can cover my stubbly head with hats and no one's the wiser, but your eyebrows frame your eyes and without brows AND eyelashes, my face is looking pretty pale...I did buy an eyebrow pencil and am doing my best with that, and I'm faithfully lining my eyes and using mascara on the remaining eyelashes (few enough to count), but I broke down yesterday and bought "bangs" at the beauty supply store to tuck under my hats and cover my receding brow line. I have two friends who are consummate eyebrow artists; Terry DiMarco and Jennifer DeLacy. I've always marvelled at their precision and now wish I had taken lessons...my efforts at eyebrow artistry fall far short of their prowess.

At my last appointment with the doctor I asked about the "return of the hair" and she indicated that three weeks after my last chemo session the hair, brows and eyelashes (and God knows what else) should begin to reappear. Apparently no one knows what to expect with the hair; since I had fine, salt and pepperish curly hair, I'm hanging in there for thick, blond, straight hair, but the doctor seems to think it will be white or gray...whatever...the hats are fine for winter but I'm looking forward to tossing my mane in the late spring and summer. I'm not really that hung up on the hair -- but I'm tired of looking like a newt even though I get lots of compliments on my hats during chemo.

Having my sixth BIG chemo session this Thursday, only two more of those to go, but am also having weekly "small" chemo sessions with one drug that I'll have until October. Different side effects, more fatigue, leg cramps (bought some Gatorade), but no nausea (yay) and now I know what to expect from the new drugs and have a new routine and meds to combat the effects. All in all, I've been very lucky. Still working one day a week, back in school for one class this semester, going to Albuquerque for the rubber stamp show the end of this month, so life is as normal as it can be...

When radiation treatments start in late April life will be a little different. Have those every day (5 days a week) for 7 weeks so my activities will be curtailed somewhat for daily appointments. No side effects expected other than more fatigue, but the "rules" are relaxed during radiation. I can have an occasional glass of wine, eat sushi and have my nails done -- woo hoo -- things I cannot do during chemo.

Many thanks to all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers and just keeping in touch. I love you all.

Old friends at CHA

2010-01-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Attended the Winter CHA show on Monday. Tagged along with Mary Jo while she shopped for her stores in Idaho and we looked for product to demo at Stampaway in August. Saw lots of old friends; Connie Williams, Beckah Krahula, Mary O'Neil, Sue Gilman, Tim Holtz, Mario, Karen, Rob and Judi, Ted and Michelle, Harry and Colleen, and many more. The show was smaller than usual but vendors still had lots of new products and ideas. Traditional crafts seem to be holding strong; quilting, knitting, etc. but there were not as many ribbon, button or scrapbook paper suppliers as previous years. By noontime the crowd was respectable and people were placing their orders after "shopping" on Sunday. Hope the vendors did well and that they enjoyed a few days of California sunshine after the week of torrential rain we had last week.

Support Your Local Stamp Store -- The Red Mat

2010-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

Placentia's only rubber stamp store is having a HUGE sale. The Red Mat is offering 25% off all stamping supplies plus larger discounts on other items; magazines, paper products, etc. through Jan. 30th. Store hours are Tuesday - Friday 10 - 6, Sat. 10 - 5, closed Sunday and Monday. This is one of the ONLY well-stocked stamp stores left in Orange County. The Red Mat is located at 1828 N. Placentia Ave (at the corner of Placentia Ave. and Bastanchury). This shopping center also has a JoAnn's fabric store, Tuesday Morning, used book store, and a funky discount store, Ultimate Discount. It's worth a trip to check them out...also check out the Red Mat's web site: www.redmat.biz for classes, free demos and "specials." Tell them "Carmen" sent you.

Pee Wee Update

2010-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

We scored tickets to see the Pee Wee Playhouse "review" on Feb. 2 and I promise to take lots of photos. I found my Pee Wee Fun Club membership certificate and copied some of the little illustrations of Pee Wee so I'm going to make a few buttons to wear and give away. I guess Lawrence Fishburn won't be reprising his role as the sheriff -- now where did I put those Pee Wee Colorforms?

The Pee Wee Herman Show at Club Nokia

2010-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

Some of us have never recovered from Pee Wee's Playhouse being taken off the air. I'm still a member of the Pee Wee Herman fan club and have my membership card and certificate to prove it. For anyone else who can't let him go, there's a limited run at Club Nokia in L.A. of the "Pee Wee Herman Show" January 12 - Feb 7. At the very least, visit the web site, the graphics are fabulous, it's peewee.com. One year I was Pee Wee Herman for Halloween...where did I put that costume? I'll have to look for the photos, I know there's one around here somewhere...and who can ever forget Pee Wee doing the 'big shoe' dance in the biker bar...check out my You Tube link to watch it.

Gumby's creator, Art Clokey, has died

2010-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Art Clokey created Gumby in the early 50's and the character debuted on the Howdy Doody show but Gumby really didn't take off until the "boomers" embraced him in the 60's. He was the original "green" TV personality (eat your heart out Ed Begley, Jr.) and Clokey really was a lifelong environmentalist. Gumby's humble beginnings were the mud figures Clokey made as a child on his grandparents' farm, and his son John said that he "already has this in him, even as a child." Clokey's programs were the first to feature "claymation" and his Davey and Goliath was one of the first childrens' Christian TV series (sort of like a clay Lassie with homiles at the end of each episode instead of rescues). Unlike Jim Henson, the man behind Gumby was not a household name, probably just as well since that anonymity allowed him to work on movies like "How To Stuff A Wild Bikini" and dabble in psychedlic drugs on his spiritual quest during the 60's. His son said that period was "well after" the creation of Gumby. The style of Gumby's "hair/head" is said to have been based on his own father's swooping hairstyle -- one of those slicked up 30's or 40's era pompadours? While Clokey never reached the level of success of Disney, his "Gumbasia" set to jazz music in the early 50's, the clay equivalent of Fantasia, helped launched the Gumby series. Gumby merchandise continues to sell (mostly to us boomers) and I insisted on buying my son a Gumby and Pokey when he was little -- more for myself than him -- his recollection of Gumby was Eddie Murphy's version on Saturday Night Live. Visit www.gumbyworld.com for more info on Gumby, Davey and Goliath, the Blockheads, et al. Gumby's values were Clokey's, and their simple message was "If you've got a heart, then Gumby's a part of you." Bless your little clay heart Art Clokey, RIP.

Ta Ta Chronicle Number 3, January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

Published intermittently by Elaine Madrid.

Happy new year all, I'm still here.

I apologize if you did not get a Christmas card, I ran out of time and energy. I did, however, make a resolution to write more letters and notes to people this year and send out all the cards I've made or purchased over the years -- and that's HUNDREDS! Watch your mailboxes starting with Valentine's Day.

I'm halfway through chemotherapy and through with the nauseating drugs -- next are the drugs that make your face puff up. Had to have daily shots to beef up my white blood cell count and that seems to be working -- every day for a week right after chemo. Mike is giving me the shots -- he is a doctor, you know.

They told me that the effects of chemotherapy are cumulative, and the nausea certainly has been. Not bad first chemo; lasted a little longer second chemo; had "delayed nausea" third chemo, and really delayed nausea this time. Just got back to normal yesterday although my appetite wasn't affected. Just had to continue taking the anti-nausea meds and keep something in my stomach all the time. Guacamole with jalapenos seems to do the trick!

Things I've learned about having cancer:

Winter is the best time to go bald -- hats are de riguer in cold weather.
People tell me how well I look -- I must have looked like shit before...
People want to tell you about their cancer experiences, their friends' cancer experiences (unless someone died) to relate to what you're going through. It's OK, all information is helpful.
I hate pink.
I REALLY hate needles.
If you have a sense of humor about what's going on, it's contagious (in a good way).
People who you know love you are now telling you they love you more...
People who you didn't know loved you are telling you they love you.
You tell everyone you love them.
My friends and family are the best.
Cancer sucks.

If I lived to be 100 I could not feel more loved than I do now.

Thanks!
Elaine

Ta Ta Chronicle Number 2, November 27, 2009

2010-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

Published intermittently by Elaine Madrid

Dear Friends,
Just an update on my progress. Thought the day after Thanksgiving would be appropriate since I have a lot to be thankful for. My side effects from the chemo are minimal. There was some nausea which has been taken care of with medication, but the hair is gone. It is trying to grow back but I think the cycle will repeat each time I have chemotherapy – hair dies, hair grows back, hair dies, hair grows back. The brown colonists are hopeful, but the gray colonists are so faint that those areas look bald. Now I know what guys go through as they watch their hair disappear. Better to just shave it off and be done with it. Good thing it’s winter (although it was in the 80’s here yesterday); wearing hats is not as conspicuous this time of year. A very humbling experience – thank goodness my hair is not my identity.
More highlights of the experience:
Best news: scans showed that the cancer has not spread beyond the lymph nodes. Hooray!
At least they told me I’d pee “red” the day after chemo. No “tidy bowl blue” surprises…
If I’d lost my hair before Halloween I could have gone as Mr. Clean.
Our bedroom is 99% complete so we’re not sleeping on a mattress on the floor as we were right after surgery, but it was easier to roll off the mattress with one good arm than it is to climb out of bed.
More free lunches and gifts. More new hats and scarves. Lots of nice cards and emails. Thanks!
Fun at the Carson rubber stamp show – felt pretty good - so nice to see friends.
Second 4 cycles of chemotherapy makes your face puff up – I already have a round face – who’ll know?
And, I did NOT have to host Thanksgiving dinner; just took pies and wine to Mary and Patrick’s house.
Thanks for your love and support. Keep a good thought.
Elaine

Ta Ta Chronicle Number 1, October 23, 2009

2010-01-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Published intermittently by Elaine Madrid

Dear Friends,
Had my first chemo treatment yesterday. Anne Garcia drove me there, stayed with me through the treatment, and drove me home. Great to have such wonderful friends who are arguing over who gets to watch me get poison pumped through my veins and possibly PUKE!
I plan to approach this newest challenge with my typical good humor rather than trepidation so don’t expect “poor me” comments. Who knows, some of this information may come in handy (God forbid) since Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month has been publicizing the fact that 1 out of 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.

Highlights of the experience so far:
Nobody told me I’d pee “tidy bowl blue” the day after surgery. Attractive surprise!
My “small” incisions were of Frankenstein proportions, so I’m all ready for Halloween.
My muscle regeneration exercises consist of playing “itsy bitsy spider” on the wall.
I have lost weight – the hair goes next week…not that I have a lot to lose.
I’ve already gotten several free lunches and a free haircut.
I’ve received lots of new hats and scarves for my tiny pinhead.
My friends are rallying to help me at the Carson show on Nov. 14 and 15. Be sure to stop by and say hello, but no hugs please. The arm is still tender and GERMS.
And, it’s the right breast…saves you guessing.
Love you all, keep a good thought.
Elaine

Girls' Road Trip to Riverside

2010-01-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Made a quick trip to Riverside today with Jody and Judith to meet Auntie Amy and Miss Jennifer for a little shopping and lunch. One of the best gift stores in SoCal is in the walking mall adjacent to the Mission Inn in downtown Riverside. Mrs. Tiggy Winkles has something for everyone. The very gracious owner has the large shop categorized into "themes;" birds, religious statues, clothes and shoes, baby clothes and toys, cool purses, jewelry, home decor, seasonal merchandise, cards, papers, always changing, always the latest thing...too much to even describe. You have to see it to believe it. Bought myself two more hats for my bald, little pinhead and a creepy but endearing bunny doll. Found a bald, snowgirl with a crown that I'd seen before Christmas -- half price now -- SCORE! We had lunch at Simple Simon's a few doors down from Mrs. Tiggy Winkles and checked out the after-Christmas sales. There's a nice bead store, Bead Addict, and lots of free parking right on the street in front of the stores. Watch out for "pay parking signs" -- you can find free parking if you're observant. Traffic is non-existent going out to Riverside on a weekday in the a.m. and we got out there and back in no time. We didn't have time for the big antique mall but that's another day. For a real treat, drive out to Riverside on a Saturday, shop, have lunch at the Mission Inn or dinner at Sevilla our favorite Spanish restaurant on the other side of the RR tracks by the depot. If you go on Sunday, you have to do the Mission Inn Brunch (need reservations) -- the BEST brunch I've every had, pricey but worth it. Stores don't open until noon on Sundays and not all are open...Lots to do in this "gem" of an area that's coming back to life. We agreed that we didn't have enough time to see it all but got a creative jumpstart just looking around.

Mixed Media Mosaics using the "classic" shrine stamp in polymer clay

2009-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

I had a moment to peruse some of the books I've bought recently, one being Laurie Mika's Mixed Media Mosaics. Lo and behold, she used several of my stamps, particularly the large shrine, and it looks great. I've taught classes using the smaller version as sculpey pins, necklace fobs, etc. but as part of a large, mixed media piece, the large shrine is fabulous. Although she did not give me credit in the book as the "resource" for the stamp, it's understandable. When you sell unmounted rubber, that's the risk you run. Check out a few of her creations with the large shrine stamp via the link to her web site www.mikaarts.com and see all her fabulous polymer clay creations. The large classic shrine rubber stamp unmounted is $8.75 plus S/H. The smaller version is $5 plus S/H.

Wigwam Motel, Route 66, Rialto, CA

2009-12-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

For my husband's birthday I decided to book a room at one of three remaining Wigwam Motels in the US -- it's in Rialto, CA just west of San Bernardino. We have a favorite restaurant in Riverside, so it was just a short drive down the 10 freeway to have dinner and get back to our teepee. As you know if you've driven along any stretch of Route 66, the towns that depended on tourists in the 50'S and 60's are full of abandoned motels and other businesses. Rialto is no exception. I've seen the Arizona Wigwam Motel from Route 66 and from the train which runs right in back of the motel and always thought it would be fun to stay there -- then we saw a program on "unusual buildings" just a month or so ago and the Wigwam in Rialto was mentioned. The Rialto Wigwam Motel was built in 1949 (same as me) and has not changed much. Inside the room the ceiling is flat, not the high, pointed ceiling you'd expect. It's pretty spartan, but we were there for the experience, not Five Star accommodations. By the time we returned from dinner there were quite a few cars parked next to the teepees, so I guess the motel will survive a while longer. The manager was very nice. He gave my husband a free postcard and coke because it was his birthday. If you are interested in a bit of Americana, give it a try. It's not for everyone, but it was clean, about $70 for a room with a "sitting area," it has cable TV and it's not far from the 10 freeway between the 15 and 215, and close to Riverside. Not much else to do in Rialto -- we had breakfast at a Denny's Diner and that's very predictable. Time is running out on some of these landmarks...we told the manager we'd spread the word on the Wigwam...

More sad news: Soupy Sales died

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

All of you boomers must remember Soupy Sales. We watched his show in the 60's which was really meant for kids but drew more adults to his irreverent program. A survey in 1962 showed that more than a third of his viewers were adults. It became a status symbol to get hit in the face with a pie on Soupy's show and many big names requested that honor including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Bob Hope. His show was suspended several times due to "off-color" dialogue and routines, but was always reinstated by popular demand. Those shows of the 50's and 60's had no props to speak of, no special effects (Soupy's buddies White Fang, Black Tooth and Pookie were just hairy arms that appeared at the edge of the screen), and like Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Captain Kangaroo, they will be remembered and cherished long after today's animated kids' shows are gone. "Soupy was unrepentant and inspired our generation to anarchy."

An unexpected bump (lump) in the road

2009-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, here goes. I have breast cancer. I've already had surgery, had my first chemo treatment yesterday and will have a combination of chemo and radiation for the next year. I am doing November Carson on the 14th and 15th, "with a little help from my friends," so if you are planning to attend the show, come by and say hello (but no hugs, please). I'll be the one in the Carmen's Veranda booth with a hat. I'm a good patient and a good healer so this is an temporary inconvenience, not a change of lifestyle. I'm also planning to do Stampaway in Cincinnati next August, teach a class, and I've already spoken to Connie Williams about it. Most disappointing aspect of this is the interruption in my progress at Chapman University, but I can go back once this is behind me. Any of you who know me know what a control freak I am so one of my oldest friends, upon finding out about the cancer said, "you can't go anywhere, who will be in charge?" So I'm taking charge of my treatment (again with help from my husband and friends), but as for everything else, you're all on your own for a while. Keep a good thought and be sure to have your mammograms!!!!

It's the end of an era. The Century Lounge near LAX is closing.

2009-09-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

I just read in the LA Times this morning that the Century Lounge by LAX has closed and will be torn down for more Wally Park parking. For the benefit of those of you who aren't Angelenos, for many years it has been a somewhat embarrassing landmark near LAX, adjacent to many of the large hotels and parking lots along Century Boulevard. The exact words used in the Times article were, "...an LA area strip club that has titillated and disgusted tourists for decades with its blinking 'Nude Nude Nudes" sign will be demolished and replaced by a parking lot..." The club reached an all-time low in 2005 when it erected an 18 foot high sign on its facade stating "Vaginas R Us." I guess that sign crossed the line of decency and it didn't last long, just long enough for us to see it a few times on our way to and from Wally Park. Just the other evening the club was alluded to on the TV show Two and A Half Men when Charlie's nephew, Jake, referred to it as the "Live Nudes" club near the airport and he expressed his desire to visit. For those of us who fly in and out of LAX at all hours of the day and night, the marquee was a beacon of uncivility on the way to the airport but also a recognizable landmark. The parking lot of the club never looked full, but I'm sure they must have done a brisk business or they would not have lasted so long. Or, the guests of the adjacent luxury hotels just walked over or were dropped off by cabs... One of my favorite memories of "Live Nudes" was a late night (or pre-dawn) run to LAX on our way to catch a plane for a stamp show. I had picked Mary Jo up in Whittier and we were making our way to Wally Park and LAX. We were stopped at the light at Century and Aviation waiting to make a left turn. It was pretty dark but the street lights illuminated the road. About 50 yards ahead, across Century Boulevard, we saw what we thought was a black cat crossing Aviation heading toward "Live Nudes." Eventually we realized by its "gait" that it wasn't a cat but a very large black rat, leading us to believe that apparently not everything at "Live Nudes" was alive...I guess the city fathers finally prevailed and unanimously agreed that another parking lot was preferable to nudes, dead or alive...

Carmen returns to Carson Nov 14 & 15

2009-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

I just received word that I am "in" the November Carson rubber stamp convention. Due to school, etc. I have not been able to do this show for 2 years so an very happy to return. The show is on Saturday and Sunday November 14 and 15 and I have two year's worth of new images to share along with the old favorites, grab bags, some great new JUMBO poster paint markers, and other fun stuff! I hope that if you live in Southern California or are visiting around this time that you'll try to get to the show at least one day to say hello, support the vendors and Kat, and shop. We've lost so many stamp stores in the last year or so that the conventions are once again "showcases" for new products and stamps. The cost of admission to the show is small compared to the cost of gas to drive around SoCal to visit a handful of stores, and you get all the free demos, make and takes and great ideas from samples that you can absorb. Be sure to bring a camera to the show and also be sure to ask vendors if it's OK to take photos -- 99% of them encourage it. I'll be in the main hall -- look for "Carmen" and me.

Anniversary #40 August 23

2009-08-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 40 years...and they said it wouldn't last! Here we are a couple of years ago on our anniversary at one of our favorite restaurants, Cafe Sevilla, a Spanish restaurant in Riverside. We're actually going back there on our anniversary this year and also spending a night at the historic Mission Inn. Mike's high school reunion is this weekend and we're looking forward to seeing many of our old friends and I thought I better post this photo so they'll recognize us. He hasn't been to a reunion in 20 years and he's changed slightly...I haven't...

New images and GRAB BAGS available now

2009-08-11T07:09:00.001-07:00

Many of the stamp images shown in the samples from Stampaway are now available for purchase, unmounted only. I have scanned all my newest images and can provide you with pricing info. Please contact me at my regular email (elainemadrid@att.net) if you are interested. Also, GRAB BAGS are still available. More than $100 worth of USDA choice rubber for $25 plus $6.50 shipping (they weigh about a pound apiece). I've been asked about the Riverside show and will probably go back -- still holding out for November Carson, too, but that is up in the air. Would hate to miss my SoCal customers completely...

New images (double click to enlarge)

2009-08-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

Erin Smith, collage artist

2009-08-10T08:40:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago I traveled to Colorado Springs for a wedding and had a long layover in the Denver airport. I visited a shop in the airport called Mosaic and found the work of an artist named Erin Smith. I've added a link to her web site. She is a collage artist and I LOVED her stuff. Check it out. One of the best airport shopping experiences I've found in my travels -- if you have a layover in Denver, stop by Mosaic.

Another great Stampaway show and we won the Best Technique honors

2009-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Just returned from Cincinnati and the 17th Stampaway. This weekend is not for the faint of heart for vendors or customers. Classes, set-up, shopping, Friday's evening event, Saturday's throngs of people (yes, they still have throngs at the Cincinnati show), tearing down the booth as fast as you can, and finally relaxing at Connie's with dessert and a chance to visit with other vendors. Big winners: Judi-Kins, Friendliest Booth, Stamper's Anonymous, Best Demo, Northwoods, Best Artwork, European Papers, Best Embellishments and Carmen's Veranda (Mary Jo, of course), Best Technique. We were selling Sharpie brand BIG BOY white poster paint markers and gel markers and those were pretty much gone by the time Mary Jo finished her demo Saturday morning. I didn't even snag a jumbo marker for myself so will have to order more. It seems that the BIG images and BIG markers were the best sellers. I'll try to post some of the new images for your perusal in the next couple of weeks, particular those appropriate for Halloween -- my favorite holiday. Can't wait until next year to return to Ohio. Being a "winner" guarantees a spot for the following year. Wonderful to see friends that don't come to the West Coast like Mike and Chris (and Andy) from Coffee Break, Mark and Joni and Lemonhead from Artful Illusions, and too many to mention. Connie does a wonderful job with the show and promised to take it a year at a time with the planning since she's officially "retired" now. The classes were full, the attendance at the show was great, and even though it's a rigorous weekend, it's totally worth it! We can catch up on sleep this week...I'm trying to secure a spot in the November Carson show and Mary Jo agreed to demo for Carmen's if I can, so I'll keep you posted on those developments. ...and thank you Sandra for "making my day" with your purchases and praise.

17th Stampaway for Carmen's Veranda

2009-08-01T10:15:00.001-07:00

Only a few more days and it's off to Ohio for my 17th Stampaway convention. Lots of new images, and I'm bringing some Carmen "classics," that haven't made it to Stampaway in years...Mary Jo is teaching two classes on Friday and demonstrating in the Carmen's Veranda booth. We're in a great spot, upstairs in the lobby, and life is good. I decided to fly into Cincinnati this year -- previous years have taught me that if the weather is bad, the drive from Columbus to Blue Ash (even though it's cheaper to fly into Columbus) can be hazardous. Then there was the year of the great blackout on the East Coast. I landed at the Cleveland airport and everything was dark (airport bathrooms are REALLY dark when there's no power) and sat in the airport (no A/C) for 10 hours. By the time I got my flight to Columbus and drove to Blue Ash, I had about an hour to set up before the Friday night preview party. I'm too old for that kind of drama. Our other reason for flying into Columbus was to hit the antique stores in Waynesville and Lebanon on the way to and from the convention. Sadly, many of our favorite antique stores are gone -- I've found a few antique malls in the Cincinnati area online so I hope that we'll be able to hit a few on Thursday or Sunday. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to see everyone! Looking forward to fried green tomatoes and a Cracker Barrel breakfast! Carmen's has a demo (Mary Jo, of course, not me...) on Saturday morning at 9:30 and MJ will be in the booth all weekend. If you didn't get into one of her classes, be sure to visit the booth to partake of her knowledge and creativity.

My mother-in-law, Otilia Madrid

2009-07-21T09:17:00.001-07:00

My 100 year old mother-in-law passed away a little more than a week ago and her funeral was yesterday. Family and friends came to the church in Costa Mesa that she attended for almost 50 years and where Mike and I were married 40 years ago. She led a full, rich life, sustained by her Catholic faith, and her 4 children, spouses, grand-children and great-granchild were there to say good-bye. She arrived in Los Angeles in the late 1920's and met and married my father-in-law, Max. Some of the photos that were passed around after the funeral show what a dapper couple they were and one can only imagine what living in L.A. in the 20's and 30's must have been like. Before the children started arriving they lived in Echo Park and every photograph shows them "dressed to the nines." I've posted one photo that my mother-in-law sent to her future husband the year they were married. It's dated January 10, 1928 and we all agreed that she looks like a silent film star...the first of many drama queens in the Madrid family! Her name was Otilia Madrid and she was a wonderful woman and the perfect mother-in-law; she never meddled or criticized, she loved us all unconditionally, and we were all her little angels.

July is a big month! Mary Jo is coming to town and Carson is on July 11 & 12.

2009-06-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

If you miss Mary Jo as much as we do, you should contact Judi-Kins to take classes from her at their shop on July 1. Visit Judi-Kins' web site for class info. As for me, I'm spending the summer purging, packaging and plotting. I have Stampaway in Ohio in August (and Mary Jo will be back in my booth demonstrating and teaching classes on Friday before the show) and I'm hoping to do Glitterfest in October and Carson in November. I have not done the Carson show for almost two years, so I think it's time. Be sure to mark your calendars for July Carson; it's the 11th and 12th. A group of us are trying to rendezvous at Carson to celebrate the return of our friend Lisa Rodriguez (for the summer). She has been teaching in Okinawa for several years and it spending most of the summer in the US. Carson always has the newest and best stuff in SoCal, so don't miss it. Stand by for some new stamp images and announcements and please, support your local stamp stores and conventions! Had a pleasant surprise last month. Was invited to a birthday party for Keely Barham and who showed up? Teesha and Tracy! They were in SoCal and Keely's boyfriend invited them to the party. What a nice surprise! I hope we can return to Seattle in the coming year to do one of their great retreats; Seattle is one of my favorite places in the world and they're at the top of my list of favorite people.

Two final exams to go!

2009-05-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Our earthquake last night prompted me to post an entry -- it shook out the cobwebs. I can't believe it's been three weeks, sorry, but I've been swamped with schoolwork. I have high hopes for the summer; new stamp images, new sample boards, a new web site, reading, visiting museums (I have a long list), making time just to make stuff... In one of my classes we made an altered book about love. My group decided on a Victorian diary, but it had to be "ironic." The irony was that our diarist, Sylbil Grant, was schizophrenic! We each took a chapter and developed her split personalities; a Victorian lady, a prostitute, and mine, Jack the Ripper. It was fun and the diary turned out great! That's been the only "tactile" art experience I've had all semester but I plan to change that during the summer. The weather here is gorgeous, all our flowers are blooming and our cacti is covered with buds. It's so frustrating! They all bloom at the same time -- why can't they pace themselves... No more night visitors, probably because I put the throw pillows away now. I asked a few neighbors if they had seen a stray throw pillow in their yards, but I think it went with the raccoons to their lair. They must have a cush little hideout. More next week after finals are over -- then the studying begins for my math course...quote of the week: I AM NOT A STEREOTYPE (soon to be a rubber stamp). Be sure to visit the Carson show July 11 & 12. A group of us are planning to rendezvous at the show to meet up with our friend Lisa Rodriguez and check out what's new! Look me up on Saturday when you're there.

Where the wild things are

2009-04-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

I know for most of you having wild animals roam through your backyard is no big deal. I however live in the 'burbs, so when I suspected that raccoons were visting our yard, everyone thought I was nuts. Every morning for the past few weeks the cushions on our patio furniture were awry. Last night my son knocked on our bedroom door to tell me that raccoons were pulling the cushions off the patio furniture and peering in the screen door with no fear. I've seen raccoons in the yard before, but they were just passing through. We thought the fountain attracted them, and our neighbor's fruit trees, but they've never stayed long. Raccoons and possums are the largest critters we've seen, but I've heard stories of coyotes leaping over fences to dine on small pets as closeby as Yorba Linda...thankfully we have no pets at the present time. The raccoon at the door must have been providing a diversion while a partner managed to make off with one of the cushions. We saw it disappearing under the couch but did not realize that there were two raccoons and this morning when my husband picked up the cushions and replaced them, I realized that one was missing. I guess they are furnishing their "den" with new decor -- my throw pillow will make a lovely addition. I didn't want to approach the raccoon and figured he'd move on, since they've never done any damage or actually stolen anything before, but we're going to have to lock up the cushions for safekeeping at night, I guess. Only we would get the Tony Duquette of the raccoon world shopping for home accessories...

Spring Break

2009-04-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Culver City on Tuesday to celebrate my birthday, again (Jody, Patrice and Judith). Jody has been there before and we were up for trying a new area. Lots of restaurants, a nice little Farmer's Market, a few shops, and a pretty good thrift store. We grazed through the Farmer's Market and decided to try UGO, an Italian restaurant. It was great! We had a wonderful waiter, Errol (as in Errol Flynn) who was an actor (imagine that in LA????????). Everything was good, especially the ginger and pomegranate martinis. Good thing Jody drove home. It's a fun little area, lots of art galleries, but not a lot happening on a Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day Jody took us by a great place in Long Beach that I'll mention. It's a shop that collects donated "scrap" and has lots of craft stuff. It's called The Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse and the address is 320 Elm Ave. The owner's name is Lisa and she's very nice. Even if you don't need anything, if you want to get rid of stuff it's a good cause. I got 50 Piggly Wiggly zip-loc bags...They have classes for kids, some handmade stuff that's fun, and the merchandise changes daily. The phone is 562 437-9999. I think she's open Mon - Sat.

This spring vacation we've had weird weather; hot for a couple of days and overcast or drizzling the rest of the time. I"ve been working every day on school papers, reading and research so I have gotten a lot accomplished.

Sitting outside this afternoon enjoying the sun we had a swallowtail butterfly land on our bougainvillea, so I ran inside and grabbed my camera. I can't tell you the last time we had such a large, beautiful butterfly in the yard, so I've posted the photo.

Happy Easter everyone! We're having dinner with friends tonight, I'll be studying tomorrow, and back to school on Monday. Only about five more weeks of school, then summer (and math classes for me).

Quick trip to LACMA

2009-03-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Crazy weather day. Dark clouds, then the wind would blow them away. Made a quick trip to LACMA with Judith to see the netsuke at the Japanese Pavilion. I'm doing a report for my Art of China/Japan class on netsuke and they have a large collection. Netsuke are carved "toggles" that Japanese men wore on their sashes to hold up their smoking pouches or stamps and ink pads (funny how stamps keep popping up). Netsuke are carved from ivory, wood, amber, porcelain and other materials and are very intricate and beautiful. Good photo weather between clouds. Saw a mural on La Brea Blvd. I've never noticed before -- Jackson Pollock -- whom I'm studying in another class. His paint spatters were even on the sidewalk under the mural (clever).

Fun trip to Albuquerque last week. Had an enjoyable time with Miss Jennifer from Auntie Amy's. Those girls are troopers! They are doing a show in Portland this weekend and Mary Kay and Linda from Stamp Camp and Lost Coast are on their third show in a row -- too much travel for me. Love the folks in Albuquerque and glad to see Rhonda, thought she had already left. Lots going on at the fairgrounds; a craft show (Paula Best was in both the craft and stamp show), Mexican wrestling on Saturday night, a flea market (couldn't get away to check it out) and more. We had a flurry of snow one night, in the 40's and 50's the next day and by the day we left it was in the 60's. Stopped by Mariposa Gallery to say hello to Liz and Jennifer but never made it back to shop. Also had an early dinner at the Flying Star Cafe; have to eat there at least once each trip to NM. I always get ideas for new stamps when I visit New Mexico and I bought a dozen photo cards from a vendor at the craft show -- beautiful photos of doors, ravens, landscapes, statues, may be stamps soon.

Mid-terms this week and work in progress on 2 papers and 2 projects. Spent yesterday reading 3 books on Gertrude Stein and am studying today for tomorrow night's exam. Searching the internet I stumbled upon a web site (check out the link) for Margaux Lange. We saw her Barbie jewelry in New York a couple of years ago so I recognized it right away. She's having a show in Seattle, it's almost over, so if you can, check it out, and if you can't, check out the web site. LOVE the Barbie hand earrings!

More later...

Wet and wild day at Disneyland

2009-02-26T18:15:00.001-08:00

Well I lasted about 8 hours at Disneyland. What an old fogie. And no, we did not run down Main Street when they opened the gates. They gave the birthday girl a big button that said "Happy Birthday" and wrote my name on it. All day long people were wishing me happy birthday, employees of Disneyland, other people with birthdays and just anyone who happened to notice. What a brilliant idea on Disneyland's part. Anyone who got in free for their birthday brought an entourage to help them celebrate, all paying full price. It was fun to have so many people wishing you happy birthday...we did manage to get on quite a few rides before it got crowded. Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Railroad, the Haunted House, Peter Pan (the most crowded, go figure), the new and improved submarines, Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie the Pooh (we'd never been on that one), the new and improved Small World (it's going to take a lot more to improve it before I go on it again), and Splash Mountain. A word to the wise: do NOT go on Splash Mountain early in the morning, do NOT sit in the front seat, and do NOT spend a lot of time doing your hair if you plan to go on Splash Mountain. We did all of the above and were drenched. Only my shoes and socks stayed dry; my hair got soaked and you know how I slave over my hairdo, and my jeans stayed wet all day. Even my underwear was soaking wet. Live and learn. Karen put up with my cowardice -- I would NOT go on Space Mountain, Judith knows why...bad Magic Mountain experience. 8 hours was long enough to see what was new, people-watch, and have enough Disneyland experience to last me another 10 years. I highly recommend taking advantage of the free admission on your birthday. We only paid for parking and lunch and I had a really great time. Check out the photo of the throng of strollers at midday...I think they were parked near the submarines.