Oh Spring......it's so hard to concentate when you're here.
The garden calls my name,
the flowers distract me......
and then inspire me.
There is something amazing that happens when you dig in the dirt.
the simple physical nature of working the earth and soil is good for you.
my mind completely lets go of all negative thoughts and energy and is seriously restored by nature. I have been playing in the dirt since I was a little kid, I can thank my parents for that.
of course that was a billion years ago when we didn't have all of the distractions like we do now. we actually played outside until the street lights came on....we WANTED to be outside. I mean how can you not?
climbing trees, riding your bike.
I'm thankful I have kids that like to do these things.
I've been busy working in the garden here at my little apartment. I am so lucky I have this amazing green space right in the heart of the city. I even cleared out a space in my backyard that overlooks the town below, it's pretty awesome sitting under the trees at night by candlelight.
so when i'm not lured into the garden, you will find me in the studio.....I've been busy working on paintings, jewelry, and pillows. gearing up for next week when we re-open the shop on Thursday the 26th of April!
when I first opened the shop 7 years ago, I had two birds.......people used to make trips just to see those silly little birds.
sadly my last remaining parakeet, tulip, died a couple of weeks ago.
we buried her in the garden under the trees and Tulips, Fiona made a lovely shrine for her....
with her little bird bell, flowers and bird seed sprinkled around.....just about killed me that child. such a sweet soul.
So, being the animal lover that I am, and my fondness for birds, it just seemed fitting that we should have a new bird when we start our new Red Shoes venture.
So meet our new bird........
a sweet little Diamond Dove. that we named
mr. pink, chicken,
Pat, button, and now t-bone.
who knows! we can't decide! but I will tell you, I adore this little bird, and being able to hold him. we are working with him slowly to get him used to us, but oh. my. word.
love him.
so not only are we inspired by the garden, but we are inspired by our birds as well......
finally finished my hanging birds, after oh, about 8 years.......
i'll get around to the projects eventually, been busy working on a lot of things,
Fiona as my constant studio companion and inspiration.....
she's back to creating things for the Kids art Fair in July......tiny folk art fish that honestly, I CANNOT PART WITH......gonna have to reproduce some copies, because these are mine, I can't let go.....
I mean, these are the ones I made for a special order for the cabins up North at Wandawood....
and this is what Fiona churns out next to me......freaking free spirited artistic genius! oye, she KILLS me I tell ya!
click on them to see them larger if you'd like :)
my little buddy girl.
So on that note, I am off the get back into the studio, this child and the garden as inspiration.......
lots of things will be happening soon.....
going through my own personal stock of vintage things I am ready to let go of......
vintage kewpies, fun toys....
tiny little carnival ducks...... (not the letters) sorry, gotta keep the 'Lucky' letters to remind me how Lucky I truly am!
but I do have other letters and pretty plates and teapots I am letting go of......
and other wonderful things rolling in slowly but surely to the shelves of Red Shoes, like the fantastic handpoured and fabulous smelling candles from my sweet friend Michelle at Blackberry Briar, these scents she concocts are seriously AMAZING.
fresh lilacs, green grass, oh my word, once again......
garden fresh and awesome.
yes indeed...it's all good....and soon, you'll be able to walk back into our doors and see it all for yourself again, so pencil us in.......Thursday April 26th.......from 11-5:30
you know we will be so happy to see you!
XOXOXO
