There is only one of me and every check mark counts

Sometimes I set crazy goals. That is what I did for April. Just when I was starting to feel stupid for doing that to myself, I received this encouraging message from sewcutebydesign. She reminded me of the thing that has saved me so many times. Here is her message:
Just wanted to send a message and let you know that I finally just completed the eye glass case from your pattern. Oh my god, it is so cute... It was so easy to do and I needed that today...It's been one of those sewing days and decided to try your pattern and I'm so glad I did!  You and your patterns are awesome! Can't wait to make more and list them.  Here is a photo she sent me. Is this cute, or what?

The message to me was twofold. First, I am doing a good thing with my pattern writing. Women feel successful when they use them. That is always encouraging to hear.  Second, when I start to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I need to complete a small project. That feeling of completion pumps
me up to keep on keeping on.

The project I completed yesterday with Rory's help was the photo shoot I needed to infuse my new apparel and accessories shop, BrandybuckClothiers, with life. Rather than waiting to schedule with a model, I decided to go for it. It is a small item checked off of a long list, but every check mark counts. Stepping into selling my clothing designs feels like a leap. For me, it is the next logical leap.

Baby Sea Stars

Baby Sea Stars
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

It is Springtime in Puget Sound too. Exploring at low tide is one of my favorite things to do. Saturday, we were rewarded with baby sea stars, 2 eels, a hermit crab in a too small shell, sea anemones - little kids saying anemone...Every bit of it precious. If you look closely at this photo, you can see some tiny snails on the sunny side of the rock near my thumb.

carpet making school Egypt

carpet making school Egypt
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

One of our stops in Egypt was this carpet making school. The kids who attend here have regular schooling 4 hours a day, then carpet school another 4 hours. They start at about 10 years old. They are privileged to be able to learn a trade. Working class in Egypt is more how we think of middle class. The instructor asked for a volunteer to tie a knot in the carpet. My hand shot up - no surprise to anyone. I think he was prepared for a longer lesson. I sat on the long, low bench next to a first year student the same age as my daughter. I watched as he walked her through the steps one by one, then I picked up a silk thread and made my knot in the carpet. You've done this before? he asks. Nope, I am just quick like that. After the lesson, we were treated to the showroom where all of the carpets I wanted were $12-14,000 US. Maybe next trip... I do see the work that goes into them, and it is not something I am tempted to make myself...but I could if I wanted to. After all, I had one lesson.

Thank you Walrustusk

Jen, the owner of Walrustusk is a talented beading artist and the most treasury making woman on Etsy. I started following her treasuries using the circles feature on Etsy. With circles, you see what people are adding to their favorites and what treasuries they make. It is different than adding someone to your favorites. I also added Jen to my faves because I want to see her new items as they come out. Thanks for the front page feature Jen, it was a nice little boost for my new pattern and sold some mitts too. I appreciate you for all the work you put in to promoting your fellow sellers through your beautiful collections. See all of Jen's treasuries here. And see her beadwork here.

Chat about Style with Iris Apfel

I want to be there, sunken in those sumptuous fabrics, and feel naked in my minimalist accessories. Hope you enjoy. 2 weeks to launch my fashion line. Getting excited to show you.

Mohammed Ali Mosque Cairo

Mohammed Ali Mosque Cairo
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

Obviously, this is another spot I would have loved to linger and not be with a tour group. Rory would have figured out how to get some elevation and shoot that lion. I love looking up at his mouth though. The sun was setting. We had to rush through the tour so they could close the place for the night. The light was perfect I think. A month in Cairo to take it in sounds about right. Two days was just a taste. Oh, I think my favorite thing I ate there was dove. Not a dove bar, dove meat.

Pyramid Puppies Giza, Egypt

Pyramid Puppies
Originally uploaded by studiocherie

I have been thinking a lot lately about what a blessed life I have. It is pretty amazing to me that I got to spend a couple of days in Cairo just a couple of months before their revolution.

The whole time I was there, I was wishing Rory could be there with me - partly because a man on my arm would have let me put my own guard down- but mainly because there was so much to photograph and so little time to do it. When we go together, we will just want a guide and not too much on the schedule. Taking our time to hang out with locals and take a million photos.

Our Egyptologist told us that the Sphinx is the most photographed place on the planet. Still I felt it was a privilege to be there. The pyramid in this photo is the oldest surviving pyramid in Giza.

In Israel, there were lots of stray cats. One of the first things I noticed in Egypt were the stray dogs. There was a 3rd pup and I wish I could have got them all, but they were on the move and so was I.

My mom is heading to Panama next month. My friend Cheryl-Anne is going to Iceland and to Europe. I'll be here sewing and remembering my big trip. Looking forward to a long season of travel in my future.