my other life

Whew...I have been busy! Want to see what I have been up to? Check it out here: http://irenedesign.wordpress.com

Oh, and I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday. I think that is a sign that I need more sleep!!

Christmas in July?

I came home from work today, to find lots of gifts awaiting me! The least "gifty" was my very first whole bolt of fabric (pictured below with the other box I received). It is beautiful, green, home-decor weight fabric which I will be using to made a duvet cover as part of a custom order. There will be plenty of left-overs so bring on the ideas for using it! It isn't really a gift since I paid for it though.

The second, (pictured above on top of the box) was a card from Brandon's grandparents with a little something to help the car fund. Thank you!!

The third gift (and the one that made me think of Christmas) is a box my mom sent me. Granted, this is a box of stuff I already owned, but it was basically non-existant to me considering it was in California, and I am in Kentucky. I had an idea of what would be in the box, but it was still a surprise. (By the way, THANKS MOM!). In a way, this is a box that will help you get to know me a little better :o)

First, is a flapper dress that my friends pitched in together to buy me for my 18th birthday. I don't remember the precise reason I wanted it then, but I remember thinking it was gorgeous and it would look great on me. Have I worn it anywhere? Does my house count? I cannot remember actually wearing it out, but if I did, I am sure it was a really special occasion (and I am sure my lack of remembering will come back to haunt me!) By the way, the picture doesn't really do it justice. It is beautiful, and it includes a matching headband with feather attached, a string of pearls, and one of those long flapper/Holly Golightly cigarette holders).

Next, I pulled out this amazing fabric which I bought when I went to Guinea. I am not sure yet if I will make something with it, or keep it in one continuous piece (maybe use it as a table cloth?) It has too much sentimental value to be chopped up and sold. And I think the color combination is stunning (and perfect considering I where I got it). There was also a prayer mug which I got in Brussels, Belgium at the missionary house we stayed at on our way home from Guinea. I think we spent a total of 5 days in Brussels go to and from Guinea.

Several other items included a mug that reminds me of my time in France, and one that reminds me of my hometown because it is from a great little coffee shop there (that one is not pictured). I also got a gingerbread man from the first or second Christmas when Brandon and I were dating (that his mom gave me), other Christmas decorations, and a headless angel that my great aunt Irene painted. Oh wait, I don't think the angel is supposed to be headless...oops! But don't worry, Mom, I did inherit your mad supergluing skills, and her head has already been reattached.

So, a big thank you to all involved who made it possible for me to come home to so much excitement. As you can see, true to the Christmas theme, I made a big mess. Also true to the Christmas theme, I am thankful that God has given me such a great family as well as one gift that lasts forever :o) (no, not headless angels!)