Monday, August 16, 2010

Saturday and Sunday: The happiness shines through

Saturday my friend Kathy came to Wichita. We had planned to go to the hospital

to visit a friend, but we were too late. The friend had already checked out. Before that, though, we went to Michael's where I snapped a bunch of photos until I realized I had left the memory card at home, even after I remembered to remove it from the computer. What a dufus. And Kathy was SO sweet. We stopped by the house after Michael's and I picked up my memory card.

Because we had spent so much time in Michael's, and then trying to find our friend at the hospital, we managed to work up an appetite. At first we considered eating at the hospital, then opted for a bit of Blarney instead.



Kathy will be lucky for a long time, now!

Inside, I didn't even notice this fish until Kathy pointed it out. It is made from license plates and has lights in it.

She also pointed out the Budweiser Clydesdale horses circling inside the lamp.

OOPS, this is pretty hasty (and out of focus) photography, but I often do that when I catch people in the camera who I don't know.

Sheet music behind glass was located above our heads.

The sandwiches were excellent. Kathy had a reuben and pasta salad,

while I opted for the veggie (with avocado, cucumber, two cheeses, and cream cheese) and broccoli salad.

Isn't Kathy beautiful?

She pointed out the door, so I took an obligatory shot.

The sidewalk was painted the same color as the walls of the restaurant.

The parking lot was very busy, which is a good sign for a restaurant.

At this point, Kathy asked if there was some place I wanted or needed to go while she was in town. I told her no, but I would love to show her the Singer sewing and fabric store in my neighborhood.

Thread, buttons,

and fabric are everywhere in the store. However, I got the feeling the fabric was very traditional, and nothing I would call contemporary. I kept thinking it felt like an old lady's fabric store.

The only fabric I really loved was this with a Halloween and music theme.

Is this the Owl and the Pussycat? Don't ask why, but I saved this at a much higher resolution than any other photo today!

As Kathy checked out, you could see the sun beating down on the store, as well as some of the fabric.

Kathy and the owner talked for awhile, I paid for my purchase, and we left.

Here's what I bought after spending two hours with Kathy at Michael's. Cheap craft paint was on sale, and the foam paint was on clearance, as was the "E." I bought two bottles each of turquoise and black paint, and replaced some of the colors I thought I was nearly out of.

At the fabric store, I bought some "old" buttons. I bought them more for the card they were on than anything else. The "teal" buttons were a gift from Kathy.

What a difference a day makes. Our two-plus week heat wave with triple digit heat was broken yesterday with rain. Wonderful, blessed rain. On my way back to Michael's, I managed a quick shot of the traffic. It seemed like everyone was out and about. So why, you ask did I return to Michael's after just going on Saturday?

Because we got fliers in our sacks telling us that Martha Stewart products (ALL) were on sale at 25% off. And if we made our purchases between 4 and 8 pm, we got an additional 25% off. So, I bought two punches, one was a border punch that is similar to the lacy paper ribbon my friend Patty at Magpie's Nest recently sent me. I also bought a circle punch with a small scallop (already forgot the name), and a set of rocking horse embellishments. They were definitely my impulse buy and the most extravagant thing I purchased. I also bought 8 (count them, 8) pads of watercolor paper that were around $1.00 each. They are student quality, and 90 lb, which is less than my cardstock, but they feel like canvas and since I've never owned watercolor paper before, I am tickled. I also bought one spiral bound pad of very expensive watercolor paper (140 lb and rated professional grade). I spent way more for it even though it was on sale, in addition to the other 25% off. I was tickled, though, because I can practice or create elements on the cheaper watercolor paper and use the best paper for swaps.

Here's a closeup of my punches, the watercolor paper, and some Golden fluid acrylics which were only 25% off, but anytime I can get Golden fluid acrylics at discount, I'm happy. Oh yes, I bought the Rit TEAL dye (see photo above) and found the flower petals in the Michael's parking lot. Can you tell how happy I am?????

Today's blog is probably appropriate for about half the people who visit my blog. It is written by Sue Smith, and the name of the blog is Ancient Artist: Developing an art career after 50. Here is what is on Sue's blog banner: "Sue Smith's Art Blog about: art career advice, oil painting techniques, general art advice, art world news, art philosophy, inspiration and encouragement." There is a wide variety of posts, and I found many of them quite interesting. The subject matter is so varied, it would be difficult to point out just one or two topics. I suggest you check out her blog and see what I mean.

13 thoughtful remarks:

Diane said...

I'm glad that your terrible heat wave broke--no one should be permitted to live in that kind of heat! And it looks like you had a great day--I want to go to our AC Moore craft store here--they have a big sale on art supplies, BUT I have a discount coupon for a Dick Blick store and also the Blick stores are having a big back to school sale and it just so happens that this weekend I'm going out of town, and guess what store is in that town I'm going to? ;)

Unknown said...

So glad you've gotten some relief from the heat- we did too! Would it be crazy to think maybe the worst is past us (probably)? I loved virtually shopping with you, it was almost as good as getting out to Michael's myself- and those hole punchs look so fun! Can't wait until you start playing with the watercolors!
I'm off to check out the blog of the day.....

Steph said...

I am envious!!! love the shopping trip....enjoy your "loot" dear friend!! the watercolor pps will be fabulous for your backgrounds for sure... :))

Terri Kahrs said...

What a fun day! Thanks for sharing your shopping day and all of the new treasures! Glad to hear that you've had a bit of respite from the heat! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Karen said...

I love hearing about your days out and the photo's really bring it to life! I would have loved a poke around that Singer shop as my nearest is several miles away & they don't even stock fabric :( But what bargains you had!!!!! XXX

Lynn Cohen said...

Shopping is such fun especially with a good friend along who also buys you things...lucky you I think the Blarney stone rubbed some luck your way as well. Top of the Mornin' To you!!!

Dianne said...

glad to hear it's cooled off there...what a fun outing! the food & the purchases look 'yummy'...can't wait to see the paintings on the new paper that are in your future! and, you can use acrylics like watercolors if you just water them down for transparent color.

Margaret said...

Looks like you had a great day out Elizabeth! the punches are fab! I bought a similar one with a crown and a little heart. Margaret

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh happy days! Beautiful Kathy and then rain - perfect weekend then really. Happy to hear your friend was well enough to go home from hospital too. I'm sure I could find something to buy in that fabric dtore, how deliciously huge is that!!

Marlynn said...

I am so happy you finally got a break from the heat wave! And yes, Kathy is beautiful! Would love to hang out with you all and Harley says he wants to come to and meet Wendy! Here's hoping you get a little more rain! Hugs

Gez Butterworth said...

Fantastic photos. Looks like you had a super day out with your friend. The Singer shop looks FAB. The fabric looks gorgeous. Have fun with your new stash. Thank you so much for sharing your photos. Gez.

~*~Patty S said...

fun following your adventures and outing

fun Irish lunch spot

wonder if they rotate the fabric in the sunny window???

that Martha punch sure does look like the lacey paper :)

had to smile about your parking lot flowers ... my T on Tuesday has a pretty orange found poppy ... I look at it as a rescue mission ;)
oxo

Unknown said...

what a fun day and yes, Kathy is beautiful....I am so glad you got a break from the heat...I bet the rain was wonderful...I hope you danced an irish jig in it...