What's What Vol. 4 (May 18-June 11)

 I knew this would happen. I'm just a few weeks back into blogging, and things went awry. Let's see if I can knock out a little bit of a catch-up without going too crazy.

What's Finished

As I wrote the last blog, I was working on my May Inspiration Trove Assemblage project. You can watch the video, and the piece is now available at Hello Gallery in downtown Fairhope for sale. 

As well, the 100-Day Project came to an end, and I finished strong by completing this little stitch (and stitched) pouch. You can get a better look at it in my reel on Instagram. 

What's in Progress

Here's a sneaky peek at this month's Inspiration Trove project. (Any guesses as to the prompts I pulled? One is pretty obvious.) And, of course, ICAD has begun! 

This is yesterday's card that used the Glossy prompt. 

What's Up Next?

In the next few hours, I should be pulling the sentiment(s) for June's Finding the Words art journaling. If this interests you, here's the full playlist to explore. As well, there's more index card altering to do, of course. I had hoped to do a vlog this month, but I've been crazy busy and caught a cold in the midst of it all. So, we'll see if that even happens.

What's Caught My Eye?

I went on a thrifting excursion/"artist date" yesterday and picked up several new-to-me items. I'll have them in a thrift haul video later this month. However, you can see some of my other recent hauls in the Thrifty Thursday video that just went up. 

What's Had My Attention?

I mentioned in the last post that I've become a member of a book club, we're now reading The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. I'm listening to it and am loving it so much. Also, the hubs and I just finished re-watching Ted Lasso and remember why it was such a favorite. SO DARN GOOD!

What's Been the Best Part of My Week(s)?

I've gotten to spend a little more time with one of my best friends. That's a lot of what's kept me busy - no complaints there. At her encouragement, I've joined the Junior League of Mobile! My "provisional year" is just starting, but I'm so looking forward to meeting some new people and serving my community.

I think I'll stop here for this post and try to make sure to stay on the ball.

Here's hoping!

What's New with You?

What's What (volume 2 - April 27-May 3, 2026)

 Look at me sliding in with another week's roundup!! 

What's finished

Honestly, the biggest tasks I accomplished this past week were getting the last blog post up, updating my space at Hello Gallery, and cleaning the house.

I did get these two photos altered as part of my StitchABit100 for the 100 Day Project.

What's in progress

Here's where so much time has been spent. I've got other photos still in the process of being altered. (I'm really just trying to decide if they're done for now.)

Other stitching has been done on this scrap of fabric, to which I'm adding white buttons and additional stitches. 

I've also been keeping my hands busy with some neurographic doodling. It's been a while since I dabbled with these. But, I was absolutely pulled back in.

What's up next?

We're doing a staycation this week and started strong yesterday with grilling by the pool. Though the water is still pretty chilly. We're hoping to take the bikes out, go for a paddle on the kayaks, and maybe even spend a day on the beach. However, we may be overambitious with our time. 

What's caught my eye?

After a ton of rain this past week, I looked out my office window and spotted this beauty of a mushroom. It's as tall as my hand!

What's had my attention

Pat had several band practices and a gig this week, so I was left to my own devices (hence the doodling). I watched Practical Magic for the first time ever and rewatched Dead Poets Society (for probably the hundredth time. It's a longtime favorite that I've avoided since Robin passed away.) As well, I picked up watching Outlander from where I left off several years ago (the end of season 2).

Also, the Mastering Mixed Media Expo 2026 has started, and I've been picking my way through those videos. (Today, the Making Zen Online Retreat also starts. I'm hoping to be able to watch some of those too!!

What's Been the Best Part(s) of My Week

~We did go see Cake, though we didn't take any pictures or video (as requested by the band). It was an awesome show!

~I thrifted some buttons.

~A couple of assemblages sold at the gallery

~We celebrated Pat's birthday with a few friends while exploring Pensacola on Saturday. (It was also Kentucky Derby Day, and a mint julep was in order. And, more celebrating was done poolside on Sunday.

What's new

Can you call thrifted bits "new"? If so, I picked up a few new items that will be in an upcoming Thrifty Thursday (though, not the one  I've got scheduled for this week.)

My pressed flowers came out beautifully! I was just off to pick more yesterday when I realized that I had plenty to do before our guests arrived. Hopefully, I can make it happen this week. 

New videos on YouTube -

~Art Journal Page (Keeping it Spicy challenge)

~Create with me Handmade Bracelets

So, what's new with you?

What's What (the first)

I've been planning for WEEKS to get back to blogging and/or send out more newsletters. But, I want to try to keep it simple in more of a roundup of what's-going-on-with-me-in-the-moment style, similar to the "Currently" blogs I've done in the past. As you can see by the title above, I'm calling this "What's What."

Without further ado, let's get started.

What's finished

I framed up two of my completed assemblages (April's Inspiration Trove and Week 2 Seek Gather Create February 2026) and made a couple of bracelets for May's Create with me Handmade Jewelry (upcoming!)

What's in progress 

There's an assemblage piece that needs to be backed and framed, an embroidery pattern that I'm working on for my 100-day project, and a thank-you assemblage piece for the watchmaker who donated a bunch of parts to me. 

What's up next (on my calendar)

Tonight, we're off to see Cake (It was a last-minute decision, and I'm beyond excited!!!!!) I've got an Art Journal video going up later this week. Pat's birthday is this weekend, so there will be some celebrations to be had. And, I'll get to check out how well the flowers did (above) in my cheap-o flower press (from Aldi).

What's caught my eye 

I've had this post from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer about crafting an artist statement open for several weeks now. I've never written one and probably should. Making it through all the info Julie shares will be my first step. 

What's held my attention 

A few things (always!) I just finished listening to Jane Austen's Persuasion and started Amor Towles' Rules of Civility. And, somehow, in writing this am I only just now seeing some of the similarities in the two. Hmmm. As well, we've been watching loads of Taskmaster (the new season and some of the old ones too), Rooster, and Margo's Got Money Troubles. We've also just started rewatching Game of Thrones.

What's been the best part(s) of my week (what am I thankful for?)

1- We saw Steve Vai and Joe Satriani at the Mobile Saenger last Monday

2- I was able to spend some quality time with my nieces (on their birthdays) and my parents. 

3- I got my craft room and office organized. It took a while and some determination, but it was done by Saturday afternoon. 

4- We kicked off pool season with a chilly float on Sunday. 

And, that was just this past week. I'm going to try to keep these fairly short and sweet for just a glimpse of what I'm up to and have planned.

Soooooo - WHAT'S new with you?

Currently...

I'm actually currently battling a toothache and waiting for the dentist's office to call. And, the pain is exhausting me, so I don't have much inspiration right now for anything other than this type of post. As it's been AGES since I did one of these, it's probably about time!

Enjoying: I've really been able to enjoy getting around again now that my ankle has healed up. I still have some pain, but I was able to take a mile and a half walk this morning. And, I enjoyed every bit of that since the weather was not yet 70F.  

Cooking: Tonight, I have this red beans and rice dish planned. I'm trying to only put "softer" foods on the menu until I can get this whole tooth thing managed. 

Creating: On my desk are bits and pieces for this month's #4Core challenge from Ina Solsbery. As soon as she announced the four prompts, I had an idea. Now, it's just a matter of getting it all to come together.  

 

Needing: I desperately need a vacation. Yes, Pat and I work from home, but we are both really craving a weekend at the beach. And, we haven't had a vacation away in over four years!

Marveling: I can't believe Fall begins this week. I'm already seeing the big, crunchy leaves tumble down from our sycamore tree. 

Reading: I've been reading Big Chicas Don't Cry by Annette Chavez Macias*. It's a super cute story about family.  

Making: I haven't made as much jewelry as I'd like lately, but I do have a few tin earrings in progress and a whole box of pretty things from Jesse James Beads that I want to tackle soon.  

Watching: Have you seen the new Rings of Power* show on Amazon Prime? As a Tolkien fan, I'm totally smitten!

Waiting: I'm going to switch out the stock in my booth at Southern Antiques and Accents at the beginning of October. While I wait for that time to come, I'm running a sale there, if you're in the Fairhope area. 

Wearing: Y'all. All I have wanted to wear lately are t-shirt fabric dresses with pockets. Seriously. And, I've gathered a nice collection of them, so really, that's all I've been in for weeks!! Well...that and Alabama shirts - it IS football season after all. 

Listing: This little Champagne Butterfly necklace is the newest item in the Etsy Shop. I think the orange is perfect for Autumn as it begins this week. 

Thinking: Ever since a couple of the daily and weekly art journaling challenges have ended, I've found myself at a loss for what to do with myself in that area. So, I'm considering creating my own weekly, prompted challenge. EEK! I want it for myself, but am hoping to put it out there for anyone else who wants to play along. Hopefully, I'll have all my thoughts sorted out soon. 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Currently, I'm. . .

I must apologize for my absence recently. This is only the third blog post for the whole month!! Wow. What a slacker I've been lately. We took a two-week vacation (staycation) during the month, and I just haven't been very inspired. But, I hope to work on that. While I try to get my head sorted and some blog post ideas plugged into the calendar, I'll give a little idea of what I'm up to.

Currently, I'm

Cooking simple, basic meals that both satisfy and comfort. Last night, I made Spicy Peanut Butter Tofu with fried rice and the plan for tonight is spaghetti with a salad and garlic bread.  

Creating very little. I feel like not much has been MADE lately, but I’ve been playing with a tin earring design that has loads of movement. 

Feeling all the things because over the last month, we’ve lost at least four people I know to Covid.  

Liking that the building on our property has been completed (at LONG LAST!)

Listening to a few creative art podcasts, namely, the Laura Horn Podcast and Show Up or Shut Up (the Willa Wanders Podcast).

Listing this French Bubble Necklace. (It's is the newest item in the shop.) 

Marveling at any little bit of beauty I can find.  

Needing to get back into the swing of things.  

Reading "Things in Jars" by Jess Kidd.

Thinking about adding a few different products to my shop, mainly some prints of my photographs and/or ephemera and paper packs from some of my stash. 

Wearing anything that fits as I’ve gained a bit of weight recently. 

Wishing I could get motivated to lose the weight I’ve gained! 

Working on building my own website. (Yes, for real!!)

Soooooo, what have you been up to? Seriously. I want to know!

Currently I'm....

Creating a batch of Thank You cards for my Etsy orders since I just used my last one. 

Watching Leeloo run around the bedroom and craft room in full play mode. Catching her still is kinda hard, hence the blur. Her current favorite toy is a balled-up piece of paper (that's what's in her mouth.)

Reading The Orphan Keeper

Listing these super cute Red Tin Heart Earrings!

Needing to take care of a few more tasks for my Mardi Gras ball this weekend. 

Feeling a little chilly since it "snowed" last night.

Hoping everyone stays safe on the icy roads.

Baking these Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins from Together as a Family to warm up the house a little. As a bonus, breakfast for tomorrow will be ready! I'm also about to throw a roast in the crockpot so dinner will be done too.

Looking forward to working on making some jewelry today. My tools are ready and waiting!

So, what are you up to?

Currently I'm . . .

Cooking some very standard comfort dinners for the most part because our Blue Apron delivery comes in tomorrow, and those meals will be much less ordinary.

Creating by testing out some chalk paint on tin cans, cutting out tin from old containers, playing in my art journal - basically, getting my hands messy any way I can.

Eating a healthy-ish breakfast of plain greek yogurt, berries, honey, and homemade granola.

Enjoying the pop of color in the azaleas outside my window (though they are withering some).

Feeling a little stopped up from the result of allergies because the azaleas have decided to bloom.

Hoping to get to the bead store today to finish my shopping for the Bead Peeps Swap N Hop.

Listing these Flower and Rusty Key earrings in the CraftyHope Etsy shop.

Looking forward to seeing my oldest niece march with her high school marching band in the Crewe of Columbus Mardi Gras parade tomorrow night.

Loving the progress on my kitchen.

Needing to put some effort into exercising.

Reading Alice I have Been. I JUST started it so I don't have much to say about it yet.

Sewing nothing at the moment, but I’m ready to get started on some projects like curtains and placemats for the living and dining rooms.

Wanting to check off all the tasks on my bullet journal today (but I know that’s probably wishful thinking).

I guess it’s time to be done so I can get to it. So, what are you up to?

Currently, I'm. . .

I don't even know what's up with me lately. Days and hours seem to be slipping by me with what feels like getting nothing done. I'm behind on everything: housecleaning, creating, blogging...and those are just the things I can readily recall. Being so behind on blogging, I figured I could get by with one of these 'cheater' posts real quick. I hope you don't mind.

Without further ado, Lately I've been: 

Bookmarking – Not much really since I’m sooooo behind in my blog reading. And, with Pinterest, I just save everything there. My latest find was this great recipe for Kahlua Banana Bread. Sounds good doesn't it? 

Cooking – It's no surprise that I haven't been cooking much lately. I did pop a chicken into the crockpot on Monday morning, forgetting that we had plans Monday night. Since I’ve been away from home last night and will be tonight as well. . . I guess we might FINALLY eat that chicken tomorrow, maybe.

Creating – Again, not much of anything unfortunately. I absolutely do not know how my time is slipping away from me.

Drinking – lots and lots of water mostly.

Eating – Apparently nothing homemade.

Feeling – A little under the weather to be honest. I think I have a touch of a sinus infection. It’s been a heavy pollen Spring so far.

Hoping – To be able to get some things accomplished while I’m at home tomorrow. (A girl can dream)

Knowing – I’m probably kidding myself about getting anything accomplished.

Listing – I listed these pretties last week

Tribal Flower Earrings

Marveling – Over all the beautiful signs of spring in my yard

My niece discovered this cardinal nest the other week.

Needing – Obviously, to get something done

Playing – As always, I’m playing far too many games on my phone

Reading – I’ve been trying to read Jenny Lawson’s Furiously Happy for MONTHS now. It’s really great, but those stupid phone games have been keeping me from really devouring it.

Wishing – I had more pictures for this post.

Wondering – If anyone is actually reading this.

So that's kinda it for right now: lots of nothing. Please let me know I'm not the only one who apparently has Spring Fever. 

Currently I'm. . .

Creating an upcycled necklace.

The focal's made from an old picture frame

Dreaming of one day having some property with chickens and goats and wilderness. One day. . .

Bookmaking this link that perfectly illustrates why you should always use the Oxford comma.

Drinking water. I've always got a glass of water by my side.

Looking forward to going back to the beach before too long.

This weekend it was beautiful!

Enjoying this beautiful spring weather we've been having for the past week or two.

Eating Mexican food for dinner tonight. It is Cinco de Mayo after all.

Giggling over this Cinco de Mayo picture a friend of mine posted on Facebook.

Thanks for the laugh Jen (and Braxton)

Hoping to get some more jewelry made, pictured, and listed soon.

Feeling like I can't ever get anything done.

Playing too many games on my phone (probably why I can't get anything done.)

Taking pictures of my jewelry.

Reading The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. . .at least that's what's on my nightstand. I haven't touched it in a week.

Needing to go shopping for Mother's Day gifts.

Marveling over all the little changes taking place in my front yard container garden.

Wanting someone else to come finish the laundry for me.

Wearing my linen pants for the first time this Spring.

Working on some altered playing cards for a swap.

Wishing my attention span was a little longer.