February 29, 2012

Molly (left) interviewing Mary Paulette, VP of Bayou City
Art Festival, in my living room.

Happy Leap Year Day! I leapt out of bed around 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the arrival of Ch. 13, Houston's ABC affiliate. I wasn't expecting them until 8:45 a.m. for my interview, but they arrived a good 15 minutes early. Glad I already had "my face on," as my sweet grandmother used to say.

Filming was totally painless. I was asked questions and responded. For a simple reason I wasn't at all nervous: No live television feed. This was a pre-recorded piece along with several other people who are also being filmed, and then everything gets spliced together. Can you say editing? After my one-hour interview, the vice president of Bayou City came to my house for her interview (see photo).

Today I'm creating camera time for the television interview. Oh, that sounds much more important than it really is! This afternoon is free time, although I do need to go upstairs and do some sewing. Since I won't climb the stairs right now without assistance, maybe I should clean the bedroom this afternoon and plan dinner, then sew tonight. Tomorrow I'll be up early again to attend an all-day conference at Rice University. It promises to be "less than fun" stomping around campus with the boot on my foot.

February 28, 2012

I just love the Apple store Genius Bar! In just a short time my laptop was back in working condition. And what did it cost me? Nothing. Got to love it.

I made 18 centerpieces for a community
dinner last Sunday night. Total costs: $99.15.

Channel 13, Houston's ABC affiliate, is coming to my house tomorrow morning to interview me about the upcoming Bayou City Art Festival. We all know how I feel about rising early, but tomorrow morning I'll have to be dressed and perky by 8:45 a.m. I was sent talking points to review/memorize for the interview. Hope I can stay on script. More than that, I hope I can stay awake.

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. Actually, it's 3:45 p.m. and the newsletter is complete. Guess I should go home now and do something creative there, such as wash clothes. 

February 27, 2012

Yes, it's me. Both Mitzie and Dr. Mc asked me if I gave up my blog for Lent. I didn't give up, but my laptop did. The desktops are upstairs in the garage apartment. To get upstairs I'd have to walk up the same stairs I feel down, and I'm not ready to get back on that horse. So tonight I borrowed #1 son-in-law Nick's laptop to write my blog.

Last week was a busy week, but I'm bypassing all that old news. Quick update on the weekend, I made a great brunch for three girlfriends on Saturday. Then I had a great time last night at the Houston Heights Association's annual volunteer dinner. Fun evening with good friends and terrific food prepared by Zelko Bistro.

Today I'm creating an appointment for tomorrow to get my laptop fixed. Keep your fingers crossed that the repairs on the current laptop aren't more than a new laptop. And what is the cutoff point? If it would cost me half the price of a new computer to get my six year-old laptop repaired, do I suck it up and get a new one?

February 22, 2012

First day of Lent

It's Ash Wednesday. I may give up alcohol for lent, even though today is National Margarita Day. What an unfortunate coincidence. Or maybe a more beneficial sacrifice during lent would be to say I'm going to stop cheating on the Weight Watchers food plan. Give up Diet Coke? So many options.

Just heard that if you do 100 jumping jacks five times a day you'll burn 700 calories in a week. Sounds easy enough.

Today I'm creating another newsletter for my Tuesday client. I also need to hang up my clothes that are sitting around in the living and dining room. Another sacrifice for lent: Not leaving my shoes and clothes around the house.

February 21, 2012

Two flowers made from heart-shaped felt.
I need to decide how to incorporate them into
the centerpieces for Sunday night. Only
18 arrangements to make.

I'm ready to do some gardening. When I was at the grocery store yesterday I treated myself to two magazines. I was inspired by the front cover of Martha Stewart Living for our casita in Santa Fe, and by a neighbors yard for the house in Houston. Planting in Houston would be great now, since the ground rarely freezes here after February 14, but planting in the high desert will have to wait until May.

I made a delicious dinner last night in my Le Creuset dutch oven. Very tasty and enough left over for tonight. Although Mr. B doesn't like leftovers, I'm pretty sure he won't turn down the beef stew with potatoes and carrots I made yesterday.

Today I'm creating a newsletter at my Tuesday clients office. It's nearing the end of the month, so I'll be back there tomorrow and Thursday to create two consumer newsletters. Oh boy! There were bagels this morning. Yum!

February 20, 2012

Today's foot report: Swelling down. Bruising less. Fracture detected on the top of my left foot.

New boot. At least it's better than a plaster cast.

Attitude report: Spirits down. Smiling less. Hating new boot that will be my less-than-attractive accessory for the next six to eight weeks.

Today I'm creating dinner for Mr. B. I'm upset about my foot fracture, so I'm seeking comfort food. I ate an Antone's sandwich for lunch and topped it off with a half box of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies and a diet coke. Hello empty calories. Meet to my stomach.

February 19, 2012

The apron I had to wear this afternoon
isn't nearly as cute as one I make!

I'm incredibly late with my blog today. Instead of writing this morning, I read the paper and then napped. I spent most of the afternoon and evening volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. If you ever get the chance to go to the Rodeo Uncorked Roundup and Best Bites competition (hosted by the wine committee), go. What a fabulous event! 


During the Roundup and Best Bites competition, attendees have the opportunity to savor award-winning wines from the International Wine Competition and taste signature dishes submitted by more than 60 area catering institutions and restaurants. I don't think I've ever seen so much food and wine in one place! I took a break from serving wine in the "Green Room," which is set aside for the media, to taste some of the food. Everything I put in my mouth was beyond incredible!


Today I'm creating time to volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Now that I'm home, after standing up for approximately five hours on my foot while walking all over Reliant Center, I'm very tired. Tomorrow I'm going to see the orthopedist. The swelling is almost all gone from my left foot, but it's still very bruised. I'm concerned about one part of my foot that still throbs, after three weeks, so it's time for a visit to the heavy-weight orthopedist. 

February 18, 2012

I've always admired the work of Dutch painter
Piet Mondrian. This fabric reminded me of his work.

It's almost 6 a.m. The heavy rain that was supposed to occur yesterday began last night and hasn't let up. Consequently, I haven't slept all night. Thunderstorms. Lightening. And winds of 55 miles per hour. A light rain is nice to sleep through, but not the hot mess that has been coming down all night. There will probably be trees down in the neighborhood because of the heavy rains. Sad!

I got two aprons made yesterday. When I photographed them, I realized that I'm tired of using the same pattern, so I'm going to try different ones. I found a book that I bought last summer with lots of different patterns. Expect to see some new designs soon.

Today I'm creating centerpieces for next weekend. A group is gathering this afternoon for an assembly line. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. Photos tomorrow.

February 17, 2012

Fun lunch today with Paula (from L), Marta, Rhonda and Kelli.

Dreary day in Houston. There is a 70% chance of thunderstorms today, but so far it has mainly been gray skies with some sprinkles of rain. The Houston television stations were preparing for their (totally useless) non-stop coverage of the rain and potential flooding, but alas. Oh, just heard thunder. Maybe the rain will be coming tonight.

I had lunch today with four women I used to work with. I love these luncheons! We try to get together once a month, but it actually turns out to be once a quarter. Always fun to catch up with everyone.

Today I'm creating aprons. Actually, I'm waiting for Mr. B to come home so he can help me upstairs to my craft area. I'm avoiding slippery stairs until the boot is off my foot. I would kick myself with my good foot if I reinjured my sore foot!

February 16, 2012

Thanks for the Valentine's Day roses, Mr. B!

Women of Wine Charities had a fabulous event last night at Tootsies. The bar for WOW events has been set for 2012! I shopped, drank several glasses of delicious champagne, and met three or four women who just joined WOW. As #1 son-in-law Nick says, "Sweet."

After my board meeting yesterday at noon, I went to the Galleria and bought two new lipsticks. (I couldn't go to Tootsies later in the day without lipstick!) Buying makeup might not sound like no biggie to some people, but to me it's a huge deal. I've never cared much for makeup and don't wear much, if any. But a couple of weeks ago I had a photo taken and slapped on makeup for the occasion. Tuesday I put on makeup for my meeting. Then yesterday I put on makeup for my board meeting. In all occasions, people commented on how nice I looked. So I bought new lipstick to aid in the look. I'm pretty sure that women are supposed to ditch lipstick after a year. I bet I've had some of my lipsticks for several years. Now I have new lipstick: one in my normal nude shade and another in a bluish red.

Today I'm creating a sample centerpiece for an event on Feb. 26. Mass assembly will occur this weekend. Details to follow.

February 15, 2012

Smoke (one of the back yard ferrels) likes to lay
on the top of my car, then slide down the
windshield, which leaves kitty-paw streaks
on the glass. Thanks, Smoke!

Good morning, all. Last night Mr. B and I had a lovely dinner at his go-to favorite restaurant, Vincent's, which is a very nice Italian restaurant. He absolutely loves their rotisserie chicken. I'm not sure if I've told this story about Vincent's before. (Forgive me if I have.) When he was getting to know Dr. Mc and Evan while he and I were dating, he asked if they would like to go to dinner with us. Of course they said yes. They wanted pizza – at Vincent's. No Pizza Hut for my girls! Anyway, back to last night, we came home and shared two cupcakes. The carrot cupcake was delicious, but the chocolate cupcakes I make are much  better than the one I bought and we shared last night.

It's an important day for me today. I have my first regularly scheduled board meeting with the Art Colony Association as president. I'm taking a little different direction with the agenda than has been done in the past. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. Last night I had a dream that I was late for the meeting. It was so similar to the dream about being in school and not being prepared for a test.

Today I'm creating an apron or two. I'm coming home after my noon board meeting and going upstairs for some sewing, unless it's raining. I can't believe that there is more rain forecasted for today. It's going to be a long time before I go upstairs again while it's raining. Later this afternoon I have a Women of Wine event. Tonight's featured wine is my favorite. Bubbly. Yum!

February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

As much as I dislike getting up early, it's amazing what I can accomplish when I do rise with the sun. I had to be at my Tuesday client's office at 8:45 a.m. this morning, instead of the usual 10 a.m. Let me just say this about that: 10 a.m. is much more civil than 8:45 a.m. The carrot to get me here early was the promise of breakfast tacos, and I'm enjoying one now.

Yesterday there was just too much news, speculation and reflection about Whitney Houston, so I'm glad I'll be away from the house and television most of the day. All I can think about is what a tremendous talent she threw away. That's the true shame! The crime is that her "entourage" enabled her fall back into bad habits. So far it's only a speculation that her death was caused by a deadly combination of prescription drugs and alcohol, but from the last videos of her in the days leading up to her death, she was certainly under the influence of something. She didn't seem to be just high on life.

Today I'm creating a newsletter for my Tuesday client. Then tonight I'm having a Valentine's Day dinner with Mr. B. Oh happy day!

February 13, 2012

Grainy photo of my favorite valentine.

I was thinking last night about previous valentines with Mr. B. The first year we were dating, we had a conversation several weeks before Valentine's Day about things we'd always wanted, but would never buy. I mentioned a couple of silly things, such as a sports car or convertible, but when I got semi realistic I said I'd always wanted a Louis Vuitton purse, but would never spend the money. Just too extravagant. Then I asked him and he said he'd always wanted to visit Italy.

That year for Valentine's Day he bought me a Louis Vuitton purse. I was totally surprised and totally embarrassed because I bought him movies that he mentioned he liked but didn't own. Doesn't seem fair, does it? Especially since I still use my Louis Vuitton purse, but he can't watch his movies anymore (don't have a machine that will play them). FYI: We did make it to Italy several years later, but he probably paid for that, too.

Today I'm creating a calendar for the week and preparing for meetings. I hope it stops raining today because after my fall when it was raining, I'm somewhat afraid to step out in the rain.

February 12, 2012

Rose, still wearing her "cone of shame." taking a much-needed
nap between (boring) romantic comedies today.

Another day in bed, today with the Sunday newspaper, a box of Kleenex, the television remote, lots of pillows, and my iPhone. Most of the day while watching romantic comedy after romantic comedy after romantic comedy, I was joined by sweet Rose. Jennifer Anniston was in many of the movies I watched. She was always playing the same character: Jennifer Anniston. Maybe the dialogue changed every now and then, but she played the same person with the same expressions with the same hairdo in every movie. Ew!

Tonight Rose and I watched The Grammys. The big thrills for both of us were the performances by Adele, Sir Paul, and Jennifer Hudson singing "I'll Always Love You" in tribute to Whitney Houston and the other people in the music industry who passed away. Another great moment was watching Sir Paul sing along in the audience with the Glenn Campbell songs. The man is a 70-year-old rock star! And the evening's train wreck was Nicki Minaj. Lord what a mess!

Today I'm creating time to review and edit a resume for friend Ann, who is looking for a job for the first time in 24 years. Tremendous woman. Wonderful enthusiasm. Go get 'em, Ann.

February 11, 2012

 

Should have paid more attention to the warning
"KE WITH FOOD." Sick at my stomach all day.

Another crappy day. My foot was hurting about 2 a.m. this morning so I took an ibuprofen the doctor prescribed for me. I guess he was serious when he said to take with food. I've been sick all day, and fear I'm beginning to sound like a hypochondriac.

I just heard that Whitney Houston was found dead today. Very sad! What a tremendous talent gone to waste.

Today I'm creating a list of items to sew when I get back upstairs. I sold five pillows at the market on Tuesday that I need to stuff and close. And I got my first order for Christmas aprons from sister-in-law Susan who lives in Virginia. WOW! She's really thinking ahead. Not me. I still have two presents undelivered from last Christmas.

February 10, 2012

There was an amazing storm last night in Houston that began around 10 p.m. It has been so wet lately. Too bad we didn't get some of this rain during the summer. The number of trees and plants lost in Houston last summer is tremendous. But instead of the drought, the ground is so soggy right now. 

Planning a summer trip to Chicago to visit
"Katie Lou" (pictured with Dr. Mc) and Andrew.

Sticking with the weather theme of this blog, expect to read or hear in the news this summer that people are missing because they have been eaten alive by mosquitos. February is always the coldest month in Houston. If we don't have freezes, the mosquito eggs go crazy, especially with all the standing water we have right now.

Today I'm creating lunch for myself. The last couple of days Mr. B has been coming home at noon to make lunch for me and take the babies outside. His day must be overwhelming because I haven't heard from him today.

February 9, 2012

My foot is throbbing today. It's disappointing because I honestly thought it would be much better by now. Maybe it would feel better if Roz and Rose stopped stepping on it! Roz isn't that bad, but Rose weighs 23 lbs.

I like this pillow so much I may
put it on my own front porch.

I'd like to run a couple of errands today, especially I need to go to the grocery store. But besides my foot hurting I'm incredibly sleepy. As a result of being sleepy, I'm writing a very short blog. Maybe I need a nap and then I'll feel like going to the store.

Today I'm creating nothing. It's not often I don't create anything, but I think today is one of those days. I'm injured and grumpy, which isn't an ideal combination for being creative. Tomorrow will be a better day!

February 8, 2012

The shopping market last night was so much fun! Kelly really knows how to host a party! Lots of yummy snacks, a killer speciality cocktail (pomegranate martini), and other beverages, including my personal fave – champagne. Of course, today I'm paying for standing up for 3.5 hours. My foot in the boot is great, but both legs and hips are sore from trying to protect the injured foot.

Great graphic, but think "Red Skin"
with the graphic might offend people.

There were also fun people at the market wanting to buy items. Purses. Aprons. Felt valentines. Everything! The burlap pillows I've been creating were very popular, so today I've been looking online for more sacks. (What else am I supposed to do while sitting around with my foot propped up except surf the web?) The potato sack pictured has a great graphic, but I can't purchase it because "Red Skins" might seem racist. Am I being too sensitive and PC?

Today I'm creating ideas, which reminds me of a potential client I didn't work with several years ago. In marketing, advertising and graphic design, clients pay creative people to think about how to best brand or promote products and services. But this business owner was so offended when I gave him an estimate that included a fee for concepts. Sorry man, but that's not how it works! Creative 101 is that you've got to have a dynamic concept that ties the graphic and words together. Without a good concept, you've got nothing! And that's exactly what I gave the man who didn't want to pay for concepts ... nothing!

February 7, 2012

My new shoe 

If you ever have to go to the emergency room, I highly recommend the Methodist Hospital emergency clinic at 59 and Kirby. I finally agreed to go last night to have my foot x-rayed. We got there at 7 p.m. and were out by 8:30 p.m. The nurses, x-ray technician, doctor and staff were just wonderful. And neither my foot nor my ankle are broken. I have to wear an ace bandage and a lovely black boot on my foot until the swelling and bruising go away. At that time, if I don't feel better I'll need to go to an orthopedic for an MRI.

In the meantime, I have lovely painted nails on my left foot thanks to Dr. Mc. She came over after I got home last night (with a bottle of champagne). I really appreciated her taking care of me because Mr. B was having nothing to do with the nail polish.

Today I'm creating the last of the hand stitched felt valentines for the market tonight. I have about 30 minutes before I have to get ready. Just enough time for a short nap!

February 6, 2012

My first soft sculpture looks more like a
toy than art, but I'm not giving up (yet).

There are a couple of galleries in Santa Fe that sell soft sculptures. The sculptures intrigue me, so yesterday I spent way too much time creating one. While it's not ready for prime time, I bet the artists who make the soft sculptures in Santa Fe weren't successful with the first one's they made, either. Mr. B smiled, almost laughed, when he saw mine. Not sure what to think about that!

I did get more pillows made yesterday. Of course, I think each and every one of the pillows is fabulous. I need to take photos of them after they're filled. If time wasn't running out, I'd be making more pillows. When I'm sewing I get inspired by fabrics I forgot I had. A friend sent me a link to a market that will be held in March. I need to look into it. And I think our former church is having an outdoor market in April, but I've sworn off that one. It has never been a money maker for me and I get so frustrated!

Today I'm creating felt valentines. These are the last items on my list to complete before the market tomorrow night. And after work Mr. B is taking me to the "urgent care" clinic. Dr. Mc is getting harsh with her comments about my injured foot and threats about what might happen if I don't go to the doctor. She's small but packs a mean punch.

February 5, 2012

Pillow made from vintage sugar sack. On the left is the
front and the right is the back. Fun for porch swing or chair.

I spent most of Saturday laying in bed with an ice pack on my foot. Unfortunately it doesn't look any better than it did when I posted the photo on Saturday morning. After Dr. Mc saw the photo of my foot on Facebook, she started mothering me, telling me that I needed to go to the doctor. I'm still convinced that nothing is broken because I can put weight on my foot and wiggle my toes. But now Mr. B is talking about taking me to the doctor. I'm being double teamed.

More bad news at the Pettit household. The water heater has gone out. It's past its lifetime, but with all our expenses right now the water heater could have picked a better time to go out! Car repairs at the end of January. Rose's vet bills this month. Now the water heater. As Evan used to say when things weren't going as she would have liked, "it's not fair."

Today I'm creating ... I'm not sure yet what I'm creating. Yesterday I made six pillows, finally! I need to review my list of items to have for the market on Tuesday and see what I can accomplish today and tomorrow.

February 4, 2012

Bruised and swollen foot from bad fall. 

Picture today of my foot this morning after a nasty fall last night. It was about 6:15 p.m. and I was locking up above the garage. The light was out and the stairs were so slippery from a combination of pollen from the pecan tree and the rain. I was holding onto the rail with both hands, taking one step at the time, and going down sideways, being so careful! Yet about 2/3 of the way down, my left foot slipped and I fell almost to the bottom, first on my stomach before "righting" my way to my back so I could stop my free fall. Did I mention I was screaming four-letter words as I fell? I laid there for a minute, just knowing I had broken my foot and wondering who to call. Realizing that the gate was locked and no one could get in the backyard, I stood up and hobbled to the back door. Passing through the kitchen, I grabbed  a cold pack from the freezer. I sat with ice on my ankle for about 15 minutes, then hit the shower to wash off the grime and survey the real damages. The top of my foot was scraped and already swelling, and my leg was scraped and bleeding almost all the way from my knee to ankle. In other words, I'm was a mess! However, since I could put weight on my foot, I was determined it was not broken.

Never one to miss a good meal with great friends, I dried my hair, bandaged my leg, put on loose fitting clothes, and headed to dinner with Mitzie and Bob, which during the day had grown to include Ashley and Taylor plus Zac and Sara (the Duran kids and significant others). I'm so glad I went. The food at Shade last night was so delicious!

Today I'm creating pillows. I went upstairs yesterday and decided to make three more aprons because I didn't have the backing I wanted for pillows. Going to the fabric store is still on my to-do list to today, if I can convince Mr. B to drive me. Only three days of sewing until the market on Tuesday.

February 3, 2012

Valentine's apron. I love the hot pink,
non-traditional fabric set off with the
turquoise pocket.

Where did the week go? I think I lost a day this week because we didn't return to Houston from Santa Fe until Monday night.

I've finally made an appointment to take my MacBook to the Apple Genius bar tomorrow morning. I'm so afraid they're going to tell me it needs to be shipped somewhere to be fixed. Or worse than that, what if I need a new laptop? The last time I took it in was for a new battery. The store didn't stock the OLDER batteries, so they ordered one. I believe it's a conspiracy to make people buy new computers. Apple products are the industry standard in the graphic design field, even for writers, but they're so much more expensive than a PC. Calm down! Step away from unnecessary worrying and don't sweat shelling out the $$$ for a new laptop until it becomes an issue. O.K. I'm better now.

Today I'm creating pillows. Earlier this week I said I was going to make pillows, but I haven't made any. This is a good afternoon for sewing before we have dinner tonight with Mitzie and Bob. Tomorrow afternoon (after my Apple appointment and Rose's trip to the vet), will be another good afternoon for sewing. And Sunday ... what can I say. Many people are gaga for the Super Bowl, but the Pettit household could care less about the game. I may have the television on in the background so I can watch Madonna perform, but that's about my interest level.

February 2, 2012

Mitzie and Ashley at the
engagement party I missed.
Looking good, ladies!

I had a meeting this morning with Denise, the president of Women of Wine Charities, to better define my role as chair of the communications committee. She served green tea and a little chocolate muffin (sorry, Denise, if there's a better name for the delicious chocolate piece). Tea was served from an antique tea set and the little chocolate bite was presented on matching dishes that Denise started collecting when she was in college. I have several sets of china and lots of depression glass, but seldom use them. I like them or I wouldn't own them, so why don't I use them? Thanks for the inspiration, Denise, although I'm not sure serving Diet Coke (my non-alcoholic beverage of choice) from an antique tea set would have the same effect!

After 1.5 hour meeting with Denise, I came home and worked on some Art Colony Association items. This means that so far today I've worked only on volunteer matters. I'm sure Mr. B would say that I'm volunteering too much instead of generating business opportunities. Today, I'd have to agree with him.

Today I'm creating to-do lists for Women of Wine Charities and Art Colony Association. Then I'm going to create pillows for the valentine's market next week. Pretty sure I'm behind schedule on my sewing.

February 1, 2012

Sweet little felt valentines. 

Rose had to go to the vet this morning to have her eye re-examined. Not so good. The stitches didn't hold or she rubbed them out, so her eye was a mess. The vet kept wanting to show me and I kept telling him to draw it. Yes I raised two daughters, but I can't stand the sight of someone else bleeding. In fact, I'm grimacing now just thinking about it. Back to Rose. New medication. A stiffer "cone of shame." Now she's resting on the floor. Snoring.

I'm watching a report about the Super Bowl quarterbacks. Don't ask me to name them or tell you the names of the teams playing. The television commentary is about their hair cuts, homes, and the cost of the clothes they were wearing when then arrived ... I don't know ... wherever it is they're playing the game this weekend. One guy's wardrobe costs $4,800 and the other guy's was $7,100. Looking sharp, gentlemen. Mr. B would approve.

Today I'm creating valentines. Now that I have my laptop, I can post a photo of some that I've already made. They are all stuffed and then hand sewn together, so it's like making teeny tiny pillows.