I did domething!

Now I can blog! Whew!

I went to a birthday party. Outside. With people! This is noteworthy because I have hermit-like tendencies and it takes a little bravery for me to go out and meet new people. This party was exceptional in that most of the guests had never met and were primarily internet friends meeting up in all our fleshy goodness for the first time. I was equal parts nervous and excited about the premise of this party since I always want to meet my internet friends but I also have flare-ups of insecurity that make me wonder if I'll live up to the way I present myself online.

Theresa (aka Simple Moth) was the hostess/ birthday girl and the party was held in her extraordinarily pretty sun-filled apartment with the help of her beardly beau Sam. Theresa invited her friend Aimee (who impressed me with her thrifting prowess), my old friend Ashley (aka Fern Animals), Lauren (aka Vegan Yum Yum) and a boy named David (who I don't think has any extra identities).

We all took a field trip to Todd Farms for some good flea market-ing and returned to Theresa's place for a midwestern-themed picnic vegan lunch. Lauren made the most delicious "fried chicken" from seitan and the side dishes were .... pastel. There was even a cherry pie! You know who had two pieces.

I really enjoyed everyone's company and the whole experience was much less awkward than I thought it could be. Since everyone knew each other primarily through Flickr, I think this was the most heavily photo-documented party I've ever been to! The cherry pie photo was taken by Theresa.

Moss, Mt. Rushmore and Sadie Hawkins

Today I made homes for the moss I found on the road. I arranged three simple terrariums the largest contains moss, fern and a few birch twigs for decoration and the other two are just moss or just fern. I didn't do much with decorating because I'm not sure of how well the environments will work. These three are sort of samples for bigger environments I hope to create later. I have high hopes for these three and I'm already plotting a very large terrarium scene complete with doll house furniture.

While I was at the thrift store looking for glass jars yesterday, I found these great Mt. Rushmore souvenir plates and bought two. It has been a long time since I've gone thrifting and I used to do it all the time. I thought I was really amazing at finding treasures but time has revealed that I just get excited about things that aren't really so spectacular. I feel confident that these plates are pretty great though.

Also, I posted a week or two ago about my parents' dog being sick. I feel I should give the update that she passed away this morning at home. The cancer progression was rapid. We're all trying to be comforted by the idea that her pain didn't last long and that her life was good after she came to live with our family. She was a rescue who definitely was meant for the finer things in life. She was nine years old and acted like an exuberant puppy until she became sick. She was a crazy snack-obsessed girl who played endlessly with her ball-on-a-rope and we will all miss her too much.

Featured Maker: Ashley Anna Brown of Fern Animals

It is a challenging thing to be proud of a friend and not sound maternal or condescending but I must say it. I am so extremely proud of my friend Ashley's success with Fern Animals. People can't seem to get enough of her tiny stuffed creatures that are thoughtfully hand-stitched and full of personality.

When we were in college together at Montserrat (represent!) and she had just started making her first handful of little guys; she'd be sitting in art history class with her needle and thread busily sewing up a little suit or a pair of ears for a future critter. Of course, it wasn't long before students and professors were calling dibs on their favorites. Believe me, I'm still sore over losing out on a little white bearlike fella with embroidered hair and a velour hoodie to our printmaking professor.

It is thrilling to see that people are still battling for the opportunity to snag one. She can't sew fast enough to meet the demand! How wonderful to see a hard working creative person succeed by doing what they love.

FernAnimals.com

PS: Go vote for her at the Softie Awards!