FallenPeach, Photography, Graphic Design and Fine Art

Fallenpeach has MOVED!

2011-02-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

When I wrote "Move" on my to do list for 2011, I didn't necessarily mean move blogs - but that is what happened first. We have officially transferred this blog over to Wordpress and would love for you to come visit and change your links and RSS feeds. I'm really happy with what we have going on over there and it will only get better as time goes on and I tweak and add more!

Story Behind It: Gas & Grub on Route 66

2011-02-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

We must have passed by this sign at least twice before we finally found it. It is not close to the road and it wasn't what we were looking for to begin with. We were looking for a wooden sign that had arrows and different towns on the Route. When we finally found it, I found this sign much more interesting. It is on a road in the middle of nowhere desert, but it's worth the adventure. Now a card in our shop.

Love, Photo 6 of 52

2011-02-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

This weeks photo comes from an object of love. Left on my computer by Matt for me to find when I returned home from work. It made me smile and so I share it with you. Follow my Photo a Week project here.

Passion

2011-02-11T08:55:00.000-05:00

There are things that I am passionate about that sometimes fall by the wayside and I forget that I am passionate about them. Or, rather, I forget just how passionate I can be about them. This weeks example: creating logos. I love love love creating logos. A friend recently started an Etsy shop and I have begun work on a logo for her. I figured it would be a chance to test my process before I list my services in my own Etsy Shop.

Except I think I changed my process. I became so involved with one design that I decided to send her that and see if I was even heading in the right direction. Once she responds I'll know if I am going in the right or wrong direction and can proceed from there. There are times when I do create three designs for the client to see first, but this one just worked out differently. And that is my discovery for the week - that process' can change project to project.

I think this is an important lesson for me and I'm excited about the possibilities that it unleashes.

I would love to have my photo for this post be said logo, but you will just have to wait until she approves it or until another design has been approved! :) Stay tuned for my Photo of the Week!

Blue Bottles of Tinkertown

2011-02-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

Tinkertown, a roadside attraction in the middle of the New Mexico desert, is bizarre. Full of animatronic figurines and madness, I found these peaceful blue bottles hanging out in a window. It turned out to be one of my top 10 favorite images from our trip and now I'm sharing it with you as a card.

Blank and ready for any message, check it out in our Etsy Shop.

February and a Snowman Update

2011-02-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

This is our Snowman as of yesterday, remember him? The funny thing is, there is minimal meltage going on here. Mostly, the snow just piled up around him. In fact, he's barely melted at all (well, his head is almost entirely gone but.. ). I was able to walk out to him without falling in, but with the rain and 40 degree weather yesterday I'm sure the ice has thinned a bit since then. I'm curious to see what happens when the snow starts really melting.

Anyway, over the weekend Matt and I went to see a local band, Mighty Purple and had a great time. I've been going to see this band for years now and it's always a fun show - although less frequently now that they have other things going on in their lives. Additionally, I thought that two weeks had passed in February, but that is just not true. It is just the beginning of the second week! February is one of those months that just moves so so slowly for me, so I guess this shouldn't be surprising.

I've been having trouble getting back into a groove after a couple days out of it, but I think this week is starting off well. I can't wait to list some new items this week and get to work editing new photos for new products. My to do list for this week is pretty long and involved, but I'm confident I can get it all done.

That's my little Monday update! More substantial blogging to come later in the week. :)

Photo 5/52 : Ginger

2011-02-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

Ginger makes a second appearance because this really was my best photo this week. She's so cute. Follow my Photo a Week project at Flickr.

Meetup: February 2011

2011-02-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

January was a hugely consistent month for me. My business moved a bit slowly, but I was able to set goals, keep them and maintain a regular schedule for myself. It helps that my retail hours have been the same every day for the past month, here's hoping when they change I can keep a schedule going. Ginger, the kitty above, is one of the cats in the house. She makes the cutest noises ever. This photo may be my photo for this week, so you may see it again. I'm not sure yet though.

Things I accomplished in January: consistently listed three items a week in the shop, also blogged three times a week, kept up with me Photo a Week project, worked on the new blog setup over at Wordpress (it's still in progress but coming along nicely), added Yoga/Wii Fit exercise into my schedule three times a week. I also started a "Thankful" journal and have been adding entries at least once a week, but more often when things occur to me. I was able to get up early every day and get things done before work and overall I am super happy and proud of myself for my accomplishments last month even though they were not huge.

February Goals

- keep up with things in place from January (listing, yoga and blogging three times a week plus photo project)
- February Newsletter, due out sometime mid-month.
- continue work on Wordpress site, hopefully soft launch end of February if not sooner
- finish pricing for graphic design and custom artwork so that we can list as options in our shop.
- start sorting through rest of road trip photos, work on new bookmarks and card ideas.

I'm keeping it short and sweet for February with the hope that I can focus my energy and get the Wordpress site complete sooner.

If you would like to join in the Meetup goal fun, visit Liz at Athena Dreams for more information.

Photo 4/52: Bike Art

2011-01-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

This nifty Art piece (bike rack?) looked pretty against the white snow. There's a lot more snow now, maybe I should take a follow up photo. See more of my Photo a Week project here.: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenpeach/

Spontaneity or When to Know

2011-01-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

I am one of those people who plans and plans and plans and never thinks that their plan will work out and so does not act. The one exception to this was our latest road trip. We literally didn't know we were going until the day we left and it was wonderful.

I don't want to get into too many details right now, but I've been working on a plan for at the very least months and at the extreme years and I am afraid that it will never come to pass. This caused a snap in my thinking yesterday and now I'm wondering, should I just ACT and screw the plan and see what happens?

It's not a small plan, if it goes wrong "well, oh well" will not be the proper response. But it's not a huge plan either where things would go horribly horribly wrong if it fails. It's a somewhere in between plan.

Well, if it works out, I'll be talking more about it here. But for now. Wish me luck.

It's on the Frakkin Ship! or a Battlestar Galactica Obsession

2011-01-24T07:48:00.000-05:00

Over the past few months Matt and I have been obsessively watching Battlestar Galactica, the re-done SciFi (I'm sorry, SyFy) version. We absolutely loved it, but were particularly blown away by the Season 3 Finale and then by the actual Series Finale.

For any fan of SciFi I recommend this series, it is absolutely incredible from beginning to end. Fascinating characters, great plot and dialogue and fantastic acting. I can't believe it took me this long to see it.

The basic gist is that man created machines and the machines rebelled and nuked Caprica (the planet the humans lived on). Some Cylons (as the machines are called) have evolved and look like humans, and can therefore be anywhere. Some Cylons don't even know that they are Cylons. Battlestar is the story of how the surviving humans search the stars for a planet called Earth that most believe to be a myth.

It is four seasons of just plain pure awesome.

Photo 3/52: Self Portrait

2011-01-23T13:27:00.000-05:00

Not quite sure how I feel about this self portrait. I took it randomly on a car ride to a diner for lunch yesterday. But it's the best photo of the week and something about it calls to me.

Capitol Motel says "Let's Get Away"

2011-01-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Neither Matt nor myself are very big on Valentine's Day. Never have been. I send him cards scattered throughout the year, why just limit myself to one day? Which brings me to our newest card. Taken in a Route 66 museum, I absolutely love this classic black and white of a neon sign and a cool old car. And I think it would be a wonderful way to tell your significant other that you'd like to go off on an adventure with them. It's blank inside, but maybe add the message "Let's Get Away" or tape a pair of plane or train tickets to the inside.

How would you express yourself with this card?

Mid-Month Update: Goals

2011-01-17T08:03:00.000-05:00

January has seen a vast improvement in my goal accomplishing.. I've been successfully getting up early to get things done before work and I've been adding yoga into my schedule three times a week. I have a good start on the new fallenpeach site over at wordpress and I've been able to keep up with both blogging and listing new things in the shop several times a week. All in all, this month is going spectacularly.

The weekend was full of relaxation and movies. The Social Network, A-Team and Sorcerer's Apprentice were all good movies and we followed them up on Sunday with the new Clash of the Titans and Chicago, which are also good movies that we had seen before. (in the case of Chicago, many many times before!). Matt also used our new Mini Cupcake Maker and made lemon cupcakes with chocolate frosting. They were good, more bready than cakey, but still good.

I realized over the weekend that I have sort of unintentionally abandoned my Reading Thursday posts and I promise you I will get back to them since I'm reading some fabulous books right now. I was in a mode reading Harry Potter for a while in prep for the movie, and then I was re-reading some other favorites of mine. I'm currently reading the second in Stephen King's Dark Tower series as well as re-reading Lamb by Christopher Moore, reviews when I finish with them!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and are doing good on your January Goals! :)

Photo 2/52: Winter Scene

2011-01-14T07:44:00.000-05:00

I'm in love with this idyllic Winter Scene that I found on a walk with Matt. It may become our Christmas Card next year, or even a Christmas Card for you to purchase - what do you think? Taken in Milford, Connecticut.

Sneak Peek and a Guessing Game

2011-01-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

This simple but elegant blank greeting card will soon be available in our shop. Can you tell me what it is a photograph of?

Snow SNOW!

2011-01-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

Last night and today Connecticut got whalloped (is that even a word?) ... with lots and lots and lots of snow. I honestly haven't seen this much snow in one fall since I was about 12 or 13. Our poor snowman is picking up a drift, although he is still smiling so maybe he likes it.

It's almost soothing to go outside and not hear much noise. Plows go by, but most people aren't driving and it's quiet out. I like it. Although having to spend hours digging out my car cut into the soothing part, now that that is mostly done I can enjoy the "snowed in" feeling. We had grilled cheese for lunch and I'm debating a nice mug of hot chocolate for later.

But for now, I'll be working in wordpress and trying to get some fallenpeach things done on my unexpected day off. What can I say, I'm a workaholic at times. What do you do on your snow days?

How about some reading? And a bookmark that makes you think of Summer?

Snowman Adventures

2011-01-10T07:38:00.000-05:00

Here in the Northeast we had a pretty decent snow fall over the weekend. Saturday, Matt and I decided to build a snowman. Specifically we decided to build the snowman from The Snowman (the cartoon). Unfortunately, the snow was not quite right for rolling so it took team effort and shovels of snow from around the yard to accomplish this. But we had a blast and are pretty darn proud of our snowman. Even though he's a little short.

We spent the rest of the weekend seeing good movies (King's Speech and Tron Legacy) and meeting up with friends. All in all, a fun weekend. What did you do this weekend?

Photo 1/52 : Blue Winter

2011-01-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenpeach/

This is my favorite part of a season I don't care much for, when it's quiet and the snow is just starting to fall. It literally looks that blue outside, and I love it.

Story Behind It: Santa Monica Card

2011-01-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I still find it hard to believe that Matt and I drove to California and back, twice. We did much more than just that the second time as well, but California always seemed so strange and distant. Particularly strange for me was driving through L.A., Hollywood and Santa Monica. I really never thought I would ever see the famous hand prints or that iconic sign on the mountain.

This photo was taken while we were at a red light. I had just missed the actual Beverly Hills sign (which totally brought me back to my Troop Beverly Hills watching days) and I wanted some kind of memento of Santa Monica Boulevard. It was a fancy street, exactly what I would have thought. Palm trees neatly lining the sides, fancy houses and gardens abounded. The photo really came out great and I'm happy to add it to my shop in the form of a blank greeting card, ready for your message or to be framed and kept as art.

Welcome 2011, January Meetup

2011-01-04T08:03:00.000-05:00

How do you like my new music player? I'm so in love with it! 2011 is off to a good, albeit slightly slow start for me. I had planned to be more on top of things, but I'm a few days off. Oh well, starting fresh starting today, January 4th!

I had goals for December,

~~~ Newsletter - make and send by December 13th. (there will be a coupon! so sign up for our mailing list in our sidebar now!)~~

~ Finish cross stitch gift

~~~ Stick to budget for Christmas shopping, be done before the 20th.~~

~ Blog three times a week; add Christmas/Holiday Photo Fridays as new feature

~ List two new items a week, more if possible.

~~~ Begin work on fallenpeach website redesign.~~

~add Wii Fit Yoga into my schedule somewhere, even if only once a week.

and I did okay on them, but getting sick and working retail during the Holidays did not help. Things are slowing down at work and I am determined to make January much better than the last few months of 2010.

January Goals:

- Finish website Reboot. Right now I'm working on transferring our official website, and blog, to Wordpress. Though I can use Dreamweaver and design websites, the frustration I feel when I do isn't worth it anymore. I design layouts, logos, cards, invitations, all kinds of things that do not involve coding websites. And I'm okay with that. We'll see how it all works out.

- Finally add Graphic Design and more of Matt's art into the shop; similarly add three new items into the shop a week.

- Blog three times a week, at the very least, and start Photo a Week project. Hopefully easier for me than Photo a Day.

- Finish Cross Stitch Gift.

- Skipping January Newsletter, will have one for February.

and some general 2011 GOALS:

- Get up earlier to get things done before work.

- Work Yoga into my schedule

- Move

- Get fallenpeach to Make money as a business

- Keep a Thankful Journal, weekly entries.

If you'd like to join in our Monthly Meetup, visit Liz's Athena Dreams blog for more information.

Getting Organized

2010-12-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

Now that the Holiday madness is partially over, I have a lot of things I want to get done and get organized. I have a lot of work I want to get done on the website and I need to get back on track with this blog. Part of the problem recently is that I have to use two different computers, one for photo editing and another for everything else. This is making my life a little difficult and making it hard for me to keep up with what needs to get done. At some point in January I'm going to do my best to get my other laptop up and running so that I can have everything up on one computer.

Right now I'm using the gorgeous music player Matt bought me for Christmas (it looks very 1930's and plays everything from records to mp3's - photo to come!) and working on a to do list for the week. Changes are on the horizon and I'm really excited about everything floating around in my head. This week expect spotty blog posts, next week I should be back on track officially.

I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday season and that if you are stuck in the blizzard you are driving safely :)

Tis the Season

2010-12-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Two things kept me away last week - being sick and getting ready for Christmas. I'm finally starting to feel better, although the cough just won't go away (!), which makes everything seem easier. Christmas Shopping is also done, for the most part, and I can't believe it's just three days away!

Next week I'll start fresh with new listings, new blog posts and more fun stuff but for now, Happy Holidays to all!

Story Behind It: Santa Alien

2010-12-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33012226/santa-alien-in-jacuzzi-bookmark

Our Holiday classic bookmark is back in the Shop. I took this photo last year after a discussion about what the ceramic circle was used for in the middle of a plate we had on our table. Apparently you put flowers in it. Fake ones, but I wondered if you could put water and real ones in it. This quickly evolved into a giggle fest involving Santa Alien and a bit of dish soap so that a jacuzzi was created instead. I liked the idea so much I took a series of photos.

Santa Alien is a great gift for the reader on your list with a sense of humor. Maybe for marking your place in a book like The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore.

Holiday Photo: Winter House

2010-12-10T07:54:00.000-05:00

In the Window there is a tiny little house. I haven't yet discovered who lives in this house, but the sunrise shines directly through their own windows.

Sneak Peek and a Story: Window Fruit

2010-12-08T09:34:00.000-05:00

So far December has been much much better than December. I'm listing new items on a fairly regular basis in the shop, and really staying motivated to keep things moving. Every week I'd like to have at least one blog post showing you upcoming items for the shop. It keeps me editing photos and therefore keeps me adding new things into the shop. Plus, it's fun for you to see what's coming before it arrives! Right? Right!

This is, quite honestly, one of my top 5 favorite photos from our last Road Trip. And I think I knew that when I took the photo in the literal middle of nowhere Arizona at the Hackberry General Store. Something about the retro, worn down feel and the bright colors just really attracted my attention. As a card I think it could be a great "hello and how are you" card, or maybe a "I'm sorry" or "Missing You" card, with the fruit playing the part of a lonely human. It could also be easily framed and kept on your desk or wall.

So look for Window Fruit in our shop later this week!

Weekenders: Portsmouth, NH

2010-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Matt and I needed a breather. So we took a drive up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a short weekend getaway. We both love the port town with its cute shops and streets and cheerful atmosphere. We happened to arrive just in time for the Holiday festivities as well, and so we stood in the cold to watch the tree lighting and full on Christmas Parade (Nautical themed, of course) which was a lot of fun. Matt wanted to tour the Red Hook Brewery, so we stopped by there too.

We also had some seriously good meals while we were in town. First at a 50's diner called Roundabout, then at my personal favorite the Portsmouth Gaslight Co. and finally at a fun breakfast joint called Friendly Toast.

Overall it was a really fun weekend away and I'm happy to say that I feel refreshed and ready to get back to work! Today is a day for catching up and making lists, tomorrow I go back to the retail grind and start focusing on my to do list for the week.

Monthly Meetup: December Goals

2010-12-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

Holiday Friday Photo*

Happy December! Boy November went fast for me. As some of you may or may not know, I did a goal reboot a week or so ago when I realized that I wasn't able to get things done on my original November List. I shucked the old list and created a much easier, shorter new one. November was a tough month for me, though I'm not 100% sure why. I thought, in December I'll start fresh. Then December started and I started to develop a cold. Well, it's December 3, but I'm still going to try and start fresh despite this cold.

(New) Goals for November:

~ Be halfway through cross stitch gift
~ Have made schedule for first week of December
~ Write out Christmas list of people to buy gifts for and figure out budget
~ Edit at least 5 greeting card images and have listed one by December 1st.

I was able to accomplish all of my mini goals, which improved my mood significantly, though my throat is still a bit scratchy. Additionally, we had a freelance invitation design project which is almost completed and of which we are extremely proud. So, yay for extra things accomplished!

December Goals:

~ Newsletter - make and send by December 13th. (there will be a coupon! so sign up for our mailing list in our sidebar now!)

~ Finish cross stitch gift

~ Stick to budget for Christmas shopping, be done before the 20th.

~ Blog three times a week; add Christmas/Holiday Photo Fridays as new feature (see bottom for note on image above)

~ List two new items a week, more if possible.

~ Begin work on fallenpeach website redesign.

~add Wii Fit Yoga into my schedule somewhere, even if only once a week.

aaand I think that's good for now. I already feel much better about December than I did about November, so here's to a month of accomplishing things and getting back on track!

If you would like to join in on the Meetup goal fun, visit Liz's blog at Athena Dreams to find out more.

* The image at the top is the first in my new Blog Series. Matt and I have spent a lot of time adventuring and traveling within the USA. We decided at one point to start getting Christmas ornaments everywhere we go. At this point we have 8 ornaments, and this one is one of my favorites. It's a personalized one that we bought while in Gatlinburg, TN.

Sneak Peek: Greeting Cards

2010-11-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

I've felt very back on track since my blog post yesterday. I accomplished everything on my list yesterday and I'm about halfway through today's list so far, which makes me feel good. So good in fact that I'm giving you a sneak peek of a couple greeting cards that will be available in the shop SOON!

Because I'm working in retail again, I am of course working this entire crazy Holiday weekend. But I promise that at least one of these will be posted either Thursday night or Friday before Midnight (eastern time). And there are more to come. I have a great selection of cards made from Road Trip photos and I can't wait to show them all off!

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving (or Happy Thursday or both) !

Goal Reboot

2010-11-23T10:53:00.000-05:00

November is almost over. Have I accomplished anything on my Monthly Goal list? NO. No I have not. Well, I did photograph the new greeting cards, but have not yet edited them for listing. And that's about it. I did do some personal re-organizing, get a few things done on the side and work a lot of extra hours at BN - but I'm feeling like a failure as far as my passion is concerned.

So I'm organizing a reboot. I know I can't possibly get all of those goals done before November ends. Of my two days off left this month one is Thanksgiving, and that will be busy and hectic. One of my goals that I hadn't mentioned really was wanting to write out weekly schedules once I knew my work schedule. I'm going to start this for next week. By Saturday I will have a schedule for the upcoming week out and it will be DO - ABLE.

New Goals for November:

Be halfway through cross stitch gift

Have made schedule for first week of December

Write out Christmas list of people to buy gifts for and figure out budget

Edit at least 5 greeting card images and have listed one by December 1st.

Additional News: There will be no November newsletter. BUT our DECEMBER Newsletter will have a Special Coupon that only newsletter subscribers will receive. SO - You have until December 6 to sign up for our Newsletter which will go out sometime before December 12.

Updates and Obsessions

2010-11-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

Updates: I will continue to add older bookmarks into the "Sale" category and I plan on finally photographing all the new greeting cards sometime this week. Hopefully I'll be able to solve my computer issues and have the photos edited and ready to be listed before Thanksgiving.

In the meantime, there are still wonderful choices in the store - and let me just say bookmarks are wonderful companion gifts for books or gift cards for bookstores!

In other news, I have had a lot of media obsessions this month. Here's a little taste of what we are loving right now.

Books: re-reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley and loving it just as much as last time. In the wings: Draughtnot by Cherie Priest, sequel to Boneshaker (which I loved!).

Music: we've become obsessed with Mumford and Sons, in particular their song Little Lion Man

TV: we are currently getting into Battlestar Galactica. Loved Season One and eagerly looking forward to renting or buying Season 2. Stupid Cliffhangers!

Movies: Eagerly awaiting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. Haven't really had the chance to get out to the movies lately, so this will be a real treat.

What are you loving this month?

Graphic Design: Designs by Sam

2010-11-09T12:20:00.000-05:00

Last week I spent some time back in graphic design working on a freelance project for someone I met at a craft fair. Sam makes beautiful jewelry out of fun, colorful beads and she enlisted me to photograph some of her jewelry and make a banner for her Artfire site.

The banner, above, is up on her site now, and she'll be adding the new products that I photographed soon.

I'm really proud of the work I did on this project and it helped give me that little push to keep working on advertising our graphic design skills. I'll be working on updating and revitalizing our website and blog over the next month or so and will hopefully be adding these services into our Etsy shop as well. In the meantime, if you would like to hire us for a similar project please drop us an email at lindsey (at) fallenpeach.com or through our Etsy store!

Monthly Meetup: November Goals

2010-11-02T10:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/fallenpeach/411279915602

Happy November everyone! My October was not very successful, goals wise. But I'm okay with that because it is a fresh month. We had a blast on Halloween - most significantly going to Johnny Rocket's for lunch dressed as Rizzo and Kenicke from Grease.

The only thing I really accomplished in October from my list was making an October Newsletter and sending it out. And I'm not really sure how it happened. I think between planning for our Feast and for Halloween and working a lot of hours everything just fell apart again. But I started fresh yesterday and I'm determined to keep it going.

November Goals

1. Continue listing a new item every day on Etsy . (once photographed)
2. Make November Newsletter by Nov. 15.
3. List Graphic Design Services
4. Photograph new Greeting Cards and start listing
5. Make daily and weekly to do lists in conjunction with work schedule to stay organized and on top of everything.
6. Update fallenpeach website and at least get new logo for portfolio site done.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/fallenpeach/411279915602

Halloween Traditions: Movies Part 2

2010-10-29T13:09:00.000-04:00

What a week! I worked a lot of closing shifts this week and I have to admit they wore me out a bit. Luckily I have Halloween movies and Halloween itself to look forward to this weekend!

We've already watched a handful of the movies above (and a few that I forgot to add to the stack), but we're saving our traditions for Halloween itself I think. Mine has always been The Worst Witch. Every year I watch this movie on Halloween whether anyone else joins me or not. Classic, cheesy and very 80's - The Worst Witch stars a very young Fairuza Balk, Tim Curry and Diana Rigg amongst others. Matt's traditional Halloween movie is Hocus Pocus, a movie he introduced me the first Halloween we had together (not sure how I missed it before then!).

I'm also really looking forward to our annual viewing of Fright Night and Sleepy Hollow. Not to mention Bram Stoker's Dracula and Practical Magic. We already watched The Great Pumpkin, but I'm thinking about bringing it out for Halloween itself to watch again. It's just that good. :D

Anyway, what are your Halloween movie traditions? And what are you going to be this Sunday? Here's a hint at our costumes:

Promises Promises and new Schedules

2010-10-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

In general, I try to keep this blog negativity and excuse free. It's just who I am. Skimming my more recent blog entries, I see the start of excuses for not having a new post up every day even though it is ME who actually decides that. Which means I shouldn't stress out about it.

Because of my retail job October's goal list pretty much didn't happen. Part of it did, which you'll see come November 1, but most of it just didn't happen. I'm still working on a happy way to join my two jobs and make it all work, but lately I've just been exhausted. I've also been working a lot of night shifts, which makes it hard to get up early and get things done the next day. And that is the extent of my excuses right now.

Point being, I'm cutting my blog posting down to three times a week. I know this is what you are usually getting about now, but I'm putting it out there for myself too - there will be blog posts three times a week although the days may be different each week. I have a few more Halloween posts in mind, once I get computer issues solved and photos ready. And then next week I will be starting the month fresh by planning out my blog posts.

And so I'm asking, what is it that you like about this blog? What features would you like me to try and keep going as often as possible?

Halloween Traditions: Movies Part 1

2010-10-25T13:04:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we celebrated Autumn with friends, food and some Halloween movie traditions both new and old.

We started with It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - which, no matter how many times I watch it, never gets old. I love this classic cartoon and it always makes me laugh and smile.

We followed that up with a new classic : Wallace & Gromit : The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. An awesome, funny twist on the werewolf stories, I highly recommend adding this to your list of movies to see.

After our guests left, Matt and I kept the mood going with The Addams Family (watched Addams Family Values this morning to finish the series) which is another set of movies that never get old to me. Perfect casting and a wonderful script really bring these characters to life.

Apologies for no photos today, I'm going to continue this list tomorrow and will have a photo of our Halloween movie stack.

What are the movies you watch every year for Halloween?

Reading Thursday: Autumn Traditions

2010-10-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

It seems like every couple years, around this time, I pick up and re-read The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I'm not exactly sure why the association with Autumn but both Fall and this particular book make me happy so.. ::shrugs::

For those who haven't heard of or read this book, it is the story of King Arthur told entirely from the female perspective, particularly Morgaine Le Fey - who is a priestess of Avalon in this version and not the typical completely negative figure. In short, the characters in this version are all completely human with pluses and minuses. It's a wonderfully full book and it always makes me think. The characters are written beautifully and I love this original take on the traditional Arthurian Romance.

I am also re-reading Harry Potter in preparation for the movie (!!), but since I'm flying through the last book I decided to take a short break with part of Mists before returning and finishing HP7 in early November so it is fresh in my mind when I see the first part of the movie.

What are you reading? Do you have a book that you always read at a certain time of year?

YTT: Sales and Excitement

2010-10-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

This week has started our productive. Though I usually fall apart around now, so I'm determined to stay organized for the remainder of this week. Updates in the shop: There are now two sale items in our shop, and two sets of bookmarks (four bookmarks for the price of three!).

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59481379/halloween-bookmarks-set-of-4-unique

Yesterday: I listed something new, blogged, had some "me" time and sent out our October newsletter. Click the link on our sidebar to see it, then sign up for our mailing list and get the next newsletter in November!

Today: I've listed new and sale items and done some cleaning. I work tonight so I don't have time to get much else done, but I have some emails to catch up on which I should probably do today.

Tomorrow: I work a mid shift, but will be sure to blog, list a new item and hopefully start photographing our new greeting cards.

how is your week going?

Bookmark Sets and Sale Items Now in Shop

2010-10-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59376847/pirate-bookmarks-set-of-4-different

Exciting new-ness is on the horizon. Yesterday I put my first Sale Item into our Etsy shop; more sale Bookmarks will be added over the next couple months. Today I added a set of four different Pirate themed bookmarks into the shop. More bookmark sets will be arriving soon as well!

Retail has been kicking my schedules to the curb lately, but the beginning of the week tends to be easier for me to organize for some reason. This week I'm going to try and organize my next couple weeks so that blog posts are more frequent again, but we'll see if I can get it straight.

On the Holiday front, Matt has started working on illustrations for Christmas and/or Holiday themed cards and I'm really excited to see what he comes up with. I already love the first illustration and it's just a rough sketch in progress.

Anyway, I hope you all are enjoying beautiful Fall weather as much as I am.

Collaboration in Graphic Design

2010-10-18T18:52:00.000-04:00

Matt and I started an annual tradition last year of holding an Autumn Feast for our close friends. Last year we made invites, but never sent them and just ended up using Facebook. This year we made new invites and actually sent them and I want to show the design off because we are both really proud of it.

We started with two totally different designs, one by each of us. And then piece by piece we combined them until we were happy. What do you think?

YTT: The Biggest Things I Haven't Done This Week

2010-10-13T10:13:00.000-04:00

Let's talk about what I haven't gotten done yet this week and what needs to get done.

The biggest thing is that I haven't listed anything new this week because I haven't had time to photograph all the fabulous new products I have. Working mid shifts in a retail position makes it hard to get things done and it doesn't help that I haven't been feeling very good this week, but I'm back to actually looking at my daily lists and I think I have a reasonable one for tomorrow:

After Work there will be dinner and then I will photograph Halloween magnets and bookmark sets. Greeting cards will be photographed Friday and editing will happen on Saturday.

Here's to sticking to the plan!

How is your week going?

Take a Walk, Fall is Waiting

2010-10-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

Since the weather has truly switched over to a gorgeous Fall, Matt and I have started taking daily walks. Sometimes we walk around his neighborhood, other times off into the woods we go. Either way, it feels good to be outside enjoying the weather, getting some exercise and enjoying Autumn. Luckily the rain has been holding off and we have been able to keep up with this for about a week so far.

We've found lots of interesting scenes, like the television and couch above, as well has beautiful foliage and some cute chipmunks (who were too fast to photograph). I'm slowly getting back into more regular photography, but I still don't think I'm ready to go back to my Photo a Day Project. I may have to start that fresh next year, or next month.. or sometime that is not now. But I will start it fresh again.

How was your weekend?

Reading Thursday: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-10-08T10:03:00.000-04:00

A month or so ago all anyone I knew on Facebook or Twitter was talking about was Mockingjay. I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about, but I soon found out. Mockingjay is the third in a series of young adult novels by Suzanne Collins.

Normally if something is crazy popular, I'll avoid it for a while, but when I read the back of Hunger Games I really couldn't resist. A dark story in the vein of other "games" books and stories (think The Most Dangerous Game, Ender's Game, Invitation to the Game) but with a unique twist and compelling characters, The Hunger Games trilogy is incredible so far (I'm starting book two now).

The Hunger Games takes place in a futuristic society where North America has been divided into 12 closed in communities controlled by the Capitol, a government who defeated rebellion and now holds it's power through fear. Each year the 12 districts must have a boy and a girl tribute (chosen from a lottery of 12 - 18 year olds) participate in the Hunger Games, the last alive in these games is the winner.

From Barnes and Noble : "Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place."

The first book was difficult to put down and in fact I'm resisting the second as I write this because I want to fall back into the story and find out what happens. Suzanne Collins is a masterful writer and I'm particularly excited that she doesn't recap the entire first book to start off the second. Elements are placed in where you need them, but ultimately she assumes you've read the first and takes off immediately into the new chapter of the Hunger Games.

Have you read the Hunger Games? What do you think of them?

YTT: Welcome Fall!

2010-10-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

The past few days have been rainy, but I'm loving it because that means Fall has officially arrived. No more days over 80 degrees, time for sweaters and fun jackets and even scarfs. But on to my goals for the week!

Yesterday: I listed a new item, blogged, ran a few errands, played with a borrowed Nook, and worked on my budget a little. I also bought a new Fall jacket and watched Glee, which I thought was excellent.

Today: I've listed a new item, and bought a new winter coat (I'm excited about new coats as I haven't had a new one in like a decade). I will also play more with the borrowed Nook and photograph some new products.

Tomorrow: I have work, but I will blog, list a new item and edit a handful of new products to have them ready to go. I also will be working on plans for our second annual Fall Feast with Matt.

What about you? What does your week look like?

Etsy Tuesday: Taraville

2010-10-05T15:05:00.000-04:00

Autumn always makes me crave Hot Chocolate... actually, most times I'm craving hot chocolate as long as the temperature is below 65 ! I love this image by taraville (http://www.etsy.com/shop/taraville?ref=seller_info) because of it's cute simplicity and I love the beat up table texture of the background.

I'm having problems with linking words and photos in blogger, but please:

stop by her shop : http://www.etsy.com/shop/taraville?ref=seller_info

and visit this item in more detail: http://www.etsy.com/listing/56764319/hot-chocolate-greeting-cards

Monthly Meetup : October Goals

2010-10-04T16:55:00.000-04:00

It took me four days in to realize that it's officially October. That should tell you something about how my September went. Busy. Busy, Busy Busy.

Look Back at September - Started out with a bang: listed a ton of new items, held a bookmark giveaway, tweaked my side bar a bit, and started making daily to do lists again. I didn't get to graphic design things, and I made my newsletter but am having password issues and haven't yet sent it out, despite it now being October. I finished hanging my work in Liquid Lunch (Milford, Connecticut) and had an opening. Photos will be up through the Holidays.

I also started the month with a Daily Photo project .... which fell apart with everything else toward the end of the month. I would like to start it up again, but I may have to start fresh on a new date. Maybe next month once I'm back on track.

Other Things that Happened - I started a new (sort of ) retail job. This has thrown my scheduling completely off and it doesn't help that my work schedule is always different daily and weekly. I'm still getting back into the groove of retail and that has caused me to be away from the computer more than I would have liked. I'm hoping to start fresh this week and be back as much as possible with the blogging and new item listing and everything.

October Goals

1. Continue listing a new item every day on Etsy .
2. Send September newsletter ASAP, design and send October Newsletter by October 15th.
3. List Graphic Design Services
4. Photograph new Greeting Cards and start listing
5. Make daily and weekly to do lists in conjunction with work schedule to stay organized and on top of everything.
6. Update fallenpeach website and at least get new logo for portfolio site done.

I think that's a nice easy start for October, hopefully more will be added as time goes on and I get back on track more completely. It's been a busy Summer and Early Fall.

If you'd like to join in on the Meetup, please visit Liz's blog to find out more information.

YTT non YTT

2010-09-29T09:36:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Everything has been a little crazy lately, mostly it's starting my new job but also I'm using a different computer half the time, and it just isn't as easy to get my photos edited. Which is frustrating. I'm working on a solution, though, and hopefully everything will be back to a new kind of normal soon. So if there is a lack of photos for a few days, now you know why.

My goal was to write out my to do list every day, giving more specifics and time frames for things including my work schedule. Last week it kind of fell apart and I'm starting fresh today. Since I'm starting fresh, this week there won't be a traditional YTT. More like a list of things I need to get back on track.

My photo a day project - I'm behind. I keep getting behind. I need to find a solution to this. And I need to decide whether or not I'm skipping the days I'm behind on or if I'm making up for them.

Blogging - I am also a little off in this. I'm going to try to plan out my blogs a little more in advance, with the hope that I won't fall behind again. .. at least for a while.

I have been keeping up with listing new items, for the most part, and I hope you've taken a visit to our shop recently, because there are some lovely Halloween and Route 66 items there with more to come!

Is it weird to be starting fresh on a Wednesday? Probably. But nevertheless I am starting fresh today. New attitude, new organizational techniques, new clarity.

How is your week going?

Story Behind It: Blue Bottles Bookmark

2010-09-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite images from our cross country adventure. It's simple, beautiful and vibrant, the blue bottles from Tinkertown in New Mexico. Interestingly, Tinkertown itself is not simple. At all.

It's a museum built of concrete, rocks and glass bottles full of miniature scenes chock full of things to look at. It's a bit overwhelming at first, and you have to drive a dirt road through the desert to get there, but I found it fun and a worthy trip. As we were leaving I saw these bottles in the window and couldn't resist. I love glass bottles, especially in windows.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57026445/blue-bottle-bookmark

YTT: New Settings

2010-09-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

After a few days of floundering with my new schedule (or rather, lack thereof), I've implemented a way to keep myself organized and still get things done. It may take a couple days to get totally back on track, but I'm getting there!

Yesterday: I worked. Retail. Again. But it feels good to be working with a product rather than behind a desk. I didn't have time for much else yesterday.

Today: I caught up with my photo a day project, edited three sets of product photos for Etsy (but am awaiting Matt for troubleshooting on his computer before I can list them), and made my to do list for today and tomorrow which is even more necessary with uneven work hours. Today is light because I have work this evening, but so far I feel good about my accomplishments.

Tomorrow: I will blog and list a new item, then I will go to work. Then I will most likely crash for a relaxing evening of watching Fringe and organizing my weekend.

How is your week going?

Photo Opening and Changing Schedules

2010-09-20T21:39:00.000-04:00

Good evening! First of all, my Photo Opening this weekend at Liquid Lunch was a lot of fun. A handful of friends and family turned out, and there were delicious grilled cheese bites and laughter to be had. I'm excited to say that my work will be hanging through Christmas, so if you are ever in Milford Connecticut, drop by Liquid Lunch for some delicious food and a peek at my photography.

Immediately the next day I began my new retail job, and a new regime is beginning. I had time this morning for listing a new item (Santa Monica Pier bookmark, very cool) and update my Photo a Day section of my Flickr page (more kitty cuteness!), although as of 9:30 pm I still haven't taken today's photo. I'm still debating what it will be... I am determined to keep everything balanced, so although I'm blogging a little later than usual, I will be keeping up with everything (although there will be much less twittering than usual.. ::sigh::).

It was an exciting weekend, and today was an incredibly long day. How was your weekend?

Kitty and the Beach

2010-09-17T09:10:00.000-04:00

My week started with this kitten. Well, actually I had a terrible Monday and went to visit this kitty, my friend's new pet, to have a cheerful end to a terrible day. Jack, the kitty, was curious enough for me to take a photo for my Photo a Day Project and I'm really proud of how it came out. See more from this project here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fallenpeach/ .

The week got considerably better after Monday and seems to be ending quite well, so far. As I said last week, changes are on the horizon and although they aren't working out how I want them to exactly, I have confidence that I can turn it all around and make it work for me. It's just going to take more planning than I had planned.

Tomorrow is my Photo Show Opening, which has been in the works for so long that I'm torn between relief and nervousness about it. Today I hang the rest of my photography and get everything ready. I'm also going to purchase a new toy and possibly some new clothes. In short, I have a busy day. But I'm excited about it can't wait to share with you on Monday.

Yesterday was my kind of beach day. Storm rolling in over the water, a cool breeze whipping my hair around...

how has your week been?

Reading Thursday: Magic Kingdom of Landover Series by Terry Brooks

2010-09-16T14:12:00.000-04:00

I originally read this series back in high school. Now, nearly 15 years after the release of his last in this series, Terry Brooks has a new Landover novel - about which I am super excited. In preparation, I re-read the original books in the series and have just now started the new one.

The Landover series is about Ben Holiday, a lawyer in mourning over the wife of his wife and unborn child. He picks up a specialty catalog and finds for sale a Magic Kingdom ... and decides to take a chance. He purchases the Kingship of Landover and arrives to find not only a magical kingdom beyond his imagination, but a magic kingdom in disrepair from lack of a proper king.

Along with his small unique staff, who soon become friends, Ben works to rebuild Landover and become a true ruler. In each book you can see the growth of both Ben, his friends and the Kingdom itself. I love the building of relationships and seeing how they grow and change throughout the series, particularly the odd love-hate relationship between Ben and the dragon Strabo, who I find fascinating. I also love that these are just plain fun fantasy books with creative characters and interesting scenarios.

The newest book in the series, although written many years later, picks up 5 years later but begins in the same location that the last book ended, tying it all neatly together. So far I'm really enjoying it, and I highly recommend this series to any fantasy fan looking for a new author to read. What's great about these books also is that there are not too many of them and it is easy to read them in order. There are 6 total in the series right now and the originals have been neatly packaged into two volumes for newer readers.

Have you read these books? Would you recommend them? What are you reading right now?

YTT: Newsletters and Last Minute Prep Work

2010-09-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I've had a roller coaster of a week so far and it's only Wednesday! Things are looking up, though, and I'm confident about the rest of the week.

Yesterday: I played around in MailChimp and set up my first newsletter. It's going to go out the end of this week and if you'd like to receive it just type your email in that sign up box over on the sidebar of this blog. I'm really excited about this and just to let you know all emails will be fallenpeach related and they will arrive once a month in your email box. I also listed a new item, relisted a couple sold items, blogged about a fabulous Etsy seller, and forgot to take my photo for the day. I also put some new icons up in the sidebar to make it easier to find us in other places on the internet. What do you think of them?

Today: I already listed a new item (see above!), I will make up for the lost photo and take another for today, print a last minute photo for my show this weekend, buy a new frame to replace the one that broke, do some cleaning and confirm everything for my opening.

Tomorrow: I have a bunch of errands to run, will list a new item, blog, and see what happens today that will need to be added to my list for tomorrow.

How is your week going?

Etsy Tuesday: Sweet Little Frostings

2010-09-14T09:42:00.002-04:00

This morning I discovered this fantastic vintage style jewelry shop on Etsy called Sweet Little Frostings. Particularly liked the Autumn feel of the above locket, fits right in with the opening of September and the cooler weather that I am enjoying right now.

Changes in the Air

2010-09-13T14:20:00.000-04:00

Autumn always brings about change for me. It's like a fresh start, a new year and a welcome change. I get tired of the Summer heat quickly, and when Fall arrives I feel much more in my element. We went for a walk in the woods this weekend and found beautiful changes and a nice cool breeze that made me smile.

It isn't just the weather that is changing, however. I have been preparing myself for my show opening this weekend and it looks like jobs (of the retail variety, but jobs nonetheless) are on the horizon for both Matt and myself. I've also been thinking about changes I would like to make to my portfolio website, the fallenpeach homepage as well as this blog - so keep an eye out for small changes and lots of new products!

This weekend I relaxed and begin Monday feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges of the week.

What about you?

Photo a Day Project, Week 1

2010-09-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

Some of you may remember that I said I was starting a Photo a Day project on September 1st. Well I did and so far so good! I had a couple days where I had to make up photos, but I did and I'm determined to keep up with it now. You can follow this project on my flickr page, but every week I'll do a highlights with some of my favorite images.

And the Winner Is ....

2010-09-09T08:52:00.000-04:00

And the Winner of my 1st Etsyversary Giveaway is: Frannie from ThoughtfulHearts ! Frannie chose our Redwoods Victorian bookmark to use while reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Please contact me via Etsy or Email with your address.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

YTT: Autumn Fresh

2010-09-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday turned into something other than what I had planned, but today I seem to be back on track and catching up.. at the same time, which is strange.

Yesterday: I unpacked and looked through photos from the weekend, made to do lists for the next day, relaxed a little and watched Warehouse 13.

Today: I got up early (7:15 am), showered and promoted, blogged about our weekend adventures, updated my Photo a Day folder on Flickr, listed a new item on etsy, and blogged about camping gear at Nowhere Nerds. I still want to list another item, do some wii fit exercise, and clean. I also need to take two photos today for my project as I missed yesterday.

Tomorrow: I will get up early again, blog, list another new item or two, continue with my daily photo project and choose something off of my master to do list to accomplish.

How are you doing this week with your goals?

Weekend Adventures: New York State Fair

2010-09-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

Over the long weekend I had the absolute fun pleasure of going camping in upstate New York and spending a day or two at the New York State Fair. I have family up in that area, so it has been a family tradition to go every few years to visit and attend the fair, I love including Matt in that tradition now, especially since he loves state fairs and camping as much as I do!

We always camp at Green Lakes State Park, which is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite places to be. There are two glacier created lakes and plenty of spots like above to sit and enjoy the scenery. The water is perfectly clear and appears in gorgeous shades of turquoise, blue and green farther out from land. Last time we were here, Matt took me out on the lake in a boat, but it was too windy this year for that.

Because I've been to the New York State Fair so many times, it's like my home fair. Strangely, I'm just now starting to attend more Connecticut fairs like the one in Durham, even though I've lived here my whole life. Every year there is a sand sculpture and this years was Beatles themed, which made me happy although the one we saw two years ago was much more intricate (pirates themed and aawesome).

The butter sculpture was also pretty nifty this year, a full town (Dairytown!). In the Dairy building you can get a cup of milk (chocolate or regular) for just a quarter! And in a building not too far down you can get a baked potato with any toppings they have for just a dollar! So so delicious...

The Birds of Prey show is always one of my favorite things to see as well. .This year there were some real cuties. And a glorious Bald Eagle posing in front of an American Flag. Yes he is real.

The eagle stood so still most of the time, but was definitely aware of all of the camera clicks.

These performers on stilts were both beautiful and fascinating to watch. A dragon and a bird, with riders, simply walking around and interacting with each other, observers and the trees around them.

The best part of the fair is the food. I already mentioned the baked potatos and the milk, but we also had a feast of deep fried and delicious from corn dogs to fried dough and deep friend chocolate chip cookie dough! The last was particularly awesome and tasted just like a just out of the oven cookie! I love Fall and I love that the State Fairs are upon us.

To see a few more photos from this trip, check out my Photo a Day project on Flickr.

Team Discovery, Linen and Sky

2010-09-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

I am still amidst Terry Brooks' Magic Kingdom series and I think I'm going to do an overall review when I'm done, but today I have a few other things I can talk to you about, so it's okay!

First of all, in case you missed my insane promoting yesterday - I am holding a Giveaway! You can enter on this blog (click here) or my Facebook page (or click here), enter to win your choice of a bookmark from my store!

Next, I was interviewed for a blog (up on Friday, will link when live) and part of that interview can be read on Team Discovery's blog.

And finally, my Vespa greeting card was featured in this wonderfully peaceful treasury called Linen and Sky.

I'll be listing a couple new items in the store in just a little while, so take a pop by this afternoon and see what's new. My week has been pretty hectic and I think this weekend will be a nice relaxing one; how about you?

FallenPeach Giveaway!

2010-09-01T10:41:00.001-04:00

Making this it's own blog post!

It's been a full year since I started fallenpeach and I think it's been a pretty darn good year! I've begun to really build this business and I'm extremely proud of where I am with it today. To celebrate I'm holding a contest!

How to Enter:

1. Choose a book you are reading or want to read or re-read.
2. Choose a bookmark from my store that would work perfectly for the book (see number 1)
3. Be a follower of my Blog, or a fan of my Facebook page
4. Leave a comment either here or on my FB page telling me which bookmark you would use for which book
5. Win! Well, there will be at least one lucky winner announced on next Wednesday, September 8th. They will win their chosen bookmark.

A Note: Please make it easy for me to contact you via email. Or keep a close watch on this blog September 8 to see if you win.

Meetup: September PLUS Etsyversary Celebrations!

2010-09-01T09:51:00.001-04:00

I woke today feeling refreshed. It felt like a Monday, or my birthday, or the first day of a new year. I can feel changes on the wind and it makes me feel confident and good. August was not my best month. I did accomplish most, if not all, of my goals but it was a month of stress and frustration due to some other forces. September is looking to be much much better. It helps that today is my first Etsyversary :)

Taking a look back on August: Most of my goals for August surrounded the Oyster Festival where I had a vendors booth this year. I made a whole lot of new products, figured out how we were going to hang framed things within the tent and had a moderately successful fair. I've also starting listing Halloween products in the store and have more to come. I did not yet list my graphic design services and I think that's just because I was crazy busy prepping for the fair and all.

A Liquid Lunch Update: I'm proud to say that after months of trying to get it worked out, half of the images I planned to hang are hanging within the eatery. The rest will go up when another display goes down, after an auction later this month. I'm still working out details for an official opening, but I'm halfway there.

September Goals:

1. Get back on track with to do lists and organization. I fell off the wagon a little last month.
2. Continuing listing a new item every day
3. tweak blog side bar
4. Have first ever fallenpeach giveaway contest (see below)!
5. work on re-design of portfolio website / incorporating into fallenpeach site ?
6. list graphic design services
7. decide on Autumn craft fairs, if any, to apply to.

If you'd like to join in on The Meetup, take a look at Liz's blog Athena Dreams for more information.

And now the moment you have been waiting for!

It's been a full year since I started fallenpeach and I think it's been a pretty darn good year! I've begun to really build this business and I'm extremely proud of where I am with it today. To celebrate I'm holding a contest!

How to Enter:

1. Choose a book you are reading or want to read or re-read.
2. Choose a bookmark from my store that would work perfectly for the book (see number 1)
3. Be a follower of my Blog, or a fan of my Facebook page
4. Leave a comment either here or on my FB page telling me which bookmark you would use for which book
5. Win! Well, there will be at least one lucky winner announced on next Wednesday, September 8th. They will win their chosen bookmark.

A Note: Please make it easy for me to contact you via email. Or keep a close watch on this blog September 8 to see if you win.

Story Behind It: Bowler's Bookmark

2010-08-31T14:50:00.000-04:00

I'm a big fan of bowling. I used to do my homework at the bowling alley every Wednesday while my mom bowled league. I bowled on a kids league myself for a while too. So when we were in Niagara Falls Canada last April and I saw this neon sign I knew I had to take a photo of it.

It can be found on Clifton Hill, or the Street of Fun, right next to a giant Ferris Wheel which you can see in this image as well. We never did go bowling there, though. Mostly because we spent our money on more Niagara Falls related adventures.

Are you ready for my contest tomorrow? Spread the word - I'll be blogging about it tomorrow morning!

Waiting For Wednesday..

2010-08-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

Wednesday is September 1st and a few big things will be happening here at fallenpeach. One, it's our Etsyversary and we will be holding a contest! Two, it's Meetup day, so I'll be listing my goals for September. And Three, I will be starting a new project. Details on the contest will arrive on Wednesday, but I can talk about my new project now!

I've always wanted to do some kind of daily thing. I tried journaling growing up, but was never consistent. In college I put together a sort of poor woman's scrapbook of cartoons and clippings and things I wanted to remember, but that wasn't really daily and the book is only half full... as it got abandoned after college ended.

So I've decided to do one of the things I do best, with a twist. I'm going to take a photo every day. Sometimes it'll be a mundane photo, other times more creative. I'm going to put together a book with these photos and then some type of paragraph or comment on the day or something positive in my life or something I'm loving that day. I was going to just buy a notebook and use that, but I've decided on another path. I'm going to buy a smaller sized three ring binder (maybe a 5x7 one or something) and fill it with blank paper . I may have to punch the holes myself, but that's okay. A bigger page is more intimidating to me, and although with pages so small I may have to print the photos smaller, I think ultimately it'll be better for me. Or maybe I'll put the photo on one side of the page and comments on the other, we'll see what works best once I start.

I'll be sharing my photos and some comments on Friday of every week at this blog both because I'd like to share the progress and possibly inspire, but also because I'm hoping you will keep me motivated! :)

Have you ever done something like this? Did you follow through? Any advice or suggestions?

Autumn Thoughts and Halloween Cards

2010-08-26T11:55:00.000-04:00

I woke up thinking about Fall. Maybe it's because I turned off my air conditioner and fell back asleep, waking up to a cool but silent room. Autumn is my favorite season by far. I love everything about it, the cool days, trees changing colors, Halloween and her decorations... bats and cats and scarecrows and pumpkins!

Almost immediately when I think of Fall certain things come to mind. I'm not sure why I associate these things with Fall, but I do. Girl Folk Music is tops - Dar Williams, Lisa Loeb, Erin Mckeown to start; movies and books like Practical Magic and Foxfire come to mind second. Flowing skirts and earthy tones work their way more into my wardrobe more as well most times. The leather jacket comes out and I feel more badass sometimes. That last comes from walking through the trees late at night in college after watching Buffy in the campus center, I think.

Our newest cards are available in a set of 4 (one of each design) including envelopes. The illustrations are by Matt and I love each and every one of them. The bat has made its way to my desktop and I think it might stay there until after Halloween. So adorable. Click the image above or here to find out more information.

What things do you associate with Fall? What is your favorite season?

YTT: Photo Show Prep

2010-08-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

now in the store!

It never ends, it seems. The Oyster Fest is over and now I must prepare to hang my photography in a local eatery! I''m not complaining, I'm just busy and it feels good.

Yesterday: I listed the first in a line of retro style products, I went to print some of my photos as 11 x 14's, I finished my 8 x 10 artist bio to hang in the eatery, and I obsessed over the idea of possibly getting a smartphone soon. I also watched Warehouse13 (good episode, although could have done without the high school stereotypes) and tried to get to bed early.

Today: I will pick up my prints, buy a few last minute supplies, make description tags to hang below my framed prints, start to frame said prints. Oh and I listed another bookmark made from Matt's adorable illustration of a black cat!

Tomorrow: I have no clue. I'll probably still be framing and making tags and getting things ready. I'll be hanging my photography on Friday, but the actual opening will be in a couple weeks.

What's on your plate this week?

Story Behind It: Retro Phone Bookmark

2010-08-24T13:27:00.000-04:00

My newest bookmark comes from a photograph I took in the small town of Miami (pronounced Miamuh) Oklahoma on Route 66. At an old theater that is currently being renovated (and is absolutely stunning) we were given a full tour. This phone was in the starlet's upstairs dressing room next to a zebra print couch. The full image features both, but I really like how the phone looks cropped like this.

The theater as a whole was absolutely beautiful and should be even more stunning when the renovation is complete - they are working on the ballroom now. If you are ever in the area, I suggest giving them a visit.

Our Favorite Season and New Products!

2010-08-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

We absolutely love Halloween and Fall is our favorite season. This year we are proud to present a series of Halloween illustrations by Matt - they will be available as bookmarks, cards and prints. We are starting out with my personal favorite, the Vampire Bat as bookmark.Click the link or the image for more information.

I will be listing a new item every day starting today so please keep checking back in the store. I won't always list it on the blog first, but I will always let you know through Twitter or Facebook - so those are other places you can keep up with our new products!

Craft Fairs: Milford Oyster Festival

2010-08-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we set up our tent on the green in Milford, CT for the Milford Oyster Festival. Ever since I was little I've attended this fair every year. They shut down the streets and thousands of people attend for crafts, food, music and more. It's always a fun time.

This year, we were super lucky and had the most beautiful weather we've had in years for this event. There was a perfect breeze and clouds came in to block the direct sunlight halfway through the day. It was my first year as a vendor at this fair and we had a pretty steady stream of people coming into our tent.

Because it was our first real outdoor fair (the last one it rained two hours in so our display had to be changed) our display was different from our usual indoor display. We had much more space and a few new products. Our newest display piece was the room divider you see above. On it we hung framed photography, a charcoal drawing of Judy Garland by Matt as well as some of his paintings. I really like how the display looked and will definitely be using it again for both indoor and outdoor shows.

Another new piece was this print rack that I bought last minute at Jerry's Artorama. And boy am I glad I did. Browsers were constantly flicking through my prints and making delightful comments about them. Several times people found an image they liked and then came in to the tent to see if it was available in a smaller size.

This table was at the back and we sat or stood behind it. From left to right : Bookmark spinner rack, small sale bookmark box, packaged greeting card sets, small prints of Matt's illustrations (in the store soon!), and single and sets of magnets. In the background you can see another of Matt's charcoal drawings -this time of Hiro from Heroes.

On this table we featured two of Matt's gorgeous paintings, halloween greeting cards, boxes of smaller sized prings and boxes of greeting cards. A few hours into the day we switched this display around though. We moved the boxes of greeting cards to the front and the Halloween cards further inside the tent. This worked wonderfully for more browsers.

Overall it was a really beautiful day. I loved talking to customers, seeing old friends and promoting our products. The big sellers of the day were bookmarks and magnets, which was interesting. We never know what the big seller will be when we arrive at a show.

Sunday we spent a lot of time doing nothing as a reward for our constant work over the past couple weeks and it felt good.

How was your weekend?

Reading Thursday on Friday: Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

2010-08-20T11:14:00.000-04:00

Boneshaker is, in it's most basic description, a Steampunk Zombie book. But beyond that, it is an incredible book with a gripping story and fantabulous characters.

I was drawn immediately to the cover of this book and new that someday I would read it. This was months ago. With some birthday money in July I purchased it and more recently finally finished reading it. I've been really busy and I wish I could have read it quicker, but life got in the way.

The story begins with a re-telling of history - specifically Seattle Washington - when a machine called the Boneshaker is built by Dr. Leviticus Blue to dig for gold in the North and goes haywire instead causing chaos, destruction and a strange yellow smoke that kills and then brings back the dead as zombies.

The infected area is blocked off entirely and restricted. Blue's son Zeke goes into the restricted area seeking information about his father and grandfather and is followed not too long after by his mother Briar, frantic to bring him back safely. Inside the two find that things aren't always what they seem and discover a whole world they didn't even know existed within the walls.

Boneshaker has everything. Action, mystery, Zombies, Airships, Pirates, gun fights, Gears and cogs and masks and technology. It's pure fun and I highly recommend it. My favorite reader's quote on the cover of the book reads:

" A steampunk-zombie-airship adventure of rollicking pace and sweeping proportions, full of wonderfully gnarly details. This book is made of irresistible." - Scott Westerfeld.

My chosen bookmark for this book was, of course, my pirate bookmark:

Craft Fair Prep: Card Set Packaging

2010-08-19T17:41:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago I decided to have sets of cards available at the Oyster Festival and so began the search for proper packaging. I searched for about a week and could not find a single thing that they would fit in nicely. So I made my own! White mailer envelopes with a window cut into them, plastic covering the window from the inside protect the cards and a sticker on the back shows what you can find inside.

I came up with the idea last night and I'm really glad that it worked out. They are not fancy, but they look nice and hold the cards, so I'm happy. What do you think of them?

Craft Fair Prep: Pricing Sheet / Signs

2010-08-18T17:05:00.000-04:00

For this fair I've been reworking a lot of my standard craft fair pieces. One of the latest has been my pricing tags. I tape or afix these to the containers holding my products. I decided to incorporate my new logo and then decided to make a whole list to just put framed on the table for people to glance at. I'm not sure where on the table I'll be putting it yet, but I'm sure I'll figure it out! :)

How do they look?

Tomorrow I'll be working on actual display pieces. A lot has changed since my first fair and I think this time I want to totally master what my basic display pieces are. Last show we switched out a bulky black display for greeting cards with several smaller bronze/tin vintage looking buckets for people to flip through and they seem to be working much better - it makes people more active about looking at our cards. And it takes up a lot less space so things look less cramped.

The closer we get to Saturday the more excited I get and my to do list is definitely on it's way to being totally done.

What's your big project this week?

Updates, YTT and Oyster Festival !

2010-08-18T09:38:00.000-04:00

click for more info!

I have been working pretty much non-stop, and spending a lot of time not near the computer. Blog will go back to normal next week (along with some new products!!) but until then here are some updates.

Yesterday I had prints made then matted, signed and bagged them all. I also made new pricing tags for the festival and did print inventory.

Today I am going to figure out packaging for card sets, buy a few frames and decide which prints to frame and hang at the festival, and work with Matt on a joint portfolio to put out for people to look at.

Tomorrow will be a day for last touches and making sure everything is done. We'll also repack everything so that it's more organized (and fits in the car better!) and print out Matt's illustrations for sale.

The weather on Saturday is supposed to be absolutely perfect, and I really really hope it is. I'm extremely excited and nervous as this is the biggest fair that we'll have done AND it's in my hometown. I'm also really excited about all of my new products, if I get my preparations done early I'll try to take a few photos to give you a sneak peek on Friday.

Happy Friday the 13th!

2010-08-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me. Maybe it's because 13 is my lucky number, or maybe because I'm weird. Though I'm not a fan of horror movies, which might make me even stranger.

My Thirteen Bookmark is featured in three (another lucky number!) Treasuries right now and they are all pretty awesome.

thirteen by

MontclairMade

EPL - Friggatriskaidekaphobia by

enchantedhue

I Love Friday the 13th by

fullmoonastrology

Features and Contributions

2010-08-12T09:35:00.000-04:00

Today I woke to find that one of my beautiful floral bookmarks has been featured in a GORGEOUS pastel treasury, please go check it out!

Yesterday Jen at Indie Fixx released her new online magazine - JOIE ! It's a wonderful collection of articles and photos, including an article by yours truly, and you should definitely go give it a read.

........................................

Reading Thursday wise, I'm still in the middle of Boneshaker and currently also started re-reading the Harry Potter books in preparation for the new movie (!!), but I promise there will be a review of Boneshaker when I finish because this book is aaawesome so far.

My desk is currently a disaster area as I get things together, make new products and get myself ready for a huge craft fair next week. Soon I'll give you a sneak peek of new greeting cards, bookmarks and more but for now go read Joie!

YTT: Busy!

2010-08-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I pretty much accomplished nothing. I think I was still in vacation mode from Maine, plus I had a few little things that had to get done to clear off my desk and those things tend to take over my brain sometimes.

Today I WILL get a lot done - cut out bookmarks to be laminated, decide how many prints I can afford to make, start deciding which prints I'd like to make, cut out images for new magnets and start the process, begin work on new pricing labels for the show.

Tomorrow I will continue all of this stuff until it is done. And, hopefully, my cards will have come in and I can start photographing them for listing as well!

This week I'm a little disorganized, what about you? Are you getting a lot done this week?

Weekend in Maine

2010-08-09T16:39:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I was in Maine for a wedding. The weather was absolutely perfect, the wedding was simple and fun and we had a great time. One of my favorite decorations were the silver buckets with flowers hanging on the edges of the chairs for the ceremony (see above). Very simple but very elegant and beautiful.

We walked around Kennebunkport, visited the beach and a lighthouse, and ate at the soon to be even more famous Maine Diner (which will be featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives TONIGHT at 10pm). I had blueberry pancakes and home fries (both were delicious) and another day had a grilled cheese (even more delicious). Well worth the short wait.

All in all it was a great weekend and a nice little break before I get back to craft fair prep. Today has been not very productive, but tomorrow should be better and back to normal. How was your weekend?

YTT: Craft Fair Prep Begins

2010-08-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

I'm probably doing all of this too close to the date, but life has been a little crazy lately. And will continue to be so. Craft Fair Prep has begun and will continue probably up until the day of the Oyster Fest.

Yesterday: I placed an order for new / new designs greeting cards; I printed and modpodged a new set of magnets to be made. It wasn't a very productive day.

Today: I have a few errands to run, I will print new bookmarks, I will start the decision making process on what images to make as prints, and I will research accepting credit cards at the craft fair. I'm not sure I can afford it, but I might as well find out how much it would cost me.

Tomorrow: I will cut bookmarks out and continue deciding on prints. And I will get stuff together for a wedding I'm attending this weekend.

I'm still reading Boneshaker, so I won't have a Reading Thursday post - is there anything you guys would like to see me post about?

Etsy Tuesday: HappyMOOO

2010-08-03T10:36:00.000-04:00

Monica Lew, of happymooo, has a wonderful illustration style and I knew I had my Etsy Tuesday feature once I saw this adorable film noir hamster. Click through to see her hedgehog series too!

The Meetup: August Begins

2010-08-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

August came sort of suddenly for me, although I knew it was coming and had plenty of notice. Let's look back on July before I get into the Madness of August

JULY:

1. Liquid Lunch - I need to confirm my hanging date, send out invitations, print photos, frame photos and do a lot of other stuff. Deadline : July 13 if everything goes as planned. -This is becoming a very difficult thing to plan, I'm removing it from my to do list until I get contact from the person at Liquid Lunch.
2. Craft Fairs - must make new and more products for the Oyster Festival in August - continuing thing
3. Etsy - want to make and list a lot of new things, including art from Matt and graphic design services. - continuing thing
~~4. get organized again. I need to start getting back into using my engagement book, making lists and basically being in work mode instead of road trip mode.~~
~~5. I want to go through old photos that I haven't edited yet and find new products in them. I also have the new slew of photos to go through. I'd like to get a good way through all of this in July.~~
~~6. The book project. I'd like to write a book about my road trip. Goal for July is to start thinking about angles and basic outline.~~

I edited a lot of photos in July. I am actually almost done editing photos for the grand Road Trip, which impresses me since it took me a year to go through the last trip's photos. I also have been listing a new magnet every day starting last week, I just haven't gotten Matt's art printed and photographed yet. So number 3 has kind of been done too. As far as the book, I'm still trying to figure it out but I've thought about it a lot this month so I'd say I did 6 even if I'm not quite done.

August will be a time of more travel and craft fair preparation. We have a wedding next week and then we will be selling at the Milford Oyster Festival on August 21st. This will be the biggest fair we've done yet, so I am a little nervous.

1. Choose images and send out for new greeting cards.

2. Figure out how to hang frames and art inside tent, buy supplies necessary.

3. Print, cut and generally make the 30 new bookmarks I designed.

4. Continue work on Halloween Products, begin listing in Mid-August.

5. Decide on images to make as new prints, mat them and get them ready.

6. Continue listing new magnets, bookmarks when ready.

7. Prices are ready, so get going and list graphic design in Etsy store.

8. Continue job searching

9. Oh and maybe work out packaging for individual magnets!

And that's my August. I'm excited and really think I can get it all done, I just hope that I can get it all done ON TIME.

If you would like to join in the Meetup, visit Athena Dreams Design and find out more!

Craft Fair Prep and Budgeting

2010-07-29T16:45:00.000-04:00

We will be selling our wares at the Milford Oyster Festival next month; this is the biggest show that we will have done to date and I'm a little nervous. I'm nervous about the weather, about whether I'll even make the fee back, about how much to bring and about WHAT to bring. Every time I do a show sometime different sells, so I really have no way of judging what will sell and what won't.

Ultimately, I plan on bringing everything I have, but my current dilemma is how much NEW to make for the fair (and for Etsy). From the road trip, I've edited a little more than half of my photos. I have 35 new bookmarks (so far) and over a hundred images to choose from for greeting cards and prints. And I haven't even thought about magnets yet.

I would like to premiere a Halloween line of some kind and my Vintage line at the fair, but I only have so much money and it shrinks every day. So today and tomorrow I will sort what I have new and decide upon the minimum that I can afford to make and we will see what happens.

Reading Thursday: Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman

2010-07-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

Alice Hoffman is an author who I try out here and again and I never know whether or not I will be bored or absolutely love the book. I loved Practical Magic (book and movie), was bored with The Probable Future and absolutely LOVED Blackbird House.

This book is a series of stories or vignettes about the families and people that live on one particular piece of land, and one house, over the course of a hundred years or so. The stories are often bittersweet, and can sometimes end abruptly - but not in a bad way. Hoffman's writing in these stories is phenomenal, lyrical, haunting, moving.... The mood of the stories can be sad at times, happy at others, but always intriguing. I did not end the book feeling sad, I felt inspired in a strange way.

From BN.com:

"In a rare and gorgeous departure, beloved novelist Alice Hoffman weaves a web of tales, all set in Blackbird House. This small farm on the outer reaches of Cape Cod is a place that is as bewitching and alive as the characters we meet: Violet, a brilliant girl who is in love with books and with a man destined to betray her; Lysander Wynn, attacked by a halibut as big as a horse, certain that his life is ruined until a boarder wearing red boots
arrives to change everything; Maya Cooper, who does not understand the true meaning of the love between her mother and father until it is nearly too late. From the time of the British occupation of Massachusetts to our own modern world, family after family’s lives are inexorably changed, not only by the people they love but by the lives they lead inside Blackbird House.

These interconnected narratives are as intelligent as they are haunting, as luminous as they are unusual. Inside Blackbird House more than a dozen men and women learn how love transforms us and how it is the one lasting element in our lives. The past both dissipates and remains contained inside the rooms of Blackbird House, where there are terrible secrets, inspired beauty, and, above all else, a spirit of coming home."

Have you read this book, or anything else by Alice Hoffman? What do you recommend I read next by her?

Featured and New!

2010-07-28T12:22:00.000-04:00

I've been featured in a wonderful Connecticut themed treasury with a wonderful Autumn feel, please go check it out!

Also, there is a new magnet in the store!

YTT: Trikky and Preparations

2010-07-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday sort of felt like Wednesday to me, so it's weird that today is Wednesday, but it is. Above you can see the current incarnation of my DIY Trikky - aka Jessie aka my Mascot from the Away We Go Roadtrip (see her former incarnations here). She is spray painted a copper and brown color with blue and white stripey sock and ear. I may make the other stripey sock and ear eventually, but I'm still deciding.

Anyway, back to YTT!

Yesterday: I blogged, released a new single magnet to my store, resurrected my flickr page (become my contacts?), fiddled with the blog's sidebar (how do you like it?), edited a handful of photos, worked out on the wii fit, made an ad banner, watched Warehouse 13 and in general got some little things done.

Today: I will list another new magnet (stay tuned!), edit more photos, work on an artists bio for my upcoming show (hopefully), start planning out what I need to make for the Oyster Festival next month, and continue working on my graphic design listings for Etsy (coming soon!).

Tomorrow: I will edit more photos, list another magnet, start making decisions on what new greeting cards I would like to make, and re-sort myself with a general to do list so that I know what I need to work on.

What are your short term goals this week?

New! Single Magnets

2010-07-27T10:34:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to list single magnets, $4, on Etsy and this is the first. What do you think?

Don't forget to scroll down and see my Etsy Tuesday Feature!

Etsy Tuesday: Kristin Parsons

2010-07-27T09:53:00.000-04:00

Today I Pounced upon this new Etsy seller who has completely adorable drawings that I thought you should see. I think the above, Snaily-girl and Friends is my favorite right now, although the other snail is pretty cute too! Check out the rest of Kristin Parsons shop for more cute critters and original art .

fallenpeach is Featured! plus Charleston

2010-07-26T09:52:00.000-04:00

Friday I was featured on a blog by Sarah of Titchables, so if you've ever wanted to know a little more about me check out the interview! It was fun to answer her questions and think more about why I do what I do, expect further revelations on this blog soon most likely.

Additionally, over the weekend I found out that my lovely Vespa Greeting Card was featured in a Treasury all about things from Charleston, SC. Charleston is my favorite city that I've been to and I love this photograph, so it was great to see it featured.

In other news it is Monday and a week away from the beginning of August (eek). My to do lists are getting longer, which is both good and bad. I've been able to keep up with them but not if they continue to grow each day. I need to re-center myself I think. Today is a day for mellow music and getting things done.

How are you feeling this Monday morning?

2010-07-23T12:26:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited about these new images that I had to give you a sneak peek! This is just one of my three new pages of bookmarks that are ready to print. All of these particular photos are from places on Route 66, hence the very vintage feel that I absolutely love.

I have close to 2,000 photos from our road trip and I'm almost a third of the way through editing them. Our time on Route 66 took about a week and I'm about to start editing photos of the Grand Canyon, which was towards the end of that week. So far there are 20 new bookmarks and 50 edited images to choose from for greeting cards and prints. I haven't started thinking about magnets yet, but that will be something to work on as well once more are edited. There will be a lot of nature shots once I get to the second part of the trip, photos from the canyon and Yosemite and the California coastline.

See anything you like?

Tools of the Trade: Business Cards

2010-07-23T09:43:00.000-04:00

When I re-designed the fallenpeach logo I was almost out of business cards anyway - so I made new ones and ordered more. Since I started this, I've been obsessed with MOO. I print my business cards and my greeting cards through them and absolutely love the quality of the products.

Above are my current business cards. Mini Moo Cards are about half the size of a regular business card and I love their unique qualities. They are also thick and sturdy for easy handling. But this isn't an advertisement!

What do your business cards look like? Do you use MOO or more traditional cards? How much information do you put on your cards? I'm curious to see your designs!

Reading Thursday: Chronicles of Chrestomanci Volume 1 and 2 by Dianna Wynne Jones

2010-07-22T12:37:00.000-04:00

I picked up volumes one and two of the Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Dianna Wynne Jones at a used bookstore last week and haven't been able to put them down since. Well, not both at once obviously. I first read Howl's Moving Castle by Wynne Jones several years ago and loved it. So when looking for a new fantasy series to jump into it seemed like a good idea to pick her.

The first volume is not great. The characters are a bit flat and the story moves slowly. The second part of this volume is better than the first and I question the order they put the two stories in since the second part takes place first. Nevertheless, I read the book quickly and overall enjoyed the story. The world pulled me in with its nice blend of modern and very not modern.

In this world there is a Chrestomanci - an enchanter with 9 lives who keeps balance on all magic users. There are twelve worlds that the people know of, and some exploring between these worlds happens in the second story of this volume. From Barnes and Noble.com :

"In this multiple parallel universes of the Twelve Related Worlds, only an enchanter with nine lives is powerful enough to control the rampant misuse of magic--and to hold the title Chrestomanci...
The Chants are a family strong in magic, but neither Christopher Chant nor Cat Chant can work even the simplest of spells. Who could have dreamed that both Christopher and Cat were born with nine lives--or that they could lose them so quickly?"

So far, the second volume is much better and moves at a better pace. There is a mystery to the story so far that is being better developed than the mysteries in the others. I don't feel like the information I'm given is frivolous like in the other volume where I often felt let down by the big reveal because it took too long to arrive. I'm not too far in, so I can't really say much more. From BN.COM:

"In this multiple parallel universes of the Twelve Related Worlds, only an enchanter with nine lives is powerful enough to control the rampant misuse of magic -- and to hold the title Chrestomanci...
There is a world in which the peaceful city-state of Caprona is threatened by the malevolent machinations of a mysterious enchanter...and another in which magic is outlawed and witches are still burned at the stake.
In two worlds the practice of magic has gone dangerously awry, there is only one solution -- call upon the Chrestomanci."

What are you reading right now? Have you read these books - if so did you like them?

YTT: Sneak Peeks and Feeling Good

2010-07-21T09:08:00.000-04:00

I can not believe it's almost August. July just flew by for me. It's amazing how much our road trip cleared my head. A couple weeks back and I'm still feeling good. I'm accomplishing things, taking it slower and feeling less stressed out. There are still, obviously, some kinks that need to be worked out before I can feel extra extra good about everything, but I'm on my way. Above is a sneak peek at something that Matt is working on. I can not wait to get it printed and show you guys, I love this drawing so much.

Yesterday: I edited even more photos and have some great new bookmarks ready to print (and some great new prints); I ran a couple important errands; I blogged about a friend of mine's store; I had a phone call meeting with my career coach; I cleaned a bit; I finished putting my addresses in a new address book; we watched Warehouse 13 (aawesome); and I took time to read before bed (finished a book - review Thursday). I also CUT PRICES in my Etsy store - all Magnet Sets are now $10.

Today: I need to wash my car. It went all the way across the country and back and hasn't been washed since :/ ; I also have a couple errands to run; more photo editing; listing SOMETHING to Etsy although I'm not sure what yet; and I have to make a to do list for my "show" that still doesn't have a date yet.

Tomorrow: More photo editing; start on the show to do list I am making today; have some reading time; and whatever else I can squeeze in.

Etsy Tuesday: Blessed Earth Designs

2010-07-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

I recently discovered that my friend Stephanie has a shop on Etsy, Blessed Earth Designs (ChezaIndigo13), and that she makes beautiful beaded jewelry. I particularly like these earrings inspired by the thunderstorms we've been having a lot lately. Please give her shop a look if you like what you see.

Etsy Tuesday on Monday and Monday Monday Updates

2010-07-19T09:03:00.000-04:00

How was your weekend? Mine was a mixture of emotions and adventures. We went to see Inception, which was an incredible movie with a fantastic cast, wandered a very small Berry Festival and started watching season one of Battlestar Galactica. (we are enjoying it so far :). I also made more magnets, which I plan to sell individually. My sets are still up in the store - and I'll be lowering the price soon - so keep an eye out.

Over the weekend I also received a belated Birthday Present - which was two lovely art prints by the very talented Kecky on Etsy. I can't wait to find a frame and hang them!

In Monday News, last night I made my Monday to do list and it's much larger than my lists have been the past week, but I feel very strongly that I can accomplish it all. One of the things to do is very exciting - load CS5 onto my computer. I have CS2, and the upgrade scares me a little because I'm afraid my old files won't work. But It's also exciting because of all the fun new features I get to play with!

What exciting things do you have planned for today?

Reading Thursday: Sunshine by Robin McKinley

2010-07-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

This week I re-read the book Sunshine by Robin McKinley. I think the idea to re-read it came from something Neil Gaiman said on twitter, but I'm not sure.

Either way, Sunshine is a vampire story but it is unlike any other vampire story that I can think of having read. It's also an even combination of character study and plot, which can at times make it hard to read. There were points I wanted to skip ahead for the plot, but other times when the character intrigued me so much I flew threw the pages.

Sunshine is a baker in a small town post the magic wars. One night she is taken by vampires and held as a meal for a vampire they have chained up. Con, the vampire chained up, has morals and will not let his enemies win. The two escape and Sunshine's life begins to change.

Great characters, great unique story - I definitely recommend this book.

One pet peeve of mine is when reviewers try to compare everything to the one or two popular vampire things they know. For this book, it was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As much as I love Buffy, this book is not much like that series. It has some of the humor but ultimately, it's a new unique thing. I could get farther into a comparison, but then I would ruin the story for you! :)

YTT: New Routines

2010-07-14T08:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday! It's raining outside but I kinda like it. I've been craving thunderstorms and yesterday there was a pretty good one. Anyway, I mentioned before that I've started working differently since I got home from my cross country adventure and so far it is going really well. I haven't stressed out at all (woot three days and counting, haha), I'm getting things done and I feel good about myself and my products and my work.

Yesterday: I blogged on Nowhere Nerds and here, sorted photographs and made 5 new bookmarks (ready to print!), continued job searching, and sent a couple important emails. I closed out the day enjoying the thunderstorm and watching Warehouse 13 on SyFy. I was delighted to find that two Firefly actors were guest starring :)

Today: I will sort more photos and make 5 more bookmarks, clean my "workshop" area, continue job searching, and run a couple errands. I've already blogged at Nowhere Nerds too.

Tomorrow: I will make the magnets that are sitting ready to be made and try to have a bit of a rest. Maybe throw in some reading time. I would also like to start outlining the book I want to write about our adventure.

What about you? What are your short term goals?

Nowhere Nerds and New Products to be Made

2010-07-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

There are several more posts up at Nowhere Nerds. One more post to go before our journey's story has been told all the way through. I'll probably post the last one tomorrow.

As I get myself back into the swing of things, I realize that my store is emptying as things expire. I want to fill it with new things, but the photography world is not like the jewelry world. I can't just make a new item, photograph it and list it all in one day. There is a process to what I do that takes a little longer. I have to choose the photo, edit it, decide if it'll be a bookmark or a card. If it's a bookmark then it could be ready in a day or two, but if it's a card it requires sending out to be made.

I'm starting to sort through photos, though, and I have a lot of new stuff from the road trip. Hopefully soon there will be a flood of new items for the store. But for now, please give it a visit because there are still some great items there!

Movies, Birthdays and Fresh Starts

2010-07-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

My birthday weekend was really really good. Actually, the most interesting I've had in several years. Saturday Matt and I went to see The Last Airbender in the morning before we met up with two of my friends. I really liked the story and the visuals in Airbender, although the dialogue and acting left a little to be desired. But the story and effects were incredible, well worth going to see in theaters.

We met up with the girls and wandered around a craft fair before heading to the mall for Despicable Me, which was everything I could have wanted from it. If you haven't already, go see this movie. It's funny, cute and really well put together. There are jokes in there for adults and kids of all ages and the Minions are ridiculously awesome. Also, the youngest girl is obsessed with unicorns and it's super cute. We had a delicious dinner at Archie Moores and finished up with a screening of Interview with the Vampire at my friends house.

All in all a really great day. Sunday Matt and I ended up watching the two Mighty Ducks movies and The Princess and the Frog with my parents, which was also fun and silly.

Today is Monday and a fresh start for me in many ways. I did some wii fit this morning and will continue to use that every morning. I'm also starting fresh with a new regime. I will make a to do list and then cut it in half as much as possible. I want to get things done but I want to stop stressing out all the time. I feel like cutting lists or time frames in half will help, we'll see if it does though.

I feel good about being back from vacation and refreshed. I have a ton of photos to go through and I feel like I can accomplish things. I am remaining as positive as possible and we'll see where this goes.

Birthday Ramblings

2010-07-09T10:55:00.000-04:00

Every year my mom makes me a Lemon Cake. It is my favorite kind of cake. Sometimes there is also an ice cream cake. Mmmmm... just looking at it makes me want some, but I'm waiting till later.

Today I woke up when I wanted to, drank some delicious chocolate milk, played in the SuperPoke Pets game on Facebook and now I'm blogging. I want to accomplish things, but I don't want to go crazy working today. Mostly I want to sort myself out and slowly work myself back into the swing of things after my vacation.

Tomorrow I want to see Despicable Me (I'm addicted to the Minions) with a few friends and I haven't really thought about what else to do. The older I get the more I just want to spend time with friends and not really do anything too crazy or special. I actually think I'd like to take some time and sit and read, maybe outside if it's not too ridiculously hot. I haven't had much time for reading lately and I miss it.

How do you celebrate your birthday? With drinking and parties or just hanging out with some close friends?

I'M BAAAAACK!! / Meetup for July

2010-07-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Did you miss me? Were you reading about my adventures over at Nowhere Nerds? I promise to get the rest of those posts up ASAP, but for now I'm back on fallenpeach with my June over view and July Goals!

June was complete madness and adventure and almost everything I could have wanted for it. My goals were:

~~Project 1: Coaching~~ - I did all of the things I had to before I left, and kept in touch with Michele while away. Must make a new appointment for next week, though, now that I'm back.

~~Project 2: Online Magazine~~ - got all of that done and in. Will post a link when the magazine goes live!

Project 3: Liquid Lunch - now that I'm home I have to get back into this, so tops for July.

~~Project 4: Road Trip!!~~ done and fabulous! Have close to 2,000 photos from the trip and a lot of inspiration. Can't wait to get started going through everything!

Projects 5 and 6: Craft Fairs and Etsy - have to get back to these now that I'm home as well.

~~Project 7: Nowhere Nerds~~ - have been blogging there a lot the last three weeks and will finish the road trip updates probably today or tomorrow if possible.

JULY:

1. Liquid Lunch - I need to confirm my hanging date, send out invitations, print photos, frame photos and do a lot of other stuff. Deadline : July 13 if everything goes as planned.

2. Craft Fairs - must make new and more products for the Oyster Festival in August

3. Etsy - want to make and list a lot of new things, including art from Matt and graphic design services.

4. get organized again. I need to start getting back into using my engagement book, making lists and basically being in work mode instead of road trip mode.

5. I want to go through old photos that I haven't edited yet and find new products in them. I also have the new slew of photos to go through. I'd like to get a good way through all of this in July.

6. The book project. I'd like to write a book about my road trip. Goal for July is to start thinking about angles and basic outline.

I think that's good enough for now :) Off to read your goals!

Route 66 Entries Up!

2010-07-01T00:28:00.000-04:00

We've had a slew of internet problems / getting in too late to do anything but crash nights but I've finally updated Nowhere Nerds with several new blog entries! I'm hoping to edit more photos in the car tomorrow and get more entries up ASAP so please keep checking back :)