The Crafty Cafe

Through Your Eyes

Dear Alan,

When we took these photos I was feeling so…

Blah.

We’d been driving for hours on the way to Tennessee. And I had “road trip” hair, “hours in the car” face, and was not wearing my most favorite, nor flattering, clothes.

But we saw the sign for Ruby Falls, decided to let spontaneity take the wheel, and stop for a little adventurous “us” time before we completed the journey and spent the week with family.

I knew there’d be photos, there would have to be (after all, you are married to a scrapbooker).

I made it through most of the excursion out of the camera lens. We were in dark caves, and it was to my advantage that you don’t really know how to use the DSLR in low light. Blurry, distorted shots were on my side.

But then on our way to the car, there was an obvious photo op, and there happened to be an employee walking by… whom you grabbed immediately and was willing to be our photographer.

Crud.

Dang.

Well no one else will ever have to see them I thought.

Quick snap shots and that’s it (cause I know you’ll never download them to the hard drive either, that’s my job of course).

And then I finally get to the point of editing photos of the trip, and I’m ready to delete them since the first thing I’m drawn to is the unflattering fold of my shirt over my curves, and the weird flip of my hair that is the oddest thing (thank you southern humidity).

But I stop from deleting.

Because I see your face looking at me when you thought the photo wasn’t yet being taken,

And I realize you think I’m beautiful anyway.

And suddenly these photos are not something to be tossed away and hidden.

But rather they should be scrapped and cherished.

Because even if I cringe a bit when I see me through my eyes…

They are the perfect reminder of how you see me.

And they make me love you, and feel loved, and realize just how lucky I am.

Through your eyes I will always feel beautiful.

Even with road trip hair.

Yours truly and forever,

The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace

Perusing some pictures tonight on the hard drive I realized I had yet to share this fantastic find with you.

I had to remedy that immediately.

Mom and I had driven by there once on our way to Door County in Wisconsin, and ever since I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My next visit I insisted we go, and we were so glad we did. What an inspiring place! I want to go back, often.

I may want to live there… but they’d probably not be too keen on that. But a country atmosphere mixed with art that speaks to me?

They’re going to have to lock me out.

Doesn’t she look like she’s seriously going to take off into orbit? Nothing can stop her,

She’s also got that je ne sais quoi,

And yes I’d like one ticket to freedom please,

Not only is the inside full of amazing works from artists for purchasing (at affordable costs I might add…)

But it’s the outside green space (as they call it) that just makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another place. Honestly, when I think back to how magical I felt my huge country back yard was as a child, these gorgeous pieces just make that feeling come back again. (I need a huge yard now to put them all in… it’s a goal… I’ve decided).

Don’t you just want to sit down with these ladies and gossip and laugh over tea? (Or Margaritas… depends on the time of day I suppose)

This water bug is possibly the cutest ever,

Alice in Wonderland meets Chihuly,

Love this, I can hear the music,

My Mom’s favorite, a very wise wood spirit,

And my favorite, these dancing women… I’m not all rah rah feminist, but I’m a huge believer in the feminine spirit… and these just speak to me,

This is such a gorgeous space. And they are constantly acquiring new artists and inspiring art within the community. It’s what I would love to do someday. Be sure to visit their website and blog to learn more, and if you are ever within driving distance of this place definitely make a trip to visit.

I’ll probably be there swooning.

Or at least sipping organic coffee with the ladies of the bench,

Suzanne: LOL! YAY for crafty weekends, enjoy! :-)
Ashlee: Apparently you and I shared the exact same week! What are the odds? Love this post....I might steal ...
Carrie/scrapchick: Fun post! Lots of goodies! I just bought a similar pendant & with Keep Calm & Have a Cupcake...
Sarah C.: What a fun post! I love how you tied in all those bits of Etsy goodness. Hope the positive continu...
Carrie/scrapchick: Cute clock! I can't tell you how long I've had one sitting waiting to do - maybe I need to revisit t...
Sarah C.: How cool and I love that you two worked on the clock together! Such a great post. And thanks for t...
Ashlee: I love this post....it's so true. Cute clock! ;)
Suzanne: So sweet! I agree with Sue, this journaling needs to be with this layout! :-)
Sue Althouse: I think you need to take this wonderful blog post, type it up on a card, print it out, and tuck it i...
Carrie/scrapchick: How fun! And I LOVE Door County! Got married up there and love taking a getaway weekend there!