Truth be Told

 

True.

Possibly true.

Not true, because it was made "especially for" someone else. Then, I bought it at the thrift store. Want to see it?

I'm not sure what Lizzie lined it with, but it is one heavy jacket! The previous owned probably got too exhausted schlepping it around, and donated it.

True-I did not need a wooden, beaded bag. Also true, I don't always limit my purchases to necessities...

 ...as the ever-expanding collection of California pottery illustrates.

I might have squealed a bit when I saw the leaf vase. I don't think anyone would blame me.

 Mr. ETB had one of these as a child in Germany. I bought if for him to experience the joys of childhood again without resorting to the game they used to play called, "Rock fight." My understanding is that it is as it sounds-kids threw rocks at each other. I thought this would be a nicer childhood memory.

 Oh wait, the Frau is carrying a tray of rocks, isn't she? Shit. Nothing says, "Merry Christmas" like a good rock fight. Or stolen. Your pick.

 This is a terrible photograph of some beautiful wool that I am going to use to make the cape from the pattern Curtise sent. I hope I have enough fabric left to make a pair of matching hot pants. God knows, I need a matching cape/hot pants combo in my wardrobe. And white go-go boots because...well, just because.

 

The green plaid (and the brown/orange fabric behind it) are a heavy silk material. No plans, but 4 yards of each for $3.99 was too good to leave. Hand-Me-Ups has great vintage fabric. Know what else they have? Stuff like this...

It was going to be a poncho, or cape-like thing (and it may well be someday) but the setee needed some perking-up. Look how perked-up it is! Damn, like a cup of coffee.

I'm slowly getting into school-mode. I have a new lesson plan/attendance book that looks so fresh, and optimistic. It won't last, but like new pencils, folders, and yet un-doodled book covers, there's something exciting in the newness of another grade. Grade four. How the hell did that happen?

I'm trying to do a better job of fine-arts education this year. Yes, I take him to the opera, and theatre, and the odd orchestral concert, but I really need to do more with visual arts. The Joslyn Museum is free now thanks to a grant (I think through the next couple years) and I live all of ten minutes away, so perhaps a weekly visit with an hour devoted to a close study of a pre-selected work, and some rough sketching? I hated doing close studies, and I'd stubbornly sit there doing my best not to see anything, but it was always when I got up to leave, or took a break and came back to a painting that I would notice something crucial I hadn't quite put together whilst sitting before it. Oddly enough, I never could do those hidden-eye pictures, no matter how hard I'd squint!

The schedule for Opera Omaha looks good this year, though Mr. ETB looked it over with that pained expression that sort of pleads, "Don't make me sit through this." I'd happily trade off,  and do the opera if he'd take the theatre, and we could flip a coin for the symphony, but I think it would be best attended as a family. It is a small opera company with a short season, so there's that for comfort.

Lastly, the wonderful Sarpy County Garage Sale is coming up in September. Two days of anything and everything you never imagined wanting. Last year I came home with women's magazines from the 30's and 40's, silk scarves, necklaces, a coffee set, a glass carafe in a bronze stand, Vogue patterns, fabric and trims, a music box, and Fire King bowls. I went the second day when everything was 1/2 price. This is easily the best sale of the year, anywhere-so if you are a local, and can get there, do it! You also get to poke around the museum and old train depot which makes the trip, educational. If you're planning to attend, drop me an email and we can plan a picnic or something. I make exceptionally nice sandwiches. True.