2009 Year in Review

It always seems each year has more amazing events than the last, and this year was no exception.

Technically I walked for graduation in December 2008, but I officially graduated from university in January 2009. I now have a BA in English and journalism, and have absolutely no idea what to do with it. (I'd just like to point out that this photo shows how my sister and I don't seem to look alike anymore - especially when she has crazy eyes)



Early in 2009 I was employed for a mere two months as a nanny, but now spend my days trying to build a business and a home.

In June my little sister graduated from High School, and now she's off at college. I'm so proud of where her drive has taken her, but boy does she make me feel old.... and like I could be accomplishing so much more.



We got to spend a good chunk of time visiting family, our family threw us a truly wonderful engagement party in Greenville, and Richard got to experience his first Cedar Mountain style Forth of July hot dog roast. (Anna likes to nibble on people she likes)



On August 1st Richard and I got married, and it was such a wonderful and amazingly perfect day. I know things must have gone wrong, or slightly awry, and even though our planned photographer was a no-show, our friends and family are amazing, and I wouldn't have a single thing changed about that day.



In November I started helping with the Photography Club at Richard's high school. It's been fun so far, and I really look forward to meeting with the kids each week.

This year is our first official Christmas as a married couple. That is just weird to say.

After Christmas we made our whirlwind trip south, and saw so many family members! It was wonderful to see them all and get the chance to visit, we just wish it could have been longer.

So many things, and I'm working on my list of things to accomplish this year, and I'll post them either later today or tomorrow when I'm done which will hopefully help me hold myself accountable.

The Great Christmas Migration

I swear I didn't pack four skeins of yarn for our holiday trip south.

I am, however, a liar.

Richard and I are off on our grand jaunt south - two families, three cities, three states, six days.

There haven't been any posts this week because of things have been hectic what with Christmas, visiting, and my mother's knee surgery. There shouldn't be any posts this coming week because.... well, because after this there won't be any internet. But you should probably expect crazy family stories when we return!

I hope everyone has had a great holiday!

Etsy Art Discoveries - Old Timey Fun

Old Timey Biker Daredevil $18
from berkleyillustration


Babette - Felt Brooch $28
from LePetitCadeau


Flying Machines Letterpress 2010 Hand-Printed Calendar $43
from WhiteRavenArts

Etsy Handmade Discoveries - So my Type

Silkscreened Typewriter Tee $20
from ladylotus


TYPEWRITER glass tile pendant $12.95
from teinture


Typewriter Soap Set $7
from servasgschaeft

Etsy Vintage Discoveries no.8 - Kitschy Supplies

Kitschy Supplies for your kitschy creations!


14 Shimmery Stars - Plastic Charms $2.00
from Tammy's Treasures


Vintage Gumball Charms Galore - Mixed lot of 45 charms $6.00
from StarfishSupplies


12x Plastic Six Shooter Charms STOPLIGHT MIX $2.25
from theEvolPixiesSupply


Little Mint Green Vintage Ring Beads $1.95
from yummytreasures

New House!

We went back to look over the house again this past weekend and brought with us nearly every family member near by. Two sets of Richard's grandparents, his parents, his brother and my parents all joined us. It was a packed house to say the least.

I'm really glad that they are all so excited. It feels so good that everyone else is just as thrilled about the house as we are. But it was a little overwhelming having them all there putting in their two cents. Both of our families are ridiculously opinionated (something both Richard and I have inherited) and they each had their opinions on absolutely everything. It was actually kind of hard to sort through all the advice they were giving us.

Also, can you please just look at the color in the kitchen. I'm not sure how I feel about it.


On the update front, we're going with no news is good news. We haven't heard anything from the bank/owner and neither has our mortgage banker or realtor. The only downside is that we can't get anyone who still owns the place to go by the house to turn on the heat, which is probably an issue seeing as the water in the toilet has already frozen and since this is Wisconsin the odds that it is going to get warmer are slim to nil. We're worried about the pipes bursting, but the good news is that since we've already had an inspector come in anything that happens in the house will have to be taken care of by the bank/owner.

So much, and already late.

At the moment my life is a little bit.... all over the place. We're in the process of buying a house, but we have apparently done all that we can and now just have to sit back and wait to see where the pieces fall. And it really shouldn't, but it's putting me on edge just a little because I'm just so eager for this to fall into place.

There are so many creative things I have my hands in as well, so far this morning I have worked on creating a cross stitch pattern (yes, this might be my new winter shut-in hobby), packaged an order from etsy (big news in that department to come later!), and worked on some Christmas gifts.

Things I should be doing include dishes, laundry, exercising, and a post office visit.

As far as I can tell it hasn't stopped snowing since Sunday night, and now the wind is really blowing! I'm going to have to shovel the car out of the parking lot and venture forth for our yearly pilgrimage to The Rep for A Christmas Carol. I should probably do that before getting all gussied up.

I always feel like there is so much to do, so much that needs doing, and so much I want to do, and sometimes I just don't know where to start.

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by." - Douglas Adams

Etsy Handmade Discoveries no.4 - lovelies under $10

I've noticed that although I keep myself to a rather strict budget the items in my Etsy discoveries are often way above my own price range because I like to indulge in wishful thinking. Today, it is about sticking to the budget. Lovely little handmade creations for anyone, all under $10.

As always, if you have an item on etsy that you would like to be considered for a future Vintage, Handmade or Art Discoveries post leave a comment or shoot an email to suitcaseart@yahoo.com


VINTAGE Typewriter, Sewing Machine, Rotary Dial, Video Camera, Polaroid 1 inch buttons. Set of 5. $2.50
from pinbackattack


Sea Mistery cocktail faceted aquamarine jade earrings $10
from lightkeeping


Reclaimed Stationery Letter Set $10
from craftgasm

Etsy Vintage Discoveries no.7 - Won't you Take My Picture?

That's A Sweet Argus 75 Camera... $40
from iamanie


Tiniest Vintage Camera on Sterling Chain $24
from FreshyFig


Kodak Disc Camera Advertising Film Box Vinyl $54.99
from Atomic Katz

Etsy Handmade Discoveries no.3 - Pint Sized Love

A day late, but here this week nonetheless! Great little things for great little ones!


Baby Socks from alpaca yarn



Dinosaur NATURAL ORGANIC Teething Toy Block Set


Pumpkin Pie Felt Food

Happy December!

It always amazes me how quickly my favorite sweater and scarf weather turns into full on snow suit weather here in Wisconsin, but it seems to be coming this week!

Happy December!

Etsy Vintage Discoveries no.6 - Holidays are for parties!

Vintage West Ben Penguin Hot Cold Server
from reusefulhome
Both my mom and I use one of these in our kitchens,
it's a fabulous little ice bucket for parties!


Stainless Steel Little Forks. Set of 12.


vtg 60s SILVER TUMBLERS cocktail glasses set of three
RustBeltThreads