The Quilt and Craft Sale

This past Sunday, Cherie and I went to a Quilt and Craft sale at one of our nearby churches. I was particularly excited because I normally work on Sundays, but my new job allows me to be able to take a couple Sundays off a month (huzzah!).  We decided to go in the morning in hopes that the goods wouldn't be too picked over.

When we got there, we realized that our expectations were a smidgen too high lol.  We were hoping to see more knit and crochet items amongst the quilted items, but nope.  There was one lady that had a few crochet hats and... nah...  So we wandered around between the tables displaying some really really pretty quilts, but of course they were WAY out of our budgets. Which was completely understandable, by the way.


After a few minutes, one of the volunteers told us about the make-and-take craft room they had set up.  For $5 you could make either a set of napkin rings with felt flowers on or an angel made from a men's neck tie.  I chose to make the tie angel and it was surprisingly a lot of fun.  Mostly because I really got in to the details of the face, hair, decorations, and whatnot.  I was enjoying the craft so much that the facilitator took pictures of me throughout.  Cherie resisted the urge to make one, but she definitely lended a hand with mine.  I'll share the instructions below if you are interested.  It will make a really cute children's Christmas craft.

All in all, the Quilt and Craft sale was nice.  I almost want to figure out who I need to talk to about possibly participating in the sale next year.  I could surely give that crochet hat lady a run for it lol. 

Anywho, I wanted to share something that made me smile.  What's something nice you did this past weekend?

Gallivanting Files: Diverse Word Poetry Slam

Hi there :)

Tuesday night I did something I haven't done in QUITE some time.  I went to a poetry slam with my roommate and one of her friends :)

Now I must say it started off slow and a bit... meh... but then it picked up and the poets were really awesome.  I kept feeling myself getting giddy and wanting to get up and perform something.  My mind kept flashing back to the days when I was a regular fixture on any available poetry stage.  I always participated in cyphers and could be found writing poem after poem in notebooks, on class notes, my hands, anything.  Poetry was such a huge part of my life, but for some reason a few years after graduating college, I just stopped.

You know when you were really known for something when years and years later people are still asking "Do you still write?" or saying "You should start writing again." 

The clencher for the whole evening for me was the last poet.  He was like 20 years old which made me remember being his age and totally submerged in poetry.  I could see how much his poems moved through him and how he got into them.  I miss that.  His last poem was about using your talents even when you don't feel like it.  It was along the lines of use it before you lose it.  I totally felt like he was preaching directly to me... Needless to say, I want get back into writing again.  I miss having that passion/outlet in my life.

Soo... don't be confused if I start posting random poems on here, K ^.^

Galavanting Files: Calamari Date Night

Saturday night, Lamar and I were suppose to go to a church social, but it was canceled at the last minute.  So with a night to ourselves, we decided to have a date night ^.^

First, we were going to get a bite to eat at burger king, but as we drove up we passed a little Italian restaurant.  Of course being the foodie explorers we are, we decided to eat there instead.  It turned out to be pretty good, except there were WAY too many options on the menu.  So we ended up getting a large cheese pizza and garlic rolls.  The pizza was on the salty side, but the garlic rolls were delicious!  We chatted about wedding type things as we ate.  It was a good meal. :)

After eating, we went to Congo River Golf for putt-putt and arcade games.  I love that Lamar and I can compete in things and the activity still stays fun.  I'm also glad that he doesn't make fun of me when I win something and swear to never do it again... I'm all about going out on top ^.^  Anyway, we made a video.  Enjoy!

The Gallivanting Files: Renninger's Market

Good morning!

This was the adventure Sheree and I went on yesterday. I had a Sunday off work (which never happens unless I've requested it weeks in advance) and we decided to go to one of the local flea markets. Renninger's Market is a few miles up the road in Mt. Dora and it promised to be booths and booths of awesomeness. ^.^

For whatever reason, we piddled around the house and didn't leave until nearly 2 pm and the market closes at 4... looking back, I wished we had gone earlier. *shrug* Anyway, we got there by around 2:30 and started exploring the rows and rows of antiques and lovely things.

We found a really nice lady who had vintage handkerchiefs (which I've been on the hunt for for a wedding idea). She was very friendly and helped me sort through her stock when I told her about the plan. Then she found a delicate white hanky with ladybugs embroidered on it, and it reminded her of her late husband. She told me that he use to call her his ladybug. I agreed with her when she said she shouldn't sell it. Then of course I got to thinking of how we should really appreciate our loved ones while they're with us.

I ended up purchasing these two hankies from her. Such pretty patterns...

The next stop we made was a jewelry booth. There was all kind of costume, vintage, and current jewelry there. Sheree got a strand of pearls and a set of clip-on pearl earrings. Now we just have to figure out how to clean off the years of green oxidization. (If you have tips, let us know!) She's so cute with her developing retro style. :) She also got a bracelet that has a bunch of school related charms on it.

While we browsed her stall I wasn't seeing anything that reached out for me. There was a ring with a green stone that matched my engagement ring, but that's not something I'd actually buy. But then burried on the rack of charm bracelets, I found one with clovers on it!!! ^.^ I had to buy it... I had to. I knew Lamar would think it was cute. (I was right!) We are so cheesy sometimes...

After stopping for a drink and a cool-down, Sheree and I went to find the Farmer's Market. One of the people directed us “up the hill" (which is in quotes because of how nonchalantly he said it.) I considered walking up the hill for like 10 seconds then decided I didn't want to die of a heat stroke. In the car we went.

We got “up the hill” only to discover that the hill was so stinkin monsterous that we didn't see that there were MORE BUILDINGS UP THERE! Whaaaaaat!?!?! We had only been exploring the 'antiques' building, but up there was a whole 'nother side for the 'flea market' building... Mind.Blown. But... everything was already closed when we got there.

Sad faces were had all around... :(

Now that we know how to get there and where everything is, we'll probably go back next Sunday with a better plan of action.

You can imagine how awesome this would be with stuff to buy.

On the way home, we stopped to check out a little thrift store and lo and behold- everything was 50% off! Huzzah! ^.^ I got some fabric, sewing patterns, and a dvd. Sheree got a George Foreman grill. All in all, I'd say this day was pretty successful...

...well putting aside the little flea market fail :)

I hope you had a good Sunday and spent it doing something you enjoy. Have a great Monday!

The Gallivanting Files: Exploring Clermont

Sooo... Tuesday I was suppose to go downtown and traipse around with my camera all big hair and nice outfit and such.

However,  Mr. Lamar threw a monkey-wrench into the plan by asking me to help get his car to the dealer.  (It's not broken, they did a recall or something so he needed to take it in to get the part changed.)  So I rolled out of the bed at like 6:30am, chucked some pants and a sweatshirt on and went on to drive to his school... like 30 mins away in clermont...  Needless to say, I wasn't about to drive all the way back to the house and then all the way into orlando. So instead, I spent the day exploring clermont.  I walked around for a couple hours in historic downtown, wondering about in a few antique/vintage shops and the local bakery (where I bought a couple cupcakes to surprise Lamar with ^.^) Then I walked down along Lake Minneola.

Of course I found like 3 thrift stores in the area and got a couple things I've been needing, so they were good trips. I snagged these things:

• blue sundress (currently being shortened and altered)
• leopard print sundress (also being shortened and altered)
• a forest green skirt
• 2 books about stress management and relaxation
• 2 vintage handkerchiefs
• 2 pairs of black church shoes (my favorite ones finally bit the dust last week... it was a sad day)
• 2.5 yards of floral fabric (for circle skirt making!)
• a pack of knitting pattern cards (I WILL LEARN TO KNIT!!)
• a photo album
• a green brooch

(Thrifty winning!)

After Lamar got off work, we picked up his car and then went on to Lake Eola in orlando.  It was really nice walking around the lake together.  The last time we did that was the first time I came down to FL. 

So now, prepare yourself for the photo dump ^.^

Lake Minneola- Such a frickin beautiful day!

Lake Minneola- I wanted to find somewhere to put my feet in, but couldn't... maybe next time.

Random pretty flowers along the sidewalk :)

More flowers- I love the bright colors!

I told Lamar I want to do pictures in this grove of trees.  It's like the gateway to another world in there!

This has to be THE most FABULOUS turtle EVER!  He's balancing on a root with all 4 feet in the air... talent.

We're definitely going to take some photos here.  This is down by Lake Eola.  That's Lamar's cool pose. :) *chuckle*

The Gallivanting Files: Sip & Knit Yarn Shop

Before I left Huntsville, I was beginning to go to actual yarn shops for little specialty yarns and whatnot so of course I wanted to find one here in Orlando.  Anywho, the first shop I visited is called Sip & Knit and it's about 15-20 mins away.  Not too bad. 

The sheep invasion begins!

From the name, I thought there would be a cafe area or something, but alas, there was none. :-( No sipping.  And I was hungry too, they could've really gotten me on that one, haha!

Do not remove under penalty. LOL!

This statue made me laugh out loud when I got out of the car ^.^ Very welcoming! I want to yarn bomb it... Maybe that'll help me make some yarny friends... not sure. Meh.

While I was there, I decided to do a quick video walk around in the back of the shop.  The yarn was so pretty and colorful and soft! *.* I want it all. Yep. Definitely. All.

So... I didn't end that video at all, lol.  Hopefully you can hear me. I was whispering because I was the only person in the shop and it was really weird walking around filming. 

All in all, it was a nice shop. The owner was really friendly and gave me a tour of the store to make sure I understood their shelving and labeling.  There was also a shop dog! A little cairn terrier called Tucker.  He barked at me at first and then after deciding that I was ok, brought me his toy platypus.  I felt honored ^.^

I don't know how often I'll shop there, but they have knitting classes which I'm considering taking.  Maybe I'll go on one of their free knitting nights and meet some people.  I mean... that is on my list of things to do this year.

Peace ^.^

Lamar and Caleisha at the Fair

Hey there :)

This past Tuesday, Lamar and I went to the Lake County Fair for dollar day.  It's been like 6 or 7 years since I've been to a fair and even longer for Lamar.  It was really nice to get out and do something with him ^.^

Anywho, we rode a couple rides and played one of those rigged fair games and had a genuinely good time together.

I couldn't help the hand holding picture... I'm sappy... I know :)

The first ride we rode was called the Orbiter or better yet Spin-Around-Til-You-Puke. I recorded video of us and Lamar was trying to look all cool, but then we just ended up laughing hysterically through the whole ride. Good times.

Yay! Fair lights!

Lamar said that the fair people were trying to give people seizures from all the flashing lights and whatnot. chuckle
 

My intention was to continue filming, but I accidentally took a picture.  I like it anyhow. Yay for accidental photos!!

Next, we rode the Ferris wheel. I must confess, I was holding on to the bar in our basket when it stopped us at the top. Heights are not my friend... and since I knew the little basket doors weren't that secure... it was mildly terrifying. Just saying.  Lamar loved it though :)  We took pictures from the top and as long as the thing was moving I was fine.

I think that lady under the tickets sign is smiling at my camera... weird...

Of course I dragged him onto the Gravitron... but it's really more fun when you're little.  Not as much gravity to pull against you and you can move around and whatnot... However when you're a grown person like us, you kinda just stick to the wall and have your face smooshed back.  It was Lamar's first time riding it too.

Lastly, we got on a ride called Speed.  It was aptly named because I'm pretty sure it took the workers longer to strap everyone in than it took to ride the ride... meh... It was fun though, another pendulum with a spinning base kinda deal.

After riding all these things, we still had one ticket each left so we went to the "house of mirrors"... Color me unimpressed... maybe my expectations of a house of mirrors were too high. *shrug* I did almost run into a wall though. So I guess they got me lol.

 

Oh yeah... on the way out, we saw they had a seal show.  You could take a picture in front of their pool and the seals would come and pose next to you. It was really cute. I bet they reek of fish...

Last but not least, here is the film of our trip.  I'm having more and more fun with Windows Live Movie Maker... who knows, maybe I'll actually make vlogs instead of dreaming about it, lol. Anywho, enjoy!

The Best Day in a Long Time

Hey there!  (Sorry for the cruddy picture quality to follow, all we had for a while were our cell phones.)

It's been a little while since I've really written, but I really wanted to share a bit of happiness with you :)

Sooooo... I am oh so very happy this week ^.^ and the reason is due to the wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, Lamar is visiting for the WHOLE WEEK!!!!!

I could dance around Huntsville :)

The girls were SO EXCITED to see Lamar ^.^

Anywho, he flew in on Saturday at 11:30 and after getting stuck in like 2 mile per hour traffic I finally got to the Birmingham airport by like 1pm or something.  I feel like if someone had been filming one of those lovey-dovey chick flick movies they wouldve absolutely loved our "reunion."  Why? Because he was sitting on a bench and I saw him before he saw me- and I ran to him then slid into his lap ^.^  It was great!  After which, there were lots of kisses and hugs and strangers smiling at us.

Unfortunately, Lamar's suitcase didn't make it onto his flight and we were told that we'd need to come back in the morning to pick it up.  I'm so glad that he's such an even keel person, because he took what could've been a frustrating experience (who really has money to make extra trips to Bham?!?) and turn it into an awesome Date Day :) I'm blessed.

So, we got up Sunday and lounged around and left the house at 2pm to head back down to Bham.  Our first stop was the Civil Rights Institute.  Of course, I ended up crying... but it's always good to know your history.

After we left the Institute, we walked through Kelly Ingram Park and looked at the statues.  They were so intense!  There was one where you walk through a corridor and there are huge rabid looking dogs jumping out of the walls.  All I could think was "Thank you GOD in Your infinite wisdom for bringing me into this world in this time..."

Across the street from the park/Institute, is the 16th Street Baptist Church.  They have a memorial for the four girls killed in 1963.  The part of the Institue that brought me to tears was their room.  They were so young...

By this time of the evening, my heart was so heavy so we went to snatch Lamar's bag from the airport then find the Carver Theater for a poetry show.  Or what I thought was going to be a poetry show... Only it wasn't... It turned out to be a step show called Step in the Name of Love with lots of church groups and a few Greek groups.  It was awesome. Very inspirational :)

Here are a few of the performances:

These mimes had people PRAISING in the audience!

Stepping Church Youth Group. Yes those are leeettle kiddos in the front.

The SYD Shuffle. Giant rapping bear with glasses... check...

They were throwing t-shirts into the audience, but Lamar and I sat in the balcony so we figured there's no way we'll get anything.  Then the MC of the program came out to throw a shirt and tossed it directly into Lamar's hands. WINNING!!!

OK. That's it.  We had alot of fun, but the best thing about the whole experience was that we had it together.  I'm so glad Lamar's here with me.  I've probably said that to him multiple times a day already.  He's sitting next to me on the sofa falling asleep as I'm writing this and I can't help but to smile at him. 

Painting the Town Pink!

Instagram/Twitter hashtag #pinkyarnbombs

Hey there! Last night we (Alina, Christelle, Dee, Doran, Roommate, and myself) went on a Breast Cancer Awareness yarn bombing spree!  And let me tell you it was SO much FUN!! We had a bag full of pink goodies all ready to be installed all over downtown.  Each piece got a hang-tag with nice things to do for women written on it and the instagram/twitter hashtag on the back.  I hope they make someone smile today.

Tags made by roommate.

Working on finishing touches

Tags laminated (just in case it rains) and tied to the crochet breast cancer ribbons.

Pink party snacks =)  Brownies with pink icing, pink honey pound cake, pink lemonade! Yum!!

After all the finishing touches were done. We gathered everything, got super bundled up (it was REALLY cold last night o.O), and piled into the car to head downtown.  The first stop was a group of statues near the children's museum.

Alina and her awesome hat!

 Alina made the hat in the picture above and the puff stitch scarf in the picture below. I told her that they are so nice, they'll surely be walking home with someone.

Christelle putting a scarf on little creepy girl statue in the corner of the garden.

Me and Alina prettying up a roadwork sign.

Sorry about the ill flash glare -_-

Dee and Christelle

Bomber feet!

Semi-syncronized heel clicking.

 After finishing most of our big pieces, the random shenanigans began, lol... Below is Roommate thinking she's Gabby Douglas... ::rolls eyes::

Shoe Bomb!

The Pink Yarn Bombers!

 We got a nice stranger to take a group picture of us since we were clearly struggling with that "myspace self portrait angle".  All the pretty smiles ^.^

So... excited...

And of course we couldn't help playing in the leaves... Children at heart.

...weird jumping picture...

So that was our night in a nutshell.  I high-fived a stranger, saw WAY too many girls dressed a prostitutes for Halloween, saw a guy dressed as... I HAVE NO IDEA (he literally had on black daisy duke spandex shorts and a pair of shoes), we model walked down the street, and froze our little fingers off.  It was a great night. 

We should make this a regular thing. ^.^

Oh yeah...

We bombed Kiva, too.