Going, going...

Hi all. Just a quick note to let you know that I am taking a vacation. The first real vacation I've had in 8 years. So I'm closing down the shop until my return on October 28. If you place an order during that time, you'll have to be patient 'cause I'll fill your order when I get back.

Where am I going? Keep tuned.

Oregon

A week or so ago, Anthony and I took a long weekend to drive up to Oregon to visit family and check out the wonderful colors that make up the Fall. Living on the Coast of California most of my life, I never really get to see how beautiful a real Fall is.
We drove up to Crater Lake and stopped and saw this river and waterfall. Driving up the mountain the foliage was everchanging. We kept seeing these trees whose yellow leaves fluttered and danced among the tall trunks of pine.

And when we climbed higher we saw little bits of snow, dusting the trees and rocks. (Sorry, no pictures. Travelin', you know.)

And what did we see when we got to Crater Lake. Not Crater Lake. Snow. And lots of it. Almost knee high. Wheeee!

Pretty, no? I have only been in snow twice, and never this clean and deep. Here is another shot.
Then we went to Jacksonville. Such a lovely town. The area we went was chock full of buildings like this.
I just love, love, love the old advertisement painted on the side. The town was very old west and totally put me in the mood for some drawing, which I've been doing, and doing, and doing.

Paper Garen Boutique

I have said many times that The Paper Garden Boutique in Sacramento is the cutest store around. Painted in fresh spring green and white it has murals and inspirational sayings on the walls and fun paper flowers *growing* from the ceilings.

During my vacation I had to visit The Paper Garden Boutique again.

This time around I actually remembered to bring my camera and use it.
Luckily for me, I also brought my credit card, 'cause there was lots to buy.

Stephanie, the proprietress, has the most exquisite taste and a great eye for stamps. Of course, she carries TCP! (She is also a fellow SJSU alum. Go Spartans!)

The Paper Garden Boutique specializes in stamps and gift ware. Not only does she carry the full line of my absolute favorite paper, but her selection of unique, original handmade gifts is delightful. She chooses from many artists I have not seen before.

Check out the mod colored sock monkey. FABULOUS! (yes, I still buy other peoples' stamps. I'm a stamper first, dotcha know.)

From San Francisco, if I don't get lost, it takes and hour and a half to get there. But once I do it is well worth it. It is a comfortable place to hang out and chat and shop and just be.

Did I mention they give classes? I may just have to make my way out there soon to take one.

Home again

Are you still there?

Sorry I didn't post that I was going on vacation for 2 weeks, but I didn't realize I didn't until we were on the road in the middle of the desert.

Anthony and I decided to take advantage of the slowest month of the year (otherwise known as tax month) and celebrate 10 years of being together and go to Vegas. NO! WE DID NOT GET MARRIED! Sheeesh!

After we got back, I had one day of rest before the Joan Mills show in lovely Sacramento. I was incognito again working with Robert from American Art Stamp. I got to see many of TCP's clients and even got visit at The Paper Garden Boutique. Still the cutest store I've seen in a long while. And yes, I have pictures this time. I'll share them with you soon.

Once back in windy San Francisco, I was treated to a wonderful day of sun that was soon eclipsed by several terrible allergy filled days. I'm hoping to clear up before TCP officially reopens on Monday. Taaa!