The Challenger

It’s January 28, and of course I’m rememering the Challenger.

This pretty much says it all:

The Challenger astronauts - civvies here

Why did I put that pic first? Because before they were astronauts – even more important than that they were astronauts – first they were just people. Courageous, outrageous, fun-loving, silly, ordinary people. Well. Maybe not ordinary.

And here’s the official one:

The official Challenger Crew pic

Yes, they are heroes. Not because they died. That was just – stuff happens. Bad stuff happens. They were heroes because they wanted to go, and worked for it, and knew it was risky, and WANTED to go.

So this is for Greg Jarvis, Christa Mcauliffe, Ron McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judy Resnick, Dick Scobee, and Michael Smith. Thanks, guys. You’re not forgotten. R.I.P. and God bless.

Fabulous Upcycled Fashion – One of a Kind Fashion Forward Clothing

You can’t get more “fashion forward” than upcycled, newly created one of a kind garments that are made from recycled clothing 🙂

It’s the best of both (all) worlds – unique styles, handmade quality construction, AND eco-chic! Take a look at these wonderful items from Broken Ghost Couture on Etsy.

Women's upcycled one of a kind top from Broken Ghost Couture on Etsy
That top is so much fun! I love the colors, you know it’ll look great with leggings or skinny jeans, and the black lace adds a cool edginess, www.shieldrepublic.com check their latest collection.

Girls Upcycled Dress from brokenghostcouture on Etsy
This is such a darling dress! The colors are so happy, and it would be warm with those long sleeves, and those buttons and gathers on the skirt are adorable. Think how much your little girl would love wearing it!

The seller (creator!) on Etsy has lots of other goodies – one of a kind, original, unusual garments. You should definitely check out her shop!

PS By the way. Some people think that creating garments from recycled clothing is easier than starting from scratch with new fabric. I have to tell you, I do some sewing myself, and the truth is, it’s much more work to recycle/reconstruct, than to just cut out fabric and sew. You have to pick and choose carefully what you can use from the cast-off clothing, often you have to de-construct, and your ‘eye’ for construction must be more finely honed. It’s a demanding skill!

Purple, Amethyst, Lilac – February Birthday Colors

Let’s face it, it’s the middle of winter, and some color is looking really good right now. And if you’re a February baby, your colors are rich purple, shimmering amethyst, lively lilac 🙂

How about a pair of vintage boots – in purple?

Purple Faux Suede Vintage Boots from To Be Determined on Etsy

They’re gorgeous purple, they’re faux suede (the best kind), they’re only $28.00 – and they’re purple! How can you go wrong? And if they’re gone when you go to peek, stay and look around – the Etsy shop is To Be Determined – on Etsy and she has lots more vintage goodies at great prices!

Of course, you can also get a pretty pair of earrings (insert blowing-own’s-horn-here) from my own Paper Jewels shop 🙂
Like these:

Custom Lacquered Paper Purple and Amethyst Earrings with Your Name in Japanese

This example says “Alicia” in Japanese kanji – but of course you can choose any name (or word) you like. Perhaps the birthday girl? Or your own name?

Get some color, get some purple, celebrate a February birthday!

Happy 2011

It’s a brand new year! I’m hoping for…

More beach time!

Fort Myers Beach
Curious local resident at the pier at Fort Myers Beach
Sunset from our rental house at Fort Myers Beach