Mixed various

Hi everyone!
I wish I could show you everything I've been working on but some things haven't reached their destinations so I can't ruin the surprises.....soon...
I finished up my MARS passport and it is quite appropriate since I am an Aries and Aries is ruled by Mars.

I really had a lot of fun working on this and I'm actually thinking of collaging in another one since I still have lots more space stamps and ephemera leftover...

For some reason, I love these guys floating around inside the space shuttle....

Since I was on a space roll I had to make some spacey envelopes too. This went to Russia and is already there.

Couple more envelopes with a space theme...

I started prepping my travel journal.....and getting things ready for my travels...

There is sooooo much planning for these trips but it really is all part of the fun....gotta find the flea markets....and cool post offices and good restaurants....

Yep, I added tabs to my travel journal and divided it up into three sections...a week in each country...

And...Rome....last stop.....
pasta and holy cards!

I made two tiny books.....very tiny...

Of course there were lunches....this is one. Delicious potato-bacon soup so I  figured it out and made it at home....we have been having cold and rainy weather so soup is perfect.

The sun actually did shine a few days last week and I found a spot right in my neighborhood with a terrific view.
But I don't see any mail boxes from up there, do you?
It's raining again today but I kind of like it. Good for staying in and working on art projects. 
So many ideas.....so many projects...
And now I am taking up embroidery and slow stitching. I really need another project, right?
I do.
And what are YOU all doing? making?planning?
Let's hear from you.

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And To All A Good Night!

You've been wondering what I've been doing? Well, I know some of you have because I've been getting emails. You might want to grab a cup of tea...or coffee...or wine because this one is going to be long.

"The Holidays".....you know how busy it is and I don't even do that much....I did take a day off to play tourist in my own town. San Francisco is a great place to do that. Isn't the Palace hotel pretty?

And Chinatown....always a favorite spot of mine. I have been roaming around the streets and alleys there for years but I had never been to this place. I passed it by lots of ties thinking it was a tourist trap and it kind of is BUT it just looks so cool...
The Far East Cafe on Grant Avenue

And I can recommend the wonton/noodles/BBQ pork soup for sure.

Another favorite spot to hang out is my studio. One of my happiest places to be and there is always so much to do there...
and, I like company too, so come on in.

My pal Margarete brought me some great boxes of stamps and I spent quite a lot of time happily sorting them and playing with them...

I wrapped quite a few presents in my studio too...

And I made a bunch of Christmas accordion fold books but having gotten into the holiday spirit too late I still have them all. But the good news is they are all ready for NEXT Christmas. If I can remember where I put them.
I just don't get in the mood for Xmas till about a week before. As I was making things I was thinking what a good blog post it would be to show you but by then it was too late...
DOES THAT HAPPEN TO YOU?

I worked on finishing up my NYC travel journal. I had fun making tabs and then sticking stamps on them..

Don't they look cool? Well, I think so...

I made a very small, almost square altered book for a good friend  who loves Japan.

Also busy making envelopes and sending out some good mail.

Yes, another lunch out - this one in Japantown. 

Spend some nice time by my pretty Christmas tree....read a lot of books, baked a lot of cookies and made pies, took packages to the post office, worked, cooked, went to our mail art group's Xmas party.....
OK, SO here's what I want to know from YOU --
What would you like to see on the blog? What interests you? Just Art? Food? San Francisco?
I need to know if there is enough interest to continue and what you'd like to see more/less of.
And, c'mon  -- you can post anonymous comments easily - I know because I get A LOT of spam comments. You can do it!
Let's start the new year together.

In the meantime, if you are looking for me, I'm having a cocktail.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Very Happy 2109!
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Outgoing Mail

This seems appropriate...it isn't an eclipse but close...

Little folders

Brown paper tied up in string...

Little folder with die cut tag from a vintage postcard

Black & White

...and vellum...

Photo postcards I made after our last mail art meet-up..

Some postcards collages -- anyone remember Magic Markers?

Doesn't it feel good to take a nice little stack and drop it in a PO box?

Little folder

With the world in the horrible state it is in lately art gives comfort.

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LOVE -- NOT HATE 

Back To Basics

Mail Art OUT
It's all about the mail....

Cutting and pasting and playing with old photo postcards and off they go....

OUTGOING...inspired by my Postage Stamp Art workshop with Monica Lee.

OUTGOING
Sending off some ATC's and Altered Rolo cards in a little folder

Why send it plain if you can send it fancy?

OUTGOING
Collage still traveling to Russia

A BIG pile of OUTGOING surprises and a birthday postcard....

Sometimes you've got to write a letter....Mr Zip card by Jessica Manack

OUTGOING

OUTGOING
A little birthday surprise to my pal Patti in an altered Altoid tin

OUTGOING
Thank you tins to Linda

Ain't it the truth????
Rule certainly applies around my house -- nothing is safe! And I love to re-purpose.

So, I've been busy. And you?
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