let me count the ways . . .

it's time to start thinking about your valentine. although everyday should really be valentine's day, it's nice to give your sweetheart just a little memento . . . a small object that will remind them of your love every day. i have just a few of these left in my shop.

giving away my hearts . . .

one of my favorite bloggists (that is one who blogs), is giving away a set of my handful of hearts. all you have to do is have the best answer to this question: what are 5 things you are loving right now. how easy is that ? just go HERE to enter the contest and win these in time for valentine's day!

(if you miss out, you can still get them here.)

love is in the air.

though everyday should really be valentine's day, the actually date is just around the corner. we could all use more love in our lives, especially in these dark times of war and despair and disenchantment . . . so spread the word and show some love.

love is everywhere.

the other day while walking to the ferry building for lunch, i spotted this smashed chewed gum on the sidewalk.  a perfectly shaped heart. i know that "people" say that you should walk with your head held high, but i am usually walking with my head DOWN, looking for hidden treasures on the ground that often go unnoticed.  i attribute this to being on the shorter side (5' 2").  my vantage point is more the ground rather than the sky, and i am constantly picking things up off the ground. at the end of the day, my pockets are filled like a 12 year old boy's.....i unload rusty washers, bottle caps, sea glass, rocks, money, doll parts, etc.... though most see it as junk, to me, they are treasures that i draw inspiration from.  i love old, worn, rusty things.

and though i am not a gum chewer myself, i find such inspiration from other people's gum chewing, after the fact.  for there is nothing more annoying to me then the sound of snapping gum.  ick. i'd much rather hear finger nails dragged down a chalkboard.

how do i love thee . . .

. . . let me count the ways.  i realize that valentines day can be a very gross hallmarky and commercial kind of day, but it doesn't have to be.  i think it is a great month to just pause . . . and acknowledge all of the people in your life that you love and cherish.  because in the end, that is all that really matters.

when i was home for the holidays, i had my family each make a heart.  i loved all of the different interpretations of such a simple shape.  and i loved the way they all looked together. this was the inspiration behind my handful of hearts.