For as long as I can remember, "Robin Williams" has been the answer to my celebrity dreams. "Which celebrity would you like to have lunch with?" . . . "Which celebrity would you like to marry?" . . . "Who is your favorite actor alive or dead?"  Even before I could understand his inappropriate humor, I knew Robin was the guy for me.

Since Mr. Williams was unavailable on the day of my wedding, I married Jahred instead.  Now more careful of what I wish for, I don't get to be Robins wife, but I do believe I can sympathize with his mother.  Axel is comedically frustrating in every way.  He misbehaves, he wanders off, he does the most inappropriately funny things.  Although I can't pinpoint his future career exactly, it must be in the field of comedy, circus or one of those shows where people eat gross things, survive in the wilderness, whisperer of animals, or perhaps he will live with me forever and DRIVE ME NUTS.

Just to give you a little glimpse of what I'm dealing with . . . for every ONE of these:

 . . . I get about SEVEN of these:

Now you know.

Some families have heirloom crown jewels, priceless art, or historic documents; my family had a radio. Of course we have other special things, but one little Sony has filled the places we love with music, recorded voices and captured our energy.

Upon discovering some of Papas handmade tapes, I decided it was time to digitize his many interviews, songs and lectures.  I pulled out my sweet little stereo, given to me by Papa when I bought my first house, and attempted to load the ancient tapes into my computer.  The "Silver Fox Sony" had finally taken a bow.

As a die-hard purger, I can happily throw away most things; this radio I could not.  So, one day last week, I put on my "go green" hat and set out to salvage anything I could.

As I unscrewed and detached, inspiration hit.  From the buttons to the counter, many pieces seemed art worthy.  I was able to make 2 necklaces, a key chain and 4 pair of cufflinks.  What wonderful "heirloom" gifts these will make in our difficult year ahead.

Growing up as the oldest cousin on one side and an older cousin on the other side of my family, I spent many years being lead around by a tiny vice grip known as a toddler, under the command of "show you somethin'."

Come to find out, it's just as annoying with your own children.  At least 25 times a day, I am pushed, pulled or verbally coaxed into another room for a glimpse at "somethin'" I probably could have lived without.  How do all children eventually do this?  Once in a while however, it pays off.

This morning, while enjoying an organic Pop-Tart (ignore the oxymoron) and taking a breather, "MOM, SHOW YOU SOMETHIN'" came on the radar.  Within seconds Axel feet were clomping and I was helplessly being delivered to the living room.  Upon arrival, Axel proudly announced "Doctor Oggars (Oscar)!!!!!"  This clever little man had convinced the dog to dress in the Vet costume and to my shock, his floppy velvet ears were pulled back to reveal an actual stethoscope.  WOW, truly this kid can get his way even with the dog (who doesn't look incredibly thrilled).

Lesson learned, "show you somethin'" . . . sometimes it's really something!

One thing I love more than experiencing Etsy love is to SHARE Etsy love.

Last semester, my brother had to come up with a business proposal for a class in school (yes, I still have a brother in High School).  He came up with a candle business.  He designed, created and sold his product in a "mock market".

Although the candle technique has been passed down in our family, his designs and color combinations were quite unique.  The "mock market" was a success!  He sold loads of candles and the proceeds were donated to charity!

Wanting to build on his business experience, he started inquiring about Etsy.  A proud moment for me!!!  

Tyler has worked hard on his product and has put together a stunning little shop!  CHECK IT OUT!  He calls himself "The Candle Man", a play on words from our favorite childhood movie Willy Wonka.  If "the candy man can", hopefully "the candle man" can as well.

Enjoy this OOAK "man-made" shop! CLICK HERE!

I had to treat myself this week to a few NEW fabrics.  These are straight from the Japanese Textile Design Table (the best in the world), and I like to think I'm the first to get them!  Fabulous design, color and texture; the kind of fabric where you measure twice, cut once.

Upon their sweet arrival in my mailbox, I completed the 19 Louise Totes already started and listed them in my shop. Today, thanks to Buzz Lightyear, Axel was occupied enough for me to put a few Pleated Wristlets together in the NEW prints!  What a treat!

Check them out in my shop.  I have only a limited amount of this fabric, so treat yourself while they last!

Papas bunch.  We sure miss him.  He was the proudest grandfather!

Last Tuesday, Papa (Richard Ruedy) went to heaven.  He wasn't sick, suffering, and we definitely weren't ready for him to leave.  Silently he fell to a hemorrhagic stroke and was gone in a blink.

Several of us flew to Florida for goodbyes and to help Nana get home.  As we struggle to put ourselves back together, I can only be thankful for the 27 years I've had with him, and the never ending stream of stories and memories that will forever be in my heart.  Papa was a story teller, a Navy veteran, a leader of Saint Paul, the cornerstone of our family and my biggest fan.

I found this simple grocery list on his dresser.  Suddenly it is precious, and symbolizes so much!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  We are Celebrating his Life on Wednesday, May 5th in his home town of Saint Paul.

In the above photo, he is front row (on the right).  He lead both Police Officers and Fire Fighters to the capital to fight or strike for health and retirement benefits.  Seen below he is speaking to Minnesota congressman, leaders and media.  They WON!  

As Axel explores his new town, he has discovered 2 things:
 - pine branches make great brooms
 - dandelions are "BEAUTY"

Yesterday we found a park with possibly the last "old-school" metal slide.  I see metal slides as a right-of-passage through childhood.  There's just something about that hot metal on your thighs.  It makes you hold them up, slide only on your clothing and thus zoom out of control down the slide. You can pick up a few problem solving skills from a metal slide.  I'm glad Axel got to experience one yesterday (and don't worry, since he's only 2, I checked the surface temp to avoid any serious burns)!

If you haven't sniffed a Dandelion lately, it has whole different meaning when your little guy asks you "smells good right mom?"  Suddenly it's the best smell in the world!

A girl has to fake a few things to get through life; and I have been faking my breakfast habits for a long time now.  Even my husband is completely blind to my inner cereal desires. The truth is, although I can put on a pretty face and choke down a bowl of granola with yogurt on top, what I really prefer is a larger than life helping of marshmallow cereal.  Preferably Lucky Charms, Marshmallow Mattees...really anything that turns the milk a funky shade of greenish pink.  I subconsciously eat the oats first and save the goods for last.  With each heaping spoonful of only mallows, I am already dreaming of my next bowl.

While shopping the co-op yesterday, I suddenly stumbled into my cereal Nirvana.  To my surprise, some respectable adult like myself developed an all-natural marshmallow cereal?!  Was it that hard to just swallow your pride Mr. Organic Companies and create the cereal that we all secretly desire? $3.79 was all this large box cost.  In the last 24 hours, 2.5 of my meals have consisted of "Mallow-Oats".  It is seriously yummy!

Another confession to faking it comes down to fashion.  When the 80's style started to make a comeback, I began dreaming of neon sunglasses, checkers and big hair.  Maintaining my "JCrew" style, I have compromised with myself and last week I bought a neon yellow sports bra. It is satisfying on 2 levels: the teens won't be able to mock me for being the mom who thinks she's a kid again, yet on the inside I know that I've still "got it".

This week, you all have my permission to fake or not to fake.  It isn't easy to turn a fake into reality, but sometimes you can meet it half way.