Springtime at the beach

 Forsythia may be blooming, daffodils are coming up...but even at the beach in Southern California there is a look of Spring.  It was a warm weekend and the beaches were filled with people enjoying the beach like any summer day.  But if you looked closely there were definite signs of spring.  This was most noticeable at low tide in Laguna Beach.

We used to take our kids tide pooling always hoping to see something like this...these photos were taken with my iphone.

Collecting + McCoy

Three years ago we were moving to California and I was sorting and getting rid of things...I was thinking my life in California was going to be a life with less "stuff."  Soon after arriving I started reading blogs and my passion for collecting gained momentum.  I am so happy I did not part with my collection of McCoy pottery. 

I have several pieces in other colors as well, but I really love the white.  Maybe it's because with white you really notice all the lines, the details or maybe it's how much I love the way it looks against the black wall.  

 My friend Elizabeth and I have been going to flea markets almost every Sunday.  I had no idea there were so many in Southern California.  I've started a few new collections and added a few pieces to some older collections as well.   More on those later, but what do you collect and how do you display it?
                                                          linking to:  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
                                                                              I've been featured here:   Coastal Charm

California Farmers Markets

One thing I will miss about California is the opportunity to go to farmers markets year round.  I can pretty much find one every day of the week not too far from home.  On Sunday we went to the farmers market at the Great Park in Irvine.  It's a good one...and food trucks for a little breakfast or lunch and tables in the shade made for a perfect morning. 

 We met interesting people like Debra Kabarsky who started her cookie business last October.  These lemon cookies are amazing and they had others that combine a bit of sweet and savory.  Her company is called The Last Crumb...I think a perfect name!

katharine watson

  I first read about Katharine Watson at The Bedlam of Beefy.  As soon as I saw her work I knew I had to learn more about this artist.  I ordered a card with an "M" for Madeline.  I think it will make a wonderful addition to her collage wall.  It's like having a little piece of original art.  Katharine has an amazing story and you can read more about her work and her travels here.

When I opened the envelope and saw this...it was like a little gift had just arrived.

Photo courtesy of Katharine Watson

I was so happy to see linoleum block printing.  My children had the experience of this type of print making in their art classes when we lived in Connecticut.  We still have their projects.  Madeline had made a heart that's about 5' x 5' and I think I will get the supplies and make wrapping paper or cards from her original linoleum block that she made in 4th grade.