Juicy Rationalization

I started the day off feeling a little guilty today.  I haven't exactly been a prolific blogger lately and between the trip to Florida and our camping trip to Maine (aah, Maine -- I love Maine), I haven't been quilting as much as I'd like.   But then it occurred to me -- my productivity may have gone downhill, but I have been busy -- gathering inspiration!

Our annual camping trip to Maine is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  I love being at the beach watching the kids body surf and make sand castles.  I love eating sandy picnic lunches and beachcombing for sea glass, sea pottery, and other treasures.  And when we've finally had enough sun, I love roaming the little shops searching for a trinket to take home to remind me of Maine.  Did I mention that I love Maine?

This year I saw colorful pottery, crocheted earrings, and glass bauble sun catchers.  I saw beautiful handmade bags, countless paintings and, believe it or not, squirrel underwear (briefs, not boxers).  But these were my favorite finds...

I saw these whimsical fish painted on repurposed fence boards at L.L. Bean's Home Store.  My souvenir budget didn't allow me to take one home, but I snuck a couple of pictures for my inspiration file.  Who knows, my mom and sister may get fish for Christmas this year instead of quilts.

I found this carved wooden bird at a store in Freeport called The Mangy Moose.  When I walked by it, it called out to me and I had to pick it up.  It fit perfectly in the palm of my hand and I had to make it mine.  Now it (he? she?) is perched on my kitchen windowsill awaiting the perfect name.

Here's a photo of the shells, pottery, and sea glass I collected this year.  I even found a shard of elusive red glass and a baby sand dollar.  I had an amazing moment of elation when I found a tarnished spoon and imagined it to be a silver spoon lost at sea long ago; but, alas, when I cleaned it up a bit, I discovered the words "Stainless - China" on the back.  Sigh.

My final prize is this 5" x 5" signed print of a painting by Maine artist Catherine Breer (www.catherinebreer.com).  I bought a calendar of hers a couple of years ago and couldn't resist this little print this year.  I love the color palette that she uses -- so bright and cheerful.  If I could paint, and I think I've firmly established that I can not (see my posts Be Not Afraid parts 1 and 2) this is how I would want to paint.  I'm going to frame this print and hang it in my sewing room to remind me of Maine until I get to go back next year.

I'm not sure if I will try to make a fish or carve a bird or paint a landscape, but my little treasures definitely got my juices flowing and they make me happy.  I'm always amazed and inspired by what other creative types are making.  Glad somebody is getting some work done!