In a New York Minute

Last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to New York City with my sister Lisa and my niece Paige. Paige is getting ready to go to college next summer and was interested in visiting FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology). We took a train to Penn Station and walked a few blocks to the college. My good friend Kim Bricker met us there. Kim and her boyfriend Josh live in Jersey City and are both graduates of art programs. We sat and listened to an informational session, which was very basic; and then toured one of the nearby dorms, and visited the on-site fashion museum. Needless to say, none of us were very impressed.You certainly have to LOVE city living to enjoy that type of college.Afterwards, we all enjoyed a burger at a nearby joint. We then decided to take the subway to lower Manhattan and ride the Staten Is. ferry.Paige had never seen the Statue of Liberty, so we thought it would be a great idea! It was, what a beautiful afternoon to sightsee. Finally we walked a few blocks past Wall Street to the Trade Center area. The straw that broke the camels back was the subway ride back to Penn Station. To say that we felt like sardines in a can would have been an understatement! But, it was a nice day spent with family and a good friend non-the-less.

Celebration of Independence

With colds on the mend, the family traveled south to the eastern shores of Maryland. One of my favorite spots to get away to. I've been going there since about the age of five. It's quiet, remote, and always beautiful. In attendance, Mr. & Mrs. Bricker, Mom & Dad, Kim B. & Josh, Jim, Abby & myself, and late arrivals, Sharon & Josiah Bancroft. There is so much to do at the bay. We enjoyed swimming, boating, going for walks, fireworks. The water was pretty warm, by northern standards but had lots of sea grass. Abby loved it and so did we! The boats were fun too. We had a great time in the Whaler, a little bumpy but a great ride. The Donzi, well, that boat was AMAZING! It felt like riding on top of the water, sleek and fast. The entire atmosphere is just oozing with relaxation. I don't think it would be possible to go there and NOT relax. Time feels like it stops.I was disappointed to miss the fireworks, but I did. Abby and I spent the evening inside, having trouble sleeping. The display was great though, Jim did a wonderful job picking them out. They were REAL fireworks, like you see in a planned display. Our time there was too short but definitely needed. Time came quickly to pack up and ship off for six weeks on the road. First stop...Canada.

First Stella & Dot

My very first Stella & Dot party was held last weekend. We had an absolute blast! It was a hot day and our lovely host, my mom, was so excited for everyone to see her new deck furniture and beautiful flowers. Unfortunately, no one wanted to be outside! Air conditioning, food, and jewelry kept all the ladies inside the house. The turn-out was nice, but not what we were expecting. Summer parties are very difficult due to vacations, graduations, showers, etc. I found this out first hand each summer as my birthday party would be planned and the guest list would dwindle. In any case, it turned out to be a great party. Our summer brunch consisted of some punches, salads, and desserts. The piece de resistance was, of course, the jewelry. We spent hours trying things on and had so much fun. Needless to say, it was a success and the business is up and running at full steam.