Uninhibited Spirit - paper aficionado

Maternal Instincts

2011-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Although without human children of my own (trust the 2 furkids are a handful), Mother's Day has such special meaning for me because it always allows me to reflect on how important maternal beings are in our lives.

I've been fortunate to have a mother whom I can still speak with at least twice a day, who's favorite meals I can request when we visit and who's infectious laugh is still music to my ears.

My mother has always been the biggest cheerleader and the bearer of the truth when I sometimes have my head in the clouds.

All the neighborhood kids would come to talk to my mother for said truths.

She managed to raise 5 of the most good-hearted individuals (me included, of course) and is the greatest friend to me.

Take the time to honor Mother's Day on May 8th,

The Sunday Paper

2011-03-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today the discussion came about of "do I seriously need all the paper in the world?"

Although somewhat said in jest, I know this was a phenomena that some may not understand

Well, that's a very good and personal question. Considering that my DH (dear husband) is a music aficionado, albeit much neater and single-focused than me - for a split second I considered turning the tables, yet I paused to deeply ponder this from an interrogate standpoint and render my defenses to the sidelines at least for now...

I don't see a scrap sheet of decorative fish motif paper as something for refuse, I see it as the perfect thing to cover a box that now sits fabulously on our bookcases and houses my recipe cards.

Or to line envelopes with Italian made and painted papers to bring just the perfect touch of extra decadence to the hand written note.

In my quest to get rid of various forms of paper, I ended up going to a consignment shop and purchasing the perfect bins to house them instead.

Since childhood I would...

Flip out if someone went outside the lines in my coloring books & then rip the page out (one of my sisters will attest to this)

See magazines as brilliant bits of information that was a re-purposeful product in the making

Covet paper dolls to play with and once tattered and altered paste onto fabric for a makeshift apron

I still always have at least one special sheet of paper that I simply cannot bring myself to cut but will use to line a shelf or hang in lieu of a painting in my studio.

Today it's actually a sheet of Japanese paper en route to something special for mom, a stitched sheet with butterflies, and a letterpress image for constant inspiration of where I want to go next with my paper explorations.

I'm continually in awe of that very thing that can elude us at times - you know, the simple things.

I've accepted the fact that my accumulation of paper is simply who I am. The joy is how something so simple can be used in the most pragmatic ways.

Even the Sunday Paper

In Treatment

2011-03-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

In Treatment - Gilded Butterflies

In Treatment - Nesting

Inspired by a dear friend who has several people close to her that are in treatment, it made me think how many are going through trying times on so many levels.

There is nothing easy about illness for those undergoing travels back and forth to physicians, therapists, or the like and hospital stays is definitely not where anyone wants to be in life.

For the care giver it's difficult because you want to do all you can to make it better while offering a loved one as much normalcy as can be presented.

Meant to allow the giver to be there each week along the way be it near or far and the receiver to have a moment of respite to just find peace within.

Because every occasion is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Inspiration

2010-12-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

To inspire the writer in you, philosophy journals are meant to for you to be uninhibited and freely express yourself.

For our deepest thoughts, sketching, poetry, or maintaining a workout, journaling now is the perfect time to put pen to paper.

Philosophy Inspiration

2010-12-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

Distressed Journal Collections

2010-12-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

In honor of Uninhibited Spirit new website re-launch Journal Collections and other exclusive products for home, life, gift, design is 25% Off!

Visit Uninhibitedspirit because every occasion is an opportunity to create lasting memories

I'm in a Sexy Treasury

2010-09-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/convo_view.php?convo_id=30393836

Washi Inspired

2010-06-27T14:58:00.001-07:00

Inspired by Japanese Washi this lovely bookmarker was created using traditional washi, mounted on Birds Eye Maple layered with an oragami shirt

和傘 Wagasa Kampai

2010-06-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

As a lover oF traditions, hand crafts, and of course paper, I have been in love with Wagasa since my first trip to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles years ago.

Wagasa or Traditional Japanese Umbrellas have been made by hand for over 1000 years using the beautiful and delicate washi paper.

Asian aesthetic has a way of presenting the most simple object or form and taking the function to artistic beauty.

Solicehome has this vintage lovely item that is so summer fresh. I imagine it being center stage at a nice Japanese themed luncheon with cold sake, sashimi, and seaweed salad with black sesame seeds.

With the umbrella suspended in mid-air above the buffet, I'd dress the serving table with a bamboo runner to represent the fact that the ribs of these lovely umbrellas are made from a single bamboo cane split lengthwise.

It's such an intricate technique that with the slightest imperfect the umbrella will not open.

Although the umbrella was invented in China and introduced to Japan by way of Kudara (Korean peninsula) as part of Buddhist ceremonies, the Japanese have interwoven it into the cultural aspects of life.

Kampai to this tradition of the Orient. I relish it's beauty and the next time I see those little cutesy one on my fruity drinks I will think fondly of the larger versions it which it stems, the meaning behind the object, and the representation of paper.

Kampai!

eightXeight

2010-06-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

In such a fast paced world, I'm always on the look out for items that are multi purpose.

eightXeight has these dual functioning Flax Sacs that is a great sign of relief for all of us computer junkies.

Use as a wrist rest while on your laptop and because it's filled with lavender and flax it offers a soothing aroma while you're typing away.

Feeling a bit overworked and you can pop it in the freezer or microwave to calm yourself

The Faux Bois print is my fav but there are lovely retro combos to choose from.

Visit eightXeight today and pick up your Flax Sacs for organic, comfort, and function

Ripe for the Picking

2010-06-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Australian Artisan Vesnav of My Little Jedi makes these delicious

memo pads.

They are package as if you just got them fresh off the farm

So indicative of Summer...

So ripe for the picking

Visit My Little Jedi for a sweet twist on the Sticky Note

Hair Tonic

2010-06-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

This vintage inspired hand crafted and soldered pendant is reminiscent of days gone by.

I love how simplistic and colorful it is with just the right touch of red glitter accents.

Artisan Little Silver Stars always has cute pieces of jewelry. Her newly added pendants are a must have.

Stop by her shop and grab a pendant or two. They are perfect to wear with jeans and tea or a boho chic sundress.

MudHandChans - Wood Grains & Branches

2010-06-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Phoenician clay artisan MudHandChans of Sedimentary Sentiments uses an Italian technique known as Sgraffito which dates back to the 1700s.

Her interpretation of Faux Bois and Tree Branches is brilliantly displayed in these two items are so provocative.

These would be lovely for jewelry catchalls, a neat row of colored art pencils or pens, tapas and to use as a base for a gift and then wrapped in clear cellophane or ultra light colored vellum.

Stop by Sedimentary Sentiments for handcrafted vases, bowls, and sculptures

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

My mother has been so many things to me throughout my life. Yes, she's tough and relentless and sets super high standards and we don't always get along. But that's just the canvas of it all. The full glorious picture is that my mother sacrificed unselfishly for myself and four siblings, as a single mom no less. With the private education, our own home, theater outings, dance lessons, music lessons, drama lessons, sports and various recreational activities, and wonderful gatherings with family and friends.... We weren't rich by any means in the monetary sense and throughout our upbringing my mother would take in anyone that needed help. I'd have to say the most important things that my mother has taught me is:

At the end of the day people are always more important than things
Being selfless has the reward of showing others you give a damn because everyone is worth it in this world
I'm much stronger than I realize
It's not about the race, it's about being in the game
Faith will sustain me

My mother is my muse and my friend. I respect her strength and wisdom and feel honored to be her daughter. I'm am still learning lessons she taught me long ago and I'm grateful for them all.

Take time today for the aunts, sisters, neighbors, friends, and yes your mother and thank your lucky stars that your life has been touched in some way by these women who have helped you become the person you are today.

Slightly Steamed

2010-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with the unique design of these earrings.

Artisan, Nancy Reasoner uses a mixture of metals (copper, bronze, silver) which gives the pieces a richness while still maintaining a look that is trendy, old world and decadent at the same time.

For wearable art that will always show your unique flair, pause, click, and shop at

Slightly Steamed

Party Poms

2010-02-16T03:59:00.000-08:00

My undying Love for paper never ceases...I'm in the middle of a deco job for a tweenager room and I keep coming back to these tufts of paper called what else Party Poms

I'm completely rah-rah about these delicate and fun flower poms.

I imagine these hanging from the ceiling similar to that of paper chinese lanterns. Actually I plan to mixed the two together for an ultra cool way to add pops of color to the room.

Although my young client is more into tennis, swimming and academia than cheering, she is uber girly nonetheless. Aren't we all to some degree?

Apple of My Eye

2010-02-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

Now this is an apple after my own eye...This dress by Vrreis in Montreal would give any girl that extra "BAM", "BOOM", "POW"!

Veronica brings a new approach in her use of silk; one that is fresh with the subtle sexy rocker chick appeal.

The detail of fringe (260, actually) is amazing and comes in a large variety of sizes for us girls that are no longer in a size 2.

A true statement maker that would have all eyes on you no matter if you're on the runway or posh cocktail event.

Birdwatching in the Rain

2010-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

What's a girl to do when there is such rain and muck all about. With jury duty out of the way I decided to ditch my umbrella and do some birdwatching (online). I love this deluxe zipper pouch by Birdwatching Designs for a lot of reasons....The Faux Bois pattern reminds me of trees and paper, so this was love at first sight for me. The matching card case is just what I need.

It's playful yet sophisticated and will be the perfect item to organize my extra scraps of paper ephemera or for the quick run to market or gym.

The designer, Sarah always has lovely handmade items. She also offers simple yet luxurious bath and body items at BirdBubbles.

Craft for Haiti

2010-01-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

Uninhibitedspirit encourages you to join me in a worthy cause for Haiti. Craft for Haiti

My Dream Big note card set allows you to receive a lovely item meant for encouragement with 100% of all proceeds going to Haiti.

It's super simple...

Bid
Purchase
Spread the Word
Repeat

Love You Can Touch

2010-01-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

These cute little felt wool bowls by The Fuzzy Monkey make me all warm and fuzzy inside. They are the perfect handmade gift to give by itself or to add that unexpected but always desired piece of jewelry that every girl would want.

Follow Me

2010-01-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Follow me on Twitter to find out new items, specials, and updates on all things Uninhibitedspirit to write, wear and share

http://twitter.com/uninhibited1

2010 - Evolution

2010-01-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here's to a new year of creativity, reflection and inspiration. As with all new beginnings, Uninhibitespirit 2010 collections will be a time for me to unleash new ideas, move forward with new mediums in the form of paper artistry, glass, mixed media and new designs. As an individual who have always given time and energy to charities, I wanted to find one that is directly linked with my love of paper...

Each month this year I will begin providing hand made cards to OWH (Operation Write Home) for the brave soldiers in the military to remain in touch with their loved ones.

It's also my sophomore year as an East Valley Artisan and it's been wonderful connecting with so many talented women.

My simple resolution is evolution!

Black Friday Etsy Holiday Sale

2009-11-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

I've thankfully spent this special holiday in Sedona, Arizona. What a peacefulness to experience just before Black Friday.

I'd like to offer you a reprieve from the long lines, hurried crowds, and hassles.

Join me for the Unihibited Spirit shopping experience. Personalized Sets...Free Shipping...Exclusive Gift Wrap.

Spend time with your loved ones. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Blessings

For the Love of Paper

2009-09-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Johan Hybschman's book of precise laser cuts.

In the world of text messages, bluetooth's, face book, twitter and yes even blogging I still cannot imagine a day without Paper

The textures that invite you to touch them....The endless creative possibilities...

Bliss

2009-08-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Ever meet someone and within seconds you know this is a relationship that will be a part of your life forever?

One of my girlfriends and I are just those people and she's been in a relationship that mimics that of our friendship. Ups and downs, tears and laughter, understanding and love.

This dear friend of mine recently married for the first time and she's over 50 years young.

This couple was the Oprah before Stedman and the Goldie before Kirk. They have 6 wonderful children and now in their prime have decided now is the time to tie the knot.

I'm inspired by her openness to life and always knowing happiness is about people not things.

Finding ones Bliss comes in many forms...the key is when you find it, to pause and take notice.

Music Uninhibited

2009-03-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Janelle Monae photo from gladitsnight.com

i love the beauty that unique expression brings....the freedom of being oneself and celebrating individuality is Smokin' to me.

It's so easy to follow the pack and unfortunately too many of the most talented artists go overlooked because the masses simply do not know they exist.

Janelle Monae sounds to me like what being uninhibited feels like. Conscious, relevant, thought provoking. My current fav is Sincerely Jane. She is an amazin talent. Check out Metropolis. She has just been added to my Bucket List.

Beating the Chill

2009-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic way to beat the chill. I absolutely love this scarf. . . The word scarf actually does not do this justice. I prefer to call it A Dreamy Orange Neck Hug.

It's part of a give away. Please visit Whisper of the Muse blog, but by all means DO NOT ENTER THE GIVEAWAY because I must have this.

Did I also mention that orange is my favorite color!

It Does Rain in Arizona

2009-02-08T09:05:00.001-08:00

Although a native Californian where I enjoyed going to the beach and snow within the same day, there is something so wonderfully beautiful about the sense of calm and artful skies here in Arizona, especially when it rains here. It enlivens my creative energy... it speaks to my uninhibitedspirit.

Chocolate Truffle Hat

2009-02-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

I love hats...wish I could wear them everyday and crushin on this hat at LiDDesignsBoutique

Did I add that I look cute in hats too...

Vintage

2009-02-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

I been having a love affair with vintage or vintage-esque things lately.

I created a birthday card recently based on this very emotion

...and I'm in love with this site by Lorenzo Petrantoni. It has wonderful black and white illustrations I love the French music in the background equally as much.

So Nouveau Chic....so vintage

Calendar Giveaway

2009-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Beauty has a way of taking your breath away. For someone to capture the those little things we might otherwise miss is incredible. Check out the beautiful photography created by Amy Longberry. She has a great calendar giveaway (hope I win)

Connecting to the World

2009-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Everyday I realize that there is so much in the world that is unknown to me. Curiosity of others trying to relate, understand and remain open even if not always in agreement, keeps me on the hunt for "What's Out There."

It's truly what inspires me...

It's the esoteric doctrines in life that makes us unique. It is only when we get overcome with judgment and close-mindedness that we miss the point.

Take moments in life, be it through travel, creating, reading, photos, music or simply exploring via the Internet while sick in bed to recognize that there is love, happiness and peace waiting for the taking.

The Art of Life

2009-01-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

Couldn't wait to unveil this New Quotable Notable.... Digitally printed on thick linen cardstock in a hazy amethyst with Exotic plum lettering for quote. Available later this week at www.Uninhibtedspirit.com

Remember Buy 4 Get 1 free!

Buy 4 Get 1 Free

2009-01-24T13:47:00.001-08:00

Just in time for Valentines' Day Buy 4 get 1 free of any Individual Notecard at Uninhibited Spirit

Dreams and the Urgency of Now

2009-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

"...We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy..."

- I Have a Dream Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King jr., Civil Rights Leader

"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on."

-John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States of America

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek.

-Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

Today as we remember our past, tomorrow let us embrace each and our future.

SNEAK ATTACKED

2009-01-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

Stunned, dazed and an apparent victim of theft. I went to my shop only to discover that 7 of my cards had vanished and in it's place was two emails saying "You've been Sneak Attacked!" While in my mini-coma I contacted My of Springcart Designs who quickly let me know that I had an amazing sale day. In addition, I was honored by my peers on Etsy by way of a Sneak Attack who appreciate my creative expression to the point of hosting a forum on my behalf.

I was WOWED by the experience. An additional surprise is that I have been approached to have my cards in an east coast boutique (will keep you all posted) and received two out of state orders from Canada and the United Kingdom respectively.

Visit me at my shop to see my newest products. And convo me to pre-order of one of our Decadent Teas.

Be Mine

2009-01-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

I'm crushin' on my new Valentine-esque notecard. We have every opportunity to express to those we love how we really feel...why waste it.

So pop over to my shop to get your sweetie a card and while you're at it add some Decadent Tea to take your love to another level.

Celebrating 2009

2009-01-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing time to reflect on where you've been and where you'd like to be. How about starting with creating your signature style!

The launch of Uninhibited Spirit is a wonderful place to begin...

Now is a great time to order some personalized stationery and begin your year with your very own signature style.

For your signature drink pre-order from my new line of teas.

There's only one way to describe them - "Decadent!" Royal Lemon is the perfect balance of citrus and creme, equally wonderful hot or cold

Chocolat, just like the movie has a magical quality that is sheer loveliness in a cup

And wouldn't it be delicious to welcome guests into your home with the smell of our Uninhibited soy candle. A wonderful blend of honey, patchouli and peach this will instantly become scent you will go to again and again. Also currently available for pre-order.

Don't miss out. For the month of January all orders include a free gift.

Shop News

2008-12-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a little sneaky peek of part of the Uninhibited Spirit Paper Goods 2009 collection. Bringing you wisdom, inspiration and reflection. It's so wonderful to finally be able to offer my handcrafted items to the masses.

uninhibitedspirit.etsy.com

Quotable Notables, Note card Sets, Personalized Sets and Individual Cards for all occasions are all available.

See you at the shop Uninhibited Spirit.

Ciao Bellas!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Change, hope, faith, growth and simplification. This year pushed us all to the limits in so many ways. We've had high highs, low lows, gains and losses. As a forever optimist, I know within the depths of my being that the cream rises to the top.

Celebrate the season. Be in love with love and don't take anything for granted because it is all relative.

How About a Spot of Tea

2008-12-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Tea Collection will be ready to launch in a couple of weeks. Just from the tea tasting that I held, Royal Lemon and Chocolat are already a hit with the hip crowd. If I had to pick one word to describe them it would be... DECADENT ! An earl grey is in the works as is a white tea blend.

I hope you'll join me for the most decadent spot of tea around.

Ciao Bellas

I Like to Move It, Move It

2008-12-10T19:41:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to be moving forward with getting my studio together. So far I have organized all of my card stock and rearranged some items, cleared a total of three closets one for shipping supplies and the other bonus this clean sweep offered is it gave L much needed space for his music studio over-flow. Note card sets are in the making and I am in love with them all. Starting to get items to build up inventory. The color collection for 2009 will set the tone for what Uninhibited Spirit is all about. I'm on the edge of my seat because this weekend is tea blending/tasting to offer the most decadent flavors for gift collections.

Thankful

2008-11-26T23:31:00.000-08:00

Gumbo, 5 Cheese Mac n' Cheese, Cranberry Sauce, Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bourbon Pecan Pie... Like so many around the world, Thanksgiving is a favorite celebration of mine because special memories were forever being created for all involved. For almost 20 years my sister and I would cook wonderful homemade feasts. All were welcome. Family, friends, and every combo in between. No small task for 40+ guests. Oh so worth it! Now that we live in different states this year my day will be a party of 2. Surprising to both myself and mate although we miss the good old days we realized how special this is as it our first time alone on this day in 20 years.

Today many of us will gather with loved ones, overeat, watch football and eat leftovers for days. In all the grandeur of it all, I wanted to take this time for some things I am thankful for...

opening my eyes yet another day
that gas prices are at a rate where I can fill up my tank and my belly
true friends, who never have a hidden agenda
finding new ways to stretch a hard earned buck and being able to make it in the first place
new ideas and those that inspire me
laughter and love
believing against all odds that each day presents an opportunity to improve
spooning
having an open heart
always recognizing that the little things in life have always been important even before the economy shifted things for all of us

So later today when you get hit with Fat Belly Shut Eye remember to free yourself of all the angst that creeps up on all of us from time to time because being thankful should be a daily occurrence.

On the Horizon

2008-11-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Some great things for my shop are in the developmental phase but I'm excited that each day things are slowly coming together..

Spring Thoughts

2008-11-23T08:58:00.001-08:00

It's not even December yet, and here in Gilbert there isn't a fleck of snow to be found but when I saw this vase at Wrapables it made me think of life anew and my Spring collection I am working on currently.

Home Studio

2008-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

I previously outfitted part of a closet in my guest bedroom for my handmade projects and thought is was ultra lovely, but I must admit with things out of sight inspiration seems tucked away also. Funny how the smallest things can bring about inspiration. I thought the storage box would be great to house yearly collections of my cards and this little hobknob would be great to clip current card designs and fabric swatches out on my desk. Both are from The Container Store. I realize I have the perfect area to bring my home studio to life by converting my library to my craft and reading studio. I'm on a quest to have my items out in the open but in the most stylish way possible and I don't want to wait until the new year. I don't like clutter but maintaining tools and supplies is a challenge. There is a hall closet adjacent to this room which I will use for packaging, gift wrapping and shipping. I've already painted my desk in a glossy black and have one of two cubbie style book cases from Ikea. One will be for my books and the other will be for the studio. I've parted with half of my books either by donating them or selling them as I'm always reading something. This will be an ongoing project but I aim to do something every week until it is complete. Stay tuned I will have photos to chart my progress.

Craftsomnia

2008-11-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

Don't ya just love it when you take prescribed meds and it says "May cause drowsiness" when it actually means at any given moment you will be knocked on your arse in a semi-comatose state. Well, I fought the good fight last night and got my crafty on. With no winks and a few nods I managed in a fog if you will, to work on my new collection of cards and bath teas all while vying for fabrics for pillows. Long live crafsominia because life's too short to sleep.

So Inviting...

2008-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

ahh the loggia area. makes me want a cup of tea
Love clavos (nailheads). Both of these are courtesy of house beautiful.

Cupcake Dreamin

2008-11-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

I'm home a bit under the weather today and the meds my doc gave me to take has me snoozing off and on. While in one of my med induced slumbers, I dreamt about cupcakes. These are from the famous Sprinkles in CA. My and I have to hit this place when I visit next week.

...these just made me feel better

Pera

2008-11-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

Pera is pear in Spanish. This collection is part of my newest notecard set. My shop will have items for your mind, body and spirit. Quotable notables, Cards, Bath teas, Bath salts, Pillows, Bookmarkers, Artisian Dominoe sets, and lovely whatnots will all be available soon

2009 Calendar

2008-11-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm lovin on this calendar by Springcartdesigns.

1913 Was A Very Good Year

2008-11-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I had the honor to celebrate with and for my GIL aka Pancar who is 95 years old today. Among the guests was my other GIL aka Nana Ambush who turned 90 in September. Folks came from Northern & Southern California, Boston and various areas of Arizona. On Saturday it all began with facials, makeup applications, faux lashes, a luncheon and a tear jerking video presentation of Pancar's illustrious life. That evening a limo arrived with red carpet rolled out for my little mama and off we went for dinner and dancing. Sunday was gift opening and brunch at my home. I joke with these two wonderful grandmas of mine through marriage that they are not getting old but have arrived and are at the door, honey. But these two women are in amazing health, walk upright, cook and clothe themselves, wear heels, have all their own teeth and was on the dance floor at the Jazz Bistro here in Gilbert, AZ longer than me (wine and chocolate martinis may have aided in my early departure from gettin' my groove on). Nonetheless, they are forces to reckon with. They are so full of wisdom and have seen it all including a historic change in the White House. To be a witness and take part in such a phenomenal event is something that will always be etched in my memory bank. The invitations and favors were done by my divine cousin My of Springcartdesigns.