So I got into a bike crash today and had to go to the ER with the kids.  I picked E up from school he was on his  bike and I was one mine with S in the bike trailer.  I was coming up on a gas station and there was a big bush that my bike got to close to and it through my bike down.  The handle bar was sticking straight up and I fell down on it getting it right in the sternum.  I couldn't get up and next thing I know all these people were around me and I was freaking out because I kept making sure the kids were ok and then an ambulance came and took me and the kids to the ER.  The owner of the store had called.  He also gave the kids some ice cream and was so nice to all of us.  So were all the other people who stopped.  My husband met us there after a friend who stopped and saw it all called him.  They took X-rays and luckily there were no breaks or fractures and no bleeding or evidence of a damaged lung so they sent me home.  I am ok but it just hurts like all heck. 

It was so scary.  One of my greatest fears has always been something happening to me when I was alone with the kids.  They were so scared but so brave.  I am so proud of them.  Ironically as I was leaving the house I decided to leave my bag at home.  I always bring it with me and it has my cell phone in it.  For some reason today I chose to leave it there and actually said to myself "I'm coming right home after picking him up so I don't need to lug it with me."    I also always have a piece of paper in my wallet that says  In case of emergency call - and then I have my husbands name and number.  I always felt silly having it in there but now I know why.  I feel lucky that someone I actually knew stopped.

The other thing I feel lucky about is that my youngest son was in a bike trailer and not one of those seats on the back of my bike.  So many of my friends have those and I never really understood because I always thought - what happens if you bail?  The kid just falls onto the ground with you.  I bailed  today and my son was safe in the bike trailer.  Even though my bike spilled the bike trailer stayed upright.  I don't own a bike seat for kids and I never will after this accident. 

So I am home now and feeling better but my chest kills.  I have to take it easy for a few days and not lift anything but the scare of internal bleeding or fractures was ruled out.

My crafting spirit has been given new life. A few weeks ago I attended the annual Art
Hop in the south side of Burlington. This is the first time I haven't
been involved. Last year I had my jewelry in the fashion show and the
year before I displayed in at one of the businesses. This year though
since I basically haven't created anything new this year I decided to
go as a spectator. It was a lot of fun and it inspired me beyond
belief. My favorite part of going to this event is walking through all
the artist studios who open their doors to the public. This section of
town is where there is a maze of shared group studios. It is so
inspiring to walk through admiring their art and their work spaces. I
think I enjoy checking out their work spaces just as much as their art.
It is one of my many dreams to be able to have a studio in this area
where I can work in the morning and early afternoon hours while my kids
are at school and have it open for passersby to stop in.

Each year I go I find something new. This year I stumbled upon Pallet Art.
Mark Pabelstein uses shipping pallets and other salvaged materials to
make artwork and furniture. He also uses organic paints to finish the
pieces off. I am obsessed with these frames. I love the rustic look and
the colors are warm and rich. The prices are wonderful too. I can
actually afford to buy one and feel good about having art work in my
house that didn't cost me a fortune. The frames are made from recycled
lumber, painted with organic paints and finished with a natural wax.
Order some up.


I also love these clocks that Mark makes. You have your chose of bottle
caps -Micro-brews, Imports, domestic, Soda pop, Grab-bag or regional:
Vermont, Colorado, California. He also takes custom orders. Can you say
perfect holiday gift? I can. I just might have to get one for myself
before I get one for someone else. Shh don't tell.

I came home from the Art Hop and did something that was long over due. I
cleanup my basement studio, displayed all of my existing inventory and
began to work. It has felt amazing to get back into my work. In the
past two weeks since attending the Art Hop and cleaning up my studio I
have made two new necklaces, 5 pairs of earrings, crocheted 5 scarves
and I am in the works of some new projects I plan on tackling.

My crafting spirit is back and it feels really good. I am hoping to get
into a two day craft show I did last November at City Hall. I will keep
you posted on whether or not I get in. Keep your fingers crossed. Until
then, do something that inspires you. It is so good for the soul.

My youngest started preschool today.   Both kids are gone and it feels so  weird.  My littlest "S" has only been away from me one time in his short 3 1/2 years of life.  He did fine and so did I all in all but it feels so strange to be home right now with no kids.  His program is 5 days a week but it is only from 8:10-10:45 so they are short days.  45 minutes to go and I can pick him up.

I  am offline for a few days until my new router comes in.  I feel so lost without the internet.