Some days I really don't have much to say. Actually, most days. I guess today is different, because I want nothing more than to ramble to my computer screen.
There's so mcuh going on in my head that it's hard to articulate. This is partly becuase I am an introvert, which I already knew, but didn't realize that was why I have a hard time articulating until I started reading The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. {I think that was a horrible run-on sentence. Sorry.} I really have learned a lot about myself, my family, and my friends, and I'm only halfway through the book. The book mainly talks about the differences between introverts and extroverts, which outnumber us "innies" three to one. Very intriguing and insightful. Nooooow I know why when I open up an invitation in the mail I want to throw it away... because I am overstimulated in social gatherings and tire out after about five minutes. This also explains why everyone in my family would ask me at the dinner table growing up, "Kiley, are you zoned out again?" "Yes" was my response. Too much talking, too much to process, and I just needed a break. This also explains why in confrontations or serious conversations I tend to get overwhelmed and have absolutely no response at the time. Later, I can come up with all sorts of responses, after I have mulled it over like a true introvert.
If you are still reading, I applaud you.
On another note, I did some painting today. Tried uploading the images but was having problems with my mobile device (sometimes it's more fun to use unpopular terms, instead of cell phone). Anywho, the paintings and drawings I did were for church--they may or may not end up being used. But they were abstract nativity scenes to possibly be used around Christmas time. Christmastime? I think it's two words.
My car made horrible squeaking noises this morning. I called my dad and he said it was probably the fan belt. The way the conversation started was: "You know when you're at a stop light and you hear a car coming from a mile away because it's making that obnoxious squeaking noise?" His response: "Yeah..." "Well, my car is making that noise. Do you know what it is?" I often overreact to things. Dad has numerous times called me a drama queen, and I don't take offense to it. My husband has seen this side of me plenty of times as well. Now I laugh about it and dramatize things all the more. :)
Welp, time's up. Not that I don't have more ramblings in my head (did you know that women can have seven thoughts going in their heads at one time?), just that I have things to do, places to go, and people to see. Then I will indulge in some lovely down time later this evening.
Hope you enjoyed my ramblings.
Kiley
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
five things
Five photos from the past few days:
Look at that bass! He was so proud, and I was proud of him. I caught one about the same size, and what happened, you ask? It broke my line and I have no proof of my trophy.
How to spice up your coffee: add light whipped cream and a dash of cinammon. Mmmm!
My new fave nail polish: NYC's Park Ave. Kinda taupe/grey... perfect for fall without making my hands look pale. (Anyone else have that problem with dark colors?) Here's a link to all the "In A New York Color Minute" polishes:
Farewell, place of work. Your butterflies flitting about the ceiling were fun to look at on a daily basis. I also enjoyed the friendly people and the apple fritters. This is my last full week here. My next job is going to be nannying a newborn, pure bliss.
Please stay tuned for an experiment that is currently being conducted on these ugly guys. Waiting to see results. :)
Hope everyone is having a good Monday!
Kiley
Thursday, October 20, 2011
painting furniture: an overview
Today I thought I would share some photos of furniture that I have redone. Unfortunately, I don't have any "before" pictures, only afters. But I thought it might inspire you to never be afraid of bold colors. If you ever choose a color and realize after painting that it is too bright, that is what glaze is for. Glaze comes in premixed colors like black, mocha, etc. or in a clear form which allows you to add whatever color you want. If you have trouble mixing paint or just want to try glazing for fun, I recommend starting with premixed. However, if you are doing several projects which require different glazes and intensity levels, then clear would be the best choice.
A lot of people have asked me lately how to paint a piece of furniture. I plan on doing a post soon on a step-by-step project. It really is easier than most people think. All it takes is a little patience and elbow grease. :)
On to the pictures...
A lot of people have asked me lately how to paint a piece of furniture. I plan on doing a post soon on a step-by-step project. It really is easier than most people think. All it takes is a little patience and elbow grease. :)
On to the pictures...
This was a commissioned piece. Originally intended as a buffet, a new mother is now using it as a changing table. You can tell it is a very pale pink. I loved the idea of using it in a baby's room and plan to do the same some day.
This coffee table had seen MUCH better days. It had some cup rings on the top, and since it was probably mahogany, which is a very soft wood, the damage was too much to repair. Because of this, I used a mocha glaze over an ivory paint.
*Tip: If your unpainted table has a cup ring, try rubbing vegetable oil into it with a dry cloth. A lot of times it works!
This was one of my favorite pieces. It was a plain Jane oak dresser with ugly brass knobs before. Now, it has a silver wash over the top of it and new antique looking knobs. I plan on trying the silver finish again, it just glammed it up a little. :)
Uh, sorry for the sock on the floor, the knobs that I forgot to turn down, and the bobby pins. This is my personal dresser. It used to be completely black. This was one project where I painted it and realized the paint was WAY too bright... you have to be careful with turquoise. My college roommates can attest to the fact that I'm slightly obsessed. So I glazed it with a black glaze and loved the result.
This was a piece for my best friend. It was originally yellow with pink trim, very outdated, and sad looking. Some red paint with a black/brown glaze was all it needed.
*Tip: it's totally okay to use a nightstand in a living room. And it's totally okay to mix and match different pieces. For example, the wicker furniture on my front porch is not a set, but painting them all one color and using coordinating colors makes it look like one without being stuffy. Plus, who wants a boring living/dining/bedroom out-of-the-box set anyway?
My beloved TV stand. Originally a liquor cabinet with a fold-out top, we use it for DVD and game storage. I absolutely love the color, and now realize how dark our old apartment is from the quality of all these photos, oops. Anyway, the color is Washed Denim by Martha Stewart. I want to cover everything with it.
Hope these pictures inspired you to get out the paintbrush!
Kiley
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
changes
I knew something was about to change.
It's a good thing, though. In the last two days, I have been told the grant that was paying for my job will end at the end of October, met with a family about nannying, and was offered a job. I will be nannying a newborn in a couple of months, so for awhile will be jobless... but I'm okay with that. It will give me time to make/sell some jewelry, spend time with the family during the holidays, and relax.
On another note, although it has been almost 2 weeks since our return from New York, I thought I'd post some pictures of the trip.
It's a good thing, though. In the last two days, I have been told the grant that was paying for my job will end at the end of October, met with a family about nannying, and was offered a job. I will be nannying a newborn in a couple of months, so for awhile will be jobless... but I'm okay with that. It will give me time to make/sell some jewelry, spend time with the family during the holidays, and relax.
On another note, although it has been almost 2 weeks since our return from New York, I thought I'd post some pictures of the trip.
Taste Coffee, East Aurora
Vidler's Five and Dime, East Aurora
Renovation Church, Buffalo
A local maple tree farm
My hott breakfast date :)
Bad qual... but some deer in an orchard. Beautiful.
maple farm
breathtaking maple farm pic
...and more...
...yet again...
and a totally unrelated picture of our puppy that I had to share. Yes, he is still a puppy and he weighs 75 lbs. On yet another note, I'm going to try my hand at some polymer clay soon and will post some photos!
Kiley
Thursday, October 13, 2011
a whole new world
Wow, it's been awhile. Not that anyone reads this thing! :)
My husband and I have moved into our new "abarnment" (apartment in a barn... get it?), and although there are still some boxes laying around, we're starting to feel a little bit settled in. It is in the middle of the woods, looks out onto two beautiful ponds, and makes me feel like I'm in another world. I love being surrounded by trees, with no lights outside except the stars and the moon. Ahhh.
A lot has been on my mind lately, and I feel a change coming. I'm not sure exactly what God has in store, but this is one of those times where I feel one door slowly closing and another beginning to crack open. I have realized that I might want to be an art teacher. My current job allows me to spend time with kids, although not much time. I would love to be with kids all day, and have the opportunity to do hands-on activities with them that would not be limited to five minutes. I have really enjoyed working here, but it has also opened my eyes to the possibilities for change. I believe everyone should do what they love, what they are passionate about, if at all possible. So I'm still praying about the decision to take some classes, get certified, etc. but I have a peace about it all right now. I don't want to rush into anything. As my dad said, a lot of young people like myself who just got their degree feel this need to take on the world and rush into trying different things. I don't want to make a quick decision when really I have the rest of my life, but I also know I should chase after my dreams.
Last week, we returned from a trip to upstate New York, where the trees are gigantic and their leaves are turning into colors I've never seen before. The grass is ridiculously green there, because they don't have a drought problem like here. The vacation was awesome, and I didn't feel like I really needed it until I got there. I was able to clear my mind, enjoy time with family and meet new people, and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Being in that type of environment does something to me. I feel rejuvenated, alive, and peaceful. I really thank God for vacations because I think He often gets our attention there.
Our new place is kind of like that. It's quiet out there, there are no noisy neighbors, honking horns, or stoplights. I love it, and I know that God wants us there. I can already say it is a blessing in so many ways.
My husband and I have moved into our new "abarnment" (apartment in a barn... get it?), and although there are still some boxes laying around, we're starting to feel a little bit settled in. It is in the middle of the woods, looks out onto two beautiful ponds, and makes me feel like I'm in another world. I love being surrounded by trees, with no lights outside except the stars and the moon. Ahhh.
A lot has been on my mind lately, and I feel a change coming. I'm not sure exactly what God has in store, but this is one of those times where I feel one door slowly closing and another beginning to crack open. I have realized that I might want to be an art teacher. My current job allows me to spend time with kids, although not much time. I would love to be with kids all day, and have the opportunity to do hands-on activities with them that would not be limited to five minutes. I have really enjoyed working here, but it has also opened my eyes to the possibilities for change. I believe everyone should do what they love, what they are passionate about, if at all possible. So I'm still praying about the decision to take some classes, get certified, etc. but I have a peace about it all right now. I don't want to rush into anything. As my dad said, a lot of young people like myself who just got their degree feel this need to take on the world and rush into trying different things. I don't want to make a quick decision when really I have the rest of my life, but I also know I should chase after my dreams.
Last week, we returned from a trip to upstate New York, where the trees are gigantic and their leaves are turning into colors I've never seen before. The grass is ridiculously green there, because they don't have a drought problem like here. The vacation was awesome, and I didn't feel like I really needed it until I got there. I was able to clear my mind, enjoy time with family and meet new people, and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Being in that type of environment does something to me. I feel rejuvenated, alive, and peaceful. I really thank God for vacations because I think He often gets our attention there.
Our new place is kind of like that. It's quiet out there, there are no noisy neighbors, honking horns, or stoplights. I love it, and I know that God wants us there. I can already say it is a blessing in so many ways.
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