The Details!

So, we're leaving today!  This afternoon, we'll be in Detroit.  Going to spend the night there, and then we're jetting off to Memphis, Tennessee.  Checking in to the very hoity-toity Peabody Hotel, then a fancy-schmancy dinner at the B.B. King Blues Club, followed by front row seats to see our favorite granddad, Mr. B.B. King. 

On Sunday, we'll tour the Rock and Soul Hall of Fame, and (if we're not exhausted), Graceleand.  We even have a rental car!  Thanks to the people at WMMQ, who offered this trip, and thanks to our amazing luck, we won this trip! 

This is huge.  SO exciting. I'm just...without the words to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the people who made this happen for us.  Time is invaluable.

With love.

Karen

The Trip of a Lifetime!

This is my husband's mom.  This picture was taken shortly before she found out that her breast cancer had returned, and returned with a vengeance.  This summer, we learned that our time with her would be more precious and valuable than ever.  The cancer that mom beat, years ago, has attacked her bones.  Terminal. 

We were called to her home, where we were given the devastating news.  Sat, sobbing, afraid, so many questions, so few answers. Anger.  Grief. Unwielding sadness.  Frustration.  Fear.  Silence.

Mom got up, and returned with her "Bucket List"...a list of things to do before she "kicks the bucket."  Hard to hear...but then...we realized...we can DO some things for her, we can make memories, we have a JOB!  So, long story short...we're going to Memphis.  Tomorrow.

On mom's bucket list, there was one line: "Go see BB King again".   We've seen him every year for the past few years.  The Universe blessed us, and,well, we will see B.B. King..in Memphis, at The BB King Blues Club, the flights, our meals, everything...paid.

So!  We're leaving tomorrow!  I'll be spending 4 incredible days with My Mama.  The gift of TIME was bestowed onto me.  I love and admire this person so much...she's been more of a mother to me than my own.  And, we'll make memories, because, you see, she's not dying...she.is.living. 

I LOVE YOU, MOM!  Here we go!

GROOVY,BABY!

These are the leather cuffs that were left over after my daughter confiscated the ones SHE wanted!  I'm loving the one in front, with the fused glass focal.  Not sure if it's the colors, or possibly all the WORK that went into making it.  Seriously, that one took a WEEK to make, from start to finish! 

She's Crafty!

Yesterday, the house was quiet, the day was absolutely lovely, so I spent my time in my studio, in the company of beautiful glass, leather, solder, frit, and lots of cool tools.  I am IN LOVE with this piece, but it's on it's way up to http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Riverside-Studios-Artists-Kevin-and-Karen-Nichols/62119242312

We have a HUGE show coming up in October, so I'm really pushing creativity to the max, to make lots of art.  My art is usually functional, but this piece, it's just so beautiful, I hope someone loves this as much as me!   



Ugly Chair / Pretty Chair

One of the many lessons that I try to teach my children is that beautiful things do not come from the mall.  The most meaningful things are those that are given to us by others.  In this life lesson, we took an old chair, given to us by some great friends, and transformed it.  This was our project on Sunday.

This poor old chair needed some SERIOUS attention, so off we went to the fabric store, where we bought all the supplies needed to transform this little jewel into something beautiful.

An hour later, spent talking about "materialism", we ended up with a thing of beauty.  The time spent with my daughter on this project was absolutely priceless, as is this chair.

Hidden within it's new fancy upholstery, is a note, with our names and dates, to be discovered years from now by my daughter and HER son or daughter.  This is now an heirloom, and will be passed from generation to generation.

That's how it works.

Pam's Pantry Dip Mixes!

These are not your "ORDINARY" dip mixes!  We have them at the Lansing City Market, every day the Market is open.

Tues through Friday from 11am-7pm, and Saturday, 9am-5pm.

This is one of our very favorite mixes, called "Kara's Krazy Cukes"...just add the mix, some vinegar and some water, pour over your prepared veggies, and BAM...pickles, overnight.  Not mushy, crisp and fresh and YUMMY!

Come try a sample on your next trip to the Market!  At Bella Harvest! 

I love glass.

My latest creation, and I am so proud of it.  This is a fused glass, drop-ring bowl, made from "curious glass", by Bullseye.

It's in my boutique right now, but I'm not sure if it'll stay there.  I may have to gift this to someone I love, or, maybe even keep it.  I just love this!