birthday details and thrift store scores

Well! I had a great day. Started out with a Robby hug before I went to sleep a little past midnight. In the morning, my mom came to my house to teach me how to crochet. Then my big brother brought burritos, and we reminesced (sp?) about growing up.John brought presents from my dad and Susan. Then Rob's mom picked me up and took me to a great Goodwill! Spent about an hour there and I hardly got past the SHOES. It was great. (see pictures below) Then Rob and I went to Kinjo Japanese Resturant where I recieved free dinner - woohoo! Then to his mom's house for ice cream b-day cake and (half) a Godiva Rum Truffle (which was the only "alcohol" I had) and visit with Oma. Then home for seam-ripping and Olympics-watching and a phone call with my dad. And to bed I go! Yay!

Rob & Steve - Sawgrass Lake Park

Robert and Steve went to Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg, FL, on Tuesday. Click on the photo to view my flickr photo set. All photos by Robert, except the one of him, which I suppose Steven took.

Robby made a kite.

Robert made this. It looks so beautiful in the air. Once I get a pic of it in the air, I'll replace this photo. But you get the idea. Tuxedo!

Candace sent me books!

Robert's mother's sister's friend Candace has been reading my journal and thought I'd enjoy some books of hers that she no longer needs.

1. Classic Millinery Techniques: A Complete Guide to Making & Designing Today's Hats
2. Hat Tricks: 80 Instant Makeovers to Transform Ordinary Hats into Fabulous Creations
3. Stitch & Stencil: Over 40 Easy Fabric-Based Projects
4. The Complete Soapmaker: Tips, Techniques & Recipes For Luxurious Handmade Soaps
5. The Complete Candlemaker: Techniques, Projects, and Inspirations

I'm really getting into the first book. But in order to jump into any millinery projects, I'll definitely need a wooden hat block thing - which I've never seen in person. And then some buckram and millinery ribbon. I have almost everything else. Perhaps I'll hit up St. Pete Freecycle to see if anyone has a hat block. Wish me luck!

Also, in my research I found this inspirational painting by frenchman Edgar Degas - The Millinery Shop. According to the Art Institute of Chicago, its oil on canvas and from 1884/90. I forgot how much I enjoy Impressionism.