If the grey won’t come to me….
then I will just don myself in it! Goodness, there’s been a high pressure system that lasted all of last week and is supposed to go all through this week. At least the wind has chilled out; it was incessantly windy for days on end – dried everything out. Ugh. I crave clouds, and rain. I wish to move to Portland, OR. (have for quite some time now)
I used to have a nice knit pair of grey tights, but they developed a hole in them, and then of course got misplaced – so, finally, I just had to purchase a new pair. I LOVE wearing shorts and cozy knit tights when it’s chilly out. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo comfortable.
I am staring off at a field and a grove of trees – this place is so peaceful for me.
The shorts were a splurge on ebay, but since losing 30+ lbs., none of my old stuff fit any more. These were previously owned, and the seller accepted an offer a couple bucks below the asking price, so I went for it. They are size 4, and almost a little on the big side, but they are comfy, and a little looseness is WAY better than too tight.
and to top off my grey theme – my grey Forever 21 bag!
I looked at ankle boots for a long time, and just couldn’t justify buying any, but when I had some $ (a gift card I believe) for Forever 21 and saw these for just $30, I decided to go for it. I like them, but they aren’t great for walking in for very long, I must admit. When I worked for the school district last year, I wore them one day (the job required quite a bit of walking around) and decided NEVER again. They’re great for looks though!
This is another location – couldn’t resist the ‘No Outlet’ sign!
The necklace matches the grey ensemble perfectly, and it’s a special gift from my dear (and recently married!) sister. What a gem she is!
I add things daily to my shop – lots of unique ideas for Christmas! All images are by me 
‘Night all! I’ve wanted to get this up all day, but couldn’t get to it. Now it’s time to hit the sack Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
xx
Tracy
oh! Outfit deets! (I know you’re on the edge of your seat wanting to know how I put together such a glorious ensemble, lol)
poncho/sweater top: eBay – it was one of those obscure, no name shops, I think it came from Hong Kong. I love it!
shorts: purchase on ebay
tights: Isadora, from ebay
booties: Forever 21
bag: Forever 21
glasses: The Dollar Tree, lol
Close Enough to a Turret
I stopped by this house today, as it’s long intrigued me. It’s quirky and unique, and right now it’s for sale!
Look at this! It’s not round, but otherwise it looks like a turret to me! Could it be ‘Tracy’s Turret’? I would love to have it as my studio.
the whole house from the front – it’s kinda run down, but it looks very roomy, and sq. footage is what I’m looking for! I also like it’s uniqueness. I think it’s rather eccentric, kinda like me
As you may have noticed, I kind of have a thing for unique houses. Since this one could use some work, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a chance I could live in it someday? It can’t be overly expensive – it does need work. If I stay in this area, I wouldn’t mind.
Happy Friday night and weekend all!
Oh, and feel free to check out my shop, if you feel so inclined. All the items feature work by me, and they make great, unique Christmas gifts
xx
Tracy
skirt: UNITI casuals (from my dear friend Jessica – thank you Jess!)
cowl neck top: probably Target
knitted shrug: “It’s Our Time” (from Jess =)
glasses: Dollar Tree
boots: ebay
The Fab Forties
This one makes me think of Thornfield Manor, from Jane Eyre.
I think this one’s my favorite, but to make it perfect for me, I’d have to change the roofing to a bluish-grey.
had to take a shot of the branches – the trees are so cool!
Some of the amazing homes in the “Fab Forties” area of Sacramento, CA. So many dream houses in one place – wow! I really enjoyed walking the neighborhood and just looking at them.
My favorites are the cottagey styled ones. I hear that these homes were mainly custom built, in the 1920′s, when European architecture still heavily influenced building. I love European architecture, and wish it was still used in building U.S. homes today!
Hope you enjoyed the shots! I may share some more from a different cool neighborhood in a later post. I really like houses, yes, I do.
xx
TracyAnn (the wannabe European)
RR Crossing Inside a Ray of Sunshine
oh so talented..haha NOT! I’m glad the camera caught the split second I was up there 
nope, no train’s a comin’
pop o’ cool tights, yep
See, I really am in a ray of sunshine!
A wonderful friend of mine dropped a bunch of clothes by for me the other day, and I’m wearing a couple of pieces here. Thank you Jessica!
These skinny jeans, or should I say “jeggings”? are my favorite jeans right now. They fit perfectly and the material is very lightweight and stretchy. It’s almost like wearing comfy tights that pass for jeans.
The top is in a color that I always tend toward, and I really like the fit. Call me crazy, but the way the top part of it is sort of reminds me of Juliet’s dresses in Romeo and Juliet. Anything with that kind of flair that fits me well is right up my alley! It also matches my amazing tights quite well, so I thought it would rock to let them peep out by wearing my platform sandals. 
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine was really great – it actually turned out to be like a mini vacation, which has been something much needed. My wonderful aunt and mom-in-law got our little household a nice hotel room for 3 nights, so we stayed in Sacramento in style. Idelle, Doran, and Amelia had SO much fun just exploring the hotel, lol. We went for some nice walks around the older neighborhoods in Sac, got to see a fish hatchery and spawning salmon, (very interesting, really! lol) and spent lots of fabulous quality time with some of Cary’s family. Cary’s mom whipped up a gloriously delicious feast, and I really enjoyed seeing everyone that I don’t get to see often. I felt very blessed by them all.
Happy Holiday Season!
xx
Tracy
turquoise top and jeans: gifted to me from my friend Jessica
long sleeved top: I do not remember, but I wear it A LOT under other tops
tights: ebay
shoes: Target
necklace: Next
bag: Forever 21
Sunny Yellow on a Brisk, Grey Day
I loved the atmosphere of the weather today, but I must admit that I was cold, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
I wore this bright yellow shrug/cardi in my little sister’s recent wedding. My dress was very short, strapless, and very bare on top, so it REALLY helped! I really like the saturated, super sunny yellow my sis chose
I am still in trouble when it comes to bottoms that fit – today I ended up borrowing my daughter, Idelle’s, jeans!
love all the brushy texture and interest out here – I took these out at my dad’s place in the country. He lives on about 6 1/2 acres of very undeveloped land, so it has that wild feel to it.
These are, hands down, my favorite shoes (boots) to wear with skinny jeans. They are so very comfy and cozy!
There’s such a menagerie of interesting items to take pictures on or around at my dad’s, which makes it one of my fave locales for taking pictures!
Yep, if you haven’t guessed already, it’s half of a vintage truck. How some of this stuff winds up out there is beyond me! It’s interesting, though!
It was hard to whip my coat off for shots – believe me, I was bundled back up in it (with gloves too) right away once I finished. But, I love the atmosphere and cozy fires this time of year. I spent a bit of my time at my dad’s today sitting by his fire, listening to one of his good ol’ buddies chat away about an incident that happened some 100+ years ago, how a trunk chock full of pure gold was dropped and most likely left during said incident, and how he’s planning to take his cadillac of a metal detector to go and look for it. I found him to be a very interesting character, and loved watching my dad and his buddy interact. It was quite entertaining! Hey, I wouldn’t mind joining in on a treasure hunt like that! I just may get my hubby to go – he’s always been interested in looking for stuff with metal detectors. I could really use a treasure find about now, without a doubt.
xo and a happy Monday and Thanksgiving week to ye!
Tracy
BTW, here’s the pendant I was wearing today – it’s available now in my Etsy shop, and was hand made by me. It would make a great, unique gift for any actors, actresses, thespians, and theatre enthusiasts out there My aunt Vicki, who is an actress, got one of these as a Christmas gift and she seemed to like it!
and another by the way:
The wonderful Jen of JennifHsieh is hosting a banner for my cafepress shop for me – I’m so honored, as I love her blog!
Thank you sweet Jen; you rock !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and to anyone reading, I do hope you might give my new shop a gander 
Until next time! -T
lacy-like long sleeved type: ? (showed up in a box of giveaway stuff, most likely)
shrug/cardigan: Macy’s
jeans: Mossimo by Target (borrowed from Idelle)
necklace: made by me
headband: Dollar Tree
boots: Fit Flop
The Clouds will come out….tomorrow
bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow….there’ll be grey….maybe today…. (sung to the tune of “Tomorrow,” by Little Orphan Annie) I saw the sun trying to take over when I got up this morning, and I was rooting for the clouds, lol. Anyway, my song continued on fb for a bit, (inspired by a post from my mom with the original lyrics) but I’ll spare you the rest. (hehe)
Contrary to most people’s preferences it seems, I like clouds, grey skies, and changeable, stormy weather. I love watching the crisp, fallen leaves scatter across the street in a brisk breeze on a cloudy day. Where I live, the sun is incessant; it is practically always sunny, and I often crave grey and wish it would rain. I got some good stuff today, (woo hoo!) and had to go out in it. It kept going back and forth between overcast and sunny; it was lovely! There were even a few rain drops, yay
Don’t you just love the vibrant color of these tights? I couldn’t find them for the longest time, and then all of a sudden, there they were in my closet, right before my very eyes I was pleased!
I often hear peacocks calling when I’m out here, so the peacock feathered belt seemed appropriate – plus it adds a pop of interest to the waistline.
This tee that I layered over a long sleeved tee is from my dear friend Joy. I like the detailing on the shoulder Thank you Joy!
The weather was very changeable yesterday, with the sun popping in and out from behind the clouds. It was pretty chilly, esp. when the sun went away, so I brought my new insulated “puffy” jacket that my friend Joseph paid for for me. I so appreciate his kindness and generosity, and his willingness to give a leg up to someone he hardly knows who is struggling. I want to thank you again Joseph! I plan to pay the favor forward whenever I am able.
These cows were all along the fence when I drove up, but then they all went tearing away! lol
back in town, I stopped for a super quick town shot or two (only this one turned out ok.) See the rural water tower in the background? Yeah, I don’t know that this town gets my vibrantly colored tights, but I’m gonna wear ‘em anyway! I changed myself up a little – love wearing this poncho when it’s warm enough to wear something lighter, and the sun came out pretty strongly by the time I got back into town. I like how the turquoise in the necklace matches the tights.
*I started writing this post last night, and now today it seems to be kind of changeable out there again, but not as dramatically. The sun is kind of stealing most of the show, but at least I’m in the time of year where there should be quite a few gloriously grey/stormy days ahead. I just think that the weather should have some energy in it – it’s more fun that way
xx
Tracy
long sleeved tee: ?
short sleeved, embellished tee: from my dear friend Joy
skirt: from my dear Aunt Vicki, who found it at a yard sale. It’s so comfy!
tights: ebay
peacock belt: from Selena
boots: Forever 21
oxfords: thrift store
houndstooth scarf: ebay
necklace medallion: ebay
jacket: Guess? brand, from my friend Joseph (purchased at Ross)
poncho/shawl: thrift store
gloves: isotoner (a Christmas gift from the hubby-isotoners are the best gloves ever!)
November Colors
So, I needed to get out for awhile again yesterday. (too much stayeth in houseth no doeth goodeth ) I tore through my clothing and was at a loss as to what would be comfy and fun (and kinda cute!) to wear, and settled on this little number (top snagged from my daughter’s closet, skirt something I ended up with when my friend Bekah and I decided I needed more butt coverage one day, lol. ) I’m experiencing a shortage, mostly in bottoms lately, as the ones I wore when blogged regularly before fall right off of me now *sigh.* I’m craving some new tweed shorts and woolen tights! I’m not sure what size I am now, but I’m thinking maybe a 5?
I love just driving out into the country, so I did. There’s so much Fall color right now! The day was beautiful too (even though I’ve been craving some storminess and clouds, I can appreciate a lovely sunny day too, and it was warm enough for sandals, but not so warm that it made me sweat..I can handle that! )
This orchard offered a great, semi-secluded spot that showcased some Fall color, and where I could romp about a bit! Yep, I was feelin’ it!
lol
This is a twiggy tree necklace I made and like to wear often. I enjoy seeing the leaves turn and fall because then I can enjoy them in all their twiggy glory..
I bought this cap the last time I was in San Francisco, down at the wharf. This thing is SUCH a staple for me! I wear it every morning while whisking kids off to school, as I certainly don’t have the time and energy to do anything with my hair It is not unusual to hear me calling out in the mornings before rushing out the door, “Where’s my hat. I HAVE to have my hat!” The neighbors must be used to it by now.. (and, if you haven’t already guessed, I’m ridiculously scatterbrained)
one of the orchard trees against the sky..so pretty
I’m adding this for another dash of dorkiness, as I am, of course, a total dork. I was trying for a cool pic while laying down in the leaves, but I ended up cropping part of my head, and showing the shadow of the tripod quite obviously, lol
another dose of yellow splendor – this was taken near the school, as after my little jaunt I had to go straight there to pick up some munchkins
hat: vendor at S.F. Wharf
blouse: Target (and Idelle’s closet)
necklace: handmade by me (if you like the hand drawn twiggy tree design, it’s available on several kinds of items: clothing, jewelry, and otherwise (in more detail too) in my new shop at CafePress, Tracy’s Turret Original Art Designs (I’d be THRILLED if you checked it out; I’ve been having fun setting it up – now I just need an html expert to help me personalize my heading, etc.)
If you’re Christmas shopping for something with a unique design, I just may have it for ya! Oh, and I can personalize the apple teacher mugs..just get in contact with me and I can do a custom listing just for you – I’d be honored to do so!
leggings: Forever 21
sandals: Famous Footwear
P.S. I just made up a little banner for my new shop:
I went with a Christmas theme since Christmas is right around the corner! Now, does anyone know how to do coding for a banner like this, with a link added to it? I’m clueless..
xo!
Tracy
Hi guys!
I had surgery last Friday and then my sisters’s wedding the very next day, (where I was matron of honor) so this has been a week of recovery and extremely low energy! I will share some pics from the wedding soon though, and hope to get back to taking pics and blogging soon
Here’s a sneak peek – I’m on the left, my sister Rosanna (the lovely bride) is in the middle back, my daughter Idelle (jr. bridesmaid) is on the right, and my daughter Amelia (flower girl) is in front.
Hugs,
Tracy
No Water Under the Bridge
I had to get out of the house, ever so briefly, today. So, I walked over to a nearby bridge..keeping an ear and an eye out for gangsters, (real concern, unfortunately) and took a few shots. I only took a few minutes, but it was nice to be out for a bit.
I had to run and jump up on here in 10 seconds, so I guess the shutter snapped a bit in mid-motion, which would account for the blur..I was just a blur! lol
apparently I was really a blur here..impressionism, maybe?
basically, the way I’ve been feeling lately, to be honest (sorry to be a downer..you can stop reading now if you need to.) I’m in a lot of pain most of the time, and am scheduled for surgery tomorrow, which is an anxiety provoker for me. I’ve also been grieving the two little ones I’ve lost, as October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I love you Micah and Casey, so very much <3 I miss you terribly. Finances are in a terrible state too; but, I know they’ll work out somehow.
For anyone else that’s struggling financially, I would gladly offer a struggling friend free ad space on my blog if they wanted it. I am now determined to do that if I can boost traffic to this blog, and I’m going to try and boost it. So, if you and/or your family is struggling and you need exposure for your crafts, etc., please feel free to contact me. I fully understand and would consider it an honor to help.
I borrowed my 11 year old daughter’s purple leggings and batwing top for these pics, as I’m running low on stuff that fits me these days! I think it made for a fun outfit, and it called for a colorful, urban-esque background. So, I took my chances under the bridge (luckily, I saw no one.) My daughter has been telling me I shouldn’t have risked it since she came home from school though..so, maybe I’ll search out some new backdrops. ;)
I’m sorry I don’t have much else to say. But, my little sissy’s (she’s 16 yrs. younger than me) wedding is this Saturday and I’m the matron of honor, so I’m looking forward to that I love my new almost brother-in-law..he’s wonderful! I just really hope I’ll feel able to walk that day, since it will be the day after surgery! I’m going to do my best.
xo
Tracy
undershirt (longsleeved): not sure! but I wear it under things a lot because it’s warm
batwing top: Miley Cyrus (shhhhhhh! lol)
tights: ebay
purple capri leggings: Forever 21
boots: FitFlop (these were a total splurge for me some time ago, but they’re worth it for their coziness and comfort)
necklace: I know you can’t really see it, but it’s by www.jewelryinbraille.com It was a surprise gift from Kelly, who is the the amazing founder and artist there..she said I’m her biggest fan, so sent me two pieces from my wishlist for free last Christmas..I’ve been so blessed by them, and by her! This particular one is a large sized pendant that says ‘Hope’ in English print, Chinese, and braille.
poncho: thrifted awhile back from The Salvation Army
glasses: ebay (they’re fake, and one earpiece is broken off, but you can’t tell in the pics)
headband: found object (found by my dear hubby; he finds interesting trinkets as he does maintenance for the local school district
Looking for some inspiration. Do you have it? ;-)
Hello all! I want to try for a photo shoot today, but I’m running a tad low on inspiration. Most of my clothes are literally falling right off of me anymore, as I’ve lost a good 30 lbs. at least this past year, and I cannot go out and purchase a new wardrobe – not even second hand, I’m afraid. I do want to keep at this though, as it’s a lot of fun for me, and I have hopes that one day it might bring in a little income? (I know that may be unrealistic, with all the fashion blogging going on these days, but even if it never happens, it gives me a creative outlet and a fun hobby.)
So, I was just curious..would anyone be willing to send me a piece to wear and then send back, perchance? I’m planning to try and post at least 3 times a week, and hopefully more. I am 5’5 1/2″ or so and weigh about 105 lbs. I’m not exactly sure what my size is anymore, but the prom dress I wore for a recent post is a 5/6, and the dress I’ll be wearing in my sis’s wedding this Saturday is a size 5, so I would imagine a small in tops or a size 5-6 *should* fit. I love to find interesting places to take my shots, and the inspiration of a new piece would only revamp my enthusiasm You can let me know if you’d like your piece to be shown in a more urban inspired setting or a pastoral setting, and I will do my best to oblige. I advertise my posts / outfits on facebook, (regular and fan page) twitter, chictopia, and will be trying to figure out tumblr. I would gladly give honest insights into your product/products, and would most certainly link to your venues. I am gaining more and more readership as I’ve recently come back to this after about a year’s hiatus (due to trying to work outside the home, which wore me out utterly.)
I am a 39 year old mom, just to be honest with you..but most people don’t believe it when I say my age. I would like to promote young-ish styles, but styles that are not revealing and are still age appropriate (just not old-ladyish ) I’m very young at heart, you see! My favorite looks are vintage inspired, boho, and ballerina-eque..but I’ll consider anything, as long as it’s modest. I do love quirky too! If anyone is at all interested, my contact info is in my ‘About Me’ section. I also hope to offer sponsorships as I grow my readership. Right now, if I approve your ad, I would gladly host it for $5/mo.
xoxo
TracyAnn
A Pastoral Setting
I needed to get out of the house for a little bit today. So, I did!
This is a wool felt pin I made awhile back; I had to keep it for myself because I like the colors and the chunky vintage button. It comes out during Fall..
just a poser
Since I no longer have a working watch, (haven’t for some time) I’ve taken to taking the clock off the wall and bringing it with me when I go out on such escapades, lol!
My dear little sis Rosanna bought me this necklace secretly, right after I had admired it, while I was browsing a boutique with her. Isn’t it pretty? Thank you Ro-ee!!
This place calms me – it’s a happy place for me.
and for your further enjoyment, some pastoral scenes I photographed from my vehicle while on the way home. These places are lovely and they have a calming effect on me as well.
my top: not sure!
my skirt: yard sale find, sent to me by my Aunt Vicki (Thanks Aunt V!)
my necklace: you already know..sorta (I can’t remember the name of the boutique)
my boots: eBay
glasses: not sure
pin: handmade by me
clock: Target
scenery: God
xo
Tracy
Sunny Yellow at Dusk
I thought this pic was funny – I didn’t know quite when the camera was going to snap.
What does Lomo-ish mean? Apparently this! (the effect anyway)
and this! I like the tiered design of the skirt.
This dress kinda felt like it was hanging like a sack on me, but it’s still cute. I got out for pictures a bit later than I’d hoped, but took a few anyhow (many came out ultra blurry; I used to have a knack for knowing when the shutter would snap, as I use a timer, but I’m a little out of practice.) I HAD to wear a top under it, as the top was REALLY hanging like a sack, lol. But, I think the pop of bright orange under adds something, and I like the little capped sleeves on this orange top.
Dress: Target, Top: Sears, Theatre Masks necklace: made by me (I tried to take close ups but they came out blurry, but you can get it HERE in my Etsy shop) Shoes: Target
xo
Tracy, The Wardrobe Wanderer (she finally wandered back! )
oh, and in case you didn’t look at the link to the theatre masks necklace, here it is! The masks are hand drawn by me.
Totally Retro is Back!
It’s been awhile! Hello blogland! Well, I’ve been away so long because last year about this time I took on a job with the local school district, (basically on a whim) to try and help with the pretty dire financial situation around here. To make a long story short, I just couldn’t handle it. Suddenly, after so many years of not working outside the home, I had to be somewhere as early as 7:30 am every day, presentable, and ready for a workday (which was a full school day.) That was hard, but then my health started declining more and more as the year went on, making it more and more difficult.
I was moved to three different schools within the district during that school year, and the 2nd one I really did enjoy, as I was a one on one aide with a darling little first grader that had some issues (learning and otherwise.) He was mainstreaming, so I was in a regular ed classroom, and I got so attached to those adorable kiddos! I helped my student, but I was also able to help with the rest of the class too, got to read the class stories a couple of times, and I got to share my braille slate and punch, and a braille card I made with them (it went along with a lesson they were doing, so I volunteered. It was fun! I made a tactile braille Christmas card just for the class ) I loved the staff at that school too; they were, for the most part, very friendly, and I felt welcomed there. Unfortunately, though, that student moved out of state, so they had to find me a new position.
I did not enjoy the next position very much; there were parts of it I did enjoy, but the main classroom atmosphere was sort of depressing. I think the teacher in that room is burnt out on her job – she just didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm or caring for the kids, and she was very non-communicative. So, it wasn’t a comfortable situation, and I wanted to quit SO badly so many times after being placed there. But, my husband kept pushing me to finish out the year, which I did. I’m glad it’s over! (even though I do miss hanging out with the kids – that position was at the middle school here, and I came to really enjoy those kids – you can read about some of my experiences there HERE )
During that time, the pain issues I had been experiencing for quite awhile just kept getting worse and worse. I’d sometimes use my breaks to go into the empty classroom next door and lay down on the floor for awhile; it was so bad. So, I’m truly glad to now be off the hook; however, the financial situation has gone back to DIRE *sigh*.
Anyhow, I FINALLY felt up to taking a few pictures the other day. I’ve lost a lot of weight throughout the whole ordeal, and recently realized that my high school prom dress (which I NEVER thought I’d be able to fit into again) fit perfectly. I tried it on out of curiosity and was shocked. So, ever since then I’ve wanted to do a little shoot while wearing it. So, here ya go!
To begin with, this is me when I was 18 and ready for my Senior Prom. That was in 1990, so 21 years ago! Check out the big hair (HAD to have a spiral perm and poofy bangs back then ) I even went totally eighties-ish and wore fingerless black lace gloves, which I wish I could find again – I seem to have misplaced them, dagnabbit!
and here I am in the same dress now! Craziness.
yep, metallics were in back then! I’ve always thought this was a lovely dress, even when it went out of style. But, it seems to me that a lot of 80s stuff is coming back into vogue! The last time I walked around Forever 21, almost all I saw was 80s and early 90s inspired. So, maybe this dress is back IN? What do you think?
and just LOOK at these shoes! Aren’t they adorable? My friend Carrie sent them to me for FREE, and they are brand new. They fit perfectly and I just love the vintage styling!
those cute shoes again, since the other pic is a little blurry, THANK YOU SO MUCH Carrie!!
So, there you have it! I’m getting close to 40 (my birthday is in January) and I’m sporting the dress I bought at 18, and went to my one and only prom in. Kinda fun to sorta jump back in time in a sense..I showed my then prom date a pic of me wearing it now as he’s on my fb page, and he thought it was cool. He was a very gentlemanly date and a total sweetheart, and I’m so thankful to him for taking me so that I could go to my Sr. Prom! Thanks Charles!
Oh, and I wanted to announce that I’ve just opened up my own shop through CafePress. It’s called Tracy’s Turret Original Art Designs . I’m trying really hard to find ways to help fix the DIRE financial situation. So, please have a look if you feel so inclined. It’s pretty cool; it allows me to put my own pieces onto all sorts of items..tee shirts, baby clothes, magnets, stickers, mugs, water bottles, just all kinds of fun and useful items – I’ve just added some Christmas items too, and there will lots more things to come
Bye for now! I hope to be back to blogging more regularly now that I’m back at home.
xo
Tracy
Tyler
This is Tyler, and I want to go and get him and bring him home! He is an orphan living in an Eastern European orphanage, and he’s been waiting so long for a family of his own. His little expression seems to say, “Just come and get me mom”..and boy do I want to! I’m praying for you Tyler! I found him through www.reecesrainbow.org , which is an INCREDIBLE ministry to orphans and adoptive families. I haven’t been able to get little Tyler’s face out of my head since I first saw this picture I’m praying that God will open the door, financially and otherwise, if it’s His will that I have Tyler.
Just had to share!
Tracy
Sunshine and a country road: They do a body good
The other day I just had to escape for a little while..so I went out to my favorite little country road and enjoyed some sunshine and some fabulous peace and quiet. It was such a lovely time..the weather was really nice and everything looked so pretty.
I donned my ‘new to me’ straw hat and cavorted about a bit..
I heard peacocks calling in the distance while I was here..so lovely! and I even got up the nerve to smile big for a photo (something I hesitate to do as I don’t have the “perfect” teeth most Americans seem to have–I never had braces like most of my peers did growing up.) You know, it felt good..I’m going to try and just see my smile as having character and go for it more often. I like the European take on this..I hear they sometimes think it’s weird how most Americans always have the same straight, perfect teeth. They consider differences in teeth to be added character to a person, and I like that way of thinking.
I think that this hat will be getting a lot of use..such a great sunshade and I think it’s really cute! It was given to me, along with some other wonderful hats, by an old friend of my mom’s who found out I like to do these little “photoshoots”. I love hats and want to start wearing them more often.
This little necklace was handmade by me from an original pencil drawing of a unicorn that I did. It’s on a scrabble tile and I’m wearing it with a neckwire. It’s available in my Etsy shop now
Isn’t this just the best little road? I love that tree too. This place is very calming to me.
tried to zoom in on this mountain peak in the distance, I know it’s a little grainy, but it’s still pretty.. This is on the coastal range in Northern CA.
What is it about black and white that makes a pic seem more artsy/moody? I don’t know, but I like using it and had to throw one in!
Okay, so the outfit is mostly by Forever 21. This top and these legging paired together = just about the most comfortable outfit ever! The legging are like a second skin, and the tunic top is just right over them..almost a dress but a little too short to wear alone. I love dressing like this and hope to pick up a few more similar outfits eventually.. I feel stylish yet I’m soo comfortable, gotta love that!
hat: gift from a friend
tunic top: Forever 21
leggings: Forever 21
undershirt: freebie
shoes: Skechers
Thanks for reading! I’ve missed being here and am glad to be back..will keep posting as I can!
xx
Tracy
Dream Share
I was inspired today to write a ‘Dream Share’ post, so here I am! Yes, it’s been awhile, I know! I’ve been super busy with a job in our local school district since October, and have also been dealing with some difficult health issues, so I’ve been low on energy and motivation..but the dream share idea, as well as an unexpected and encouraging email today..well, they lifted my spirits and so I decided to come on here and write just a bit.
Okay, the dream share idea.. an idea an old schoolmate of mine, Selena, came up with.. is very cool. She challenges us to write/blog out some (or all) of our dreams. No dream is too far fetched to share–gotta love that We can read each others’ posts, encourage each other, and maybe even offer advice or resources to help each other to achieve our dreams.
So okay, here goes for me:
I would love to bring in enough income from home so that I can stop working outside the home. I work with special needs kids in our local school district, and though I enjoy the work, it is draining everything out of me lately. I think the fact that it is so regimented..every day, always starting early in the morning, is what’s making it so difficult for me. I have problems with extreme fatigue and nearly constant pain (I have chronic fatigue syndrome and my doctor suspects fibromyalgia as well.) So, even though I adore the children, I miss being home and being able to nap as needed, take as break as needed, etc. So, I’m looking for ways that I might do this. I do have an idea in the works, just need the time and energy to fully pursue it. I will be working on it as soon as school is out for the year..only a few more days! However, any other work at home ideas would be welcomed–I’d love to make more than I need just to get by. I’d love to make enough to start pursuing some of my other dreams. I also need to be a stay at home mom to adopt the children I want to adopt (see below)..as I’ll need to be very available to their special needs.
I would love to bring more children into my home. I very much want to adopt a child with special needs. I have lost at least two children to miscarriage in my life, and have been deeply affected and grieved by these losses. I don’t know if I can have any more biological children, so I’ve been looking at adoption. I frequently visit a site called www.reecesrainbow.org and wish desperately that I could go to Eastern Europe and pluck AT LEAST one of these children out of the orphanages/institutions they live in. I love all the children on the site..it is so unfair that they have to live in the way that they do. I feel ridiculous sometimes when I think things like “oh my house is too small”, or “I haven’t gotten to buy new clothes in a long time” when I look at them and think about their reality. They lack the love of a family of their own, most of them have given up on crying when they’re hurt, sad, or lonely, because no one ever comes to their aid when they do. They lack stimulation, they very nearly lack the bare necessities to live.. I’ve learned that these orphanages often don’t even have heat, and it is COLD in Russian/Ukraine/Romania (where most of these darlings reside). It breaks my heart! I want to help..but I lack the funding right now to pursue this dream..but I will not stop dreaming it! I am always drawn to the chidren with physical mobility issues and/or vision impairment..but I love each and every one, and they all deserve SO MUCH MORE!
I would also love to give birth to a baby again, but am scared because of my health issues and because I have lost dear ones to miscarriage and the devastation of those losses has been more than I’ve been able to bear. This is kind of why I’ve turned toward the idea of adoption, and once I came across Reece’s Rainbow, well, now I just can’t stay away. *update* 5/15–> I just found this young man through Reece’s Rainbow and he immediately stole my heart! Oh my goodness..he’s such a doll, is artistic, and has been waiting for so long for a family. I want him so much!
I’d love to move to a more metropolitan area. I have had my sights set on Portland, OR for quite awhile..but sometimes I wonder if the constant rain might end up getting to me. I love how beautiful the area is, and there’s a church community there that I so want to belong to..so those things keep calling me. But, I guess I could be flexible on which metropolitan area, as long as it contains all the opportunities that I crave.
I’d like to take dance classes and learn to dance a bit as a way of expressing myself. My picture above reflects this, of course I am wearing real ballet slippers in the pic, (not the en pointe kind, but professional practice ones) and they inspire me when I wear them. I just want to strike poses, lol. I realize there’s no way I could become a ballerina, (I’ve recently watched a couple of documentaries on ballet, and apparently ballerinas retire at my age, lol..plus I’m not quite up to dancing 10-12 hours a day, and I’ve nowhere near the ideal ‘ballerina build,’ but I’d love to get into the less precise, more personally expressive types of modern dance.
I’d like to attend an art school or at least take online art classes. I like creating art, but have never had any real training. I’d love the chance to learn new techniques and to better my skills, find my niche, etc. If I could find a way to make an income creating art or in a design field of some sort, that would a HUGE bonus!
and okayy.. I know I mentioned previously that I sometimes feel guilty dreaming of a bigger and better home, but a dreamy home for me would have a ton of square footage first of all, and if I could really choose just what I wanted, I’d love something in a cottage style. I love the homes that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale..they are so darling! But, my “cottage” needs to have cottage looks but much more than cottage size to it, and it needs to be accessible to children with mobility issues too..I want it to be a home that anyone could enter and enjoy with ease, so if it’s an older home it will probably need to have some modifications done. Here’s a post on another blog of mine with pictures of homes whose look I love.
So okay, I think I’m going to stop for now. I’d love to hear any ideas anyone might have, and I look forward to reading about your dreams!
xx
Tracy
Impulsive Inspiration, and a Cold Comfort Farm Vibe
My friend Becky posted a facebook status in bold caps the other morning, saying “TRACY, GET OVER HERE WITH YOUR CAMERA..I’VE BEEN INSPIRED!” (apparently she’s noticed that I do frequent facebook quite profusely)
The lighting was lovely, and a cherry tree branch had fallen in the middle of her yard. So, I went over and she had a blouse and tattered dress ready for me..did my make-up, and out we went for some shots. So, here’s a few! We both like the film ‘Cold Comfort Farm’, and I think these came out a little bit along those lines. Anyhow, it was fun! Love you Bek!
xo
~Tracy
*oh, and I realize these are running into the sidebars..but ya know, I kinda like the more dramatic effect it invokes and just so you know, the wind that day was hecka cold..so I give props to Bekah for running around in that little sundress! lol
I have a facebook page, and an Etsy shop!
Lately it’s more about my original art wearables, but I’ll post about all my creative pursuits here!
and here’s my Etsy shop, which I’m working on stocking with my wearable art:
Please keep in touch!
xoxo
Tracy
*Update* I recently canceled my fb page due to an issue, but will probably put up a new one soon
Shots in the Dark
Literally! Yep, I’d wanted to get a few shots when I was out at my dad’s the other evening, but by the time I got there, it was pretty dark..really too dark for good pix, but I didn’t let that stop me, lol.
I decided that photographing against the white truck should help with the lack of light, and I think it did
I really like this little Old Navy dress I picked up at a thrift store awhile back. I find it so versatile–it can be dressed up or down, can be casual or a bit dressy. I like the sleeve style and the empire waist, plus it’s super comfortable, so I’m always going back to it.
this beaded Indian choker is one of my dad’s creations..cool, huh?! He does such a nice job with these.
I go back to this belt a lot too, as I like the pattern and the colors on it so much! I really enjoy my Italian leather boots (purchased on ebay) too.
and, Voila!!
I’m still waiting on consistent Fall-like temps before I’ll really get back into the swing of taking pictures..it’s supposed to be over 100 degrees today and hot the rest of the week, but I keep telling myself that this could well be the last heat wave!
Come on Fall, I’m ready for ya!
How’s the beginning of Fall for the rest of you? Are you getting the nice crisp temperatures? Are you sipping hot cocoa while curled up in a big cozy sweater..planning hay rides and pumpkin patch ventures? I’m def planning a pumpkin patch/corn maze venture, just hope it won’t still be 100 degrees when I go! lol
Hugs and a happy start of Autumn to you all
~Tracy
Culottes?
Would you call these culottes or capris? Since they are wide legged, I tend to want to call them culottes. Well, ‘culottes’ IS kind of a cool word, and we might as well have variety in naming the array of short pants options available to us, hmm? Now all I need is a pair of knickers, (I used to have a pair, handmade by my mom, when I was a kid) then I’d pretty much have run the gamut in short pants possibilities!
other than ‘culottes’ and ‘knickers’, we have ‘capris’, ‘pedal pushers’,<–(same as capris I’m thinking?) the straightforward ‘shorts,’ (and variations such as ‘bermuda shorts’) and then, well, ‘high waters’ lol.. are there any I’ve missed?
This is my Autumn Wolf pendant–I’ve been wearing him a lot, since I’m looking forward to Fall!
Maybe a bangs trim is in order? haha
my platform shoe–I like the platform style, and these were such a good deal! Just $20 at Target! I was inspired by Megan at Transmission Me to get a pair
I picked up this top at the amazing yard sale I spoke about awhile back. I really like the cut, and the soft floaty colors and material.
Okay, so I posted last night and now this morning! I’m trying to get back into it now that the weather is getting more changeable and more inspiring.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
xo
~Tracy
