Weekend Reading

By Kate Riley May 29, 2014

** Monday Morning Update: I’m putting the finishing touches on the Lookbook for the Summer Fabrics, check back later today for the images and new collection!

I’ve got two big things I’m working on this weekend and I’ve got to take a few days to concentrate on them so I’m posting a weekend roundup early. 

Today is my Mom’s 60th birthday (Happy Birthday Mom!) and for a present my Dad had the idea to have all of her friends and relatives from nieces and grandchildren to parents write a letter sharing stories about her or telling her how much she meant to them. I helped him assemble it (the personalized album is from Exposures) and he gave it to her today and of course she cried and laughed for hours reading the album of collected stories and sentiments. a1

One amazing story (bottom right) is a newspaper article published the day my mom was born. It tells how my mom’s father and his brother who were fraternal twins became proud parents on the same day as their wives gave birth in the same hospital within an hour of each other on May 29, 1954. How’s that for small town excitement! 

Beautiful Maya Angelou passed away yesterday, she was such an inspiring woman who spoke with compassion and encouragement – my Mom is like that, always filled with kind words for people and as Maya said people will always remember how you made them feel. I’m trying to remember that in my daily interactions, to remain positive, encouraging, uplifting, gracious under pressure. In a world with too much criticism, anger, and hate, both Maya and my mom are beloved role models in that way that they always make people feel better about themselves, a great legacy to impart. 

Two big exciting things are happening next week, we are finally closing escrow on the house we’re buying and I’m releasing my summer fabric collection. I’ll have more information on our home purchase experience next week (it’s been a looooong one!)

I’m putting together a Lookbook of the Summer Collection fabrics and I’m excited to share them with you, but I’m always anxious when releasing new patterns. Like Maya says you’ve got to grab the world by its lapels and put yourself out there so I am! Here’s a sneak peek of one of my new summer prints, all twelve of the new patterns including this one will be available on Monday.

summer starburst print on beach

 

More links loved this week:

An impressive butler’s pantry transformation for the DC Design House

An introvert’s guide to haggling like a pro

These engineer prints make cheap fab art

I think I need a hammock too

I can’t wait to make this blackberry custard cake

My friend Nina’s wise words on unplugging our children 

Less summer selfies and more self

Creating a haven for the everyday

Awesome hedge award ! 

10 easy exercises you can do at the office (made me laugh)

What’s happening to our personal information? The latest report on data brokers.

Hey Disney lovers, check out the original prospectus of Disneyland

   

My other articles around the web:

bookcases

summer outing

Tips for More Stylish Bookcases

Shopping Guide: Summer Outings

Have a fantastic weekend !

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8 comments

  1. What an awesome story about your mom’s birth!! Is she close with her birthday-twin cousin?

    Happy Friday! x Lily

  2. Wow those are crazy great. I can’t wait. You need to do bedding. At REASONABLE PRICES. GET A seamstress or workroom and offer for girls and boys in college who want color sophistical, class and not just solid. Do as quilts, comforters and duvets and focus just on that and shams and bed skirts. You’d have your own store with the fabrics as well. and I’d buy a Houston franchise. Scouts honor. I’ve done it all. It’s crazy great and will do amazing. I know it will blast out here.

  3. Happy Birthday to your mom! What a wonderful idea for a gift. So special and meaningful. She will have fun reading through all of the letters. I am anxiously awaiting the release of your summer collection Kate! I have a chair I am wanting to recover in one of them. Enjoy your weekend!

  4. Sweet post, CG and happy birthday to your mom! Can’t wait to see the summer collection and looking forward to the journey with the house.

  5. Happy Birthday to your wonderful mom. I know we are all looking forward to hearing about closing on a new home. Have a fabulous summer.

  6. What a beautiful and thoughtful gift for your mom. Best of luck on your new home and fabric collection! I can’t wait to hear more about them.

  7. Oh, happiest of birthdays to your mama! I hope she has a wonderful day! Thank you so much for linking to my article as well as all of these other fabulous links! You made my day, Kate! xo

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