Blast from the past...for more than one of us

My aunt received a gift from her cousin Jane. As all of us Skeltons were raised to do, she read the card first: "Dear Laree, this is probably the strangest 'get well' gift you will receive."

She opened up a Barbie wedding dress that Jane sewed for Laree. Ree told the story: every time she and Jane get together as adults (not too often, as Jane lives in Texas), Ree teases Jane that it seemed that her mother made Barbie wedding gowns for every girl in their family- except her own daughter!

As soon as we saw Jane's thoughtful gift, I ran downstairs to grab a Barbie. I knew right where I had left her, years ago in Grandma's sewing room. Ree lent the doll to me; one summer I was in a phase of creating Barbie fashions. So, of course, before Barbie could showcase the new dress, I had to take pictures of my masterpiece.

Possible bridesmaid dress?

Ben and I saw this in a window front at a mall in Kansas City. I love it!

I want to go back

The first time I saw these pieces in person, I was on a trip with my Twin and her music history class, taught by Dr. Sloane. I was thrilled and touched that Dr. Sloane invited me along, just because she knew I would appreciate the experience.

Claes Oldenburg
Coosje van Bruggen
Shuttlecocks, 1994

To learn more, check out the information page on the Nelson-Atkins website.

Ben and I visited KC for the first time together for a couple of days during his spring break. The weather was gorgeous and we enjoyed visiting a few of the staple tourist attractions.

Our attempt to photograph ourselves with some of the piece in the background- but without double chins!

Amanda just let me know about an upcoming exhibition- I think it's time to go back again!

Treasures!

Good thing I always keep my purse camera with me! I saw a project utilizing drawer pulls/knobs and have been keeping tabs on what Hobby Lobby has for when they go on sale. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Promises, promises

I've been talking for awhile lately about painting some accent walls. Every time I see a painting project on TV or see friend's new digs, I lament over our sad, white walls. And I was sick of the same old, same old photos (yes, even though they are mine).

Me: Okay I really, really want to paint.
Ben: Fine! We know you're going to get your way. But I'm not helping. I do have a say about the color, though.
Me: What? Why do you care?
Ben: Well I don't want you paint it pink or purple.

A few weeks later, deciding on the color...

Me: Hmmm I think a nice sage green.
Ben: Jungle.
Me: A gold then...warm, matches the dining room chairs.
Ben: Nah.
Me: We could live in a jungle, then.
Ben: Fine. Do it whatever color you want. But I'm not helping.

How the Peters spend a Saturday evening, Part II

What do I do while keeping Ben company at the dental lab (besides being his assistant)? Visit with friends...

How the Peters spend a Saturday evening, Part I