Where in the World...Day 5

I didn't have the heart to change the title of these posts....even though everyone knows where we are...am I silly or what?

Before I tell you what we did yesterday, I want to tell you where I wasn't this past Sunday and Monday. 
Checker Distributor 64th Annual Open House.  Typically I'm there...both days and having a ball.  This year Mr. McSteamy scheduled a trip to see our daughter in Long Beach so I sent a spy into Checker Distributor on my behalf!!!  As soon as I return to "headquarters" I'll get the scoop and share all the fun details with all of you :)

Yesterday was spent in Santa Monica and we walked through the 3rd St. Promenade.

 I got a kick out of this shop window....look closely to see what they have made the American Flag out of....

Sneakers...apparently Shoes are Boring (I guess I'm behind the times....again!)

It seems like I'm always trailing behind....usually because I stop to take photos and also because I stop to speak to people.

 

This time I had stopped to tell this lovely woman how beautiful she was and that she was courageous to do what she is doing (she dresses up and goes down to the Promenade to entertain visitors and supports herself with the donations she receives).  Look at her eyes...I  knew there was an amazingly beautiful person...with and without all that pretty makeup.  She allowed her friend to take our photo and I was honored...she even gave me a hug :)  Can you imagine how foolish I would look doing that?  But not her...she looked like she belonged in that beautiful outfit and makeup.

 

We headed for the Pier and then to the beach.

Jonathan Livingston Segul stopped by for a visit with the IHAN® clan...LOL

I looked over and thought I saw a tired Captain Jack Sparrow....then I put my  glasses on and noticed it wasn't him after all....darn.

We left Santa Monica at 5pm....and we didn't arrive to our next destination until 7:15pm.  (we traveled 13 miles in 2 hours and 15 minutes).  After the first hour of being trapped in the back seat with my squirrley co-workers I needed a break.  So, I opened the door and got out....much to the surprise of Mr. McSteamy and Krista.  "What are you doing???" came from the car.  I just stood next to the car stretching my legs and replied, "what difference does it make...we aren't going anywhere!"  I thought I'd flip my wig....there is no way on this earth I'd ever have that trip be part of my daily routine...not for a million tax free dollars!!!

 Our destination?  It was the Observatory but when we got here I had enough and insisted we park the car and get out.

As we approached Hollywood Blvd. from the parking structure I went into the street asking, "What's your dream?" to everyone I met....for a few minutes....don't recognize that line?

It was the opening line in Pretty Woman :)

I could not help myself...I was out of my mind after being in that traffic....anyone would have gotten out of the car and just did the first fun thing that came to mind.

We had not walked too far down the Walk of  Fame before I recognized one of those "famous" people....My son Aaron has a star on the Walk of Fame.  Don't believe me?  Here is the pix for proof!

We also saw.....

You can imagine my surprise when I saw the following "star"....

 I could not believe my eyes....so I got out a magnifying glass....

Sure enough....there was my name.....ROFL (I'm sure I'm not the only goof ball to do this)

But look.....there my name was yet again....darn camera malfunctioned and I only captured my last name.  Next time I'll get a better pix for you :)

We had a ball walking up and down the street...I had the opportunity to give an autograph too.  Yep, I wrote my name on a napkin at dinner and handed it to my daughter.  It's a good thing my family is used to my odd nature :)

Smiles,
Kelly

PS...tomorrows post actually has something to do with fabric....

Where in the World...day 4

Since I was out carousing late last night...I didn't get a chance to tell you the rest of the story about Day 3...so...here goes :)

As SewCalGal was driving about,  we spotted some quilt blocks on a building....so the car came to a halt and it would not start.  She got out to check the alternator....and I laid down on the curb.

Ya just never know where you'll find my baggy woman self...laying on curbs in Southern California :)

A person can't be in Southern California and not stop at Quilt In A Day....that would be sacrilege!!  I was hoping to find Lady Eleanor and congratulate her on her recent induction in the the Quilters Hall of Fame.  It was a good thing we didn't stop for the flowers I was planning to give her as she was out and about.

I didn't waste any time crying....I figured while the boss was away....a very large mouse would play :)

 This equipment looked impressive ....I don't have anything like that in my sewing area : (

 I figured this must be the Lady Eleanor Studio.....where lots of wonderful films have been made. 

The chances of me ever being invited to speak on any Quilting Program is slim to absolutely none.  Therefore, I wasn't letting any grass grow under my feet.  I sat right down and pretended, just for a moment, that I was there watching Lady Eleanor taping a program.  ( I was on my best behavior too!!!  See me sitting like a good girl?)

Returning to the Quilt In A Day store I saw this bookshelf....and entire book shelf filled with Quilt in a Day books....can you even imagine?  I had goose bumps.

Check out these quilts.......

 

 I hope that building is insured for a bazillion dollars...that's all I have to say!

I did sneak into Lady Eleanor's classroom too.....

This is the most impressive class room that I have ever seen.  Check out the wonderful tables and chairs.  If I lived anywhere within a few hundred miles of here, I'd be taking classes there for sure.  I might even be one of those annoying people who would never leave...LOL.

Oh...and look what I saw sitting on a table...Julie Herman's (Jaybird Quilts) new book, Skip the Borders.  If I had been anywhere other than Lady Eleanor's store....I would have definitely stolen that book to give away :)  The jury of my peers would have allowed my prosecution because you never take anything from a Lady.

Besides...this was hanging on the wall and every time I moved around...the eyes looked like they were following me.  (Impressive security at QIAD!)

When I get back to IHAN® Headquarters I'm sure I'll find a fun Quilt In A Day prize to give away for those who leave a comment on this post.

Very Happy Smiles,
Kelly

PS....I almost forgot to tell you....while at Quilt In A Day I saw lots of beautiful fabrics (yes I bought some) and there is also a great sale going on....so just in case you are looking to purchase some lovely fabric from a lovely woman...I suggest you CLICK HERE :)

Where in the World....Day 3

Much to my amazement...I read comment number eleven on day 1 and thought to myself..holey smokes...this is a small world!

Robin recognized one the of  Hawaiian dancers and my charade was over....LOL.  That' why I posted the photo of Visions Museum  in yesterday's post....I know several of you would make the effort to Google and know immediately where I was.

After lunch at Souplantaion (one of my favorite spots) ...I got very sleepy and decided to lay down for a short nap.  

Where would be a great place to take a nap?  Why not in this lovely pile of batik fabric?  Better yet.....

sleeping in yardage seemed so much more inviting :)  I know all of you who love batik fabric as much as I do are turning dark green about now....

I bet you are wondering how I found such a plush place to sleep.....I happened to be with a very "insightful" blogger....SewCalGal and she arranged a tour of  Island Batik in Carlsbad, CA..  SewCalGal was talking with Caleb and Katie and I slipped off for a little nap.  When I woke up...they were still talking (chatty bunch) and that's when I made my move.

 

As I crept through the isles I looked up and noticed some suspicious looking storage bins....hmmmmm what treasures are hidden????  Inquiring minds wanted to know....soooo

 

I was wishing I had worn a vest with many pockets under my shirt.....what a bad day to be unprepared!!!

 JACKPOT!!!!  I can see these panels embellished...oh the beauty....as my heart beat became more and more rapid....my palms began to sweat....I thought for sure I was having a "Batik Seizure Party" in my brain.

I was not on top of my game because I forgot to look for security cameras.  As the "Batik Seizure Party"  took over the frontal cortex of my brain I lost all control and headed for the exit....who could blame me right?

I was thinking SewCalGal caught on to my dilemma and she continued distracting Caleb.  That's what I call an amazing friend....one will will be the accomplice to the crime :)  Much to my dismay, SewCalGal doused me in ice cold water to "snap me out of it" and I didn't even get out the door.  (Nasty expletives where floating about)

Thankfully Caleb and Katie were very forgiving and allowed me to remain in the warehouse under the close supervision of SewCalGal.

Look what I found.....

Then I spotted this....

Shazam....a bolt of lighting struck....that's when I made my move....I scooped up 4 little Island Batik bundles and they fit perfectly into my pockets.  I just know that I would not be prosecuted if I were to face a jury of my peers....so...who wants to be on the jury?

As "payment/bribery" I'm offering anyone willing to be on my jury a chance to own one of those beautiful bundles of  Island Batik Fabrics :)  Leave a comment on this post committing to be on the "jury" and if you want to increase your chances of winning...you'll get an extra entry if you go to Island Batik on Facebook and "Like" them...make sure you leave a separate comment here that you did do that.  . (Click Here to be transported to Island Batik Facebook page)

Will I find 4 peers?  Time will tell...

Oh yeah...one more thing...there was more fun after that...and I'll be back from the beach later to tell you about the adventures.

Smiles,
Kelly

Disclaimer:  portions of this "story" may have been changed to protect the innocent...but I won't confirm nor deny which parts...LOL

Where in the World...Day 2....:)

I'm going to keep this charade going....just for today.

 Yes...I did crop the photo to remove the license plate....being menopausal is one thing...being stupid is another...LOL.

 

 After seeing this amazing view....I went here ...

 And it was closed today.  Sometimes it is important to check the hours of operation.  Then....there are those days/times when it doesn't matter that I traveled a long distance to see a place that is closed......because of the time spent with a special person along the way.   Have you ever had one of those days/experiences?

After noticing the Museum was closed.... I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with the lovely person who's reflection is in the Museum photo above this one.  Hmmmmm....can you guess who it was?  

Those are the only clues for today.  Tomorrow I'll reveal where I am ( I know I said on Sat...but trust me...there will be even more giveaways and it will be more fun this way :)

Giggles, Snickers, and Smiles,
Kelly

Where in the world....

Is Carmen Sandiego?  Matt Lauer?  Nope....Where in the world is.... the IHAN ® clan? 

That's what I'm going to title this week's posts.   Each day I'll post a few photos and you can leave a comment guessing where we are.  Oh yeah...there is a "small" disclaimer...only a few close friends and family actually know where we are...and you folks can't participate....sorry :)

Let the clues begin .....

 These are your clues for today.  Leave your guess by leaving a comment below.  What fun would it be if there wasn't a great prize right?  Right! 

Spirit of the Bear Snap Sack

You can leave only one comment per day ....and you can guess each day until Aug. 25th.  You don't have to be right to be entered into the drawing to win these  great batik fabrics and pattern.  You don't necessarily have to make the "Spirit of the Bear" pattern....the fabrics in and of themselves are beautiful....you decide.

Warm Smiles,
Kelly