When Summer Comes

I’ve always loved this bag style.  It’s simple, and unpretentious, and equally at home whether you are browsing for dusty gold at a flea market, or refortifying yourself with tea and cakes at a quaint little cafe.  When I first started making my bags more than four years ago, this was one of my favorite designs to sew.  Though my business has evolved over the last few years, I still love this bag-especially when summer comes. 

Last weekend, as I was taking some pictures, disaster struck-and my little vintage red anchor that I use as a photo prop fell to the floor and broke in half!  What would summer be without my little red anchor!

With lower temperatures, and lots of rain, summer here has been off to a slow start.  My Blaze rose couldn't be happier, and has more blooms this year than ever before.  I’ve written about my Blaze before, and how it reminds me of my grandmothers, and aunts and my mom.  In the memories from my childhood, I imagine I can see the Blaze roses that grew happily in the gardens of  these wonderful ladies, and I am happy to carry on the tradition with my own Blaze-which was actually given to me by my mom! 

Yesterday, I bought some super glue at the local hardware store-a business that has been a downtown fixture  for around 100 years. With Amy’s help, my little red anchor is whole again!

And last week, Amy and I split a fortune cookie.  Our message? 

Decide what you want and go for it.

Very fitting.  Amy has dreams of becoming an archeologist some day.  And as for myself, I just want to keep on making bags.  All year round.