.the big reveal

Sort of. So, I have been really flattered to receive numerous blog awards from really great people. The bummer is I imagine all of those great people are now thinking why did we give those to her, she has not even done her duty, followed the instructions, etc. I am going to. I just get flustered, start, stop, get anxious about leaving people out when passing them on...blah, blah....excuses, excuses, right? So here we go. One award specifies that I tell you seven things about myself, and I am going to do that just now.

1. I was born a red head. Clairol #376 medium is going to keep me that way.

2. I am unable to understand my kids math homework once they get to about sixth grade, but I am a great speller.

3. My fantasy football team is in first place. Enough said.

4. My son's is not. Now, enough said.

5. Even though I design things for a living, I cannot cut a straight line. No, not even with a ruler.

6. My husband finishes my sentences. They always sound better, too.

7. I never have any idea where I left my keys and it surprises me every time.

For those of you who have taken the time to do this correctly and have awarded me, it truly made my day to know you enjoy coming here. And I thank you.

.giveaway. this may be my 100th post!

Not sure. You know where you sign in at your dashboard? It says I have 99 posts. Well, according to another informative area in my blog, I have 88. Clearly, somebody cannot count, and it may not be me. The workings of this blog can be baffling at times(another post entirely), but I wrote this post before 88 came into the picture, and I am now excited about my idea, so we are going with it. Here at Ticklish from a Distance, we celebrate your 100th post on either your 100th....or 88th. Your choice.

That said, I have read it is customary to do a GIVEAWAY in celebration of your 100th post. That's fun.

I have a website where I offer iems of my own design, as well as items made by numerous talented artists that I stumble upon. You never know where or how you will find something that makes your eyes widen and your wallet burn, but as you all know, when it hits, it can hit hard. One day this past Spring, I was meeting with a buyer at ABC Home in N.Y.( I know, big fat YUM!). As we were speaking, she started to write with something I had been admiring on her desk, something I thought was a sculpture! Well, it was, but it was also a graphite pencil. Swear! They fit into your hand and are pencil length, but substantial(see 2nd image for scale). I was into it and she was so excited by how excited I was that she sent me to the artist, Agelio Batle, in San Francisco. Here is how Batle describes his work:

Batle Graphite Sculptures are the artistic creation of San Francisco artist Agelio Batle who creates sculptured "pencils" from a graphite composition. These unique Batle graphite sculptures are functional writing utensils and elegant desk top sculptures. Each surface of the sculpture can be used as a pencil. The composition of each sculpture however will not mark your hands. And each piece is completely lead free and one of a kind. They last for years.

Too cool. I want them! But when I called Batle Studio later that week, they very kindly explained while they were flattered by my hysteria, they did not sell to websites....ever. Aaaaahhhhhh! I said no problem, but, could they please take a peek at my leather books, as I hoped they might see the fit was perfect. They did, agreed, made an exception and sold me these fabulous items, items that I can't keep in stock! So here we are. I have these amazing, functional art objects on my site, one of which is leaving cyberspace and heading to one of you.

Ok, here is how it works. I am selling six different designs, so I think the best thing to do is click here , see the one you most adore, then come back here and comment as to why. I will randomly pick a comment whose answer I like best, and send that person the Batle design they picked! Let's say by next Friday. Yes?

I am totally into these and hope you will love them, so this is a way to say thank you to all of my cool new friends for coming by and inviting me to your blogs as well. You inspire me, in different ways, each and every day. It really is a ball.

Thanks.

(image credit-me)

.thanks, jodi!

I want to share the wonderful gift I received as the lucky winner over at sea & jae. If you have not been to Jodi's blog, you are truly missing out. Not only does she have great ideas on a daily basis, but she is such a sweet person and so supportive of the blog community. She is just one of those nice people. You know the kind I mean. I have loved getting to know her and I know you will, too. And her blue cheese coleslaw is just too good. And her picnic ideas, and her cute kids, and, well, go see for yourself!

Thanks, Jodi!!!!!

xoxoxox g.

P.S.-you cannot believe how cute I look with this bag. It has changed everything...

.breathe

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I'm going to be light, breathe in the sweet air, swim with my family, smile and most importantly, thank all of those, present and past, on Monday, Memorial Day, for giving me the peace to do so...

Enjoy!!!

(images Tales of Light, This is Glamourous)