This is Me

This is a story about what goes on in my head. It may be interesting to somebody and probably really, really boring to the masses. Yesterday, Russ and I took a long walk and I voiced what was on my mind. Finally, making - what was for me - a tough decision. 

He told me that I should write it down as a "catharsis".  

Here goes: It all started in March when we went into "stay at home" mode. My regular visits to the beach were suddenly literally "illegal"! Traveling was impossible, or at best extremely restricted. So we hunkered down. That time was really weird for most everyone! I got busy sewing - some for charitable efforts, but also planning a collection for a Fall Fashion Show. 

The first Fall Fashion Fiesta was back in November, 2012.

(https://mexiconaomi.blogspot.com/p/fashion-shows.html). 

I sorted through my stash in what I call my "hoarder closet". This is basically an entire room filled with shelves and hanging racks of reclaimed pieces of clothing and fabric. I decided on a theme for a 2020 Fashion Show. It would be the Roaring 20's with bits of Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. I went online, purchasing a few specific pieces to supplement my stash.

Over the course of the hot summer months, I studied the styles, trends and patterns of the 1920's. The Gatsby era and the time of the "flappers" - described best as "young fashionable women known for their wild style, drinking and denial of social norms of the era."

In researching this fashion history, I learned some fun facts and trivia. Using a vintage pattern, I designed the typical 1920's style "one hour dress" (yes, it took me several hours!) 

I found directions for the iconic cloche hat and the quintessential 1920's Cocoon Coat designed by the French designer, Paul Poiret.

By early October, I had a collection that overwhelmed our spare bedroom (which has not had any occupants since January). I have made almost 30 outfits, at least a dozen hats, a load of small purses and bags and a selection of feathery headbands.

Now it was time to invite the support crew and models that I need. 

This is where my brain gets all bungled up. 

Two major character flaws I have are  1) I am stubborn and,  2) I am a "people-pleaser" in the sense that I am (probably, perhaps, just maybe) overly concerned with external input. My decisions often ebb and flow like the tide of the Sea! 

My brain debates with itself, reading and listening to every opinion and trying to see a way to please everyone while not going completely bonkers myself. Such an irksome way to operate.

In sending out requests, I received a dozen positives. "Yes, it sounds fun!" Yay! "Yes let's do this." I am getting totally excited at this point. I will have the best show yet! And, everywhere I am reading opinions that we MUST get back to real life. This living with a "virus-dread" hanging over our head is simply NOT right!

Then, I receive a few other responses.

"Not doing groups right now. I'm a little worried about flu season. 

I have to pass. Sorry."

"I'm not going out in public right now. 

This weekend I lost two people I knew."

"I’m sorry Naomi, I’ll have to pass on this one. 

We’re trying not to work if it’s going to be 

a big crowd, at least until things get a little better."

"This has been a rise and fall of emotions.

I don't want to just give up and just say 

'OK We can't do this' - but I think it's for the best for now. 

No social gatherings."

I complain about my uncertainties to my daughter who lives in California. She laughingly tells me, "Mom, you do realize we are still in the middle of this pandemic, right?"

Back to that other character flaw.... I am stubborn! 

I tell one of my close friends and collaborator that I want to show people my collection! I want people to SEE what I have been working on for the last 7 months. But, we agree that perhaps this may not be the right time. And, I knew it was time to cancel for 2020. 

I am already planning for 2021. 

Trying to embrace the idea of 'flexible'. 

Besides, the 1920's style was an entire DECADE of Fashion! 

I am sure that my brain will not let me believe I made the right decision. I will definitely find myself in that spare room browsing through the outfits, gazing at purses, hats and headbands. I will second-guess myself a hundred times. Because . . . This is me.

I know that almost everything is more important than this decision! However, Thank You to everyone who supports my crazy Fashion-Show Addiction. 

See you soon.

Maybe I will just replay the YouTube video of 2020 Virtual Fashion Show*  

*my summer project a collaboration featuring 38 models from near and far.  

  

AUTUMN 2017

We had a busy Summer traveling to a few 

Vintage Art Shows and Music Festivals.

 

 Also, over the summer we started an addition project.

The SeaShell Museum which we will continue working on 

and hope to open late December or in January of 2018.

Planted a bit of a garden on the property, too. 

A few grape vines... which surprisingly did 

really well throughout the hot, humid summer!  

 A sneak preview of the new museum space. 

It will be a great addition to my workshop & Studio!

I am super excited about this. 

www.seashellmuseum.com

Still working on the garden space behind the studio. 

But, we spent a few evenings here 

just enjoying the new spot! 

 I don't have any photos, but I also emptied out the shop 

and worked like some kinda demented, old construction worker 

laying tile in the main room. Trying to "class" the place up a bit.

(Geez. That was tough on the ol' knees and back)

I think the space is looking pretty good and ready for today's 

re-opening for the new season! 

Today, Friday October 6th. With new slightly extended hours. 

Open FRIDAYS 10 am to 5 pm s

Summer "vacation" is over. 

Back to work! 

See you soon! 

Summer 2017

Summer Hours for the Workshop and Studio 

is by Appointment Only 

It's easy tho. . . just send me a quick email and we can set up a time. 

mexiconaomi@gmail.com 

or, give me a call Local MX  (638) 388-5004

JUNE 10th 

Coming this Fall/Winter

* The Website is still under construction

But, you can find the Museum on Facebook 

 Search for "SeaShell Museum"  

It used to be that our Mermaid's Markets would close down in mid-April 

and my life would become much calmer  

without the every-other-week 

packing, loading, unloading, 

setting up, breaking down 

and re-loading and unpacking. . ."whew!"

Then, I would attend to my shop quietly thru May and June

and then after June, just close it all down

And, like a school teacher - take the summer months off (without pay).  ha. 

However last year, I began to attend a couple of stateside events.

This summer there is almost one event per month, I think.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market Scottsdale

Granite Creek Vineyard Art & Wine Festival 

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market San Diego 

 and, the Baja Blues Festival in Rosarito

So, no more quiet summers for me. 

It's back to work for this hired hand.  

"The perils of overwork are slight compared with the dangers of inactivity."

~ Thomas A Edison

 

 

 "Keep yourself busy if you want to avoid depression. 

For me, inactivity is the enemy."

~ Matt Lucas

"For me, sitting still is harder than any kind of work."

~ Annie Oakley

 "In times of great stress or adversity, it is always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive."

~ Lee Iacocca

"Either you Run the day, or the day runs you."

~ Jim Rohn

Boom. . . and it's over!

 💋Wow!  So much sewing until I think my eyes just may have crossed. 

Just a tiny bit of stress (you could probably ask Russ or Bethany about that). 

The anticipation makes me completely crazy... 

💥is there gonna be wind💨, is it gonna be cold⛅, hot🔥, miserable⛈, wonderful☄, 

Blah, blah, blah... 

Everyone involved was working so hard to get all the little "moving parts" (as Russ calls them) in order. 

And, then "BOOM" . . . in the end we had one big o' fun afternoon. 

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. So, here are a few photos. 

First of all. . . 

Tony shot a few photos just before the models went "on"

So, he captured a bit of the "Anxiety" jitters... ha ha

Almost Ready. . .  

Then, Manny took some fantastic photos onstage. 

The photo shoot idea worked out pretty cool.

So here are the Collections: 

The Dancer's Dresses Collection:  Flamenco, Tango, Ballroom... 

Dahlia's Collection ~ Inspired from her Treasures at Casa Turquesa  

The Fun and Funky Collection ~ Randi, Karen, Roxanne and Adry

These are all the Party Dress collection ~ Pom-poms, Bling, Sequins, Beadwork . . ."Party On" 

and, we mixed it up with some entertainment this time. 

Michelle bringing a little taste of Flamenco to the Day.  Notice my "Flamingo-Flamenco" Dress design 
 All in fun the play on words there . . . with a giant flamingo face on the shawl

Marissa modeled for me and also brought her dancers from Destiny Dance Academy. Adorable and talented girls!

"Models for a Moment"

All of these ladies graciously showed off  SweetNaomi ReCreation designs that they own... ❤

 Ashley made the model hairdo's all so lovely 💚💚

 How do you get 20 people to all look stunningly beautiful at one moment? 

OK.  Well, we tried.  We really did.  

(You are never gonna get one photo where 20 Ladies all think they look good. 

SIMPLY not gonna happen . . . huh Manny?) 

I believe it is way better to just have FUN with it!   

Enjoy the laughter.... 

I am very happy to work with Dahlia. She has been involved as a Designer with each 

 Fashion Show since the first one I did in 2013. I absolutely love the fact that Dahlia 

also recycles or “ReCreates” clothing into some really trendy, great new styles! 

Thank you Dahlia! 

Thank you . . .  and, Thank You a second time  - to everyone who attended! 

 I was absolutely so very, very thrilled that my Bethany

 could be here at my side for this event this year.  

She makes me feel happy 

and I think we give each other a little extra confidence. 

"The Things We Do for Fashion"

A compilation video Russ and I put together from the 4 prior fashion shows. 

 

Here are some bits and pieces from the Fall Fashion Fiesta of 2016. 

The dancers are all here....and some of the models.

THANK YOU 

Thank you Jill @ Southside Jillz for the great location!  

Thank you very much Jerri for everything. 

Thank you Russ and Sandy.  Thank you Ashley, Alexandra and Iza.

Thank you Manny for great photos!

 Thank you Greg & Yvette.  and, Huge Thanks Always Tamra.  

and More Thank you's to all the rest....

 "BOOM" 

                              and, it's over. . . .