This mothers day I took a break from the overwhelming job of organizing my studio (I'll post pictures later it's still a landmine situation). My husband rounded up the kids, packed up the car and we escaped to the beach. After combing the shore line for seaglass (to use in future jewelry making projects) we all started building a driftwood shelter (this level of cooperation is amazing considering we have teenagers!)

It's not unusual to stumble across a driftwood creation in midcoast Maine. Sometimes they're sculptural and other times they function as real shelters keeping out the sun and wind. Ours is neither just a playful fort. We built it too close to the tide line, it'll be long gone next time we hit the beach. Last summer the boys made an elaborate structure that last for weeks. The best part was that it was constantly adapted and modfied by beachgoers.

I'm wondering if this unusual passtime is unique to maine, the only prerequisite is an ample supply of driftwood, time and some imagination. My only words of caution are watch out for rusty nails and check that the structure is safe enough for supervised play.

Saturday night found us enjoying a beautiful evening in downtown Portland. We made a repeat visit to the kids new favorite restaurant, Silly's close to Munjoy hill. It's located in a historic neighborhood close to the olde port. They're some fabulous stores nearby, Angela Adams fabrics and rugs, The Knitwit Cafe yarn store, a funky fabric store, and a wonderful store filled with hand screened t-shirts made with retro images and funky jewelry (I'll try to add the real names to these this week). Colors and wares to get any craftsperson inspired.

The restaurant itself is filled with wonderful handmade creations lighting fixtures made with christmas lights, tons feathers, mardi gras beads, piles of pictures and a smurf village by the register. Trips to the rest room are especially exciting for Celia, she talks a mile a minute about everything she sees in the handpainted mural. Cards and games on the table along with long necked water pitchers keep everyone happy until the food arrives. Their selection of milkshakes is almost rivals their extensive food menu. Cake, key lime, coconut and lemonade shakes were shared and enjoyed. I love a place that puts the whole family in a good mood.

I got great pictures of the kids on the ocean walk after dinner and they took one of me to replace my old profile image.

Here's wishing you a day of inspiration and good eats.