Maryanne's Creative Mix

  Have you ever watched someone discover the world of miniatures for the very first time? That moment of amazement is one of the things our club members look forward to every year. Seeing visitors stop, smile, and lean in for a closer look reminds us why we fell in love with this hobby in the first place. One of the questions we hear most often is, **"Why do people collect miniatures?"** The answer is different for every collector. Some love recreating memories of childhood homes. Others enjoy building tiny worlds from their imagination. For me, it's the incredible history behind miniatures. Every tiny room, handcrafted piece of furniture, and carefully placed accessory tells a story. If you'd like to explore that history, one of the best places to visit is the Miniature Time Machine Museum. Even better, **every paid admission to the Tucson Miniature Society Show & Sale includes a FREE admission ticket to the museum!** It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy...

This weekend, October 25–26, marks the Tucson Miniature Show and Sale — and it’s shaping up to be our best one yet!  Vendors are setting up their tables, and our club members have filled the room with a delightful array of miniatures to admire. Throughout the year, our club participated in a special challenge to finish those long-postponed projects, and it’s incredible to see the results all gathered in one place. One of our favorite group projects was creating market stalls and carts — each one unique, imaginative, and full of character.  By the time I left today at 2 p.m., many displays were already up and ready, with more still arriving. Admission is just $7 for both days, and there will be door prizes, raffles, and plenty of vendors offering miniature treasures and hands-on items to buy. I'll be uploading a video to my YouTube channel, Maryannes Creative Mix,      after the event if you can't make it out. I do hope you'll try.   I hope you’ll stop...

Hand-painted design in Yoga Loft studio Why Are People Surprised I Do Yoga? Whenever I show up for yoga, Pilates, or strength training, people often look surprised. Not because I’m doing backflips or headstands—just because I can do it. I get tired. I complain to my trainer. But I still show up. And I’ve been showing up for years. So why the surprise? Probably because I wear a size 2XL in yoga pants. According to most medical professionals—and any office where you’re weighed before you even sit down—I’m considered obese. Sometimes I catch my reflection and wonder: With all the classes I’ve taken , why do I still look like this? I’ve tried different workouts, adjusted my thyroid meds, and even changed my nutrition. I’ve lost weight and gained it back.  With this last change in medication, I have lost about 20 pounds, and although it may fluctuate 1 or 2 pounds, it has stayed off. What keeps me going is the simple truth that enthusiasm isn’t measured in sizes. I migh...

Why I Signed Up for Yoga Teacher Training (Even Though I Don’t Want to Teach) Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been deep into a yoga teacher training course. It’s pretty much the only thing—aside from my year-long miniature group project (which I’ll talk about in another post)—that’s been keeping me busy. If you’ve never taken yoga teacher training, let me tell you: it’s  not  for the faint of heart. Imagine a mash-up of a foreign language class, teacher prep program, and an aerobics class, all rolled into one. That’s the vibe. You might be wondering, “Why are you doing this? Do you want to teach yoga?” Honestly, no—I don’t. I had no plans to become a yoga teacher. I started this journey because, with the new year, I needed something to help manage my anxiety. Whether or not it’s working… remains to be seen. Right now, my anxiety is  actually higher  because we’re required to create and present yoga classes to the group. (Public speaking  plus  yoga? Y...

Hello Friends well so much has happened the Mini show and sale was a great success and we have some amazing pieces. Next year will be the shows 50th hope you can make it out to Tucson to see it. Here are some pictures my entries into the event.   

Hi everyone, so here are the pictures I got to take while working a spot at the show. Of course there are so many more great costumes and things that happened. I was working and I didn't get to see them. At least I hope you are entertained by what I got to see. The cutest family portrait. When 2 costumes are the same well we just get together and take pictures! I really like Carol from the walking dead. I love a female hero. I tried to make it work with some of the clothes I had on hand. I don't have the cool knife she had but I have the grey hair at least. Here art the Ghostbusters You gotta love the art Steampunk guy in the making. He had a great mustache and now he has the hat to match.  This group was absolutely embracing their characters. I had to go into the booth next to us to get the picture so you can't see the fairy godmother. Check next photo. Someone tell me how anyone walks around in this? Amazing costume This is actually the very first picture I got that day a...

                                                        Vacation of a lifetime; Alaska First snack time before the flight.  We're checked in and ready to go. As a treat we got 1st class tickets out. So exciting.  Anthony and Elliot were our traveling companions on the trip going and coming home. They had a snack too.  First class gave me soooo much room I couldn't even use the foot rest.  What's even more absurd was the fact that I could stand up in the inside seat.  We finally met up with our second companions for the trip in Seattle. So very happy for this trip and getting to spend time with my boys. Here is Jeff the first morning in our first stop was in Sitka. We were picked up at the airport and shown where we were to meet the group the next morning. That night the bar next door had a few v...