FIRST things first; my insanely (multi) talented sister, Nancy R. Hiller, http://www.nrhillerdesign.com has just had published by the Indiana University Press her second book, "A Home of Her Own", stories about women and their relationships with their old homes. The writing is as exceptional as her detailed cabinet making and the 100 plus color photographs by Kendall Reeves are spectacular. A large format paperback, beautiful for a coffee table.

I have been even more out of touch than in the past and I sincerely apologize. I can only attribute my internet absence to the many hats which hang in my closet. I've come to the realization that all of the technology intended to save time has virtually sapped every single second, hence my husband is snoring in the other room while I sit here on the computer! I am laughing, it amazes me.

'Magdaphanalia' Recycled Bottle Cap Art-to-Wear (see photos on http://www.facebook.com/magdaphanalia) has taken on a life of her own, she is extremely demanding of my time, so much so that I have enlisted the help of a few very dear friends, acquired an out of home studio/work space and am doing my best to keep her from vampire-like attacking Magda Hiller the musician, Magda Hiller the mother, the wife, the house keeper (I seriously try), the neighbor, the daughter, the sister, the relative, the FRIEND. New photos are imminent, it's all just a matter of time, no? I'm actually not complaining though you'd never know, would you? I am LOVING my alter ego, she's very much alive : )

Please join me for one or more of my upcoming performances, I look forward to seeing you!

Written after the last hurricane 'Irene' and recorded with Jack Shawde on "Icing on the Cake". Now, let us pray that she folds her wings over the ocean, never to be seen or heard from again.....

This song as well as the other 14 from 'Icing' have all been uploaded for your happy little ears and my extremely tired brain.

Goodnight (Irene)

Being one of the 'many scattered folks' as opposed to that of 'Love, a Many-Splendored Thing' I have a single item on my bucket list and that is to become organized in all areas of my life. Nay, not a trip to bella Italia or a lush jungle encased zip line in Costa Rica, I am desperate for some organization. I hear a resounding laughter emitting from my computer, is that?, could that be YOU??? Ah, you know me so very well.

This, my friends is what my poor daughter's summer will have looming over it, organization : ) I feel like the Wicked Witch of the West....."my pretty". Of course, mommy dearest will also be throwing in some beach time, camping, swimming and F U N!

Here's to you all having a fun, happy, safe summer,

Love ~

I am so very fortunate to have such a wonderful family, friends & life. It's a good day today, Dr. Seuss Day in Wyatt's 2nd grade classroom! I'm running to finish errands, volunteer in Wyatt's class, practice (ooh, what a concept) and make some necklaces. Nothing too ambitious for this one : )

Happy March, Happy Spring, Happy birth month to my brilliant, beautiful, hilarious daughter Wyatt and my dear father-in-law Jerry Wilson, also to sweet Joseph Longley and all of you March babies.

Love ~

A true Floridian, writing this little note while sitting in my office, freezing in the 60 something degree temperature of my home.

I had an order for a couple Magdaphanalia necklaces from a man in Massachusetts. While speaking with him I commented on how cold it was here,(because I am obsessed)and he laughed quite loudly, saying that I didn't know what cold was, or something to that effect : ) Listen, after living in England for 11 years, I know what cold is BUT the fact remains that I was born in South Florida and "Homey" ain't happy when the temperature drops below 70! Now I just saw that it will be BELOW, yes BELOW 30 degrees next week!

So, in my constant search for the 'glass half full' I turn my energy toward those less fortunate and take blankets or whatever I can, (please do the same if you are able) to my daughter's school guidance counselor. There, I feel warmer already.

If you're in the DeLand/Central Florida area, please do yourself a favor and go see the absolutely fabulous live musical production of "A Christmas Carol" now at the historic Athens Theatre. It is a MUST SEE show, my mother, daughter and I went last night. http://www.athenstheatre.org

Again, happy holidays and may the force of your choosing be with you.

Love,

Magda

The 7yr old girl child is performing famously in school and reading like she's being paid or something! She is wonderful, precocious and very sweet. We're working on 'A place for everything and everything in it's place', note the "we", I'm not just pointing the finger I OWN that finger : )

The husband, Chip Wilson, (along with his best friend John Freeland) is a BBQ God, "Free-Wil BBQ" as well as his work at Stetson University. People come from all over for the ribs, pulled pork and brisket, seriously.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Love,

Magda

It's obviously been a while since I've updated my journal here. Where's my assistant? Help.

I've been performing at some choice festivals of late and more intimate listening venues and house concerts. Good times, seriously.

Between the music & performing I have become slightly obsessed with making recycled bottle cap necklaces. I have many scanned on my Facebook page if you'd like to see more. The inspiration is endless, I am a pig rolling in the proverbial mud pit from hell. Yee ha.

All is well, I am the luckiest person to have such wonderful family and people in my life. Now, if I could just learn how to be organized!

Love ~

The Women and Gender Studies Program is pleased to announce “Sex in the Kitchen: Gender and the Development of Kitchen Furnishings in the Twentieth Century,” a lecture and conversation with professional cabinetmaker and writer Nancy Hiller. Hiller will speak on Monday February 22, at 7pm in Room 25 L at Stetson University. All welcome. Refreshments will follow. Cultural credit available for Stetson students. 

This illustrated presentation will discuss the origins and historical background of the contemporary American kitchen, considering how gender, advertising, and other influences have shaped its development. Hiller will also talk about her experience as a woman in a field traditionally occupied by men and will present several examples of kitchens she has designed for houses of various period styles, including Queen Anne, Tudor and Georgian Revivals from the '20s and '30s, and a mid-century modern ranch.

Hiller is based in Bloomington, Indiana. After earning a City & Guilds of London certificate in furniture making in 1980, she was employed by several custom woodworking shops in England and the United States. Since 1995 she has operated NR Hiller Design, Inc., a custom furniture and cabinetmaking business that specializes in period-authentic kitchen cabinetry, in addition to built-ins for other rooms. Her writing, furniture, and cabinet work have been published in several national periodicals, among them Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, American Bungalow, and Old-House Interiors. Her book, The Hoosier Cabinet in Kitchen History, was published by the Indiana University Press in 2009.